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[mattcaron]

I'd happily contribute some small monthly amount (say 2 euro per month) as a recurring paypal transaction.. but I don't see a link to do that...

[Saccade]

This is why, quite a while ago, I suggested some kind of reward scheme for people who donate.
It would be a better idea for regular donations.

If someone were to give a few Euros a month, signing up for a year, maybe they could get some piece of Abandonia merchandise?
It would have to be different items for different scales, though...

Perhaps a newsletter and monthly magazine emailed to them?
Or a badge, sticker-set (for bikes, skateboards, fridge, computer, etc.) t-shirt, decided at cost value (if the donation covered the cost of two...) for a year's subscription..?

I've been using Abandonia for a few years now but only been an active member since April - It may encourage more people to use it more regularly and create an account and join the forums and stuff.
I wonder how many people who happen upon the forums find the merchandise page?
There could also be a service whereby you get the "pick of the best" of the month's newest uploads (and/or old favourites) are directly linked in the newsletter email, or something?

I guess at the moment though, Mattcaron, the only thing to do is just check back and set a reminder in the calendar for yourself or something?

[velik_m]

It's not a donation, if you get something for it.

[Saccade]

Retracted.

[dosraider]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discussion_forum

Discussion

Forums prefer a premise of open and free discussion and often adopt de facto standards. Most common topics on forums include questions, comparisons, polls of opinion as well as debates.

[Saccade]

Retracted.

[Acethor]

Calm down pete... I think what dosraider is trying to say is that just like you expect us to listen to and consider your idea, you shouldn't get mad at other people (Velik_M) for what they contribute.

And I think that what Velik_M is trying to say is that since Mattcaron was asking to donate freely without receiving anything, your idea to velik wasnt a good idea. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

[dosraider]

Originally Posted by Acethor

Calm down pete...

Indeed.
What devil got in you lately Saccade?
Your postings become really aggressive towards others.
You use your writing skills as a weapon.

And that's a shame, you're better than that.

[Dave]

A bit of patience guys, we will clarify things with Studentis soon.
After that we could talk about real improvements of the site.

[CrybKeeper]

I am ready to donate myself. Just wanted to make sure first, there would be no problem converting my USD to Euros?

On a more topical note, Yes, it is perfectly legal and viable to offer 'gifts' in return for donations. Have seen it done succesfully on other websites, using non-profit items as the 'gifting materials'. Would need to check and see, if store merchandise can also be 'gifts', but it seems logical to allow that also. A homepage scrolling ticker can show who's donated. An option should be included to the participants, to remain anonymous, or allow public view in the ticker window.

One effective stratagy is to give medals under members avatars, for doing specific community tasks, or volunteering, etc.

Does anyone know about Simtropolis.com's, yearly Trixie Awards ceremony?

@Saccade: I like your ideas and desire to make Abandonia more appealing. You are on the right track friend.