Regarding crowd funding...

[TonyV]

Couple of notes regarding crowd funding.

First, a HUGE thank you!!! to everyone who has been posting in the "Halls of Titan" threads on the official forums and here.  That thread was specifically designed to put some feelers out to get an idea of whether starting any kind of crowd funding effort would be worthwhile, and seeing the hundreds of replies and over 18,000 views and counting, I definitely think it would be!

I haven't set up any kind of crowd funding project yet, though I've played around with some of the tools.  It's not that I don't want to get it kicked off ASAP, but I don't want to sabotage any crowd funding effort by jumping in too soon.  All of these crowd funding sites require that you have put in some pretty detailed time and effort into your project plan, something that in two days I haven't had a lot of time to write out.  I'm working on that now.  Also, I genuinely feel like we need to test the waters at NCsoft to try to get some sense of how willing they are to work with us before we go and start getting people to shell out their hard earned cash.

I've seen several references to "Kickstarter" or "kickstarting".  Just as a technical note, we probably won't actually be using Kickstarter™, the specific web site.  After reading their rules and project guidelines, I don't think that they are really conducive to the kind of fundraising we need to do.  They're more about funding new, original projects, with a heavy focus on the creativity aspect of it.  Acquiring existing property, starting up a new company, that kind of thing isn't really their cup of tea.  As an alternative, I'm considering going with Indiegogo, which allows a broader range of crowd fundraising efforts.

Also, I might submit multiple projects to be funded.  The big one, if we go this route, will undoubtedly be the drive to raise the capital to buy or license the City of Heroes IP, code base, and distribution rights from NCsoft.  That's going to require a very large number.  However, I might put some smaller projects out there, things like commissioning artwork or videos to use to pitch what we're doing to companies, making media ad buys, that kind of thing.  I'll post any of those types of projects as a Call to Action.

If you don't have money, please don't feel left out!  For one thing, we don't just need money, we need expertise.  Translators, artists, business wonks, lawyers, tech geeks (and being one, I use that term with affection),... you probably have some skill or knowledge that we're going to need at some point.  Keep watching this forum for ways in which you can pitch in.  We also need front line soldiers, people who are willing to do stuff like writing letters to NCsoft, things where numbers really count.

[Golden Girl]

I haven't heard anything yet, but I can't help thinking that at some point during the past couple of days at least one dev hasn't raised the subject with one or more other devs about reforming as an indie studio.
If that were to happen, or if even a few devs were open to the idea of a buy-out from NCSoft, then I think that would make pitching the whole idea a lot easier, as we'd already have a core development team who knew the game inside out.

[TonyV]

This would be an ideal solution with the full backing of us. If you or anyone else gets wind of a plan like this--because I'm pretty sure they couldn't discuss such things publicly as a condition of severance--please try to pass along that I'd like to talk to them. Any discussions including the fact that discussions took place would be held in strict confidence.

[Taceus Jiwede]

I think getting in contact with the devs is a really good idea.  I know we aren't using Kickstarter but the things that often get people to donate more money is perks.  Now of course any of us posting on this board will happily donate the money just to save our game but others may not.  But if perks such as design a costume, or for $1000 dollars design a power set people would stop dropping more money.  An example I have is recently is a Kickstarter fund for a guy to publish his web comic.  He said he didn't have the money but if his fans could fund it he would happily do it.  Everyone who donated money got a copy of the published comic as well as other perks for the amount of money they donated.  His goal was $50,000 dollars.  He raised about 1.5 million

[Golden Girl]

Suggested perks could be history plaques mentioning your hero's deeds, and for the most expensive ones, in game statues - and as I'm talking like $1,000 minimum for the statue perk, that'd probably be enough to mean that the zones wouldn't be flooded with them.
Statues could also be quite small, like 1 and a half or twice the height of the actual person, so several of them could be placed in just one park area.

[jordanhb]

One thing to think about in terms of crowd funding.  You said Kickstarter isn't quite designed for the kind of project that this would be.  That may be, and there may be no way to work around that problem, but I'd urge you to try before writing them off.  If there's any way we could make Kickstarter work, I think it would be worth trying.  I think we'd get a lot more money that way, simply because a lot more people have heard of Kickstarter (or at least that's my impression).  I know personally I go on Kickstarter at least a couple times a month just to see if there's anything cool on there, and I've donated to a couple different projects.  I'd never even heard of Indiegogo until you brought it up.  The difference in the amount of money raised at different sites might not be large, but on a project like this, I feel like we're going to need every advantage we can give ourselves.

[Golden Girl]

One thing to think about in terms of crowd funding.  You said Kickstarter isn't quite designed for the kind of project that this would be.  That may be, and there may be no way to work around that problem, but I'd urge you to try before writing them off.  If there's any way we could make Kickstarter work, I think it would be worth trying.  I think we'd get a lot more money that way, simply because a lot more people have heard of Kickstarter (or at least that's my impression).  I know personally I go on Kickstarter at least a couple times a month just to see if there's anything cool on there, and I've donated to a couple different projects.  I'd never even heard of Indiegogo until you brought it up.  The difference in the amount of money raised at different sites might not be large, but on a project like this, I feel like we're going to need every advantage we can give ourselves.

