Members... We need your help.

[Kingster]

Greetings everyone...

Unreal Playground needs your help once again...

We recently cancelled all of the current subscriptions, for the reason of changing the receiving PayPal account. Horton spoke about that in his thread here. (http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26799) This leaves our account empty, and there are changes that need to be made that will cost money.

Since re-opening our PayPal pipeline, we've had 4 members subscribe... To make this place merely self-sustaining we need a total of 35 subscribers. More will give us more options - we can have prizes for contests, offer more game servers, etc. We do still have the capability to take one time donations, and while those certainly help and we appreciate them, they don't get us to the self-sustaining stage (they just prolong the inevitable). Many have asked for a snail-mail address in the past, but we found that only a couple used it, and it wasn't worth the cost of a PO Box. Maybe once we get completely back on our feet and have a few spare coins, we will get a PO box.

I spoke of changes that need to be made... The biggest change that needs to be made is a webserver move. In moving the server we will be assessing current needs, future growth, and future offerings. We currently run close to our allotted bandwidth - 1.3 terabytes (1300 gigabytes!) of transfer per month. We would like to get onto a server that has a higher limit so that we don't have to pay bandwidth overages. These server plans are obviously more expensive. We would like to continue to offer the same services in the future, but as this site grows (we recently went over 40,000 users!), more and more is required of the server. Lastly, we would like to start offering other services, some premium, some not. We already offer TeamSpeak, but we would like to find some other services that, you, dear member/subscriber, can use and want.

As you wander around the site, you may notice some little changes here and there... The Server Status page has been tweaked - it's faster and now most maps have their thumbnails back. We're adding download sizes to the map screens (you can see that in action here (http://www.unrealplayground.com/maps.php?game=ut2k4&type=ctf)). They are small changes, but I think are helpful, and we will continue to make those changes. We've said in the past that we were attempting to roll out a new site, and while we continue to strive for that, it is on the back burner. We will probably bring new versions of pages on line as they are created, and those pages will have additional functionality.

I'd like to make a specific plea to the mappers... We started out as a game server site - many of you go back to the StealthDP.com era. We added a lot of functionality for mappers, and in doing so, have become one of the biggest Unreal series map/content resources out there. Some of the best mappers out there frequent our site, and are happy to answer questions posed in our forums. We have tried to make it so that you feel at home here, and know that we care about what you do. Your maps that we feel are worthy of play on our servers get there (provided we support that gametype) quickly - allowing you to see how they play online. Many times even late betas make it there, so you can see if changes need to be made for final release. So, if you have maps posted here, please consider donating, as it allows us to continue to serve up your maps to public - both through website downloads and game server download redirects. For those of you that do help us out, we can make some special considerations, such as providing you with your own site here at UP, etc. Contact us and let us know how we can help.

Please consider a subscription - the $7.99US/month is about the cost of a 12-pack of beer (mmmm... beer :beer:), 3 Starbucks cappuccino’s, a pizza... We recognize that times aren't necessarily easy, and that many of you don't have income, so don't feel bad if you can't donate. This is a plea to those that can afford to help us out.

You can sign up for a subscription here (http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/subscriptions.php) and make a one time donation here (http://www.unrealplayground.com/donate.php).

Thanks go out to everyone here that makes this place what it is today - administrators, staff, mappers, and players (some of you fit multiple categories!). We would also like to thank those that help us out financially - it means a lot to us to know that you care enough about this place to kick in to help cover our costs.

Thanks,

The Management

[Aquablue]

Whenever I have my own income (probably a few years or so) I'll subscribe. I promise! :)

[Airlea]

Doesn't take much to get your own funds!

I recall when we took in our pop cans for refunds... back then Costco didn't have a limit on how many you could bring in. Well they do now! Within a week of us visiting them, they implemented a 24 can per person limit. I wonder if it had anything to do with our two truck loads and 600 dollars worth of popcans.

