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Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 03:55 PM

Today we're ready to unveil the new donations system for GPX, which we've been working on for the past week or so.

Due to flaws in the old system that, in hindsight, made it completely unsustainable, and the disturbingly large (three quarters or more each day) of users who block all advertisements (without which GPX cannot exist in the first place) on the site, we've decided to implement a new microtransaction system to help keep server costs maintainable. This new system will allow users to activate special effects, referred to as a Plus, for all users of the site. These effects include doubling the amount of Pass Orbs or Poke Chests you're able to earn, having infinite use of Heart Sweets, being able to hatch eggs before they're an hour old, and many more.

Users will be able to buy Credits, either for themselves, or another user, that can then be spent towards any Plus the user desires. In addition, buying Credits in denominations of ten or more will allow you to disable ads for 60 days per ten Credits purchased. Once a Plus' counter is filled up, that Plus will be active starting at Reset, and for the three days thereafter, along with a randomly-determined multiplier. After this three day period is over, that Plus' counter will be reset, but the counters of the other Plusses that weren't active will not. We felt that extending it over three days, as opposed to just one day would be much more fair, so that in the event that you should spend Credits on a Plus, but then be otherwise occupied for a day with school, work, or other affairs, you can still take advantage of it for the remaining two days.

All users will receive these benefits, regardless of having purchased any Credits or spent any towards the Plus, with the exception of users who have contributed under the old system. We decided the fairest way to handle the users who already have bonuses from contributing, rather than allowing them to double-dip between both the old, deprecated system, and the new one, was to allow them to choose which donation system they'd like to receive bonuses from. Users who contributed under the old system will be able to keep their existing perks, or upgrade to the new system and receive the new ones (and in addition, a free bonus of 15 Credits as a thank you for your continued support!). All users, regardless of when they've contributed, will continue to have a separate user group.

One large advantage that the new system also has over the old one is that it's completely automated - that is to say, when you complete your purchase, in most cases (essentially, unless you pay via eCheck), you'll instantly and automagically receive your Credits (as opposed to how it was before, when I had to manually change the user group of each and every contributor).

One thing I wanted to make sure to make absolutely clear is that Credits will never, in any way shape or form, be able to be used in any way that only benefit the purchaser. Our core philosophy has always been that the entire game should be available to everyone, whether they are willing to and able to contribute financially or not, and that there should be no gameplay advantages to said users (as much as we do greatly appreciate any and every financial contribution you make!). Even with this new system, however, and any future additions we may make to it, this philosophy remains completely unchanged.

We hope you'll enjoy the new system, and the benefits it will bring to everyone! We'd very much like to not have to return to penalizing users who block the advertisements on the site, but if this new system proves unsuccessful, for the good of all GPX users, that will likely be the next step we'll take.

If you've contributed between when the old system was discontinued (when the v3 site went live) and today, you should have already been given an appropriate number of Credits. If not, please PM me about it, including the email on the PayPal account that you used, as well the transaction ID (you can find this information in an email you would have received from PayPal, as well as on PayPal itself).

A more detailed explanation of everything will be available soon in the help page, along with answers to several questions we anticipate you may have.

This thread will automagically open 10 minutes after being posted. Please take the time to read the entire post before replying, yup yup.

Posted by: Zerxer Oct 10 2012, 03:58 PM

Please take the time to read everything on the page itself before asking questions, posting a complaint, or purchasing some credits; especially the note at the bottom.

I hope this helps both the site and its users!

Posted by: Commander Wymsy Oct 10 2012, 04:03 PM

And do note if I notice a decent amount of people inside of this thread clearing proving that they haven't read a single thing, I will take action. We're seriously stressing the making sure you read EVERYTHING in it before you post some kind of complaint about it. A question, constructive criticism, or suggestion is fine, but just posting a whiny complaint that proves you didn't read anything is not.

Posted by: Wizboy777 Oct 10 2012, 04:05 PM

I really, really appreciate how you guys stuck to that "core" philosophy of never creating an "unfair" advantage that only benefit the purchaser. This is so different from other games that ask for donations. Usually, donors/subscribers have all these stupid, unfair advantages that other non-paying players just yearn to receive (but can't, because of money problems and/or parents won't let them).

Posted by: Rhapsody Oct 10 2012, 04:05 PM

This is a quite nice revision of the system you have here! Having the benefits extend over three days is great, too. I wonder how much I could benefit from this Trinkets-wise... hm. That Hatch+ will be getting a lot of use.

Now I have to choose whether I want the new benefits or the old ones, although this new one is pretty enticing.

Posted by: Mephistopheles Oct 10 2012, 04:05 PM

This is pretty nice idea C: Might donate a bit later

Posted by: Keyda Oct 10 2012, 04:05 PM

Does the tab for it have to be at the very top? I've clicked it twice already thinking it was still the party button.

Posted by: Erwan Oct 10 2012, 04:05 PM

Very interesting, I like the concept! :p

Posted by: Darth Krytie Oct 10 2012, 04:06 PM

I think this new system is excellent and I'll donate to it as soon as I get home. I love how everyone benefits from it.

Posted by: Boogie Ronnster Oct 10 2012, 04:06 PM

I want the hatch power. Now. Must. Get.

edit:
but... I'm so anti-ads. I'm afraid of getting a virus or spyware...

so... ehh...

wait. the powers wouldn't be permanent. poooo.

now decision making is difficult ;;

edit 2: each time I read this, I get some different conclusion. Is my reading comprehension that poor? I shame my native tongue >,<

edit 3: ohhhh. I get it now. 4th reads a charm

conclusion: I can't afford to continue buying stuff to get no ads, but I want perks which I can't get without switching over. blargh. I hate making decisions.
It's nice everyone benefits from the counter though! I can live with ads, I spose. sooner or later. why make a decision now when one can procrastinate...?

edit a million: Putting "read carefully and thoroughly etc" on the top would be more effective in making people do so. I've studied human behavior. If a person is inclined to skim or totally ignore the main content of the thread, they aren't going to read bottom bits. Bold and large text helps too. This is a lot to take in. Also, there's stuff explained in the gpx tab of "plus" that isn't here. It took reading both like 5 times for whole kinetics of the process to sink in.
I took me forever to realize credit were akin to interactions to pass counter. I kept thinking obscure ways a plus counter would work. *facepalm* I never thought I'd need Spark Notes for a game xD

Posted by: Rafiki Oct 10 2012, 04:06 PM

Whoa, neat! o-o Some of those new "Plus"es sound soooooooo useful & it's pretty cool that it benefits everyone too. For 3 days! Does it say how many credits are needed to fill a counter or is that a secret? :P But this seems like a good way to encourage more donations without making it seem "unfair" for users who can donate to be able to receive more perks. This way, everyone wins!

Posted by: Eucharistica Oct 10 2012, 04:06 PM

So if I was to upgrade to this new donation thingy, would I still keep the + at the beginning of my name? That's all I care about at the moment really, lol. This sounds pretty awesome though so once I get money and my question answered I will most likely switch over.

Posted by: Virginia Woolf Oct 10 2012, 04:07 PM

omg this is awesome omggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg

Posted by: Manticore Oct 10 2012, 04:07 PM

Interesting. I'll have to think about which system I'd prefer.

Posted by: Manah Oct 10 2012, 04:07 PM

Aside from all the stuff about the system itself: Could you move the Plus tab button somewhere else? I understand you want to make it as eye-catching as possible (at least for now), but to be honest, the way it is now suggests that it's more important than the Main page. In the long run this will probably get a little annoying.

Posted by: Pokii Oct 10 2012, 04:07 PM

Don't know if I'll get any, but hope it helps keep up the site

Posted by: ThunderMoss Oct 10 2012, 04:08 PM

I think this is a good plan.

I donated a long time ago to support the site and hide the ads. Will the ads return once my "credits" expire?

EDIT: I see I have a choice about remaining grandfathered or changing to the new system.

EDIT2: Removed my grumpy thoughts and just hope this provides an effectively way for the community to support the developers.

Posted by: Kelleo Oct 10 2012, 04:09 PM

This sounds like a really great idea! I'd donate, but I don't have much money right now and I need to save it until I at least land a job.

Also, I just noticed that the Plus tab stays selected even when I'm viewing a different tab. :/ Bug maybe?

Posted by: Chrome Oct 10 2012, 04:09 PM

So basically, you're letting every single user (with the exception of donors) on this site get the benefits of plus effects we buy with our own hard earned money? That sounds like something Obama would do...and I'm not a huge fan of sharing the wealth. And the effects seem like way too big, doubling pass orbs and all that for 3 DAYS.

Could we nerf some of these plus effects?

Posted by: Spacecat Oct 10 2012, 04:10 PM

I really appreciate that this system benefits all users, even those unable to donate. I'll be doing what I can to support the site.

EDIT: I want to add that I really appreciate the hard work that went into GPX 3.0, and the everyday running of the site. The new site design is one of the slickest and most intuitive of any site I visit (I wish my online banking was as shiny as this!) and it's really impressive to me the work that goes into making it this way. I'm coming up on my 3 year anniversary on the site, and I hope to keep playing as long as the site's here.

Posted by: Slix Oct 10 2012, 04:11 PM

I think I'll leave my donor status as it was, I really don't like ads and the benefits don't really do it for me, so whatever. :P I'm glad to see a new donations system that helps everyone and helps the site though!

Posted by: Manticore Oct 10 2012, 04:12 PM

*facepalm*

Then don't buy any. If you want a game where you can buy your way to the top, go play Pokefarm.

Also the only people who don't get the benefits are people who stay with the old donation system's perks.

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 04:13 PM

That is correct. Your user group will remain unchanged; you're essentially trading hiding the advertisements for the bonuses.


Maybe eventually, but for now we want it to have prominence over the other pages. I don't really feel like putting it at the bottom, and the accented colouring would look weird in the middle, imo.


That is correct, yup yup.

Posted by: Kaiii Oct 10 2012, 04:13 PM

For a moment I thought it would this would be something that would only benefit the ones who purchase. This is so much better

Faith in GPX+ restored

Posted by: thunderpelt299 Oct 10 2012, 04:13 PM

I love donating stuff to websites and people or events but truth is i dont have a pay pal or a credit/debit card im too young and my dad says that we... eehhemm they dont pay for free games so i'm truly sorry i cant be of help for the donations but i hope you get the money you need for the website

Posted by: Chrome Oct 10 2012, 04:16 PM

I didn't necessarily say I didn't like it, I said nerf the effects since it's lasting 3 days for EVERYONE.
I like working hard for things not "buying my way to the top" as you you put it.

Posted by: Rafiki Oct 10 2012, 04:16 PM

How exactly do I tell it that I want to switch to the new system (other than... donating to it)? And what's this about 15 free credits? :P I know.. I should have waited till all the kinks were ironed out... but I read the whole page & already had been on paypal for something else, so I got excited! :P No 15 credit bonus though xD Am I reading that wrong?

