(09-12-2014, 12:09 PM)Eclipse Wrote: Doesn't applying count?

(09-12-2014, 04:10 PM)Cressi Wrote: Amen to this ^^

"Sparky has reached his Private Message quota"...

(09-12-2014, 04:33 PM).Shebang Wrote: $90 for a straight-to-Gold ($65.50 if you were Elite or Super Elite, assuming the discount is used on Silver and Gold) is pretty steep compared to most other forums' upgrade system, but the idea is to raise money, so if people are willing to buy, let 'em.

I think the largest problem that tends to come with upgrades is the increase in reputation power. It gives users a "pay-to-win"-esque experience where they develop a superiority complex because they can give out more positive (or negative) rep, that can help boost or ruin a user's experience on the forum. Realistically I know that perk wouldn't ever be removed, but if it was it would remove a lot of the smug kids who's wallet causes them to develop a God complex.

(09-12-2014, 05:56 PM)Oni Wrote: I understood the issues when I made the change. One thing members often fail to understand, is that I have been a member on other forums before, and I am able to empathize with you, and I know the after-effects of my actions. Now, if only you guys were able to empathize with me and understand why I make the decisions I do, then my job would be easier. The forum requires a lot of money to run. Last month, the expenses totalled out to about $500. I am not able to pay that out of pocket (although I have before).

Sinisterly was made "for profit" with growth in mind. I don't go out and buy random stuff with the revenue. In fact, I often put in more money than I take out. I had a difficult time convincing an investor that we were running a profitable business model yesterday, simply because of how much I invested and didn't get back out in the past. Since things have been made "for profit", I have managed to cover all expenses without depositing more. And that's great, although it comes at the cost of our system being "pay-to-win".

What would be your decision?

(09-12-2014, 05:56 PM)Oni Wrote: I understood the issues when I made the change. One thing members often fail to understand, is that I have been a member on other forums before, and I am able to empathize with you, and I know the after-effects of my actions. Now, if only you guys were able to empathize with me and understand why I make the decisions I do, then my job would be easier. The forum requires a lot of money to run. Last month, the expenses totalled out to about $500. I am not able to pay that out of pocket (although I have before).

Sinisterly was made "for profit" with growth in mind. I don't go out and buy random stuff with the revenue. In fact, I often put in more money than I take out. I had a difficult time convincing an investor that we were running a profitable business model yesterday, simply because of how much I invested and didn't get back out in the past. Since things have been made "for profit", I have managed to cover all expenses without depositing more. And that's great, although it comes at the cost of our system being "pay-to-win".

What would be your decision?

(09-12-2014, 06:32 PM)jones1999 Wrote: I'm very very very new here, but I've not waivered once when it came it helping out the Boss by picking up the so called pen and making the donation or buying the upgrade for the extra benefits.
Everyone here has bent over backwards to accommodate me any way possible, so if I'm wrong please tell me so right now.
If last month out (exp.) were say $500 and I helped with say $100, Why can't your top contributors or donators each month get a newsletter on progress, or lack of or a PM from @Oni personally asking for a little bit more in the envelope that month, if they can spare it?
It's the top of any business that always carries it forward in a crisis or bad time.

Just my opinion, 2 cents worth. G.Jones

(09-12-2014, 06:32 PM)jones1999 Wrote: I'm very very very new here, but I've not waivered once when it came it helping out the Boss by picking up the so called pen and making the donation or buying the upgrade for the extra benefits.
Everyone here has bent over backwards to accommodate me any way possible, so if I'm wrong please tell me so right now.
If last month out (exp.) were say $500 and I helped with say $100, Why can't your top contributors or donators each month get a newsletter on progress, or lack of or a PM from @Oni personally asking for a little bit more in the envelope that month, if they can spare it?
It's the top of any business that always carries it forward in a crisis or bad time.

Just my opinion, 2 cents worth. G.Jones

(09-12-2014, 06:39 PM)Oni Wrote: You're also an older member, so I can understand if you might not be interested in posting on half of the threads here.

(09-12-2014, 06:39 PM)Oni Wrote: It's a very great idea. I will be sure to send out messages to upgraded members from now on when we are in a rough patch. And to be fair, the people that have been donating are really great members. I haven't encountered any self-entitled 12 year olds abusing the system, like @".Shebang" mentions. There are a couple of new members (like you and @"Doom") that have donated a large amount upon joining, which is rare here. However, you've definitely shown that you want to contribute to this community, regardless of activity. I know, personally, you alone have been a great help with expenses (and you practically covered the design work for Akane this month). You're also an older member, so I can understand if you might not be interested in posting on half of the threads here.

Regardless, I think the system as it is is working great, and I'm glad to have the support of some of you guys.