Home    Site Stuff    Site Updates
#1

Donations

Archive: 70 posts

For a long time, LBPCentral has been able to survive purely on the revenue generated from our ads. We were only barely able to survive, but for quite a while it was enough.

However, it's no longer enough. Ads are no longer paying out like they used to. I'm often spending half (or more) of my entire net worth on server fees alone. We simply won't be able to survive if we don't ask for some kind of help from the LBPCentral community.

So, that's what we've decided to do. We need your help to stay open, so we've added a (hopefully) non-intrusive Donation system in order to encourage support. If you can afford it, a small donation (http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/misc.php?do=donate) goes a long way toward keeping us afloat. Plus, any donation of $10 or more now provides lifetime donor status, so you don't have to constantly donate in order to enjoy the benefits of being a Donor.

Below are some FAQs about our donation system - hopefully, these answer any questions you may have about it. If not, feel free to reply in this thread or shoot me a PM.

How does the Donation system work?
On a basic level, the Donation system simply integrates PayPal donations into our site. However, this integration offers us some powerful features. We can track donations, automatically confirm Donor Status', and even set donation goals. It essentially allows you to donate directly to LBPCentral in a financially safe and protected manner (https://cms.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/marketingweb?cmd=_render-content&content_ID=security/buyer_protection), all while being able to enjoy the numerous profile upgrades and bonuses that Donor Status provides.

What is Donor Status?
Donor Status is a set of features we provide to our Donors to show our gratitude for their support. It isn't intended to be explicitly purchased, so we don't advertise its features. However, it is a pretty nice bonus for those who opt to donate.

Is donating safe?
Absolutely. (https://cms.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/marketingweb?cmd=_render-content&content_ID=security/buyer_protection) The only identifying information we store on our server is a) your LBPCentral username, b) the amount donated, and c) the date of donation. All other data, including your credit card information, is handled exclusively by PayPal. Thanks to the way PayPal is structured (https://cms.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/marketingweb?cmd=_render-content&content_ID=security/buyer_protection), we don't ever see any of it ourselves.

How is the money used?
All donations go directly toward paying our server fees. If we ever have any surplus funds, they will go toward new features, additions, and development software. We see donations as opportunities to expand our offerings, so donated funds will never just sit around collecting dust.

Can I have a say in how you spend my donation?
Sorry, but absolutely not. We do not spend donations on anything that isn't directly relevant to LBPCentral, but we cannot accept money with conditions attached. That's a dangerous path for a site like ours to take. We need to be impartial regardless of where we're receiving our support from, so donated funds simply cannot have stipulations.		2012-05-09 05:58:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

Can I have a say in how you spend my donation?
Sorry, but absolutely not. We do not spend donations on anything that isn't directly relevant to LBPCentral, but we cannot accept money with conditions attached. That's a dangerous path for a site like ours to take. We need to be impartial regardless of where we're receiving our support from, so donated funds simply cannot have stipulations.

OH Hammers! I was gonna see about getting a "company car" with the LBPC logos all around it. That way when I'm driving around, I'd be advertising for the site. See? Win win.

Seriously though, thank you for making this CC. I know it will put a lot of people's mind at ease and hopefully make people understand that these sites, while free to the user, are not free to operate. I know I'll be making a donation, just as soon as I can clear the cobwebs out of my billfold. plus, there's the "wife factor" involved too.		2012-05-09 12:55:00

Author:
biorogue
Posts: 8424

OH Hammers! I was gonna see about getting a "company car" with the LBPC logos all around it. That way when I'm driving around, I'd be advertising for the site. See? Win win.

Seriously though, thank you for making this CC. I know it will put a lot of people's mind at ease and hopefully make people understand that these sites, while free to the user, are not free to operate. I know I'll be making a donation, just as soon as I can clear the cobwebs out of my billfold. plus, there's the "wife factor" involved too.

