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Funding Goals

Archive: 39 posts

Alright, so now that the Donate button has been added and has been used a fair few times, I want to go over what our plans are for the money that we earn. So far, we've earned about $100 through donations, which is astounding. However, it's still not exactly going to enable us to do everything we'd like to do, so if you have the ability to donate, please continue to do so!

I'm not 100% sure how we're going to use it, but there is something high on my priority list: a PSP. I don't own a PSP, and I fear without one I won't be able to support the PSP version of LittleBigPlanet as well. I will most likely purchase a used one through eBay or some other site, as I'm not really looking for a pristine PSP. I just need one that works so I can do a better job around here when the time comes. I really want to do some fun things with LBP for PSP, and even though it's far away, it's still something that the site will definitely support down the road. Let me know what you think about this.

So, what are the other plans for the money? Well, once I find the cheapest working PSP I can get my hands on, I'll probably use the money for better prizes. I can't promise anything as money is not absolute right now, especially in America, but I am hoping to give away a free copy of LBP for PSP when it releases. More news on that later.

Finally, what do you want? I know a lot of people aren't sure how the money should be spent, but I still want your input if you have any ideas. The money will go toward improving this site as much as possible, so I need to know what you want as well.		2009-03-30 05:53:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

Perhaps the money could be used to help out LBPC's servers (the monthly fee). Another idea is to buy LBP merch (such as the T-shirts already seen) to give out in official site contests.2009-03-30 06:47:00

Author:
aer0blue
Posts: 1603

Perhaps the money could be used to help out LBPC's servers (the monthly fee). Another idea is to buy LBP merch (such as the T-shirts already seen) to give out in official site contests.
That's a great idea; I forgot about the official LBP merchandise. We'll definitely use that at some point.		2009-03-30 06:57:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

I like the idea of the LBP merch too. Would probably generate a lot of interest and increase traffic to the site if word gets out that there's a possibility of winning tangible prizes from here.

My main reason for donating was to keep the site up & running so helping out with the server fees would be a good idea imo.		2009-03-30 08:33:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

You could gain points, which could be exchanged for a LBP prize, such as a PSP (if you have TONS)

I still think advertising, as long as it is non-intrusive, would really be the best way to go, considering most people wont continue paying, or cannot (like me for example; 14 years old, no credit card).

There are many things we could do with the money. Such as buying me a Ferrari.

In all seriousness though, we could use the money to buy level packs, and give them away (like the MGS pack, or the GOW mini-pack for example?)		2009-03-30 08:35:00

Author:
dkjestrup
Posts: 672

The LBP merch idea is a great one.

Anything to keep the site alive is fine with me.		2009-03-30 10:15:00

Author:
Walter-Kovacs
Posts: 542

I'm confused - is the money going to buying you a psp, or was that completely unrelated?2009-03-30 12:33:00

Author:
Unknown User

I'm confused - is the money going to buying you a psp, or was that completely unrelated?
It might depending on how much we make. I looked at some PSPs and anything under 100$ isn't possible unless it's broken or something, so I may just use the money out of my own pocket to pick one up so I can use the money for other things.

As the LBP Merch goes, we'll look into giving that away in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.		2009-03-30 14:49:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

:O Can't wait for some prizes that are like..... real
Although the current prizes were also awesome
No idea what you could use the money for other than prizes 		2009-03-30 16:32:00

Author:
Coxy224
Posts: 2645

If you get a t-shirt for a competition then you might as well get it XXXL for me as I'll obviously win 2009-03-30 17:48:00

Author:
dorien
Posts: 2767

If you get a t-shirt for a competition then you might as well get it XXXL for me as I'll obviously win

Haha.

The merchandise is a great idea, and if there is money to spare, then the PSP is equally as good. Server costs should definitely have priority.

Maybe competition winners could win LittleBigPlanet DLC? This could be done with the creation of a new PSN that only the winner can access or through PSN cards.		2009-03-30 21:47:00

Author:
Killian
Posts: 2575

I like the idea of being able to use points (maybe LBExp) to buy things... but yeah, that will probably never happen >_<

Definitively server fees, thought it would be that in the first place...

So yeah, I dunno, being able to buy gifts with LBE would be cool, especially for people with too much exp like me :/. >_< Never will happen though.

Hm... well, you could have a contest for giving away a PSP or games or... I unno lol.		2009-03-30 23:15:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

How much are the server fees?2009-03-30 23:21:00

Author:
moleynator
Posts: 2914

How much are the server fees?
We do not want to share specifics, but we do invest in powerful and secure servers to provide the best experience for you guys. We undergo Brute Force attacks on a daily basis, and if we were not investing in a host that can protect us against those attacks, we'd be down almost daily. For example, we had a Brute Force attack yesterday that slammed the servers with 1521 attempts in about 30 seconds. That would crash any $10-$20 a month server almost instantly, and it would result in the host dropping the account due to the damage it does. We pay our host to understand that these attacks are a reality, and they continue to host and protect us because of our investment.

