Relay For Life in Fiesta??

[lycorogue]

I am trying to get a message to the Fiesta GMs – and maybe even any and all Outspark GMs (if there is a difference). My message is in regards to suggesting an Event.

I am a volunteer with a Pennsylvania branch of the American Cancer Society. More specifically, I am a committee member for a 2009 Relay For Life. While researching ideas for the event I stumbled upon the fact that members of the online sim-like game Second Life were able to put together an online Relay For Life. In these regards, I am sending out a request to the GMs that sometime during 2009, they hold a Relay For Life on Fiesta – and/or on all of the Outspark games.

Relay For Life is a world-recognized fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s efforts to eliminate cancer. Not only are there 500,000 different Relays throughout the United States, but at least 15 different countries, including Australia and Japan, also house at least one Relay For Life.

I feel that not only would this be a great opportunity to help raise funds and prevention knowledge against a disease that has affected way too many of us, but it could also be a nice promotional opportunity for Outspark. Not too many people knew of the Second Life Relay For Life, but with the right publicity, the Outspark Relay For Life could really bring in new members.

I have already figured out most of the logistics when it comes to getting the funds members donate to the American Cancer Society. I have also plotted out some ideas as to how Outspark could actually pull off a Relay For Life in the Fiesta world. The greatest amount of effort would be 1) on the GMs who would have to monitor the event for the 24-hours (or 12 if it is a mini-relay) and the designers and programmers who could come out with Relay Gear to sell in the store (some proceeds go to ACS???)

As mentioned, I have plenty of ideas on the subject. If you are a member and would be interested in seeing a Relay For Life on Fiesta – or think it is a stupid idea, please post so that the GMs have a better feel for whether or not the interest is worth their time. If you know how I can contact a GM directly about adding an event to their 2009 calendar, please PM me. If you are a GM, please PM me so we can get a dialogue going about this subject.

I really hope others are just as excited about this idea as I am.

[Shadowic2]

I'm moving this to General Discussion seeing as this isn't related to the Dance Competition at all.

Though I do think your idea is quite good, and hopefully people will be interested in it.

[Adrichiang]

Hmm... a great idea in theory. I know Outspark did a save the earth campaign in which part of the profits gained from selling "Earthday Packs" in April was used to save the Rain Forst I think. While trying to contact the GM, CL, CSR and trying to get Outspark support for my own project, it's mainly for fun and not as seriously as your project. I had the feeling that it is best to try to ask them to contact the management of Outspark to support your ideas. Even if you do not get support from Outspark directly, do not give up as you may easily make it a player sponsored event. While, there is an privacy issue when anyone asks for donations of real life currency because Outspark frown upon the potential abuse of exchanging real life information that was made quite clear to me. As a possible compromise, even if it is only player sponsored why not use this event as a platform to increase people's awareness and hand them the web address or information about it and let the people decide outside of Fiesta if they wish to contact you irl or not. Good luck on your project.

PS. I will love to run in your relay race, I am three time Fiesta Olympics relay race medalist :P.

[DF001]

what is a relay race

[UzumakiW]

Sounds like a nice idea. I would definitely love to participate in any way I can with this if it happens.

[Hazol]

'Tis where you run around in a certain area that you have to pay money to run in. :D

[DF001]

'Tis where you run around in a certain area that you have to pay money to run in. :D

No thanks.

Off-topic: HUBBY <3

going to bed now </3

[versiee]

Great idea you've raised here. The question is.. will Outspark be up for it..? I mean, in a way they've been doing ALL they can to get the players to PURCHASE they're stuff to benefit THEM.. soo.. if the procedes of this goes else where.. uhm i don't know if they'd be up for it.. but who knows..? lol. Great idea and I hope that THIS gets addressed at least.. ;P

[SKiNG]

Great idea lycorogue.

I will pass this info up to the big wigs and keep you posted. Please send me a PM where I can contact you.