The you could go round to peoples houses and playtest their levels "on site"! OMG!! Do iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!!		2012-05-09 13:43:00

Author:
Ali_Star
Posts: 4085

Holy cow! look at all the donations so far! I would donate, but I'm too young, and don't have the money. Sorry. 2012-05-10 02:23:00

Author:
TheMonkeyBlade
Posts: 687

Holy cow! look at all the donations so far! I would donate, but I'm too young, and don't have the money. Sorry.

Same for me FUUUUUUUUUUUU- I'm really really sad for you guys I mean not even 1 tiny puny dollar there for this AWESOME site... *sigh* I wish I had a credit card...		2012-06-01 18:29:00

Author:
Frenzie
Posts: 308

Same for me FUUUUUUUUUUUU- I'm really really sad for you guys I mean not even 1 tiny puny dollar there for this AWESOME site... *sigh* I wish I had a credit card...

It's only the 1st of the month lol, plenty of time yet. Pretty sure they made over $200 last month.		2012-06-01 20:39:00

Author:
Kiminski
Posts: 545

Same .
Holy cow! look at all the donations so far! I would donate, but I'm too young, and don't have the money. Sorry. 		2012-07-14 02:35:00

Author:
bigl0uc0ntra
Posts: 113

im suprised no one donated yet and we are halfway of the end of the month...2012-07-15 05:49:00

Author:
Sunbunny23
Posts: 995

im suprised no one donated yet and we are halfway of the end of the month...

People gave Cartman money out of sympathy because he was confused.

Nobody is giving Warlord money because he is Evil and will syphon off the funds for site hosting to use in some scheme.		2012-07-15 22:31:00

Author:
Rabid-Coot
Posts: 6728

People gave Cartman money out of sympathy because he was confused.

Nobody is giving Warlord money because he is Evil and will syphon off the funds for site hosting to use in some scheme.

GAH.

How.

Do.

You.

Do.

It?		2012-07-15 22:36:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

GAH.

How.

Do.

You.

Do.

It?

By never replying like that to people?

Anyway... yeah, I don't have anything on-topic to add :C		2012-07-16 00:06:00

Author:
Valeview
Posts: 1581

:o omg whats going to happen if no one Donat's? this is so sad..I hope some one can help if i could i would.2012-07-17 06:20:00

Author:
Lbphart3
Posts: 813

I donated a few days ago and the bar has not progressed at all. Has anything happened or not? >.>2012-07-18 01:05:00

Author:
moonwire
Posts: 1627

I donated a few days ago and the bar has not progressed at all. Has anything happened or not? >.>
CC has to approve it first. I'm sure it will work out. 		2012-07-18 07:21:00

Author:
warlord_evil
Posts: 4193

Not sure if anyone else donated yet. I believe Moonwire said he has. Anyways it's not much but I hope $50 will start something. Hopefully this trend continues as anybody reading should realize how awesome this site is. Keep up the great work guys2012-07-19 01:24:00

Author:
tripple_sss
Posts: 250

I would donate... But I can't right now... I splurged on the Steam Sale so I'm out for a little. I'll donate ASAP!2012-07-19 05:36:00

Author:
Speedynutty68
Posts: 1614

So does the site implode if the goal isn't reached every month?2012-07-22 23:05:00

Author:
DarkDedede
Posts: 672

who knows?2012-07-25 02:14:00

Author:
Sunbunny23
Posts: 995

who knows?

My guess is that if the goal isn't reached, then the administrator needs to dip into his own pocket in order to keep it going.		2012-07-25 04:07:00

Author:
Speedynutty68
Posts: 1614

Considering that the past few months the site made more than its goal, I am assuming that the money from those donations could be used for this month, unless CC or War spent it on confused evil minions.2012-07-28 21:12:00

Author:
tanrockstan34
Posts: 1076

i wouldn't be surprised if there was just too much donated and an excess could go towards other things- who knows what?2012-08-05 20:51:00

Author:
Gavin
Posts: 338

Like those new daisy dukes War has had his eye on?2012-08-07 03:56:00

Author:
tanrockstan34
Posts: 1076

Just because they have a goal set doesn't mean that's all they need to operate this site each month... It could cost more? It could be less but either way I'll be donating before the months end!2012-08-09 01:56:00

Author:
Chris---Kristy
Posts: 83

I have been gone a while, but remember how I always said I'd eventually donate Michael?

