Totally Rad Donations [Archive]

mrhaines

04-23-2008, 07:38 AM

First of all, I am really grateful for the show. I watch every week and appreciate the stress relief that the show brings me. I am totally cool with donating money to help out but had one question:

Will this money go to the guys directly or will this money go to Revision3?

I know they are sort of the same thing, but I feel that Revision3 is a business with investors, and revenue generating methods. In my opinion, Revision3 should be willing to invest money in what is only their most popular show! I mean a TV station that won't foot the bill for PSP's for their hosts who review video games? That sort of seems like shooting oneself in the foot.

If there is a justification for donating other than Revision3 won't fund these guys better, then I can't see myself doing it. I mean Revision3 is not a non-profit like PBS. It is a business just like any other and should be willing to invest in those things that make their show better. If the guys are nominated for a webby, then Revision3 should foot the bill for them to go. Its the least they can do for guys that are their number one method of generating revenue.

Just a thought, don't mean to offend and thanks again for the show.

scoobydiesel

04-23-2008, 08:13 AM

I think its just for the guys so that they might have a chance to visit fans in other area's like they listed PAX and comic con NY and what not.

Also isnt Diggnatio still the mot watched? im not sure tho.

i will donate when i can but money is goin to comic con right now

trsjeff

04-23-2008, 08:37 AM

Will this money go to the guys directly or will this money go to Revision3?

I know they are sort of the same thing, but I feel that Revision3 is a business with investors, and revenue generating methods. In my opinion, Revision3 should be willing to invest money in what is only their most popular show! I mean a TV station that won't foot the bill for PSP's for their hosts who review video games? That sort of seems like shooting oneself in the foot.

If there is a justification for donating other than Revision3 won't fund these guys better, then I can't see myself doing it. I mean Revision3 is not a non-profit like PBS. It is a business just like any other and should be willing to invest in those things that make their show better. If the guys are nominated for a webby, then Revision3 should foot the bill for them to go. Its the least they can do for guys that are their number one method of generating revenue.

Just a thought, don't mean to offend and thanks again for the show.

Thanks for the messgae, MrHaines. The whole idea of donations is something we've been wrestling with for a while, and something we're not entirely comfortable with, but let me try to explain the situation.

First of all, we independently produce TRS - we have a very fair deal with Revision3, but unlike the other great shows here, TRS really is the product of 4 guys in a garage.

We have the desire to do a whole lot more with the show than Revision3 is able to fund. We want to go to Gen Con and PAX and Tokyo Game Show, and a whole lot of other things, and it seems to us that if enough of our fans want this to happen too, we might actually be able to.

Please understand, this isn't like PBS. If no one donates to PBS it goes away. We will still make TRS without additional donations. We'll continue to produce the very best show we can. We don't want anyone to feel obligated. TRS is a free show. But we also noticed that the most popular episode of year one was absolutely ONLY possible because of an incredible donation from our friend Peter Mitton. We would never ask anyone to give us that kind of money, but we thought if a whole bunch of people give very small amounts it might result in the same thing.

But if you feel at all uncomfortable with the idea, please keep your money. We are far more interested in you downloading the show every week than anything else.

In fact, the best donation of all might be just telling your friends about us.

-Jeff

mrhaines

04-23-2008, 08:47 AM

Thanks for the response Jeff. To tell you the truth, the fact that the show is just you 4 guys in a garage is what I like so much. As was expressed in a previous episode, it really feels like a community has developed that includes the hosts.

You have definitely quelled my concerns. Thanks so much for your honesty!

Donations will begin rolling in from Canada very shortly...with the exchange rate the way it is, that may help out a lot :) .

Cheers,

Mark

andyfm

04-23-2008, 11:16 AM

i think i had some of the same thoughts as mrhaines, I just assumed that because TRS was under the Rev3 banner then they'd be putting more into it. I didn't realise that you were that independant from them.

