Help Upgrade CD
 

Just a thought after discussing with some people. CD has been a great service to FIRST and all of those involved. I was wondering, without talking to anyone at CD, if there was say a yearly fee of $2- $5 (voluntary) would people be willing to help out to continue this exceptional service. I will start a poll and just see what happens. Be honest.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

as soon as i get a job i will help but till then. lol naw i would pay to be on here.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I would be in on that. What you can do is if you have a paypal account, they have a button you can put on your webpage that says donate paypal and you can put money right into the account. So brandon or a team 47 paypal account can work

looks like that

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

By my math 2 dollars times 4600 active users is about 9,200 bucks...I bet that could do Chiefdelphi a lot of good...I'm up for it! Look at it this way also...if 4600 users average 5 dollar donations Chiefdelphi would have 23,000 bucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is one heck of an idea!

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I would definitely be in on helping the CD forums stay up and running. Count me in for my $5 fee.

JT
229

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

why not get a bunch of empty water bottles stick a number 47 on them and put them around the place at nationals. that should be able to get quite a bit because at competitions i have change in my pockets from lunch and stuff that I'm just begging to get rid of.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I would also pay a $5 if needed

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I think a small donation to CD would be a great idea to help improve service (not that its not already great) even with 1000 users $$$$$ thats still not a small sum of money ill dish out the money for CD

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

CD is already awsome but to help make things run more smoothly i would be willing to contribute. Thinka bout it. over 9,000 memebers. Say that only half are actualy active somewhat on CD if we all give 1 dollar it would be awsome.

Count me in if we decide to do it.

Paypal is the best way.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I would be willing to pay a small fee to use the website. CD is really in need of some beefier hardware. I believe this site currently runs on an Intel Celeron with 512MB RAM. I'd like to see dual Xeons or preferably dual Opterons with about 2GB of RAM. I'm all for chipping in :)

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I'd throw in a couple bucks to keep the site running at optimum. Chief Delphi is a resource that has been there for me, I'd like for it to be around for future generations of FIRSTers as well.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

have some sort of container, like one or two of those huge 5 gallon water jugs and we can chip money in at the webhug, i'm all for chipping money in

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

This is not a fundraiser yet. I started this post to see what the reactions would be. If CD decides to take us up on our offer then something could be put in place. Remember please that this thread is not started by, or sanctioned by anyone at CD. It is for informational purposes only. (end of disclaimer)

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

i also like that idea. i remember seeing on a different forum, if you donated money toward the forum you got a cool thing next to your name and got some special privileges. would that be possible here?

anyway i would donate some money toward this good cause!

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I'd suggest have a box at your pits at nationals, I wouln't be willing to use pay pal, but I'd be more then willing to stop by with change when I have it and a couple bucks.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Good Intentions/Bad Idea -- who is going to not only pick up a 5 gallon bottle of coins (maybe 200+ lbs), but then take it down to the local grocery's Coin-O-Matic to convert it into paper money? If you want to fundraise at Championships ask for $2-5/person in paper money. Much easier to transport, and no one will have to test how comprehensive their Health Insurance is.

To answer the original question, yes I'd kick a few bucks in too. I'll even put some in for Coco.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I'd be willing to go in for a couple of bucks. Not a lot, but it's something.

The response for this thread makes me wonder, though...(goes down to his lab to plot and scheme)

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I'll also be willing to donate a few dollars.

I don't know what it costs to run this site or what upgrades to the server will cost but if this does materialize it should help out. We have more users currently than ever and it increases every year. There have been times when I've been unable to access this site and when I did finally get on it was very slow.
With the rate of growth by this time next year I won't be surprised if we pass the 12K user mark and I'm definitely willing to help them keep this site functioning and accessible, especially with the amount of time I spend on here. ;)

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I'd pay more than 5$ to be on here.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

How do they currently get money?
Are they in dire need of more funds?
if not I don't see the point of this?

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I have not asked anyone about this, so I am just winging it (translation: don't think this is a trial balloon for the folks that make decisions about ChiefDelphi.com), but what about some good old fashioned peer pressure? How about in addition to the Rep bars on the postings, you'd get "support bars" for different levels of annual support?