It's the least I can do, bro.		2012-08-24 07:14:00

Author:
theswweet
Posts: 2468

If every member on LBPC donated $1 this site would have $24,255.
If every member on LBPC donated $10 this site would have $242,250.
If every member on LBPC donated $25 this site would have $606,375.
If every member on LBPC donated $50 this site would have $1,212,750.
If every member on LBPC donated $100 this site would have $2,425,500.
Just something to think about.		2012-08-26 20:07:00

Author:
gamerguy5432
Posts: 333

I don't mean to be rude, but it has been 2 days since I've donated $10, and nothing has happened yet. The $10 successfully went through, but do I have to wait for CC to sign-in or something?2012-08-26 21:52:00

Author:
theswweet
Posts: 2468

I don't mean to be rude, but it has been 2 days since I've donated $10, and nothing has happened yet. The $10 successfully went through, but do I have to wait for CC to sign-in or something?
CC has to confirm it. Don't worry, he'll get to it.		2012-08-27 00:43:00

Author:
warlord_evil
Posts: 4193

CC has to confirm it. Don't worry, he'll get to it.

Alright, figured as much.

How have the admin duties been treating ya? It's been a while.		2012-08-27 01:30:00

Author:
theswweet
Posts: 2468

If every member on LBPC donated $1 this site would have $24,255.
If every member on LBPC donated $10 this site would have $242,250.
If every member on LBPC donated $25 this site would have $606,375.
If every member on LBPC donated $50 this site would have $1,212,750.
If every member on LBPC donated $100 this site would have $2,425,500.
Just something to think about.


Members 24,227 Active Members 1,108


You may want to revise your estimate down slightly.		2012-08-27 01:49:00

Author:
Rabid-Coot
Posts: 6728

You may want to revise your estimate down slightly.

Yeah, but I didn't say they had to be ACTIVE members, I just said if every member donated...		2012-08-27 03:25:00

Author:
gamerguy5432
Posts: 333

Yeah, but I didn't say they had to be ACTIVE members, I just said if every member donated...

If every citizen of the United States donated 1 dollar to LBPC, it would have over 300 million dollars.		2012-08-27 03:51:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

Yeah, but I didn't say they had to be ACTIVE members, I just said if every member donated...

You can't expect to get donations from all of the bots, banned members and people that have moved on from the site.		2012-08-27 08:18:00

Author:
Rabid-Coot
Posts: 6728

If every citizen of the United States donated 1 dollar to LBPC, it would have over 300 million dollars.

Yea, but you're forgetting that some people in the United States aren't active. 		2012-08-28 05:06:00

Author:
DominationMags
Posts: 1840

I personally want to donate the whole months amount to LBPC... But parents are quite against that. lol 2012-09-01 22:14:00

Author:
fireblitz95
Posts: 2018

Well, uh... it's been more then a month. I'm glad to just donate for no benefits, but the braggart in me is still waiting for that glorious green dot...2012-10-04 00:04:00

Author:
theswweet
Posts: 2468

Meh. I might donate latorz.


Great site though, even without my money. Keep it up! 		2012-10-05 05:18:00

Author:
DominationMags
Posts: 1840

Merry Christmas.2012-12-28 07:04:00

Author:
Madafaku
Posts: 738

i really want to donate but cant :: (2013-08-18 19:30:00

Author:
Unknown User

Oh my how depressing - no donations this month, if I can find a spare amount of money lying around I just might give it to LBC Central. They deserve it!2013-09-24 04:00:00

Author:
Unknown User

To be honest, I do not mind spending 10 a month just to support this site. This place is kind of like home to me, it is a place where I can be me and connect with all the great people of LBP including my best friends. A lot of people here have the same similarities as me and we can all talk about what we love the most. I really love a place that does that, and there is no place like home.

