I like the idea of giving extra benefits to members who donate while keeping the site basically as it currently is for non-benefitors. We have already heard good ideas such as adding a special icon next to the donator's name. What are some other 'extras' that we could offer to donators?

For one thing you could make them judges for the wallpaper contests, for that matter they could decide what the content for the contests would be by matter of vote.You could also send out news letters to inform them of happenings.But if you give someone the ability to buy control over the site you might experience less than desirable results.

tbob has an interesting point there . . . this could be the start of an image mofia . . . ;-)

i'm finding it hard to think of any benefits other than special status (icons, etc.) and some sort of added voting power or greater voice. because the site as it is seems to me to have full access. there is no limit to how many images you may download (or upload), no limit to how many you can view (as in, you can see all the archives you want), and you have access to the search capabilities as well. without docking some of those things i can't think of many more privileges.

you could incorporate some of the features of the new site like being able to make use of a favorites gallery into the benefits package . . .

I know you said that advertising didn't make that much money, but you could do something like where the 'members' (those who donate) can bypass the ads. Sorta like GameSpy if any of you use it. Every time you start up, it shows an ad, unless you pay the $25 fee, then you can do things like upload a custom icon, turn off ads, make it so that they're text in forums such as these are a different color to make them stand out, have things like favorites lists, easier file transfers and other little extras. I kinda like the idea of different text colors so that members text would be like red or yellow or something (or the person can change it). Oh, and another good idea! I'm on a role here. For the members, you could make it so they can have a 'Preferences' thing, where they can choose things like resolution (so they don't have to choose between them) and picture styles.

Well that's it for now, I'll may come back later with some more ideas.

Thanks for all the ideas so far!

I just wanted to also say that we'll probably have a special page listing all the members who contributed, possibly sorted by donation amount.

I would think that punishing the members that dont donate by making them bear a bunch of stuff in order to view the site would be worse them making people join to begin with.Some of the other things you mentioned might be cool though.Now my next question might sound like a stupid one but what would happen if you dont meet your quota? Would you be forced to shut the site down?

Hopefully we'll be able to generate a little breathing room when we actually get the server, so that wouldn't be a problem.

Or, at least, you HOPE it wouldn't be a problem ;-)

There should not be any sort of penalty on those who do not donate, because there are millions of legitamate reasons why people won't donate. And I don't know if it's a good idea to have people that donate have a "higher voice", because that doesn't mean that they judge well. But on the other hand, they wouldn't be donating if they did'nt have some sort of passion for the site. Personally, I the only thing that really makes sense is the icon or whatever next to there name. like if u donate 20 or more you get Gold Star, 15 - Silver, or whatever. But perhaps the other ideas could work out as well... Another thing you have to keep in mind is that one of the reasons this website is so good and popular is that is very easy to use, every thing is free, no ads...Some of these suggestions you guys are making would completely ruin this advantage...

Donor icons are a nice idea. Voting privileges are also a good idea. The icon is good because then, when a donor/Member (if you go the membership route, which I support) has an opinion on a picture you know - because of the icon - that the person is serious enough to part with some money in order for his/her works to be exhibited on the site. Same with voting status. It's not just someone cruising the forums on the Web and flaming people because they feel comfortable and anonymous.

In the end, though, this website belongs to Caedes. It's his baby and he gets to call the shots, as far as I'm concerned. The fact that he is asking us and interacting with us shows me that he cares about his uploaders and that he wants to do what is right and fair. But in the end, it's Caedes who does all the work while we just get to muck about showing off our stuff and yakking. So I'm on board for whatever he decides.

I second that Ecwynn! (On the letting Caedes decide part..) Most picture sites don't even interact with their members, much less let the site be free! I think that its an honor to be able to use such a great website at no cost, and if the Paypal idea passes, I wouldn't hesitate to donate some money!

A message ... random, to an extent ... that appears under images featured, stating that this image is in part made possible by so and so.

However, would like to see the 'featured' images broken down into categories more so. And allow for more of, simply put ... on the site's front page.

Rotate the messages as often as the images ... soon enough, everyone will have had a chance to see their names 'up in lights' ... and this might direct some traffic to the front page once known ... and then it can be put to even better use than I perceive it as now.

A couple of times per year ... random draws for special acknowledgement or 'contributor appreciation gifts'. (It would be a write-off methinks as well against 'revenues'. That is not the reason I am suggesting this though ... just a consideration to offset any costs incurred.)

The dates of which could or could not coincide with traditional holidays.

'Gifts'? Posters, t-shirts ... stuff from Caedes.net Cafepress Store.

Pancake Day!!

Hey, you knew it was only a matter of time mista!!

8~D

How about an RSS feed for donators?

How about the benefit of being able to change the default color of the Caedes web pages? As in a style/theme chooser.