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Zaxxon · Post by **Zaxxon** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:33 am

Or even a simple 'server costs X for the year, minimum expected Amazon reimbursement should be Y, leaving Z' and then have a quick pledge drive to come up with Z? I imagine we could eliminate that gap in a day or two of pledges, and if it turns out that Amazon pays out more that year, then the next pledging window takes place a bit later or something.

Lassr's right--there's no reason that you should be paying for any of this (or stressing about the possibility of paying for any of it), FP. And I don't think I/we need to worry about you taking the cashola and running.

Lassr · Post by **Lassr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:38 am

Zaxxon wrote:Or even a simple 'server costs X for the year, minimum expected Amazon reimbursement should be Y, leaving Z' and then have a quick pledge drive to come up with Z? I imagine we could eliminate that gap in a day or two of pledges, and if it turns out that Amazon pays out more that year, then the next pledging window takes place a bit later or something.

That would work also.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:49 am

Zaxxon wrote:Or even a simple 'server costs X for the year, minimum expected Amazon reimbursement should be Y, leaving Z' and then have a quick pledge drive to come up with Z? I imagine we could eliminate that gap in a day or two of pledges, and if it turns out that Amazon pays out more that year, then the next pledging window takes place a bit later or something.

Lassr's right--there's no reason that you should be paying for any of this (or stressing about the possibility of paying for any of it), FP. And I don't think I/we need to worry about you taking the cashola and running.

IIRC, every time this comes up and FP makes a comment, I hear "we are good for now with the income we get from Amazon linking". I think/hope he would say something if that were not the case, knowing that many of us have offered over and over again to help out financially.

Not sure how much others here spend on Amazon, but I will say it again, I shop there ALMOST exclusively, and tend to be a...well a typical American consumerist if I am honest, so yeah, I spend a lot. Just a slight habit change on my part will make a big difference based on the yearly/quarterly cost figures FP posted earlier, and if several others also do this...may be no need for a fund drive.

Lassr · Post by **Lassr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:51 am

Carpet_pissr wrote:
Zaxxon wrote:Or even a simple 'server costs X for the year, minimum expected Amazon reimbursement should be Y, leaving Z' and then have a quick pledge drive to come up with Z? I imagine we could eliminate that gap in a day or two of pledges, and if it turns out that Amazon pays out more that year, then the next pledging window takes place a bit later or something.

Lassr's right--there's no reason that you should be paying for any of this (or stressing about the possibility of paying for any of it), FP. And I don't think I/we need to worry about you taking the cashola and running.
IIRC, every time this comes up and FP makes a comment, I hear "we are good for now with the income we get from Amazon linking". I think/hope he would say something if that were not the case, knowing that many of us have offered over and over again to help out financially.

Not sure how much others here spend on Amazon, but I will say it again, I shop there ALMOST exclusively, and tend to be a...well a typical American consumerist if I am honest, so yeah, I spend a lot. Just a slight habit change on my part will make a big difference based on the yearly/quarterly cost figures FP posted earlier, and if several others also do this...may be no need for a fund drive.

Yes, the old server costs and amazon $ were pretty equal but now the server costs $30 more a month so unless there is an uptick in Amazon purchases then he's going to need extra $ I would assume.

Post by **FishPants** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 11:00 am

Some people have donated some money the past couple of days (about $150 worth, one of which was $100) which helps a lot. Historically we've been pretty close (VD was cheaper, but well I supposed we got what we paid for in that regard!).

Costs now are approximately $100 CDN per month including all the government grafting required (Site is hosted with OVH now).

Annual costs for raw server = $1200.
- Current trending on Amazon (this is tough with Christmas etc -- hard to judge): $720-$800
------------------------------------
Gap = $400-480 per year @ Current Amazon revenue vs OVH hosting
- Donations YTD = $150
------------------------------------
$250-$330 variance currently

It's not a lot, and if people pick up spending on Amazon that might cover it.

I've always wanted to avoid direct contributions as the expectation gets a lot higher on what's happening with the server, and that I might drive off into the sunset with their hard earned cash -- as a result I just filled the gap myself where required outside of Amazon purchases.

LordMortis · Post by **LordMortis** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 11:30 am

Eat em up FishPants, Eat em up.

FishPants wrote:I've always wanted to avoid direct contributions as the expectation gets a lot higher on what's happening with the server

That would be my fear if I was you as well. That fear is unfounded from me. If anything I think we should buy you a vacation from us.

Lassr · Post by **Lassr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 11:36 am

alrighty, I pledge $XX

edit: no need to make this public and make people feel pressured. So I will just say I sent Fishpants a little cash to help with the delta.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 11:53 am

What percentage of an order does OO get from an Amazon purchase?

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 12:10 pm

Feels so good to be back home.

Post by **FishPants** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 12:37 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote:What percentage of an order does OO get from an Amazon purchase?

Here is the published advertising fee schedule that lays out most of it with break points.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:18 pm

Smoove_B wrote:I have no idea what was involved in Frankensteining this site back to life, but thanks.

