I am responding to the questions in the most thorough way possible and communicating on as many different levels as I possibly can at once to hopefully not miss or insult anyone intentionally. If money is the concern or even greed? Would you spend a little to make more... especially if it helps change your overall image from a slightly questionable one to a more positive one and generates more potential customers?
You ninja’d me but I don’t think a PIMD related essay would be a good idea personally. (At first glance, I was hoping you were being sarcastic, but lately,my perception has been off with some forumers.) Especially, since there is a PR aspect of this idea, and new players unfamiliar with the app would have very little to say. I’m specifically shooting for those that desire a shot at relief from the burden of costs that higher education can sometimes bring and could benefit from the help/company of like minded individuals by drawing players to the game that are college/university students/prospective students.
I don't got no money left I'm at 0 now when I get off cerfew I will can sneek out n go make more cash
This is a great post. Hopefully ATA take it into account as many students are struggling to further their education without these opportunities. ATA can benefit from an ad like that as it will draw more people to the game as they may have a chance to change their life (in terms of getting a scholarship, not RP).
I like the general idea. I haven’t been around when the other fundraisers happened but I think this one is not going to get much support albeit being really helpful for the people. First of all, I’m thinking, for ATA to consider this scholarship they must have something they also gain from this apart from the humanitarian aspect, but for their PR marketing. How will the scholarship program benefit their revenue? Attracting new players? Moreover how they are gonna fit the scholarship program into their work plan of 2019/2020? They have staff but let’s say we started a scholarship applications it’s gonna be full time work for somebody to go through all of that documents and applications. From a company’s perspective that’s an expense for paid labor. To raise a fund is not the biggest concern given the amount of money spent here by players everyday. For a good cause, pimd community might just surprise you and be there for each other. On to my next point, to set this scholarship program we would need clear and fair screening process for the applicants (i’m guessing most of the players are from NA but there are many other players from other countries, and I think that would make it bit hard for getting the required documents and whatnot to ATA) Usually universities and colleges give out scholarships based on academics and merits, but what criteria would ATA use? I’m not trying to be negative or anything, but these are just few small concerns I have. Despite all that, I wish they can make it happen.
This is the exact feedback I am looking for tbh. I will try to hit all of the major concerns you have voiced. The other fundraisers (you can see a couple badges on my profile from them in the awards section) dealt with natural disasters and tragedies and purchases made went towards aid for those causes. I’m not surprised when my ideas don’t get much support or are doubted. You answered your own question about revenue. I think people would be willing to volunteer to help select a scholarship recipients/contribute to a scholarship fund. I actually worked in an admissions office and neither of these is uncommon. You are right about the labor cost either way though. That is indeed a challenge. The criteria and required documents is not difficult at all to verify and that would only come into play AFTER the applicants would be chosen as finalists. Let’s say 1-10 finalists... That’s 10 universities contacted and verified with information submitted on 10 universities.... I have already spoken about the factors that I would use to determine a potential winner of a scholarship award. There are private scholarship awards given out from various parties often for various reasons. I have seen writing contests, research papers, science projects, talent demonstrations... etc... The only issue I really see in your reply is the applicant screening and verification process in relation to business time/cost... and a possible language barrier when it comes time to read essays/verify documents. An easy solution to this is to ask for a notarized signature stating that all of the information provided is true and all documents submitted are official and accurate. There are legit online notary services that provide that verification for minimal cost to individual customers as well as businesses. Anyone who wants a lets say... $1500 scholarship might be willing to spend $25 on a notarized signature. I think that addresses all of your concerns. Lmk.
I also want to make it clear that any and all feedback is welcomed... I mean I would rather the thread not get locked but... I want it to be an open discussion... I would much rather be the spark that ignites and inspires a wave of genius and positive contribution to the world (and yes even PIMD world) than take the credit for a moment of perceived success. So fire away.
I like the idea of this and how much thought you’ve put into it, they may not make a profit from that particular event but they’d end up with more players and some good publicity which would definitely help them in the long run. I hope they go for your idea!
I want to thank you and everyone else who read the OP and thank you and the others that supported for their support, comments, criticism... etc. Other than my work experience, applying for/receiving scholarships myself, and interacting with the PIMD community... I am shooting from the hip. Nearly everything is a risk, changing things, not changing things, and I cannot predict that it will be successful or bring more success to the app and ATA. I genuinely hope that it does though. I have grown to appreciate this game more because of the Dev’s interactions with the gaming community. I think it’s pretty badass that the community has helped influence some of the game features because the devs were open to hearing our thoughts. As much as I can find to change/complain about on the game, and vent my frustrations about the community, I wouldn’t change that part at all. This game has definitely evolved. I can never take anything away from that.