Can we create contests with paid entry? I want to host a contest with Vezon and Kardas as the prize but that's not something I could just throw away (it's at around 150 right now). As such, I'd ask for a 5 dollar fee (paypal gift). Is that something I can do on MOCPages?
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I'm going to have to run that by Sean to get his take on it from a legal stand point. Right now, my answer is no. From a moral stand point, asking people to give you money on a website like this is just... and I don't mean to be harsh... but it's just wrong.

I understand what you're objective is here (it's kinda like buying a raffle ticket in a sense) but doing that on this site... meh... just doesn't sit right.

My advice is to not start anything like that now, I'll email Sean and get his opinion on the legal side (and moral side) of things.

Also, Sean is out of town for a while and I'm not 100% sure when he'll be back full swing so it may take a while to get a response.

Thanks,
~Chris.
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I just thought of something. Are the prizes for the MOC Olympis bought with money earned by MOCpages? You being a Mod for the website, I would assume you get some small chunk of money generated by advertisements. I haven't taken part in a MOC Olympics as of yet, but I am curious as to how the prizes, which make up a somewhat high total number, are purchased since there is no entry fee.
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I expect they are donated.

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You know what they say about "assuming" something right?

The prizes for ALL of my contests either come out of my pocket or are donated by others. This year's MocOlympics prizes are donated by BrickWorld and also by Dave Kaleta. I personally am donating prizes for the MOCpages Invitational Tournament (MIT) which is the "side games" for the MocOlympics. All of the prizes for the annual MocAthalon are also either donated by others or myself.

And to further answer your question, no. Neither Mark nor I get any residuals from the ad revinue generated for this site. ALL of the procedes go to pay for this site and it's upgrades.

So in short, please be sure of your information before you "assume" anything about where the prizes come from...

~Chris.

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I never said you would get a lot. I was thinking a dollar a year with extremely minimal increments per month. That sounds like MOCpages with all your jokes of having award ceremonies in middle school gymnasiums and such. I don't know what comes with the title of Moderator other than having to, you know, moderate. I usually don't use the word "assume" anyway. I was just comparing the job here to any other job where you could get some contribution for your work.

You make it sound like it was such a bad inquiry. I haven't a clue what goes on in New York and wherever you and Mark are. I've never entered a contest where the prize wasn't a group leadership upgrade or bragging rights, so it's not like I'm thinking about who I'd be taking advantage from the most if I were to go the distance. Still, at least it's nice to know that we have kind-hearted people on the website. Sorry for asking a question with a poor interpretation.
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And your reply there shows that you meant no insult with your question (although it kinda read like that). So I apologize for the curt response. Please do understand though that there are a number of people around here that think that Mark and I (who don't live in NY by the way, even though Sean does) do this for money and "fame" which isn't the case at all.

I moderate this website for Sean because I love this site! I love the interaction, the sense of community and yes, on a selfish note, it makes me feel good to be able to help others.

So if I have to dip into my own pocket a couple times a year to give back a little bit to the community that I love, then I'm happy to do it!

I would guess that that is why many of the others that help out by donating time and prizes for contests do the same.

But as far as monatary compensasion for our work here, no, Mark and I don't get "paid" and we're 100% ok with that. For me (and I can't speak for Mark but I know him well enough to say that I'm pretty sure he thinks the same), it's all about helping MOCpages, which has become my online home.

~Chris.
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Yeah, until we have holo-projectors like in Star Wars, we'll just never get the full messages of our words. You know, only 10 percent of communication are the literal words. The rest is tone and body language. It's a wonder we even understand anyone through just writings.
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What did you just say to me?!!?

hehe.

Thanks ~Chris.
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