0 bars, nothing
1 bar, $0.01-$4.46 given within the last 12 months
2 bars, $4.47-$10.46 given within the last 12 months
3 bars, $10.47-$20.46 given within the last 12 months
4 bars, $20.47-$47.46 given within the last 12 months
5 bars, $47.47 or more given within the last 12 months

I think most folks would give nothing, but perhaps we could have "pledge weeks" like Public TV. Maybe during the pledge week each member of the paying group would get assigned non-payers to PM with personal pleas for funds, etc...

What I do know is Delphi is in a world of hurt this year. I would not be surprised if funding was cut off or very very restricted this year. Pontiac Schools in not having an easy time either with all the pressure for spending reductions from Lansing.

It may come the having to have pass the hat...

Joe J.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

sorry Joe I respectfully disagree with this.. for many reasons..
First it is my feeling that gracious professionals don't necessitate rewards for their actions.
Second.. it will just seperate some of the members further... and I know you all say " The rep bar doesn't do this.." ...but it does -- what a proof =)
Third.. it just seems wrong =/ oh well

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I think this is a wonderful idea- it encourages people to be generous at the same time publicly praising them for their support.
I disagree, if there wasn't advertising oppurtunities in FIRST there wouldn't be nearly as much funding from company sponsorship. I certainly wouldn't call a representative from a sponsor ungracious for wanting his advertising at a venue or on the robot.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

All the better--however, for something like this, I'd call it smart to have an option for the user to disable such a feature. Some folks love recognition, while others just want to do what they can to help others, green dots or not.

Best of luck with that. (But just for reference--such a plan would be benefitting ChiefDelphi.com, and not Chief Delphi, correct?)

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I would give money to support CD. And you could have colourful Canadian money too!

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I think this is a first, but I have to disagree with Joe. I think the PMs during pledge week would be regarded as spam, and that is always something I am glad to get away from on CD. I don't like the support bars, because while I fully support donating money to CD and am willing to do so, I do not feel comfortable doing it online.

Also, what about people who cannot afford to pay the $47.47 a year to have the 5 support bars? It doesn't mean that CD means any less to them than it does to those who can pay it.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I'd suggest something that we use in Sigma Kappa for the national fund as opposed to funding levels at the moment. If it's still needed later, then I would go with levels, but I can see that causing similar rifts that reputation does.

We have many different ways to donate, but I'm suggesting that CD create something similar to the "1874 Society". Sigma Kappas who donate $18.74 a year (in memory of the year we were founded) are invited in the Society, and with it you get something to put on your member pin and a certificate. You can give in honor of another sister, or you can give for yourself, but it's an easy way for everyone (college-aged and the non-age-specific cash strapped) to give a little to an organization they care about. And lots of little contributions add up to more money to keep CD running.

Now, $4.47 is really little, and $47.47 defeats the purpose, but I've read that people are willing to give under $20, since that is what most ATMs give out. So, maybe $10.47 would be a good midpoint to start out with (especially since this is your 10th year)?

As incentive, contributors could have a button next to their username, or would be given something at Atlanta.

Possible name....Clan of the Chief? Chief Contributors? These Servers Aren't Free Club?

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Mike it seems you just disagreed with me.. but didn't address what I said at all. So I'm curious.. do you disagree with my statement or me? I'm very confused. Also with what you said.. I disagree.. I find it actually unprofessional for the sponsors wanting to be "reimbursed" for helping students find the joys of science and technology. You can say.. "well this is just how the world works".. but I disagree.. this is what we've come to expect - We've come to notice a world that is Non-Gp.. and this is Deam Kamens dream to fix it. I think he would very much like for us not to parade around the sponsors names... but rather just thank them.. because we will as a community understand that their monetary sacrifices furthered FIRSTs' ideas. SO instead of having to display their names everywhere.. we thank them when we notice the appropriate times because we are actually gracious.
When you aren't forced to do something.. the meaning of it is 1000X greater.
I don't know if that makes sense.. but the idea is 100% clear to me.. if you didn't get it- I'll try to clean it up and repost

