Charge for Final Fantasy XIV

A unique discussion was started in my Linkshell Counting Sheep of the Fabul server. In our little LS community we expressed our hearts and minds about all that has happened in recent times to the Japanese people. Although this thread was spawned from a general discussion of our own forum, I felt a personal responsibility to take it to the more broad public forum of the FFXIV community. In no way does this reflect the LS, but I would not doubt to see my fellow LS mates join on this thread.

I have read many posts on the open forums of heart felt responses. Filled with humanity and sympathy. I have also read posts of a not so good nature. in every open forum you will have, unfortunately, the extremes of both sides.

My proposition is simple. SE should charge for FFXIV from now until the life of the game. The proceeds should then go to some sort of relief effort in Japan. SE has been prepared for the loss of revenue for FFXIV, and I'm sure, has a projected date of when the customer charging is to begin. Just use that revenue from now until then to better your country, and all its tumult it is incurring. We have been playing, free of charge, for almost 6 months. Although it has been nice, I think this would be a good way for not only SE, but the community as well, to help.

The FF community as I have seen has always been a cut above the rest. Lets show how much WE care about our game and the staff that works endlessly to keep us happy. When I read that they were cutting many amenities just so we could play our game in comfort I really stopped to think about one thing. Its a game to us. its a way of life for them.

I know this is going to get flamed to the nth degree. I dont care. This is what I think, and what better place to put a thought of this nature than an open forum for debate. I do hope, however, that most would agree. Whats $15 a month to us, when thousands, if not millions, are without basic necessities.

how do u help thousands, if not millions without basic necessities by paying SE?

Nice post Radamanth. I agree and would start paying.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chardrizard

how do u help thousands, if not millions without basic necessities by paying SE?

---

% of what is made goes to relief funds. Alot of ppl do it. Like sports guys, and various companies.

its better to go redcross bc 100% of what we donated will go to ppl that needs it?

Sounds like a great idea, and while my next comment is bound to get flamed to hell and back having to pay for the game now may finally help us to get rid of the trolls and other miscreants that we don't like.

And while they're at it, perhaps only paying subscriptions should be able to post here on the forums...

If you want to help the displaced Japanese, quit talking about helping them and help them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kilta_Firelotus

% of what is made goes to relief funds. Alot of ppl do it. Like sports guys, and various companies.

---

That's not always the best solution. If you take GameStop for example. (Not all stores may be doing this.) They said they would give $1 to the Japanese Relief Fund for every game purchased. $1? That's 3.3% of the total if it's a $30 game. If you really want to help, then give your extra money to a proper organization. SE still has to pay it's bills and employee's so they are restricted to how much money they can give.


Edit: SE has already donated $1.2 million to this crisis.

not meaning it as a flame because i would be willing to do so, but there are also only people playing now hoping the game becomes as they say "playable". i enjoy the game and the friends i have made on here so would continue to do so, but the last thing they need is another reason for anyone to leave before the game gets to an actual release quality if those people leave and don't come back.

like i said i did not mean this is mean and rude, but truth is even is only 10% of the people left that's more than they can afford at this point. i personally would pay, but i just don't think it's smart business.

if anyone wants to help japan go to one of the links for places like red cross and give. i have and i have heard alot on here say they have done so also.

No thanks, not being rude but if this game started charging me I would not play, even if the money was going to a good cause. I dont buy random crap on ebay just because I can donate some of it to a charity, I buy what I want, a product I like then I have the choice.

Theres plenty of places and resources to let you donate, I've already donated a bunch, and this game is not worth a penny.

If SE wants to shoot themselves in the foot and ruin the remaining chances the game has charging would be the way to go.

A better idea would be to copy what CCP did and do a crysta for relief... but then again you've got groups like the red cross and doctors without borders to donate to as well. If you want to donate, there are options people.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chardrizard

its better to go redcross bc 100% of what we donated will go to ppl that needs it?

---

Haha....hahahaha....lmao

You actually think that 100% of the money you donate to Red Cross would go to the Japanese relief effort? Sorry if I sound cynical, but geez... please do your research into your charities before you donate.

The OPs idea is actually a really good one. SE could take the proceeds and be able to donate directly to the relief effort without having to go through one of the "charities" that end up using more of your money on themselves than towards the disasters.

Disclaimer: I am not saying that Red Cross is evil or doesn't do good things. But I just wanted to correct the misinformation about how the money is actually directed and spent.

