Donations

[ConfusedCartman]

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 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, 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. 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, 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.

[biorogue]

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.

[Ali_Star]

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!!

[TehMonkeyBlade]

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

[Frenzie]

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...

[Kiminski]

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.

[bigl0uc0ntra]

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.

[Sunbunny23]

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

[Rabid-Coot]

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.

[RockSauron]

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?

[Valeview]

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

[Lbphart3]

: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.

[moonwire•]

I donated a few days ago and the bar has not progressed at all. Has anything happened or not? >.>

[warlord_evil]

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.

[tripple_sss•]

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 guys