Anyways, some of my strong English £££'s will be winging their way over to you shortly :)

frank_syntax

04-23-2008, 11:48 AM

yeah thanks for that clarification about funding from rev3, interesting stuff. and like andyfm i'll be sending some lovely english pounds your way - with the exchange rate you should be able to book a 1st class roundtrip to tokyo with my £5 soon!

jaylaf

04-23-2008, 12:07 PM

MAN!!! I just typed out this huge post on this thread, on my PS3, one letter at a time, and there was a network error. Frack.

Anyways, I'm really glad this came up. If I hadn't seen this thread, I wouldn't have known anything about it. A while ago, I read a post where someone was mentioning the paid version of a Rev3 account. I really wanted to do that. Of course, after some digging around, I found out that the whole thing went free back in January (?). This is a great substitute.

Personally, I find it really important to support my favorite artists. As an example, I have some really great friends in Nashville who have a fantastic band (and no, they don't play country music ;) ). When they had their CD release show, I really enjoyed buying a bunch of copies and sending them to my out-of-state friends. I think it's very important to be supportive like that. Am I crazy, or do any of you agree?

And yes, I do think that it's safe to call the guys "artists". They make this great show, this experience that has borne it's own community, which many of us have recognized the uniqueness of, in previous threads (i.e. "An Open Letter To TRS")

Okay, I have to add this because it's just too cool. When those friends had the CD release show, they played at Mercy Lounge, which is the same place Pinback played when they hit Nashville. Pinback is a great San Diego band that I've heard both Dan and Alex mention liking.

Well, sorry for the lengthy ramblings. I will certainly be doing what I can to donate, as soon as possible!

wideawakewesley

04-23-2008, 12:10 PM

Jeff,

As long as there's transparency between you guys and the fans on where the money is going, I doubt anyone will have a problem with you accepting donations. TBH, it amazes me that Revision3 don't give you guys more help. You must be one of their top five shows easily and the one with the most active fanbase.

One thing that international fans may have to accept, is that unless they're buying you plane tickets, their donations may not go towards flights to their location. Perhaps you could have donation buckets for particular locations so people could contribute specifically to a particular fund rather than to TRS as a whole?

I would likely contribute anyway, but I know I'd contribute more if I knew it was going towards flights to the UK for example.

Wes

tsmith15

04-23-2008, 02:07 PM

I like wes' idea. I'd throw in some dollars for a trip to Ontario.

dolson

04-23-2008, 02:14 PM

MAN!!! I just typed out this huge post on this thread, on my PS3, one letter at a time, and there was a network error. Frack.

Plug in a keyboard!!! lol

phoenixp3k

04-23-2008, 02:37 PM

Plug in a keyboard!!! lol

I'll need to make sure the next keyboard I buy myself is a USB keyboard for that alone.

Concerning the donations for specific events I don't really think it will help on the short term. If there is a bin for the UK and they need $5,000 it might take a few years before they get there.

Usually you try to focus your funding efforts first, then once you're on a roll you can branch out to different business.

(Come to Canada, even if the US dollar isn't as great as it used to be :p)

dolson

04-23-2008, 03:13 PM

I use a Logitech S-510, wireless with a USB dongle. You could also use a PS/2-to-USB adapter, or if you have the money, a BlueTooth keyboard.

And yes, TRS should come to Canada.. But if it's not within an hour or two drive from me, I won't likely make it.. Unless I'm already there for something at that exact time. But it'd be rad for everyone who could get there.

On Facebook, I did a search for everyone who had The Totally Rad Show as one of their favorite TV Shows, and there only came up one result.. And the guy is in my city of 50K people... Crazy.

doowttam

04-23-2008, 03:17 PM

ghostbeezy

04-23-2008, 04:14 PM

I can't hate on this at all.

Yo, if we want them at better events covering more extravagant things, we have no one to blame but ourselves. If we're not fighting the fight for them, then we can only blame ourselves.