Luckily, I live in Japan, so I can donate directly to the JSDF. SE can do that as well. If you wanted to donate from the US, then this would be a much better way to make sure all of your money was going to help.

then please do everyone a favor and educate us on where is better place to donate, most of us have been directed to red cross ever since, and the OPs idea isnt really a good one.. driving away the already low base players? (i will probably keep playing, but i know shitload of ppl that still plays just because its free)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chardrizard

then please do everyone a favor and educate us on where is better place to donate, most of us have been directed to red cross ever since, and the OPs idea isnt really a good one.. driving away the already low base players? (i will probably keep playing, but i know shitload of ppl that still plays just because its free)

---

The unfortunate thing is there is no great "direct" way for Americans to donate. There is no online options to donate to the JSDF.

However, barring that, donating directly to the Japanese Red Cross is an option. You can donate directly to the JRC through this link provided by Google:

http://www.google.com/intl/en/crisis...quake2011.html


I agree, I don't see SE doing this, but the idea has merit. But if you do want to help out, the link above is the best option for an American.

Ugh, don't donate to UNICEF. The UN is a hive of scum and villainy. Plus I think they said, when they feel like they've spent enough, ie not everything, they are taking the rest of the money and putting it elsewhere.

I love how logical Chard is :p, but he is a correct. What is any good in your method compared to a donation to a proper organization?

I understand that a lot of people who wants to donate wants to get something back, so there are relief games (proper games by proper companies) you can buy that actually has 100% (said by company) towards the disaster rather then a said percentage (but this is good too).

(Off-topic) The game is still in beta, if anything, so its just not ready to start charging people.

Oh, I just thought up something awesome.

How about...people who wants to feel like they are donating by paying for the game monthly...just donate every month as if they are being charged!

My god, what a solution!

Um this will kill the remaining player base, I've already donated, doing it again is unfair. I payed, why should I be charged again this is dumb idea. The entire world knows what happened and is helping as we speak. We also have people back at home who are unemployed did you forget that OP? Where I work many are losing their jobs still. Japan isn't only country with problems.

That's a very nice sentiment, but it might be a better idea to just encourage people to donate flat out, game or no game.

Charging money for FF14 at this point in time would be suicide, and there are many good options for those people who want to donate anyway.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MiNuN

Oh, I just thought up something awesome.

How about...people who wants to feel like they are donating by paying for the game monthly...just donate every month as if they are being charged!

My god, what a solution!

---

This, is exactly what I should of said. Well done MiNuN!

This was discussed heavily on FFXIVCore right after the earthquake. The fact of the matter is that donating to an organization established to provide help is a much more effective way to have your money go to the people who really need it. Non-profit organizations are typically tax-free and have much more experience as to how to use the money to have the greatest impact. They also have more transparent accounting, so you can see where your money is going, and how much is being spent on overhead costs. Not to mention there's nothing stopping a for-profit company from taking a portion for themselves. I won't even get into what charging for XIV right now might do to the remaining community.

I know your heart was in the right place, but why do you feel using S-E as a middle man is a better idea than donating directly to the Japanese Red Cross?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Radamanth

A unique discussion was started in my Linkshell Counting Sheep of the Fabul server. In our little LS community we expressed our hearts and minds about all that has happened in recent times to the Japanese people. Although this thread was spawned from a general discussion of our own forum, I felt a personal responsibility to take it to the more broad public forum of the FFXIV community. In no way does this reflect the LS, but I would not doubt to see my fellow LS mates join on this thread.

I have read many posts on the open forums of heart felt responses. Filled with humanity and sympathy. I have also read posts of a not so good nature. in every open forum you will have, unfortunately, the extremes of both sides.

My proposition is simple. SE should charge for FFXIV from now until the life of the game. The proceeds should then go to some sort of relief effort in Japan. SE has been prepared for the loss of revenue for FFXIV, and I'm sure, has a projected date of when the customer charging is to begin. Just use that revenue from now until then to better your country, and all its tumult it is incurring. We have been playing, free of charge, for almost 6 months. Although it has been nice, I think this would be a good way for not only SE, but the community as well, to help.

The FF community as I have seen has always been a cut above the rest. Lets show how much WE care about our game and the staff that works endlessly to keep us happy. When I read that they were cutting many amenities just so we could play our game in comfort I really stopped to think about one thing. Its a game to us. its a way of life for them.

I know this is going to get flamed to the nth degree. I dont care. This is what I think, and what better place to put a thought of this nature than an open forum for debate. I do hope, however, that most would agree. Whats $15 a month to us, when thousands, if not millions, are without basic necessities.

---

Gonna have to disagree, if you want to help then donate to a charitable organization like red cross or the many they have going over in Japan. I understand where you were trying to go with this but I just donated $50 to Red Cross to aid Japan, should they still need our assistance over there next time I get paid I'll just do it again.

Leave the subscription as is until the game is upto player standards or atleast until Ps3 release.