Probably not totally appropriate here and now, but would this be a good time to officially change the site logo to something less Star Wars-y? Sith don't repeatedly come back from the dead....

Yes, please! I've brought this up a few times. We have at least two other versions of the logo. As I recall, we started with a plain one, then rotated this one in as a bit of a joke, but nobody ever changed it back. Really, we can do better than a tribute to Episode 1.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:20 pm

stessier wrote:Keep the smilies!!!!

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:20 pm

FishPants wrote:
Carpet_pissr wrote:What percentage of an order does OO get from an Amazon purchase?
Here is the published advertising fee schedule that lays out most of it with break points.

Thanks, so on average, taking out the crazy 25% outlier for magazines, it looks like around 5% maybe 6%. The percentages are actually much higher than I was expecting.

If only half of us bought our games on Amazon (Steam keys), I bet that would cover us for a loooong time, and with the Christmas season coming up...I should be able to cover a couple of months server leasing, at least!

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:23 pm

Blackhawk wrote:
Smoove_B wrote:I have no idea what was involved in Frankensteining this site back to life, but thanks.

Probably not totally appropriate here and now, but would this be a good time to officially change the site logo to something less Star Wars-y? Sith don't repeatedly come back from the dead....
Yes, please! I've brought this up a few times. We have at least two other versions of the logo. As I recall, we started with a plain one, then rotated this one in as a bit of a joke, but nobody ever changed it back. Really, we can do better than a tribute to Episode 1.

Post by **FishPants** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:28 pm

I don't have the old logos, so if you want those back up I'd need someone to send them to me.. Or make a new one, whatevs.

(Needs to be done for both the Black Pearl and the Prosilver themes that we use).

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:29 pm

Spoiler:

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:30 pm

FishPants wrote:I don't have the old logos, so if you want those back up I'd need someone to send them to me.. Or make a new one, whatevs.

(Needs to be done for both the Black Pearl and the Prosilver themes that we use).

PM Hell's Taco. He made 'em, I believe, so he should have the originals in the proper format.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 1:31 pm

I propose that someone create an original art OO logo every day for us, much like the Simpsons intro couch scene. At least every week. I bore easily.

Kthanksmuch.

LawBeefaroni · Post by **LawBeefaroni** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:56 pm

Blackhawk wrote:
stessier wrote:Keep the smilies!!!!

And I'm sticking to the first 2 lines of smilies (and :tjg: :grund: ) ONLY! Pure or nothing!

That said, we now have two cat butts. Can't get more nuanced than that.

Zaxxon · Post by **Zaxxon** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 4:03 pm

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 4:37 pm

LawBeefaroni wrote:
Blackhawk wrote:
stessier wrote:Keep the smilies!!!!

And I'm sticking to the first 2 lines of smilies (and ) ONLY! Pure or nothing!

That said, we now have two cat butts. Can't get more nuanced than that.

How about catching a chicken with a butterfly net? That's pretty damn specific. Unless it's a pop culture reference or meme that I am unaware of.

LawBeefaroni · Post by **LawBeefaroni** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 4:43 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote: How about catching a chicken with a butterfly net? That's pretty damn specific. Unless it's a pop culture reference or meme that I am unaware of.

Butterfly net or a large sugar strainer?

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 4:57 pm

Damn, you may be right. And of course, that makes it even more weird.

But if you really think about it, that is a GREAT way to catch a fleeing chicken! I mean, what are your other options? Run after it? Seems extremely inefficient, not to mention sweat-inducing. Try to snag it with a gunny sack? Please. That's sitcom BS.

A slightly modified sugar strainer (make it longer for more reach, and make the mesh "bowl" deeper) just might be the BEST chicken catcher EVER. Think about it next time you are clumsily flailing after one.

silverjon · Post by **silverjon** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 5:12 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote:

First person to use that emoticon organically in a thread wins a prize.

http://octopusoverlords.com/forum/viewt ... 6#p2028946" target="_blank

Prize?

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 5:18 pm

silverjon wrote:
Carpet_pissr wrote:

First person to use that emoticon organically in a thread wins a prize.
http://octopusoverlords.com/forum/viewt ... 6#p2028946" target="_blank

Prize?

If that is an actual achievement on Steam, and not something you have made up to qualify for my illustrious prize, then I pronounce you the winner!

silverjon · Post by **silverjon** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 5:20 pm

An achievement available in Neverwinter Online, which is not on Steam (though some Cryptic games are).

I didn't make it up, but thought of it immediately on seeing your post.

snoleopard · Post by **snoleopard** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 5:34 pm

Happy OO is back up, I've missed it.

geezer · Post by **geezer** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 6:21 pm

Thanks much, and I'll be sure to use the link more. Plus I'll kick in for a month of hosting when I'm back in the office later this week

JetFred · Post by **JetFred** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 7:04 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote:

Damn, you may be right. And of course, that makes it even more weird.