Posted by: Synchronize Oct 10 2012, 04:17 PM

I love to see GPX+ getting better and better (after having some experiences with games growing worse with time...)! This is awesome. It hurts my heart that I can't donate at the moment, but the whole Plus counter thing is pretty cool, it's so sweet that you stress being fair with everyone, making sure everyone will have the same benefits (which is also difficult to see...).

You go, Glen Coco staff!

Just one small question, in these Plus days, will the Backroom be open?

Posted by: Manticore Oct 10 2012, 04:17 PM

If you like working hard for it, get to clicking.

Posted by: Mysticman89 Oct 10 2012, 04:18 PM

Sweets+ and Honey+ allow you to use the respective item as many times as you like. I thought there wasn't a daily limit on using those items?

Or do those perks mean that you won't use up a honey/sweet when you use them while the effect is active?

Also, can multiple plus's be active at the same time?

Posted by: Spoovo The Pirate Oct 10 2012, 04:19 PM

So now that the old system's defunct, can we ask what its perks were, exactly?

(Other than the obvious usergroup change... thing)

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 04:20 PM

There's an area at the top of the Plus page where you should be able to do it.


The Backroom only closes if there's a sale in the shop, so it will remain open (unless it coincides with Aurora, Pass Counter, or any special event on which we have a sale), yup yup.

Posted by: Snowsky Oct 10 2012, 04:20 PM

Even if I can't buy Credits, I'm very glad the bonuses will help everyone.

Posted by: Manticore Oct 10 2012, 04:21 PM

Also, just checking, if old donors switch over, do we get the 90 days of no ads with our 15 credits, or no?

Posted by: Eucharistica Oct 10 2012, 04:21 PM

It just asked me to switch over from the old system by going to the Plus page. You should also have 15 credits like I did. As well as everyone else that donated previously.

Posted by: DJ PON 3 Oct 10 2012, 04:21 PM

Holy cow these perks! I really like that it benefits everybody

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 04:22 PM

For Honey+ and Sweet+, you'll essentially have an unlimited number of the respective item for the day.

Nope. The counters are frozen for the three day period once one maxes out.


Hiding the advertisements. That was it, yup yup.

Posted by: Samoo Oct 10 2012, 04:22 PM

Well this is certainly interesting.

Back in the day when advertisments hindered clicking, it was a problem, but with the new site I hardly doubt there's going to be that much of a change (at least, I presume there won't be)

I won't switch just yet. Gonna re-read the first post a few times, look around the pages first. Seems pretty promising, and it's nice that you're able to do this.

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 10 2012, 04:25 PM

This is not a place to try to spark a political argument. Take it somewhere else, please.


I'm not seeing anything like that anywhere on the page (except, of course, the button to actually donate). There's a big red "Help make the site better..." banner, but nothing in it appears to be clickable. Other than that, nothing stands out as a possible switch-to-the-new-system button... Could this have something to do with the fact that I donated $10 back before the adblocking amount was raised to $20?

Posted by: Kelleo Oct 10 2012, 04:25 PM

I mentioned this earlier, but no one responded to it.

Can someone tell me why the Plus tab remains selected even when you're viewing a different tab? This is kind of bugging me...

Posted by: Hiralui Oct 10 2012, 04:27 PM

I don't see anything there that allows me to switch ? That may not be normal.
http://www.izipik.com/fr/images.php?date=201210/10&img=2xqznq148cccr735qi9ud-credit.png
I don't see where I'm supposed to say I want to switch from the old to the new.

Posted by: Rafiki Oct 10 2012, 04:28 PM

I feel stupid for not being able to find it, but it didn't ask me anything when I went to the Plus page. I did select "Buy credits for myself" though, and bought 10 credits. And received 10 credits. So I'm clearly using the new system xD I spent 1 credit to see if that would help convince it I'd switched over, which is why I have 9 now.



Can't figure out where I'm missing this, haha.

Edit: But I see I'm not the only one having trouble! ^ *pokes above posts* In case it's relevant, similar to what pumpkinking said, I donated $10 before the limit was raised, with the old system...

Posted by: nokrow889 Oct 10 2012, 04:28 PM

same with me i dont quite understand it...

Posted by: Manticore Oct 10 2012, 04:28 PM

It's not selected, it's just a different colour.

Posted by: Clara Oswin Oct 10 2012, 04:29 PM

Reading this thread made me realise my AdBlock for some reason switched back on. So sorry for blocking the ads for the last month and a half (or more, I have no idea). I have turned it off again.

The new system itself... well, I guess I will have to say it's awesome if only for the reason any donation benefits everyone.

Posted by: terminallyCapricious Oct 10 2012, 04:29 PM

it took me a few minutes to understand fully what this was implementing but once i got the idea it was like, WOW THAT'S BRILLIANT... i really really want these perks so i'm probably going to upgrade.

Posted by: Rapps Oct 10 2012, 04:31 PM

This is a fantastic update, a really good motivation to donate and I love that it benefits the entire site and not just the person donating, brilliant idea guys.

Posted by: Crystal Shards Oct 10 2012, 04:31 PM

I do not have an option to switch over.

Neat idea though!

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 04:33 PM

Anyone having issues seeing the option to switch over should now (or shortly) be able to. Sorry for the inconvenience, yup yup.

Posted by: Kelleo Oct 10 2012, 04:33 PM

Strange, it looks the same color to me. :/

Posted by: Crystal Shards Oct 10 2012, 04:35 PM

Awesome, that fixed it. Thanks, SaS.

Also I don't know if this was answered but do we get ads disabled for the three months or whatever as well as the 15 credits?

Posted by: Esc Oct 10 2012, 04:38 PM

I personally don't like this system, but I do like the fact that we get to decide between the old and new.
Personally, the only eye catching perks for the new system are no one hour rule, and unlimited sweet honey.

I do have a question, however. I don't know if I skipped over it, but how much does each 'new' perk cost (in terms of credits[is it 1?]). Also, How long does the perk last? I know it lasts 3 days for everybody if the counter fills up, but what about that individual?
Though, I can see people using this a lot during SWSHs. They could actually hatch double the amount.

Posted by: Manticore Oct 10 2012, 04:38 PM

Well, I just mean that the default colour for it is "selected" So. Idk. Lol

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 10 2012, 04:40 PM

It is the same color as a selected tab. "Different color" was probably a poor choice of words; she probably meant to express that it's intentionally got a special highlight regardless of whether or not you're on the page, and even though it's not "selected", that color is not a glitch.

EDIT: Ninja'd by the person in whose mouth I was putting words in the first place. Ignore me please.

Posted by: Chrome Oct 10 2012, 04:42 PM

It didn't spark anything until you decided to emphasize that part of my post.
No need to minimod on me, that's just how I feel. :P

Anyways, Big Bidoof fixed this issue, you should be able to see that option to switch now.

Posted by: Thor94 Oct 10 2012, 04:43 PM

How the free counter does works??
some bonus are ever partially fills.
can we fills plus upgrade for free (or it's only only with credit)?
If we can fill for free, how it's done for each plus?

How many time the pokechest power can be used after activation?
thks

Posted by: Commander Wymsy Oct 10 2012, 04:44 PM

There is no it lasting for the individual. You buy credits, and then choose which Plus counter you want to put your credits into. Once a counter fills up, that Plus will be active for everybody (except those who previously donated and wish to stay in the old donation system) for 3 days.

Posted by: Esc Oct 10 2012, 04:45 PM

ALSO, Can we have an option of hiding the button to switch between old and new? I can see myself clicking that by accident :s

Posted by: Kelleo Oct 10 2012, 04:48 PM

Well, I think the color should be changed. I keep thinking I'm on the Plus tab when I'm not. xP

Posted by: LavenderEyedNinetales Oct 10 2012, 04:48 PM

I've come up with a situation to try and understand the new system better, and would appreciate knowing if I a) have everything correct and b) what the motivation for my last point was and why it was implemented.

User Z donated a year ago. By not 'switching' perk systems, nothing changes for User Z.

User Y donated a year ago also, but switches perk systems. Thus User Y begins to receive perks. And of the new donators, User Y would have to donate roughly $5 a month can have their ads continue to be removed. That means that, for $60 a year (10 every 2 months), User Y could be ad-free legally when they click, in addition to getting the other perks that activate through everyone's donations.

However, user X has never donated, never will donate, and under the new system will receive site perks whenever they are activated.

Now, I follow why the decision was made to allow only one system or another, but at the same time the new system seems a bit unfair to those who donated in the past. They don't get any of the perks that happen through site effort. Is there the option to buy new credits to activate the new system while keeping the ad-blocking effects of the old, thereby assisting the site, or must they switch to it first and lose the continuous ad-blocking? Must all the perks be taken away from the old donors? Would there be a way to allow them to only receive the benefit on the perk on the first day of its activation, so that to get its full effect they'd be motivated to switch systems? Because, as of right now, the wording in the phrase "no gameplay advantages to said users" is a bit misleading, as it seems that both those who donate now and those who don't donate will begin to get a gameplay advantage over those that donated before the new site came out.

PS: As of right now I'm still undecided if I'd like to switch donation systems, so I'd appreciate if nothing I said above was taken harshly, as I simply wanted to ask for some clarification without drawing criticism or flames...

Posted by: Synchronize Oct 10 2012, 04:48 PM

Maybe something like a pop-up confirmation, "Are you sure you want to switch?", would work, wouldn't it?

Posted by: Joltik Oct 10 2012, 04:50 PM

If it's possible, could you PLEASE look into a way of donating through mobile phone credit? I -always- have credit that goes unused due to free text plans, etc etc and I used to donate to many sites when I was younger this way, when I couldn't afford to donate myself, or didn't have paypal. It'd stop at least some younger users feeling left out, not to mention I'd be much more willing to donate credit that I'm unlikely to use than my money.

Posted by: mizukitty Oct 10 2012, 04:52 PM

i love this system. plain and simple.

Posted by: Nardaviel Oct 10 2012, 04:52 PM

When I switched to the new system, I actually did get a pop-up confirmation. So it's not a huge danger, I shouldn't think.


Anyway, well done, guys. I was pretty unimpressed when I first realized there was a new donation system, but now that I've figured it out I'm a lot more enthusiastic.

Posted by: Esc Oct 10 2012, 04:52 PM

I think we can still block ads with adblock though :P
Same situation as u right now, though I want to stay with the older donation system (Thanks to GaL )

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 10 2012, 04:53 PM

Perk for older donors who don't switch: no ads, and no need to pay for not having ads. Sure, some people use adblockers, but I believe those are technically against the rules, and even if they weren't, many of us would rather not bother with the time/effort/hard disk space to use them.

