UPDATED 1/2/2016: I've updated some information in this article about current costs for the site. If you can spare a few bucks and enjoy coming here definitely do so. The site is not in any danger but it's another way of supporting your community! Getting some cool new abilities on the site isn't a bad way to start the New Year, right?
Updated article follows:
As some of you may have noticed, there has been a Donate button hanging out on the right side of the index and front page for a while now. Judging by responses to a recent status update I posted, though, a large majority of you have no idea the site even accepts donations. This post is going to break down what the feature is for, what the site does with the donations, and what donating does for you. Feel free to also offer suggestions in the comments below!
Now to start with, let's talk about actual costs for the site. This site is funded 100% by @Mr. Wah and donations from forum users like you. We have never gone the ad-farm sidebar route, nor have we added things like in-line ads during threads and similar things you have likely seen elsewhere. Running a website is definitely not free and there are a surprising number of hidden costs associated with it. Here's a quick rundown of what is currently in the works (in US dollars):
If you do donate, make sure to put a note on the donation itself telling us what your forum name is so that we can track your donations as they do add up. If you make a donation but forget to leave a note, just be sure to message @Mr. Wah directly. Whether $0 or $2,500 comes in, the site will keep on rolling, but you have the opportunity to help us expand and help the community even more; that's in addition to helping cover monthly costs!
If you have any additional questions, feel free to drop me a line and I'll update this post. Thanks for reading and thank you for helping to make FSD as great as it is!
Updated article follows:
As some of you may have noticed, there has been a Donate button hanging out on the right side of the index and front page for a while now. Judging by responses to a recent status update I posted, though, a large majority of you have no idea the site even accepts donations. This post is going to break down what the feature is for, what the site does with the donations, and what donating does for you. Feel free to also offer suggestions in the comments below!
Now to start with, let's talk about actual costs for the site. This site is funded 100% by @Mr. Wah and donations from forum users like you. We have never gone the ad-farm sidebar route, nor have we added things like in-line ads during threads and similar things you have likely seen elsewhere. Running a website is definitely not free and there are a surprising number of hidden costs associated with it. Here's a quick rundown of what is currently in the works (in US dollars):
- General upkeep (server/domain fees) about $160 per month
- Community events and goals
- FSD, through donations, has contributed to crowdfunding campaigns
- @Mr. Wah himself has contributed to the EVO fundraiser, tournament pots, and other community-focused ventures (you know, like running the site) even before the Donate option was a reality
- $1.00 - $99.99 Cumulative: Standard Donor
- Ability to have text signatures
- 'Standard Donor' appears in your profile and on posts
- Our personal thanks
- $100+ Cumulative: Premium Donor
- Ability to have images and links in signatures in addition to just text
- 'Premium Donor' appears in your profile and on posts
- Main character (as selected in your profile) appears watermarked in your forum posts
- Our personal thanks
If you do donate, make sure to put a note on the donation itself telling us what your forum name is so that we can track your donations as they do add up. If you make a donation but forget to leave a note, just be sure to message @Mr. Wah directly. Whether $0 or $2,500 comes in, the site will keep on rolling, but you have the opportunity to help us expand and help the community even more; that's in addition to helping cover monthly costs!
If you have any additional questions, feel free to drop me a line and I'll update this post. Thanks for reading and thank you for helping to make FSD as great as it is!
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