Thanks,
SKiNG

[lycorogue]

I'd like to start off by thanking Adrichiang, UzumakiW, Versiee, and SKiNG for their interest and suggestions. That said, I feel I should clear up a few more things. The main question seems to be the concern about funds and keeping member identity confidentiallity. This is not really a concern. American Cancer Society (ACS) gives out a website to all registered Relay "sites". One can then fundraise online by using a donation form that ACS also takes care of. In fact, those who submit said online donations may mark them annonymous, therefore keeping further confidentiality. In fact, aside from hosting the Relay on their site, and possibly creating in-game gear to accompany the event, Outspark does not need to handle anything.

Another thing to consider is that by no means is Outspark obligated to give ACS all of the funds raised by the Outspark store if they do decide to create Relay Gear. All I'm asking is that a PORTION of those funds raised by Relay Gear sales given to ACS, this way this Relay is profitable for Outspark, and therefore gives Outspark some investment in this idea.

Again, any further questions, feel free to ask. I'll be happy to answer... especially since it will bump this thread. ^_~

[Adrichiang]

Actually many firms do in some way give back to the community by sponsoring charitable events so I wish you luck on your proposal with Sking (An Outspark employee). It is not always profit that drives firms to sponsor charities, as other benefits such as a better public image or just a desire to give back to the community at large may work just as well ^^.

[angelous1]

I used to be a Relay For Life leader for American Cancer Society! I think this would be a super awesome event!

[lycorogue]

Actually many firms do in some way give back to the community by sponsoring charitable events so I wish you luck on your proposal with Sking (An Outspark employee). It is not always profit that drives firms to sponsor charities, as other benefits such as a better public image or just a desire to give back to the community at large may work just as well ^^.

Yes, I do realize that a lot of companies do indeed give to charities out of the goodness of their hearts, or because they were affected by whatever the charity is raising funds for. I am sorry if I made Outspark seem less than generous by implying that they would only help if they got some $$$ in return. I just want to hit every angle - including the "bottom line" - in order to better my chances of getting this idea to florish. Thank you again, Adrichiang for your continued support.

[Shaden]

I can't suggest any ideas; but feedback for sure. I'd certainly participate and help OutSpark and the charity event in any way I could. It's an awesome idea and I'd love to see it go through. I know the "Save the Trees" event went very well; I'm sure OutSpark could pull this off also.

[lycorogue]

Ok, to help people get a better idea of what I'm trying to accomplish, I have included a link to the American Cancer Society website about the Second Life Relay. Granted, since the players can't build environments in Fiesta like they can in Second Life the Fiesta version will be less involved. We can't have campsites, I'm not sure how to pull off players selling things as fundraisers (if Outspark has an idea such as x amount of copper/silver/gold/jewels = x amount of dollars donated to ACS that would be awesome...), and I'm really concerned about how to pull of the favored Luminary Ceremony without Luminary bags - unless this is somehow included in some Relay For Life pack created by the Outspark team. Then again, this idea is only forming. I hope to fill in a lot more blanks if and when Outspark starts a dialogue with me as to how to pull this off.

Anyway, here is the information for the Second Life Relay - I don't think this is active anymore, but it does give sort of a starting point for this idea.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/GI/content/GI_1_8_Second_Life_Relay.asp

[RikoRain]

Lol honestly, as noble as this seems it prolly wont happen.

Mostly because when companies hold relays or fundraisers for SOMETHING ELSE liek cancer, or diabetes, they are giving them that much money. Like the things in the store "Pay 1$ and well donate 10$ to the american cancer society!", well, each one you do is 9$ cost to the company. Andit probably cost them 1$ to make that certificate/poster/sign that you buy to "donate" money.

Point being, to actually donate money to a real life society, would cost Outspark too much.

Plus, Im not sure I want outspark to spend more money on outside things. They FINALLY got things back on track. Imean look, Cap raise, New maps, new skill fixes, new quests, marriage, academy.. all back to back, AND new servers.

Id rather Outspark really spend their money fixing the game. :| Im not being greedy, but theyll lose more customers by spending money on other things than fixing glitches that will drive customers away.
:| Besides
If I wanted to donate my money to someplace, >< Id do it. I buy SC cus i want the items and i know outspark will use my money to either pay the GM/workers, or buy new upgrades.