Posted by: Spirit of Auron Oct 10 2012, 04:54 PM

So from how I"m understanding this, if I want to stay on the old system, i avoid the plus tab. Sounds like a pretty nice deal for me(I prefer the old system on the off chance I somehow ever end up on limited net again, the hiding ads helped my usage limit a lot when I was on limited net)

Anyways I think for those getting in on the new system it's a nice perk deal, I really don't feel like I"m getting the short end of the stick by choosing to remain on the old system, I think we're really getting it even, just my thoughts anyways.

Posted by: Thor94 Oct 10 2012, 04:56 PM

For me, only the trinket plus (and maybe hatch+ and sweet+) are interesting.
The other, is not really useful to me (lot of pass orb, patient in shelter, lot of place in PC)

There are advantage and disadvantage with this system:

advantage:
easier to obtain few things
helping to maintain gpx servers

disadvantage:
progress in the game might depend of your wallet (richer will be a best rank, same as most of RPG)

Posted by: Rafiki Oct 10 2012, 04:56 PM

I hadn't looked at it that way. Whelp.

I'm also confused by the little mouse-over thing that says the 30 days stack for every 10 credits purchased, because that sounds like it's 30 days/10 credits, but elsewhere it says every 5 credits get you 30 days (as long as purchasing at least 10)... that starts to sound confusing. Does that mean it's stacking 60 days at a time for every 10 you purchase?? It's it's 30 days per 10 credits, that's even more money to remain ad-free

Posted by: Clara Oswin Oct 10 2012, 04:58 PM

As far as I understand it, once a perk is activated, it's activated for everyone. No advantage for richer users.

Posted by: Manticore Oct 10 2012, 04:59 PM

Yep. The only people who won't get the perks are people who decide to stay with the old "no ads" donation thing. They don't get the benefits from the new system.

Posted by: Manah Oct 10 2012, 04:59 PM

@Rafiki
If I got that right, you get 30 days per 5 credits, but only if you purchase at least 10 credits at once.

Posted by: SilverLugia456 Oct 10 2012, 05:01 PM

After reading the full first post, I have to say I love the new Donation system. I like the way it is now set up and how it works a lot. Thank you very much for creating this system.

Posted by: Nardaviel Oct 10 2012, 05:02 PM

From what I understand, it's 30 days per 5 credits, but you don't get the perk if you just buy 5 credits. So yes, the minimum you can get is 60 days (for 10 credits). But it doesn't go up in intervals of 10 credits/60 days, because, for example, you can get 15 credits and therefore 90 days without ads.


You can go to the plus tab without switching to the new system. There's a specific button there that you have to click.

Posted by: YunikoYokai Oct 10 2012, 05:03 PM

I decided to switch, because, although it is unlikely for me to actually donate again in the future, my ideals and such have changed over the past year or two. I understand how much ad revenue means to owners of sites like this, which is why the only 'ad-blocker' I have is a cookie one to stop targeted ads. I would rather prefer ads to 'free-loading' as it were now. I do understand some people do block ads for more reasons though (virus worries, slow internet, limits etc)

I'm just curious as to what happens if 2 Pluses are active. Do we wait for the first one to run out before the other starts (with or without a few days cool down)?

Posted by: Spirit of Auron Oct 10 2012, 05:03 PM

Oh good, then I won't worry about accidentally clicking it then. Thanks

Posted by: Zerxer Oct 10 2012, 05:05 PM

I'm not sure how User X has an advantage over User Y.

If User Y decides to switch to the new system, they basically become User X (but also receive 15 credits right away). If you decide to switch, it's a one-time thing; from then on, you will always receive the perks from the Plusses when they activate. The only reason to pay monthly (or to buy a cheaper high-credit package) is if you want to continue hiding ads (which User X wouldn't be able to do either unless they also buy credits).

Posted by: Kelleo Oct 10 2012, 05:05 PM

I believe someone said earlier that there won't ever be more than one Plus active. Once one activates, the others freeze until the duration of the active Plus ends.

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 05:08 PM

We can certainly investigate other payment systems in the future (to be perfectly honest, I have no idea how mobile phone credit works), but for now we'll be sticking with just PayPal.


It's 30 days/5 credits, for packages of 10 or more. I guess it would be better worded as 60 days/10 credits though, yup yup.

Posted by: Sign Seven Oct 10 2012, 05:18 PM

I really appreciate that you guys are trying to find a balance in microtransactions instead of turning this into a cash-grubbing game like so many other mmorpgs have become lately

Posted by: SagaDavid Oct 10 2012, 05:19 PM

I think I like this new system. Now let's see if the adds still crash/slow down my system like they used to do, because if that is the case, I have no choice but to stick with the old system. But I hope it works, the new perks sound quite nice.

And it's clear that the honey is filling up quickly! weird, I've never seen much use for sweet honey, but anyway...

Edit: well, it seems everything runs fine with ads. I guess the problem was opening many tabs all with their own flash ads that used to crash my system, but the new berry feeder doesn't have that problem. So I guess I'll switch over (and maybe make another donation, because this sitedefinetely deserves it)

Posted by: LavenderEyedNinetales Oct 10 2012, 05:22 PM

Another question - would it be possible to manually start the new system's ad-blocker for a period of 30 days after purchasing the appropriate credit? Or will the ad-blocking start as soon as you buy credit?

Posted by: Thor94 Oct 10 2012, 05:23 PM

if i understand the system.

The user how buy credit can use it to:
-disable adds during 30days

or
Put credits to fills perks tank

When a perk tank is full, it is activated after next reset during 3 days for all gpx users (except old donators who not upgrade their system) and other perk tank's are frosen for this time.



Other question:
After the three days bonus:
All perk tanks are reseted or only the activated perk?

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 05:25 PM

It starts immediately once your transaction completes (which in most cases is immediate).


Actually, you get both the disabled ads, and the credits to put towards Plusses.

At the end of the three days, only the filled Plus is reset; the others retain their totals, yup yup.

Posted by: numbuh 893 Oct 10 2012, 05:25 PM

I believe that when the old system we got slightly more maturity per click, right? I think I'll keep my old perks, unless there are a lot of these perks used. Even then I won't be spending money on them.

Posted by: Rhapsody Oct 10 2012, 05:29 PM

Actually, I'm pretty sure that it was that those who were flagged as blocking ads got less maturity per click. That "punishment" seemed to be completely discontinued after a certain period of time, however. Not including a lack of ads - and a different userbar, I guess - Donors weren't supposed to have an advantage over users who could not/did not donate.

Posted by: Deide Oct 10 2012, 05:31 PM

As much as I hate ads, I'm appreciative of the desire to keep the game balanced. I usually keep ads blocked on pay-to-win games, because it feels like they're pushing a product, rather than something they love (And therefore don't see me as a 'valuable' member of the community). Here at GPX+ is a rare exception, which makes me happy enough to whitelist this domain in my AdBlock :P

I hope others will be supportive of your philosophy and passion for GPX+ and follow suit

Posted by: Lugia182 Oct 10 2012, 05:34 PM

I can see how this is fairer (fairer than rival sites, at least) 'cause free users can still reap the benefits, but some of these powers seem more popular than others already, so I'd personally worry about putting my money into something then not seeing the benefit of it for a while. That does sound a bit selfish, like I'm wanting "instant gratification" and such, and perhaps it is a little, but yeah. It's just not something I'm used to; putting money into something and not seeing the benefit straight away. I can't afford to donate to sites like this anyway, so it's not an issue for me really, just something I'd think about if I were considering it.

But seriously. Sincere congratulations on creating the most fair system I've seen on a site like this. Everyone can reap the benefits at some point even if they can't afford to donate, and if people don't like the system then they just don't have to donate; they'll still get the benefits at some point like everyone else (unless they're a previous donor, in which case they can just keep their old perks).

Posted by: Thor94 Oct 10 2012, 05:39 PM

ok.
This system is really good

I can't wait the day with trinket perk.

The number of necessary credit to full a perk is random after use same as pass counter or it's definitely determined (if determined, we can know the level with figures or "das ist ein ZIKRETE" )

Posted by: Gryphaena Oct 10 2012, 05:44 PM

Uh, I'm one of the people who had enabled AdBlock (because of those ads from 888media which made my Chrome all wonky). But I'll stop it.

The new donations system seems quite dangerous for people addicted to online games. But at least nearly everyone benefits.

Posted by: Obelisk429 Oct 10 2012, 05:46 PM

This seems like an amazing idea, kudos to the admins. If I ever get out of my current financial slump, I'll be sure to send a few bucks your way :DD

The only thing I'm not feeling so much is the new tab for it. Is there any way we can make the Plus tab not stick out as if it were the active tab, or instead move it to the bottom? Is it only sticking out for now because it is new? Or is it set there for good?

Posted by: SararahSundae Oct 10 2012, 05:52 PM

This is a very nice system! Thank you so much!

Posted by: AmyL Oct 10 2012, 05:53 PM

when there is a multiplier from the plus power will that be site wide or will previous donors not get the benefits of the multiplier either?

Posted by: Rabies Girl Oct 10 2012, 05:55 PM

This is amazing and the best way I ever heard to keep a site free but letting those who can't pay share feel the love but not making people who pay feel they are being used. it take many people to pay and get credits to allow everyone the chance to experience it for themselves. and its almost like a little sample to everyone too. say if someone could donate but wasn't sure. and they fall in love with a Plus they get due to others donations. they may want to get that again and donate! I plan on Donating some day when I finally get a job but till then I hope this system stays. If I donate I would love to help others be able to get a Plus for three days for those who truly can't afford it!

Posted by: Esc Oct 10 2012, 06:07 PM

What would happen if
On Day 0, Hatch + has reached it's limit and therefore we get hatch + for 3 days.
On Day 1, Honey+ has reached it's limit, would we get 2 more days of Hatch + and 3 more days of Honey+?

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 06:10 PM

The multiplier affects everyone.


Once one Plus is maxed out, the others are frozen (can't be increased) until the previous one wears off. There can only be one active at any given time, yup yup.

Posted by: Slade Wilson Oct 10 2012, 06:14 PM

I actually think this is really cool (: One thing though, people that have dark backgrounds for the site--like I use black--makes it impossible to see the Pluses circles being filled. So I was wondering if there would be a way to add like a "percentage" when you hover over a Plus, right next to the info? I would rather not change the color of my background

Posted by: LavenderEyedNinetales Oct 10 2012, 06:15 PM

Would you see that ever changing in the future, or no? Kinda like how users of the old system have the option to turn ads on and off themselves. Personally, I can see switching to the new system / donating being more popular if someone could pick which 30 days they'd get the ad-block for. (If you have finals, for example, at the end of a semester, and won't be clicking, that could discourage people from donating the $10 in November because they'd lose a month of ad-block time. But if after the initial 30 days passed and the option was given to reset the ad-block for the second half of the ad-block donation benefit, then after one's exams are over and they have free time, they could activate their ad-blocker again.)