You do the math ;)


A guy used to come in at this place I used to work at; he paid his rent by collecting pop cans. Amazing actually.

Now I'm not suggesting anyone go dumpster diving for cans!! but you'd be amazed at where one can find goodies that can be exchanged for cash.


Please help keep UP alive!

~Lea

[Kingster]

One more thing that's important to note...

In figuring out timelines, my estimate is that if the cash isn't in by the 23rd, this place won't get moved in time.

We have 4 subs... and 16 days in which to gain 31 more. That's two per day. Start digging through the couches, people. We need the help.

[-=[Dg]=-]

Sent ya' a chunk.

Step up to the plate, people.

Remember when your hamster died and UP was there share your grief?
That's right!

Remember when UP was there for you to hold your hair while you puked into the toilet?
Oh yeah!

Remember when your car broke down and UP said, "I'll take you to work, bro. What time do you get off? We'll go have beers - I'm buyin'!"
What a friend!

Well, party people, now UP needs you.
Remember the good times and give what you can. :)

[radio667]

Amen to That DG :D Please Subscribe Guys - It for a Great Cause :rockon: Lets Keep it UP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Spiffness]

Done.

[-=JUDGE=-]

Gdamnit.. I hate paypal, get a merchant account... and then lets talk :)

[Mickey Blue]

Shout out to all mah fellow UKers here in the UP. At exchange rates the cost of subbing this roxxor place is roughly around £4.50ish That's like the price of a pack of cigs, or a kebab on a friday night. Damn, you'd pay nearly that for a new release at blockbuster for a 2 night loan!! Infact it's less than what I payed to go to the movies the other day (On OAP day I may add so it was cheap rate!) to see the Terminal!! LOL (Hey times are had heh, I can pass for a pensioner if I ps myself Lmao!) The same price I pay for my monthly treat of PCGAMER lol

So if ya can brothers and sisters, Dig deep and spread the love! :)

[Professor]

I'm on it!

You Have Completed Your Transaction!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your purchase from UnrealPlayground is complete. It will appear on your credit card statement as "PAYPAL *UNREALPLAYG."


:evil:

[Kingster]

Gdamnit.. I hate paypal, get a merchant account... and then lets talk :)Those cost more for us, plus there are different rules. Use the PayPal, punk! :D

Seriously... We hope to be able to accept more forms of payment in the future, right now, we're going quick and easiest.

Thanks for the feedback though!

[Derick]

Those cost more for us, plus there are different rules. Use the PayPal, punk! :D

Seriously... We hope to be able to accept more forms of payment in the future, right now, we're going quick and easiest.

Thanks for the feedback though!

you know, i would, but im only 15, got no job, and im not allowed to do internet transactions. sorry all :angst: :sour: :(

[uncledumpy]

done.

[SloththeShovel]

Sent ya 3 months worth of my spam.

[Zinia]

Gdamnit.. I hate paypal, get a merchant account... and then lets talk :)

I do have a PO Box you can send payment to if that's what you prefer. PM me if you'd like to go that route.

Come on peeps. We REALLY need your help in continuing to keep the same level of service and downloads everyone here has come to expect. The only thing that the sub account is paying for at this time is the webserver since there are other people paying for the various game servers. Since we made this announcement, there have only been (4) subscription accounts established and a couple of one-time donations. Do a check on how much a webserver with 1200GB of transfer/month costs. With the subs we have received, we can pay for approximately a week.

Like someone said.... a 6-pack a month.......a small pizza.....that's all it takes.

[radio667]

True that Doctor Z :D Please Join , Guys !!

[demigod387]

werkin on it.

Setting up a new budget for the house. Mrs.D's Unemployment runns out this month and i'll be the sole provider :moreconf: . Gonna be tight the next couple of months , specially with the baby due in month and a half :D .

