New Subscriber Options

[razzleson]

Alright, this one I've actually been talking about on AIM/MSN for a while, with both senior members and new.

We all agree there should be more options to the subscription program.

No only a lower plan, which we agree should be a minimum of $5, but we should also have a higher subscription plan for those with both fantastic paying jobs, or those with sugar mamas.

I know it's been brought up before, and I did search, but I didn't look in all the threads to bump up old topics. I do not want to take credit for this idea though. It's more of a collaboration than anything.

Members as a whole, please respond with your opinions. Would you start/upgrade if there was a lower/higher subscription plan to the best Xbox 360 site around (aka x360a :p)?

[Jdm7399]

I will take FULL credit of this idea!:p

Seriously, neither Razzle or myself have thought up this idea. I remember seeing somewhere that a member suggested a $5.00 Subscriber's Plan and that the Award Picture could be a Toilet or Toilet Seat?:p

Let us know what you think of this idea guys. Thanks!:)

Also if you're the member that came up with this idea, please Copy and Paste a link to that specific thread. The credit will certainly go to you if the idea is implemented.;)

and Yes, Razzle and I suck at Searching.:p

[kantizuni]

No lifetime membership option?

[Bax x360a]

No lifetime membership option?
The 360 won't last our lifetime though, another console will be out in a few years.

[Zef]

It sounds interesting, some people have complained about prices and would rather donate random amounts at random occasions so cheaper options could work. But if that happens the perks that come with subscriptions should vary, so that people with platinum subscriptions get more for their money than those with toilet subscriptions =P

Maybe change the names too, so it is Toilet ($2.50), Bronze ($5), Silver ($10), Gold ($20), Platinum ($30), Diamond ($40), Zef ($free for me). Where Toilet and Bronze just get a green name and the award, silver gets forum access, gold gets the name change option, and then platinum and diamond get some extras to be added in. Maybe like the option to rate guides, reviews etc. So that even if people abuse it then Minty's diamond encrusted, titanium hottub can be well stocked with well oiled eunuchs and kept at a toasty 58.7 degrees.

[Otisbum]

The only reason I don't subscribe/donate is because my parents wouldn't "approve" of it, and I'd rather not explain where $10 is going every month. ;)
Although the fact that I have no job is also a contributing factor.

I do plan on helping the site out once I get to college, since I already have a job lined up and will have much more freedom, so extra features would be nice to have.

I'd have to agree with Zef on this one, he's got a nice little system outlined. However, I don't think subscriptions should go over $30-35 usd, as that kind of gets to be too much for a few extra perks, and if one wants to give more to the site, they can also donate in addition to subscribing.

[razzleson]

]However, I don't think subscriptions should go over $30-35 usd, as that kind of gets to be too much for a few extra perks, and if one wants to give more to the site, they can also donate in addition to subscribing.
I have to make note on one thing.

I DO believe subscriptions should go as $50 max, but I DON'T thing they should add extra features.

Personally I don't think the amount should influence the features at all. If you're a subscriber you're a subscriber. It's not our place to judge people on how much they can donate a month. IMO it doesn't matter if you donate $5 a month or $500 a month. Either way you're helping the site greatly.

[Barrthnine]

I like the idea of adding some extra features, especially the ability to rate the guides. As far as adding other levels of subscribing, I'm all for it. Even if only one or two people could afford the maximum level, that's still some extra money for the site.

[SmallCheezFry]

I do agree with a lower and higher subscription option, but I don't think the $2.50 a month should be implemented. I think the minimum should be $5.

Also, I think that everyone should get AT LEAST forum access. Otherwise you'd have to call it "Silver Subscribers and Above". People have different money situations and the fact they are willing to donate should be enough to give them the same features as the rest of the subscribers.

[Hayden]

Marx0r came up with this originally on the subscribers board ;)

I think its a great day adding a $5 option and i believe you would get some more subscribers

[Webb]

Not really a problem to add lower and higher tiers...

But what sort of adds ons would subscribers be after? Speak now or forever hold your peace ;)

[Sanction]

Not really a problem to add lower and higher tiers...

But what sort of adds ons would subscribers be after? Speak now or forever hold your peace ;)

An extended profile, a blog, and other cool features that the freeloaders of the site won't be able to enjoy. ;) :p

[GaZ]

How bout when you subscribe you can get a new custom gamer card picture you know that gamer card under your post.

[J O 12 D]

Not really a problem to add lower and higher tiers...

But what sort of adds ons would subscribers be after? Speak now or forever hold your peace ;)


Personal ban hammers? :p



Nah, I think this would be a great idea to make more tiers of subscription levels for those who cannot afford very much, even though I don't think $10 (£5) is very much anyway and I know i'm not a subsciber but I will be once I get my credit card.
I can't think of many perks apart from more tournaments, larger avatar size (kb) and guide/review/news comment rating etc.

[Minty]

No offence meant to anyone, I know some people cant afford to spare the money each month- thats fine with me.

But implementing $5 a month? Thats £2.50. Thats less than 10 pence a day. I mean - really???

[Barrthnine]

There are a couple of pretty good ideas here. I like the idea of an extended profile and a blog. I'm not sure that I'd do a lot of blogging myself, but I'd love to check out what other people are writing. I also really like the idea of being able to rate different guides.