Posted by: Giraffe A Laugh Oct 10 2012, 06:19 PM

Oh my god I have been waiting for this for a whiles now, this slightly makes me want to ditch work for the last few hours just so I can see this donation system from my computer >_>
Nevertheless! I'll continue donating as usual, monthly just... For myself now, lawl
GOOD JOB GUYS, on once again releasing something awesome <3

Posted by: Lunar Dance Oct 10 2012, 06:27 PM

Man, this new system looks really, really fantastic. I don't know if I'll be switching over immediately though since I'm definitely not as active as I used to be (though in all honesty that's usually only true until the monthly events start, whoops), but in the future I totally will. The ads were really only intrusive when we were opening 100+ tabs at once, so I think now that everything can stay condensed in one page, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle.

Posted by: Trixie Lulamoon Oct 10 2012, 06:47 PM

Just used my credits to finish filling up the Honey Plus.

Let's all enjoy the next three days!

Posted by: Wraenna Oct 10 2012, 06:47 PM

BB answered a few pages back that it was going to stay at the top and highlighted for the time being so that people would notice it.

Fab new donation system, guys.

Posted by: Mintabani Oct 10 2012, 07:00 PM

Wow I really like this idea! Even though i can't buy credits i like the features, especially hatch plus, i hope that gets activated soon eue

Posted by: dareco Oct 10 2012, 07:19 PM

I don't really understand much of this, but it's good that it will help the site.

Posted by: Nyara Oct 10 2012, 07:20 PM

I love this new system, especially the fact that it benefits everyone.

Posted by: demonicvampiregirl Oct 10 2012, 07:34 PM

I love the fact you let the old users who donated keep those. It will let me choose if I wish to upgrade later or not. Due to me being slightly inactive right now I wont change it but if I come back and be as active as I was before at least I got a chance of being able to upgrade and get the bonus' and still have a way to disable ads. So thanks a bunch Big Bidoof!!

Posted by: AKA Darkie Oct 10 2012, 07:59 PM

Glad to know that this site hasn't become Pay2Win. Thank you based GPXplus admins.

Posted by: RainWater Oct 10 2012, 08:28 PM

I have one question:
When a Prize+ is activated do the vouchers include ones like the shiny voucher and the one to get arceus or just previous shiny race vouchers?

Posted by: ChaosEternal Oct 10 2012, 08:28 PM

This sounds like an interesting system. I probably wouldn't have commented on this normally. However, as soon as I joined a few weeks ago, I thought "This is just begging for microtransactions." I saw so many ways they could be used, and imagined that this could totally be an iOS or Android game with how well they could be integrated. Then, a short three weeks after I join the new donation system is based on them. I'm pretty happy they have been added, I'm guessing there are plenty of people who would like to get bonuses to speed things up. This will help them contribute and give everyone some more enjoyment. Making a system that benefits donators but isn't Pay2Win is pretty hard, so I'm impressed.

Posted by: hferg81 Oct 10 2012, 08:33 PM

I was actually wondering this myself. Mostly because I've only been here about a year and a half, and because of that, I've only seen various new novelty pokemon as vouchers, I was wondering what all the prizes would be, like if Arceus or a Legendary or Shiny voucher would be among them.

As far as the ads go, they really don't bother me at all, so I have no need to donate in order to get rid of them. That said, I might donate just to A: help the site, and B: get various perks.

Posted by: Commander Wymsy Oct 10 2012, 08:37 PM

There is no such thing as an Arceus Voucher. It doesn't exist. It has never existed.

Posted by: hferg81 Oct 10 2012, 08:42 PM

Oh.... ok... how DO you get an Arceus then?

Posted by: Commander Wymsy Oct 10 2012, 08:43 PM

All Arceus that were obtained by people winning contests were generated and automatically put into their parties by myself or another admin. All others originate from the Lab.

There just seems to be this thing where people think a voucher exists for them, but there isn't one.

Posted by: hferg81 Oct 10 2012, 08:44 PM

ah, I never knew... figured it was from some early contest or something.... thanks for the info! Maybe some day I'll be able to find one in the lab!

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 10 2012, 08:55 PM

I believe that was because the GPX+ Wiki over on Wikia used to list an "Egg Voucher 3" with the effect "Can be redeemed for any egg, including Arceus". Obviously, it's a load of bull, but somebody over there decided to write it up, which hoodwinked a lot of us (including myself, until I saw one of your posts several months ago saying the same thing as this one).

The wiki's been corrected, but I think the rumors have just kind of continued in the same manner as an urban legend. There probably isn't much anyone can do but to correct individual mistakes when they see them.

Posted by: Esc Oct 10 2012, 09:01 PM

I read this a couple of pages back; If I'm to use adblock plus, I lose some of my interaction?

The only reason why I would use it is because I got a worm a couple of months back from an ad.

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 10 2012, 09:06 PM

Awhile ago (a year I think? maybe a bit more or less), there was a news thread saying that people using adblockers would lose a portion of the maturity their Pokemon and eggs earn.

I haven't seen any numbers cited anywhere or any other official notification about it, but judging from the responses earlier in this thread, that may not be true anymore. Or maybe it still is, and those people are wrong. Either way, it's probably better not to risk it. EDIT: Apparently "it was discontinued some time afterwards". I swear I don't remember seeing that announced.

Posted by: Spades Slick Oct 10 2012, 09:07 PM

Reread the post; it was discontinued some time afterwards.

Posted by: Dazmi Oct 10 2012, 09:09 PM

I think this is amazing. Donated. Also, hooray for new icon.

Posted by: Kwiggy Oct 10 2012, 09:16 PM

After much decision, I figured I should just change to the new donation system. I find that it's easier to get used to change if you embrace it.

Also, I purchased 60+ credits so does that mean ads will be automatically blocked for 360 days? (I already have my settings to block ads)

Posted by: Levi Oct 10 2012, 10:25 PM

What a neat system! I currently don't have the money to spare to donate right now, but I'll definitely consider it in the future.

Thank you to everyone who's donated so far so everyone can enjoy some perks!

Posted by: Suzane Oct 10 2012, 10:35 PM

so basically no matter who pays if the counter fills up (like the pass counter) we all get to use the power???
thats kind of cool.....

so at this very moment i see honey + to be 100 % filled up.
so that would mean from tonight's reset we should have infinite use of heart sweets for the next three days...

or did i misunderstand something????

Posted by: AmyL Oct 10 2012, 10:43 PM

I will be unlimited use of sweet honey for the next 3 days, not heart sweets.

Posted by: Sonic62 Oct 10 2012, 10:50 PM

Those Pluses look very helpful, I'm probably going to switch over and get some credits.

Edit: The one benefit that people still using the old system get is the multiplier it would seem.

Posted by: Zero Gravity Oct 10 2012, 11:02 PM

Is this only available for people who upgrade to the new system?

Posted by: Vibrancy Oct 10 2012, 11:14 PM

'You currently have 999 of this item'.

Heh, how fun~ Quick question, does the multiplier extend over the whole three days as well? From re-reading the post I think it does, but I just wanted to clarify. (Though if I'm reading right, it'd be different each day?)

Posted by: Vesus Levide Oct 10 2012, 11:14 PM

Yes, as written in the Plus tab (you can hover over "all users").

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 11:14 PM

That is correct.


There's a random multiplier each day, so it could go up or down, yup yup.

Posted by: Nardaviel Oct 10 2012, 11:26 PM

Will the shelter+ power stack with the multiplier? I assume it will...?

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 10 2012, 11:27 PM

Yup, everything is in addition to any Pass Powers, Account Upgrades, etc. that might have similar bonuses, yup yup.

Posted by: Lodrelhai Oct 10 2012, 11:39 PM

...okay, you got me. This makes enough positive changes to balance out my intense hatred of the change to when pokemon for explorations can be obtained.

Switched to new system, and resuming monthly donations. I only have one question (though I don't know if it'll be answered):

Is $10/60 days equivalent to (or greater than) the amount of ad revenue an active user would generate over those same 60 days, or would not donating and seeing ads be of more benefit to the site?

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 10 2012, 11:51 PM

Is there a way to for me to block/opt out of/etc ads that require the newest version of Flash Player, and replace them with others? Chrome has cut off my ability to update it because my operating system is too old. (It's Mac OS X Leopard, which was made obselete about three and a half years ago.) The constant alerts that "Adobe Flash Player was blocked because it is out of date" are the only thing that's stopping me from switching over to the new system.

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 11 2012, 12:00 AM

You can just disable Flash (navigate about:plugins and hit disable), and that would prevent Flash ads from loading completely, yup yup.

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 11 2012, 12:06 AM

That worked wonderfully! Thanks!

Posted by: H1Z1 Oct 11 2012, 12:11 AM

My only question, which probably was already asked is that if I convert over will I still have disabled ads for 60 days from day of conversion? I'm debating between switching now or waiting until the money I made from selling a Pony card on ebay clears, which in turn would leave me able to donate for a long, long time.

EDIT: Started reading back and saw some gibberish about Arceus. I think the time people are confusing for the Arceus voucher was for one of the old contests where the 1st prize was Arceus and they're assuming that there was a voucher for it since every prize right below it was voucher related.

Anyways, kept reading and still haven't seen anything about the conversion and if it'll allow me to have 60 days to fart around without ads before I need to chuck 9 bucks(or 48 depending on if the days stack) at the site.

Kinda bummed now that the card didn't sell for 200 like some others were since now I'm chucking some money here, some at some awesome pens from Vampirefreaks, a Deadpool costume, and a pay2win gun in APB Reloaded. Oh well, that's why I'm saving my 2nd card til the value goes back up.

Posted by: GiZmo Oct 11 2012, 01:43 AM

I havent read all 7 pages, so sorry if it was asked before. What about obtained today sweet honeys? Will they be added to our inventory?

Posted by: Altoid Oct 11 2012, 01:47 AM

Just out of curiosity, will you at any point be 'forcing' those of us who have donated previously over to the new system? I don't like the idea of having to pay again, every 60 days, for a benefit that as far as I'm concerned, I already bought (Which I know is being seen to by the 'free' 15 points and the use of the Plus perks.).

Maybe I'm just misunderstanding something?

Posted by: Griffling Oct 11 2012, 01:58 AM

I like the new system. I'll definitely donate after I go over my finances (or lack thereof). I always intended to become a contributor but kept putting it off.

The sweet honey power up is disappointing, though. An hour ago there were tons and tons of my hunt Pokemon in the shelter, now there's... zippo. Breeding rates can't keep up, I think. The multiplier alone is worth it either way.

Posted by: Hiralui Oct 11 2012, 02:01 AM

I have a question.

If I purchase 10 credits I get 60 days without ads.
And then if I decide to purchase 10 credits again, a few days later :
Will I get 120 days without ads, starting from the day I bought the first package ? -> the same effect that if I had bought 20 credits at once ?
I don't see why not, but...

