I agree with Rune, I think donations would have or could have been possible when the site first started and had no sponsors, etc. But once it became a business I think? it's kind of like the idea of volunteer monitors - state and federal laws I don't think would allow that type of thing.
Besides, even if they did accept donations, people would be sending just the very minimum amount (probably once) and expect the best possible service/site. Have seen that on other free sites that have done the voluntary donation thing.
As to how you know exactly when a shop rs'es is totally beyond me! Of course, if you're on dial up, you'd have to get to the shop earlier as it usually takes a little longer for a page to load.
The wheel of knowledge I've never spun, I did try Monotony a couple of times and gotten a blank/not loading page. That was early on though. Haven't been back.
I wonder when the toolbar will be put up for everyone? I need to see the links/placement on the sidebar so a) I can start getting used to them (always clicking the wrong things

); b) to see if I am able to get pages to load (not too long) and just in general if I'll be able to handle 2 ads vying for attention (and not having a fit of vertigo); and c) so I can get started on fixing all my lookup sidebars *sigh* and playing with the css code for their placement and topbanners. A couple of lookups will just be "scrapped" - the "banner" was part of the background.
Yes, even if I have to really cut back my time because I just can't handle the ads, I'll still change and offer lookups. Silly, huh?