DX Maybe a non-profit in-game relay? Like the manthong march :D <3

[Hessel]

Lol honestly, as noble as this seems it prolly wont happen.

Mostly because when companies hold relays or fundraisers for SOMETHING ELSE liek cancer, or diabetes, they are giving them that much money. Like the things in the store "Pay 1$ and well donate 10$ to the american cancer society!", well, each one you do is 9$ cost to the company. Andit probably cost them 1$ to make that certificate/poster/sign that you buy to "donate" money.

Point being, to actually donate money to a real life society, would cost Outspark too much.

Plus, Im not sure I want outspark to spend more money on outside things. They FINALLY got things back on track. Imean look, Cap raise, New maps, new skill fixes, new quests, marriage, academy.. all back to back, AND new servers.

Id rather Outspark really spend their money fixing the game. :| Im not being greedy, but theyll lose more customers by spending money on other things than fixing glitches that will drive customers away.
:| Besides
If I wanted to donate my money to someplace, >< Id do it. I buy SC cus i want the items and i know outspark will use my money to either pay the GM/workers, or buy new upgrades.

DX Maybe a non-profit in-game relay? Like the manthong march :D <3

Meh, i gotta admit he could be right.
..But many people would love the idea. I think it Might work.

[RikoRain]

Meh, i gotta admit he could be right.
..But many people would love the idea. I think it Might work.

Well Im all for helping people, and while I think every little thing counts.. I really spend my money on Outspark things, for Outspark, to make the game better, for me, so I can ejoy the game better, as well as other people.

If I wanted to donate money to another place I really would. lol.

Im not saying this isnt a good idea, it is, but I think he/she is asking for way too much.

Its one thing to hold an in-game relay, its another thing to ask players to donate money during this relay, but its a completely different thing to do it with free/lowcost items.
Lookit what they did for the Earth Day. They "planted trees", but lookit the items, the items basically paid for the stuff on its own. Plus back then we didnt have all the problems and new stuff released to fix/finalize/unglitchafy.

She wants a relay for whatever it is she wants, cancer, diabetes, etc (I really didnt read the OP all the way to the last detail), well.. then I want a relay for.. for.. Oh I dontknow, blind kids. Then someone else wants a relay for deaf kids, then someoen wants a relay for diabetes people, someone wants a relay for old folks, someone wants a relay for mute people, for hiv "victims", for AIDS ppl, and then it starts off with the gender relays, and the ethnicity/race ones...
D: I guess you could say one of my fears is this getting out of hand because theyre making it a relay for one thing, and then other peopel woudl be like "w3ll wut ab0u7 th3s3s pp1!!!!!11!11!1"

[Mordriss]

I would be all over this. I'd purchase every item made for the event even if I didn't want it.

My mother just died 9/10/07 of non small cell cancer that began in her lungs and metastasized throughout her body. It was the pain medication that killed her though.

I'd like to see something like this happen. Also maybe something toward Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

[Klothos]

Great idea you've raised here. The question is.. will Outspark be up for it..? I mean, in a way they've been doing ALL they can to get the players to PURCHASE they're stuff to benefit THEM.. soo.. if the procedes of this goes else where.. uhm i don't know if they'd be up for it.. but who knows..? lol. Great idea and I hope that THIS gets addressed at least.. ;P

They could create a CashShop item - like an outfit: T-Shirt with the Cancer Ribbon, running shorts, and shoes - to participate. The money from that item would go to the Cancer foundation.


......and Im all for it. I hope this gets going

[Adrichiang]

Great idea lycorogue.

I will pass this info up to the big wigs and keep you posted. Please send me a PM where I can contact you.

Thanks,
SKiNG

Regardless of the pro or con arguments on this relay race for life charity. It is ultimately up to the big wigs of Outspark like Sking mentioned. Working in a firm myself I have participated in many group meetings where there are people proposing ideas for our possible sponsorship in a charity, most established companies have at least one annual charity benefit in my opinion. Based on a firm's criteria on delegating a percentage of their annual budget on charities and a how influential the Original Poster's proposal is would be big determining factors on the success of this campaign. Basically if Outspark still have resources left over for charitable contributions, they will listen to proposals. If they do not have the resources available, they will just say "no" our budget for charities is exhausted this fiscal year. Please do not worry about the quality of Outspark's games going downhill because of fears that Outspark would allocated the budget from their operations into charities. The budget for working on maintenance and R & D for improving their services should be separated from the budget set aside for charities and neither would dip into each other's funds in a well managed firm.