Posted by: Aura Flare Riolu Oct 11 2012, 02:39 AM

That hatch power + will be useful on Multiplier days especially during Site Wide Shiny hunts when everyone is clicking and eggs one hour quite often.

Also I do like this new donation system. I'll consider donating more every now and then.

Posted by: Thnikkaman Oct 11 2012, 03:38 AM

hi, a few question;
I assume that once one converts to the new system from the old, you can't go back? eg. if I want to just try it out to see if it works with me, I can't "downgrade" back to the old system in the unlikely event that I really really hate it?

then a usage scenario; if the counter is full (like it is right now (and for the next 2 days?) for Sweet Honey) and I go and use a credit on f.ex. Shelter+ tomorrow, I will get the benefit of Shelter+, but will it override the 2 last days of Sweet Honey? or will the bonuses stack so I get both for 2 days?

finally; just to make extra special sure, there are NO detriminators to using adblock at all? I ask because at school they have implemented an universal blocker for things (to stop people getting worms or downlading shit or whatever.) which I cannot turn of or override, and as I do quite a bit of clicking in the big break I'd really like to know if this will hamper me at home/school too.

thank you.

Posted by: PokeNOM NOM NOM Oct 11 2012, 04:26 AM

This is nice.
I like how everyone can enjoy these Plus powers, it's a good thing. ^^

Posted by: Hiralui Oct 11 2012, 04:27 AM

No, there is only one bonus at a time.

Additionnally, there is no "individual bonus". When you give some credits to a bonus, the counter increases. And when it is full, with everyone's credits, the bonus is active for everyone.
The bonus is not immediately active for you when you give credits to it.

Posted by: Fading Like The Lilac Oct 11 2012, 04:35 AM

So, have I read this wrong or will there be penalties in the future for me using Adblock? The only reason I downloaded it in the first place was because the animated adverts that are everywhere slow my laptop down to a crawl- and yes, when I go onto computers that don't have Adblock there are animated ads in the Berry Feeder which make feeding quickly a real pain in the behind.

All this change, so fast... I hardly recognise this website anymore.

Posted by: Manah Oct 11 2012, 04:49 AM

Just curious, does this count as ad blocking? Considering the penalty might come back one day...

Posted by: YunikoYokai Oct 11 2012, 05:18 AM

I don't think so. You're only stopping flash, but you'll get text ads instead.

Posted by: Manah Oct 11 2012, 05:26 AM

Well, actually I get blocked flash things I can activate.

Posted by: Spades Slick Oct 11 2012, 05:34 AM

Please read those comments carefully. Blocking ads USED TO penalize people, but taht was a while ago.

Posted by: Fading Like The Lilac Oct 11 2012, 05:46 AM

I did, so I happened to read this in the first post:

"We'd very much like to not have to return to penalizing users who block the advertisements on the site, but if this new system proves unsuccessful, for the good of all GPX users, that will likely be the next step we'll take."

which was what got me thinking it might come back.

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 11 2012, 07:42 AM

The new 60 days are added on to whenever the existing ad hiding would expire... so in your example, yes, it would be the same as if you had bought 20 credits at once.


Correct, it's one-way.

As somebody else mentioned, there can only be one Plus active at any time.

Nothing at present, correct.


We'd like to not have to, but if the staggaring number doesn't change and the new system proves unable to make up the difference, then we probably will.

FYI, we announced that this change was happening over a month ago.


Anything that prevents an ad from loading (including extensions like Flash Blocker or whatever it's called, which prevent Flash objects from loading on the initial page load and replaces them with boxes) would be considered ad blocking. But if Flash is disabled, it should just serve text and image ads, with no harm done, yup yup.

Posted by: SagaDavid Oct 11 2012, 07:49 AM

A suggestion about the "plus" tab maybe it would work better, if it has the same style as the other tabs (so you can easily see which tab is selected), but make the tab contain a big + sign. That would immediately stand out, thus fulfilling the plan of the site admins to make the new donation system impossible to miss for everyone, without confusing users too much.

Something else I noticed: sweet honey now displays as 999 of them, and it stays that way. But this number also shows up in your inventory. Perhaps a bit confusing. Why not make the inventory display your actual numer of sweet honey, and keep it possible to sell them if you want. Or is that not possible?

Posted by: Daisy14 Oct 11 2012, 08:31 AM

interesting about plus.. nice. not know long take back normal like that. because I not need any from plus myself. but looking interesting for me to.

Posted by: Cycloneblaze Oct 11 2012, 08:53 AM

Hm. I prefer the old system, simply because I would prefer to have to pay once and block ads forever. But, I can understand the reasoning behind this system, and it seems like it will be helpful. I'm also proud of you guys for sticking to that core ideal which means that even though I cannot pay, I still get stuff.
I'm not very likely to actually purchase Credits though, because a) I will only do it to block ads, and I will have to keep doing it (though the prices are very fair!) and b) because I dislike microtransaction systems on principle (though this one avoids some common flaws).

Posted by: Chrome Oct 11 2012, 10:01 AM

Could be lower than normal? (1x)

Posted by: BloodyScythe Oct 11 2012, 10:12 AM

Why would I change to the new Donations system since I paid $20, which is way more credits than 15, even more than 20. Also, having no ads at all, forever, is way better than for 60 days. Raise the bonus to ~25 credits and I'll think about it.

Posted by: YunikoYokai Oct 11 2012, 10:39 AM

Well, not really. You're forgetting about the Plus benefits which you do not have access to without switching to the new system. Credits are only part of the package for switching.

Posted by: Manah Oct 11 2012, 10:44 AM

But my problem is, I don't seem to get text ads.

This is what it looks like:


I can click on the grey area to activate the flash ad, so I guess it is trying to load the ads, and therefore counts as blocking (not that I really know much about this stuff...). What I did is disable flash in Chrome's settings. Is there a way to make it display text ads so I'm not blocking anything?

Posted by: Mars Adept Enten Oct 11 2012, 10:45 AM

^ That's just coming across as greedy, IMO. Be thankful that we even have bonuses like this.

Anyways, I have some questions regarding this new system:

1. It says on the Plus tab to 'ensure any PayPal or credit card you use is your own, or that you have permission to use it...' I have a unique set of circumstances regarding this (my parents are my conservators, which means they're in control of my finances and whatnot, they have a PayPal that was initially set up for eBay, and I'm unsure if I'm allowed to use it.) If they used PayPal in my name (since I obviously can't), would I be banned from the site because of the technicalities?

2. I never donated under the old system, despite thinking about it several times. If I donate under this new system, will I be considered a Donor permanently, or will my status in that usergroup go away after the time period expires?

If I can get satisfactory answers regarding these, I feel like I'll probably be doing some donations in the future.

Posted by: Throne3d Oct 11 2012, 10:49 AM

Uhm... Not sure if somebody's suggested this yet, but you could use the ∞ sign instead of 999 for the number of Sweet Honeys? Unless you're worried about compatibility with non-Unicode fonts (at least... I think the infinity sign is a Unicode sign. o:)?

Also, I love the change.

Maybe, instead of having Plus at the top of the navbar, it could be like... A little floating box in the top-right corner? Somebody already suggested it not be at the top, but I think you've probably done that to make it easily visible, and it floating with a red background or something would probably be quite obvious too. o3o

I love the site, btw.

Edit: Just disabled my ad-blocker for the site, and disabled Flash in my Chrome settings... I thought I was being a bit mean by blocking them. Sorry. :[

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 11 2012, 10:56 AM

1) Nope. It's only ever an issue if the cardholder files a chargeback or any sort of abuse claim without first trying to resolve the issue with us directly - which would generally stem from using your parents' (or some other party's) credit card/PayPal without their permission, or something of that nature. But if you have their permission, then it isn't an issue.

2) The user group is permanent, yup yup.

Posted by: Xen Oct 11 2012, 10:57 AM

It's Love-Hate with me. I'm quite pleased that the next 3 days is basically all Honey, but I have noticed an irking issue.

One thing I definitely do dislike is the site-wide usage for all players. Not as it being unfair, but as in, right now the Trinket+ has the most percentage via the Plus page, and if that becomes the next site-wide one, I would feel very unhappy. I would hate to have to wait 3 days until I can use another Plus, one that I actually like. I'm not really hyped on Trinkets. I think a perk donors could potentially get is being able to disable the site-wide Plus and instead use a different one to their liking. For donars, I think this would be more fair.

Posted by: Dalek Omega Oct 11 2012, 11:05 AM

While I understand that the Plus perks aren't stackable (for example having a Honey Plus start on one day & a Hatch Plus start on the next where the two would overlap their effects), would the perks multiply the effects of a site wide effect?

For example, if the site is running a 3x multiplier during a SWSH for everyone, would a Hatch Plus run during the same time turn the site wide 3x into a 9x (assuming the random multiplier for the Hatch Plus was also 3x on that day)?

Posted by: Samoo Oct 11 2012, 11:05 AM

If it becomes active during the next SWSH then it'll happen. We'll still have multipliers, so if you think about it, eggs get hatched faster during the week as-well! (assuming it happens during the week that is)

But just remember though, it's not just about what you want, there are other people which enjoy getting trinkets too. Although, when it finally does come more active, you'll be quite pleased to complete Trinket Tasks when you have more than enough Poké Chests under your belt



No, all multipliers cap at x4

I read in earlier pages that other bonuses will stack. For example, when the Shelter Plus is activated as-well as the multiplier. You'd get Shelter Grabs * Multiplier with Hatch Plus doubling that. Or the other way round, no idea which way it works xp



^ there's the quote

Posted by: Megatron Oct 11 2012, 11:07 AM

I upgraded to the new system mostly because as annoying as some ads can be, the revenue the site gets from them is more important, mmhm. I like the idea of giving everyone the benefit here; I hate games and sites that offer an advantage to donors because I don't have the means to donate (someone generously donated for me). Great work on this c:

Posted by: Manah Oct 11 2012, 11:07 AM

And the way i see it, people who doante aren't "paying custumors" as donations are completely voluntary. You're not paying for anything, you donate because you want to support the site and may or may not get something in return.

Posted by: Survival Strategy Oct 11 2012, 12:01 PM

Yep.
That said, I hope I'll be able to donate a bit in the upcoming months, with having started a job and all, finally.

I am quite fond of the first Plus, filtering out Shiny hunt eggs whenever I can.

Posted by: Mars Adept Enten Oct 11 2012, 12:11 PM

Thanks for clarifying those points, O Big One. I'll definitely donate at least once, if not multiple times now that I know this. Just need to get my folks sold on this idea now.

Posted by: Xen Oct 11 2012, 12:20 PM

Eh, sorry, I didn't mean it like that exactly, it's just the first thing that popped into my mind. I'll have to re-word my post.

I've never donated to any site in my life due to being greedy. Sad, but true. But I guess that's why they call it donations, where as you shouldn't expect anything in return. But this new donation system... yeah, I'm going to feed into it like a boss and blow money. I'll probably begin doing so next paycheck.