Pass the show on to all your friends. Make sure they see it. I've got a crusade for the TRS. I rock them on my navi in my car, so my friends see it. I won't front on it.

$5 or $10? Most of you play warcraft and pay more than that each month to play the game. If you pay $10, and 100 of us do that? Thats 3 plane tickets to a comic-con. These guys aren't really asking for a lot, and if they need our help... then lets help.

There is no shame in this, and I don't care how transparent it is. Alex, Jeff and Dan make tuesdays bearable. I hope they get to review bigger things, better games, preview games. If they ever asked for my help outside of that, connections I have in gaming industry. I'd give them that too.

The show is only as good as it's community. Lets not ask what they can do for us, but what we can do for them! You'll have my donation, fellas!

harvest

04-23-2008, 04:22 PM

I'd love to see TRS come to Toronto. Maybe for the film festival... though I'm not sure how interesting that would be for a bunch of guys from California.

esophagus

04-23-2008, 04:28 PM

I see a couple of problems with people funding specific trips:

1) If people get to say "This $10 is only good for a trip to Cleveland," then that $10 will probably never get used, and therefore its like the TRS guys didn't even get it.

2) Even if you say "There are three possible locations, donate to one of the three," the funds could (and probably will) be split up in such a way they couldn't afford to go to any!

I'm not saying I disagree with giving input into how the money is spent, I just think that if you're going to donate you have to trust the guys to spend it in a way thats best for the show.I could be misunderstanding, but I think they're donations for where the guys want to take to show (ie: The places mentioned in Jeff's response), and not where donations tell them to go. Obviously, if you todl them you'd fully fund a trip to Canada, they might go to Canada, but I'm doubting individual $5-10 donations will be divided that way.

ashlad

04-23-2008, 09:14 PM

Well I'm not sure they want us to donate money so they can come to our location, its more like they want help with funding trips to Comic Con, PAX etc :)

So they can talk about and show us rad stuff from the events etc :D

I'll happily donate some euros to you guys for putting out such a great show, and all the movie recommendations from Dan, seems like I have a big list of movies I need to see :D

diane

04-23-2008, 09:45 PM

I see a couple of problems with people funding specific trips:

1) If people get to say "This $10 is only good for a trip to Cleveland," then that $10 will probably never get used, and therefore its like the TRS guys didn't even get it.

Okay, what is wrong with Cleveland? We have the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a kick butt Science Center, fantastic museums and the Play House is very nice thank you very much. Plus we do have good local bands. But most importantly, Anakin and I are here and that just makes the place rock. ;)

That said, I agree. I have already signed up for the monthly and did a one time donation. And when he was reading over my shoulder and saw Gen-Con, well, I think I am not going to be hearing out of that ear for a while.

mebe

04-23-2008, 10:10 PM

I agree with the negatives of specific location donating.
I'm all for donating to the guys tho.

canadian8703

04-23-2008, 11:17 PM

I really don't care where my donations would end up, as long as its going to the TRS guys. A trip to Cleveland, a new computer screen for Steve to produce the show, or just to pay for movie tickets, its all the same to me.

With such a devoted fan base, I'm sure a lot of people would really like to help out more then just telling everyone they know to watch the show.

I know i would toss the guys a few of my hard earned dollars for all the enjoyment i get out of the show.

phoenixp3k

04-23-2008, 11:17 PM

I'd love to see TRS come to Toronto. Maybe for the film festival... though I'm not sure how interesting that would be for a bunch of guys from California.

ROFLCOL (rolling on the floor laughing crying out loud). Did you just diss the guys or the Toronto Film Festival. Epic.

For now I'm considering a one time donation and I'll see from there how I can fit it in my budget.