I love this place and as soon as i get sum bills knocked down a little bit i'll be a reg subscriber.It's about time, i been here a few days now. :D

Viva la UP :beer:

[SloththeShovel]

As soon as my new sources of income (gambling, stealing. Sssh.) I'll send a bigger wad.

[radio667]

LOL @ bigger wad ;) ..Ok ..Ill Stop Now !!!

[-=JUDGE=-]

As soon as my new sources of income (gambling, stealing. Sssh.) I'll send a bigger wad.


I'm guess it was you in the mask? (http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27069)

[}OPP{DrunkAndy]

Sent you a one time chunk...hope it helps.

[radio667]

Thank You Andy :D Your Da BEST !!!

[Zinia]

Thank You Andy :D You're Da BEST !!!

^^^^ I agree with him. You :rockon:

[NLA*Madison]

Mine's coming...it's taking forever to get it into Paypal to get to UP

[radio667]

Oh Heck , We Wuv U Too :D MADDIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lunatic_420]

Well when I get payed On the 20th I will see what I can do I should be able to hahaha. I buy alot of beer so it is just one six pack out of my stash. But that hurts man. hahaha :hammer: But you will get some cash then. Peace

[Raistlin71]

I just downloaded 120 maps, I think that is worth a donation. Thanks for the site and the check is in the mail (paypal).

[Zinia]

I just downloaded 120 maps, I think that is worth a donation. Thanks for the site and the check is in the mail (paypal).

You need 120 more? :D

Thanks ;)

[radio667]

Well when I get payed On the 20th I will see what I can do I should be able to hahaha. I buy alot of beer so it is just one six pack out of my stash. But that hurts man. hahaha :hammer: But you will get some cash then. Peace
Very Cool of You :D and Thank You for the Help , Bro !!!

[Kingster]

We've had several large donations, and they have allowed us to move forward, but we will not be able to sustain. We have 7 subscribers... Certainly no where near enough to keep this place alive on a monthly basis. We need at least 20 more. Due to the large donations, we have enough to carry us, and we'll get through about 2 more months, but that's it, if we don't get more subscribers.

I'm trying to keep everyone up to date on this issue.

There are people that are carrying the game servers personally, and making them available to UP to use as our own. We appreciate that. The webserver is a large expenditure, though, and you can't expect any 4 people (or 12 even) to pay for that. UP needs your help. If we don't get it, we're done.

[fragnbrag]

ok i'm ready to renew right now -but- the "old" subscription structure seems to be replaced by just _one_ payment option limited to a 1 payment/month period... i'm not clear on how i'd subscibe (for example) for a one-year period :scratch:

if i want to send you enough for a year what should i do??? donate instead? or send 12 monthly payments at once??

please let me know what's best for you guys... asap please

thanks, and cheers

[Zinia]

ok i'm ready to renew right now -but- the "old" subscription structure seems to be replaced by just _one_ payment option limited to a 1 payment/month period... i'm not clear on how i'd subscibe (for example) for a one-year period :scratch:

if i want to send you enough for a year what should i do??? donate instead? or send 12 monthly payments at once??

please let me know what's best for you guys... asap please

thanks, and cheers

http://www.unrealplayground.com/donate.php

Use the above link to "Donate" in lieu of "Subscribing".

Thanks, Frag.

[fragnbrag]

http://www.unrealplayground.com/donate.php

Use the above link to "Donate" in lieu of "Subscribing".

Thanks, Frag.

done :)

c'mon everyone, chip in !!! Help keep the best UT mappage site going !!!

cheers

[Zinia]

done :)

c'mon everyone, chip in !!! Help keep the best UT mappage site going !!!

cheers

Thanks again

[Professor]

done :)

c'mon everyone, chip in !!! Help keep the best UT mappage site going !!!

cheers

I agree FnB! :) How many members are there at the Playground? Over 40,000!. Can anyone imagine how long UP could continue to give first rate service, be THE prime hosting site for the BEST Unreal maps, host the hottest game servers in all of the world, and maybe even create and offer everyone new services if everyone only gave $1 USD right now? That's right! It would be $40,000 and that would keep UP on it's feet for a long time so all I'm asking is to reach deep into those empty pockets and scratch out what little bit of change you can. Even if it's only $1. Hey if you're too young and don't have a way to pay ask your Mom and Dad for 50 cents each and ask them if they will take that 1$ and donate it to UP.

