Most of you have probably noticed them by now, but if not, you only need to scroll to the bottom of this post.

Adding more ads is never a popular thing to do, but as these boards have only ever had one on top since they've been opened, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that after several years I need to add a couple more. I realize that they're quite large in size, but unfortunately the regular banner sizes pay so little at this point that it's barely worth having them up. I'll leave only the top banner on top of all the other pages, but the thread pages will also have these two ads at the bottom from now on.

SPS Account holders, of course, will not see any of these ads, provided that they are logged into their SPS accounts.

Unfortunately donations to the site have been at an all-time low for a few months now, so I'm forced to resort to putting more ads up to cover the bills.

More than worth it if it keeps SP afloat. :thumb:

QQ: Does it help if I don't log into my SPS Account? 'Cause they don't really bother me that much.

Whatever keeps this up and running. The ads don't bother me either.

I haven't seen any of them yet, as I'm always logged in to my SPS account, but since they are on the bottom of the pages instead of the top...I see no problem with adding them. If you don't want to see an ad, just don't scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.

I wouldn't mind adding another year to my SPS account, but the whole loosing my job thing came as a shock, both mentally and financially. :rolling:

To be honest mate, I'd not even noticed them. Fair play to you.

SPS Account holders, of course, will not see any of these ads, provided that they are logged into their SPS accounts.Oh, THOSE two, big, ugly, grey boxes are supposed to be ads! I was just beginning to wonder what they were, for they looked really ugly. Did I mention big AND ugly? I'm sure I did. :shake:

Taluntain, really, it doesn't matter how many or how you place them. People who don't want to see or click them, they will always block them like I do: Firefox, right-click, block ads. Or perhaps a separate plug-in doing it automatically. ATM, those two boxes serve only to "decorate" your site and nothing else.

That is why I recommend moving to text-based ads, like AdSense, for they aren't that intrusive. One to the header and another to the footer is a nice solution for majority of pages, I think. If not, well; it's a bit sad that the otherwise OK site must be littered with obsolete stuff...

Good thing the Internet isn't full of pricks like you Wirhe, otherwise most of the sites out there would have gone under by now. I can't do anything about people who block ads, of course, but bragging about it openly here, literally in my face... that's really rich. Luckily there'll always be others here making sure your selfish ass gets to enjoy SP despite you blocking the ads.

As I've told you before, AdSense pays literally nothing for SP, been there, done that. So do me a favour and take your smartass comments somewhere else.

Felinoid, well, every ad counts, but I really don't expect SPS account holders to have to put up with them. You've already way more than covered for it with your donation.

If they just weren't smilie ads. :sick: I know you can do nothing about the content of the ads Tal, so I am not really complaining. And if this is what is required to keep the site going then how can one have any objection. Simply bemoaning the fact that yahoo (or whosoever those ads belong to) is being a prick.

Could you perhaps put them on the lighter background blue. They are just really bright and I could stand the contrast being reduced a bit.

EDIT: And that grey border simply has to go. :borg:

[ September 04, 2005, 23:58: Message edited by: Shrikant ]

Ads are geo-targeted, so people from different locations see different ones. Which really makes it practically impossible to enforce standards on anything, because I'll always be able to see only a small fraction of the actual ads anyway.

As for the background, I might be able to make it the same colour as the lighter alternating blue here. I don't know if it'd make much difference however. But I'll check anyway.

Grey border is staying, it's a downside of our ad delivery system.

Ads are geo-targeted, so people from different locations see different ones. I've always wondered why I got Danish adds on SP. :heh:

If you're from Denmark, that's ok. :D

Lighter background a gogo...

The lighter background is better. It also looks better framed and divided in two.

This should be even better. ;)

It looks much better now! Great work Tal! :thumb:

*shrug*

I'm not crazy about it, but I have to approve. I really wish I had the spare $$$ to make a donation, but if it helps, I'll flip back and forth each page a couple times whenever I'm here. :D

Still having some issues with the border on Mozilla-based browsers; working on that.

[ September 05, 2005, 01:31: Message edited by: Taluntain ]

The Great Lizard delivers!
It's no longer that bad an eyesore now Tal. :thumb:

Anyone else feel that Tal's new avatar really helps matters. Red Dragons stopped being scary ever since BG:II and seems more accessable that the constipated elven mage. :shake:

@ Taluntain

Perhaps you misunderstood, for I certainly wasn't trying to brag, like you put it. It's the cold, hard truth no matter how little you like to hear it. Otherwise I must thank you for calling me a prick and a smartass; I will one day remember these positive words of yours and certainly cherish the memory of getting on the nerves of at least one authority -especially at those moments when I click on the ads just to donate my 2 cents. :D

But before you go and flare up again, let me say that I understand what you mean; it's not like it's easy to cough up some serious money, but I hope you understand that the door swings to both ways in this case. I, personally, don't like how richer members are being treated as "better members" than us poorer ones, but whatever. If you really want to argue about this, then PM me.