LBPCentral - The heart of our bonding and our creative imagination.

-hyper		2013-09-29 01:46:00

Author:
hyperdude95
Posts: 1793

Considering how much joy lbpc is bringing into our lives and that watching a movie in the cinema here is costing more than 10 USD (for about 120 minutes joy) then I would say a small donation from those who can afford could be a fine gesture of thankfulness!^^ Yesterday I wanted to watch the movie "Prisoners", but I decided that lbpc is more fun to me!^^

Many greetings, Jürgen^^		2013-10-16 10:26:00

Author:
CuriousSack
Posts: 3981

You don't have to spend $10 each month, although much appreciated. Any size one time donation is also welcome.


Especially if you make the check out to me. lol		2013-10-16 11:03:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

You guys could also get one of those Amazon.com links that gives you a percentage of any sale that is generated through that link. Another idea is one I got from street musicians. They always put a couple bucks in the pot to Jockstrap donations. Just a thought.2013-10-16 22:42:00

Author:
DreadRandal
Posts: 434

I've grown very fond of the community here and I don't see why I have never given a single dime, but I want to change that! I plan on donating at least something each month! 2013-10-16 22:59:00

Author:
Bryan_Zuckerberg
Posts: 874

Actually thanks to Taffey being an awesome guy and some donations, it is taken care of. That's why we don't have ads any longer.

Appreciate the suggestion though 		2013-10-16 22:59:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

I was thinking of Donationing and I was wondering if I will get some type of reward.

EDIT:

I have a problem. I have a Visa credit card but I don't have PayPal what should I do?		2013-10-28 05:39:00

Author:
Teatrees
Posts: 59

Yes. The site stays up longer and the guy paying for it (is it still CC?) doesn't have to live off of Ramen.2013-10-28 06:07:00

Author:
GreatWhite000
Posts: 673

(is it still CC?)

Nope. You need a new rock to live under. 		2013-10-28 06:09:00

Author:
Lord-Dreamerz
Posts: 4261

Make a paypal account? 2013-10-28 10:34:00

Author:
ARD
Posts: 4291

Nope. You need a new rock to live under.

... Well don't look at me.

Anyway, if you donate you can save Taffey some money really. Some user profile upgrades too		2013-10-28 13:22:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

I was thinking of Donationing and I was wondering if I will get some type of reward.

Merged with existing thread.
Please search to see if there is an existing thread before creating a new one.		2013-10-28 22:30:00

Author:
Lady_Luck__777
Posts: 3458

Donations are always appreciated - we've had quite a few this month. Thanks everyone! :32013-10-31 00:47:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187

Nope. You need a new rock to live under.

Sorry, been gone for a long while. Guess CC went off to greener pastures?

If I had the money to donate I'd do it; I wasted like $30 a few weeks ago getting people Reddit Gold lol		2013-11-01 06:54:00

Author:
GreatWhite000
Posts: 673

Sorry, been gone for a long while. Guess CC went off to greener pastures?

If I had the money to donate I'd do it; I wasted like $30 a few weeks ago getting people Reddit Gold lol
Ha, you missed when I was admin too! 		2013-11-02 06:50:00

Author:
warlord_evil
Posts: 4193

Ha, you missed when I was admin too!

I remember when you were a mod, I definitely missed when you were an admin, though.		2013-11-03 05:35:00

Author:
GreatWhite000
Posts: 673

donated 2014-02-08 16:17:00

Author:
sascha_winter
Posts: 163

Ok, its been two weeks and informed several members of the staff about my donation. However the nothing has been updated. Any word on my current status?2014-02-22 23:09:00

Author:
sascha_winter
Posts: 163

Ok, its been two weeks and informed several members of the staff about my donation. However the nothing has been updated. Any word on my current status?