I've added The Totally Rad Show in my favourite TV shows. And found FOUR (4) viewers in my area!

damnedeyez

04-23-2008, 11:35 PM

I like donations...it's one of the few ways I can support the guys. Doesn't matter what it goes to, so long as it helps the show.

mrhaines

04-23-2008, 11:59 PM

I am so glad that people are willing to support these guys. One thing that is definitely a benefit of donating directly to the guys is that they will be able to go and do what THEY want to do and not what the corporate overlords of Revision3 want them to do. In a way personal donations are an important part of keeping this show fan-centric.

Thanks again Dan, Jeff, and Alex.

(By the way Jeff, I can't tell you enough how important your personal support of the community in these forums is. Even though I know all of the hosts love doing this show and love the content, I have always been able to sense how important the community is to you. Kudos.)

jaylaf

04-24-2008, 01:17 AM

I know i would toss the guys a few of my hard earned dollars for all the enjoyment i get out of the show.

Hear hear.

brodel

04-24-2008, 01:57 AM

Honestly, I would not have thought to donate before I saw the last show simply because I see a show has sponsors and figure oh they don't need my money. I also figured as a part of the Rev3 giant they were pretty well covered. Still, this show has become one of the highlights of my week and if I can help out with a monthly donation I am more than happy to do so for this show.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to find my paypal security key dongle so I can start my subscription... :)

Edit: Team Awesome?? Team Rad was taken?!

eddielee

04-24-2008, 03:55 AM

revision3 = trs, diggnation and ifanboy. No other show is watched. They should give the guys what they deserve.

bagelsaurusrex

04-24-2008, 11:12 AM

revision3 = trs, diggnation and ifanboy. No other show is watched. They should give the guys what they deserve.

I completely agree. I kind of wish they had put this up earlier, but I wasn't sure if Rev3 was giving them any funding? It seems ridiculous that a show this popular doesn't get any support from the mother ship. I'm more than happy to drop a few dollars if it means that the guys can get the support they deserve.

wideawakewesley

04-24-2008, 11:39 AM

brodel

04-24-2008, 11:54 AM

I'm doing it to better the show as a whole. (Not that there's anything wrong with the show mind you...)

Specific buckets just seems there would be too much to keep track of and what if I am money in a bucket for something the guys arenot even interested in doing?

"Guys - please come to Seattle for the next knitting and fiber arts expo! Here's my $100 in the bucket for that!"

tokenuser

04-24-2008, 12:07 PM

I am against the bucket idea as well. The guys should have control over the funds. Otherwise you end up with situations like "Sorry guys, I know we said we were going to go to Comic Con - but we were $100 short. You can thank Brodel for saying only to use his $100 for the Seattle Fiber Fest ..."

I love the OB (Outside Broadcast) segments on the show, but I am not sure that a full on TRS Live show would work ... does Steve have the gear to support something on that level?

mebe

04-24-2008, 12:12 PM

ok, in response to all the negatives on specific "buckets" for donations (e.g. a Europe bucket or a PAX bucket etc..) I'd like your opinions on this.

Would you be more likely to donate more to TRS if it meant there was a greater chance of the guys coming to your area or doing something you really wanted to see them do?

Wes

this makes it seem like they will be obligated. And why should donations only go towards something we want to see them do necessarily? Maybe some will donate just cause we enjoyed the show so far and want to give back to the guys.

ps about rev3 giving them money; maybe they thought they didnt need it cause they made so much out of 4 guys in a garage.

dolson

04-24-2008, 12:20 PM

If I donate to any other organization, say a church for example, I don't attach a note to it saying "You can only spend this on audio equipment so that the band sounds better."

wideawakewesley

04-24-2008, 12:31 PM

I realise many/all of you are against the buckets idea, but I was just interested in whether it would make you contribute more.

A good example to test this theory, would be to assume the guys didn't get those PSPs. If they'd had three donation buttons on the site, one for PSPs, one for New York Comic Con and one for general use. What would you have clicked on and would you have been more likely to donate more than if there was just one donate option?

I know for a fact I'd have clicked on the PSP button and donated more than I may have to a general fund if that was the only option available. No idea why my mind works like that, but that's what would have happened.

