Of Updates and Opportunities
Apr 27, 2016 11:13:36 GMT -5
Kokuou Munashii, Jasper Aizawa, and 11 more like this
Post by Consequence on Apr 27, 2016 11:13:36 GMT -5
Much of what makes Bleach Gotei great is the fact that we do many simple things very well. We rely on basic collaboration, fundamental storytelling, and classic examples of character growth to create these wonderful stories and share them with the world. And much of what helped us not only get on that track, but also stay on it, has been the careful tending of our Site Owner, Shun Minamoto. I hope you will join me in thanking him for the many years that he has spent at the helm of our Community.
After much consideration, he has elected to step down from his position as Site Owner and as a member of our staff, and get back to simply enjoying the ride as a writer and as a player. So, to cut right to the chase I will be accepting the role effective immediately.
And what does this mean for Bleach Gotei? The short answer is that business will continue on, as usual, with no tangible change to the way characters write and play; I helped write much of the standards and rules we have today! I would not have put them up if I did not believe in them, and so it would be very silly of me to step on that. However, that is not to say that I don’t have a few related announcements to make.
First, I would like to offer that I am going to need some help. While I have a clear vision and grounded goals, I do need help to keep on top of applications and the day to day work. So, to anyone interested in not only learning more about how we handle applications and helping out, but also who may have ideas about tweaks that can improve the process - please stay tuned for a discussion I think you will be very interested in!
Next, the adverts at the top and bottom of our site will be going away. We now have a very clear picture of what our normal costs are, and what average site traffic is thanks to the much improved analytics of both Forums.net and Google. Simply put, the appearance of the ads and the minor revenue they generate does not justify their existence. As soon as Google will agree to a final number, I will be terminating these immediately. Which transitions nicely to what I plan to do instead.
I have created a Patreon that will offer a platform for anyone who wants to contribute, whether it be regularly, monthly, or just on the occasion that you feel like helping out. In the interests of full disclosure, I will immediately say that the fixed costs of our hosting are something that will always be covered - we will never rely on this method to cover our operating costs, but rather to supplement them. I will be providing this website very soon, just as quickly as I can get some simple, aesthetic changes made.
Having said that, I can provide the following financial planning: Bleach Gotei has and always will be a labor of love. Every single nickel (or Looney, for our Canadians) will go back into Bleach Gotei in one way or another, as either an operating cost, or a reward for our members.
First, the Patreon will supplement fixed costs. This is something I am indefinitely covering as the new Site Owner. However, any assistance is welcomed.
Second, this will help in the event of “overages” - we pay a premium based on total monthly page views and it is possible to go over our package. It has happened in the past, and it is my expectation that it will happen again.
Third, funds will be used to commission art, animation, character portraits, and other projects as gifts to our members and rewards for your various accomplishments.
And fourth, funds may also be used to invest in either upgrading our technical platform, or assisting with migrations, should the need ever arise in the years to come.
Lastly, I will promise to provide a Quarterly report, beginning with the end of Q2 this year, that will keep you informed on how this money is being spent.
I am looking forward to what the future brings us, Bleach Gotei. Stay tuned! Please feel free to use this topic for any relevant questions. Alternatively, my inbox is always open!
After much consideration, he has elected to step down from his position as Site Owner and as a member of our staff, and get back to simply enjoying the ride as a writer and as a player. So, to cut right to the chase I will be accepting the role effective immediately.
And what does this mean for Bleach Gotei? The short answer is that business will continue on, as usual, with no tangible change to the way characters write and play; I helped write much of the standards and rules we have today! I would not have put them up if I did not believe in them, and so it would be very silly of me to step on that. However, that is not to say that I don’t have a few related announcements to make.
First, I would like to offer that I am going to need some help. While I have a clear vision and grounded goals, I do need help to keep on top of applications and the day to day work. So, to anyone interested in not only learning more about how we handle applications and helping out, but also who may have ideas about tweaks that can improve the process - please stay tuned for a discussion I think you will be very interested in!
Next, the adverts at the top and bottom of our site will be going away. We now have a very clear picture of what our normal costs are, and what average site traffic is thanks to the much improved analytics of both Forums.net and Google. Simply put, the appearance of the ads and the minor revenue they generate does not justify their existence. As soon as Google will agree to a final number, I will be terminating these immediately. Which transitions nicely to what I plan to do instead.
I have created a Patreon that will offer a platform for anyone who wants to contribute, whether it be regularly, monthly, or just on the occasion that you feel like helping out. In the interests of full disclosure, I will immediately say that the fixed costs of our hosting are something that will always be covered - we will never rely on this method to cover our operating costs, but rather to supplement them. I will be providing this website very soon, just as quickly as I can get some simple, aesthetic changes made.
Having said that, I can provide the following financial planning: Bleach Gotei has and always will be a labor of love. Every single nickel (or Looney, for our Canadians) will go back into Bleach Gotei in one way or another, as either an operating cost, or a reward for our members.
First, the Patreon will supplement fixed costs. This is something I am indefinitely covering as the new Site Owner. However, any assistance is welcomed.
Second, this will help in the event of “overages” - we pay a premium based on total monthly page views and it is possible to go over our package. It has happened in the past, and it is my expectation that it will happen again.
Third, funds will be used to commission art, animation, character portraits, and other projects as gifts to our members and rewards for your various accomplishments.
And fourth, funds may also be used to invest in either upgrading our technical platform, or assisting with migrations, should the need ever arise in the years to come.
Lastly, I will promise to provide a Quarterly report, beginning with the end of Q2 this year, that will keep you informed on how this money is being spent.
I am looking forward to what the future brings us, Bleach Gotei. Stay tuned! Please feel free to use this topic for any relevant questions. Alternatively, my inbox is always open!