[SmallCheezFry]

No offence meant to anyone, I know some people cant afford to spare the money each month- thats fine with me.

But implementing $5 a month? Thats £2.50. Thats less than 10 pence a day. I mean - really???

Not sure if you mean that the $5 should be considered because of the low cost or if you think its too low to consider. Either way, I think it can't hurt to add.

If we had several members subscribe to the $5 a month plan, you'd only be increasing donations without any real trouble other than just adding another tier.

[J O 12 D]

No offence meant to anyone, I know some people cant afford to spare the money each month- thats fine with me.

But implementing $5 a month? Thats £2.50. Thats less than 10 pence a day. I mean - really???


Very true, I don't even think the $10 subscribtion is very much to be honest, that's only a fiver, per month!

[Shinobi273]

I don't suport $5 subscription, you already lose a little on every transaction (less than $1) but $5 just seems like too little to me. I wouldn't mind lump sum subscriptions though. $120 for a year, if you admin could manage such a system (keeping track of who paid and when, also reminders to 'resubscribe').

New features would definately be having a blog of some kind. More subscriber only tourneys and possibly the ability to vote on things/rate things that it would be too cumbersome or meaningless to allow all users to vote on/rate like guides and site workings.

[SmallCheezFry]

If the $5 a month is implemented, not sure how the whole "Toilet Subscription" would be a good name for it. I mean, the member would be donating, so why not at least show them some appreciation in a worthy subscription title? Unless I'm taking this too literal :)

Not sure what goes before Bronze...

Copper? lol I can't think of anything

[Zef]

If you want to avoid losing money on lower prices then you could increase the minimum amount of time people can get at any one time, so make it bimonthly and then a $5 transaction is then $10 and paypal steal less.

And maybe change it so people can choose to continually pay small amounts or buy a certain amount of time in weeks/months and in your profile you can see how many days you have left of your subscription in a little countdown thing. And remember the idea to show how long people spend online? Why not have that but for how long people have been a subscriber?

[SmallCheezFry]

If you want to avoid losing money on lower prices then you could increase the minimum amount of time people can get at any one time, so make it bimonthly and then a $5 transaction is then $10 and paypal steal less.

I like that. Not sure if it would be out-of-the-way since the rest of the subscriptions are on a monthly basis.

Plus... if you choose to just plain donate, there is an option for $5. So if we already have that, what's the big deal of just adding a subscription for $5. You're losing money going through paypal either way, just subscribing gives someone the incentive to do monthly.

[Webb]

Not sure what goes before Bronze...

Copper? lol I can't think of anything

Copper is not actually a bad shout...

I kind of agree with Shinobi when it comes to the $5 come to think of it. Not sure how easy bimonthly is to setup or even the lump subscriptions but we can look in to it.

As far as everything else goes, we'll have a look in to all this as our next big project.

[Blake]

Sounds great for someone like me because i might think about actually donating :P.

[Vista]

New Features-

Subscriber only contests
Special addition to signature, or special bio area
If they win a regular contest they get first picks at the prizes
"Top Secret" Newsletter on the future happenings of the site.

[Webb]

New Features-
"Top Secret" Newsletter on the future happenings of the site.

Well, the Subscribers forum pretty much works on the basis that we clue them in as to what we are working on sometimes and they actually have a suggestion thread where we take all the suggestions very seriously and consider them.

Funnily enough, this sort of stuff is going on in there right now and has been for some time and some suggestions have been implemented on the fly.

This is more to see what the whole community as a whole is after and what benefits they would like and what would tempt them to become a subscriber.

[Marx0r]

- Subscriber-only contests and tournaments. You get advantages based on your subscription level.

- Blogs

- Ability to rate guides, reviews, etc.

- Ability to set medals for themselves (completion, etc.), that aren't featured in the sidebar.

- Ability to delete Vista's posts. :p

- Extended profile

That's all for now.

[Vista]

As I have said before, I would love to become a subscriber, yet my personal Debit card does not work for Paypal. If something did get implemented, that really tempted me, I would find a way, yet I am still trying to find one as of now, because I really owe it to the site.

[SmallCheezFry]

Copper is not actually a bad shout...

Yay me! :p Only kidding of course.

I like the idea of a longer Bio to describe yourself a bit more in detail, but the longer sig would only lead to more complaining.

[Marx0r]

Did anyone say longer sig? What we do need, and for everyone that is, is a pixel limit on the sigs and not a character limit. The first sig I ever had was just Ezekiel 25:17 from Pulp Fiction, and despite the fact it was only about 6 lines of text, it wouldn't go through. I had to write it out in Paint and upload it to Imageshack.
</offtopic>

Suggested subscriber levels:

$5 - Aluminum
$10 - Copper
$15 - Bronze
$20 - Silver
$30 - Gold
$40 - Platinum
$50 - Diamond

[Sanction]

Did anyone say longer sig? What we do need, and for everyone that is, is a pixel limit on the sigs and not a character limit. The first sig I ever had was just Ezekiel 25:17 from Pulp Fiction, and despite the fact it was only about 6 lines of text, it wouldn't go through. I had to write it out in Paint and upload it to Imageshack.
</offtopic>

Suggested subscriber levels:

