Help Upgrade CD

[Bill Moore]

Originally Posted by cdr1122334455

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

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.

[Billfred]

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)

[Jay H 237]

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.

[StephLee]

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

[Collmandoman]

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

[Joe Johnson]

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.

[Collmandoman]

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

[MikeDubreuil]

Originally Posted by Joe Johnson

How about in addition to the Rep bars on the postings, you'd get "support bars" for different levels of annual support?

I think this is a wonderful idea- it encourages people to be generous at the same time publicly praising them for their support.

Originally Posted by Collmandoman

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

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.

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by Joe Johnson

How about in addition to the Rep bars on the postings, you'd get "support bars" for different levels of annual support?

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.

Originally Posted by Joe Johnson

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.

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

[omutton]

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

[shyra1353]

Originally Posted by Joe Johnson

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.

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.

[Jessica Boucher]

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?

[Collmandoman]

Originally Posted by MikeDubreuil

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.

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.

[Daniel Brim]

Originally Posted by Jessica Boucher

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?

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.

[Greg Perkins]

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!