Donations!

[Safir]

I'd actually be fine either way, 1 or 3 free accounts that is, but if this shard ever gives away anything for donations I'm out. That's why I donated after only being here for 2 days. I'd rather see a 1 account limit without anything else, than ppl recieving multiple accounts due to donations (if the limit was 1 account that is).

[RoadKill]

You should consider setting up a pay-per-month option. I think you said in IRC once if everyone donated $1 a month it would cover bills, and I'd gladly give up $1 monthly (not that I wouldn't donate more when possible, but having a subscription donation thing would make it easier)

[Safir]

Yeah, I agree, a pay-per-month option would be really good, and of course players should be able to choose how much they want to set up the subscription to.

[Derrick]

I really don't want to obligate anyone to pay, or have ability to pay effect anything in-game.
We are looking at moving to a better, albeit more expensive host sometime this month as per the poll topic at the top of all forums.
I really hate to ask for money too often, but we really could use it.

Some of the ideas in here are good, but I hate to see people feel bad just because they can't donate.
If you're able, please do, but if you can't it's ok

I've been toying with adding an adverstising banner to the home page, but honestly it probably wouldn't bring in much.
Also thought of selling UOSA merchandise, but we'd need some good original artwork; wouldn't be able to use any EA gfx.

Thanks for the ideas and the thread, much appreciated. We will keep this thing rolling, one way or another.

[RoadKill]

Also thought of selling UOSA merchandise, but we'd need some good original artwork; wouldn't be able to use any EA gfx.

Shirts

[Flash Hardstar]

Love the shard, Love the game, but you wont catch me dead wearing a UO T-shirt.. save money on production costs and continue urging donations.. lol

[Safir]

save money on production costs and continue urging donations.. lol

I agree, just the shipping worldwide would be a betch.

[BlackFoot]

id wear a UO t shirt if it was just the UO symbol on it
maybe a print of my paperdoll on the back!

[RoadKill]

I don't think I'd wear an actual UOSA t-shirt, but if there was a cool "fantasy T-shirt", I suspect people would buy that. I see people all the time in malls wearing shirts with dragons or wizards or other fantasy things on it.

But I agree, setting up a good shipper would be tough with small quantities being sold.

A monthly subscription would be a better idea (and yeah, let people pick the amount) - the easier it is to donate, the more likely someone will donate. (this doesn't mean you need to run around asking for donations, just add something to the current donation page on the website to setup a subscription payment)

[Stranger]

This would force a lot of people to stop playing the shard. The only viable option I can think of is a store where you sell eye candy. Like specially hued clothing (Hued in real colors not bright neon stuff). Make the items so they are only wearable by the buyer to prevent selling for in game gold and hurting the economy. Maybe even somthing like being able to buy a name for your wep. So someone could have a hally named "Deathkill" or somthing. Think those are some cool things you could do to bring in some $$, without hurting the economy, or dealing to big a blow to era accuracy. Maybe even a couple house deco items. Or if you didnt want to turn it into a store, maybe make it where you get some random house deco item for donating. That way people couldnt just buy all the stuff they wanted and the items would be a little rarer. Or maybe a pimpin blood red blessed "UOSA Donator" sash.

[Stranger]

I don't think I'd wear an actual UOSA t-shirt, but if there was a cool "fantasy T-shirt", I suspect people would buy that. I see people all the time in malls wearing shirts with dragons or wizards or other fantasy things on it.

But I agree, setting up a good shipper would be tough with small quantities being sold.

A monthly subscription would be a better idea (and yeah, let people pick the amount) - the easier it is to donate, the more likely someone will donate. (this doesn't mean you need to run around asking for donations, just add something to the current donation page on the website to setup a subscription payment)

A monthly subscription, though lots here wouldnt mind, would turn away potential new players. Those who dont know how awesome our shard is would be like "Why would I pay for this shard, when I could play this other one for free?" I dont know if i'd wear a t shirt but i'd buy some cool items, like a second age mouse pad or somthing like that.

[orionsune]

A donation would not be a donation if anything were given in return...

[Stranger]

A donation would not be a donation if anything were given in return...

Go check out the divinity "Donation" section.

[RoadKill]

A monthly subscription, though lots here wouldnt mind, would turn away potential new players. Those who dont know how awesome our shard is would be like "Why would I pay for this shard, when I could play this other one for free?" I dont know if i'd wear a t shirt but i'd buy some cool items, like a second age mouse pad or somthing like that.

A subscription would be a donation, not required or expected. Derrick can't require any money from us, and he shouldn't have to. Some of us enjoy the shard enough to throw money at it when we can. If anyone is "turned off" to the shard because people are supporting it by donating, then I don't think they should really be playing here in the first place

[orionsune]

A donation would not be a donation if anything were given in return...

Go check out the divinity "Donation" section.

I've seen it before... it shouldn't be called Donation on their shard either. More like "In-Game Store" like many other games have.

Donation - an act or instance of presenting something as a gift, grant, or contribution.
Gift - something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; present.
Grant - A giving of funds for a specific purpose
Contribute - to give (money, time, knowledge, assistance, etc.) to a common supply, fund, etc., as for charitable purposes.
Charity - something given to a person or persons in need