Name recognition does offer a feeling of security for people donating their money, so Kickstarter would probably be the best one to go for.

[chief536]

Hey guys I am not rolling in the money by any means but I can comfortably commit to about $100 a month donated to the cause.

[Juncyard]

We have means but we aren't rich but I'd be glad to make what used to be our 2 subscriptions into a monthly donation to the project.

[NecrotechMaster]

i would also gladly dedicate my sub fee to this and possibly extra if i have it

[Christine]

Count me in ... got 2 accounts and I'd easily pay double that at least.

-- C.

[MisterMagpie]

Name recognition does offer a feeling of security for people donating their money, so Kickstarter would probably be the best one to go for.

I'm not sure how widespread the problem is, but for some reason Indiegogo won't let me offer ANY sort of money to anyone, says it's over my limit.

But I reckon what I'll actually do if you guys do go to Indiegogo is find someone trustworthy and paypal them money so they can fund in my name.

[Soundtrack]

I'd give my monthly subscription fee to the cause.

[Zaltar99]

I maintained 2 accounts for my self and a third for a friend. I couls help with that.

[Paragon Refugee]

I have played COH since 2005 and if there's any way to keep it going I'm in! Kickstarter or whatever I'll give till it hurts.

Bring back all subscriptions to keep it going, lock it down to what it is right now until it's all sorted out. Keep the family together!

Paragon Refugee

[Warhawk2012]

I'm like everyone else.  I'm not made of money but I can put an amount together and then pony up for a service fee if we get this rolling.

[LastRonin]

I've used Kickstarter... it's a great site. The down side is Kickstarter has never been used to buy a video game from a company. Things like; Who will own the property? Are very large hurdles. And not knowing how much we need is another. We can amass a huge sum and find that it was for nothing. Kickstarter holds the funds in proxy and returns it if the goal isn't reached. Sooo.... we have to have a goal and we have to know who's gonna take over the day-to-day of running the servers and the billing and the secrurity costs.

Now if an indie firm does want to make a play for the game and they need start up capitol; kickstarter may be a good way to go. It would be there Kickstarter that we would support. Until we find out these kind of answers (like the OP said) we have to not rush into anything.

But you have my money either way.

[cernenus]

Name recognition does offer a feeling of security for people donating their money, so Kickstarter would probably be the best one to go for.

Yeah but after the Tesla Museum thing that TheOatmeal is doing right now (1.2M and counting) I think a lot of people, especially geeks, will come to know about indigogo. 

And his example raises a point, publicity is important..  once something is setup, what would really help is some mention by someone like PA or PVP

[angelo.pampalone]

I too will give my monthly subscription to the cause

[neonphysalis]

My monthly subscription will go to this cause.

[emu265]

I am a college student, so I do not have very much money.  But if/when we need to get funds together, I'll chip in with whatever I've got.  I'm a fan of ramen anyway :P

[Exaultedninja]

I'm on a fixed income and City of Heroes was (and still is) the only luxury i can really afford. I've been with the game since May of '05. That being said I will pool money, save what I can, even my boys who want to be future City of Heroes players want to dedicate their allowance to the cause. What I can spare to save our city will be at your disposal.

[Paragon Refugee]

The biggest issue isn't always how much someone can give, it's how many can give it. Talk to everyone you know, Have everyone you know sign the petition, When the funding option starts get everyone to pony up a few dollars. Every person who really knows you should understand what this means to you. Show your passion! Get people who don't understand to understand.

Today decide to stand proud and save our City!

Paragon Refugee

[Fox Lee]

I never unsubbed from CoH, even in the months I wasn't playing, because it was always "my game". I wouldn't even have to think before committing my sub fee to something that could save the game (I speak for my husband too there). We would definitely contribute to a crowd-funding project as much as we could, even we could manage $100 or so - and anything creative we could contribute would be given without a second thought.

BTW, your number one reward for sponsors: Reserve a name pre-launch on a new server. I swear to god, we would buy them for each other as birthday presents.

(Number two would be a sponsor badge. I recommend "Built This City", but I might be biased since my favourite character has a rock theme ;p)

[Kobolt]

I to will pledge in any shape or form whatever it is or takes to fund this "Save Paragon City" /signed!!!

[Paragon Refugee]

Another option I thought of... There's already a built in advertising "gimmick" on COH with the Billboard advertising that never really got off the ground. Once the crowd funding got off the ground offering add space and time to companies willing to spend a bit more (or individual big spenders who want to see their Toons larger then life) might spark some interest. Targeted adds on the web have worked in other games, I'm willing to see real corporate sponsors instead of "Up and away Burgers"

Paragon Refugee

[Gilliam]

My subs are you subs + any extra i can put in.

[TomFury]

I'm in.

