Remembering that this is a discussion forum (where we politely discuss things) it occurs to me that Dakka should or could have a new rule...

You hit (say) 1,000 posts, you have to become a DCM or make a one-off financial contribution, say $10.

What do people think?

I'm British and therefore do not have $10

Hmm. Not sure. I know I'm opening a can of worms here, and do feel free to tell me I'm wrong (I almost certainly am) but wouldn't making it a pay only site risk a C&D from GW?

Is this not what their beef with other sites was?

well i wouldn't have a problem personally but think if someone out of the blue said gimme $10 or go to one of the many other 40k forums out of there , think what most users would do , but it would help make dakka abit better .


'claw

BloodQuest wrote:Remembering that this is a discussion forum (where we politely discuss things) it occurs to me that Dakka should or could have a new rule...

You hit (say) 1,000 posts, you have to become a DCM or make a one-off financial contribution, say $10.

What do people think?

Why?

What is your motivation for posting this?

Yeesh Bloodquest it's a nice thought, but I don't think many people would appreciate it. I became a DCM because I enjoy the site and nothing more, but, had it been a forced option, I could have went to any number of other free sites, or become a Freebootah...

If the mods need $, I am sure there are plenty of ways they can make it enticing to become a DCM if they need to, but saying 'Thanks for being such a regular member! Now cough up if you want to keep going' is a bit drug-dealerish lol.

First 1000 hits are free boys!


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Do you know something we don't btw?

That would be kinda dumb. If I had to pay. Because I am not made out of money. My Organs are but that is beside the point. people would leave Dakka Dakka then.

Won't work because that is a bill for a service rather than a "donation". Remember it's ok for Dakka to accept donations to keep their GW fan site running, it's not ok to have a compulsory subscription, that would likely land them in trouble.

I thought that's what the ads were for...

Anyway, I'm not gonna pay gak if I don't get something for it. Throw in a custom title and moderator status and I might. But as far as posting privileges go, there are other 40k forums out there that are free.

Why make compensation compulsory when the users themselves contribute content to the site? Dakka can get by on advertisements and the DCM system, and if it didn't then the Administration would inform us.

I would stop coming here and go to another free discussion board. I love you all but I love my money more sorry....

CT GAMER wrote:What is your motivation for posting this?

I dunno. Stir things up a bit. Maybe guilt a few more into becoming DCMs!

I have an evil streak to my sense of humour. I find the time I spend on Dakka informative, amusing and frustrating in approximately equal proportions!

I just wonder at times how much it must cost to keep it running, and how many people have ever considered making a contribution.

But 99% just to spark some discussion!

It's an interesting idea but I would think with too many other sites around that don't charge it would be a bad idea.

Flashman wrote:I'm British

I am too, but I can also do maths!

$10 = £6.43

3,000+ posts at £6.43/1000 brings your bill to £19.29...

Just kidding!

BloodQuest wrote:I just wonder at times how much it must cost to keep it running, and how many people have ever considered making a contribution.

I did...until now. One sure-fire way to never see a dime of my money is to try and guilt me out of it, or better yet, force me to pay for a service others provide for free, with no real incentive or reason for doing so.

I'm so rich that 25 USD doesn't even register. I spend more than that per week on monocle polish.

Do you have any idea what the taxes are on a solid gold humvee?

Monster Rain wrote:I'm so rich that 25 USD doesn't even register. I spend more than that per week on monocle polish.

I don't even know what I spend on monocle polish. I think one of the servants takes care of it...

Sidstyler wrote:

BloodQuest wrote:I just wonder at times how much it must cost to keep it running, and how many people have ever considered making a contribution.

I did...until now. One sure-fire way to never see a dime of my money is to try and guilt me out of it, or better yet, force me to pay for a service others provide for free, with no real incentive or reason for doing so.

Yeah, sure you were.)

But no one cares if folks contribute or not. That's really up to the individual, and not something that should be compulsory.

Personally, I think it's a terrible idea (and I'm pretty sure Yakface and Legoburner think so too).

Dakka is intended to be available to as wide an audience as possible (which is why you get pinged for swearing or using crummy English), and forcing people to pay would just drive almost everyone out. As it stands, we have some fantastic posters that don't contribute financially but are still highly valued by the community.

That would be silly. I want to become a DCM, but lack the funds already. No way I'd do it if someone forced me.