[ September 05, 2005, 02:13: Message edited by: Wirhe ]

especially at those moments when I click on the ads just to donate my 2 cents. Is that how it works? If so, we should hold ad clicking marathons, and announce the one who've clicked the most ads within a given time space as the 'ad clicking freak of teh weak!'. He/she could even get his own little title, like 'faster than the server' or 'Lucky Luke of the Internet' :hahaerr:

Wirhe:

I, personally, don't like how richer members are being treated as "better members" than us poorer ones, but whatever. Your arrogance absolutely astounds me. Tal goes out of his way to make sure that everyone is treated fairly around here. And, if you begrudge the ads (which you have informed us of on many occasions) and think Tal treats you poorly, why the hell do you still stay here??

It is pretty cool how I get a load of ads for strange New Zealand based internet sites. It somehow makes the site seem more local and homely.

It somehow makes the site seem more local and homely. :lol: :lol: :lol: Ya hear that, Tal? He called Sorcerer's Place ugly!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

@HB:
Perhaps you mean 'homey'? :grin:

Um, no. I meant homely, as in making me feel like home.

Well, the ads are enourmous, and they are very annoying. I am not going to pretend like everyone else and say that they are fine and that they don't bother me, because they do, I don't like ads, nobody does. I'm sorry, but I think this website is very LUCKY to have so many generous people, there aren't many similar websites that could generate the kind of money SP gets from donations. I don't like the parts where Tal goes on about donations being low, and people having those distinguished member tags, it kind of just makes other members feel kind of guilty for not being able to donate money. Sorry, I have to be honest.

Saravok -- You don't like the parts where Tal goes on about donations being so low?? Well, neither does he. Do you think he likes to have to ask people for money? I can tell you he doesn't -- he's told me that many, many times. Or do you think that this server just miraculously runs itself?

As as far as getting titles for donating.... This is Tal's way of THANKING the people who donate heavily here. You don't think that people who donate hundreds or thousands to this site, deserve some show of gratitude? ANY amount of donation is wanted here. Some of us can afford more, some less. But the people who donate NOTHING -- well, I'm sorry, I just can't see that. Everyone has 2 bucks, or 5 bucks....or 10 or whatever. It all adds up...and helps.

I think you begrudging the people who DO donate, is pretty damn poor. Sorry, but I'M being honest, too.

Hey, now that isn't fair, not everyone has 2 bucks or 5 bucks or whatever. You should know what it is like to be stuck for money, do you remember? I do. In what you just said, you are just assuming that everyone here has more than enough money to be in a position to donate, how the **** do you know that?

Well, what would you rather have? Some people feeling a bit guilty? Or no SP? You can't have everything.

Yes I remember it well. But I also know, in a YEAR's time -- or however long people are here for (in my case 4 years) -- they can scrounge up $5 in that time.

And before my hard times, I paid for the server cost of SP for many, many months. So...don't even go there. You should be happy that we have a site with a few people who can afford to contribute as heavily as they do...instead of begrudging the small "thank you" that Tal gives back.

No you don't ****ing know, you don't know **** about anybody here, that much is true, and I think it is wrong for you to say things like that.
and I am not begrudging the damn thing, jesus christ...
Anyway, I am done with this stupid chatter.

Hmm, let's try this honesty thing:

I still don't mind the ads. :p I've gotten very good at zoning things like that out, so long as it doesn't interfere with my clicking or typing (like pop-ups tend to do). And the titles are something to aspire to, not something to feel bad about not having. Tal never made me feel bad about it when I signed up, and neither did anyone else.

I was a little surprised myself to hear that Sorcerer's Place was experiencing a shortage lately considering the donation I made recently, but we can hardly begrudge a little money drive from the man who has given us so much. Sit back for a second and look at the site. Now look at how much he charges to look at it, and even participate on the boards. What do you know, you can get something for nothing!

There's also no reason at all to feel guilty if you can't donate. The only reason anyone should feel guilty is if they don't donate when they very easily can. If you can't donate at the moment, don't worry about it! It's not your fault. Anyone who's between jobs or strapped for cash shouldn't try to donate just to make themselves feel better. It's much more important to put food on the table than to support a website.

