Public message of lt1956 leaving EB modification

[Kull]

First, let me just say on behalf of the EB team that we are disappointed that LT has chosen to leave, and wish him the very best as he undertakes further improvements to his fine mod, SPQR.

That said it's unfortunate that his departure notice was framed in such a way that questions have arisen about the legality of EB's actions with respect to donations. First of all, the team has not made a final decision on this matter (although we are leaning strongly toward it), and I can promise you that in the event we will provide full visibility into both the amounts received and the costs they are intended to offset. This is not and never will be a profit making enterprise.

I did inform LT that his reference to "legalities" had cast a cloud over the entire mod team, and he responded (on our internal forum), that such was not his intent. Although internal conversations are intended to be private, in this rare case I think that particular point is critical - and so I have accordingly excerpted the relevant portion of his answer below. Hopefully this will lay the matter to rest and we can move forward on important matters like squashing bugs and adding enhancements to EB, one of the finest mods - and mod teams - I've ever been privileged to associate with.

......As for legality, well anyone over the age of 18 should be able to read that I DONT agree with Donations, and that is the cause of my leaving, I see nothing in the post to suggests foul play with the donations. I clearly stated my reasons being that Donations go against what I believe, if that makes you feel I am taking the moral high ground I cant help that, I do believe I am right, but I respect the members choice.......

[Dooz]

Everything makes sense and seems perfectly fine. I just hope this thread doesn't spiral out of control... as is the tendency with anything slightly out of the ordinary among online communities. Perhaps the thread shouldn't even be furthered and locked, as the initial statement was made by LT and that's really all there is to it. There is no need for further comments.

Being the cynical bastard I am, for some reason I trust the EB team in that the only purpose for donations will be for upkeep and not personal gain. Plus, how much gain could a team of dozens make with a few dollars here and there anyways? (Rhetorical, don't answer)

Maybe it'd be nice to put up the inital bandwitch and whatever else costs up front sooner rather than later, just so people get an idea of what's going on excactly.

[Reverend Joe]

Everything makes sense and seems perfectly fine. I just hope this thread doesn't spiral out of control... as is the tendency with anything slightly out of the ordinary among online communities.

The donation money is not for upkeep.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

It is intended for EB's personal "chips, beer, pot and porn" fund. We feel it is the best way for you the users to pay us for the mod.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I'm evil.

[oudysseos]

I feel kinda bad as I started a thread on donations and shortly thereafter the donate button appeared on the website. This is a classic example of the post hoc ergo propter hoc logical fallacy and I'm sure that there was internal discussion prior to my suggestion.
Even so I'm nonplussed that a modder would choose to leave the project for this reason. As far as I can tell the EB team is not aggressively soliciting donations, and in any event as the word itself suggests donations are a gift, not an exchange of goods and/or services for money. Perhaps the gentleman (I'm assuming the 'man' part) in question might also like to consider that a monetary donation in this case is also an opportunity for someone like me with neither the skills nor much free time (terrible excuses, I know) to contribute to EB and thus feel a part of the team (in a way). It's a chance for us to belong.

I personally would not mind in the least if the members of the EB team profited a little as it seems to me they've been working their asses off. They have brought me a lot of joy. I am delighted to be able to show my appreciation. I am truly sorry if that has created a situation that a team member found intolerable, but I have to admit that I don't see any moral or ethical problems. Again, I just want to apologise for any internal problems that I may have contributed to.

[PSYCHO V]

I feel kinda bad as I started a thread on donations and shortly thereafter the donate button appeared on the website. This is a classic example of the post hoc ergo propter hoc logical fallacy and I'm sure that there was internal discussion prior to my suggestion..

Actually, no. EB has always intended to be completely free (ie without pushing for guilt induced "donations") for the community. But don't feel bad, it was bound to come up at some point as Vercingetrix had graciously been paying for everything out of his own pocket.

Again, I just want to apologise for any internal problems that I may have contributed to.

No probs mate.

I personally won't be a part of any community mod that seeks to take advantage of public generousity. EB is being made for you guys, and god help me or anyone else who seeks to change that and personally profit by it.

my2bob