supporting members?

[Rudz]

I was pondering the fact that the AO server sucks, yes, we know, but what if there was a members only section and perks, like mcb or other forums, say 10 - 25 dollars a year and you get a sig, larger PM box, avatar? And access to a members only forum

AGD could use the money. To upgrade the server and help fund the operation of the site

[CatoRockwell]

Sounds like a good idea to me.

[vf-xx]

I could do 10~15 / yr

[Frizzle Fry]

I'm Game.

I'd like to see this happen.

Not too many privileges, though... We don't want it to end up like the "ASM System" on PbN where you buy 'credibility' and license do do as you please.

[zondo]

I'll be gone for most of the year, but I'd go in... with Pie.

[Frizzle Fry]

Perhaps when you pay your fees, you choose a pie or cake logo for under your name? Pie for me thanks, I don't "do" inferior foodstuffs.

[sjrtk]

Not a bad idea. But like stated befor none of this buying credibility, it has to be earned. I would be in for it though.

EDIT: Who needs cake?

[zondo]

Not too many privileges, though... We don't want it to end up like the "ASM System" on PbN where you buy 'credibility' and license do do as you please.

I haven't paid that close attention to PBN, what do you mean?

[ezcreation]

I would pay for a forum where deals would be guaranteed and covered by the membership...Meaning that there could be no mistake, lost packages and such.

[Frizzle Fry]

I haven't paid that close attention to PBN, what do you mean?

You can buy "B/S/T Trust" verification tags, which are discounted when you're an ASM or "Annual Supporting Member". Your "Supporting Membership" also includes "Gold Ups" that allow you to sticky your own B/S/T threads for various amounts of time, which can also be purchased separately. It gives an edge in the B/S/T, but is VERY expensive. You also get one "get-out-of-jail-free card" against bans for every year that you're a supporting member...

There just isn't any way to make a "perfectly safe" B/S/T forum. Scammers will find their way in to just about anything, or good people will be come scam artists (everyone has to start somewhere). It would take a LOT more staff than AO has got to even try that. Between bad buyers and bad sellers you'd need a freaking TEAM on call at all times, and it still wouldn't be perfect. On the other side of things, accidents genuinely do happen.



My thoughts on AO supporting memberships....

We Should:
-Make supporting membership 18+ (I good idea in the long run, legally speaking)
-Remove search restrictions, waiting time, etc. (most forums eliminate entirely)
-Allow greater Private Message storage space (most forums go to 500+)
-Create a SMALL private forum, with no B/S/T section (most forums have B/S/T)
-Allow small signatures and reasonable avatars (most forums do, but allow too much)


We Should NOT:
-Give special "un-ban" or "foul language" privileges (PBN)
-Give special B/S/T privileges like stickying or "trust" icons (PBN)
-Offer any B/S/T insurance beyond Beemers wrath (TechPB)
-Make the private forums a no-rules environment (AOG, others)
-Create a "private" B/S/T forum (MCB, TechPB, PBN, CC, AOG)
-Allow "invisible mode" as a privilege... Sketchy! (MCB)

[vf-xx]

Nah, Keep it simple.

Just give paid members a private forum with less rules. Private bar and grill style. Isn't that what MCB does?

Edit.

^^^^^ That.

[Rudz]

Nothing crazy just sig. Maybe an avvy, I like the pie/ cake idea, lol and larger pm box

The private forum will still be modded, no anonymous feature like mcb, and no private bst forum, just a bar and grill type thing


I like the response so far.....keep it going guys

[zondo]

I like where this is going...

I vote we include changing the banner pictures as well.

[MoeMag]

I'm game.

Bar and grill, that has pie for dessert.

/How can someone vote cake when pie is on the line!?... that's like saying... mmm, I dont like good.

[behemoth]

This has been brought up 100 times.

Its never happened.

I'd be surprised if it DID happen.

Goodluck.