As much as it troubles us to do so, we find it necessary to discuss the issue of financial support with you, our esteemed readers, observers, and participants. It is our first priority to make this resource available to everyone from the emergency response, military, intelligence, and media community, and those with an interest in what we do. We sincerely want to do that with no strings attached...meaning that it is our desire to not require user IDs, passwords, or subscription fees. Even though several site vistors have suggested that we could charge for this service, we have so far been able to resist that impulse.
Unfortunately, as with most good things, the costs of providing this site and its information to you are high. Suffice it to say that the purchase of a separate server, software, network equipment and installation of a dedicated Internet line were an expensive undertaking. Hundreds of man-hours were spent assembling original reference information and posting it here for you to read and download. Dozens more are spent every week by our world-wide staff, covering and analyzing the most up-to-the-minute emergency, military, disaster and crisis news and issues that we believe are important to you.
We are attempting, as best we can, to off-set these costs by offering advertising and other revenue-generating sources here on the site. We would ask that you seriously consider patronizing our advertisers, recommend them to others, and maybe even drop them a e-mail note and tell them how much you appreciate their support for your interests. It would be our greatest hope that their continuing support would help to provide for our expenses, in lieu of any actual charge for your personal use of the news and information here.
Our hope and faith is also in you. We
believe that you will recognize the value and utility of this site and help us to continue
this effort. Although some will think us naive and even scoff and laugh at this request;
they will also continue to visit the site, and take what we have to offer. Many will never
pay "a nickle", assuming that we can afford to provide this service for
them...for FREE...forever. Of course, they are wrong.
Hopefully, others will feel differently, appreciate our hard work, and voluntarily send in a few bucks to assist us in the maintenance and improvement of this unique asset. They might buy a book or computer program from us to help offset the cost of this site. Or, they might subscribe to our on-line bulletin board or daily ENN Daily Emergency Service or Intelligence reports. Or, they will send in a news tip, article, or graphic for inclusion here. If every one of our current website users sends in only what they think our news and information are worth, we would more than be able to meet our annual budget.
The alternative, if no one choses to contribute in any way, is that this site may (at some point) have to become a totally commercial venture with all of the inherent costs and restrictions. We sincerely hope that doesn't become a necessity.
It is ONLY with YOUR assistance that this site can continue, improve, grow, and prosper.
Most of all we want to meet your NEEDS! Tell us what you want to see here! Please send
comments, questions, or suggestions about this site to the Webmaster at: ERRI Webmaster
Contributions of any kind can be sent to:
Emergency Response & Research Institute
6348 N. Milwaukee, #312
Chicago, IL. 60646
(773) 631-3774 - Voice/Messages
(773) 631-4703 - Fax
(773) 631-3467 - Emergency BBS On-Line Services
Telnet: @emergency.com
E-mail: webmaster@emergency.com
Clark Staten, Webmaster