Jun 14, 2008, 08:45 PM
I think it depends on the intent of the donation.
If the server does not rely on donations to stay running and would still exist if there were no donations at all, I think having a limited set number of reserved slots for people who choose to donate is a completely valid. I would not see it as people buying a reserved slot but instead the reserved slot as a 'thank you' and as an increased chance to get on the server, not a guarantee.
On the other hand, if the server relies greatly or completely on donations, I would probably say the server needs to either be locked for those users or have the entire 32 user base set up on reserved slots. Not that people who don't have a reserved slot can't play, but if 32 people with reserved slots decide to be on at the same time, then they are just SoL. The reason is because they are, imo, now buying a slot on the server, no longer 'donating' to it out of the kindness of their hearts because they enjoy playing there and want to give something back.
I find that people who want to make people pay monthly or more are in the first mind set. I imagine because they can't afford or just don't want to feel like they have to pay to be able to play on the server or are jealous and want the same courtesy extended to them without having to pay.
On the other hand, I feel like the people who want an increase the reserve slot are people in the second mind set - where they believe they were purchasing a slot on the server. In this case, they feel they are entitled to play when ever they want, because they put down cold-hard-cash. If I 'donated' just to get my slot and no other reason, I think I would feel cheated as well.
I think it would be important for you, DF, to decide what the intent of the donations is.
If its more the first mind set, I don't know that I would consider adding more slots. People should not donate to buy a spot on the server, it should be a thank you from you to them regarding their donation and should be out of the kindness of their hearts. It's not even a guaranteed spot, it's just an increased likelihood of getting in with there being multiple donators and limited slots.
If its more the second mind set, I think you probably should increase the number of reserved slots or consider keeping a server locked for only those individuals. If people are under the impression without them, you couldn't run the server and they alone are responsible for the upkeep of it, I feel like they would have a right to complain about it and be able to 'play on demand'.
At least, that is my own personal views on the issue. The above statements are not directed towards anyone (other than DF, I guess) nor are they intended to 'call someone out' or make them defend why they chose to donate or not. Just my personal opinion and viewpoints after spending many years in many different online communities since QW.
If the server does not rely on donations to stay running and would still exist if there were no donations at all, I think having a limited set number of reserved slots for people who choose to donate is a completely valid. I would not see it as people buying a reserved slot but instead the reserved slot as a 'thank you' and as an increased chance to get on the server, not a guarantee.
On the other hand, if the server relies greatly or completely on donations, I would probably say the server needs to either be locked for those users or have the entire 32 user base set up on reserved slots. Not that people who don't have a reserved slot can't play, but if 32 people with reserved slots decide to be on at the same time, then they are just SoL. The reason is because they are, imo, now buying a slot on the server, no longer 'donating' to it out of the kindness of their hearts because they enjoy playing there and want to give something back.
I find that people who want to make people pay monthly or more are in the first mind set. I imagine because they can't afford or just don't want to feel like they have to pay to be able to play on the server or are jealous and want the same courtesy extended to them without having to pay.
On the other hand, I feel like the people who want an increase the reserve slot are people in the second mind set - where they believe they were purchasing a slot on the server. In this case, they feel they are entitled to play when ever they want, because they put down cold-hard-cash. If I 'donated' just to get my slot and no other reason, I think I would feel cheated as well.
I think it would be important for you, DF, to decide what the intent of the donations is.
If its more the first mind set, I don't know that I would consider adding more slots. People should not donate to buy a spot on the server, it should be a thank you from you to them regarding their donation and should be out of the kindness of their hearts. It's not even a guaranteed spot, it's just an increased likelihood of getting in with there being multiple donators and limited slots.
If its more the second mind set, I think you probably should increase the number of reserved slots or consider keeping a server locked for only those individuals. If people are under the impression without them, you couldn't run the server and they alone are responsible for the upkeep of it, I feel like they would have a right to complain about it and be able to 'play on demand'.
At least, that is my own personal views on the issue. The above statements are not directed towards anyone (other than DF, I guess) nor are they intended to 'call someone out' or make them defend why they chose to donate or not. Just my personal opinion and viewpoints after spending many years in many different online communities since QW.