Along with that, this site alone uses about 60gb of bandwidth per month, which is much more than any other site that lbp runs. The upside to this is that the ads on the Front Page link to a few of his sites and help drive his business, which in turn helps pay for the monthly fees. Like I said, we're not going into specifics, but it's not cheap.

EDIT: I looked into the merchandise, and so far I haven't found anything to purchase online. If you guys know where to look, point me in the right direction; it seems both Kohl's and Hot Topic don't offer any merchandise online, unless I'm just missing something.		2009-03-31 01:36:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

If i was in charge I'd make my own decision if I paid for it. You do whatever you need to do to pay the bills. I have no problem whatsoever with ads since you obviously provide us with good servers.2009-03-31 17:43:00

Author:
BasketSnake
Posts: 2391

I'm not 100% sure how we're going to use it, but there is something high on my priority list: a PSP. I don't own a PSPIm not going to donate money so you can put it in your pocket, and buy something for yourself, while that money should have been used for your servers and for the community.

*lowers head and shakes no*

If you want that psp, get a job.
If you want to improve lbpcentral, go for it.
but dont use our money to buy stuff for yourself, no mather how lbp related it is.

Your a good guy cartman,
but that psp comment litteraly made my blood boil a little.
(and I checked 2 times if it was a april fools joke).

Edit:
On a sidenote, if you want to increase the cashflow,
add more banners, Beyondunreal forums had a "1 week for 1 dollar" banners we as community could use to promote our own levels/portfolio's etc.
Together with actually banners from game-related companies etc could get you a decent cashflow.
just dont buy a psp for yourself with it.		2009-04-02 10:21:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

As I understand it, the PSP is order for him to be able to rate and offer up advice and news posts regarding LBP products released for it.
Seeing as CC pays for everything else in this community out of his own pocket, that's not an unfair request to make.		2009-04-02 12:05:00

Author:
Morrinn3
Posts: 493

As I understand it, the PSP is order for him to be able to rate and offer up advice and news posts regarding LBP products released for it.
Seeing as CC pays for everything else in this community out of his own pocket, that's not an unfair request to make.

Actually lbp pays for it and CC just runs it.
But I can see a need for him to have a PSP for when LBP-PSP comes out.
But it did seem a bit weird that CC made it the priority and it made it look like he set this up for personal gain (getting a PSP)
But I doubt that is in fact the case and people have just taken it the wrong way.
Maybe CC should just think about getting one more near the time of release (but they will probably be in more demand, thus dearer)		2009-04-02 12:15:00

Author:
dorien
Posts: 2767

If i took it the wrong way,
Im sorry.		2009-04-02 13:10:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

To clear up the PSP issue - it's not for personal use. I won't be able to hold contests, play PSP levels for the Showcase, or do anything else with LBP for PSP if I don't actually own a PSP. Most of the work I've done on this site thus far required I actually have a PS3. The same goes for LBP for PSP. If it really bothers you, then I'll try to find something else we need, but that will result in the quality of the site's support for LBP for PSP dropping significantly.

Plus, just because I put that at the top of my priority list doesn't mean I'm going to buy one right now. It just means I'm going to track the funds and ensure - if I decide to use donations for this - that I have enough to afford one when the time comes.		2009-04-03 05:20:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

I think you should definately get a PSP, and if you actually have fun with it - so be it! Taking care of a site like this is a lot of hard work. There should be a perk or two - even if it is primarily for site stuff.2009-04-04 04:28:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I think you should definately get a PSP, and if you actually have fun with it - so be it! Taking care of a site like this is a lot of hard work. There should be a perk or two - even if it is primarily for site stuff.
I agree. And frankly, I donated not expecting something in return other than the excellent site I had already been using free of charge.		2009-04-04 05:37:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

I like the idea of 1 week for a dollar banners, although I wont be able to pay, being 14 and all.

Also, I mentioned this before and nobody said anything. For prizes why not use the money to be DLC for the winner?

And PSP wise? I think it would be fair if 50% of the money was CCs and 50% of the Money LBPC, although it IS your choice if you wanna donate.		2009-04-04 10:17:00

Author:
dkjestrup
Posts: 672

Well for one thing thank you for the amazing website which you have worked so hard on that's why I clicked donate.

The second thing I want to thank you for is the fact that clicking that link made my paypal actually work as before it would lag out whenever I entered my details.

I think that you need to get a psp for LBP, otherwise we're not really LBPC just a LBP PS3 forum. Also kudos for choosing a good server, most people don't do that.


