Marshmallow 1,137 October 14, 2011 Share October 14, 2011 (edited) I can't find the donation button, where is it? xD Anyway, I'd be happy to donate 10$ or so if it helps to make the forums better edit: never mind, I just found it Edited October 14, 2011 by Marshmallow "There was me, that is Pinkie, and my three droogs, that is Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy, and we sat in the Ponyville Milkbar trying to make up our rassoodocks what to do with the evening." A Clockwork Pony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Misty 653 October 14, 2011 Share October 14, 2011 They're for guests only, so there's nothing for you to block. Also, we have our second donation! Thank you, Zoop! Heh, I understand, I'm only saying because I never turn adblock off. siggy by PixiGlow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshmallow 1,137 October 14, 2011 Share October 14, 2011 Alright, I just donated 20.00$ I hope it helps! "There was me, that is Pinkie, and my three droogs, that is Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy, and we sat in the Ponyville Milkbar trying to make up our rassoodocks what to do with the evening." A Clockwork Pony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Founder Twilight Sparkle ✨ 8,527 October 14, 2011 Author Founder Share October 14, 2011 Alright, I just donated 20.00$ I hope it helps! It does, very much. Thank you, Marshmallow. I'm gonna start a poll for us to choose what to spend the donation money on. By the way, I've also got an ad for MLP Forums running on ponycountdown.com everywhere but in Canada and America. American and Canadian ad space seems to be really, really expensive, and I don't think it's a good use of our donation money to spend $15 a day on ads. Avatar credit: robinrain8 Signature credit: Kyoshi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoop 8,384 October 15, 2011 Share October 15, 2011 The CDN isn't a one-time charge - $30 will buy me 1 TB of bandwidth that's good for 12 months. Beyond that 1 TB (or the 12 months), it will then cost 7 cents per GB. But I think the initial TB will last us for a while. Would the HD episode rips be put on that? If so, and depending on how many people jump on it, I could see 1TB being taken up within a couple months. I only operate one other community, and soliciting donations from there is a little trickier as it's a bona fide for-profit site. But if you're all open to sharing a game server with them, it could be easier. Relying purely on donations for $30 is a bit risky, though... I'd feel much more comfortable if ads could cover the server costs. Gotcha, I knew you had some other sites going, but that was really about it. Server sharing may not be a terrible idea, but I can't really speak for anyone other than myself in that regard. I'll think about opt-in ads - it's really nice of you to even suggest that. I understand the hate for ads, but honestly, how else is a webmaster supposed to cover his expenses? Especially a 16-year-old one who's a full-time student? Yeah. Opt-in ads would be good for people that want to help out, but aren't able to make direct financial contributions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Founder Twilight Sparkle ✨ 8,527 October 15, 2011 Author Founder Share October 15, 2011 Would the HD episode rips be put on that? If so, and depending on how many people jump on it, I could see 1TB being taken up within a couple months. I'd probably keep the HD rips hosted from my server directly - I'd really much rather use the CDN to speed up the site rather than large downloads. But I'm not even too sure myself if I'll be able to keep the HD rips hosted indefinitely. I'm in talks with someone at the moment about a brony project that could prove to be absolutely huge for us (and I do mean huge), but will also be a real bandwidth killer - we're talking anywhere from 5-10 TB per month. Keeping 750 MB HD rips around for all the visitors to download freely would probably add another 20-50 TB to that figure - I'd really rather leave it to the P2P networks at that point. The reason I'm offering those rips now is simply because I wanted to do something nice with all the server bandwidth I currently have to spare. Gotcha, I knew you had some other sites going, but that was really about it. Server sharing may not be a terrible idea, but I can't really speak for anyone other than myself in that regard. You'd be playing against people from my other community that you probably won't know. That's about it - otherwise, sharing game servers between the two forums would be very cost-effective. Yeah. Opt-in ads would be good for people that want to help out, but aren't able to make direct financial contributions. Those who can't make financial contributions can still do their part by spreading the word and just being active. Fancy advertising might seem like a good idea (and I'm not saying it isn't), but there's nothing people trust more than the word of mouth. Avatar credit: robinrain8 Signature credit: Kyoshi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evilshy 5,090 October 27, 2011 Share October 27, 2011 Absolutely huge brony project? 