I'd ask for a rundown of what paid membership gives me that free membership on another board will not and shall weigh up the pros and the cons.

Though if I leave, i'm taking the OT forum with me... and all its inhabitants...

Monster Rain wrote:Do you have any idea what the taxes are on a solid gold humvee?

What kind of milage you getting with that thing.... 5 gallons to the mile?

As for forced DCM.... Most people like that it is optional. People like having choices.

Avatar 720 wrote:I'd ask for a rundown of what paid membership gives me that free membership on another board will not and shall weigh up the pros and the cons.

My impression of the pros and cons of DCM status.




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helgrenze wrote:What kind of milage you getting with that thing.... 5 gallons to the mile?

One highway, zero city.

Chicks dig it...

Would get a Cease & Desist from GW, most likely, and would drive away the majority of our fine user base. Take a look at the bottom of the forum index. How many users are DCM?

Oh and Monster Rain, how will we afford our diamond studded swimming pools if this happens?

micahaphone wrote:Oh and Monster Rain, how will we afford our diamond studded swimming pools if this happens?

These things don't grow on trees.

Monster Rain wrote:

micahaphone wrote:Oh and Monster Rain, how will we afford our diamond studded swimming pools if this happens?

These things don't grow on trees.

Pah. Perhaps yours do not... Foolish poor people...

Lorek wrote:Personally, I think it's a terrible idea (and I'm pretty sure Yakface and Legoburner think so too).

Dakka is intended to be available to as wide an audience as possible (which is why you get pinged for swearing or using crummy English), and forcing people to pay would just drive almost everyone out. As it stands, we have some fantastic posters that don't contribute financially but are still highly valued by the community.

Hmm...

... how about fines for errors in spelling and grammar?

BloodQuest wrote:

Lorek wrote:Personally, I think it's a terrible idea (and I'm pretty sure Yakface and Legoburner think so too).

Dakka is intended to be available to as wide an audience as possible (which is why you get pinged for swearing or using crummy English), and forcing people to pay would just drive almost everyone out. As it stands, we have some fantastic posters that don't contribute financially but are still highly valued by the community.

Hmm...

... how about fines for errors in spelling and grammar?

Nopez bekuz then I cantz spells on Dakkka.

That may not be half bad, but perhaps my friend wouldn't like it. His name is Logic.

I like the way that Yakface and Legoburner are running the site now. I also like the current crowd of DCMs. They make me laugh each time I'm in the Pit. It might not be as nice if people were forced to be there.

Just my two cents...

MajorTom11 wrote:Do you know something we don't btw?

Sorry. Missed this earlier.

Absolutely not. I just like to play Devil's Advocate now and again - I'll quite happily argue the exact opposite of my real beliefs for the sake of a good debate!

Let me spell it out so everyone is absolutely clear. I'm just another Dakka user trying to provoke some discussion. I wouldn't know Yakface or Legoburner if they punched me in the face (which they may be tempted to do after this thread)!

To the best of my knowledge, no one is or has ever remotely considered anything like this, I'm just stirring the pot!

WOOT devil's advocates! My favorite role to play!

It was an interesting idea, but it would not work well in execution.

Maybe if they made the basic fee 25 and bumped DCM to 50?

I mean, I light cigars with 100$ bills so it wouldn't bother me much.

BloodQuest wrote:

CT GAMER wrote:What is your motivation for posting this?

Maybe guilt a few more into becoming DCMs!

What next?
Accuse people who choose not to of being "deniers"?

Never the best of motives. Besides, I don't do the 'guilt' thing. Chalk it up to a conspicuous lack of religious instruction.
If it was compulsory, I'd find an alternative (we don't have compulsory unionism here, nor for University student unions, and yet both of these are still around. Struggling to stay relevant perhaps, but still here, on voluntary contributions) board. Besides, we ALL want something for free. Each and every one of us.

chromedog wrote:Besides, we ALL want something for free. Each and every one of us.

Not me. I'd pay for Oxygen if I could figure out who to send the check to.

I'm not saying it's a good idea, but I think it's funny how people think that $25 a year is a huge cost for something.

Even in the current days of the internet, it is still a hassle to send trifling amounts of money internationally. In terms of 'trifling' ANY amount under a few hundred is trifling.

I WON'T deal with paypal, for example (none of the internet stores I deal with use them exclusively - if they did, I'd find someone else) and I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

I became a DCM only to have something to lord over Yak at adepticon.