Reason I suggested the disabling feature is because the counters seem to have filled up REALLY fast. It may seem like an endless steam of site-wide perks, but maybe that's just how I feell. I used Trinkets as an example because 1) it's highest currently and 2) Trinkets are fun to collect, yes, but I'm not sure I'd want 3 days of that when I really want something else more.

Then again, we are donating, so I shouldn't expect to get a different advantage than a non-donating person.

Posted by: Miles Prower Oct 11 2012, 12:23 PM

This is terrible.

Convenient for you Americans, sure, but it's absolutely terrible for us elsewhere. We have to pay extra for these 'services' which varies in cost because you can't change it to other currencies, it won't work for every country either.

Yet that bug where some people get logged out when they log in the forum still occurs. Think that can get fixed sometime? Thanks.

Hate to be a grouch, but it feels so much like a neopets thing now.

Posted by: YunikoYokai Oct 11 2012, 12:33 PM

Is it the currency conversion you have trouble with? If it is, it actually benefits some. In the UK, We would only pay £3.12, £5.61, £10.91, £21.19 and £29.92, compared to the normal prices. So in some currencies, you pay LESS than what some do.

Posted by: Miles Prower Oct 11 2012, 12:37 PM

You didn't read what I said.

We have to pay extra in TAXES and usually it's an undetermined amount depending on what bank you're with.

Posted by: YunikoYokai Oct 11 2012, 12:42 PM

You did not mention taxes in your comment, therefore I thought your 'We have to pay extra for these 'services'' was about currency conversion. Can you please make sure you are a little more clear in the future? ^.^' Sorry for the mix-up, but then again I have no idea how taxes play a part of anything about this...

Posted by: Wraenna Oct 11 2012, 12:44 PM

I'm pretty sure you just weren't clear. What 'taxes' are you even talking about, for instance? Do you mean the Fees outlined on Paypal's User Agreement related to currency conversion?

(Or, looking again, is it something else, since I dunno what on earth you'd be talking about related to bank taxes/fees.)

I mean, it would help if you were being specific instead of just grumbling about it.

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 11 2012, 12:49 PM

And that's our fault because...?

If you don't like your bank's fees, I feel like you should take it up with them, not us, yup yup.

Posted by: Miles Prower Oct 11 2012, 01:34 PM

It's a foreign exchange unit, I'm not the entire UK population. You can't do anything against the bank or extra payments.

Honestly, you probably should had gone with the word 'subscription' since from what I understand, the changes aren't permanent? 60 days or something? I don't understand it when it's a clicking website...but aren't you not allowed to make a profit off a copyrighted brand name? Aren't you supposed to give some of these donations to Nintendo?

Posted by: Commander Wymsy Oct 11 2012, 01:39 PM

We're not making a profit, we're trying to make up for the massive cost of paying for and maintaining the server. Money to keep it running, money to upgrade it when it needs it in the future, money to fix it if it something breaks. We don't pocket any of this money for ourselves, all of it goes directly towards paying for the server.

Posted by: Mornington Crescent Oct 11 2012, 01:44 PM

Having read through the thread, I think I understand how this works and it seems pretty nice!

I'm not in a position to be able to donate right now (I practically drained my account to get my car insured!), but I'll certainly consider it in the future.

Posted by: Arikana Oct 11 2012, 01:54 PM

This looks awesome! :D
And I'd love to donate, but unless if you guys get a mail-in option I don't think I'll be able to do so ever since I don't have nor plan on getting a Paypal anytime soon. :(

Posted by: Big Bidoof Oct 11 2012, 03:18 PM

You can actually pay without having a PayPal account - you can enter your credit card number and still have the payment processed via PayPal without actually having an account, yup yup.

Posted by: Chrome Oct 11 2012, 03:44 PM

Okay first day into the new donations system, I have noticed a significant increase in user activity.
On average I see users be around 500-600 per day and the pass counter just about never comes close to filling up.
Take a looka t how it is now, users at quite close to 1k and pass counter is very close to filling up.

Posted by: Arikana Oct 11 2012, 05:08 PM

Uh, I actually don't have a credit card yet. >w>;; Kinda sad, but without a job not necessary. I'd be getting my donating money from government tax credit cheques. XD

Posted by: BloodyScythe Oct 11 2012, 05:27 PM

So I guess many people switch to the new system and get back on their Ad-Blockers?

Posted by: Zerxer Oct 11 2012, 05:35 PM

If they wanted to take and then be rude about it, yes.

We're offering 15 credits instead of an amount equivalent to however much you originally donated because you've already been getting perks for having donated. We didn't really have to give any credits since you may have already gotten your 120 days of no ads (depending on when you donated the $20), so it still would have been a fair system change if we had given none. However, as a sign of good faith, we're giving the past donors 15 credits when they switch.

Posted by: H1Z1 Oct 11 2012, 10:56 PM

Ok so from what I'm gathering then all we get when we switch over is the 15 credits and no temporary period of no-ads before we need to drop a few bucks in the plinker.

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 11 2012, 10:59 PM

And also you get affected by the Plus powers. For example, someone who has not yet switched over cannot use the infinite Sweet Honey Plus power that's currently in effect, but everyone else can use it.

Also, for what it's worth, even after switching and without donating, I still have the option in Skins and Settings to turn ads off. Dunno how long it'll last (I imagine it'll be the equivalent length of the 15 free credits), but it's happening for me.

Posted by: H1Z1 Oct 11 2012, 11:01 PM

Well the plusses are a guarantee thing, I'm just looking into if I need to hold off for a few days or do the switch now. I'll be switching for sure once I get my paypal money to buy more credits and accumulate a crapton of ad-free days.

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 11 2012, 11:03 PM

Reposting what I edited in, because I think you responded to my post before I finished editing.

Posted by: Netbug009 Oct 11 2012, 11:12 PM

This is a really wonderful idea. Thank you!

Posted by: H1Z1 Oct 11 2012, 11:13 PM

OOOH!!! THEN SWITCHY SWITCH I SHALL

Also, nice job now that our daycares need to spam 20 eggs at a time

This just means I'll never breed bidofos again.

Posted by: Axerth Oct 12 2012, 12:22 AM

Am I correct in assuming you cannot use your credits until the activated plus has run out? (For example, if you have 15 credits, you can't "purchase" Trinket+ until Honey+ has run out...?)

Also, it seems a bit unfair to pay into something that might not pay out for some time. For example, if you pay into a plus and it doesn't activate for a whole month... And if it activated while you were on vacation or something, you would be unable to utilize it, since you couldn't be assured of when it would activate. Perhaps eventually it could activate immediately for the donor and last for, say, 24 hours? (And negate whatever site-wide plus is active for the duration of the individual plus.) Just a thought.

The rate seems a bit steep to me as well...although I guess since it's a new system, you can't really tell yet what you'd need to charge to balance out the cost/donation ratio. Overall I'm impressed with it though. The Plus tab being at the top bothers me a bit, but I think that will merely take some getting used to. And the rest of it seems pretty streamlined. Should be interesting to see how this works out. ^^

Posted by: Lemons Oct 12 2012, 04:28 AM

Just wanted to double-check: Credits do not expire once purchased, correct? If, for instance, I was to buy some credits, then left on vacation for however long before using them, I wouldn't have to worry about them 'expiring' and going away while I'm unable to get online?

Also, it's been a few hours since I last read through all of the pages and I don't recall seeing anything mentioning it, but is there a limit to how many credits a user can put into a specific Plus at a time?

Posted by: Chiiyo Oct 12 2012, 08:00 AM

I think it's a great idea, the system looks very promising.
Also, I'd like to thank you for not becoming like other sites, where paying is a must for getting special features and advantages.

I appreciate your philosophy and I'll definitely support this site with purchasing some nice credits

Posted by: Zerxer Oct 12 2012, 09:43 AM

Correct, you cannot use credits while a Plus is active.

That's why we have the effects running for 3 days, to help users who might be away for a day or two when it activates. We can't accomodate for every type of inactivity though so if you happen to be on vacation for all 3 days, then it's just a case of bad luck. We will not be giving people individual effects because then we're a site that gives advantages to those who pay, which is what this entire system is trying to avoid.


Right, they don't expire. However, your 60 (or more) days of no ads begins from the moment you buy credits (or receive them from another user), so that part there will expire. The credits themselves will not expire.

No, there is no limit. However, if a Plus only needs 10 more credits and you attempt to put more than 10 in, it will only deduct 10 from your account.


And yes, if you're a previous donor and switch to the new system, you will receive 90 days of no ads to go with your 15 credits.

Posted by: Unluck Oct 12 2012, 03:08 PM

I really like this! Mostly because well even as a non-donor myself, I can reap some benefits.
But I do promise that once I am more financially capable, I will be sure to buy some credits to help out the site.

Posted by: Mizuiro no Yume Oct 12 2012, 10:01 PM

I really like this system and most likely I'll donate as soon as I can.
Maybe I'll even try to get some extra money on my paypal account (I just need the patience for it xD) to donate, because it's completely worth~

Posted by: Lumos Oct 13 2012, 07:25 AM

This new donation-system is really great. I already donated.
Also the Plus effects are great. Though i can't decide which should i take for the next.

Posted by: Sweetie Bloomaloo Oct 13 2012, 01:28 PM

I like the new system

Maybe my parents can make me a paypal account so that way I can spend my money my way.They think spending money to help the site for little time is wasting money

Posted by: Siduri Oct 14 2012, 09:44 AM

Probably won't donate again, since I really don't like buying "time" and switched in a rush.

However, I like the ideas and won't miss my old benefits. I'll take the ads gladly if it can help

Posted by: Boogie Ronnster Oct 14 2012, 09:01 PM

Are GTS+ ads and GPX+ ads the same? I assume the obvious answer is "yes" but ya never know.

I'm concerned for if the possibilty of repurcussion for ad-blocking occurs, I could very well be "screwed". I know the issue will only occur if the issue of ads being blocked (via old donor system, ad-block whatever) doesn't not lessen thanks to the new donor system...but still, a possibility is a possibility.

I don't have ad-block, as far as I know. Never downloaded any add-on to Chrome except the gpx notifier.

However, McAfee gets pissy when I'm on the forums. I get this pop up saying "McAfee has blocked your PC from making a potentially risky connection". IP adress: insert IP address; Program: Google Chrome.

The only thing I have open on Chrome is GTS+ in one tab and GPX+ in another.
I also notice how the ads aren't appearing in the ad area. it's just blank. So, I came to the conclusion McAfee just doesn't like the ads and blocks them without me doing anything.

I could maybe figure out a way to whitelist gpx+ to prevent blockage of ads. period.

but the fact my anti-virus software blocked an ad (when in so many other places it leaves ads alone), seems...odd to me....

