Custom Title: Bringing the option back?

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 9:56 am

Some time ago I suggested in SYM that we consider eliminating post count. That thread turned into a discussion about whether, or not, we should restore the ability for members to select their own custom titles. Since Hill has brought the post count issue forward in this forum, I thought it might be worth bringing the custom title topic up here as well.

Penguin King, in response to the discussion on custom titles, began a poll thread on the question, which can be seen here: http://www.gamebanshee.com/forums/showt ... ght=avatar

Personally, I figure if we already have the opportunity to select avatars, signatures and locations, why not a custom title?
Most people know the boundaries of taste when choosing the above, I'd imagine that the same would apply to displaying a custom title.

Luis Antonio · Post by **Luis Antonio** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 10:40 am

I've always wanted to be called a Humble Fisherman

Phreddie · Post by **Phreddie** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 2:45 pm

And I have always wanted to be called a weregoat, then again, I am called a weregoat by some, and I could care less right now about custom titles, to me its just extra options. I would probably use it if I had the option, however I believe it is ultimately up to Mr. B. Satan, who may or may not be influenced by this idea. I say we go ahead and grab a general consensus, bump the poll thread, and then someone *looks at DW* draft a very formal, nice looking, scented PM, detailing the arguments for both sides of the issue, and the poll results. I nominate DW as she was the one who opened this can of worms, however I would be happy to help her gather the information if she needed any ai.

Magrus · Post by **Magrus** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 3:34 pm

I believe I mentioned in a thread a while back my thoughts on it. I don't see the need for a custom title, as I have the option to alter my signature and avatar whenever I wish to. It would be a neat little perk, but it isn't something I will clamor over.

No, what I wish there was is the ability to alter my profile settings to be able to set font options. Color, size, font, bold, italic, underline, etc. A way to put a "customized text" for me, myself and I, which shows up in each and every post I have without needing to select it each time I post. THAT would make me happy.

In fact, I would pay for that option in addition to the little custom title deal. I don't think it would be too much maintenance to add the code for that, and it would generate revenue for the site. Maybe not much, but, *shrugs* it wouldn't alter the ads that produce revenue, and might be something to think about.

Grimar · Post by **Grimar** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:50 am

i think its a good idea..

it doesnt hurt anyone..

ehm.. i would think it was best if you eliminated postcount, and added custom titles.

someone mentioned that with post count, you can recognize new members. with custom titles, you probably also can, since new members wont have custom titles, and if they do, they know how to behave etc on a forum

Ravager · Post by **Ravager** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 4:13 am

[QUOTE=Grimar]and if they do, they know how to behave etc on a forum

[/QUOTE]
Not really. It just shows they have a decent technological understanding and can navigate/explore the User CP.

Grimar · Post by **Grimar** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 4:43 am

[QUOTE=Ravager]Not really. It just shows they have a decent technological understanding and can navigate/explore the User CP.[/QUOTE]

yeah true! true indeed!

C Elegans · Post by **C Elegans** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 11:30 am

I see absolutely no need for further custumisation of anything at Gamebanshee, since in my opinion, it does not add anything. The member already choose username, then you can customise your avatar, location, sig and information in your profile. Balancing the advantage of adding yet another little opportunity to promote your "uniqueness" and "personality" against the visibility of the moderator titles. I view it as a problem that the moderator title be more difficult to spot. Other than that, I don't care. As I wrote in the recent SYM thread on this topic, I don't understand why custom titles are important to anyone, and I have no problem removing my own (save moderator, of course) if it is disturbing and people find it "unfair" in some way.

[quote="Magrus]
No"]

I am sorry Magrus but I am completely against this because I am sure this would be catastrophy from a layout and readability perspective. People would choose all sort of colours, fonts and sizes that would decrease readability of the posts.

Magrus · Post by **Magrus** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:25 pm

[QUOTE=C Elegans]I am sorry Magrus but I am completely against this because I am sure this would be catastrophy from a layout and readability perspective. People would choose all sort of colours, fonts and sizes that would decrease readability of the posts.[/QUOTE]

Hmm, I hadn't thought of it that way. That is a good point, you would then need rules to implement regarding a limit on size, and certain people would want multi-colored text, ala a rainbow type deal, which would be a hassle and so on.

dj_venom · Post by **dj_venom** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:45 pm

Meh, I don't really see this as necessary, and wouldn't bother me one iota.

I guess one reason I may not want it, is because it has long been reserved for members and people who helped support the site. I don't really think it is fair for just a normal member to be the same.

penguin_king · Post by **penguin_king** » Sat May 20, 2006 1:03 pm

i don't know why nobody told me about this thread... i rarely venture into the GB Discussion... GIVE ME MY CUSTOM TITLE!!! is that being too forward... how about : i think it's a really good idea to have custom titles and think it would add o everyones individuality... it seems that only the Veterans of GB have them and i think the rest of us should too.

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Sat May 20, 2006 4:39 pm

Actually, the ability to customize ones title is not something reserved for long standing members, or for those who have helped the site (persay). Buck allowed during a brief period of time in which he accepted paypal subscription to the main walkthrough content of the site. It has since been removed (the subscription), and those who donated/subscribed were allowed to keep their title.