$5 - Aluminum
$10 - Copper
$15 - Bronze
$20 - Silver
$30 - Gold
$40 - Platinum
$50 - Diamond

So pretty much Gold and up is for the super rich people on the site. :p

To avoid all controversy, I don't have a signature. ;)

[Barrthnine]

Suggested subscriber levels:

$5 - Aluminum
$10 - Copper
$15 - Bronze
$20 - Silver
$30 - Gold
$40 - Platinum
$50 - Diamond

The only issue with expanding the use of different metals as the levels is the fact that its going to be pretty hard to differentiate them on the awards. I already can't tell the difference between the silver and the platinum awards and I don't know how you'll make copper and bronze look distinctive. I don't really have a better suggestion, but that's just my thought. I do like the diamond idea though, especially if it can be made to sparkle or something. Anyone who donates that much on a monthly basis should really stand out.

[Blind x360a]

If the subscribers get benefits based on their level is wrong IMO.

Some people can't afford it and for them to be left out of some stuff even though they are still helping is wrong.

[Marx0r]

Also if you're the member that came up with this idea, please Copy and Paste a link to that specific thread. The credit will certainly go to you if the idea is implemented.;)

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/forum/showthread.php?t=49107&page=4

I was thinking there should be a $5 subscription option. I would've signed up on Day One if there was one, and something is better than nothing, right?

[SmallCheezFry]

Special addition to signature
Did anyone say longer sig?

Sorry... misread that one.

[Webb]

To be honest, changing all the awards would be a major pain! I'd rather add one at the bottom (if necessary) and one at the top (or even two).

Now we've established we want more tiers, so lets drop that and leave it with us.

We're after unique ideas now ;)

[Shinobi273]

To be honest, changing all the awards would be a major pain! I'd rather add one at the bottom (if necessary) and one at the top (or even two).

Now we've established we want more tiers, so lets drop that and leave it with us.

We're after unique ideas now ;)

Really? I thought it was still pretty split with more tiers.

[Webb]

It was established that some people want lower tears, some don't, but higher tiers have been suggested to me more than 100 times :p

What harm will it do? None.

[RogueVasion]

As I have said before, I would love to become a subscriber, yet my personal Debit card does not work for Paypal. If something did get implemented, that really tempted me, I would find a way, yet I am still trying to find one as of now, because I really owe it to the site.

I am in the same boat. I can't use my debit card with Paypal. I am tempted to buy a prepaid Visa card, like NumberUno said, but then there is a monthly charge to those cards, activation fee, etc...If anyone knows of a good prepaid card company, please let me know?

Anyway, I think a five dollar option would be a successful idea, you can gain the price one pays with 2 people, at a minimum. I bet there would be so many subscribers by then, you guys would have alot of support building up the site. I even think 10 dollars is kind of low; that's a 1 hour salary to some. Even some extra features for those subscribers, incentives, etc. would make it cool (the ones you have now are still tempting)... :D

EDIT: If there is a $5 dollar subscription plan, make it a black, for coal.

[Tussell]

No harm could really be done.
I only see progress and help.

I do think that some other benefits would be cool, either way, I subscribed not for me, but for the site.

[Shinobi273]

I am in the same boat. I can't use my debit card with Paypal. I am tempted to buy a prepaid Visa card, like NumberUno said, but then there is a monthly charge to those cards, activation fee, etc...If anyone knows of a good prepaid card company, please let me know?

Anyway, I think a five dollar option would be a successful idea, you can gain the price one pays with 2 people, at a minimum. I bet there would be so many subscribers by then, you guys would have alot of support building up the site. I even think 10 dollars is kind of low; that's a 1 hour salary to some. Even some extra features for those subscribers, incentives, etc. would make it cool (the ones you have now are still tempting)... :D

EDIT: If there is a $5 dollar subscription plan, make it a black, for coal.

My suggestion for lump sum subscriptions would definately help users like you out. You would only need to get the $120 on Paypal once a year to subscribe instead of dealing with all that BS on a constant/monthly basis.

[RogueVasion]

My suggestion for lump sum subscriptions would definately help users like you out. You would only need to get the $120 on Paypal once a year to subscribe instead of dealing with all that BS on a constant/monthly basis.

That is a good idea Shinobi. Not only would that solve my prepaid issues with hidden/stupid charges, but after paying that 1 lump sum, you don't need to worry about it for another year. It sounds like alot, but then again, it's only $10/month. That's an interesting stance, I like it. :)

[Tussell]

Eh, I don't think that's too great of an idea.
I'm more of a 'Cancel Anytime' guy. :p

[zlionsfan]

Hmm, trade-offs. Tangible rewards are cool, but could cut into the value of the subscription to the site. (Example: upgraded prizes for winning contests.) Intangible rewards are also cool, but add to the massive workload the admins have now. (Example: user-defined medals.)

I'd lean toward tangible rewards as a suggestion: something that is or might be less work for the site but brings in more cash. I like the idea of additional contests or advantages within a contest for subscribers/advanced subscribers.

Basically I'm stealing Marx0r's and Vista's suggestions and presenting them as my own. I could totally work in upper management.

