I've donated generously to charities in GCA's/Ran's name for causes far more important than this site . . . if operating costs are an issue let's have a $100 USD annual membership fee.
Your charitable donations in the name of GCA, Ran or anybody else is irrelevant to this discussion, but thanks for telling us. Having a mandatory membership fee will likely drive many members away.
$150,000 USD to cover the site and offset the costs of travel/play, etc. for our moderators should surfice.
Why do you want the site members to reimburse the moderators for their travel and play? Not only is this a foolish notion, but it is highly unlikely that it was ever considered. If you want to start a site that operates on the model you propose, do so. If not, decide to stay or go.
I'm ambivalent as to whether those who run the site actually make a profit but the critical question is from what source comes the revenue?
It is Ran's site. It is his decision, like it or not.
I can't help but think the ads are the beginning of the end for GCA.com.
The ads are of no interest to me whatsoever. I fail to see how they can inspire such fear in you. You appear to have little faith in Ran or the other members of the site.
I'll send Ran a check for $500 USD if the ads are removed (permanently) and ask that 100 other members match my offer.
It's putting my money where my mouth is to preserve the integrity of GCA.com.
Send in the money if you want to, but don't make it conditional on the behavior of others. That is more troublesome than the ads at the top of the page. If you feel yours is a more vested interest, you'll want a greater say in how things are run and we'll be in for more conditions and more beratements. Better that you keep your conditions and your money.