I know anti-virus software can be less than perfect, but I've gotten quite a few viruses via ads (dA was the worst! totally dropped that site, but I digress) that I'm a tad scared. And only one time was it due to me physically clicking on the ad. Other times I didn't even click it. It just attacked. It was terrible. lol xD;

I would report whatever ad ticks McAfee off, but I have no idea which one it is... or if it's just one certain ad and not multiple.

Blargh. Norton never gave me these kind of messages. Although, I got all my viruses when I had Norton <___<


edit: okay now only the bottom ads are blank. either that or McAfee just happened to "ok" the Kleenex ad xD

Posted by: Rainbow Dash x Oct 17 2012, 10:33 AM

The forums seem to repeatedly give me viruses that Microsoft Security Essentials automatically clean off. I'm glad I'm not the only one getting those kinds of warnings on this site. It's only on the forums, not on gpx.

Posted by: Gates111 Oct 17 2012, 09:19 PM

My only concern is the Prize Voucher Plus, and I couldn't find a response throughout the thread about it, so:

Will we be able to get any of the three vouchers that guarantee a shiny Pokemon? (Shiny Swinub Consolation Voucher, Sh. Voucher Plus, and Sh. Legend Voucher Plus)?

I never thought these vouchers were a great idea in the first place, and adding them for sale would be very bad for those who actually hunt legendary shinies as you would just try to save up points for the guaranteed shinies.

Posted by: Chrome Oct 18 2012, 01:10 PM

One question, how much to donate to be in the Donors group? Is it still 20$?

Lol congratulations, I also recently donated.

EDIT: double post @__@

Posted by: Dalek Omega Oct 22 2012, 04:29 PM

Is there an established exchange rate between credits & how fast they fill up the various plus counters? The closest I could find was this:

which makes me think it's 1 credit to add 1% to a counter. Since I've only seen the counters when they were blocked (either because of 1 being at 100% or during a time when a plus was active), I haven't been able to test this out.

Also, if I want to use 10 of the 15 credits I have toward a particular plus counter that was at 1% & save the rest for later (or maybe use them on another plus counter), could I do that? While Zerxer's above quote seems to only refer to finishing off a counter, I wasn't sure if the same logic applied or if the person adding to the counter could control how much he or she added.

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 22 2012, 04:43 PM

There's a little box where you can type in or click the up/down arrows to indicate the number of credits you want to use (much like when you buy things from the Shop and have to input the number of each thing you want to buy).

As for exchange rate, I haven't seen anything for sure either. Someone in another thread--I don't remember where--made a guess that it was about .5% per credit, which tallies approximately with my experience.

Posted by: Manah Oct 30 2012, 05:21 PM

Another question:
I'm an old donor, and I don't want to switch to the new system. Credits can also be bought for other users. Now if someone wants to buy credits for me, is that actually possible? Like, I get the credits and can use them to help others, just not get the benefits from the plus myself?

Posted by: Kozi Oct 30 2012, 09:44 PM

Sorry if this is dumb.. ><; But how do I donate?

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Oct 30 2012, 09:52 PM

Go to http://gpxplus.net/plus, click on a package (5 Credits, 10 Credits, etc...), click on either "Purchase for myself" or "Purchase for another user", then click the yellow-orange "Buy now" button at the bottom of the page. That'll take you to Paypal, where you can fill in your information and complete the transaction.

Posted by: Miles Prower Oct 31 2012, 05:39 AM

I'm beginning to get virus warnings on the gpxplus ever since the change and they're becoming more frequent with some ads forcing their way through when I click elsewhere to navigate the page. I hope this isn't a way to try and force people to donate, surely?

Posted by: Masked Man Nov 8 2012, 01:15 AM

Thanks for including everyone in the Plus Powers, love the Hatch and Shiny powers!

Posted by: Klaine Nov 9 2012, 12:36 AM

So, will Auroras never be happening again because of the new plus and multiplier bonuses? It seems unlikely that they'll be gone, but I'm just a bit worried that with the near-constant plus and multiplier days, there won't be a chance for Auroras any more.

Posted by: YunikoYokai Nov 9 2012, 01:37 AM

Auroras are random and I don't think they rely on multipliers at all mostly due to being such a small multiplier itself (1.25). We''ve had auroras on the day as other multipliers and also after a string of multipliers (when they were calibrating the pass counter when it was released)

Posted by: Giroro Nov 9 2012, 04:17 PM

To Big Bidoof:
Yes a box that appears to be placed on your head.
How deleirious.

Posted by: Letan Nov 9 2012, 05:06 PM

Then don't spam and double-post unless you feel that your boredom is worth the warn percentages you'll receive.

Merging those posts.

Posted by: Giroro Nov 9 2012, 07:31 PM

What are you quoting?

Posted by: Spades Slick Nov 9 2012, 07:35 PM

The spam that you edited. Get back on topic or you'll be officially warned.

Posted by: Kaylah Laurie Nov 12 2012, 12:17 AM

It should be mentioned in bold letters on the plus page that spending your credits will not earn you the bonus, and that each bonus has to be filled completely in order to work. because this was not pointed out, I was sorely disappointed when using my credit towards honey plus and not having it the next day like i assumed... =/ just a suggestion

Posted by: Manah Nov 12 2012, 05:16 AM

It says on the page. Just because it isn't bold, red, flashy or whatever doesn't mean you don't need to read it. =/

Pretty clear to me. And "all users" even IS written in bold letters.

Posted by: Kaylah Laurie Nov 12 2012, 12:20 PM

the only thing that it makes clear is that once people have bought it enough everyone gets it. which is fine, but it doesn't say anywhere that when you put points towards it you don't get to use it. so if i put all my points towards honey + but no one else does, I just wasted my points.

THAT was my point, I read the instructions MANY tines, and I do NOT appreciated you insinuating that I do not read.

Posted by: Wraenna Nov 12 2012, 12:29 PM

From the New Donations System update on the forums:

Oftentimes, clarifications exist within the update threads themselves, and these are always accessible for reading on the forums, even if you can't post in them.

Oh, and also? Keep the attitude to yourself. That applies to everyone.

Posted by: Kaylah Laurie Nov 12 2012, 12:44 PM

I know, I saw that when I posted on here, I was commenting to make a suggestion to put it on the page for plus powers, because the phrasing on the page can be mistaken. which was the whole point of my original comment before i was insulted. I don't come on the forums that often, and I know of a few people that never come on the forums, and it would just make things simpler and prevent misunderstandings If it was mentioned in bold letters that you are only contributing toward the plus for everyone.

Rereading what big bidoof said, it never actually says that it's only for everyone, just that they will never be used in anyway that ONLY benefits the purchaser, which would be true even if buying a plus for yourself actually gave you that plus the next day, it would help everyone because that purchase helps them get to a filled container so everyone gets some.


you understand what I'm trying to point out?

Because until I put a point towards honey + I thought that everyone was buying the plus for themselves for a day and it added up to a bonus for everyone.

Posted by: Wraenna Nov 12 2012, 01:09 PM

I don't understand how you can come to that conclusion when there is zero evidence to support it, especially as there is evidence to the contrary. Where does it state that applying Credits will give you the power for a day without the counter filling up? Where in the forum post does it insinuate that the user alone receives a bonus for applying credits to a specific Plus Power?

Essentially, you misunderstand the point of the new Plus system as well as the philosophy Jeff expounds in the news update, which is that users will never have an opportunity to exceed the gains of other users through the use of real money. The conclusion you came to--that the user gets a bonus, i.e. a day-long Plus power--runs counter to that philosophy.

A clarification text shouldn't even be necessary. I suppose it would be worth consideration on the Help page, but not to take up space on the Plus page proper.

Posted by: Kaylah Laurie Nov 12 2012, 01:37 PM

"You may apply your Credits towards any of the following effects" that can be taken as you can use your credit to get this effect.


that's what I am talking about. That sentence right there makes you think you get it for yourself, and as a bonus everyone else will get it when enough people buy it.

Posted by: Wraenna Nov 12 2012, 01:39 PM

Except it does not state that the effect activates, meaning you're assuming that it activates when you apply the Credits. We know this to be false by the forum post AND the Plus page stating that it activates when the Plus fills up.

edit: And yes, I am aware that it says "for all users" there, but you'll notice that it never says it activates "for you" after you apply the Credits. It never will, because a single user getting a bonus for donating is something the GPX+ admins are AGAINST, as BB outlined in the opening post.

I don't know if you were confused, misled, whatever. But Plus Powers do not give a single user any game-improving benefit for donating real money. Simple as that. And as this is the first I've seen of this misreading, I don't think it warrants inclusion on the Plus page.

Posted by: Kaylah Laurie Nov 12 2012, 02:08 PM

it is assumed because that is what is logical.

We only know this to be false after wasting money on credits that you are made to think do one thing but do another, that is.

the plus page and forum post state that everyone gets the effect when the container fills up, it does not say that you don't get anything when you put your hard earned money into the site.

see, I think it's great and all everyone gets the effect, but the people who are putting their money into your site? they don't get crap. i mean, unless you donate enough money, than you get 60 days without advertisements... but if you can't afford that much? nothing.


I really am done arguing. you obviously don't see what I am trying to say, and I'll just suck it up that I wasted my money.



another suggestion before i go, look at gaiaonline, see their donation system? where the person who donates the money gets something? combine that with your containers so that for 3 days everyone gets it, and you'll have the perfect donation system, and more people would be willing to donate money. and the people who can't? still get something. becuase that makes more sense, and that is what I assumed was going on.

Posted by: Manah Nov 12 2012, 02:21 PM

But the whole point of this site's donation system is that people who donate DON'T get anything special for themselves. Basically, that's even the point of donating in the first place: giving money without expecting anything in return. Otherwise, I'd call it buying.

I do see your point about that one sentence, but to be honest, you can't take one sentence out of a whole explanation. And the context does make it clear. It might be because I'm not a native English speaker, but I don't see how "apply your Credits towards" could be translated as "activates for user". I really don't.

Neither does it say anywhere that you do get something.

I apologize for sounding rude earlier. That was more directed at the make it bold part because that indeed implies that everything that's not bolded is unimportant, and I've seen more than enough people who can't be bothered to read stuff and then complain they didn't know. I didn't mean to say you're one of them.

Posted by: Kaylah Laurie Nov 12 2012, 06:58 PM

It's okay about the rudeness, I apologize as well, I suggested Boldness because of those people and because you tend to remember things that are bold (I learned that in my psych class lol)



When you apply credit towards something, you usually get something in return, I was just giving an example of a day's use of the plus power, but even an hour would be good. I like how Gaiaonline has their setup, you purchase gaia cash than can Apply your cash towards items from the cash shop (like with the points), which is how a pretty much everything uses donation's, and since before when I became a donor, I got the choice of no ads on the site for me alone, I assumed that They changed the system to get powers instead, AND that buying them would add up for everyone, that makes more sense and makes people want to donate to get access to these powers and help their fellow gpx'ers. instead you have someone (like me) who is on a fixed income and has a few bucks that they want to spend to help out a site they like and get something virtual in return, spends that money and finds out that they don't get anything, so even if they had saved that money and gotten something else they wanted, they would still get the plus the same way.


that's my whole issue with this (which I got warned for so that's lovely) and why I suggested it should be made bold, so people like me can know what they are really getting. I mean it's great to help out a site you love and everything, but I live in america and my money isn't worth the fabric it's printed on, so I need to spend what i have on bills, food, clothes when my current ones have too many holes in them, and important things like that, so when I donate to a site, I like it if I get something for me, as well as helping everyone else get something. you see my point?