[RogueVasion]

Eh, I don't think that's too great of an idea.
I'm more of a 'Cancel Anytime' guy. :p

I agree, to a point. I hate being stuck in a contract or anything of the such. But, then again, it's going to a good cause. I am helping the site, which I am quite active in, there is no console coming out soon to bump the site, and so on. I would love to cancel anytime, as well, but 1 day of work just paid me for 1 year. The rest of the week is earnings! :p

[Jdm7399]

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/forum/showthread.php?t=49107&page=4

^^^Thank you Marx0r my friend!

If the idea is implemented, Marx0r is the one that deserves the credit.;)

[Marx0r]

Anyways, how about more pm box room for subscribers? I rarely get pm'ed, and I've managed to fill my box to 90% up twice now. And 224 is NOT 90% of 250.

EDIT: Uhh, I accidentally deleted some of your post. I clicked Edit instead of quote and didn't catch it until after I already saved :(

This is why you don't get on the forums right after you wake up.

[Minty]

Yay.

Anyways, how about more pm box room for subscribers? I rarely get pm'ed, and I've managed to fill my box to 90% up twice now. And 224 is NOT 90% of 250.

Yes it is. It works out as 89.6%, which when to 0 D.P is 90 %

[razzleson]

Anyways, how about more pm box room for subscribers? I rarely get pm'ed, and I've managed to fill my box to 90% up twice now. And 224 is NOT 90% of 250.Pfft, n00b.

I have to delete mine as it fills up in a month. I don't even want to know about the admins :p

[Sanction]

Pfft, n00b.

I have to delete mine as it fills up in a month. I don't even want to know about the admins :p

Mr. Popularity :P . That would be a nice added bonus though, a larger PM box. Or maybe the ability to have a custom name color instead of the boring green that mine is now...;)

Or the ability to change our names...right now we'd have to bother Minty / Webb / RX to do it.

[Shinobi273]

Hey, green names are pretty slick. I wish my name was green. No, I don't want to PM someone about this. lol Lazy? Maybe, I don't want to think about it right now.

[Marx0r]

Mr. Popularity :P . That would be a nice added bonus though, a larger PM box. Or maybe the ability to have a custom name color instead of the boring green that mine is now...;)

Or the ability to change our names...right now we'd have to bother Minty / Dawebbmeister / RX to do it.

Being able to change names is so easily abused, it'd be best to leave it to the admins. Same with name color, if you put it as red or blue you can fool newbs.

[Sanction]

Being able to change names is so easily abused, it'd be best to leave it to the admins. Same with name color, if you put it as red or blue you can fool newbs.

Any colors but mod and admins ones, for obvious reasons. So what if name changing is abused? You'd only be hurting yourself. :p

[Marx0r]

Any colors but mod and admins ones, for obvious reasons. So what if name changing is abused? You'd only be hurting yourself. :p

Well, what if I made my name "DaWebbmister", put it a shade lighter than admin red, and started asking newbs for their login info or whatever?

[Shinobi273]

Well, what if I made my name "DaWebbmister", put it a shade lighter than admin red, and started asking newbs for their login info or whatever?

Impossible, you can't change your name. Selecting our own color will never happen but if it did, colors being used wouldn't be available. There would be swift IP banning and I doubt anyone would actually give out account info.

[NumberUno]

Hey, green names are pretty slick. I wish my name was green. No, I don't want to PM someone about this. lol Lazy? Maybe, I don't want to think about it right now.
PM Routine .. i did it for a bunch of the subscribers and he was more then helpful .. and might i say quick with the change of the the subscriber names. Your only bet cause i doubt bieng able to do it yourself will happen.

[Otisbum]

Impossible, you can't change your name. Selecting our own color will never happen but if it did, colors being used wouldn't be available. There would be swift IP banning and I doubt anyone would actually give out account info. Hence the "what if", and the fact that they're talking about name-changing powers right now anyway.

I say name-changing abilities should stick with the Admins, and maybe a few select Super Mods so that it doesn't get out of hand. There's little reason to be changing a username anyway.

Name colors are fine as they are also.

[PerpetualHeaven]

I think a more complex profile extremely similar to Gamespot's should be given to Subscribers. Honestly, Gamespot sucks but they let you customize your profile so well and they have a ton of options.

[Korix]

Thats less than 10 pence a day.
What the fuck is a pence? Speak English, damnit.

[J O 12 D]

What the fuck is a pence? Speak English, damnit.


Pence = cents effectively.
It's the smaller version of the pound :p

[Apple]

I like the 5$ option as well. I think if you subscribe any amount you should be able to get all the perks, as you do now.

[Minty]

I like the 5$ option as well. I think if you subscribe any amount you should be able to get all the perks, as you do now.

Im gonna slip out of Admin mode and just go as a subscriber here - but I dont see why someone paying $5 a month should get the same perks as someone paying $50 a month. For $50, I have no problems with them getting site email addresses etc, but $5 a month.... well I still dont think it should be an option lol. Make it as a donation, but if your only doing it for the perks of being a subscriber and the award, you aint doing it for the right reasons anyway.


And changing names is an Admin only thing- we'll do it for subscribers, but not on a regular basis. Also, the colour should only be one to cut down on confusion for the rest of the 61k members...

[Korix]

Pence = cents effectively.
It's the smaller version of the pound :p

I know what it is; I was poking at his Englishness.