So thanks for the website , now to steam to use my paypal to buy left 4 dead!		2009-04-06 21:02:00

Author:
Shermzor
Posts: 1330

Hey guys. Just for a heads up that I support Cartman 100% in getting a PSP for LBP. We need some good coverage of the PSP version of the game, and I'm happy to have less of the donations go towards the servers at this time if it means getting proper coverage of the PSP version of the game. I trust Cartman 100%, and know that he'll do a great job on the PSP side. This brings in more LBP lovers to the site by covering the PSP side of things.

I just wanted to make sure that you guys knew that I was on board 100% as well. I'm the one paying the dedicated servers bill, but I'm happy to allow Cartman to do this so we can cover LBP PSP better for our users. 		2009-04-07 03:28:00

Author:
lbp
Posts: 423

... I'm the one paying the dedicated servers bill, but I'm happy to allow Cartman to do this so we can cover LBP PSP better for our users.

Thanks, on both counts.		2009-04-07 13:22:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

I just wanted to make sure that you guys knew that I was on board 100% as well. I'm the one paying the dedicated servers bill, but I'm happy to allow Cartman to do this so we can cover LBP PSP better for our users.

Since you do all the financial support of the site, I'd say you deserve final word on where any donation/ad money goes. So, now CC has my support even more than he did before.		2009-04-07 18:06:00

Author:
Walter-Kovacs
Posts: 542

The PSP thing is still pretty unclear to me. I just can't help but think that there might be better things the site can spend it's money on. Obviously it would be nice if CC could get one but obviously you must have no other means of aquiring a PSP other than using these funds? I was just thinking that there has to be other great members on this site that own a PSP as well and I'm sure who are going to be contributing to the new LBP on it.

But if there is really nothing else that that the site can really use the money for and you can't aquire one yourself I guess it's not a huge deal. But my voice isn't that loud since i havn't donated yet. But I like halfasacks idea; give out T-Shirts / DLC / LBP Copies / Paying for a server / better server		2009-04-07 18:44:00

Author:
Hamsalad
Posts: 2551

I have a PSP, and was definitly planning on getting LBP PSP when it launched.

There might be alot more people who already own a PSP that wouldn't mind doing a little coverage here and there. It's a community thing after all

I was going to give a small, modest donation until I read this post. CC and LBP will have the final word, being admins/owners, but I cannot see the donations buying somebody a PSP fair at all.

Im all for the stocking of T-shirts, LBP copies, DLC, what have you for contests and what not, or for the donations to pay for the server (which was the basis of my donation, good servers arnt free amirite?).		2009-04-07 18:49:00

Author:
HalfaSack
Posts: 214

It's all about support for the game. Prizes are nice, but only one person benefits from those - it's not a community benefit. Now, I'm not saying we're not going to do those things, but this site won't be able to even hold contests for the PSP version if I don't actually have the ability to play it. We'll have a bunch of members looking for a forum to discuss LBP for PSP, and the only way we can facilitate that is if I can actually play the PSP version. We are going to support it one way or another, but if you feel uncomfortable with the possibility of your donation going toward a PSP so we can open our doors to even more people, then that's fine. It's your money.2009-04-07 19:05:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

It's all about support for the game. Prizes are nice, but only one person benefits from those - it's not a community benefit. Now, I'm not saying we're not going to do those things, but this site won't be able to even hold contests for the PSP version if I don't actually have the ability to play it. We'll have a bunch of members looking for a forum to discuss LBP for PSP, and the only way we can facilitate that is if I can actually play the PSP version. We are going to support it one way or another, but if you feel uncomfortable with the possibility of your donation going toward a PSP so we can open our doors to even more Players and Creators, then that's fine. It's your money.

I don't think it's fair to word the last part like that. He clearly wasn't going to not donate because he doesn't want to "open our doors to even more Players and Creators." But rather because he doesn't feel comfortable giving someone money to buy a PSP for themself. I know your going to use it for the LBP version but there is obviously a lot of other use a PSP offers. And like I made a point I guess I was curious as to if there were other ways for you to obtain the PSP besides this; but from how your talking apparently this is the only way for you to get one.

Like I said I don't really have too much input because I havn't donated yet but I guess I would like to see it going things that would benefit more people. But obviously it's up to you and the people that donate. I can deff. see how it would benefit the site for you to have a PSP. I"m just trying to look at all aspects and possibly spend money in other ways to benefit if this is not needed		2009-04-07 19:12:00

Author:
Hamsalad
Posts: 2551

I"m just trying to look at all aspects and possibly spend money in other ways to benefit if this is not needed
Which is a good thing. Look, we're dealing with money, and obviously there's going to be tension and disagreements in terms of how it's used. I know a PSP doesn't seem to instantly benefit the site, but unless you've got an old one lying around that you want to send to me, I have no other way of obtaining one. I really don't care for the PSP - I've used one multiple times, and I've never been interested in buying one. However, now it's a necessity for the site, and I don't have any cash outside of donations to afford one. Like I said, if anyone can offer me a hand-me-down one that works (for free or cheap), then I'd be happy to take you up on that offer. Otherwise, I'm going to have to get one another way, sooner or later.		2009-04-07 19:22:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

Originally when this PSP topic came up I was a little nervous about it but after reading all the discussion and thinking about it some more - I absolutely feel like the PSP would be an appropriate expenditure for our donations.