Me:another line of shots?
Yak: no I have to be fresh for the team event.
Me: you must I am a DCM
Yak: I guess you are right. more shots

Monster Rain wrote:
Not me. I'd pay for Oxygen if I could figure out who to send the check to.

that'd be me, right here, I'll take those checks! you know being twenty two years late and all I'll have to charge an over due fee as well tsk tsk.

as for the DCM, psh it Dakka became such as the OP had mention, as much as I would regret leaving, I would be outta here faster than you could blink, all that would be left would be a pair of skid marks from my sneakers. this website is fun, but I don't make myself useful enough, or feel driven enough to do to much else other that put up random gak from time to time. its a fun place to come and just shoot the breeze, read some threads maybe look in the Trades and then log off for some time on my other time eating habits.

chromedog wrote:In terms of 'trifling' ANY amount under a few hundred is trifling.

Send me a trifle!

Garuss Acine wrote: that'd be me, right here, I'll take those checks! you know being twenty two years late and all I'll have to charge an over due fee as well tsk tsk.

Ack, my credit score!

BloodQuest wrote:Send me a trifle!

Not a bad idea, really.

Anyone seen the Mr Kipling 'Trifle Bakewells' ..I kid thee not.

No way.

I wouldn't pay to be able to post in a forum. I'm donating as a expression of support. But if this was compulsory, I would show my middle finger and move to another forum.

Volunteering -like mods and bloggers- is what makes the internet big and what creates the feeling of community.

If I had a job, I'd a)be a DCM and b) have probably 25% less posts.

Until then, I must c) try and find something in the economic hellhole

Will code html for fire warriors...

I pity those woh have to buy there own monocle polish, I have mine shipped to switzerland once a week to get the diamond lense replaced.

however one would say that if you made this a gentlemens club only acessable by those who polish their monocles, that many of the lesser users would be driven to those that we do not speak about

"Polishing your monocle" is beginning to sound like a euphemism...


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Mr Kipling does make exceedingly bad cakes!

BloodQuest wrote:"Polishing your monocle" is beginning to sound like a euphemism...

What?

I have my servant wenches polish my monocle twice daily. What's wrong with that?

Compulsory DCM status runs contrary to the entire spirit and purpose of Dakka. It is the most far-fetched suggestion I've ever heard about this site's operation.

Manchu wrote:It is the most far-fetched suggestion I've ever heard...

Ta-Da! Another winner!

I always thought that Dakka was a pyramid scheme ran by Dracula and his night-slaves.

Okay, so this thread, while still fun, is not going the way I thought it might.

So, subject to the approval of the powers that be, I'll cover a one-year DCM payment for whoever can come up with the most brilliant/spurious/ridiculous/humourous argument in support of the original proposal...

BloodQuest wrote:Absolutely not. I just like to play Devil's Advocate now and again - I'll quite happily argue the exact opposite of my real beliefs for the sake of a good debate!!

Sounds like a good way to waste everyone's time!

AKA: The Internet.

TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS FOR THIS gak?!?!?

Tacobake wrote:TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS FOR THIS gak?!?!?

The original post was meant to be somewhat ridiculous. The idea was to have some fun with a proposal that almost no-one would seriously consider. I really thought more people would "get it" and argue the case for, but that didn't happen.

If, for the cost of two-and-a-half terminators, I can inject some humour (and even a little mischief) into our lives, I think that's a price worth paying.

hmm yes well don't quote me but I believe dakka already makes money each month or each year anyway.

My own joke of course I have been a DCM, or was a DCM for almost three years on this site. I would still be a DCM if I did sign up for a month of Cataclysm last month and imagine I will be again sooner rather than later.

Stumbleupon does or did charge a lifetime fee of $5 I have deigned as it is "full of noobs". $25 a year for dakka is well worth it for some reason.

Manchu wrote:Compulsory DCM status runs contrary to the entire spirit and purpose of Dakka. It is the most far-fetched suggestion I've ever heard about this site's operation.

Even more outlandish than my idea to have Mods wear tutus while on mod duty?

WarOne wrote:Even more outlandish than my idea to have Mods wear tutus while on mod duty?

I guess that's a step up from our current "no pants" policy.

I was going to say I like the tutus better as the voluntary thing they are now, like DCM contributions.

If some is Making you do it it isn't as fun.

Much of the last page of this thread made me burst out laughing

Although I have to confess, Bloodquest, I didn't get what you were going for with the OP, either!

