Enough people have asked about this and I said I'd do it but, frankly, I've been too embarrassed to do so.
Well, now I am doing it, even though I feel awkward and embarrassed typing this. I'm thankful I'm hiding behind a keyboard.
However, if you do want to support NSC directly, you can now do so.
Firstly: as per the thread title: this is entirely optional, no-one has to do this and I have no expectation that anyone will. Most people have far more important things to spend money on, and no-one's functionality is going to be reduced in any way. If you are unable to support NSC directly, then nothing has changed for you.
For transparency, NSC is part of a VAT-registered limited company so from a £5 monthly payment, about 84p will go to HMRC and the payment provider takes a further 45p, leaving NSC with about £3.71.
Most additional bells and whistles I can activate for community members have long since been enabled for everyone, and I'm not going to take them away. However, as of today what you will get is as follows:
Well, now I am doing it, even though I feel awkward and embarrassed typing this. I'm thankful I'm hiding behind a keyboard.
However, if you do want to support NSC directly, you can now do so.
Firstly: as per the thread title: this is entirely optional, no-one has to do this and I have no expectation that anyone will. Most people have far more important things to spend money on, and no-one's functionality is going to be reduced in any way. If you are unable to support NSC directly, then nothing has changed for you.
How much does this cost?
I have set the payments at £5 per month or £50 per year. I have set additional levels at £10 per month / £100 per year because, believe it or not, some people suggested that to me. Again, I don't expect anyone to do this.For transparency, NSC is part of a VAT-registered limited company so from a £5 monthly payment, about 84p will go to HMRC and the payment provider takes a further 45p, leaving NSC with about £3.71.
If I do want to support NSC, what do I get?
Let's be honest...primarily I expect those who support NSC will be doing so because of some combination of valuing the site and the community, finding it entertaining or possibly, just appreciating the time and effort it takes to keep it running.Most additional bells and whistles I can activate for community members have long since been enabled for everyone, and I'm not going to take them away. However, as of today what you will get is as follows:
- Go ad-free
Ads keep the lights on - this site costs a lot to run. I'll be honest and say I'm not entirely sure of the maths in terms of what a relatively active NSCer earns the site from ad revenue, but I'm hoping the £5/month or £50/year covers it. I'll find out soon enough...
- Enhanced signature options
Pimp up your signature - more characters, more lines, more font options, colours, emojis and a link, if you want. Go to town.
- 'Loyal Supporter' marker
A new little thi gummy under your username on your posts. The text could probably be improved - happy to take suggestions.
- Change Your Username
Change it up - knock yourself out. Note: this is limited to once a week, and your username history will be visible for those who want to check who you once were.
- Delete your own posts any time
Pangs of regret about that post back in 2017 where you said "Wilf Zaha is actually OK"? Go back and delete it - no-one will know any better.
- Edit your thread titles any time
Did you start a thread and give it a stupid name? Change it.
- Unlimited Private Messaging group sizes
This one's a bit niche, but have conversations (PMs) with a big group if that's your thing. (I found an option I didn't know existed so decided to use it)
There may well be more things later. But, as above, I'm not going to try and sell you on the additional bells and whistles. Support NSC if you want to. Don't if you can't.
I'll be massively thankful to those who can and do, and remain fully supportive of all those who can't.
OK, I'm in - how do I do this?
Click/Tap on your username in the top right and a new option available to you is "Account upgrades"
Follow that link which will ultimately lead you to Paypal.
When you have completed payment, you will automatically receive the account changes I have detailed above immediately.
You don't need to have a Paypal account to make a payment - any debit/credit card will do. If you don't have a card, but would still like to support NSC, drop me a note and I'll see what we can work out.
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