5+ TB a month? Okay, now Im excited. Also, i don have a job now, but I do have a pretty promising lead, so once I start getting some income, I'd he happy to donate. I usually don't like donating to sites, but this site is awesome and I've been posting here literally since day 1. Signature now 99% less edgy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLARE 952 November 1, 2011 Share November 1, 2011 (edited) some times I like watching/ reading ads, to you think you could some how make it toggle able for users? also I have like $1 in my paypal, I want to donate... although If I was to donate I'd be a little embarrassed because its so small >:3 Edited November 1, 2011 by flare03 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshmallow 1,137 November 4, 2011 Share November 4, 2011 hehe, I just saw an ad for MLPforums on Ponycountdown.com I thought you said it was too expensive to get the ads running in Canada "There was me, that is Pinkie, and my three droogs, that is Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy, and we sat in the Ponyville Milkbar trying to make up our rassoodocks what to do with the evening." A Clockwork Pony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Founder Twilight Sparkle ✨ 8,527 November 4, 2011 Author Founder Share November 4, 2011 hehe, I just saw an ad for MLPforums on Ponycountdown.com I thought you said it was too expensive to get the ads running in Canada It was two weeks ago... there was some advertiser that had their max. bid set to something like $30/day. But not this week! I've got the ad placed in all four regions for just $3.90/day right now. 5 Avatar credit: robinrain8 Signature credit: Kyoshi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProjectRKA 2,848 November 4, 2011 Share November 4, 2011 It was two weeks ago... there was some advertiser that had their max. bid set to something like $30/day. But not this week! I've got the ad placed in all four regions for just $3.90/day right now. Hah, just saw the ad too... I like how it looks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoop 8,384 November 6, 2011 Share November 6, 2011 It was two weeks ago... there was some advertiser that had their max. bid set to something like $30/day. But not this week! I've got the ad placed in all four regions for just $3.90/day right now. Given the number of new registrations the last couple of days it looks like it was a good decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Founder Twilight Sparkle ✨ 8,527 November 6, 2011 Author Founder Share November 6, 2011 Given the number of new registrations the last couple of days it looks like it was a good decision. The results speak for themselves. Seriously, that ad space is one of the best advertising opportunities we could've asked for. Here's a chart of registrations over the past week: Avatar credit: robinrain8 Signature credit: Kyoshi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProjectRKA 2,848 November 6, 2011 Share November 6, 2011 The results speak for themselves. Seriously, that ad space is one of the best advertising opportunities we could've asked for. Here's a chart of registrations over the past week: Again i'm going to have to post this: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Rarity Pony 4,892 November 6, 2011 Share November 6, 2011 So many new members, those ads really do work Like you said, the stats speak for themselves LRP's opinions are subject to change without notice. Fees and penalties still apply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezynell 2,037 November 15, 2011 Share November 15, 2011 (edited) Christmas is coming, I'll definitely donate a $20 present. I would donate some more, but that's hard for someone going of $4 allowance a week As a side note, you should give a little extra something to donates like a golden border abound the avatar, just a little encouragement to users. Just an idea, either way I'm gonna donate Edited November 15, 2011 by Ice GAK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apple Bloom 2,933 November 15, 2011 Share November 15, 2011 (edited) Christmas is coming, I'll definitely donate a $20 present. I would donate some more, but that's hard for someone going of $4 allowance a week As a side note, you should give a little extra something to donates like a golden border abound the avatar, just a little encouragement to users. Just an idea, either way I'm gonna donate Donors get a nice little "Donors" tag under their avatar and if you want you can purchase a subscription as your donation which will give you a 150x200 avatar, space for 500 private messages, an @mlpforums.com email forwarder, a custom user title, and a larger signature. Edited November 15, 2011 by Apple Bloom Signature by @Nico. Come join us for movies and more! Every Friday on Equestria.tv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezynell 2,037 November 15, 2011 Share November 15, 2011 Donors get a nice little "Donors" tag under their avatar and if you want you can purchase a subscription as your donation which will give you a 150x200 avatar, space for 500 private messages, an @mlpforums.com email forwarder, a