A Modest Proposal

Clay_Pigeon · Post by **Clay_Pigeon** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:31 pm

A Proposal

This Proposal is an attempt to offset the costs of running and hosting Allegiance through a voluntary, "grassroots" effort amongst some Allegiance players. Rather than encouraging a small number of people to make large, "one time" donations, this Proposal is designed to offset the cost of hosting and running Allegiance by encouraging small donations, made on a monthly basis by a large number of people.

How does it work?
If everyone with the will and means remembered to make a small donation to Allegiance every month, this Proposal would be unnecessary. Unfortunately, human behavior isn't so straightforward. We're forgetful, or we put things off until later (which never comes). The Proposal seeks to remedy this by sending all interested parties a monthly reminder message.

If you chose to participate, your email address is added to a mailing list on one of Clay_Pigeon's [non-Allegiance] servers. Every month, you'll receive a reminder to donate via email. The email is merely a reminder; there is never any obligation to donate. If you are financially strapped for a few months, you are free to not donate. If you have the means and the will, the email merely serves as a prompt. You could donate any amount you choose for that month, but a modest amount ($5-$10 each month) made by many people (30-50) is sufficient.

FAQ

How can I join?
PM Clay_Pigeon with your email address. He will set up the list. You can join at any time

When does it start?
The first email will be sent on July 1, 2008

Do I have to participate to play?
No. This Proposal is one of many ways that a player can contribute to Allegiance, and

If I join, what perks do I get?
You get the knowledge that you are helping to secure a future for the game you love.

Really? That's it?
This is a voluntary arrangement made amongst players for the betterment of Allegiance. We could run aground of the EULA if we started tying too many in-game perks to this.

Do I have to give every month?
No. You will merely be reminded of the opportunity to donate. You can chose to take advantage of that opportunity, or not.

Where does the money go?
The money goes to Thalgor to pay for the cost of hosting the various web and gaming servers that support Allegiance.

What do I need to donate?
Donations work via PayPal, so any payment mechanism accepted by PayPal will work.

Can I be removed once I join?
Simply send Clay_Pigeon a PM, asking to be removed from the list. Alternately, the list will have its own unsubscribe mechanism.

How is this grassroots if you're a ZL?
I don't run any servers, nor do I have a financial stake in them. I'm just another player trying to make a difference by organizing other players. The fact that I'm a ZL is incidental.

cowtown · Post by **cowtown** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 3:06 pm

As long as the book keeping is "open" and "break even" goals are set, I would consider this...
Till then, I'll wait....

Grimmwolf_GB · Post by **Grimmwolf_GB** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 3:57 pm

It is just a reminder, cowtown. You choose where you want to donate. for example, pkk posts donations in a thread on the GB boards, so you could donate for GPZ. /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

cowtown · Post by **cowtown** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 4:18 pm

Yes, I understand, and I keep an eye on that thread too...
Don't get me wrong, it is a good idea, but until the books are "open" and transparent...I'll wait...
My Blog and previous posts on the matter speak to what I think about the whole thing...

takingarms1 · Post by **takingarms1** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:00 pm

This is what your blog says:

QUOTE (cowtown)Now that Thal has let us know what it costs to run the place.
Lets try and make it so he doesnt have to be "out of pocket" for it.

Every donation counts, please, if you can, help out...
I like this game alot, as I'm sure most of you do.

Hopefully Thal won't need to pay for "our" fun...

Much respect to Thal and the team of volunteers here..[/quote]

Color me confused?

Incidentally, who hosts/pays for planet servers?

MadAccountant · Post by **MadAccountant** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:06 pm

Planet - aarm
Stripe - TE
GPZ - pkk (and grimm?)

Grimmwolf_GB · Post by **Grimmwolf_GB** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:08 pm

GPZ: pkk, Zapper and me.

takingarms1 · Post by **takingarms1** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:11 pm

my heroes /wub.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":iluv:" border="0" alt="wub.gif" />

(except GPZ because I get too much lag there /laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":lol:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" />)

just kidding /doh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":doh:" border="0" alt="doh.gif" />

SP4WN · Post by **SP4WN** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:34 pm

Great Idea Clay. /wub.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":iluv:" border="0" alt="wub.gif" />

cowtown · Post by **cowtown** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 5:35 pm

Something like this is what I was looking for.
A "goal" (IE cost for the month)
And a total, and a number indicating what is owing..or what is left over for next month..

(please note this is just an example)

HELP KEEP OUR SERVER ONLINE!
Make donations with PayPal!
Donat-o-Meter Stats

April´s Goal: $40.00
Due Date: Apr 30
Amount in: $114.90
Balance: $110.67
Left to go: $-70.67

In this example, we would be good for almost 3 months.
If our total costs were $40...they aren't though..