As for titles, I see no valid reason why the community here should not be given the opportunity. For the most part, they have proven themselves mature, and it would not be too difficult to spot inappropriate ones. As for distinguishing from the Moderator title, I do not think it is an issue in the least, especially considering that most people who use the forums know who the moderators are. Not to mention that when a mod steps in, they do tend to use their mod voice, and bring attention to said title.

Denethorn · Post by **Denethorn** » Mon May 22, 2006 3:20 am

Why not bring back casual Paypal donations if people are so eager to have a custom title

? Unless the deal with UGO would block it somehow.

On topic I'm not too fussed about custom titles. I personally think there are more than enough customization options, and a custom title may detract from moderator status. But I'm not completely opposed, if people really want them, let them

Post by **BuckGB** » Mon May 22, 2006 5:20 am

[QUOTE=Denethorn]Why not bring back casual Paypal donations if people are so eager to have a custom title

? Unless the deal with UGO would block it somehow.

On topic I'm not too fussed about custom titles. I personally think there are more than enough customization options, and a custom title may detract from moderator status. But I'm not completely opposed, if people really want them, let them

[/QUOTE]
I have seriously considered bringing back optional Paypal donations because the latest versions of vBulletin now have built-in functionality to accept them. It's really a well coded system they've added, allowing forum administrators to give other perks for those users who donate like increased PM space, etc. I just never really liked having to accept money to keep the site running last time around, so I've always been hesitant about doing it again.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon May 22, 2006 10:29 am

[QUOTE=Buck Satan]I have seriously considered bringing back optional Paypal donations because the latest versions of vBulletin now have built-in functionality to accept them. It's really a well coded system they've added, allowing forum administrators to give other perks for those users who donate like increased PM space, etc. I just never really liked having to accept money to keep the site running last time around, so I've always been hesitant about doing it again.[/QUOTE]

I'd like to donate to GB as it is, but the thought of increased PM space definitely appeals. How much addiditional PM space would people receive?

Post by **BuckGB** » Mon May 22, 2006 2:09 pm

[QUOTE=dragon wench]I'd like to donate to GB as it is, but the thought of increased PM space definitely appeals. How much addiditional PM space would people receive?[/QUOTE]
It's all totally customizable on the admin side of things, but it's something I'd have to look at in more detail. Hard drive space is an expensive commodity when dealing with high-end SCSI drives on a dedicated server, so that would be my biggest concern. If the donation option was popular, the forum might suddenly start eating up a much larger amount of space.

Some of the other subscription options that vBulletin features are the possibility to increase a person's avatar dimensions and file size, allow for bigger attachments to be posted, grant access to private forums, increase PM space, increase the number of recipients PMs can be sent to, and some other options I don't recall offhand.

Payment options integrated into vBulletin include Paypal, NOCHEX, Worldpay, Authorize.net, 2Checkout, and Moneybookers.

Magrus · Post by **Magrus** » Mon May 22, 2006 2:22 pm

[QUOTE=Buck Satan]I have seriously considered bringing back optional Paypal donations because the latest versions of vBulletin now have built-in functionality to accept them. It's really a well coded system they've added, allowing forum administrators to give other perks for those users who donate like increased PM space, etc. I just never really liked having to accept money to keep the site running last time around, so I've always been hesitant about doing it again.[/QUOTE]

Well, I've mentioned it a few times. I wouldn't mind donating something in exchange for something like customizable fonts in my profile settings, or custom titles. The PM limit would be nice as well. *shrugs* If it's not too much work on your end, you might see that more than a few people would be willing to shell out some money in order to get little perks for a favorite website. I have always been of the opinion that if I get something I find worth paying for, I'll be willing to pay for it if the cost isn't outrageous. Given that it wouldn't be you depending on the donations, it would be more coin in your pocket as well. Perhaps a yearly donation to a future college fund for the new addition to your family.

Denethorn · Post by **Denethorn** » Tue May 23, 2006 3:18 am

[QUOTE=Buck Satan]grant access to private forums,[/QUOTE]

I see smell a SYM Secret Society for World Conspiracy.

I suggested donations simply for the sake of them, the perks are really of little interest to me.

TonyMontana1638 · Post by **TonyMontana1638** » Tue May 23, 2006 10:50 pm

I'd be more than happy to make a donation for any of the aforementioned perks, though I would warn against the 'private forum' thing: SYM is, apparently, clique-ish enough as is.

Damuna_Nova · Post by **Damuna_Nova** » Wed May 24, 2006 12:20 am

[QUOTE=Buck Satan]Some of the other subscription options that vBulletin features are the possibility to increase a person's avatar dimensions and file size, allow for bigger attachments to be posted, grant access to private forums, increase PM space, increase the number of recipients PMs can be sent to, and some other options I don't recall offhand.[/QUOTE]

Hm, surely larger avatars would cause problems?

Heh, congrats on 666 posts Buck, now your name, location and post count are related.