custom user title, and a larger signature. I think it's a monthly thing though, I think I'd just rather donate then get caught up in subscription monthly dedications GAK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoop 8,384 November 15, 2011 Share November 15, 2011 I think it's a monthly thing though, I think I'd just rather donate then get caught up in subscription monthly dedications It's not a recurring charge, so don't worry. You just donate what you can, when you can, and you get the benefits for the time allotted by your donation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezynell 2,037 November 15, 2011 Share November 15, 2011 It's not a recurring charge, so don't worry. You just donate what you can, when you can, and you get the benefits for the time allotted by your donation. Some small permanent benefits might be nice, but gaining and loosing privileges depending on months is still not really something I would like to deal with, I'll just stick to donating GAK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoop 8,384 November 15, 2011 Share November 15, 2011 (edited) *shrug* In the end donations are more about contributing to the upkeep and costs of the site than they are about getting some manner of side benefit. Edited November 15, 2011 by Zoop 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Founder Twilight Sparkle ✨ 8,527 November 15, 2011 Author Founder Share November 15, 2011 Some small permanent benefits might be nice, but gaining and loosing privileges depending on months is still not really something I would like to deal with, I'll just stick to donating You get to keep the email forwarder indefinitely, even if your subscription expires. But that's it - that's the only "permanent" perk. The reason that we do not have any "lifetime" donation options is because they are ultimately pointless and unsustainable. We have recurring expenses like monthly server bills and annual support contracts, and the best way to keep them in check is to have recurring sources of income. A lifetime donation may, perhaps, cover a month or two of server costs, and then we've got a member who will never donate again yet retains full Donor status well after their money has been spent. The perks were only ever intended as a polite "thank you" from the administration for supporting the site, and never as an actual incentive to donate - we do not allow transfers or gifting of subscriptions for this reason. And in all honesty, we strive to provide a quality foruming experience for everyone, not just those who help us pay the bills. All members already get all of the following features, many of which are rare luxuries on most forums: unlimited attachment uploads, up to 50 MB each 150x150 100 KB avatars 250-message PM inbox absolutely no ads I don't want to limit the best possible site experience to donors, and the last thing I want is to commercialize this place. 5 Avatar credit: robinrain8 Signature credit: Kyoshi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezynell 2,037 November 15, 2011 Share November 15, 2011 You get to keep the email forwarder indefinitely, even if your subscription expires. But that's it - that's the only "permanent" perk. The reason that we do not have any "lifetime" donation options is because they are ultimately pointless and unsustainable. We have recurring expenses like monthly server bills and annual support contracts, and the best way to keep them in check is to have recurring sources of income. A lifetime donation may, perhaps, cover a month or two of server costs, and then we've got a member who will never donate again yet retains full Donor status well after their money has been spent. The perks were only ever intended as a polite "thank you" from the administration for supporting the site, and never as an actual incentive to donate - we do not allow transfers or gifting of subscriptions for this reason. And in all honesty, we strive to provide a quality foruming experience for everyone, not just those who help us pay the bills. All members already get all of the following features, many of which are rare luxuries on most forums: unlimited attachment uploads, up to 50 MB each 150x150 100 KB avatars 250-message PM inbox absolutely no ads I don't want to limit the best possible site experience to donors, and the last thing I want is to commercialize this place. That's not at all what I was implying, I just think it'll be simpler for me to just donate, I agree with the subscription option, but it would become a burdone for anyone without a steady economic income. GAK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spock 91 November 27, 2011 Share November 27, 2011 Ads are fine in my book, as long as we get a chatbox. I am, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof, and incapable of error. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoop 8,384 November 27, 2011 Share November 27, 2011 Ads are fine in my book, as long as we get a chatbox. Patience. At the rate this place is picking up new folks it won't be long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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