Donation Incentives?

[Hugor]

Just a thought, to put it out there.
Firstly great site, I love it!
I know this site is run and financially supported by a few generous people.
I know over the last couple of years the Donation icon appeared to help fund some maintenance to the server etc.
I thought perhaps some kind of incentive could be established to encourage donations.
This could be along the lines of a larger avatar, or special priviledges with signatures like pictures, coloured usernames, other ideas etc.
The user also by using these incentives advertises that they are a donor and perhaps gets some kudos amongst fellow posters, encouraging others to do the same.
Im sure you guys could make some great improvements to the site with a little more money such as faster server speeds etc.
anyway cheers ....

[Kingswood]

definately a good idea mate.

only problem is the forum program that this site seems to be using seems old so not sure how easily they can implement this.

[BBHS]

Sounds like a great idea but would require a PHP upgrade as Kingwood said.

[Bucks5]

I used to think this could be a good idea but I have since seen other forums suffer for it as well. It can create a level of 'elitism' and discrimination against 'non-donators'.

Don't we want this to be a footy forum that encourages opinion and contribution from all? I have seen forums where donators belittle non-donators because they haven't paid up, or even worse donators who expect that their posts are so much more special and should carry extra weight because they have a fancy symbol next to their name.

[Black_White]

2 classes.
That worked well in South Africa, America etc etc etc.

[collingwoodfan]

How much would it cost to get a new server if that's what we would need.

[Monco Matt]

Let's say hyperthetically that it will cost $2,000 to get Nick's upgraded, we could place a gauge on the site (like the counting on the CFC membership) as as people donate the gauge rises until the goal is met.

That would be pretty cool. Then people can donate anonimously and see their contributions making a difference.

Just a thought.

[Kingswood]

^Another good idea. I could see that working.

Lets see if the owner(s) are interested in an upgrade first, they seem to have had this layout since this began?

[stui magpie]

I'm happy to chip in, but I also like the current layout. It's simple, clean and easy on the eye.

[Black_White]

^Another good idea. I could see that working.

Lets see if the owner(s) are interested in an upgrade first, they seem to have had this layout since this began?

The layout has changed.
I preferred the old one.

[London Dave]

^Another good idea. I could see that working.

Lets see if the owner(s) are interested in an upgrade first, they seem to have had this layout since this began?

The layout has changed.
I preferred the old one.

several times iirc. Which old one?

[Black_White]

The one previous to the last one of course.

[MagpieMad]

You'd think that using Nick's everyday would be incentive enough to donate.

why do people need to change everything? it's good enough to use all the time but it needs to be changed?

[collingwoodfan]

Im happy with the layout etc. but i do get quite sick of the lagging/not opening & chat not working(I know it has been fixed now, but what happens next time?)

[MagpieMad]

what happens next time? the same as last time, it'll get fixed again, just be thankful we don't have to pay the hourly rates a IT tech would charge to have it fixed.