The assumption that most on the site have enough to make a small donation is easily made, though. When you're short on cash, what are the first things to go? Creature comforts like internet hookup! In other words, if you're on the site regularly, you have to have something. Whether it's 5 dollars or two cents (the most popular donation option :lol: ) everyone who has regular access has at least some cash to burn.

Here's a simple trick for anyone whose budget is tighter than piano wire:
Shut off your internet service for a month and donate that money to the site. A short time off the Web can make you appreciate what you had all the more. :)

[ September 05, 2005, 05:00: Message edited by: Felinoid ]

Correction: Something really great for nothing.

Very well said. :thumb:

Well, I don't see the greatness you're seeing.
The website is alright, the forum borders on being okay. Explain to me what is so great about it if you can be bothered.

As I posted before: I don't mind the ads. If the ads weren't there, there'd be no SP. It takes me three seconds to scroll the ads out of my sight. I'm glad they aren't pop-ups as those *are* annoying.

@Sarevok and Wirhe - I know this is going to p*ss people off but remember: you can always go somewhere else for your gaming goodness.

Talk about guilt? I feel guilty for getting an avatar for asking Tal to host my stupid guide. I don't feel I've done enough to warrant the marilith posing under my name. But I have it and I'm ****ing grateful for it.

Thanks, Tal, for keeping SP up and thanks to those who can donate to help him out.

Saravok --

Ok.. I have to ask this then. If you don't see the greatness and think it's just "alright", why do you stay here? Really...I'm curious.

And kuemper -- right on.

@Sarevok:
Then why did you donate? If you really think the site is so mediocre, why give Taluntain something for nothing?

The one thing that keeps popping to mind as I read your posts is this psychological syndrome where people feel compelled to give, even when it hurts.

EDIT: Though that clearly isn't the case for you (having just read your post below), if anyone reading this is suffering from it, do not hesitate to give your psychiatrist a call.

Though I admit it may sound funny at first, this is no laughing matter. I've seen someone's personality twisted as they struggled to resist the compulsion to give away things that they desparately wanted to keep. No hard feelings; I know you guys don't mean anything by it. :)

[ September 05, 2005, 05:24: Message edited by: Felinoid ]

Oh, well, I used to use this website for a number of downloads etc, I felt it only fair to give something back, but that was at a time when I was employed full time.

LOL at the other part :lol:

I'm with Felinoid, ads don't bother me unless they actively interfere with reading and/or navigating. I guess people who live in the real world understand what it takes to produce a decent product and don't begrudge paying for a service. I only wish I could do more.

Do the ads suck? Yes.

Are they worth scrolling past for a free website? You bet.

BTW, I'm just glad the huge ads are at the bottom of the page, not the top!

Okay, the ads bother you. Hey! that's fair enough. What strikes me as odd is that you're willingly to make such a big a fuss out of such a small thing! Scroll past for for the love of god! How hard could that be?

Ok.. I have to ask this then. If you don't see the greatness and think it's just "alright", why do you stay here? Really...I'm curious.It's alright, sometimes there is some news worth reading, and sometimes there is something worth reading/posting in the forum, but rarely. You might have noticed that I am not a regular visitor here anymore, and not because I hate the site, but because it's not really for me, I am not a hardcore DND person, and I guess I have little in common with most of the regular users here in the forum. There is nothing much funny in the forum, hardly any people around with the ability to make a post that you can laugh at, maybe it's because there are a lot of teenagers here, or maybe it's because there are lots of Americans, I don't know, I just don't dig it much. If you think the website is great, good, that's cool, but for me, it doesn't matter whether the site stays, or goes, but I guess you're right, I shouldn't really be posting here unless I am really into it.

here are a lot of teenagers here, or maybe it's because there are lots of Americans :lol: Ha! You for one made me laugh there. That's the stupidest argument I've ever heard.

Why is this site great? Because it keeps me continually amused seeing what all you odd people from around the world have to say about stuff.

And it has no big annoying flashing signatures at the bottom of every post and virtually no leet gibberish.

1337??!?!11 omfg!

Seems this topic is getting a little heated, since those two decided to make their inconsiderate thoughts clear.

