Anonymous Monthly Donations for DM Support

[aero]

First of all, I'd like to express gratitude to the team that's doing voluntary work to keep the server interesting for us.
I’d like to propose an idea that could enhance both DM activity and server development: a system that allows players to make anonymous monthly donations to either directly support the DM or the dev team behind the server. These donations could serve as a way to directly encourage and compensate the DMs and developers for their hard work, which in turn could help increase the frequency of events, updates, and overall server improvements.
My reasoning is that most of us are adults and could afford small monthly donations in exchange for incentivizing active DM-ing in all timezones.The concept would revolve around voluntary contributions, made anonymously, so players can support the server without any sense of obligation or pressure.

[Maiyannah]

You can donate to the general upkeep of POTM through the links in the post here, which also outlines other methods you can help:
https://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=10004.0

I would not think having it on a per-DM basis would be healthy for POTM - it would cultivate an environment where already burnt-out DMs will feel pressured to deliver; any time money is in the equation it's going to come with expectations.

[Vissy]

Yeah this is a diabolically bad idea.

[Lightweaver]

I think if players became customers it would contribute to DM burnout due to the mentality shift. Beyond that, it doesn't really jive with the ethos of the server and would stifle creative passions over time, as such tends to do.

[Philos]

Anonymous monthly Dev donations though...

[MAB77]

I think if players became customers it would contribute to DM burnout due to the mentality shift. Beyond that, it doesn't really jive with the ethos of the server and would stifle creative passions over time, as such tends to do.

Quite so. There is also a plethora of legal reasons as to why paying staff members isn't an option.

[aero]

I think if players became customers it would contribute to DM burnout due to the mentality shift. Beyond that, it doesn't really jive with the ethos of the server and would stifle creative passions over time, as such tends to do.

Quite so. There is also a plethora of legal reasons as to why paying staff members isn't an option.

I see your point, and it's valid that a "customer" mentality could risk burnout. My idea was more about voluntary support, not creating obligations, to nurture and enable creativity rather than stifle it. If it doesn’t align with the server’s ethos, I completely understand. As for the legal issues, those didn't cross my mind. That being said, I wouldn't consider the idea "diabolical", as it had no malintent.

[Lightweaver]

The best way to compensate a group of hobbyists who are contributing to something they enjoy is to keep it enjoyable - be patient and positive always. Let them know that you appreciate the time they've given you, be it small or large.

It's generally not the people who are considerate towards DM burnout that are the ones that cause it. Just try to do your part to grow a healthy community and the staff volunteers will have fun doing what they do. 

[Cassius]

How about a salary instead?

[HopeIsTheCarrot]

Another potential negative would be that sometimes the most seen/most appreciated work is not synonymous with the most essential/most needed work. I would hate to see the type of projects that devs/DM's take on becoming influenced by what's most likely to be rewarded by community members.

That said - I like the spirit of the suggestion. Our Devs/DM's work hard and do great work, it would be nice to have an optional means of compensating them for their time & skills. Maybe we can send them all Christmas Cards? Fruit cakes? The tears of our dead characters?

[Alcoholic Squirrel (Birdman)]

I'll sign up for whatever team if it means im getting paid 

[EarlofEtheria]

What I'm hearing is that we make POTM the indie game.

More seriously, it's a surer bet to directly fund the continued function of the server box which hosts POTM.

[Bounty]

I have to admit a transactions relationship in table top, which has become very common place in online table top groups, always rubs me the wrong way.
It paints the picture that the DM is solely obligated to entertain the group which IMO is false. A player has an equal responsibility to entertain the table as the DM.
Granted a DMs workload is higher of course, but this goes for any hobby and different ways and extents to engage with it, depending on the person.
Some enjoy playing a game casually others spend evenings just theory crafting, the most important metric however is if they enjoy doing so.
And if a DM feels like they can not commit the time to DM anymore, or simply are not enjoying it enough, it is fine to take a time out.
Play as a player for a while, let someone else take up the mantle of DM. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to DM because they feel indebted to do so.

We as players should strife to make DMing as enjoyable as possible, rather then make DM a job and compensate them with money.

[herkles]

If you wish to help support the server, feel free to send money to soren to help keep the server up and running as described here.

https://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=10004.0

[myrddraal]

A hobby that becomes a profession no longer is fun.  Also I feel like it would be bad for maintaining impartiality.  It would not be SO hard to put together certain donations come after certain things are done for specific people and I would hate for it to become a pay to win server.

[Avarice]

To maximize profitability, the Freemium model should be adopted.

Everyone loves in game loot boxes, ads, microtransactions and cosmetic skins.

Who wouldn't want to respawn a dungeon for 300 gems?  Respawnyour character  without XP penalty for 500 gems?  Open the Rustiest Safe for 250 gems?

This is just off the top of my head without even getting into holiday skins and Castlevania crossover items.

[Alcoholic Squirrel (Birdman)]

A hobby that becomes a profession no longer is fun.

You say that but people on Roll20 make bank off of playing a board game