Serious Poll #1 (Click on comments for details)

[Delphy]

Hi all,

As you know, MTS2 is a donation run site, and we heartily thank everybody who has contributed so far - it's very much appreciated.

However, the sheer number and amount of donations presents a problem in itself, and this is where we need your input.

You see, the MTS2 server costs us $270 a month to run. It's a dedicated server as opposed to a shared host.

This month alone, in the past 6 days since the donation link has gone up, we've recieved over $600... more than enough to pay for the server even given PayPal fees.

So, we've been thinking and have come up with a few suggestions of what to do. Please read them all thoroughly before voting. :)

Option 1

Purchase a second dedicated server, and write a user-friendly download site running concurrently with the existing MTS2 downloads (so that both sites look at the same downloads, but one is very easy to navigate)

Option 2

Purchase a server outright and host it in a colo-located environment. This would give us unlimited bandwidth but cost a lot, and would have to be funded over a period of months. This also means options 1 and 3 are covered in option 2, but would be done much later, since funding such a server is a very high initial price.

Option 3

Get a second dedicated server, but keep the existing MTS2 layout and site design, and instead use it just for downloads and images (avatars etc), which would speed up individual file transfers.

Option 4

Keep the donations in the pot and just rollover from month to month. This basically means putting off making any decisions about major changes for a few months, and then we'll probably ressurect this poll :D

Option 5

Any other suggestions. Be sensible. :)

Please take a moment to think about what would benefit the Sims 2 community as well as MTS2 as a site, and vote accordingly. We'd love to give you even more choice and an even better experience :)

Options 1 and 3, since they require a second server, would also mean that the monthly cost doubles too. Given the level of donations and ad revenue, we believe this is sustainable, but it's entirely dependant on the kindness and generosity of the members.

We believe in keeping MTS2 free as a resource for everybody, and we again thank everybody who has helped to make this a great place!

Regards
MTS2 Staff

[RGiles]

Ok, I voted seriously, but I am already missing my sausages.

RG

[Eve]

Don't start with the sausages >.<

I think people see "speed up individual file transfers" and just vote headlong for that :_P

- A

[RGiles]

New site for downloads. I'm lazy and like things to be easy to find. :) But my second choice would have been... nevermind.

[~kathy~]

Honestly Delphy I would do the rollover for now and see what happens over the next few months as the site continues to grows. But the ulitimate choice is yours and Aobhs alone. Of course everyone here will support you in whatever you choose to do.


On a side note RG I stole your sausage!

[25or6to4]

How about a committee to approve uploads, and get rid of house lots download section all together, if they have a Official Maxis account, they could just post there username from maxis site and put there lots up at Maxis official site, I no I stopped downloading house's now, because I find something wrong 90% of the time with the house's, I prefer making my own house's now, with so many walls, floors out now, not everyone has the same taste in those, and allot of house's are unrealistically to big anyhow as well!, also there are plenty of free hosting company's out there, people could be encouraged to host there avatars and images etc!, just a ideal!.

Thank You Craig

[Delphy]

kathy,

We'd prefer to go with the consensus rather than arbitarily choose for people :)

25or6to4, thats really more of a Site Wishlist type thing and personal preference. I don't mind the avatars or images or whatever - we have plenty of bandwidth available to host them... I'm thinking more long term for MTS2s development, which was spurred on by the large number of donations we've seen.

I hope you two voted for the relevant entry :D

[~kathy~]

of course we did lol

[whitefolks]

Takes off clown hat...Puts on serious hat,<---------------- Ok i have voted for what i think is best :)....<-----------Puts clown hat back on.....No sausages????????? :D

[Garbageman]

My vote is for a roll-over: this is an incredibly useful site and not just a download resource. I'm sure I would not be the only one gutted if an overcommitment to pay for more convenient downloads eventually broke the site's financial viability

[Dr Pixel]

The new site for downloads seems like a good idea.

