Phazon Ranger
07-15-2009, 07:32 AM
While we were not planning to address this until after the transition from Ranger Talk had culminated, but we feel it necessary to address the issue as some incomplete information regarding the re-instatement of VIP members surfaced in the Shout Box earlier today, and we don’t want people to worry unnecessarily. The issue that was spreading was the fear that people who bought VIP before January 2009 would not receive it on Otaku Hero Access, which is not the case. We have many plans for the future use of VIP memberships and making them more than just a commodity, and using them effectively in the coming months to encourage more forum involvement. Mike (the site’s owner), and myself have been discussing this quite extensively, coming up with ideas and determining the manner in which they should be transferred from Ranger Talk. Obviously there are two very important views we must account for; one being a pragmatic use of VIP, which are a vital source of income for the site and keeps it running smoothly in the future, and the other to make it as fair as possible for those who bought the service.
In a very straight forward sense, VIP membership is a direct way you can be a beneficiary to the board while receiving benefits yourself. While in the past this service was virtually unlimited, as the membership was sold for four years, and over time a large portion of the active community at some point purchased them. The fact is that financial history and records can get muddled and lost, and we cannot afford to renew everyone’s VIP membership automatically ad infinitum. While this something that we must correct and take responsibility for, we must do this to be fair to everyone who kindly donated to the site and are still with us. This is why we will be restructuring the VIP model to reflect the needs of the board, and to keep everything running strong.
In the future, on OHA, VIP membership will only be available for a two year term. While the details on the exact pricing scheme are not 100% yet, I can with certainty say that benefits for all levels will be in some fashion increased. Also, VIP memberships will in the future be awarded, on a trial basis, as awards for contests and exemplary dedication to the board. Now for the nitty-gritty of previous VIP re-instatement:
If you purchased a VIP membership on or after January 01, 2009:
You will have your VIP status automatically re-instated on the board. Your membership will expire two years from your join date on Otaku Hero Access.
Example: You purchased March 21st, 2009. You Joined OHA July 12th, 2009. Your Membership will expire July 12th, 2011.
If you purchased a VIP membership January 01, 2008 – December 31, 2008:
You will need to provide verifiable proof that you purchased VIP, such as a screenshot of your PayPal receipt. Your membership will expire three years from the date of purchase on your PayPal receipt.
Example: You purchased March 21st, 2008. Your membership will expire March 21st 2011.
If you purchased VIP in 2008, please submit your PayPal recipts using the new HelpCenter (http://forums.otakuhero.com/helpcenter.php), and I will process them. VIP reinstatement will be occurring gradually until the Grand Opening on August 1st. At that point new VIP registration will be open, and old VIP reinstatement should be complete. In the near future I will post a breakdown of VIP features and benefits by level (Bronze, Silver, Gold) for people interested in purchasing new memberships. I welcome all comments and questions in this thread, but I would encourage everyone to please keep it civil.
In a very straight forward sense, VIP membership is a direct way you can be a beneficiary to the board while receiving benefits yourself. While in the past this service was virtually unlimited, as the membership was sold for four years, and over time a large portion of the active community at some point purchased them. The fact is that financial history and records can get muddled and lost, and we cannot afford to renew everyone’s VIP membership automatically ad infinitum. While this something that we must correct and take responsibility for, we must do this to be fair to everyone who kindly donated to the site and are still with us. This is why we will be restructuring the VIP model to reflect the needs of the board, and to keep everything running strong.
In the future, on OHA, VIP membership will only be available for a two year term. While the details on the exact pricing scheme are not 100% yet, I can with certainty say that benefits for all levels will be in some fashion increased. Also, VIP memberships will in the future be awarded, on a trial basis, as awards for contests and exemplary dedication to the board. Now for the nitty-gritty of previous VIP re-instatement:
If you purchased a VIP membership on or after January 01, 2009:
You will have your VIP status automatically re-instated on the board. Your membership will expire two years from your join date on Otaku Hero Access.
Example: You purchased March 21st, 2009. You Joined OHA July 12th, 2009. Your Membership will expire July 12th, 2011.
If you purchased a VIP membership January 01, 2008 – December 31, 2008:
You will need to provide verifiable proof that you purchased VIP, such as a screenshot of your PayPal receipt. Your membership will expire three years from the date of purchase on your PayPal receipt.
Example: You purchased March 21st, 2008. Your membership will expire March 21st 2011.
If you purchased VIP in 2008, please submit your PayPal recipts using the new HelpCenter (http://forums.otakuhero.com/helpcenter.php), and I will process them. VIP reinstatement will be occurring gradually until the Grand Opening on August 1st. At that point new VIP registration will be open, and old VIP reinstatement should be complete. In the near future I will post a breakdown of VIP features and benefits by level (Bronze, Silver, Gold) for people interested in purchasing new memberships. I welcome all comments and questions in this thread, but I would encourage everyone to please keep it civil.