The Mana World Forums

So, after some discussion in town surrounding server issues, I had an idea that might be easy to implement (not sure on logistics server-side), and provide an optional way for some players with less technical skillsets to contribute to the project.

Currently one of my characters has a name that I chose and liked during creation, but now does not suit the role I've chosen for him. My idea is to provide an optional service that allows a player to "donate" a fixed amount of money, (through a chipin or paypal type service) and have the name changed. Any funds obtained through this method could be used for server maintenance, upgrades, etc.

Tossing it out there for feedback, maybe as a poll style to gauge interest.

no thank you.

Kandiman wrote:So, after some discussion in town surrounding server issues, I had an idea that might be easy to implement (not sure on logistics server-side), and provide an optional way for some players with less technical skillsets to contribute to the project.

Currently one of my characters has a name that I chose and liked during creation, but now does not suit the role I've chosen for him. My idea is to provide an optional service that allows a player to "donate" a fixed amount of money, (through a chipin or paypal type service) and have the name changed. Any funds obtained through this method could be used for server maintenance, upgrades, etc.

Tossing it out there for feedback, maybe as a poll style to gauge interest.

did i get it? you want me paying REAL money only for changing a stupid name? i'm sorry but this idea is crap in my eyes.

I do like the idea of there being some way to defray the costs associated with the running of the server, if such costs are in fact non-trivial. I would gladly contribute. I'm inclined to think that such costs could probably be defrayed from voluntary contributions alone, without the need to connect contributions to some functionality in the game. The later option opens up worries of a slippery slope which ends in all sorts of game functionality costing real money. I think everyone agrees that would be a bad thing.

I'm inclined to think that such costs could probably be defrayed from voluntary contributions alone, without the need to connect contributions to some functionality in the game. The later option opens up worries of a slippery slope which ends in all sorts of game functionality costing real money. I think everyone agrees that would be a bad thing.

This is an aspect I had not considered, and is a very valid point.

Speaking from experience, maintaining a server is much more costly than many people think, both in time and in literal cost when upgrades become necessary. My inclination in posting this topic was more centered around helping defray those costs than in providing functionality within the game. I had the notion that if people could see something tangible, they might be more inclined to donate. Perhaps some other method exists?

If you want to say thank you to Platyna for hosting the server and donate money, contact her and I am sure you will find a way (don't use the post). If you want to play a character with a different name, start new one. We won't rename your character.

i guess if it was about the money, on demand merchandising could be an easier and maybe better way:
CafePress
Printfection
Zazzle
Spreadshirt another thing could be an orderable boxed version with a printed handbook, poster and a map.

edit to make my point clear: i think marketing is good for any project, nevertheless that shouldnt necessarily mean to commercialise it, which could easily lead to hassles especially in open source projects. so thats a pretty sensitive thing in general and money would be a poor reason if something goes wrong then.

on demand merchandising could be an easier and maybe better way

I think this is a good idea. I may work toward this a little in my spare time.

To be clear, the reason for the topic was not to suggest that money is the object, but to stimulate some discussion amongst the player community for those without technical skills to contribute in a meaningful way. As a person with server support in my background but no programming or graphics, this is simply what occurred to me at the time. My apologies to all if that is the message I conveyed.

Characters will be renamed only in extraordinary circumstances, and no, we will not keep the rename from the GMs (yes, that has been asked of me in the past).

jaxad0127 wrote:Characters will be renamed only in extraordinary circumstances, and no, we will not keep the rename from the GMs (yes, that has been asked of me in the past).

Perfectly understandable and naturally within the rights of the devs. Was simply an idea that I have seen implemented elsewhere and thought might be desired. Consider this portion of the topic dropped and abandoned.

Providing additional service for money is a slippery slope.

First we provide namechanges for money
Then character transfer
Then character slot expansion
Then we start selling useless items
Then useful items
Then levels and GP
Then exclusive pay-to-play content

And soon TMW has turned into one of those allegedly-free-game money making scams where your power level is determined by how much you pay.

Crush, you forgot the price to be GM or Developer

Or Admin

Crush wrote:Providing additional service for money is a slippery slope.

First we provide namechanges for money
Then character transfer
Then character slot expansion
Then we start selling useless items
Then useful items
Then levels and GP
Then exclusive pay-to-play content

And soon TMW has turned into one of those allegedly-free-game money making scams where your power level is determined by how much you pay.

By that logic even taking donations is a slippy slope... since I think taking donations will come before namechanges.

Slippy slope logic is often flawed in my opinion, since it either makes faulty assumptions of progression or doesn't acknowledge the fact that prior steps have already been taken which the arguer might even agree with, so you would already be on the "slope".

$1 for iron ore...

and i'm also for keeping free games free! However I dont see the problem with donations.