o you enjoy reading TNH? Does it bring you the news, advice and support you need as a stay-at-home parent or caregiver? Would you miss it if it weren't here? Do you want to see it continue and grow--maybe even thrive? Then consider a voluntary subscription--a tip, if you will--to TNH.

To continue paying the mostly work-at-home-mom writers, to hire some desperately needed help (did you know TNH is pretty much a one-woman show?), to continue adding new sections and features, and maybe even some day paying myself something for this nearly full-time effort, I need your help. There is so much more I could do for you with better funding.

The suggested minimum tip is $24 a year. That works out to $2 a month. You can tip more or less than that, you can tip monthly instead of yearly, you can tip in any way that works for you in any amount that works for you. And if you can't tip right now, I understand and just ask that you think about it later when you might be able to.

To Tip TNH by Credit Card: $ Your secure payment will be processed by 2CheckOut

To Tip TNH Via Pay Pal: Amount (in dollars):

To Tip TNH by Check: Send a check or money order made out to Siprelle and Associates (TNH's parent company, which is pretty much entirely me and Chief Associate Miss Josephine) to: Siprelle & Associates 2234 SE 30th Ave Portland, OR 97214 Please write "TIP" in the memo field, if you could.

Why I'm doing this
For a few years now, web pundits have said that you can't fund a "content-based website" (for you non-pundits, an online magazine like this) on just ad revenue. If my current ad revenue trends are any indication, they are right, but until recently no one's had a better idea how to do this. A "tip jar" may not be the solution, but it's a step in the right direction.

Where we are right now is there's a real danger of closing the magazine. I've had to stop accepting new articles because I can't pay writers any longer. Ad revenues across the Internet have plummeted, and TNH has been especially hard-hit.

I am the last person in line for money from the tip jar. First comes the server, then the writers, then new help, then upgrades, then me. Ask me any questions you like about funding and I'll give you as straight an answer as I can.

Other ways you can support TNH
There are lots of things you can do to help out.

• Shop at Our Own Store! It's the main support for the site. At the Store you can buy many products made by work-at-home families, including skin care, soaps, silk and cotton play scarves, and toys; you can also buy many other products for natural living including herbs, homeopathics, homeschooling supplies, Stockmar art supplies, wool felt, books and more.

• Advertise on TNH! You'll be reaching an audience of at least 4,000 unique visitors every day, most of them interested in homemaking. If you have a business that appeals to families, TNH is an effective and affordable buy. See the Store for details.

• Tell your friends! TNH has a nonexistent ad budget, and relies almost totally on word of mouth to increase its readership. Send your friends copies of the TNH Update newsletter (you do subscribe, don't you?) and let people know what a great resource you've found.

• Participate in the Forums! Keeping the Forums active and lively is not only fun for you, it's good for the site. And I love talking to you all, it gets me going and gives me ideas.

And thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting TNH in whatever ways you can!