Wes

dolson

04-24-2008, 12:36 PM

Well Wes, that's probably the same for anyone (I would hope) because three (four) guys running an internet TV show about reviewing games, and not even owning the better handheld system is simply a tragedy. A tragic tragedy that's now been remedied, thankfully, but it was very tragic prior to this tragedy resolution. I like saying tragedy.

banzaibk

04-24-2008, 12:40 PM

I'm just adding some money to my cc to make a donation. However I quite like the buckets idea, not so much for live shows as I don't see how the guys could pull that off, for filming out of studio segments. Honestly, I might never get to PAX, but if I could donate 5 bucks along with some others for the guys to go and make a TRS standard segment then I'd be happy. I'm sure others feel the same.

tokenuser

04-24-2008, 12:40 PM

I realise many/all of you are against the buckets idea, but I was just interested in whether it would make you contribute more.If they said "Upcoming projects" ... and listed ComicCon, EuroTrip, JapanTrip, etc., I would be more inclined to donate to help them reach a specific goal, but I still don't think I'd donate money with strings attached.

tnvwboy

04-24-2008, 01:09 PM

I'm not saying I disagree with giving input into how the money is spent, I just think that if you're going to donate you have to trust the guys to spend it in a way thats best for the show.

I second that notion.

wideawakewesley

04-24-2008, 01:55 PM

tokenuser

04-24-2008, 02:03 PM

Here's another idea. One general donation button, but a top five list of the things the guys plan to spend the money on. So we know exactly what we're helping them achieve. As each goal is met another one is added to the list.

Thoughts?

WesYep. http://revision3.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gifhttp://revision3.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

diane

04-24-2008, 04:48 PM

Well, along with that why not make a tech wishlist? I am sure there are a lot of fans who want to buy them presents, aka physical objects, and not donate. They could set it up at Fry's or Amazon or something and treat it like a wedding registry. Then if someone doesn't want to donate but buy them something, they can find something in their price range and do it.

I am sure Steve would love some new equipment, maybe of the portable variety, and people could feel they are contributing that way.

Just a thought. I did have a horrible time at the holidays coming up with something for them that Anakin could send. All his ideas were, not very practical (one was kittens to eat the crickets-I am not joking).

As for the buckets, well, I am working under the assumption that at some point they will have to head East, so I would be torn if I had to choose since I am pretty positive that none of the options would be Cleveland. So for me, the general donation works best.

esophagus

04-24-2008, 05:10 PM

Here's another idea. One general donation button, but a top five list of the things the guys plan to spend the money on. So we know exactly what we're helping them achieve. As each goal is met another one is added to the list.

Thoughts?

WesI like it. Perhaps a top five Wish List to go along with it? Fans can enter where they'd like TRS to go. If some of them seem viableo r fun, TRS can choose to do them. If going somewhere gets enough votes to make top five its probably more likely to happen than if a few people say "You should go to [blank]" on the forums or site.

jasonb

04-24-2008, 11:45 PM

Ok pesonally I'm onboard with the donation thing, especially for those of you out there able to afford it. And in a way its smartest thing for them to do to improve upon what they have already started. Its not like they don't always do a good job but a little help never hurt anyone. And in case I havent really spelled out HOW this is a good idea let me go ahead and do in the easiest way possible....a numbered list.

1) Obviously more money means more OGS (Off Green Screen Segements). Which always seem to be suprisngly amusing just because tey are allowed to change things around from just sitting down and talking and being able to show off an environment we havne't seen. Or at the very least something we have seen but with a different spin on it.

2) A dollar....that is all anyone would really donate to still make the show a successful in donations. Now granted that is saying that everyone should feel obligated to give that little or that much. Its a big deal to those of us who are making ends meet and can't really do much more. I understand that, trust me. However if we were able to give that then that would take use to.....

