[MiS]

I like to think of upgrades as less of "purchases" and more of "donations" with reward tiers. It's already been said countless times in the thread, but no one is forcing anyone to pay for anything - there are many ways to enjoy SL on its own without purchases, such as joining a group, going on the imageboard, participating in contests for special rewards, and so on.

Therefore, although this might seem pointless or small, I suggest that purchasing and donating be synonymous with each other - maybe perhaps renaming the "Upgrade" button to "Donate" - this will give people more of a feeling that they're helping to contribute directly to the site (which they are!) rather than feeling distanced that they're purchasing something for the monetary benefit of another, which isn't the case. Abandon all pretenses of buying or purchasing upgrades, and make it go toward a more "donator reward tier" sense.

I support what @roger_smith said - the higher donator upgrade rewards might be that you'll get something tangible alongside the on-site upgrades; perhaps a random piece of merchandise from the SL store. I also suggest revamping the "Donator" awards around this system. An award is available for donating any amount to the site (perhaps Donator Rank I) and the other ranks can be attained by the higher upgrade that the user is.

My reasoning behind this is that people who have the funds to donate will feel more inclined to do so rather than purchasing upgrades for a few more perks over the rest. It's a kickstarter-type of thinking: you're paying less for the rewards that the tiers (upgrades) give and more so for the end product: a better overall, sustained Sinisterly.

What do you all think?

[Eclipse]

I think it's an excellent idea. However, one problem would be that new members may overlook 'Donate' when looking for upgrades. I concur with the rest of the post.

[Painkiller]

I agree. However, not many people donate to only help the community, they do because of perks and e-penis.

[Adorapuff]

I couldn't have worded it better myself. With that said, if the two are merged and donator award is given with upgrades, YOU BETTER GIVE ME A GOD DAMN UPGRADE. Great suggestion MiS, I completely agree.

[MiS]

Bumping this up in hopes that others will see this.

[Xeru]

The reason I donated had nothing to do with the poop-colored bronze username or shiny shit. It's nice and all, but I donated because I joined sinisterly and wanted to be a functioning member of its community and wanted the community to continue thriving. The ability to give 3 rep points is pretty cool but I don't usually use the rep system.

[Losi]

+100 Agreed. Oni pockets no money from SL's revenues. If I had money, I would donate. But I'm just a broke-ass teenager who games too much. Whenever I do get money, I have a hard time converting it into paypal or btc.

[Oni]

You're right, we do need to change the terminology. People get the idea I'm blowing this money on booze and women. In reality, I very rarely withdraw from the site's account and almost all of the money goes back into the site somehow. The reason upgrades exist, are because people need an incentive to donate.

[Akane]

I like the idea. @Oni told me personally that he spends maybe 10% of profit on himself. The rest somehow finds its way back into the site's operation.

[jones1999]

I am happy with the Gold Upgrade. I do not know what comes with the Platinum / Diamond Upgrades ?
I would prefer to continue my support of Sinister.ly by hitting the "Donate" button once a month.
Other supporters will no doubt want to contribute other ways with other amounts.

But as I communicated with @Oni almost 3 weeks ago, I will continue to do my best to support
SL with a monetary amount around the 1st of each month, barring any unforeseen complications.

But say, for example, I give $200. in one month, then $200. the following month. I already have
a Donator (Rank III) Award, would I still continue to get a different award or SP points or what's your idea?

G.Jones