Now, for something constructive: 18 levels of subscription won't work. You need to come up with tiers of advantages, so keep it to no more than 4. Bottom level gets access to the forums, next level something more, next level something more, top level everything and 1 last bonus.

[SmallCheezFry]

Im gonna slip out of Admin mode and just go as a subscriber here - but I dont see why someone paying $5 a month should get the same perks as someone paying $50 a month. For $50, I have no problems with them getting site email addresses etc, but $5 a month.... well I still dont think it should be an option lol. Make it as a donation, but if your only doing it for the perks of being a subscriber and the award, you aint doing it for the right reasons anyway.

This is the way I see it.

Just because you can afford $50 a month shouldn't mean that you get more privileges than one who donates a monthly $5. It's all relative to the person donating, and its not really fair (as I see it) to discriminate within the subscribers.

Everyone's financial situation is different. As a kid or a single-parent, you need all the money you can get. I know this is extreme but $5 might be a meal to someone, or another month subscription. Someone might be sacrificing more of their financial stability just to be a subscribing member than someone who can easily afford $50 a month because they just so happen to have a high-paying job.

Just the way I see it.

[J O 12 D]

I know what it is; I was poking at his Englishness.

Now, for something constructive: 18 levels of subscription won't work. You need to come up with tiers of advantages, so keep it to no more than 4. Bottom level gets access to the forums, next level something more, next level something more, top level everything and 1 last bonus.


You little bugger :p

On topic though, what you've said is what possibly will never happen, the hierarchy of x360a have stated they don't care what level subscription you're on as long as you're helping the site so if someone can afford £25 a month and another can only afford £10 then it doesn't matter as they are still contributing to the site so they get the same perks.

[Korix]

Then why have different tiers at all? People could just donate any extra they wanted to whenever they wanted.

[J O 12 D]

Then why have different tiers at all? People could just donate any extra they wanted to whenever they wanted.


I honestly dont know but people want shinier awards I guess?

[Barrthnine]

As far as rewards go though, its not the thought that counts. You're being rewarded for the amount of money that you contribute to the site. Not the precentage of your daily spending allowance that you're giving up. Money has an absolute value and if there are going to be perks for the subscribers, I have no problem with those perks being proportional to the amount they donate. I certainly won't complain that a high-roller who can give fifty bucks a month to the site gets an x360a email address, while my five dollar donation gets me access to another part of the forum and a nice spiffy award on my sidebar. The other guy is giving ten times as much, that only seems fair.

[Sanction]

I think we should get personal assistants. Who wants to volunteer and be mine before you're assigned to another subscriber not as nice as me?

[SmallCheezFry]

As far as rewards go though, its not the thought that counts. You're being rewarded for the amount of money that you contribute to the site. Not the precentage of your daily spending allowance that you're giving up. Money has an absolute value and if there are going to be perks for the subscribers, I have no problem with those perks being proportional to the amount they donate. I certainly won't complain that a high-roller who can give fifty bucks a month to the site gets an x360a email address, while my five dollar donation gets me access to another part of the forum and a nice spiffy award on my sidebar. The other guy is giving ten times as much, that only seems fair.

Why wouldn't it be the thought that counts? It's just that I either see that there should be one level of subscription for everyone so there's no discrimination, or all levels are equal. I know the staff here want people to donate to give back to the site that gives them so much. But, in essence, trying to get people to donate more just for perks would be the opposite...

I just find it hypocritical that if you want people to subscribe to give back to the site (and not just for the perks), that you're going to reward those that donate more because they can. I realize it would just be an incentive to get people to donate more, and the monetary value is an issue, but the fact remains that if you don't want people to donate just get to perks, why you offer more perks for higher donations.

Dunno, just debating. I'm not trying to start shit with saying hypocritical (I know it has a bad connotation), I just couldn't think of another word.

[Barrthnine]

Why wouldn't it be the thought that counts? It's just that I either see that there should be one level of subscription for everyone so there's no discrimination, or all levels are equal. I know the staff here want people to donate to give back to the site that gives them so much. But, in essence, trying to get people to donate more just for perks would be the opposite...

I just find it hypocritical that if you want people to subscribe to give back to the site (and not just for the perks), that you're going to reward those that donate more because they can. I realize it would just be an incentive to get people to donate more, and the monetary value is an issue, but the fact remains that if you don't want people to donate just get to perks, why you offer more perks for higher donations.

Dunno, just debating. I'm not trying to start shit with saying hypocritical (I know it has a bad connotation), I just couldn't think of another word.

Not to worry. I'm not offended. I suppose it all depends on how the people running the site view things. If you really don't want people upping their donation level because there are other perks, then it makes total sense to have all levels be equal. On the other hand, this type of thing is really common with just about any non-profit, donation-funded entity. Take public radio for example. Their tagline is that they want you to support 'your' public radio station and explain all the great stuff that you're helping to keep on the air. When it comes down to the donations though, you get different thank-you gifts, depending on the range that you donate in. A low level might get a coffee mug, while someone who donates more gets a sweatshirt. It doesn't mean that the person that donates more gets more out of listening to the radio, but if you already have a ton of coffee mugs, might you not be inspired to donate a little bit more to get an umbrella with the public radio logo? If Routine, Webby, and Minty want to avoid that type of system, then the current system is perfect. The only difference between the levels is the color of the award on the side. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with this system. Far from it, I think its a great one. Very democratic. On the other hand, I certainly wouldn't be at all upset if people who are dropping $25, $40, or $50 on the site saw a little more for their investment than I see for my $5. In the end though, it does all come down to how our fearless leaders want to run their site.

