More length options for charter?

[KensonPlays]

If you could add like 6 month option, 3 month option/etc I think you'd see more charters, including me!

[Colin]

I think the length is as so due to the fact that some of the features exclusive to the membership are one time only such as forum installation.

[KensonPlays]

Still, I think it'd be nice.

[Colin]

I agree. It is definitely something to be considered. Out of curiosity, would you still be interested in something like that if some features were not included such as the team forum installation?

[KensonPlays]

I'd be fine with the manual install, I can do that myself, its mainly the support that I need :-).

[Arantor]

You mean charters get better support than the main community? I don't remember when that used to be the case (even if, notionally, it should be)

[All Colours Sam]

I would like to emphasis that the charter membership does come with some benefits but those benefits shouldn't be the only variable if you are thinking on becoming a charter member as it becomes a service with all the burden that word represents.

[Arantor]

I would like to emphasis that the charter membership does come with some benefits but those benefits shouldn't be the only variable if you are thinking on becoming a charter member as it becomes a service with all the burden that word represents.

You know as well as I do that most people here don't care as long as they get their *stuff*.

[KensonPlays]

You mean charters get better support than the main community? I don't remember when that used to be the case (even if, notionally, it should be)

I didn't say that, exactly, it's mainly what I read 'helpdesk' would be helpful for me. But still, other options would be beneficial.

[Arantor]

You mean the helpdesk that doesn't cover custom coding issues? Or at least, it didn't when I wrote its replacement software

[All Colours Sam]

I would like to emphasis that the charter membership does come with some benefits but those benefits shouldn't be the only variable if you are thinking on becoming a charter member as it becomes a service with all the burden that word represents.

You know as well as I do that most people here don't care as long as they get their *stuff*.

I know, I created some drama a while back to make the team to put some words to make sure this charter membership isn't see it as a service, my attempts were futile though.

[Arantor]

I know, I created some drama a while back to make the team to put some words to make sure this charter membership isn't see it as a service, my attempts were futile though.

How can anyone argue it isn't a service to be bought and paid for?

[All Colours Sam]

I though so too, it's pretty obvious the whole system is designed as a service but alas, the discussion fell under wording and perception and "marketing", things like that. I gave up.

[Kindred]

Charter membership is not and never has been a service.
period.

the charter membership badge and access to the helpdesk is given to people who donate $50 or more to the project. It is a benefit given to donators. It is not a service. We do not promise anything (although we do make every attempt to resolve issues submitted through the helpdesk, there is never any promise of service)

And that is also the reason that we won't have anything like a 6 month or 3 month benefit... because then it becomes more like a service.
You can donate any amount... but for donations of $50 or more, you get a nice badge and some extra directed access to the team. If you donate $200, you don't get 4 charter memberships... you get 1, for one donation.

[Arantor]

the charter membership badge and access to the helpdesk is given to people who donate $50 or more to the project. It is a benefit given to donators. It is not a service.

You pay money, you get access to facilities. Call it what you like, it is still access to facilities and services (and sometimes products) that are not available any other way. It's a service, and calling it anything else is sophistry.

[Colin]

I am not sure it is worth debating. It is either viewed as additional, complimentary access as a thank you for  contributing or as a paid service. It is all from a matter of perspective.

[All Colours Sam]

That's the thing, 99% of users here see it as a service. This very own topic exemplifies it.

[mashby]

I see it like this...who else has access to the Helpdesk? I think it just might be charter members. Does that guarantee service? Not really, but it sure does have a visual difference on this site. I see it as a nice thank you to what we do here at SMF.

[Kindred]

And Arantor, it is not Sophistry.... it is not a service.
It is a benefit granted as thanks for a donation...  it is not payment for a service.

However the users may want to see it, it is very clearly stated

We thank you for any donation you can make, and for donations of $49.95 USD or more, we give you a snazzy Charter member badge and access to our helpdesk for an year.

[Arantor]

*shrug* When I obtained legal advice about doing something similar for Wedge, I was told that he was surprised you hadn't been investigated for possible fraud, calling it a donation when it isn't. But hey, that's your problem, not mine.