First it is my feeling that gracious professionals don't necessitate rewards for their actions.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I agree with this and I agree with Collmandoman. A button is great! However, reputation is used for a measure of inspiration to other users (if used correctly IMO). I do not think that reputation should be used as a "bribe." If you want to do that... I guess you can increase the number of bars that you can earn (say 15 or so). Honestly though, I would say leave it like it is.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

As for CD. I myself am all up for donating whatever i can to support then. And it is nice to know your doing something with some sore of support meter. For instance, when you call a tele-thon, if you pledge X dollars, you recieve a gift...the more you pledege, the more you recieve. CD should do something along these lines..It also weeds out the leechers who just come on to post needless things, and those who show that they would much rather benifiet from free stuff than giving. I used this analogy once earlier this season, but its like xmas...wouldnt you feel guilty if your bestfriend/cousin/grandmother...got you this uber expensive gift...and you didnt even send him/her a card. how would they feel. I myself wouldnt wanna have to live w/ myself if i know i didnt give what i could. so yes, i agree with donation boxes... and may bright things come CD's way!

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

thank you =)

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

ok...seems i dont fully understand what you mean, but whatever...
i edited my post so i dont hurt anybodys feelings.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

All I'm basically saying is .. it is not professional to ask for something in return for doing a good deed. Personal satisfaction should be enough.. and if it is a truly good thing you are doing.. people will note that and thank you.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

If my paying $47.47 would help keep CD alive and healthy, I wouldn't hesitate to give that much.

Besides, I'm so hopelessly addicted, I couldn't bear the thought of no CD :p

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I'm all for the donating. As for the rep bars, i could care less about them. I don't feel i should be donating for a rep or a reward. I'd be donating for a reason. id be giving back to a community that has given so much more to me. Really though, if you would consider donating just to get a reward or a "higher status" then there is something wrong. I under stand that this would probably draw more people in, but i don't think its necessary.

Simply put: you should donate what you can and expect nothing in return except a simple thank you.

I don't think its necessary to say any one is leeching off CD. Every one comes her for there own reasons. Whether it is be regarding to FIRST or just to chit chat its all perfectly fine. They may not post in any other topics other than chit chat but they are more than likely coming to read up on problems or fixes from other teams. Sure as shoot-in what they read here makes the competition all that more fun.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Based on the usage statistics, it doesnt seem like CD would need more then five thousand dollars worth of upgrades a year. Frankly i dont think any type of reputation points or recogination is needed for higher donation. As i see its a donation just to maintain the website, it does'nt directly affect the team in anyway. I am glad that team 47 has done such a great job with the effort and costs assoicated with this website every year. I would certainly donate but nothing to extravagent. Honestly, I dont agree with repuation points thats currently in place.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Show me a paypal link, and you've immediately got at least $10 from me.

I don't think the "reputation" system is a good idea, primarily for reason's mentioned earlier. It's like the story of the widow's mite. A destitute woman gives all that she can, even though it is something seemingly insignificant, while a rich man gives lots, even though it is an insignificant percentage of his income. How do you say who gave more? The people who can only donate $1 but do so would deserve more reputation bars than the people who could donate $100 but only give $10.

Therefore, I think that anybody who donates should get a little badge in his information (maybe like the UFH badges?) that say "I donated to CD!" or something. Then clicking that would pop open the page to donate. No mention of how much, because that's no one's business but your own. Just acknowledgement that you did.

I think that would be much better. :)

Dave

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

FIRST has sponsors at various levels - perhaps there could be something added that says "bronze level sponser", and that would be like 5 dollars, and the amount would increase as the level goes up. I like the idea of support bars too.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Sponsors can't be recognized if you don't know who they are. It is also the right of someone giving you money to ask to be noticed. It is good for their business. What is good for them helps bring in more money which is good for you as you will continue to get the same or more donations. Like it or not, that's the way it is. Not all sponsors want to be noticed and that is OK too.

When I started this thread it was to see if the CD community would be willing to help better a great service. The numbers I chose were chosen as they were not a lot of money but with many people helping would help improve the system.