3) Lump Sum: Think about it. TRS is probably pulling down alteast 10-50 thousand downloads a week, and thats me lowballing it, probably VERY lowballing I don't see the numbers. So let me put it to you this way. You, me and everyone we know....that watches TRS donates one dollar so that creates a sum of 10-50 thousand dollars the guys can use. Well actually i think the better step would be NOT use and put into some kind of bank accout so on top of whatever the hell they choose to do with the money.....its gaining intrest. That could easily be another few hundred dollars in intrest. And plus if you really think about it NOW is really the only time of year that TRS would use the money.

4) Time is Money: The most intersting thing about this idea is that in truth the money will only be used during specific times of the year. Like oh say May - July and then again in December. That means that in those off times if we are able to donate it would mean that eventually the show may be able to maintain itself on the intrest alone. Granted unless something HUGE happens with the economy via a new president or someone finally figuring out that oil does not = life blood and forces gas companys to lower gas prices that may not happen for um.....ever.

Ok thats my list. Im sure someone will rip me to shreds and i welcome it. Sometimes i think to quickly, or get distracted, and leave out HUGE points. Like the size of Montana huge. So sorry if it starts to make sense and then BAM i skip to a new thing.

jordanm85

04-25-2008, 12:10 AM

I have an idea for the TRS guys, and maybe see what everyone else thinks too.

Personally, I do not donate money to anything. I feel the same way about donating as I do about paying to download music or tv shows. If I like something enough, I will go to live show, buy a shirt, cd, dvd, etc...

I bought the TRS hoodie, and I don't know how much the guys get from that purchase. But that is my way of helping out the show. And I know I'm not going to be the only one that just doesn't feel comfortable donating money....so:

My suggestion for donations. Get a personalized autographed photo with the 3 of you guys on it, you could be doing the fist pump with the TRS logo up top, perfect for framing and hanging up on the wall. Charge maybe $10-20 or so. I think a lot of people might be up for something like that, and it would still bring in almost all profit. Sure, it would take a little more work than just putting a donation button on the site, but would be a good alternative/incentive for people to donate.

heyseuss

04-25-2008, 12:11 AM

In fact, the best donation of all might be just telling your friends about us.

-Jeff

Do more improv shows, and if they are announced with more than 4 hrs notice, I might bring someone. Not only will I change my hectic schedule to come down there ( :rolleyes: today was the first time I left my house in 2 weeks) and buy a ticket, but I'll take you out for drinks after again.

heyseuss

04-25-2008, 12:19 AM

My suggestion for donations. Get a personalized autographed photo with the 3 of you guys on it, you could be doing the fist pump with the TRS logo up top, perfect for framing and hanging up on the wall. Charge maybe $10-20 or so. I think a lot of people might be up for something like that, and it would still bring in almost all profit. Sure, it would take a little more work than just putting a donation button on the site, but would be a good alternative/incentive for people to donate.

I don't see the largely male fan-base, putting too many framed pics of the boys on their wall. Wait, did you mean naked or clothed, cus I'd put some pics of them on my wall if they were naked posing on a chaise lounge with a rose in their mouth. Maybe Alex in a firemans suspenders and nothing else, holding a hose, Jeff working the plowfields, shirtless, sweaty and dirty, Dan ......Dan, um, doing laundry? I run out of ideas quickly when it comes to naked men.

But speaking of your idea.... I worked for a WWF tour in Australia once and we sold 8x10's of the wrestlers, $10 for black and white, $15 for color, they cost 85cents to make.

jasonb

04-25-2008, 01:30 AM

I don't see the largely male fan-base, putting too many framed pics of the boys on their wall. Wait, did you mean naked or clothed, cus I'd put some pics of them on my wall if they were naked posing on a chaise lounge with a rose in their mouth. Maybe Alex in a firemans suspenders and nothing else, holding a hose, Jeff working the plowfields, shirtless, sweaty and dirty, Dan ......Dan, um, doing laundry? I run out of ideas quickly when it comes to naked men.

Mental images........burning into brain...........must kill......self