[RGiles]

On a side note RG I stole your sausage!
You would! Bitch! Hope you choak on it, and your little dog too! :nana:

[pfn]

If I'm understanding this correctly, option 2 would also serve to fulfill the downloading potential of option 1 but would be a matter of time before the money was collected to buy it (rather than paying a monthly fee for a dedicated server)?

If so, then I would vote for option 2-- better future potential.

But maybe I'm misunderstanding?

[Delphy]

pfn, correct. If we went the option route we'd get a kick ass server that could do anything including the new download site.

I'll edit the initial thread.

[miklin]

rollover and see what happens :)

[spiritwalker]

How about hosting a MTS2 party and if there's anything left, spend it on a server... Or a backup server in case of collapse, think disaster recovery. Can you afford downtime for a disk failure?

[pfn]

...and just letting the funds "rollover" will also allow you to see if buying your own server in the future is possible anyway.

Either way-- I think option 2 or 4 is the way to go.

[Alyssium]

i think the best bet would be to keep it as rollover. Just incase something happens to breakdown and needs replacement or one month donations are low.

[RGiles]

Hm, well with the additional explanation of co-location, maybe I'd change my vote to that.

[vemkeit]

I agree rollover give it some time and see what happens :D

[rkarnes]

Rollover....

and use some to get a nice sausage dinner :)

[Braveheart]

I must say Delphy, I am impressed with how you run this site. You even ask the peoples opinions on future developments. This goes a long way to making all of us feel like we are truly a part of this community. Thanks for being so open and up front with so many things. I will now dry my eyes and vote. :sprint: FYI: I voted rollover. Lots of time to make any big decisions.

[Carrigon]

I voted for a Rollover. I think we have time before a big decision has to be made.

[fishface60]

I say buy the server outright, then we could get people from TSR to relocate :) but seriously, owning a server outright would be Kickass.
I don't think the rollover would be necessary, if the Admins give a good reason for people to donate (AKA if the site would close if people don't) then I'm sure plenty of people would.
Another thing you could do is donate the Surplus for the Tsunami Victims.

[Inge Jones]

It's still too new a site to make long-term outlay. The rollover is safer for now, though I would not necessarily vote the same way in a few months' time.

[fishface60]

I can't see Mod the Sims 2 disappearing any time soon

[chbimun]

Right, rollover. We're barely into a new Quarter, so I'd say hold off until the next one. Though I'd love to see these, downloads, (object recolors and stuff) streamlined and easier to navigate, it can wait though. I'd really just want to see this site grow, and expand the way it has been. This place is on the cusp of new developents, and I'd hate to see that lost in the wake of change.

[Katt1367]

Option 2 sounds great, but I voted for rollover....let it all add up and see where we can go from there.

[laninseannsmomi]

I absulutly love this site and love that there is an issue as to what to do with the money. It shows that not everyone is stingy and people do donate. Wish I could. anyway. I think that for the time being rollover would be the best bet. It would definetly be nice to have a server that doesn't block you out as much as this one but If you want to go that route there has to be a guarantee that you can afford it. By allowing it to rollover you can save the money to purchase more and have a safety net "just in case".

[whitefolks]

<------------Runs down to the nearest Sports Bet Book and puts next months Donation Money on #4 to win :)

[upinout]

I vote for the roll over. MTS2 is THE BEST sims 2 site there is. Right now it is still *relativly* new (as opposed to sites such as TSR..) The interest in this site is high right now (and hopefully always will be) but as it get's older, the donations may not be as plentiful and the higher costs might become harder to maintain. By rolling the money over and keeping things as is, the site will remain free for a good amount of time, even if the donations are low from time to time.

If the site continues to grow, and the money keeps coming in, then maybe in a couple more months this issue can be looked at again.

[D_Malachi]

Best I could say is a little of each. Keep a small "rollover" fund in case some unexpected mishap takes place, set things into play to purchase a server, then gradually move towards the other two (current) options. Seems like a reasonable approach, no?

[daysies]

I vote for a rollover for now. We would hope that the general public would continue to donate. A huge donation now doesn't guarantee a huge donation later on.

