Site Supporter Mod

[Bovvered]

Some other forums (including vbulletin) use a mod to allow people to become site supporters by donating a regular amount each month. They also get a little symbol near their user name to state they are a site supporter.

 

I personally would sign up as I'm sure plenty of others would too - it doesn't have to be a big amount - one site I visit gives a choice of a single month for $5 3 months for $10 etc up to a 31 year subscription for $500! I'm not suggesting that lol, but I just betcha a fair few people may want to subscribe...

 

Just a thought....

[fivelaws]

Partially agreed. One of the common problems of many/most/all people on here is "account management". It would be a pretty rum deal if a monthly supporter fee bounced, resulting in unlawful penalty charges! It would be a vicious circle!

 

Another site I use has "donation icons". Every now and again (when the admins need some cash), they allow people to buy an icon which goes against their user details in posts. The icons are only available for a short while and aren't made available in the next round of donations. Doesn't look like this is supported in vBulletin though...

 

Maybe we could encourage people to donate 5% of their settlements...

[pmhread]

How about giving those who have donated, something next to their name (an image of some kind). Then when someone asks how we got it, we can point them in the direction of the donate button?

[Movingon]

Personally I think that voluntary donations should remain confidential, unless a user chooses to say something themselves.

 

Having a "Special status" or an icon for donors can lead to elitist behaviour by donors, it can lead to friction in the forum due to perceived (often not real) preferential treatment, and various other problems with conflict and inter-member relationships.

 

In a forum such as this, members either donate, or do not, based upon their own conscience... and they have to feel comfortable with that decision until they either change it or the whole dilemma is gone.

 

People who express objectionable OPINIONS about donating should expect everything they get; but noone should ever be treated differently based upon whether or not they donated.

[pmhread]

Fair do's