Thanks to everyone.

Cheerz :)

[radio667]

Very Well Said :D Thank You Professor , and thank You Frag for the Donation :D Very Cool You Guyz !!!!

[NLA*Madison]

OK, my money finally hit PayPal today and has been sent to you. Can't think of a better place for it. I would have just spent it on Jack Daniels anyway. Let me know if there are any complications.

[radio667]

Maddie :D Your the GREATEST !!!!

[Zinia]

OK, my money finally hit PayPal today and has been sent to you. Can't think of a better place for it. I would have just spent it on Jack Daniels anyway. Let me know if there are any complications.


Thanks, Maddie.

[UltraJounin]

"Done-didly-un"

I've been meaning to do this for a loooong a$$$$$$$$ time. I know this maye sound a bit over-zealous but is there a way to donate random sums as opposed to just having a recurring subscriptions?

[Zinia]

http://www.unrealplayground.com/donate.php

Use the above link to "Donate" in lieu of "Subscribing".

Thanks, Frag.

Should work for tank stealers, as well. :p

Thanks, Ultra. :D

[UltraJounin]

Should work for tank stealers, as well. :p

Thanks, Ultra. :D

I kinda thought so but wasnt sure. I played last night for about 45 mins and didnt steal 1 tank- talk about withdrawls symptoms... Um what happened to the glorious stats!?

[Swordslash]

I so wish I could help UP. :moreconf: Food stamps ok?

[SloththeShovel]

I so wish I could help UP. :moreconf: Food stamps ok?



Send those to me. I'll make sure I use 'em.

[Zinia]

ultra']Um what happened to the glorious stats!?

We (well...the gifted ones here at UP are anyway)are in the process of moving the site and currently the stats do not auto UPdate. We thought it would be best to wait until the move is final to mess with it at this point.

[Lord_Simeon]

$40 US out of the lords bank balance :blito:

<loves UP

[radio667]

Praise The LORD :D Thank You , Lordy ;) We Wuv YOU TOO !!!!

[Zinia]

$40 US out of the lords bank balance :blito:

<loves UP

Got it. Thanks Mr. Spargo. :D

[[AcK]BillTheCat]

We thought it would be best to wait until the move is final to mess with it at this point.

"Yup Yup!"

I am updating them manually for now. So they may not be on time, but at least they are not getting lost and they will eventually get processed.

Sorry for the inconvenience... :(

[Freakish]

w00t LS; thanks!

and, bill - you are great. :D

[radio667]

Heck Yeah :D BILL ROCKZ :rockon: !!!!

[daalfa]

as well

[SloththeShovel]

Zinia, get those damn rats in Mexico. $.40 cents a rat. Those rats could pay UP for years.

[radio667]

LOl :D Yeah - So far we got a pick UP Truck and a Van .... By The River !!!!

[Blitz]

Resubscribed today. W00T!

[radio667]

WOOT - UP Wuvz :D Blitz !!!!

[devilishhoney]

Hello I'm new here. I'm Devilishhoney.

[radio667]

Hello and Welcome to UP :D devilishhoney !!!!

[Kindness]

Welcome, Devilishhoney. :)

[niX]

Welcome now die (6) :D

[2good4u]

it´s ok but only 1 6.pack . . .

[Derick]

Resubscribed today. W00T!

what does subscribing do that just joining doesnt?

[Kingster]

gives you access to an exclusive member's only area of UP.

It also gives you a warm fuzzy about knowing you are helping us stay alive. ;) If there is something else you would like, such as some hosting, etc., I'm sure that we can work something like that out as well.