[Webb]

People, people... Forget the tiers and how we run them, both sides have a valid point and when we're ready to implement the changes, we'll jump in to a cage and thrash out who wins :p

We're just after what people would like as bonus features ;)

[Otisbum]

Either way, there are always going to be people who only donate for the extra perks. Why not make it a win-win situation and have just a wee bit of extra stuff for the higher tiers in order to make them donate more? If they're determined to have that special e-mail address or extended profile, and are willing to help out the site, I see no reason not to cater to them.

I'm kind of in the middle as far as your two opinions go. I like the idea of adding a few extra perks as the tiers go higher, but there are some things that should be available to all subscribers, like the forum, name color, and awards.

EDIT: Thanks for making this post void Webb. :p
I've been trying to think of something for a perk for the past few days, it's really tough, especially since there's really not much needed.



EDIT2: This kinda goes along with the extended profile feature, but how about for those who are entered into some of the 1000 and 200 clubs. There would be a link on the left side of their posts around the Awards area that links to a page showing all the games they have completed and are in the clubs for.

[SmallCheezFry]

People, people... Forget the tiers and how we run them, both sides have a valid point and when we're ready to implement the changes, we'll jump in to a cage and thrash out who wins :p

We're just after what people would like as bonus features ;)

haha... fine I'm done debating. Just can't think of any other bonus features :p

[Barrthnine]

Agreed. Debating is done. I'm eager to hear what the x360a brain-trust comes up with here.

[Otisbum]

Any comments on the bolded part of my last post?

[Shinobi273]

Any comments on the bolded part of my last post?

Seems like pointless clutter to me. You asked.

[Otisbum]

No feelings hurt here, just throwing stuff out there.

[NumberUno]

Well i seem to think we should leave it as is .. the only real reason of adding a 5 dollar option is to give those with little money another optional amount to subscribe with.

And someone said why don't people just be all level and then donate what you want to on the side .. well the donations and the subscription are one in the same .. so instead of donating randomly your donating on a monthly basis and at the same time, so its less to worry about, and more time for gaming.

Don't change nothing to the subscriptions other then giving a lower optional amount.

[Webb]

Uno, you may not want added features, but I guarantee some people would love it ;)

Blogs, e-mail addys, extended profiles, more inbox space, have all been mentioned. Just after some fresh ideas.

Forget, I repeat, forget the tier allocation, how many there is, who gets what, how much, etc :D

[Sanction]

Uno, you may not want added features, but I guarantee some people would love it ;)

Blogs, e-mail addys, extended profiles, more inbox space, have all been mentioned. Just after some fresh ideas.

Forget, I repeat, forget the tier allocation, how many there is, who gets what, how much, etc :D

And personal assistants!

[Webb]

And personal assistants!

Oh yeah... How could I forget... Just put that suggestion in my suggestion box *points at trash can*

:p

[Otisbum]

What ever happened to the Christmas charity idea, any more details on that?

[NumberUno]

Uno, you may not want added features, but I guarantee some people would love it ;)

Blogs, e-mail addys, extended profiles, more inbox space, have all been mentioned. Just after some fresh ideas.

Forget, I repeat, forget the tier allocation, how many there is, who gets what, how much, etc :D

Added features for one and all subscribers is the key to success don't single out the platinum from the copper or whatever is gonna be added. .. forgotten .. what's going on? where am i? x360 what? sweet ! lol

[Tussell]

What exactly is an 'extended profile'?

[Marx0r]

It's a profile... that's extended :p

Think one step closer to a myspace. Pictures, longer bio room, more categories, etc.

[GaZ]

How bout give each person a different color.
$5-Green
$10-Blue
$15-Red
$20-Orange
$30-Black
$40-Silver
$50-Gold

[Cyrex]

i know that i will be able to afford a $5 option

[razzleson]

How bout give each person a different color.
$5-Green
$10-Blue
$15-Red
$20-Orange
$30-Black
$40-Silver
$50-Gold
It's been started that colors will not be changed as someone will have to go through all the subscribers, delete their current awards, THEN someone will have to remake all the badges for new colors.

It would be MUCH easier to just add more on the top and bottom. We don't need anymore suggestions for the the subscription plans! What do you guys want if you subscribe? THAT's the question at hand.

[antnie]

once I get a job over the summer I would be happy to subscribe. When you subscribe it should also include raffels for prizes.

[GaZ]

How bout when you subscribe you can get a new custom gamer card picture you know that gamer card under your post.^^^How bout this?

[Sanction]

If you mean a gamerpic for XBL then I don't think it's possible, right now.

[GaZ]

No I mean that little gamer card on top of your award case.

[Barrthnine]

I'd like to throw my vote behind some combination of a blog and/or extended profile. I've had several people help me boost on games (Sonic 2, Mortal Kombat, Lego Star Wars: TCS) and I was thinking that I'd like to start making a list, thanking people that had helped me with specific achievements. What better place to do it than the site that I met them on, which just happens to be devoted to 360 achievements? A blog or profile on this site would be exactly what I was looking for.