The adds don't bother me, after a while on the net you get used to them, whatever keeps one of the biggest D&D communities alive! What WOULD be annoying would be pop-ups. If you can't pay yourself then there are other ways to help, such as clicking the adds, or maybe link someone you know that is going to buy a book or game here (such as 4 books my brother will buy through amazon). And if you still feel guilty, then you can contribute to the community by sending a mod you made, or guide ect... even being a regular poster should help you feel not guilty IMO ;)

Wow, a thread about a couple of new adds has inspired all of this!? *sigh*

Alright, first of all, there isn't a class issue here or whatever the perception is. I've donated on occassion myself, but it amounts to mere pittances compared to what the Distinguished Members have donated. I'm a grad student after all, "What I can, when I can." ;) However, I've contributed a considerable amount of online gaming content exclusively for Sorcerer's Place. In recogition and gratitude of those contributions, I also have SPS account holder status. Not bragging here. I'm simply trying to make the point that $ is not the only way to earn Tal's gratitude. The idea that richer members are valued more than poorer members (like me atm) is :bs: .

Also, the new ads are meant to improve upon a deficiency with the previous set of ads, and to try and meet the costs of running the site. Pure pragmatism folks, that's all it is.

Now after what I've seen here, let me say that this is quite enough. I don't want to see anymore personal back and forth here in this thread.

[ September 05, 2005, 08:00: Message edited by: Beren ]

Now after what I've seen here, let me say that this is quite enough. I don't want to see anymore personal back and forth here in this thread.About time one of you mods stepped in... It's just so typical when these two members start suggesting "getting the hell out from *our* site." Really, is that your best shot? Even my granma is a better troll than that... Again; PM me if you *really* want to have some insult-rich text. :shake:

The idea that richer members are valued more than poorer members (like me atm) is :bs: Guess I really should had edited that part yesterday, since I was considering of adding this "you" -word to the line. What I meant is that Taluntain's reply and long-term attitude seem to be against those who do not donate and this makes it seem like we are not liked here (just try re-reading those replies above -proves my point without question). But whatever; this seems like a touchy subject in the eyes of several members, so I'm sure the explosion comes without my help sooner or later.

Myself, I'm not feeling particularly interested over this subject anyway -not even nearly as much as the reactions a few, seemingly innocent lines of text caused. Heh, like flaming up the whole community with a bucket of cold water. :shake:

@ olimikrig

Yea, that's how it works at least with Google's AdSense. I use it on my site and 1 click is about 2 cents, but there are rules preventing abuse. Dunno how it works with those other programs Taluntain uses, though... :hmm:

[ September 05, 2005, 13:31: Message edited by: Wirhe ]

Okay, that brings up a significant point:

Tal, are these ads view-compensated or click-compensated? If the former, I'm gonna load up EVERY thread in these fora for the next two weeks (of my long-awaited vacation, yay!), but if it's the latter, I'll give myself RSD of the index finger from clicking on them. :D Just wanna know which way would be the best to increase your revenues from the mild inconveniences.

Again, as much as I'd love to donate something more significant than my mindless prattle, my wife has to eat. :( So at least I'd like to try to help in some fashion.

Dang, this thread has grown since I've checked it last. :mommy:

Wirhe, I really couldn't care less about what you think the "cold, hard truth no matter" is. No one is asking you to click the ads. Just not blocking them is more than enough. And that you can do without any effort whatsoever.

As for how "richer members" are getting treated - what a load of bull. Anyone here "rich" enough to have access to the Internet on a regular basis can also afford to make at least one small donation in their lifetime (or just buy something through the stores on SP - no extra cost for anything; you literally support the site for free). It's only a matter of wanting to or not. And since the members who donate are those who help make it possible for the majority of people to use the site without giving anything in return, I suggest you take on a more respectful attitude. (And I'm not talking content contributions here, that's a whole different matter again.)

And no, you're the last person I want or need to argue with. You've made your position crystal clear now and many times in the past. There's really nothing to discuss. I'm just giving you my take on it. And I believe I've made it clear by now.

olimikrig, that's not how it works... a large amount of clicks in a short time is detected as fraudulent anywhere, and none of them count. So clicking on the ads once every few hours would be considered very frequent, and a few times a day normal.

Sarevok•, err, you have an SPS account... all you need to do is log in on SP and you won't see the ads. That's one of the perks coming with an SPS account. If you're not sure how, just PM me and I'll explain in detail.

And certainly, I'm very lucky to have an audience willing to support the site with donations. But for how SP "generates a lot of money" - you're forgetting that I'm leasing a dedicated server for SP and our hosted sites. This means I have to shell out several hundred bucks EVERY MONTH. And the costs only keep mounting up with every server upgrade and additional required services. So even those big donations coming in every few months get used up to cover the bills in no time. The donations don't even remotely cover even a quarter of the bills every month.