Don't understand the equation that if we have to pay for it= Dakka gets better. How exactly? Its just a forum site afterall.

I believe the thread was meant as satire, tongue-in-cheek, or the like... certainly, no one has posted that they think it's a good idea .

The voluntary DCM status is a great way for people to contribute who want (not have) to. And it keeps it nice and small in that little subforum, where each weekend we plot to take over the world...

RiTides wrote:I believe the thread was meant as satire, tongue-in-cheek, or the like... certainly, no one has posted that they think it's a good idea .

The voluntary DCM status is a great way for people to contribute who want (not have) to. And it keeps it nice and small in that little subforum, where each weekend we plot to take over the world...

Your forgetting all of the insider information we get acess to, plus all the cool giveaways and cupon codes. I'll see you guys at the next DCM meet'n'greet, we're being flown to Hawii this time right?

BloodQuest wrote:

Tacobake wrote:TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS FOR THIS gak?!?!?

The original post was meant to be somewhat ridiculous. The idea was to have some fun with a proposal that almost no-one would seriously consider. I really thought more people would "get it" and argue the case for, but that didn't happen.

If, for the cost of two-and-a-half terminators, I can inject some humour (and even a little mischief) into our lives, I think that's a price worth paying.

Wow, a very bad attempt at a joke.

What did you expect, when you ask a question, you get an answer.

As most people have said not only would having to pay for dakkadakka mean eveyone would leave, it would also attract the attention of GW legal (the whole 'making a profit from GW trademarks and copyrights')

Tacobake wrote:TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS FOR THIS gak?!?!?

Also, this was funny... I quoted it and then stopped, thinking it had profanity... then I realized it did and the filter handily blocks it- but doesn't block it in the reply window when quoting.

The above... what I've learned from this thread . And something about monocle polish...

Just think of the solid gold servers that Dakka would be running on if everyone had to pay a yearly (or 1000 post-ly) fee.

Not to mention all the pictures of Legoburner and Yakface in their pimp getups and bling.

I've always known that some people don't get my humour, etc, but no-one?

I guess next time I'll propose it as an essay!

Oh well, back to the drawing board!

More importantly, RiTides has a new Avatar! Admittedly, it's still tree-themed the humour-loving hippy.
In your defence Bloodquest, humour can be hard to recognise over the internet/text rather than face-to-face/tone of voice. Doesn't change it being a crud idea mind.

Just Dave wrote:Doesn't change it being a crud idea mind.

I would never use the TLA, but that did make me laugh out loud.


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So, if I can't give away DCM memberships, does anyone else have any ideas on how to spend the $650 million the United Nations emailed me about?

charmed. you realise the irony in what you said though right?
'cus you know, Sarcasm's hard to detect on t'internet too.

if you do, then I TLA at your intelligent humour.
if you don't, then I TLA at you.

Just Dave wrote:More importantly, RiTides has a new Avatar! Admittedly, it's still tree-themed the humour-loving hippy.

Glad somebody noticed was time for a change!

I admit, I preferred your old one, he was cheerier. But yeah, I fully endorse change. I still like your new one though, it's nice that you have a 'theme'.

I also notice that you just crossed out Dakkaite in your signature? *puts away binoculars*

Are you behind me????

As to the phrase: just trying to foster a little change in vernacular, along with a few other nefarious plotters

Yes.
...No! Uhhh... Maybe?
Naw, you'd know (probably feel it *shudder*) if I was, I'm just observant, that's all.
Also, I notice your post count has gone up by o--- oh...

Just Dave wrote:charmed. you realise the irony in what you said though right?

Yeah, sorry, I meant to italicise the "never".

BloodQuest wrote:
So, if I can't give away DCM memberships, does anyone else have any ideas on how to spend the $650 million the United Nations emailed me about?

Lucky, I'm still waiting on my millions from that Nigerian prince.

Meanwhile, I sit here having sent most of my money to my internet girlfriend to help her clear up some legal issues in South Africa. Fingers crossed that there's no more of this next week and I can finally buy her plane tickets to come visit. Life just isnt fair.

She did send me some cute pics, though.

Slipstream wrote:Don't understand the equation that if we have to pay for it= Dakka gets better. How exactly? Its just a forum site afterall.

Running on a better server and developing stuff like the gallery are examples of what is done with money.