[mexking]

I have to say that option 2 is so compelling, thats why I vote for rollover and definitely the long term is that kick ass server and join to braveheart in his comment.

[Zoltan]

rollover seems a sound idea at the present

[Numenor]

I'm not really into downloads, basically I download a couple of items a week, but I think that a second server dedicated to downloads will free bandwidth and resources for the "text" forums, that are what actually I'm interested to.
But my second choice is option #2, as in a long-term perspective this site will become a reference point for a ever-growing Community (right now it is a reference point for our community, but think how many TS2 fans there will be when EP1, 2, ..., n will come out).

[Greywolf_5857]

I believe 2 is the way to go, from what I've seen , this site just continues to grow and grow in membership, and I believe that with the friendly and helpful aditude that the modders and the admin have here it is only going to make this site more and more popular and membership is going to go through the roof, better to get ahead of this than wait and get bogged down.I truely believe that this site is going to be one of the best sims2 sites for finding resources for the game.as I have said before I do alot of sims2 surfing and have yet found a site that even comes close to the information or downloads that this site provides, add the friendly additude that I mentioned and I don't see how you can not have a very successful site.

[maw3193]

This website will become extremely popular in the next week or so, this is because SOMEONE HAS RESHAPED A STATUE! Now this means that we will have new meshes available soon, and Tutorials.....

[Phthon]

Hi Delphy!

I think the rollover is the best idea right now. just let the donations build up and who knows...you may get enough to buy the new server with enough left over for a month or two of costs. I think that limiting the uploads to serious testing for hacking and programming purposes would help in the long run since those two are the ones that need testers the most.

As was mentioned, there are plenty of free hosts out there so that people could host their skins, walls etc. Links could be placed here for advertising purposes. Also there are many sites out there that are looking for good skinners, wallers, etc and will be happy to host peoples stuff on free sites. I know, I do stuff for one of the wonderful people. Mostly hacking, meshing and skinning for The Sims and now objects and skins for TS2.

Good luck with this, whatever is decided will be supported by your many followers and groupies! :)

One of this sites admirers...

Phthon

[LyricLee]

Ok just my two cents, But i say roll over also. Right now there may be alot of donations but perhaps down the road there will be a time when there isnt. And if there is an additional server to pay for, I'd fear this one not being able to be paid for. If the donations for a full year continue to be in abundance then I'd think of purchasing a new one, but thats just my opinion. I think the doanloads here are already super fast and easy to navigate. I pretty much live here.

[RealHogsFan]

I voted seriously as to what I think should be done. Looking at the results, i'm pretty amazed at what has the most votes right now, that won't solve any problems at all. (in my opinion)

[SymplyTrish]

I knew I hear sausage!

I vote for 2 better future~

[RavingMadSim]

I agree. The roll over seems like the best option at this time. MTS2 isn't going anywhere anytime soon and you have loads of time for improvements.



(offers RGiles a 'real' bratwurst dinner)

[tatatee]

I'm for rolling over...
What about using some money to donate to help fund other modders' work? Like SimPE, etc... Could take a vote on that, too. ;) Just a suggestion.

[spirit288]

I voted Roll over:P I actually enjoy this site the way it is:)

[RealHogsFan]

Best I could say is a little of each. Keep a small "rollover" fund in case some unexpected mishap takes place, set things into play to purchase a server, then gradually move towards the other two (current) options. Seems like a reasonable approach, no?

that's a really good idear, i think we should just stop the vote and go with your idear Malachi

[mcmikey]

I was initialy drawn towards #2, but think it might be wiser to roll-over for now, and see what develops.

Mike

[Zandi]

I agree the site is still too new to go making any perminate decisions.

Rolling over for now just seems to be the most sensable for the time being and if things continue to grow like like this then you start thinking about the other options.

[redhaare]

IMHO, rollover is good, just stash the donations away, let it build, see where it goes...although I am sure there are plenty of people who will donate regularly,like me. This site has helped me in SO many ways. I know it will grow even MORE popular. I have no problem with the site the way it is...it has come a long way, even since I first started hanging out here.

