Because I love challenges. LOVE them. There's a long history of how this site came to be, and lots of obstacles we had to overcome. I thoroughly enjoy everything I was/will be learning, and the pace at which I was learning it. Before this site started, I knew computers well and that was it. Now I know a ton about servers, PHP, HTML, CSS, SQL, etc. Also invaluable information about supporting users.
None of it would be possible without paying members though. The hardware I was able to purchase ultimately enabled me to do all this. From using my parents computer, to building my own to use. I was enabled to do all of this by the VIP members. They see it as a product they get, I see it as money to improve the site.
It's sad (but understandable) that almost no one becomes VIP anymore. We intake just enough money from advertising to pay for software and hosting. The rest is out of my pocket :( I'm fine with that, as I love this site and all the work that is now happening. But I do need help and ideas on how to interest users in VIP/donations.