No Ads Subscription

[Dazz]

It has come to my attention that a number of users are looking to help contribute financially to this site, but with the lack of rewards, aren't seeing it as a good investment. They get nothing out of it but that warm fuzzy feeling, and to be honest, I can't blame them - I'd be exactly the same way.

As such, I'm wondering if you guys would be interested in a no-ads subscription service. This isn't a solid, definite thing yet, but I want to try and explore other options when it comes to how this site can be run.

If there was a "No Ads" membership you could purchase, would you?

$5/month, for example. With maybe a small discount for a year of membership.

Let me know what you think and any other ideas you might have.

[Deathbringer]

Just 5 or will it have tax added?

[Dazz]

Just $5 - I pay tax on all revenue earned through the site as is, I would do the same with all subscriptions.

[Deathbringer]

I wouldn't have a problem with it.

[[robo9]]

I just don't see people (unless they were extremely honest) paying $5 for something they can do for free

[Dazz]

The main reason is because it gives people a legitimate means of removing ads, while also not making the site suffer. The use of adblock makes certain parts of the site not function correctly, but more than that, it reduces the revenue earned from ads.

Consider a contribution to the continued running of the site, rather than "I want to buy something" - we will also be looking to introduce measures to make adblock not entirely effective. We don't want to prevent the site from being used by people with adblock, but we cannot allow the site to be abused in this manner. We try to never allow intrusive advertising to run on the site, so if you do use adblock, I'm implore you to white-list the site regardless, as ads are always off to a side filling empty space as is.

[Frario]

;) I already donate $5 on the patreon every month so I obviously agree with this. I owe half of my career to this website, and it continues to be an archive for artistic references, research and videogame history.

TSR is like my favourite "library"
Everyone needs a good library where they can sit down, read, share and learn. <3

Those $5 are the equivalent of a library card.

[[robo9]]

The main reason is because it gives people a legitimate means of removing ads, while also not making the site suffer. The use of adblock makes certain parts of the site not function correctly, but more than that, it reduces the revenue earned from ads.

Consider a contribution to the continued running of the site, rather than "I want to buy something" - we will also be looking to introduce measures to make adblock not entirely effective. We don't want to prevent the site from being used by people with adblock, but we cannot allow the site to be abused in this manner. We try to never allow intrusive advertising to run on the site, so if you do use adblock, I'm implore you to white-list the site regardless, as ads are always off to a side filling empty space as is.

I mean, the ads don't bother me because I use TSR exclusively on my iPhone, and there's no Adblock there. But realistically, most people that would be bothered enough by ads would probably use a free program over paying $5 a month. I mean, it's what I would personally do if the ads bothered me if given the choice between the two (and as I said before, I don't plan on doing)

I mean, if there were extra incentives for the $5 a month, (you could take an extremely hard stance against Adblock or offer the VGR Network for only $4.99 a month, brother.)

Although on the other hand, I don't see where doing something like this would do any harm. An extra $5 from an honest person who hates ads would always be welcomed, I guess

[puggsoy]

I think the main point is, rather than "to remove the ads, pay $5" it's more like "willing to donate $5 a month? Awesome, we'll remove the ads too". So for people who are already willing to donate it gives them a little bonus, and they'll feel good about it. And people who are considering it, it gives them a bit more incentive.
There will always be people using AdBlock, but there are plenty who don't and $5 is a good deal for removal of ads while still supporting the site. It's like pirating games, there will always be people who do that, but those who actually pay can play the game while knowing that they're supporting the developers. It's all a matter of principle and honesty, and I think that most people who regularly use the site are willing to pay $5 instead of use AdBlock.

I think this is a fine offer. For people who have been members for a year a discount to maybe $4.50 or $4 would be cool (or alternatively, $5 is a discount from $5.50 or $6). Removal of ads would certainly be a nice perk for helping support the site.

[G-Haven]

I'm already using the patreon route too, and I do owe this place for being a good web-home back when I was in Highschool still, nearly 7-8 years ago.

I'd say 5 bucks a month is a pretty decent donation.

[Kosheh]

But realistically, most people that would be bothered enough by ads would probably use a free program over paying $5 a month. I mean, it's what I would personally do if the ads bothered me if given the choice between the two (and as I said before, I don't plan on doing)

I mean, if there were extra incentives for the $5 a month, (you could take an extremely hard stance against Adblock or offer the VGR Network for only $4.99 a month, brother.)

Although on the other hand, I don't see where doing something like this would do any harm. An extra $5 from an honest person who hates ads would always be welcomed, I guess

And most people who have AdBlock installed just leave it active usually. I feel like for more people to fork out the cash (because face it, a $5 monthly subscription is a bit to ask of a majority of our users, especially the ones under 18) just make a cool perks program, like "VG Resource Gold" with additional features:

- Upload multiple sheets to the Resource sites at once (up to 5)
- Allow these users to tag sheets on the main site
- Get a cool icon displayed in your profile on the forum and main site
- Enable profile display customization on the forums for these users
- Allow an extra 100px for their signatures
- Post in a super-secret forum where u can kill others dudez and have bumsex wit dey mums

(I just made those up for the sake of cool examples, but you should get the idea)

But Kosheh, won't that create elitism among the userbase?

Maybe? But if those members are paying $60/yr for no ads and cool perks, I'd say they'd be getting their money's worth for their contributions to off-site and server costs. :V

I'd honestly make this more like, $1 a month for no ads ("Silver") and $5 for "Gold" (Silver with perks) but I don't run a website what would I know Hee Hee Haw *pulls horse reins and waves to everyone, and tips his 10 gallon cowboy hat to the mods before rideing off quietly into sunset*

[Petie]

Kosheh, you're missing the point. We're not selling something here. This isn't a service you're buying or perks that can only be unlocked with real money. Not everyone wants to directly contribute to the site's costs, and that's fine. These sites have always been free and will continue to be free regardless of donations, AdBlock use, or anything else.

There are, however, people who do want to help out and have already done so without the promise of anything. The purpose here is to reward those people with a better experience, not lock away features behind a paywall and coerce money out of visitors. People who are willing to donate any amount of money on a regular basis will do so without perks - this is just a way to to show our appreciation for those people. The only reason these two concepts are even related are because donations are used to supplement income from ads and if people are paying directly, there is no reason to also show them ads.

[[robo9]]

Kosheh, you're missing the point. We're not selling something here. This isn't a service you're buying or perks that can only be unlocked with real money.

I mean, that wouldn't be the worst idea. I'm sure the MachoBot and Kosh Kogan would be the perfect mascots for the VGR network, which is available for only 4.99 a month.

[Shade]

I mean, that wouldn't be the worst idea. I'm sure the MachoBot and Kosh Kogan would be the perfect mascots for the VGR network, which is available for only 4.99 a month.

I would definitely pay.

If the Nii Nii Zone Show was available.

[Superjustinbros]

Well I'm up for anything to avoid the dangers of LowerMyBills (seriously I'm surprised no one ever brought them to justice for their very misleading and disturbing advertisements, including the horrible reputation as shown in internet reviews) and that new "Please Recycle" add that's been floating around lately and is starting to get really repetitive.

I don't have adds on my computer because I have AdBlock, but on mobile every add is in full effect.