Still, I don't expect everyone to donate, not by far. A miniscule percentage of people here really can't donate even a couple of bucks, and more simply don't want to, even though they've been enjoying the site and boards for years. That's fine, no problem. But when someone who's been hanging around for years pretty much throws it into my face repeatedly how he's making sure that he blocks even the ads which require no effort on his part to help the site out... well, that's just low. And as Spellbound has pointed out, I hate having to ask for donations. In an ideal world, people would support sites they enjoy without having to be asked nicely. But some prodding now and then is necessary - I've learned this over the years. But I don't enjoy it any more than you do.

Felinoid, well, your donation was an obvious exception - the largest in one piece SP has ever got. I was talking in terms of frequency of donations over the last few months. The situation's improved a bit over the last few weeks, but for four or five months prior there have been 2 (two) donations amounting to a grand total of $25. THAT'S the cold, harsh reality.

apathetic empath, it's a combination of both. It depends on the ad, really. But even just viewing most already brings in something. And if you click, that much the better. But all in moderation, as I've explained above.

Actually, AE brings up a good point...

And otherwise, I agree with what Klorox said.
Ads are no fun, but whatever keeps the boat afloat is good, no? At least there's no obligation to pay for (the bulk of) the content on SP, so poor teenagers like myself can also bum themselves around...
:thumb: to Tal and all the other peeps who help this site, be it with their time, money, or content.
:borg:

@ Taluntain

Thanks of the well-written reply; I simply wish you would control your temper a little bit. I don't care of this no more than you do, unless someone starts throwing words like "prick" and "****" to my face. Hope this is the last of it, our-dear-and-beloved-admin-and-his-loyal-minions? ;)

Oh no Wirhe...I think you quite relish it, otherwise, you'd take your own advice and use the PM function.

If I didn't control my temper as well as I do, I would have banned your arrogant self ages ago, or right now. So I suggest you stop pushing your luck trying to see how long my patience with you lasts before it runs out. Because you're nearly there.

Wow, I'm off the board for 12 hrs and the battles have moved from the Alley's to here!!! :help:

I had to log out of the front page and make an adjustment to my browser in order to see what the fuss was all about. I missed the orginal set-up. SP picked up a few cents because I went through and viewed the ads, clicked on a few, even saw one or two that interested me.

So what's the fuss all about? (rhetorical question please do not answer that .

As most of the regular posters know I am retired. I am on a limited income. A lot of money goes to my computer. (Greedy thing) .

Shortly after I joined I bought a very cheap game through SP, PMed Tal that I had done so. Shortly after I got an eMail saying I was eligible for an Avatar. I was in shock. I knew buying through SP would make me eligible for one but I just assumed there would be a minimum.

I'll bet that everyone here buys software and other computer related stuff. Maybe someone else pays for it. If so, just ask them to do it through SP.

Requests for donations are standard. Nothing is free.

This is the best Board I have visited. I am active in another board run by a Publisher but it isn't as good as this one.

Thank to Tal and his pink-disciples for keeping this board going. I wish I could do more to help. Here's to SP. :beer: (I'd rather toast with wine but this will have to do)

And if you still feel guilty, then you can contribute to the community by sending a mod you made, or guide ect... even being a regular poster should help you feel not guilty IMO Good point, Eldular. There are many ways of contributing that do not involve money.

I rarely see sites without ads. I honestly fail to see the problem...
Why the big huboo about a couple ads that are going to generate some cash?

Well, Wirhe has an all-round problem with answering PM's it seems.

They are just ads. And they are good for the site. Not worth picking a fight over imho.

There's no question of treating richer members better. Even the people with Distinguished Member titles aren't rich. I'm not aware of any of the "minions" being particularly rich, either. Surely I am not. But I don't feel like a minion, anyway. Tal has done a good job controlling his mood but a breaking moment always comes sooner or later. He has to pay for the hosting somehow. If the site doesn't deserve it, why bother visiting it? He's been a good admin and taunting is the last thing he deserves.

It isn't nice to insult a parent's child. Just not done in polite society. This board is Tal's baby. It is by his consent that I am allowed to visit and play with it. If I don't like the rules then I should just stay away. And yes I read the rules, the FAQ's and even the forum guidelines. Sure, I've stepped out of line and made mistakes but imo minor ones. When I have I've accepted the mod's orders.