I really can't believe people are suggesting SE charges monthly for no content lol........................ herrrp derrrp derrrp herrp derrrrp. Like Belgian said, if you want to help JPs, stop talking about doing it and actually do it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ayerc

This was discussed heavily on FFXIVCore right after the earthquake. The fact of the matter is that donating to an organization established to provide help is a much more effective way to have your money go to the people who really need it. Non-profit organizations are typically tax-free and have much more experience as to how to use the money to have the greatest impact. They also have more transparent accounting, so you can see where your money is going, and how much is being spent on overhead costs. Not to mention there's nothing stopping a for-profit company from taking a portion for themselves. I won't even get into what charging for XIV right now might do to the remaining community.

I know your heart was in the right place, but why do you feel using S-E as a middle man is a better idea than donating directly to the Japanese Red Cross?

---

The first part of your statement is very, very wrong. A large portion of money donated to most charities and non-profits goes to the charity and non-profit themselves. Especially the charities that claim to spread your money "where it needs to go". This is why you have to be very careful when choosing a charity to donate to and look at their financials. You also have to look at the fine print that states that your money may go to other things. It is usually not effective at all... especially with the American Red Cross.

SE would be able to donate that money directly to the JSDF (Japanese Self Defense Force), which is doing the bulk of the recovery effort. Unfortunately, there is no way for Americans to donate directly to the JSDF without sending snail mail.

Which brings me to you last comment: Did you even click the link? I suggested donating to the Japanese Red Cross. That's the only organization Americans should donate to if they want to see all (or at least the majority) of their money going to the disaster effort.

I'm not saying SE should start charging a fee... but it would be nice if they set up an option to charge a fee and then act as the middle man for Americans to get their money to the JSDF.

Direct injection or nothing. Charity organizations are among the most corrupt entities on the planet.

I've noticed in the past year or so, donating to charity has become a "stylish" thing to do. I guess it's always been like that. Rich people stroking their egos by telling everyone how wonderful they are for donating money. But lately it seems a lot of people who really don't have the means to be so generous are doing so just so they can look cool.

There's something very sinister about this. I can't put my finger on it, but it feels wrong to me. This is why I never donate money. I donate time and goods, because when I do that I know what the money is being spent on. Never forget that a portion of every dollar you donate to the Red Cross is used to pay some executive's salary.

As non-profit organizations, they are required by law to disclose the salaries of all their employees. American Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern earns a yearly salary of $500,000. Brian Gallagher, the CEO of United way, earns over $1 million.

Keep it in mind...

Gosh...
just DONATE the money directly to some institution that handles the japan donations.
Why do you want SE to collect the money? They have enough to do with other things and they already contributed with their 1.2 mio donation and power savings.

Also, am i under the impression that some people feel like SE is a small garage developer who might die if you don't feed em?
Get real, SE is big, they can handle a bad release.

I'm glad that most of you have kept this as an intellectual debate rather than a flame board. I threw it out there since it was an idea, and for it to be discussed. I know SE is a bazillion dollar company and they are a profit organization. I know of Red Cross and other charities. Last I read something like 90% of donations to American based operations goes to logistics and such and not directly to the need. Hence my thought here.

I'm obviously no fortune 500 exec nor do I have a BA from Harvard, but discussion and brainstorm does bring out the finer points of ideas and forms them into something solid.

The whole world sucks. There is no utopia to live in. everywhere we are surrounded by economic crisis. I was unemployed for almost 2 years until about a week ago. But that is irrelevant, because that is not the topic of this discussion.

Out of this entire message I have seen, however, one good idea that could shape to be something implemented if SE wishes to read this, which is the goal of this thread. Give an option to be charged rather than forcing the charge. That makes much more sense as to not drive away the player base that wants their game to be free.

I think SE should charge for 14 because (1) I hate all other mmo's that are not FF made and will gladly pay (2) they need the money themselves to update, upgrade, and make new games (3) read point one again 200 times

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Chardrizard

its better to go redcross bc 100% of what we donated will go to ppl that needs it?

---

Yes but 4% to SE to rebuild would put how many back to work as well. And it's not true that Red Cross doesn't have operating expenses to pay from what we donate. There are multiple ways to help the people of Japan. Donate to Red Cross AND pay SE!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MiNuN

Oh, I just thought up something awesome.

How about...people who wants to feel like they are donating by paying for the game monthly...just donate every month as if they are being charged!

My god, what a solution!

---

Well said.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MysaZages

Yes but 4% to SE to rebuild would put how many back to work as well. And it's not true that Red Cross doesn't have operating expenses to pay from what we donate. There are multiple ways to help the people of Japan. Donate to Red Cross AND pay SE!

---

But DO NOT donate to the American Red Cross. Please, for the love of all that is holy people, don't make this mistake (not if you want your money to actually get to Japan, that is).

Donate only to the Japanese Red Cross. If you donate to the American Red Cross or any of the other charity orgs accepting right now, you have no guarantee that ANY of your money will used for Japan.

