Would you pay for cool features?

[Glyfair]

As far as paying to get this stuff goes, I don't like it. The site already has advertising revenue. The standard web site business model is to generate revenue by using advertising, selling market data (evil) and so on. This revenue pays for hosting and domain services. I'm not following why you personally need to buy a server unless you are hosting the site yourself, which is never a good idea.

Actually, that used to be the business model. Sites that used heavy advertising suffered when the internet advertising market crashed. Many died, many went to a pay model (at least partially) and many stayed with advertising and now have about 50 pop-up ads everytime you access a page.

I know of one popular site that has a pay model with no advertising and a certain amount of exclusive content. The main site still covers what it used to, but the pop-up ads are excessive.

BTW, Morrus is not buying a new server. However, to get more RAM to allow new users requires a very significant upgrade to his monthy costs as the company only has "packages." He can't request them just add a certain amount of RAM.

Glyfair of Glamis

 

[Roland Delacroix]

I could probably only donate $5-$10, at least until I graduate and get a real job. The features probably wouldn't be worth $25 to me, i'd rather get a new hardcover RPG.

 

[A2Z]

Where's everyone getting 25$ from? I don't think Morrus mentioned a price yet.

 

[uv23]

Actually, that used to be the business model. Sites that used heavy advertising suffered when the internet advertising market crashed. Many died, many went to a pay model (at least partially) and many stayed with advertising and now have about 50 pop-up ads everytime you access a page.

I know of one popular site that has a pay model with no advertising and a certain amount of exclusive content. The main site still covers what it used to, but the pop-up ads are excessive.

BTW, Morrus is not buying a new server. However, to get more RAM to allow new users requires a very significant upgrade to his monthy costs as the company only has "packages." He can't request them just add a certain amount of RAM.

Glyfair of Glamis

Ahh I was misunderstanding the whole "we need a new server" thing.

 

[orbitalfreak]

Well, it'd be annual thing because server costs continue on a fairly err... continual basis. Not much, though - we're talking $25 or under for a year.

First page, A2Z.

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I'd definitely pay this just to help keep these boards up and running. Getting nifty features from it is just an added bonus. Count me in!

 

[javapadawan]

I'd pay, but not because of the features. I'd pay just because I love this place. And I'd pay more if the user limit could be dropped... I don't post a lot, but I've been a constant lurker since before 3rd Ed came out and the boards were Eric's, and when I come here and get that "server busy" message, it's like going to a friend's house and finding out they're not home.

 

[Aaron L]

I'd pay because I love this place, and heck, a custom title would be cool.

 

[Luddite]

I'd do it for the custom title. Its all about Geek Points

Also its a cool site.

-Lud

 

[Avarice]

I'd pay, but not because of the features. I'd pay just because I love this place. And I'd pay more if the user limit could be dropped... I don't post a lot, but I've been a constant lurker since before 3rd Ed came out and the boards were Eric's, and when I come here and get that "server busy" message, it's like going to a friend's house and finding out they're not home.

Exactly. What you said, JP! I've been lurking around these boards in one incarnation or another for years now, and have been able to mine it for more good ideas than I can possibly recount. I'd be happy to chip in my fair share to keep this place running smoothly, advanced features or no.

Oh, and yes, I am quite well aware of the irony of someone calling himself 'Avarice' voluntarily paying for anything, but if I can deal with it, then so can you!

 

[Ghostmoon]

Hello,

This site is well worth supporting and I would be glad to lend my support. I am most interested in the 200 max cap being removed and the search feature being reinstated. The other things are nice but not necessary, at least for me.

I was also wondering if a subscription system has been considered. A formalized system would be helpful in reminding me to keep up with future payments. I like to support NPR, for instance, but if I happen to not be listening during their membership drives, I am likely to forget to send in a donation.

Thanks!
Ghostmoon