CC has put a lot of his own time and money into this website and no one seems to mind when it's his money/time supporting OUR fun. Besides it's not about the other stuff he could or couldn't do with it - it's about having the ability to keep this site on track with the LBP game which will eventually include a PSP version.

I'm not trying to argue with anyone here - just voicing my opinion.		2009-04-07 19:22:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Well if a lot of people don't want a PSP bought you could probaly get a moderator or distinguished member who has a PSP to do the coverage for the PSP version.

I don't care really if the money is spent on a PSP I see both points of view.		2009-04-08 09:55:00

Author:
Don Vhalt
Posts: 2270

C.C.--

Never once have I doubted your 100% dedication to this fantastic site. I have been unusually impressed with your every post and my few personal dealings with you. You are omni-present, and I would assume... under-thanked and receive very little in the way of personal rewards. Even with such a reputation, I've got to tell you...

The PSP post was a little strange... but you were only spit-ballin' ideas... and being honest. Perhaps subconsciously you were even a little 'weird' with the idea of it and therefore placed it a little too high for some peoples' comfort on the 'Donations to do list'. I donated anyway. I dont own a PSP and dont want one... don't really want my money to go their either...

but here's the thing:

I donated my money. You donate your time! It all works out in the end.

By donating I feel I entered into an agreement with you that however my money can best be spent... I trust you to make that decision. End of story. I do not regret or feel I mislaid that trust in anyway whatsoever.

And if you ever want to establish an official T-shirt I'd be happy to help i think it could be a valuable real world item to drive visitors to this site. I think it would become even more valuable if you got Mm to design said shirt into DLC for us to distribute as contest prizes, etc. Or make it sellable but get Mm to let us keep a percentage... twist some arms... there's money to be made.		2009-06-03 08:01:00

Author:
Gravel
Posts: 1308

C.C.--

Never once have I doubted your 100% dedication to this fantastic site. I have been unusually impressed with your every post and my few personal dealings with you. You are omni-present, and I would assume... under-thanked and receive very little in the way of personal rewards. Even with such a reputation, I've got to tell you...

The PSP post was a little strange... but you were only spit-ballin' ideas... and being honest. Perhaps subconsciously you were even a little 'weird' with the idea of it and therefore placed it a little too high for some peoples' comfort on the 'Donations to do list'. I donated anyway. I dont own a PSP and dont want one... don't really want my money to go their either...

but here's the thing:

I donated my money. You donate your time! It all works out in the end.

By donating I feel I entered into an agreement with you that however my money can best be spent... I trust you to make that decision. End of story. I do not regret or feel I mislaid that trust in anyway whatsoever.

And if you ever want to establish an official T-shirt I'd be happy to help i think it could be a valuable real world item to drive visitors to this site. I think it would become even more valuable if you got Mm to design said shirt into DLC for us to distribute as contest prizes, etc. Or make it sellable but get Mm to let us keep a percentage... twist some arms... there's money to be made.

About the PSP issue. Cartman has obtained a PSP for free which will save the site a lot of money. Your donations can be put towards a more member oriented use. 		2009-06-03 13:48:00

Author:
Killian
Posts: 2575

Yep - like Killian said, I heard what you guys were thinking about the PSP and I decided to see if I can work around it. I've arranged to borrow one from a neighbor any time I need to, on the condition that the LBP for PSP game will be his (I'll be buying it with my own cash). So, there you go - the cash can go toward better stuff for you guys. 2009-06-03 14:31:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

CC... you amaze me. :hero:

I am really new around here... I donated the other day as I wanted to help out a bit as it seemed things might be getting a bit tight on funds. I didn't want to see any $$ come out of your own pocket for this site with all the hard work you do for us.

After reading this thread, I feel you are not only an amazing admin that works tirelessly towards this forum, but a really amazing human. You have more than earned my trust and I know you will be doing the right thing.

My original hope was obviously to donate to insure this site stays up, but I know you will do whatever is best with the donations. Heck.. I might send you some more just to treat you to a nice dinner!!!

Thanks so much for what you do for us and this site!!		2009-06-03 19:05:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

I'm impressed CC. Excellent.2009-06-04 01:08:00

Author:
ryryryan
Posts: 3767


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