Would you pay for cool features?

[Morrus]

Here we go again with people saying they'd gladly pay for something... How many really would? Maybe half the ones who say they will (to be optimistic). IMO, the site is so successful because it is FREE. Most people will not accept suddenly having to pay for something they were already getting for free for so many years. You will not see many newcomers to the site, the flow of new ideas and sharing of information will thus be inhibited as the number of members declines, etc. Most people will just switch over to posting on WoTC's boards, RPG.net forums, or other free boards. No one wants to pay for anything online, and that is an accepted fact. Look at the failure of online magazines like Slate, or what happened to Heat.net when they tried to force everyone to pay for Sega.net (everyone switched to Gamespy.com rather than pay even $1 to play games online).

No one has suggested a fee for using the boards. You're talking about a different subject entirely.

This is completely about voluntary donations. If you don't want to make a donation, no one is going to force you.

 

[CRGreathouse]

Here we go again with people saying they'd gladly pay for something... How many really would? Maybe half the ones who say they will (to be optimistic). IMO, the site is so successful because it is FREE. Most people will not accept suddenly having to pay for something they were already getting for free for so many years. You will not see many newcomers to the site, the flow of new ideas and sharing of information will thus be inhibited as the number of members declines, etc. Most people will just switch over to posting on WoTC's boards, RPG.net forums, or other free boards. No one wants to pay for anything online, and that is an accepted fact. Look at the failure of online magazines like Slate, or what happened to Heat.net when they tried to force everyone to pay for Sega.net (everyone switched to Gamespy.com rather than pay even $1 to play games online).

Yes, but it would be voluntary - Morrus made a point of saying that *twice* in his original post. I'd pay, because I think it's worth it, but anyone could use the boards free if they don't want to pay.

******

Big issue: About a week ago, I read an article in the NYT about Visa considering to prohibit PayPal (and similar services) from working with their cards. Does anyone know about this, and if it was resolved?

 

[Morrus]

Yes, but it would be voluntary - Morrus made a point of saying that *twice* in his original post. I'd pay, because I think it's worth it, but anyone could use the boards free if they don't want to pay.

Yeah - I knew that even by saying it, and then emphasising it again immediately afterwards in italics with the words "I'll say that again: voluntary" there would be people who still choose to read it as "You will have to pay a compulsory fee to even think the words 'EN World' ".

So, I guess I'll say it again.

Voluntary. Voluntary. Voluntary. Voluntary .

That should be clear enough.

 

[William Ronald]

While money is a little tight right now, I would support voluntary donations.

Morrus, you should not be too shocked at people forgetting the word voluntary. In his book The Gods Themselves, the late Isaac Asimov had a quote (unsure if he originated it or borrowed it): "Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain."


People often don't check the facts.

I have had to diligently look for some threads. The features would save time.

Of course, if I somehow became very wealthy I would gladly buy you a few new servers. (Okay, if Bill Gates is reading this can you kindly give Morrus a grant. )

 

[hong]

Voluntary. Voluntary. Voluntary. Voluntary .

That should be clear enough.

If you're going to use BigText, do it right.



Voluntary



That's better.

 

[Corinth]

I'd be willing to voluntarily kick over a few dollars.

 

[Heretic Apostate]

For those who disapprove of avatars and sigs, I believe you can turn those off in the User CP page, so that you don't have to view them.

As for me, I'd pay. I'm unemployed, on a budget, but I'd pay.

 

[kenjib]

I don't paypal so it might be hard for me to donate. How do the economics of your online store affiliation work? How much would it help if I bought a few books through there from time to time?

 

[Kaptain_Kantrip]

If you're going to use BigText, do it right.



Voluntary



That's better.

Wait... So you're saying the donations are voluntary?

 

[Morrus]

Wait... So you're saying the donations are voluntary?

Whatever gave you that idea?