I would see no problem with a bronze ($0.47), silver ($2.47) or a gold ($5.47+) designation. You could give $47.47 or $4747.47 and still be a gold member. This would not, in my opinion isolate different people. What surprises me most is that GP being so prominent in FIRST that people get so damning in a simple what if scenario that is brought forth. AGAIN, I am not with CD and have not conferred with anyone on CD about this thread but I can guarantee that they are reading it and see the responses. Please chose your words carefully and reread before posting. Oh yeah :D

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Just to be clear: Right now, ChiefDelphi.com funds come out of Chief Delphi's funds.

Does the money from our kids' fund raiser pay for it?
Does the money from Delphi pay for it?
Does the money from Pontiac Schools pay for it?
Does the money CD saves by having me get myself to and from a regional pay for it?

All of the above and none of the above. It just is an expense Chief Delphi pays every year, just like like registation fees, shipping overages and hotel bills.

I DO know that if the TEAM Chief Delphi has NO FUNDS, as it stands right now, ChiefDelphi.com's bills don't get paid, period.

What I think folks are trying to think about is a way for ChiefDelphi.com to pay for itself (or to pay at least for some of the associated costs) not for ways to raise funds for the Chief Delphi team.

Joe J.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Joe you are correct. I believe that we should not be a burden to any team. I know that we all thank CD for what they have done but that is no reason not to think of helping out.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I'm all for donating to CD. I too am hopelessly addicted, and atleast I'd feel good about supporting CD instead of buying one of those PSPs I've been drooling over.

Perhaps we should look around at other forums and their donation policies? I've seen anywhere from mandatory donations to post at all, donator only sections, special titles for donators, and absolutely no recognition of donations. For CD, I would lean toward the special titles/privledges for donators. Maybe donators get to have slightly larger avatars or something, more stored PMs, or the donator badge idea.. (Badges? We don't need no stinking badges....) I'd lean away from the donation rep bars, since that just seems divisive and elitest. Enough people argue about the normal rep bars as it is.... Whatever incentive gets put in place shouldn't really cost money, however. Buttons for showing off at competitions would be really nifty, but producing and mailing them would cut into the money that should be going to get us better servers and such. Maybe some printable certificate or sticker that you could print onto your own sticker paper?

At any rate, what would definitely be helpful is if CD set a donation goal and had a bar for us to track our progress or something. Then have a yearly donation run where the bar goes up and people are gently reminded it's time to donate again. Probably two weeks before kickoff when everyone's off and swarming CD with rumors anyways.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I will donate every once in a while with a PayPal link on the main page, but the moment we start charging a fee to access the page is the time I drop from the forums (I hear the few of you cheer....). CD is known for the fact it's a free source of information for teams, going to a payed system would be very disappointing. I won't say it's un-GP.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Collmandoman, I have started a new thread here to deal with your thoughts. I have copied some of them to the start of the thread. Let's get this thread back on topic. Thanks.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

No, I do not disagree with you as a person. Neither do I have any preconceived notion of who you are and what you believe in. You can find my response in the Donations/Sponsorship - Good or Bad thread here.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

If I can donate at nationals, then I would be more then willing to give $5 or more, but I don't want to use paypal

As for benefits... having these forums is the biggest benefit I could get, I wouldn't want anything more as long as they stay up :)

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Here is an additional idea:

Would CD be open to companies who would want to advertize on their site?

I could see a limited space, off to the right, listing "sponsor companies" and showing their logos. I bet CD could have 10 companies signed up within a couple of days.


Andy B.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Since I'm seeing a load of negativity towards Paypal donations, would people consider using the Amazon Honor System?

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I really don't like the idea of having advertising on this site. But if there is a fundraiser I really think there should be a goal, like, $474.70 or like a system to show how much money will by what for the community. I just think that it should be an open information system, so you can see where your 47 cents go. But a goal is essential, competitions always have a goal, we are competitiors, we'd just be people if we didn't have a goal.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I agree, I;m not big on Paypal, but I would definitley donate at Nationals. I personally believe that these forums are a huge benefit. All I want is for them to stay up. I'll pay $10 for that.