Agree - Japanese Red Cross

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kaedan

The first part of your statement is very, very wrong. A large portion of money donated to most charities and non-profits goes to the charity and non-profit themselves. Especially the charities that claim to spread your money "where it needs to go". This is why you have to be very careful when choosing a charity to donate to and look at their financials. You also have to look at the fine print that states that your money may go to other things. It is usually not effective at all... especially with the American Red Cross.

SE would be able to donate that money directly to the JSDF (Japanese Self Defense Force), which is doing the bulk of the recovery effort. Unfortunately, there is no way for Americans to donate directly to the JSDF without sending snail mail.

Which brings me to you last comment: Did you even click the link? I suggested donating to the Japanese Red Cross. That's the only organization Americans should donate to if they want to see all (or at least the majority) of their money going to the disaster effort.

I'm not saying SE should start charging a fee... but it would be nice if they set up an option to charge a fee and then act as the middle man for Americans to get their money to the JSDF.

---

I have no idea where you're coming from. You suggested donating to the Japanese Red Cross, so did I. I wasn't even responding to you in my post, so get off your high horse.

Unless you have some sort of inside knowledge as to where charities spend their money, then get over yourself. Of course people should research where their donations will go, I never said, or implied, anything to the contrary.

And just because S-E could donate directly to the JSDF doesn't mean they will. Where do you think more corruption lies, in organizations like the Red Cross, or corporate entities? I'm not saying that S-E is that kind of company, but I'll take my chances donating to a humanitarian organization before I ever trust a corporate entity to do the right thing.

If you want to help Japan, donate to the Red Cross. If you want to help SE, buy Crysta.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ayerc

I have no idea where you're coming from. You suggested donating to the Japanese Red Cross, so did I. I wasn't even responding to you in my post, so get off your high horse.

---

It seemed like you responding directly to me. But seeing as you aren't attempting to be civil, you're not going to get an apology.

Quote:

---

Unless you have some sort of inside knowledge as to where charities spend their money, then get over yourself. Of course people should research where their donations will go, I never said, or implied, anything to the contrary.

---

Yeah, it's called look at the financial records they are required to release. Not exactly inside, but shows that not nearly all the money donated goes to the people they are supposedly accepting money for. Of course, you need to have some knowledge of finance and possibly accounting to decipher the records, so I don't blame the average person for not understanding them... which is why I am warning them. Are you with one of these organizations or something? Why are you being so aggressive?

Quote:

---

And just because S-E could donate directly to the JSDF doesn't mean they will. Where do you think more corruption lies, in organizations like the Red Cross, or corporate entities? I'm not saying that S-E is that kind of company, but I'll take my chances donating to a humanitarian organization before I ever trust a corporate entity to do the right thing.

---

The RC and the other organizations ARE corporate entities. The only difference is that non-profits are not allowed to distribute earnings... any surplus has to be reinvested into the company. The way many of the non-profits operate is that they pay their upper management HUGE salaries.

If SE did start accepting donations in the forms of paying for FFXIV, claimed they would donate the money to JSDF, and lied about it... that would create a huge lawsuit issue. But I like how you suggest that a company willing to turn off it's A/C and work in less comfortable conditions for the sake of helping the TRAGEDY in Japan would be corrupt and be dishonest with our money should they offer it. Very mature of you.

Let me start by saying your first response came off as a bit condescending. That, coupled with some of the attitudes I've run into on these boards, is why I was being a bit more aggressive, it pushed me a bit over the top. For that I'll apologize, and I think you can see where I'm coming from.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kaedan

Yeah, it's called look at the financial records they are required to release.

---

I'm not with them, but I am tired of people spreading such misconceptions about them. Looking at the American Red Cross's Audited Financial Statement for 2010 (numbers in thousands), you'll see that for a total of $1,061,137 in public support, they spent $3,102,170 directly funding their relief programs. That's a pretty good ratio if you ask me. A good enough ratio to still favor donating to them over a for-profit corporate entity without as much transparency in their financial statements. I know that donating to the American Red Cross will not help the situation in Japan, so I want to reiterate that anyone wishing to donate to relief efforts should be donating to the Japanese Red Cross, as we both suggested.

Source: http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Do...lStatement.pdf

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kaedan

If SE did start accepting donations in the forms of paying for FFXIV, claimed they would donate the money to JSDF, and lied about it... that would create a huge lawsuit issue. But I like how you suggest that a company willing to turn off it's A/C and work in less comfortable conditions for the sake of helping the TRAGEDY in Japan would be corrupt and be dishonest with our money should they offer it. Very mature of you.

---

Now let me say that if you had read my post, you'd see I wasn't suggesting S-E would be this dishonest. In fact, my exact words were "I'm not saying that S-E is that kind of company." So with that cleared up, can we move on?