[jaseq]

Been playing the game since near the beginning. Had absolutely no problem paying my sub even during the time I was away from it which at times was a couple of months to even a year+ because this game meant that much to me. Having recently re-falling in love with it, the thought of it no longer being there is heartbreaking. As many have already said, while I may not be rich I am willing to give whatever I can to keep it going.

[KabaI]

Like the others have said, the monthly fees I had been paying for my 2 accounts are yours for as long as you're able to keep the game running, and as much as I can to help the game in your hands. This game cannot be left to die. It's too important.

[Dr Asinine]

Dr. Asinine here (for those who know me)

I'd be willing to provide funding and any assistance I can offer.  I can't imagine the Devs not trying to find a way to buy the rights from NCSoft-we haven't heard anything from them, have we?  If they need the capitol to kick start the project up I am willing to help.  This is my favorite MMO-it's sick how NCSoft just threw this at the Devs and all of us suddenly.

If anyone needs to contact me personally, including any Devs that might be reading this regarding any help, email me.  I don't care if my email is made public, this is way more important.

My email-

porthanos@comcast.net

Lets keep this alive people.  In whatever way we can.  Sign the petitions.  Write the physical letters (this is -incredibly- important.  It takes all of 10 seconds to sign an online petition so it doesn't have a lot of weight.  But seeing thousands upon thousands of letters on a desk makes a HUGE impact that so many people would take that much time out of their lives for a product).

All the best, even to those of you I've had...issues with...  At this point we are all one and the same...trying to save a game we love!!!

Dr. Asinine

[SkyStreak]

I pay or 2 accounts, and was buying Paragon Points at $100 increments, so it's clear I'm willing to pend cash on this game.

Perks or not, I will gladly contribute what I can to save this game.

[Terrafan]

I'm agreement with some of the folks who have mentioned indiegogo as the croudfunding platform of choice.  Kickstarter's rules, I don't think, will allow this to be covered, and they have been trying to go back to the 'get funding to CREATE something"  not "get funding to buy another companies assets".   

[WanderingAries]

I haven't heard anything yet, but I can't help thinking that at some point during the past couple of days at least one dev hasn't raised the subject with one or more other devs about reforming as an indie studio.
If that were to happen, or if even a few devs were open to the idea of a buy-out from NCSoft, then I think that would make pitching the whole idea a lot easier, as we'd already have a core development team who knew the game inside out.

This was one of the first things that came to mind. One thing many noobs seemed to ignore was the fact that the Devs were infact Players as well! Whether it be to see what a problem was, step into game for events, or simply to play what they helped create. Leave them out of our efforts and we not only shoot our foot off, but our whole leg!

[Minotaur]

I pay or 2 accounts, and was buying Paragon Points at $100 increments, so it's clear I'm willing to pend cash on this game.

Perks or not, I will gladly contribute what I can to save this game.

Pretty similar feelings and situation here.

[Back Blast]

I'm in for whatever I can.

One thought here for sure. Before opening up the telethon hotlines, get a firm price from NCSoft on what it will cost to do whatever it is they'll play ball on. Then go for the money. That way if more gets raised than needed, they won't be tempted to up the asking price and any excess can be invested towards hiring back the devs or otherwise getting things rolling forward.

SOS: Save Our SCity!

[Ape Child]

Count on me to pitch in my yearly subscription plus some extra.  Doing a little math based off the number of those who've signed the petition.  14.99 x 12 = 179.88 x 11,318 = 2,035,881.84.

[QuantumHero]

I will gladly chip in my subscription money and some extra...and may be able to help with fundraising efforts.  I speak for two subscriptions...one belong to me and the other to my husband.

For those that know me...I have way to many alts but you may know me as bloodstryke or phase light on the coh boards. :)

I am eagerly awaiting word that discussion hs begun so that we can start pulling in funds/publicity. 

To paraphrase the words of Galaxy Quest and john paul jones "Never give up, never surrender...we have not yet begun to fight!"

[A Side Leader]

Now I have 2 accounts + paid for extra points.
So I am willing to add that and more as an effort.
I do have a question would people be Interested in helping me Put together A City of Heroes D20 RPG?
As a Fundraiser, as well as a way to immortalize, The City of heroes in our homes that we may play with Friends and family?


'Project Phoenix' (bring city of Heroes Back from the ashes)

[SithRose]

One thing that I might note - I would suggest that ANY crowd-source funding campaign include Plan Z should none of the other possibilities come to pass. I think that would increase donations, because while people may have serious doubts about NCSoft releasing IP, they would likely have fewer doubts if there was a "This is what we will do with the money if we cannot do plan A, B, or C." statement. It's a "Your money WILL go to making something that will incorporate the City of Heroes, period dot." assurance.

Hmmm.

Phoenix City. Someone check and see if that name's taken by anyone who could argue about IP with us....

[Bludgeon]

Count me in.  Annual subscription..maybe more based upon the plan.

-Blu

[Gunaro]

Also count me in...to add another name to show support. My usual subscription + more.

I also play with a group of 8-10 real life friends, and I'm sure all of them are willing as well. So, thats a good $150 a month, plus more if needed....