[Sanction]

No I mean that little gamer card on top of your award case.

That'd be kind of pointless...you can already get custom ones from MGC or other places and put them in your sig.

[Vista]

I have an idea!!!!!

Along with the member title, why not have a shout box, or a smack talkbox (like Yahoo fantasy sports)

It can be a little box to put a funny comment, quote or little bio, that can go between their avatar and awards....

or

A twitter, like major nelson has, where people can update themselves and say what they are interested in on the forums, or what game they are playing!

[Tussell]

Personally, the shoutbox seems like it would clutter too much.

[Barrthnine]

The shoutbox has been brought up before. The common consensus has been, as Tussell has stated, that it would be too cluttered and, additionally, too easily abused/spammed.

[GaZ]

Hard to think about new perks. How bout the ability to delete their own thread! Eh,eh,eh?

-100TH POST! (Sorry had to do it)

[Tussell]

How about every third game sent in to x360a to be given away in a contest is done through a subscriber only contest?

[Minty]

How about every third game sent in to x360a to be given away in a contest is done through a subscriber only contest?

We have 61,000 members, and around 20 subscribers. Thats hardly fair on the rest of the community- and to me it looks like trying to force people to subscribe to the joke subscription.

[Tussell]

Dammit. rofl
That's true I guess.

[Avelena]

Marx0r came up with this originally on the subscribers board ;)

I think its a great day adding a $5 option and i believe you would get some more subscribers

I know through conversations with Creech that he has been asking for the $50 level for a while. I was at his house when he was IMing with Routine about it, even. Plus, he came up with the subscriber idea originally, so he thinks he owns all of us subscribers now. TEEHEE :p

One of my concerns with adding the $5 subscription option is that it loses its perceived value. I understand the money helps the site, but long term the success of the site is going to be from paid advertising or corporate sponsorship, not $5 here and there from us members.

Edit: I posted the above before getting to Minty's comments about tiers, so my apologies.

Regarding added benefits, I think something to make boosting easier. That is what really sold me on x360a, and the ability to rate people for their boosting manners and willingness would be useful. People like dtolley, phrozan, David Creech and The Pants Party really go out of their way to help people. Maybe we can add in a "boosting rep" and only subscribers can modify it by submitting feedback on members.

I would like the ban hammer, but I think that perhaps my tolerance for garbage posts is less than that required for the judicious use of it.

[MapleMire]

How bout a custom avatar picture and a custom signature picture only subscribers can have.

[The Pants Party]

How bout a custom avatar picture and a custom signature picture only subscribers can have.

Other people would just jack the picture... and we're not going to spend our time removing it from anyone who does so.

[AlphaXGamerXDad]

I'd be willing to subscribe if the site could somehow guarantee game trades between members/subscribers. I'm going to subscribe soon regardless, but that would make it instant.

[Korix]

Ban power is an obvious no. Buying the power to fuck over whoever you feel like on this site would be too tempting for lifelong forum dicks.

If there was a boosting reputation meant to praise those who help others, it would be best to allow all to be able to thank those who deserve it, not just the 20ish.

I started a thread a long time ago for listing collections that died; another has come up that's pretty popular. However, a thread is a pretty unorganized way to do it. Subscribers should have an extra part in their profile for this, probably in a scrollbox, using the same graphics used to list the games on this page (http://www.xbox360achievements.org/games.php?type=Retail) to make things simple.


Oh, and the secret behind James Bond's judo chop would be a nice perk.

[RupturedRapture]

I really dont care if there are any additional perks for subscribing, i would definetely subscribe though if it was only $5 a month!

[MapleMire]

How bout you get a custom pip or something.

[fugitivetoby31]

Im gonna slip out of Admin mode and just go as a subscriber here - but I dont see why someone paying $5 a month should get the same perks as someone paying $50 a month. For $50, I have no problems with them getting site email addresses etc, but $5 a month.... well I still dont think it should be an option lol. Make it as a donation, but if your only doing it for the perks of being a subscriber and the award, you aint doing it for the right reasons anyway.




I actually dissagree with you here Minty!

A student or someone genuinely on a low income who subscribes for $5 a month is actually giving more of their disposable income than a high earner donating $50.

Of course I fully appreciate the difference to the site finances however even giving someone a copper award in lieu of the rich guys diamond award it's kinda condasending in a major way. Sure many won't give a shit, but someone who is genuinely on a lower income/grant is putting in the greater effort.

I'd vote for equal awards for ALL that subscribe/donate what they can. Make these features something that everyone will want and you'll increase your subscribers.

I know it will all come down to trust and members honesty but perhaps subscribers or people intending to subscribe could fill out a brief questionaire, basically highlighting their income range!

[Shinobi273]

I actually dissagree with you here Minty!

A student or someone genuinely on a low income who subscribes for $5 a month is actually giving more of their disposable income than a high earner donating $50.

Of course I fully appreciate the difference to the site finances however even giving someone a copper award in lieu of the rich guys diamond award it's kinda condasending in a major way. Sure many won't give a shit, but someone who is genuinely on a lower income/grant is putting in the greater effort.

