Hi all ... as I know most (if not all of us) have made use of Rick West's site I thought I would share this email/information he sent through.


"Dear Friends and tarantula enthusiasts -

On January 6th 2011, www.birdspiders.com galleries were infected by malware. The Admin
website, where images are added/changed/deleted, did not catch the problem until it was too
late. The company ‘scrubbers’ erased the malware – along with the galleries. I will change the
host company, use the latest security software and rebuild the galleries, however, this cost is
more than I can afford on my own. Although the actual image database is safe, and can be
re-installed, it would be subject to the same attack as before unless new changes are made.

I have financed the website without any ads, sponsorship banners, grants or financial assistance
for 11 years so that agencies and tarantula enthusiasts could enjoy the images. Now, I regret to
say that I need to ask for financial contributions towards rebuilding and maintaining the galleries
for the continued enjoyment by all who login to the Birdspiders.com website. Contributions can
be made through the PayPal link found on the www.birdspiders.com homepage or mailed to the
address on the Contact webpage of that website.

Thank you very much for your kind understanding and assistance.

Rick C. West