JT
229

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Without Chief Delphi, there would be no NEMO

Give me a bottle, I'll stuff donations in it and will put it on the table at the NEMO workshop at the Championship.

Thanks again to Brandon, who has listened to all my requests over the past year and has granted EVERY SINGLE ONE and has corrected all my garbled mistakes with much patience.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Paypal is awesome. If you set up a Paypal account, I bet you'd have at least 100 dollars in the first day. If there was a Paypal account set up, I'd donate 5 bucks today.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

My problem with things like that, is I lack a credit card, and from what I've heard about paypal, I don't want them having my bank account info. But cash, I always have cash :)

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I disagree with this statement. Leechers grow up. If you do not give them the chance to spend time on CD, read other people's posts, benefit from the advice, then you are not giving them the chance to grow up. I started on CD as a "leecher" posting only in chit-chat or wherever it was "safe".

Also, if you do have a "you must pay" system on CD, what about guests? Or people who start threads like such where they are recruiting?

The problem with online donations, is not many students have a credit card they can use, and many don't feel safe sending their account information online.

My collective thoughts on donations:
I think donations are a great idea. I think there should be some sort of online account set up in addition to a way for others to donate with cash (besides mail). I disagree with the support bars, because like I said earlier, if someone cannot afford to donate as much as someone else, it does not necessary mean they love CD any less. I am completely against a mandatory fee because a) some people may not be able to afford it, and b) newer users don't always understand the impact of CD until they have been using it for a while so they will not want to pay

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I agree with Shyra. If any system of funding for CD is setup, it should definitely be an optional thing, without any affect on... anything.

I would willingly donate to CD, but like many others I don't have a credit card, so any system should probably allow the use of cash. Maybe just an address to mail stuff too. To prevent getting on all kinds of fun lists, you could make it a member's only thing. If you really want to cut down on it, maybe to see it you have to have x (10ish?) posts.

Or whatever. :D

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I would be all for donations to keep the site running at top capability. This is such an awesome source of news, design ideas and help, that FIRST would really be hurting without it.

I know FIRST does not allow fundraisers at events, so that might not be a good option. Another way for small donations would have to be used, unless we could get a special approval.

I do think small spaces for advertisers would be great. Just an area in the corner, or a drop down box. Sort of like public TV.

I will try to upload $20 now. Brandon, let me know when you get it. :)

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

If everyone notes that in my initial post I said voluntary. I do not think at this time anyone on CD would want to exclude people that did not/could not contribute.

Let's look at this another way. Let's say that I invite you over to my house for dinner. When I give the invitation I expect nothing in return. However you know what a great cook my wife is and really look forward to coming over. NOW, some people will ask if there is something they could bring. Others would not offer but just come. When the guests arrive, food in hand or not, they are still welcomed guests and treated equally.

I guess that what I am saying is that I would be willing to bring a small token to the table. Those that can't or choose not to would still be welcome and treated no differently. I speak for myself and not CD.com but I can bet by the GP that these people have shown, that they would agree.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

I think that a donation system at regionals or nationals would be awesome. You could print off a page here and put your donation with this page that has your username on it. CD could give you a different donation avatar or something like that.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Looking at the statistics...
Chief Delphi uses about 100 GB of bandwith a month
Other sites are hosted on this server, so lets say a nice round figure of 200 GB/month

A top of the line Dual Xeon 2.4GHz, 1.2 TB bandwith, 160 GB storage, and 1 GB RAM server costs about $250 / month

I'd say that the CD server costs about $125 / month.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

Frankly, I love CD and everything it stands for. I've made more friends from this forum alone than I ever expected to meet in FIRST. Chiefdelphi is part of the reason I'm a college mentor instead of a 'former FIRSTer.' I'd give just about anything to keep this system up, upgraded and going on long into the future. It's not even enough to show my thanks and gratitude.

Re: Help Upgrade CD
 

If you let me pay in cash during Nationals, I'd probably give you my gas money for the week (no, its not that much...yet. little pink neons still get pretty good mileage!)