[Mickey Blue]

The warm fuzzy feeling is just about enough tbh! :D

Though the heated golden toilet seat in the members area is a pleasure in the winter! ;)

[Blitz]

what does subscribing do that just joining doesnt?
It helps support this wonderful community. :rockon:

[radio667]

Resubscribed today. W00T!
Me Too :D Today !!

[Derick]

what size of donations do you take? do i need a credit card or something?

[Kingster]

7.99/month will get you access into the Member's Only club. One time donations are also accepted (depending on size, it may or may not get you into the Member's Only area). All are done through PayPal.

Subscribe here: http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/subscriptions.php
Donate here: http://www.unrealplayground.com/donate.php

[Derick]

7.99/month will get you access into the Member's Only club. One time donations are also accepted (depending on size, it may or may not get you into the Member's Only area). All are done through PayPal.

Subscribe here: http://www.unrealplayground.com/forums/subscriptions.php
Donate here: http://www.unrealplayground.com/donate.php

and what exactly is paypal? :hammer:

[Kingster]

Uhhh... /me looks under a rock for Derick

Oh! There you are!!!

;) Just messing with you...

PayPal is an online payment system. You can check them out at www.paypal.com.

[Mickey Blue]

Uhhh... /me looks under a rock for Derick

Oh! There you are!!!

;) Just messing with you...

PayPal is an online payment system. You can check them out at www.paypal.com. (http://www.paypal.com.)
LOL

Oh, so that's what PayPal is!

/me crawls back under my own rock!! ;)

[Superchaz]

/me gives sn00p one of those fancy schmancy 'boulders' to live under instead

[Mickey Blue]

/me gives sn00p one of those fancy schmancy 'boulders' to live under instead
LOL - Thanks man but I was only messin! ;)

Just got my subs renewal mail the other day! ;) :D

[QuillioN]

Always asking for money, yet UP never reviews any maps.
:tsk: :tsk: :tsk: :sour:

[Kingster]

Always asking for money, yet UP never reviews any maps.
Always hosting your maps here, having people download them from here, but never paying for the bandwidth used by your maps...

:tsk: :tsk: :tsk: :sour:

[Aquablue]

Always asking for money, yet UP never reviews any maps.
:tsk: :tsk: :tsk: :sour:

:weird:

[HortonsWho]

Always asking for money, yet UP never reviews any maps.
:tsk: :tsk: :tsk: :sour:
You really have no idea how expensive file hosting at this level is, do you.

[freshie]

I would probably subscribe again, if I got a free ego-stroking once every 3 monthes.

An email or public posting along the lines of:


Dear Freshie,

You are a such an important memeber of our community. However, we would survive without your wit and ironic detachment we do not know.

Yours Truly,

The Playground"


You could even set up a cronjob to do it, and send the same letter over and over.

That would be worth $60/year to me.

[Kingster]

ROFLMAO!!!

/me heads off to set up the cron job...

[Professor]

Always hosting your maps here, having people download them from here, but never paying for the bandwidth used by your maps...

:tsk: :tsk: :tsk: :sour:
Well I try to make donations without UP having to deal with a subscription as I have only one map hosted by UP here. Money is just so darn tight right now. No job. However when I get a job which I'm hoping will be in the next 6 months you'll have another full time subscriber. If UP could just bare with me for that long. I have been trying to give $10 a month but the past couple have been ruthlessly tight. :( The only thing the wolves at the door eat is money! lol <- I'm just describing how it is to pay regular bills. lol

I've also seen some new banners appear on the homepage and that's really super if it makes UP money even if it makes UP look ugly! lol I'll go click on them if they are pay per click?. :D

Cheerz

[Mickey Blue]

I've also seen some new banners appear on the homepage and that's really super if it makes UP money even if it makes UP look ugly! lol I'll go click on them if they are pay per click?. :D
That's an interesting comment, are they pay per click links?

