Site Updates

[CGI_Ram]

To all -

We introduced a few changes over the weekend;

1. New Credit System

• A direct replacement to our old system, the new credit system operates exactly the same... Credits can be used in SportsBook and Betting Exchange.

• The new credit system also has functionality to spend credits in other ways, such as buying "bling" for your profile, among other options which sound fun. We will be exploring these down the road.

• With the new credit system, you will notice a "wallet" on your user profile (see screen grab below). Should we add new functions that use credits, the wallet feature will become more helpful with those.

• Credits are earned in the same manner as before (by participation). The details can be found in our FAQ; http://www.ramsondemand.com/threads/rod-credit.47197/

• Like the credit system before, ROD credits are meant for fun purposes.

2. Donations

• Donations can be made "the old fashion way" via our normal donation link; http://www.ramsondemand.com/donations/support-rams-on-demand.3/campaign

• Alternatively members who would like something to show for their donation can donate and acquire a "ROD Sponsor" banner here; http://www.ramsondemand.com/pember/membership-new

• Both methods take advantage of PayPal security and are simply a member choice based on which option they prefer.

• A lower value monthly donation option has been added for those that have requested an option like that.

• Rams On Demand is proud to be ad-free and donations help us fund operational costs and improvements. Donations are and remain a member choice. We thank you for your support.

3. Registration

• We are now asking new members to donate $5 to join. With this step, we believe prospective members will take more seriously the step of reading and agreeing to our terms and rules.

• Simply put, we love new members, but too often find they haven't read our terms and conditions and occasionally surprised by our approach to moderation. This should help with that.

• This change does not impact existing members in any way. Only new.

Once again, thank you for your support. Our members make Rams On Demand one of the best communities out there. We are working hard to continually improve!

Cheers!

CGI

 

[jrry32]

I gotta be honest, CGI, I don't like the idea of asking people to pay $5 to join. I think it's going to deter new members from joining. Yes, you'll keep trolls from joining. However, you'll also keep normal fans who could be positive contributors here from joining. Personally, I wouldn't have paid $5 to join if that was the deal. And the truth is that it's not because I can't afford to pay $5. It's more because it would feel silly to me to pay $5 to join when there are so many free sites out there.

I get that you want to deter trolls from joining, but isn't that why we have mods?(on top of keeping the members in line)

For example, do you think opposing fans are going to want to come on here and talk football before games if it costs $5 to join?

 

[CGI_Ram]

Thanks for the feedback, jrry.

We share your concern and have some additional ideas that include some solutions to it.

If anyone has a person they'd like to refer, we will add them without a donation on reference. This is not about $5. It's about adding to our community with fans that want to be here because of a genuine like for the members that make up this community... and how it's moderated.

There are other good forums out there. We are comfortable with our niche, as I'm sure others are with theirs.

We don't strive to be the biggest forum. We don't strive to be anything but make this a great place to talk Rams football, with people you enjoy being around, and a fun place to hang out!

More later.

 

[Tron]

What about a trial basis first that's free. Like a week or 30 day period or something before the person having to pay. So the person can see if they like what they they see, or only have to deal with the troll for a week or 30 days or whatever before having to choose. Just an idea off top of head I'd figure I'd throw out.

*Also would allow fans of opposing teams the chance to come here during the week we play them and talk with us about there team without having to pay. Since I doubt any would come if they had to dish out some dough.

 

[Riverumbbq]

What about a trial basis first that's free. Like a week or 30 day period or something before the person having to pay. So the person can see if they like what they they see, or only have to deal with the troll for a week or 30 days or whatever before having to choose. Just an idea off top of head I'd figure I'd throw out.

*Also would allow fans of opposing teams the chance to come here during the week we play them and talk with us about there team without having to pay. Since I doubt any would come if they had to dish out some dough.

I'm assuming potential members can still watch this forum without a membership ? I myself was a casual observer for months before taking the plunge.
Perhaps fans of other teams could identify themselves and be given a temporary user name based on their home team affiliation and be allowed a one week free membership grace period for the time surrounding their game of interest ? Or maybe allow a one week grace period for all interested new members ? Either way, a paid membership might separate real Rams fans from the trolls, so it's difficult to see how $5.00 is excessive. Maybe a free pass for students would be in order ?