[glacier1701]

Well I voted #2 but seems most think rollover the best at the moment. At least its something that can be revisited if a need arises and at a moments notice in addition. As soon as I can get back to work I'll be donating especially since sites I paid for I am not renewing so that money will be available for here. It was a pity I didnt find this site before the others but such is life.

So if rollover wins its not a final decision.

[renot2004]

Rolling over until there is enough to act on any of the given options just makes more sense. That way, once the final decision is made, you can act on it before people start changing their minds.

[J. M. Pescado]

Just hang onto the money. There aren't any pressing needs at present that need big bucks dropped on them, and it never hurts to have that money later if something goes wrong.

[Fyrelle]

Rollover for now. If the pot gets to a point were the upgrades can take place without a strain then good. Until then just pace things and see how it goes.

[rainnecloud]

i vote for rollover.

[MusicalSim]

I voted for rollover because I think it makes good sense to face all the possibilities later in 2005 from a position of financial strength. Thank you Delphy and Aobh for the opportunity to comment and vote on this.

[truelytrance]

rollover, and maybe start saving on the side with a percentage of the rollover for the second server??

[semloh]

Rollover for now and then have another poll/discussion about the future direction for the site. After that that it might be easier to develop a hardware/hosting strategy if you know where you want to go in the future.

I think that in light of the increasing popularity of the site, some consideration of the 'focus' of what MTS2 is really about may be necessary.

It is great the way it is now, but I fear that ultimately the volume of downloads and newbie "OMG, you have teen woohoo, where is it?" type questions will swamp the modding discussion and beta test facilities that are the core of the site. By "swamp" I don't just mean bandwidth but also the patience of the regular contributors to the forums who do such a fantastic job.

Personally I'd like to see a sister site dedicated to downloads and general game support and the original MTS2 site left to retain it's focus on the modding and testing aspects.

[draggie]

Rollover, then buy the server when there's a decent safety net in place.

And a :beer: from me for the way you guys run this place :) :)

[Darkmoon]

I think for the moment the rollover option is the best one.
Lets wait until after the first EP has been released by Maxis and revisit that topic once more then.


PS:...just as long as we still have free :dsausage: :dsausage: I will be happy. :D

[kandoo34]

I voted rollover for now.

<Business head on>

It's logical to always have a reserve of at least 3 months (more if possible) costs (inc. taxes. You may laugh, but I can see this site growing past the point where you'll need to declare it and have relevant books etc). I doubt you'd ever need the reserves, the way this site - and the sim2 community - is growing, but, better to have them just in case.

In the longer term, especially with the expansion packs, meshes etc soon to come, it would be better to have your own server. Then you could have a seperate site for downloads, faster speeds etc. But, you need the money for that first, and costs for it in reserve, so keep hold of the money for now. Hopefully, within six months or so you will have the funds available!

JMO

[digits26s]

As donations must fluctuate considerably i think option 4 seems to me the most sensible, with a view to purchasing a server when substantial funds are available at a later date, so i have voted accordingly.

[jamier01]

I agree with Kandoo34.

I don't know whether you pay monthly, quarterly or ½yearly but for as a safety net I think that a reserve to pay for the next 3-6 months should always be in-hand for emergencies.

Also, as you said, the recent donation link has only been up for 6 days so you don't know how regular the donations will be on a long term basis. I know the donation link has been up a couple of times before but its 'live time' has been broken by your generosity over Christmas (ie replacing it with the Childsplay and the Tsunami Fund).

Long term, I think the Sims2 community would benefit by option 2 (especially as it'll be your baby :D) but for now roll-over until you know where you are likely to be financially heading.

J

[StaciePetersen23]

Delphy- go buy yourself something nice for being the best site host ever.... (ok done kissing up) I'd roll over until you have enough money for option 2... seems sensible to me.

