<div class='quotetop'>(FinAeros)</div><div class='quotemain'>Before we start selling anything it needs to be decided whom in the group has access to the funds, whom the funds will be made payable to, how said funds will be kept, how large of a principle investment is needed for set up and initial operations, unit pricing for everything to be included in the membership package, and how much continued operations will cost.
There's also the possibility of membership packages with the same name as the in game difficulties.
For Example, and only for the gist of an example:
Easy - $X - Basic 405th Membership, including access to the group site(s), access to tutorials, dog tags, group discount prices and inclusion into the "priority list"* for associated vendors.
Normal - $X*1.5 - All of the above, and includes patch and decal.
Heroic - $X*2 - All of the above, and includes a resin Halo logo.
Legendary - $X*4 to $X*6 depending on contents - All of the above, and includes a second patch, a second decal, and a cast Pistol (Links, or the Link/Sean high detail collaboration {for a fraction more?} or the airsoft mod kit) or AR (Low detail from Adam's or something off of a vacuum form).
So, if X were $15, then it'd be $15, 22.5, 30, and 60 to 90 respectively. Or, for a $20 base, it'd be 20, 30, 40, and 80-120. Yes, the $X*[VAL] is a formula. Those prices are just as an example of how the formula would work, and would are not indicative of what I think the prices should be.
* - Discounts iff (that's an if and only if for non-math people) the guys whom make stuff agree, maybe 5% to 10% depending on the item or a flat rate to be decided. Priority List does not exist yet, but if you makers are willing it would be if two orders come in at the same time, and if one of them is a 405th member while the other is not then the 405ther's order will be filled first. It doesn't mean that the oder order will be ignored, or that 405thers will be bumped to the top of the queue, but it does give a little benefit.
ADDENDUM:
Yes, I know the weapons cost a bit to produce. I'm not talking one of LINK's AR props, but one of the cast ones. I'm not saying this is what SHOULD be in the packages, but an example of what a package might contain beyond access, ID, and all that jazz. The "Easy" membership could be for people just getting started.
Also, there could be an upgrade option that would be the difference between the level you "enroll" at and the next level you want to obtain. Possibly excluding legendary.
EDIT: Fixed my maths. I'd originally had Legendary as a 3X instead of 4X (And I added a to 6X)
Further Edit:
I am the master of Parenthetical Commenting. >,<.</div>
:ORIGINAL CONTENT BEGINS HERE:
To explain in a general sense what I'm trying to suggest in the quoted post for future structuring, assuming we go to a paid membership plan....
Option 1) Flat membership w/ patches, decals, etc. at a fixed one time ammount.
Option 2) Above membership, but with an annual fee of a fraction of the cost.
Option 3) A 4 tiered membership (5 if you count our Overlords), with membership tiers not disclosed through the site. The least expensive tier getting common access to the group sites and a membership indicating item like Dog Tags or a set of Personal ID cards (like business cards) to give away to spark interest, and this tier would not require a set armor. The second tier would get exactly the same thing as the first plus an additional patch and decal, and starting with this tier it would require some kind of armor. The third tier would be as the prior, but with access to slightly more explicit tutorials as a possibility, or a further possibility is to get some sort of easily cast, relatively inexpensive to produce, prop i.e. the Halo Logo or a Grenade replica. OR, as a further i.e. with the third tier, you could get a flag, or something, once again, relatively easy and inexpensive to produce. A fourth tier, at least twice the cost of the tier prior, would consist of all the prior, except possibly the bonus item of the third tier, with more access to the "private tutorial area" and a larger, or more detailed, item available. OR, listing on the site as a Legendary Contributer, having lifetime access to areas and information. OR some other way to say "Thank You" that The Guys In Charge (Lords? Fleet Admirals? Overlords? Supreme Commanders?) decide is a good idea and that can be done.
Option 3a) As above, but with free membership to the forums, and broader aspect by membership tier.
Option 3b) As above, but with props at an additional cost that is lower than their separate purchase price.
Option 3d) Combination of 3a and 3b.
Option 4) No paid membership, but members have the ability to purchase group specific items.
Option 4a) As 4, but with donors getting "free" P.ID cards to disseminate.
Additional Services that could be available to members:
1) A "Priority List" or "Favoured List" with the affiliated propers.
2) A "Private Tutorial" section of the site for members.
3) Dedicated assistance area for problems that arise during fabrication.
4) Some small % discount from affiliated propers, not to reduce the cost of the piece below production costs.
5) Lists of affiliated prop productions and group exclusive armorers. Call them our "Songnam Arms."
6) Affiliated propers being paid a small amount to provide "discounted" items.
6a) Affiliated propers getting free basic or discounted memberships.
7) If 6 doesn't occur, then Affiliated propers could be charged a small, single figure, amount for advertising or a small % of commissions by referrals from the group.
Does any of that make sense now? Or was it better off when I gave specific examples of a general type?