Thank you for your detailed reply and the transparency. Sorry to read about this dire state of the foundation and in general about stuff around CI.
Some of my toughts:
- That hosting price is way too much. A regular shared hosting should cost $50/y or a VPS capable to run sth so simple like the codeigniter.com maybe $15/m/$180/y. I think you should choose sth cheaper for the time being.
- Please start taking sponsorships as soon as possible. This ad in the userguide is a joke. Most of the programmers will use an adblocker at the first place just like Gary above. I've get it you have to get money to make operations viable but I think this is so small money it doesn't even matter but it makes the whole brand cheap and not so respectable. If there will be some kind of offical sponship opportunity I will do my part if I still be around. Also if it will be a thing please give us a way to transfer money via bank transfer or sth official. I can't support anything through patreon or paypal.
- I understand your hint that the fw and the CodeIgniter as whole needs volunteers. If I would have the means I would contribute in a meaningful way not just talking on an online forum but I don't have time. I supported the CI community before by buying Pyro Pro and addons way back then, purchasing books including yours etc & will do that in the future. If still there will be hope for CI to be a viable solution.