[courtneylee]

I voted for option 3, only because I thought that voting for a rollover was a bit off a copout vote. Option 2 is nice, but things happen, and you cannot depend on donations. I would hate to see MTS2 pay a large sum to better the site, only to have donations run dry, and someone left footing monthly expenses. This is how you end up with pay sites. So essentially, hold the funds until the summer, and then see what happens.

Just to make a little clarification, I have nothing against pay sites, and I would rahter see a site go for subscriptions than shut down completely. I also have subscribed to a few Sim sites. I just don't want anyone to think that I'm against paying for a valuable service.

[AineBreathnach]

I vote rollover,
Not just for financial reasons but just to give you n idea as t the size etc of the server you are going to need, and also for time to plan it and prepare for it!
I dont think MTS2 will be going anywhere for a verrrry very long time, (its the only ever forum I have felt totally at home and comfortable in)
So I say rollover but because you will need to keep in mind MTS3! LOL
Throwing RGiles a pack of real irish skinless Drover sausages! :D

[Doc Doofus]

Roll over. You can't foresee the future. You might have some lean months ahead now that the most eager contributors have already chipped in. These things go in cycles, you know. Christmas just ended. The new x-pack is some time away. Those kinds of things influence things.

[Eve]

Oooooooohhhhhh Drover! [/me keels over]

[AineBreathnach]

Aobh is that cos ya like them or cos you dont LOL? (sorry a little (LOT) off topic)!

[roxxy]

I agree with Kandoo34 and a few similar thoughts.

Rollover for now and build up a nice stash of funds and then review the idea of Option 2.

I think after the EP comes out and at the rate that all the modding and other activity is happening this site will only continue to grow and grow.

It is the only worthwhile Sims2 site and all us simmers know it and love it.

[ultraspy]

This is a great sight BUT I DONT WANT YOU GUYS GETTING INTO DEBT. Don't purchase a server unless you already have the cash. don't make any finacial commitments that you can't walk away from! I refuse to forget you're real people providing an awesome FREE server/service. Sniffle, people love you guys!

My essay in short...
Debt=bad
Pay cash=good

[diviant]

I'd love option 2 but voted for the rollover, best to wait and see. Other option is to buy some nice Victoria Secret Hoochie Wear and have a good time. :D

[Mutantbunny]

Rollover--you never know what tomorrow will bring. With a little leeway you have a cushion.

OR you could mail the excess to me and I'll 'manage'it for you......

[Delphy]

Just wanted to pop in and say thanks for all the great comments and support for the site :)

[ThuviaPt5]

I would have to say roll over the contributions and address the issue again in a few months.
I would have to agree with ultraspy. I would not want to see you two get into debt over this site. IMO you both go above and beyond the call of duty in administering/maintaining this site.

Perhaps when the donations would cover the new server and say a years worth of access?

[Malek]

i say rollover
buy a nice shirt or something

[Witchygirrl]

Boy do I feel like a dumb a$$, I voted for number2. I guess roll over is better, but money always burns a hole in my pocket. lol (maybe thats why I'm broke)

[Grapholina]

I usually don't speak up anywhere in these forums, but as a person who has owned co-located servers since 1996 (currently 24 of them), I must vote "rollover" for this site on the basis that it is too new to make any other type of choice.

[daveybean]

My vote is for roll over as well. Always good to have some leftover funds if the donations begin to dry up.

[draggie]

Just wanted to pop in and say thanks for all the great comments and support for the site :)

That support has been well-earned to say the least - not only does MTS2 have the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to modders, but the folks here are a lot of fun and a pleasure to be with.

I suppose that's what you get with the attitude that you guys have towards the community :)

The fact that over 60% of voters thus far have (in effect) chosen long-term stability over immediate gratification speaks volumes, IMHO!

Group Hug!!!! :clap:

[johnr2000]

I voted to roll over. But when funds are high enough to keep this sight going and maby add some more speed to this sight. It is one of the best sights that I have found and the best thing would be to keep improving this sight.

[edith4678]

Hi, I been a member since last month so maybe my opinion shouldn't matter but I voted rollover too. That way you can put a little back cuz you never know what can happen :D

[brgndyrose31]

I am going to have to say Rollover. I think we should wait and make sure the site still gets good donations before jumping in too deep.

