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Running a server isn’t that expensive. Someone did a breakdown, and found the cost is around $0.20/user/year. Their math might have been a little off, but it’s in the ballpark based on the back of the envelope math I use to see if something scales
That’s well within casual donation amounts.
But, that assumes admins and mods are volunteers- maybe they get a few bucks now and again, but their time is a far bigger factor than server costs
I can’t speak for everyone, but when I say lol I usually am trying to soften a self disparaging statement or expressing the absurdity of the situation… Or just lighten the tone because I feel like my message is too serious and I’m coming off like an asshole