I'd vote for equal awards for ALL that subscribe/donate what they can. Make these features something that everyone will want and you'll increase your subscribers.

I know it will all come down to trust and members honesty but perhaps subscribers or people intending to subscribe could fill out a brief questionaire, basically highlighting their income range!

lol We aren't really talking about the subscription ranges anymore. Even still your point about relative income is shouldn't matter, life isn't fair. Some of the hardest working people are among the lowest paid, it should come down to the bottom line as far as the site is concerned about variable subscription rewards. That being said, all subscribers will more than likely get the same subscribing rewards/perks.

Edit (reply not worth another post): I never said you are poor, likely poor, or addressed your income specifically at any time. I was just trying to say that the site should not be concerned with how much people make. You were the one that brought up the social aspect of different levels of rewards for different subscription amounts. I maintain the position that subscriptions should remain at the current levels, without added levels, and that all subscribers should recieve the same benefits. The only change I feel should be added is the option to make a single $120 payment for a year subscription.

[fugitivetoby31]

lol We aren't really talking about the subscription ranges anymore. Even still your point about relative income is shouldn't matter, life isn't fair. Some of the hardest working people are among the lowest paid, it should come down to the bottom line as far as the site is concerned about variable subscription rewards. That being said, all subscribers will more than likely get the same subscribing rewards/perks.

LOL I did notice that after reading the last two pages, geeze the problems with replying to a post from halfway thru a thread.

BTW I'm not on a low income or a student! However I'm very used to being a higher rate tax payer which basically means I pay more in tax's than the majority of people in my country and for this I actually get given less than those paying less than me. Do I think it's fair? No. Do I agree with it? NO.

It is a way of life though. I personally don't want an award or any enhanced benefit over someone else just because I am in a better financial position!

BTW your statment 'some of the hardest working people are amongst the lowest paid' is quite missleading and can easily be missinterpreted. I accept some people earn a high income for relativly little effort/work, however some earn it because of their determination and hard work. You could also say that some of the laziest people in each community are rewarded the most, as I know people who claim benefits, stay at home and don't contribute a penny to the state.

Maybe we should just leave it here as it's a gaming site not a political debate. My only point was that perks should be even for ALL and not basically bought by those that are able to!

EDIT not worth the double post!!

Cannot see in my post where I did say that you mentioned my income?????

Merely pointed out the fact that I was'nt making the point for my own benefit.

You clearly speak for the entire community with your own personal thoughts and carefull use of the word 'we'.

I actually thought this community tried to integrate people in lieu of segregating!

Afterall it is a 'community' and therefore 'bottom line' is irrelevant or at least should be, otherwise we need to drop the term 'community'.

An admin has already pointed out we have over 61k members and just 20 subscribers. Therefore if bottom line really was the be all and end all there would be 20 members here now, on their own holding this very discussion ;)

[MajinFro]

I am surprised I haven't seen it mentioned, but how about added fuctionality and integration(via forums/profiles) in regards to the achievement checklists. I would love to be able to organize the games in my check list in any way I wanted. What I mean is...

I have say 10 games on my checklist, I then have the option of creating a flag category such as Rented, Own, Complete, Incomplete, or whatever I want to flag a game as. I can flag the game and then have an option of showing the games on my checklist with various combinations of flags. So if I flag 5 games as Owned, 5 as Rented, 2 as Completed, 8 as Incomplete, 4 as Complete Suckage. I can then check some boxes such as Rented and Incomplete and click show and I will see a list of games Rented and Incomplete as I marked them. I hope that makes sense.

x360a Boosting Friends List would be a cool idea also and would require mutual acceptance on both parties. Then you could mass message your boosting list and see if anyone has The Darknesss and is up for 250 wins.

All of these things and various other integrations such as completion awards and whatnot could be built into a profile system. I like the myspace idea. A public profile that everyone sees, and maybe a user profile that contains all of your tools and options and content that you the user would want to see similar to myspace where I can view bullentins, friends list, etc.

[Barrthnine]

I'm a huge fan of the achievement lists (they were the main thing that drew me to the site in the first place). I love this idea with flagging particular games. As I understand you, this wouldn't be a simple categorization would it? For example, if you selected "rented" and "incomplete", you would bring up only games that were rented AND incomplete, right? Not a full list of all rented games and all incomplete games. Frankly, that's an awesome idea.

[MajinFro]

I'm a huge fan of the achievement lists (they were the main thing that drew me to the site in the first place). I love this idea with flagging particular games. As I understand you, this wouldn't be a simple categorization would it? For example, if you selected "rented" and "incomplete", you would bring up only games that were rented AND incomplete, right? Not a full list of all rented games and all incomplete games. Frankly, that's an awesome idea.

Exactly. Rented AND Incomplete with and being the keyword in the boolean sense.

[Barrthnine]

I think this is just a fantastic idea. I'd love to see it implemented. I only have about 20 games on my list right now, but that's growing and this would make one of my favorite parts of the site even more useful. If this happens, MajinFro definitely deserves a Bright Idea award.

[Korix]

If someone pays less but works harder, they'll get the rewards in their showcase that matter. No one's going to think that the gold/platinum/whatever subscription tile means more than the bright idea tile. All someone is doing is paying for the former.