You have to be manually moved to the donator group by an admin or someone with the right permissions. Taffey apparently doesn't get much internet time atm and CC doesn't seem to be any more active since his return to adminship so if you've spoken to staff I guess you just have to keep waiting 		2014-02-22 23:55:00

Author:
ARD
Posts: 4291

Sorry, I wasn't aware of this. I more than understand your frustration.

I will see if I can't get Taffey to fix this for you asap. He has been moving to a new house and getting all that painting and other fun stuff done which has any time playing on the internet a bit on the back burner.		2014-02-23 01:42:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Please excuse the bump, but a bit an update!!

I have spoken with Taffey recently and he is now aware. He is just a bit out of sorts due to him finding the correct box with his system and just yesterday getting his internet finally installed at the new house. If we don't have this squared away very soon. Please send me a pm and I will unleash another volley of reminders. 		2014-02-25 17:32:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Hi guys,

Just to keep myself updated, I donated a few days ago Not expecting anything soon, just making sure I don't get forgotten ha-ha 		2014-04-06 14:34:00

Author:
LittleBigSnooth
Posts: 454

Hi guys,

Just to keep myself updated, I donated a few days ago Not expecting anything soon, just making sure I don't get forgotten ha-ha

Your information was forwarded to Taffey after we spoke the other day. 		2014-04-06 14:48:00

Author:
Lady_Luck__777
Posts: 3458

I remember and Thank you 2014-04-06 16:45:00

Author:
LittleBigSnooth
Posts: 454

Is their a P.O.box i can mail a check or cash? Im still not big on credit cards or using paypal.2014-07-07 03:22:00

Author:
TSFRJ
Posts: 249

Ummmm.... we might be able to work something out. Let me send a pm, though it might be a bit later this week.2014-07-07 10:48:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Also donated Some days ago (: keep up the good stuff!2014-08-21 22:09:00

Author:
Kewes18
Posts: 20

Thanks so much!

Once I get that confirmed from our "treasurer, I will update your status!		2014-08-21 23:56:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Is no one taking in the fact that sumo digital could fund all this? They're going to make millions, so a few hundred to keep a trusty fansite going wouldn't harm them? To be honest though this is the main site everyone goes to with anything regarding LBP so it's become more than a fansite now.2014-08-22 01:11:00

Author:
raptor42694
Posts: 89

Is no one taking in the fact that sumo digital could fund all this? They're going to make millions, so a few hundred to keep a trusty fansite going wouldn't harm them? To be honest though this is the main site everyone goes to with anything regarding LBP so it's become more than a fansite now.

"A fansite, fan site, fan blog or fanpage is a website created and maintained by a fan or devotee interested in a celebrity, thing, or a particular cultural phenomenon. The phenomenon can be a book, television show, movie, comic, band, sports team, video game, or the like."

LBPC is still a fansite. If SD start funding it, it will no longer be a fansite. For me, that is what make LBPC so special, that it is run by fans. If SD start running it, it won't feel as unique and no longer be an amazing site run from fans.		2014-08-22 01:26:00

Author:
dyna
Posts: 260

What he said...

Besides.... they already have a site. LittleBigPlanet.com		2014-08-22 02:24:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383


LBPCentral Archive Statistics
Posts: 1077139    Threads: 69970    Members: 9661    Archive-Date: 2019-01-19

Datenschutz
Aus dem Archiv wurden alle persönlichen Daten wie Name, Anschrift, Email etc. - aber auch sämtliche Inhalte wie z.B. persönliche Nachrichten - entfernt.
Die Nutzung dieser Webseite erfolgt ohne Speicherung personenbezogener Daten. Es werden keinerlei Cookies, Logs, 3rd-Party-Plugins etc. verwendet.