But if you really think about it, that is a GREAT way to catch a fleeing chicken! I mean, what are your other options? Run after it? Seems extremely inefficient, not to mention sweat-inducing. Try to snag it with a gunny sack? Please. That's sitcom BS.

A slightly modified sugar strainer (make it longer for more reach, and make the mesh "bowl" deeper) just might be the BEST chicken catcher EVER. Think about it next time you are clumsily flailing after one.

I spent four years of my life as a zookeeper, including elephants, apes, zebras, hippo, warthogs, sea lions, giraffes, ostriches, and more, and (since I was decent at it in general) I NEVER hurt myself so bad as when chasing a chicken.

Anonymous Bosch · Post by **Anonymous Bosch** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 7:15 pm

JetFred wrote:
Carpet_pissr wrote:

Damn, you may be right. And of course, that makes it even more weird.

But if you really think about it, that is a GREAT way to catch a fleeing chicken! I mean, what are your other options? Run after it? Seems extremely inefficient, not to mention sweat-inducing. Try to snag it with a gunny sack? Please. That's sitcom BS.

A slightly modified sugar strainer (make it longer for more reach, and make the mesh "bowl" deeper) just might be the BEST chicken catcher EVER. Think about it next time you are clumsily flailing after one.
I spent four years of my life as a zookeeper, including elephants, apes, zebras, hippo, warthogs, sea lions, giraffes, ostriches, and more, and (since I was decent at it in general) I NEVER hurt myself so bad as when chasing a chicken.

Perhaps so, but…

JetFred · Post by **JetFred** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 7:48 pm

Mickey lied. Eat sidewalk and crap my pants maybe.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 9:20 pm

silverjon wrote:An achievement available in Neverwinter Online, which is not on Steam (though some Cryptic games are).

I didn't make it up, but thought of it immediately on seeing your post.

Wellllllll, damn. Didn't think anyone would claim that so quickly...yeesh. Now I have to come up with a Major Award.

And congratulations! A winnar is you!

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 9:22 pm

Also, does anyone know how the Amazon linking specifically works? For instance, if you have something in your cart already, and then click the link from OO, will it credit OO, or do you have to click link, add items to cart, and only then does it work?

Post by **FishPants** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 9:29 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote:Also, does anyone know how the Amazon linking specifically works? For instance, if you have something in your cart already, and then click the link from OO, will it credit OO, or do you have to click link, add items to cart, and only then does it work?

Link first then cart I believe.

Moat_Man · Post by **Moat_Man** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 9:39 pm

I posted about this previously but I don't think the Amazon.ca link you put here is working. It goes to amazon.ca with nothing else in the link. I don't think that's what is supposed to happen based on clicking on the amazon.com link.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:00 pm

FishPants wrote:
Carpet_pissr wrote:Also, does anyone know how the Amazon linking specifically works? For instance, if you have something in your cart already, and then click the link from OO, will it credit OO, or do you have to click link, add items to cart, and only then does it work?
Link first then cart I believe.

Sorry, do you mean to say I have to ADD items to the cart after clicking the link, or OK to just checkout with existing items that were already in my cart?

Post by **FishPants** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:05 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote:
FishPants wrote:
Carpet_pissr wrote:Also, does anyone know how the Amazon linking specifically works? For instance, if you have something in your cart already, and then click the link from OO, will it credit OO, or do you have to click link, add items to cart, and only then does it work?
Link first then cart I believe.
Sorry, do you mean to say I have to ADD items to the cart after clicking the link, or OK to just checkout with existing items that were already in my cart?

The former, click the link then add to cart and checkout.

LawBeefaroni · Post by **LawBeefaroni** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:36 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote:
FishPants wrote:
Carpet_pissr wrote:Also, does anyone know how the Amazon linking specifically works? For instance, if you have something in your cart already, and then click the link from OO, will it credit OO, or do you have to click link, add items to cart, and only then does it work?
Link first then cart I believe.
Sorry, do you mean to say I have to ADD items to the cart after clicking the link, or OK to just checkout with existing items that were already in my cart?

I'm never sure so I just jot down what's in my cart, empty it, close the browser and re-enter through the OO link. Then I fill the cart back up and buy. Not elegant but I always forget the OO link until I'm about to hit "check out".

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:45 pm

LawBeefaroni wrote:I'm never sure so I just jot down what's in my cart, empty it, close the browser and re-enter through the OO link. Then I fill the cart back up and buy. Not elegant but I always forget the OO link until I'm about to hit "check out".

This is our concern, dude. I always have a crap ton of stuff in my cart, waiting for it to go on sale or whatnot, so it's a wee bit of a pain to have to empty it (if I don't need to). Obviously I WILL do that (and just did), but would be nice not to hafta.

As I always say, 'Better to catch a chicken with a sugar sieve than a butterfly net!'.

wonderpug · Post by **wonderpug** » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:54 pm

I don't suppose there's a way to give OO commission for scheduled recurring Amazon purchases, is there? Just diaper related stuff alone is $90/month for me.