[stomkat]

Yep. Roll it over. Put it in a savings account, accrue interest, see what happens.

If it builds up enough to afford a new server, great. If donations are low one month, your butt is covered.

<---NOT a risk taker. :chicken:

[simlover13]

Just my strange warped idea here. Since mts2 is a valuable sorce for all the simmers, I personally think you should let the money add up until you have enough to cover an entire year. Then once that point is reached you could either use any extra for a new server, donate it to a charity (since this is the only site I've ever saw post a link to charity after it got the amount it needed) or just keep it rolling over. It's really up to yall since it is yalls site. After all at least we know where our money is going here, and its not for a new car :D

May be by next Christmas you will have enough for a mongo sausage party. :jk:

[erathia74]

What are your long-term plans for MTS2?
I can imagine that the number of downloads will increase logarithmically and so will the number of people who only want to download, nothing more.

In the long run I vote for two separate sites, or if you prefer that, name a site you want us to submit our work to. I will never forget that I owe everything to you guys and it seems wrong to upload to any other site.

My suggestion for now is to keep two different donations, one for upkeep and one for a new server.

Kisses and hugs and a huge Thank You!

[Mrrix32]

I voted for 2 but think that doing a roll over for a few months then buying the surver Is a great idea!

[Lady Shay]

Ok, looks like most people would rollover. "Play dead" "Sit... good dog". lol. j/k Ok, sounds safe. I voted for the new easy site btw. So if that's the majority then do that for a couple more months and if u see a surplus every month (hopefully) then get the second site or server. How much IS a server anyway *pulls out wallet* oops, empty. Let's try this again on payday. lol

[RPGgurlEli]

I help run a website that relies on donations and some months we have more then enough and some we fall short. People's generousity depends largely on when they last donated and what their financial situation is. I would wait 6 months and see how consistent your donations are. Only then can you make a sound decision about what to do with extra income. I would hate to see this site run into problems due to a hasty desicion. :) That's my two cents!

[weblerrik]

I vot rolloever becuase I'm chicken when it comes to spending money based on donations. But I think if the rollover keeps increasing byt the time you ask this again. Then I'd go for option 2!!!!!!

[uecasm]

What I'd like to see is a new download site, and MOVE the recolours over to there. Hacks/objects should stay here (but possibly downloadable there too), but not recolours.

Maybe it's just me (cos I'm not really interested in recolours at all), but I don't think that recolours really belong on this site, especially those developed with the official Maxis tools. Keep this site for "real" mods, and put the clothing/recolours someplace else.

[kg4qbn]

Take one vote for other and move it to roll over-- I clicked the wrong circle :Slap:

Anyway, I have been involved in a few non-profit organizations and the first thing everybody wants to do when there is a lot of money right now is spend it RIGHT NOW. Then, a few months down the road, when something HAS to have money spent on it, the money isn't there.

I know this site isn't technically a non-profit organization, though it amounts to the same thing. I don't know what tax laws apply to you but you might want to think about that before you let the money burn a whole in your pocket.

At this point, I have no real problem with the site's speed and access, though it would be nice to have a more straight-forward navigation process in Downloads. If the money has to be spent, purchase backup equipment in case something goes wrong with the primary (which after 11 years as a professional electronics technician I know will happen at the MOST inconvenient times--consult Murphy for further details)

[velvet69]

I vote rollover you never know what the future brings. This is a great site and i for one would not like to see anything happen to it if donations dropped off

[eunmi38]

A rollover would probably be best. I'm not sure how much additional work the expansion pack will create for y'all, so I would suggest rolling it over until the exp has been out for a bit.

OTOH, I'm not renewing my TSR subscription, so MORE quality d/ls would be great too!

[Delphy]

Thanks for all the comments. We're going to stick with the majority and rollover... but all the comments will be useful for future expansion of the site.

Thanks to everybody who commented :)

Regards
Delphy