I bought my barrel over two years ago. My husband and I put it on a set of bricks then on four pavers side by side to be sure it was level. After one day, I got to see my barrel in action. It filled up rather quickly. I guess 50 gallons isnt all that much in hurricane-like conditions. But on a regular rainy day, it does fine. I wished we hadve put it up on TWO pavers and a brick higher. The spigot has to stay sideways to use with a hose or the hose gets crimped. 
We clean my barrel out every spring and fall or leaf debris will clog up the drainage hole. It takes about 15 minutes to thoroughly clean and I get soaking wet every time but it isnt hard. The color has not faded even after two years. I just wish there was a way to attach the barrels together side by side. The love the way it sits flat against the side of my house.