I don't want Gaia to die. I understand the idea that it is a bussiness. Workers, managers, CEO's, even the janitors, all need to be paid their dues for all the hard work they do in creating this one of a kind site. I sincerly understand that.
Before, I was happy to pay for GC. Even with all the complaints about it when it first came out, I figured that, at the time of it's release, it was an easy way to support a good site, and to get some nice items on the side. The fact that I could pay for it in a store was even better, due to a lack of a credit card or Paypal.
However, with all the ways they're piling it on, I feel like buying Gaia Cash in any fashion would just be feeding into this collosial monster of a cycle. If I pay for internet entertainment, I want to feel like it was because I had a choice in the matter. Because the site I was paying money too respected my intellegence, and that they understood that I didn't have the time or money to do it all the time, and thus appriciated the few times I forked over 25 bucks for a few items.
Now? Now they're treating it like JC Penny's where they have a "sale" every day, to make it seem like a deal. Where they try to slum items on us for 250 dollars (in real money), trying to make it sound like a worthy investment. I feel like my intellegence is being insulted. Like they're treating me like a mindless consumer who only needs a catch phrase and some bright flashy colors to be convinced.
If we were just given a reason or two about new features, or a lack of funding, or a sister site, I'm sure all the members of Gaia would be willing to contribute. We like to know where our money is going, after all, and all these pop ups and flash sales just seem like a huge cover up to me. Why hide it? Why act like the problem isn't there? Why pretend all these cash items for event potions and hundred dollar items is just business as usual.
My suggestion:
A Kickstarter. Yeah, I know! "What?! We're trying to get them to stop begging for money! Why suggest the one thing that does exactly that?"
For a few reasons, if you'll permit me:
1. In the kickstarter, they'll have a perfect opportunity to explain why they need so much money all of a sudden, They'll be able to explain if it's a lack of funding, a new project, a sister site, etc. So that way, we'll know where our contributions are going to. This is much more respectful and preferable than what's been happening recently.
2. Instead of shelling ut a hundred dollars for a group of colored pixels on a computer screen, the Kickstarter can instead offer material things. They can offer posters, plushies, figurines, wrist bands, shirts, VIP tickets for conventions, etc. Even virtual items, like avi arts, spots in the manga, Gaia Cash, rare items you can't buy anymore. The list goes on and on.
3. If they did a Kickstarter, and explained the need for money, and offered good perks, I would feel as though I were contributing to the site, rather than falling for it's tricks (which is exactly how I feel now).
A kickstarter isn't a cure all. There are a lot of changes to be made to bring Gaia back to it's former glory. Even if a Kickstarter wasn't possible, I would still like the return of the dignity and respect that they used to give us, back before the pop ups and flash sales.
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