Let's look at that. Why can't I try their service (demo) online? A few spinning animations is not a demo. A couple of testimonials on the home page is not enough. Where are the examples of your work? None to be found from their site, but google let's me find some.

Examples of their work:

General: http://www.charityadvantage.com/pcbaptistorg/Home1.asp - terrible design Volunteer Form: http://www.charityadvantage.com/MissionGateMinistry/volunteerform.asp(broken links on this site as well) Donate Now By Paypal: http://www.charityadvantage.com/MissionGateMinistry/donationsform.asp (this is a simple form, not paypal... and simple forms are the easiest thing to do

• is this the "powerful online donations system"?)

Another poor looking site: http://www.charityadvantage.com/biamo/HomePage.asp - And another underwhelming site design: http://www.charityadvantage.com/iaswr/ Example of their Photo Gallery tool: http://www.charityadvantage.com/Rose_Partners_UgandaWTOYTO/GorillaTrekking.a... to images go to raw jpg photo- bad)

See more of their work: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%... click any of google's results and poke around on those sites. You'll see poor design after poor design and clunky, simple, ineffective web forms over and over. Nonprofits have better options than this.

These examples are a far cry from what is being advertised on their site as powerful and professional. My opinion is that this service is a step backwards from wherever you are- even if you have no web site at all- for whatever that is worth. I don't want to beat up on this company. That isn't my intention. They just seem to be offering substandard work for seemingly low prices, but for what it looks like you get for your money $15-$35/month is exorbitant and ultimately doing more harm than good for groups that need high quality, simple, effective online tools.

Mike Reed | Columbus

On Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 8:33 PM, Tony DiLorenzo < forwardmotionfoundation@gmail.com> wrote:

A company that might work for some folks is www.charityadvantage.com. It is very indepth and cost effective.

-- Tony DiLorenzo Executive Director Forward Motion Foundation 858-345-2327 www.forwardmotionfoundation.org

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