==========================
EDIT:

Wanted to apologize if having a suggestion and explaining why i thought it was necessary is having an attitude. I was using the other sites as an example which obviously didn't go so well with the moderator who gave me a warning.

I'm dropping the subject and hope that everyone has a great day... I won't be making suggestions on how to clear up misunderstandings anymore, since obviously they don't do any good and I get warned for having an attitude I wasn't aware I had.

good day.

Posted by: Wraenna Nov 12 2012, 07:12 PM

That is not a donation, no matter how you look at it. That's buying a virtual good online. It's nice and all that you really like GaiaOnline, but this isn't that site, and the morals of the administrators are on a far different level than the people who run GO.

And again, it's nice and all that you want to buy virtual things to get ahead on online games, even in meaningless ways. If you like that, go to GaiaOnline. Go to Neopets, even. If you're looking for that in GPX, you're not going to find it.

Any further discussion on the topic is going to result in more warnings for you, on top of the warning you received for being unabashedly rude despite my verbal warning that you ditch the attitude.

Posted by: Esc Nov 12 2012, 08:06 PM

I thought the exact same thing when this system was first announced. I even asked about it so I know where you're coming from (even though I never donated)
Just use adblocker after the 60 days =)





...... *facepalm*

Isn't donating to GPX meaningless then as well.....?
/too lazy to explain, think about it.

Posted by: Wraenna Nov 12 2012, 08:11 PM

You know, Esc, I can warn you too, if you want to keep up the argument.

By the way, it does say "to get ahead in online games," which is nigh impossible to do as a single user on this system since, you know, you get no personal bonus from donating. In systems like the one on Neopets, you use real money to buy things like...well, when I was there, you could buy clothing for your Neopets. There was NO benefit for it (unless you count an imagined edge in the dressup competitions.) So yes, that one IS, as far as I'm concerned, meaningless insofar as the user is "donating" or, really, just buying a virtual good that has little appreciable effect on the game itself.

In other systems, some administrators make parts of the game accessible ONLY to users who "donate," giving them a clear edge over other users. The admins of GPX have made it clear that they will never institute a system like that. And like I said, you can't get ahead here by donating money. If you help the site, you help EVERYONE, not just yourself.

And really, that is how donations should be.

Posted by: Esc Nov 12 2012, 08:21 PM

You what Wrenna, I will keep up the argument, not to annoy you but to get something cleared.
The two sites have separte donating systems (sorry I can't spell for shit right now) that much is obvious. The thing is.... What you're essentially donating for in GPX is for a multiplier that in turn helps you hatch eggs faster, make more points, and increase the amount of pokemon/eggs you can take in a day. You're paying for that. You're also paying to bypass the rules. So you get soemthing in neopets which you can't get here. BUT U GET SOMETHING HERE WHICH U CANT GET IN NEOPETS. ITS THE SAME THING. WHEN U DONATE, U DONATE FOR YOURSELF (well most do) not for everybody. Its just BB believes that everybody should get something, but I what I'm saying is that you're getting something that puts above the next user.

In turn, you're keeping up the argument as well, so warning me should in turn warn yourself... You could simply ignore the post.

Posted by: Wraenna Nov 12 2012, 08:28 PM

Again, you, individually, do not, which is unlike Neopets, unlike all these other sites that have been named. You can donate and have that feel-good "yeah I donated I'm awesome" feeling but there is no personal, exclusive incentive to do so, unlike sites where you buy virtual items.

Perhaps I should have clarified that you cannot buy things here to PERSONALLY gain an edge over other users. Because you cannot. And that is why GPX is different.

Posted by: Zerxer Nov 12 2012, 08:34 PM

Esc: I have not been following this conversation, however a moderator has told you (and everyone else) to cease arguing about this. You telling her that she can simply ignore your post is incredibly rude and disrespectful. She has every right to warn you, but I'm going to take over here and do it for her.

Also, you are honestly suggesting that people use AdBlock? That's a kick in the face to all of us here. Perhaps you want us to reinstate our anti-AdBlock stance.

Don't post in this thread again. End of argument.

Posted by: Mars Adept Enten Nov 27 2012, 01:07 PM

Well, I just talked with my mom on this donation thing, and she thought that it was 'stupid' and pretty much pointless. I tried to tell her about the benefits (every user gets the Plus benefits, helps pay for site upkeep), but she's not having any of it. I can try asking my dad, but I think he'll give me the same response. So I guess I won't be able to donate (and my folks' word is final considering their conservator status) after all. Shame, too. I definitely want to help out but it looks like I won't be able to unless I get my own PP account or use my own finances for it.

Posted by: catp Nov 28 2012, 06:41 PM

With due respect, I think this system is totally unfair for a donator, in that a donator gets mostly the same benefits as a non-donator except for turning ads off -which I somehow see as not a big deal, unless the ads are inappropriate for a child to see, which I hope site owners would pay attention to.

I understand how nice the thought is: in that players unable to donate are also getting advantages; however, this could be done through other means as well: for example, when you donate and put your credits in a certain Plus, you can get that Plus activated for yourself for a day, week etc. whatever; and when the relevant counter fills, it becomes activated for all. That would be fairer for all, donators and non-donators alike.

I feel that the present way does not make a donator feel thanked for his/her contributions to the site; I believe a person should get a personal benefit out of spending his/her money to support any game site. Seems to me fairness here has somehow turned out unfair for donators.

Posted by: Darth Krytie Nov 28 2012, 07:20 PM

I think you have a very skewed perception of "donating" if you only give with the expectation of personal benefits.

The definition is: 1.
an act or instance of presenting something as a gift, grant, or contribution.
2.
a gift, as to a fund; contribution.


There's no addendum in there that says "and you will receive something in return" because then it would no longer be a gift, but an exchange.

Posted by: catp Nov 28 2012, 11:41 PM

With due respect again, we are not talking about donating for charity here. We are talking about donating to a website, which a person can sufficiently support by being active and keeping ads on. If anybody is to contribute any further with his/her own money, it is the most natural right of such person to seek some kind of personal advantage/benefit/pleasure in return.

A person does not donate and all he/she has to do is wait for others to fill some scales; and another person donates and all he/she has to do is exactly the same -except for turning off ads, which I wouldn't turn off anyway. How can this be considered as fair?

Another problem is that the donator has no control as to when the donated option will become activated; you can go and put some credits in -for example- more eggs from the shelter because you need it that week and it may get filled next month, when you have no use for it.

Doing it both -allow the donator a certain time for such plus and allow all to enjoy such plus when the scale is filled- would be a win - win situation for all.

Posted by: pumpkinking0192 Nov 29 2012, 12:59 AM

If you don't think it's fair, then don't donate. Simple as that. You're not obligated to, and plenty of others are willing to do it under the current system.

Posted by: Darth Krytie Nov 29 2012, 03:43 AM

All of the issues you brought up have been made perfectly clear at the outset. We will never have a donation policy in which only the person donating receive the benefits as it goes against the philosophy of GPX and any caveats have been mentioned up front.

We will never offer a donation system that allows members to buy their way to success on the site.

If you dislike it, then choose not to donate. It's quite simple. You will still enjoy the benefits of other people donating and you don't have to contribute to something you disagree with.

Posted by: The Enigma Dec 9 2012, 07:10 PM

Is it me, or has three people seem to have an attitude to the forum moderators in the last two pages? o_o

I mean, seriously, someone was asking 'You're quoting?', which, in my head seemed very offensive. Then there was Kaylah Laurie and Esc who started major fights... Woah o_o

Sorry about that little clarification, but being back on topic, I really wanted to donate for GPX+, but I don't have a financial account (or whatever they call it) so I'm currently at a loss. ._.

It would be cool though, I don't put too much effort into my Misdreavus hunt which now has over 200 eggs, and there's never any Misdreavus eggs in the lab... so... yeah

Posted by: Spades Slick Dec 11 2012, 06:21 AM

There was NO REASON whatsoever for you to dredge this up after a week's time just to shame people who were involved with these discussions again. Moderators have already spoken with them and given them the appropriate warnings; if you something like this again, you, too, will be disciplined accordingly.

Posted by: Daniel the Hedgehog Dec 31 2012, 10:03 AM

This new donation system... It's a very good idea. I'm surprised I didn't think of suggesting this back when the first donation system was in its early stages of implementation.

Posted by: Mamanator May 28 2013, 03:00 PM

I just went through the previous posts and read the first in its entirety. Hello. I haven't been here in a long while and now that I've read this thread can understand what is going on a bit more than before. Prior to finding this thread I misunderstood the Shelter Plus what-not by thinking I wasn't eligible because I had a full party. Now I understand. My old clothes are getting in the way of the new ones I might want. And I do! I do want the new clothes! Now that I understand more I will definitely be switching over. I read that current ads aren't really a hiccup to the system so I'm willing to trade up for these wonderful perks I've only seen and just now read about.

I think it is entirely gracious that you have opted to let everyone benefit from the specials and find that to be one of GPX Plus' endearing qualities. I'm coming from a place where gaming permitted perks for those that donated only. To return to GPX after so much time and see that the core philosophy hasn't changed despite the need for financial assistance is rather refreshing. As someone else earlier on in the thread said it restores my faith! Then again, my faith with GPX was never shaken just put on the back burner for something else that got in the way.

I'm happy to be back and will happily donate when I can once life gets a bit more settled with our own finances. So since the ads are a means of assisting the site then sure. I can make the switch and trade what I now realize was nothing more than an ad free site for a site filled with perks for all regardless of their purse strings.

Thanks for never changing in that regard, GPX! It feels great to be back.

Posted by: Razorflame Sep 12 2013, 04:30 PM

I switched over to the new system because I felt like donating to this site more in the future to help maintain it and to get the perk bonuses. However, I feel that some of the pluses wouldn't be worth keeping going for more than a day or two.

Anyways, I'm not opposed to continue paying to hide the ads, as I'm essentially switching from only paying once and never paying again to hide the ads to continuously paying to hide the ads, which makes more sense in keeping the site open.

Overall, this is a brilliant idea, and I'm glad you implemented it!

Posted by: KinumiKokuryu Oct 22 2015, 05:12 PM

where do i go to donate?

Posted by: Spades Slick Oct 22 2015, 06:16 PM

Click on the "Plus" tab at the top of the page.