I've had 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th chances to be honest! I think the admin on here pretty much as lenient and fair as they come. They do a great job, in my opinion.

That's true. Back in his Morsmordre days, Barmy came close to being banned several times. But he seems to have survived his rehabilitation and is now a fully functional, if not a little misguided, member of society. All hail the SP justice system!

:lol:

I'm gonna take you to the cleaners one day, Gaz :lol: .

I've stepped up in the world. "Minion. Kuemper T. Minion. Yes, I like the sound of that." :evil: :hahaerr:

Okay, thanks for the clarification on how the ads compensate (multi-measure; kinda like a taxi meter running up for both time and distance) Will keep my clicking to a reasonable amount, and I've actually got another reason to go through every thread in at least one forum :)

And I have to say that this is one of the best sites I've seen - definitely the largest site in the 'stable' category (I'd perused a few mega gaming sites some time back, but after a while they seemed to take on a fully commercial route and the membership disintegrated; most cannot be found nowadays) This place is a wealth of material and information, and hosts the widest variety of fora I've encountered.

Add to this, it's well-organized. Well-thought-out guidelines and rules exist and are applied with fairness and humanity. Given the magnitude of this place, that's an acomplishment in itself!

So I have to say THANK YOU Tal, thank you admins, thank you mods, thank you contributors, thank you regulars, and yes, THANK YOU DONORS. This place helps me break out of my apathetic ennui once in a while :heh:

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go figure out what the 'catch' to these "free smileys" sites are... :D

*giggle* Well, Tal, everyone, look on the bright side... The entire rambling has not only generated a positively hilarious thread, it must've generated quite a few views too :p
:borg:

[ September 06, 2005, 00:30: Message edited by: Hugo ]

Felinoid, well, your donation was an obvious exception - the largest in one piece SP has ever got.Ok, who else wants to know how much the kitty coughed up? :D

@Klorox - I'd also like to know, but that's between Tal and Fel.

Lately I've been getting the same ads at the bottom of the page. Two Free Greeting Cards or two Got Smileys? I feel as though I'm stuck in a wacky game of Old Maid.

I'll leave it up to Felinoid if he wants to reveal the exact amount. Generally I just write approximately how much of the SP costs larger donations cover. And this info was provided in the Member of the Week thread when it was Felinoid's turn.

Man. I thought chronic lack of gratitude was primariliy an American epidemic! :D

I've been coming here for over 4 years. I made a small donation a while ago. I have never been asked for money, or made to feel like a lesser entity for my lack of largesse.

All of you whiners, get a grip. You've got a good thing going here. Why find fault? If you don't want to visit the site, then don't.

Ooh! Some of the new ads scroll when you move the mouse wheel... cool. :cool: Worth a click if SP gets more money.

The other one's for Crazy Frog, though... even for SP, some principles must remain. After all, we wouldn't want to encourage the freakish amphibian, would we now?

Slightly off topic: I wonder what happened to that guy who always made a shedload of donations, but had about 2 posts? :hmm: I can't remember his name, but I think he had a Githyanki as his avatar. Even under two skies, I have to respect that...

Err...uh...hmm. Well, if you're really desparate to know the exact amount, you can PM me and I'll consider it on a person-by-person basis, but otherwise I'd suggest the MotW thread. Tal updates the first post each time someone gets it.

:o To be honest, I was a little surprised to find out that mine was comparatively big. I thought I'd be somewhere in the middle; after all, leasing a dedicated server ain't cheap. I figured Tal was just surprised because I hadn't been registered that long.

Slightly off topic: I wonder what happened to that guy who always made a shedload of donations, but had about 2 posts? I can't remember his name, but I think he had a Githyanki as his avatar. Even under two skies, I have to respect that... I think his name is Seayer. Remarkable person. To support the communitiy, but not to participate. Which is kind of regrettable. I liked his titel: In giving to others, you benefit yourself.

Yup, Seayer. That's the dude. I did a quick flick through the MotW thread, and it appears he's on the grand total of 66 posts - and 7 MotW awards. What a legend!

Err...uh...hmm. Well, if you're really desparate to know the exact amount, you can PM me and I'll consider it on a person-by-person basis, but otherwise I'd suggest the MotW thread. Tal updates the first post each time someone gets it.I was just teasin'. :)

Well, I have an issue --- I can't find the option to unblock the ads. Using IE and Windows XP ... well, where's the option? :p I have popups as allowed already, but I can't see these banner ad thingies you people keep waffling about...

IE has no ad blocking option by default, so you must be using some alternative means of blocking them.