Money raising idea for forum ?

I dont know if this is feasable or even if there would be any interest shown with this idea and I will leave it to the forum leaders to formulate a reasonable pricing strategy.

Is it possible to "sell " through the POTN shop increased avatar size ? I know when the mods avatars became larger their was a cry amongst some that they too wanted a bigger one. It might appeal to those who dont contribute to the forum because they would like to see something tangible for their donated money as well as those who would just like a larger avatar.

Not a bad idea.. Only problem is, will it slow down the server by having to load larger images? Or would it be barely noticable?

Sorry I suggested it.

Oh...you'd notice. I imagine we'd start getting "server is too busy at the moment" messages a lot more often.

Are You getting that? I have not gotten that error in a long time, actually not since Pekka switched server.

So if You get that a lot I think Pekka would appreciate info about it.

As for the bigger avatars slowing down the server.

I don't think that will be a consequence. I checked the sizes of the avatars in this thread:

Ronald S. Jr.: 7391 bytes
Blue Deuce: 7391 bytes
Michaelmjc: 5155 bytes
My own: 7856 bytes

I don't think that small difference will make a huge impact on server performance.

Same here ... everything runs perfectly these days.

Anyway, the idea put forward by the OP on one level is distasteful but I'm just an old fashioned anarchist who believes in a community of equals rather than some being seen as 'more equal' than others.

The idea of Mods having bigger anything - and I suspect their bigger Avatars are a compensation for some perceived inadequacy - just because they can doesn't seem right. However, a case can be made for it easily from POV of them being easier to locate and PM if needed, for example, but I also believe people can get a lot from this forum and should consider seriously paying in something towards the costs, whatever they feel is right.

Personally, I'm always going to give to more of my spare cash to a humanitarian cause than a hobby forum, but I do think I should offer some amount that I myself see as fair and reasonable. If the larger Avatars signified that then over time it would send out a signal.

Of course, it could also allow some people to suggest someone who hadn't paid anything had less right to express themselves here, and we could also start seeing different sizes as signifying different sized wallets. I think that would suck very badly and I would probably leave if that kind of thing happened ... but maybe that's a good reason to do it!!

I am pretty sure I can say that Pekka never will let that happen.

I basically agree with You that paying to get more access or better something on a forum is not the best thing. In general I think it is better that everyone have to pay to get access to the full content rather than having one part free and another cost money to access. But I don't think POTN should go that way. Voluntary donations via the POTN shop is the way to go in my opinion.

It has been up before but I will put it up again. I really like the idea if a booklet with photos from POTN members is produced and sold to members via the shop. Or maybe a calendar with the top 12 photos from the latest POTN Photographer of the year contest.

Loosing the adverts was reward enough for me.

Mind you I will have to be given a bigger avatar if I continue to put on weight

N

I wouldn't go so far as to say my idea is distasteful. Maybe not practical or viewed with wide acceptance but distasteful ?

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell

Edited due to spelling typo

On one level I said ... I then went on to consider some alternative ways of looking at the idea that were not distasteful. Your quote reference is correct, well done: you are clearly an educated gentleman

What about framed shots? I noticed that dpchallenge.com, sells certain pictures. That would always be a thought, I really like the idea of a calender or photoalbum of some of the best shots sold.

Cracking idea as long as you can get agreement from the copyright owners...

Of course. I am sure that would not be a problem.

I would hope not...

See, now t hat's a good one, about the calendars. Of course, how to choose the content? I understand about the past competitions, but surely you wouldn't want landscapes, sports, wildlife, macro, etc. all in the same calendar, as it wouldn't appeal to everyone. There should be an option, and then have them made to order by whomever. A landscape calendar, a macro calendar, a wildlife one, one of the best sports pictures, etc.

Now would be the best time to get it going, too. Could sell 2006 calendars still. I'd get one for sure.