[Zinia]

That's an interesting comment, are they pay per click links?
There are actually some that are pay per unique click. But not those. Those you purchase through the links and UP gets credit.

[Professor]

Gah! Well that sucks! lol But if there was something I could do that wouldn't cost me anything that would help UP make money right now I'd sure do it!. Maybe I'll be making some money myself soon though. :)

Hmm...let's see.....Current Members = 55,480. Wow! UP sure does have lots of members! If only half of them just donated $1. That would be 55,480 / 2 * $1 = $27,740 WooooooooooooooWeeeeeeeeeeeee! That would make UP the place to be! lol Not that it isn't anyway but just one dollar would make banners go away, new servers open up, all kinds of new user options, and would keep UP a float in the bandwidth department for who knows how long! :D What is it now? About 1.5 terabyte per month? That's a lot of freakin data transfer and costs a lot!.

Just one dollar and I'm here to say to any and all that read this that I'll scratch deep and break my piggy bank and prove that I'll give at least one dollar if everyone else will too! :D Now I'm starting to sound like Jerry Lewis! lol Hehee! But UP is for a great cause just like Jerry's telethon is for unfortunate childeren!. Just one dollar!

Just one dollar.

Cheerz

[radio667]

Thats Actually a cool Idea Professor :D We should have a $ 1.00 drive - evverybody just donate a dollar ( even i can afford that ;) ) - if we just get half of half ...thats Dang Good !!

[Professor]

Well we have 55,480 members but the most *active* members ever on line at the same time was only 297 so that says that there probably isn't more than like 4 or 5 hundred active members. :( Most of those 55,480 members just signed up for whatever they wanted to get then once they got it just never showed up again and didn't give anything back! :( Dang leeches! lol Just kidding! I even appreciate the leeches! Just kidding again! :) But a $1 sign up fee would be nice! However that would cut out a lot of young members that don't have a source of income or a credit card!. :(

I guess it's just more of a wish than an idea Rad but it's nice to think about.

Cheerz

[XepptizZ]

Me no credit card even though I'd love to spare a buck or 3. Here's a nice marketing idea, 1 buck for your post count to get +100 or somethin like that and 2 bucks to get unbanned (it's the same with the justice system :p )

[Professor]

Me no credit card even though I'd love to spare a buck or 3. Here's a nice marketing idea, 1 buck for your post count to get +100 or somethin like that and 2 bucks to get unbanned (it's the same with the justice system :p )
Those are some nice ideas Xepp! I like 'em but the admins are the ones that have to like 'em too. :) I can see you were not a member of UP back when they had the malfunctioning reputation system implemented. lol You could add to someone's reputation and give them positive rep and they would get a PM saying that it was negative rep! lol If that rep system could be reimplemented and made to function properly that would also be another nice selling point!. lol A buck for 1 rep point! Hehee! sounds nice! The rich people would have killer rep points wouldn't they?!. lol

Cheerz

[krazy_darcy]

How about something like I saw at Flightsim.com

Which is where you get a download limit per 24hrs (or whatever) but if you subscribe you get no limit. Although what value you would set it to I don't know.

Also If you could get some mirror sites for downloading might be able to reduce the cost of bandwidth through distributing the load.. For example a few UT sites had download mirrors at jetstreamgames.co.nz (jetstream games is the game servers at jetstream - part of Xtra in New Zealand)

[Ignignot420]

If you take debt cards with Visa logo I'll subscribe next month.(never used paypal so I don't know if it would work) If not, I'll still subscribe but in the form of check or money order or whatever else is available if the above don't work.
I WILL DO IT THOUGH!!
This site rules! :rockon:

[TexasGtar]

Cool Iggnot!!!!!

I think it might be about time for me to give again to the UP fund. I better wait until after christmas tho and then maybe we can do another guitar contest for Tex's UP money memberships and giveaways! lol That was fun last time.