Mannahnin wrote:Meanwhile, I sit here having sent most of my money to my internet girlfriend to help her clear up some legal issues in South Africa. Fingers crossed that there's no more of this next week and I can finally buy her plane tickets to come visit. Life just isnt fair.

She did send me some cute pics, though.

Oh nice, I'm helping a buddy from Kenya to get an inheritance, he needed my bank account

Mannahnin wrote:Meanwhile, I sit here having sent most of my money to my internet girlfriend to help her clear up some legal issues in South Africa. Fingers crossed that there's no more of this next week and I can finally buy her plane tickets to come visit. Life just isnt fair.

She did send me some cute pics, though.

pics? you better be sharing in the mosh pit

I have seriously considered becoming a DCM, but I don't think the mods would want a minor running around the DCM forum.

That, and as a Highschool student, money is tight. But I promise that before I go to college I will be a DCM!

skipper- wish granted.

This isn't Something Awful, where in order to become a goon, you do need to cough up at least ten bucks.

Mannahnin wrote:skipper- wish granted.

Damn now I have to go view the DCM Pit on my phone, stupid work.

Yes I meant Something Awful not Stumbleupon my bhad.

And yes they are noobs but admittedly some of their stuff is in fact very funny. If noobish. Looking @ YOU Cynical Brit Shining Force III.

I mean this in a constructive, positive and polite way of course. I didn't use the word "slowed" for example.

10 dollar cover charge? Are there going to be chicks at this party?

BluntmanDC wrote:

BloodQuest wrote:

Tacobake wrote:TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS FOR THIS gak?!?!?

The original post was meant to be somewhat ridiculous. The idea was to have some fun with a proposal that almost no-one would seriously consider. I really thought more people would "get it" and argue the case for, but that didn't happen.

If, for the cost of two-and-a-half terminators, I can inject some humour (and even a little mischief) into our lives, I think that's a price worth paying.

Wow, a very bad attempt at a joke.

What did you expect, when you ask a question, you get an answer.

As most people have said not only would having to pay for dakkadakka mean eveyone would leave, it would also attract the attention of GW legal (the whole 'making a profit from GW trademarks and copyrights')

DakkaDakka is a trademark of DakkaDakka, not of GW.

Depraved wrote:10 dollar cover charge? Are there going to be chicks at this party?

Err...

BloodQuest wrote:Remembering that this is a discussion forum (where we politely discuss things) it occurs to me that Dakka should or could have a new rule...

You hit (say) 1,000 posts, you have to become a DCM or make a one-off financial contribution, say $10.

What do people think?

bye bye dakka. When i get to crushing school loans I'll prolly donate, but not if its mandatory.

BloodQuest wrote:
So, if I can't give away DCM memberships, does anyone else have any ideas on how to spend the $650 million the United Nations emailed me about?

Fear not anyone who is actually fearing...Dakka will never cost anything as long it is under current ownership! As has been said, the whole point of being a contributing member is that you are choosing to do so, and that's what makes it so unbelievably awesome that so many people do!

And Bloodquest, there is no upper limit on the amount of money you can choose to donate to Dakka's operation, so always feel free to send any amount you'd like. In fact, at $25 a year for DCM status, you could easily make sure you remain a DCM for the rest of your natural life without putting too big a dent in your monocle polish expenditure fund.

In fact, I hereby retire the following custom title from use:

Dakka's glorious benefactor


Only the person who has donated the most amount of money (lifetime) towards Dakka's operation may use this custom title. The current holder of this prestigious award is BigChris1313 (after his amazing generosity helped us to purchase Dakka in the first place). Sadly, Chris hasn't even posted on Dakka since January, but anytime he starts back up again he is free to utilize that custom title if he wants.

I'm not going to tell you what Chris's donation total is, but he is a DCM going into the NEXT decade (yes that's the 2020's), so that should give you some idea to work with. If anyone suprasses that lifetime donation total, they then get to take over the 'glorious benefactor' title as well as a hearty internet handshake from me!

But Yak, we must ask, is there an AGE limit for the DCM?

Happygrunt wrote:But Yak, we must ask, is there an AGE limit for the DCM?

There isn't any specified age limit for becoming a DCM and more importantly, that information is not something we ask. As long as you are able to donate via paypal the choice is yours.

There is a bit of stuff in the DCM private forum that is a bit more racy than allowed on the general Dakka forums, but it is still incredibly tame compared to what you can find on many, many sites.