+ rep to the OP for suggesting such an idea and I hope negotiations via PMs works well between you and the big wigs.

[lycorogue]

First I would like to thank Adrichiang for the continued support and insight. It really is invaluable. ^_^

Second, my sympathies to Mordriss's loss. I am a child of two cancer attacks, my father didn't survive himself. This may be why I fight so hard.

Now on to RikoRain and the concerns brought up. First, I do not mind the negative feed back, I asked for it. I don't want Outspark spending time and effort on something that has low participation. Thank you for your honesty. Also, I know I went on a bit long in my OP (and all other posts) but that is because I want to make sure everyone understands what is in my head so that those involved just need to put in the time, I'll handle the details as much as possible. However, if you are to respond negatively I'd appreciate it if you were to read my FULL post. The fact that you didn't even know that I was trying to fundraise for the American CANCER Society was very ignorant of you. You would have also known that most, if not all of your concerns, were already addressed, but I'll reitterate...

1) The Relay For Life is a VERY well known fundraiser for ACS. It has been in existance for 25 years. It is not just a random relay as you inaccurately assumed. I'll state one last time, this isn't a random fundraiser, so it really shouldn't open the flood gates if Outspark honors my request. Besides, I'm sure people are requesting charity all the time anyway.
2) Aside from the hours put in and the funds to pay the programmers' salaries, this fundraiser will cost Fiesta nothing. All the funds come from Fiesta players. Also, in response to "if I wanted to donate I would", first, not many people know HOW to donate to ACS, and this is a means to get that information out. Second, by no means am I making it manditory for participants to donate, in fact, real-life participants receive donations in their name. So, not only will ACS host the site for online funds, but participants can inform others of the website and have THEM donate. Also, I did suggest something by way of silver to USD transfer, but by no means did I expect Outspark to actually agree to it. Bottom line, this will not really cost Outspark anything more than their time.
3) As for SC items for fundraising, again, I never said Outspark HAD to donate ANY money raised by these item sales, nor did I say that they couldn't be beneficial, such as the Earth Day pack. For instance, the Relay shirt could add to your endurance (get it? cuz it's a 24-hour event^_^) Nothing TOO big, mind you, that way it can be a perminant. See? Beneficial to players as well.
4) As Adrichiang mentioned, if Outspark were to do this Relay it would come out of funds/time already set aside for such an occasion and should not/would not effect actual game-play, updates, etc.

Um, I think I addressed everything, right? Ok, nutshell - this should NOT cost Outspark much actual funds to pull off, there could be benefits to those who WISH to participate, AGAIN those who wish to donate do so at the American Cancer Society site, NOT anywhere on Outspark, and holding this world-renouned fundraiser should not interupt game play.

As for the one comment Adrichiang made about this post not really swaying Outspark too much, eh, it can't hurt to give them an abundance of information. Perhaps the thought that they don't really need to take care of much, oranizationally and logisticly speaking, will help them with their decission.

Either way I WILL hold a player-sponsored Relay just to get ACS's information out. I'm just hoping Outspark will help me.

[linkmaster02]

I just wanted to say that I think this is a wonderful idea, and I wanted to make sure I show my support so OutSpark can see. Your idea benefits OS, the players, ACS, and most importantly the people fighting cancer. Keep up the great work, hope this becomes a reality ^^

[lycorogue]

I am addressing the GMs again. I sent a PM to SKiNG with my information back when this thread was started. However, I haven't heard anything yet. I'm assuming that is because the annual budget hasn't been set yet, or whatever, but I just request that a GM somehow contact me to at least let me know if they received my information alright. Thanx.

[adryden1313]

I think that this is a wonderful idea!!! And would love to participate in something like this. Hopefully SKiNG can get the "big wigs" to do it ^^ =0)

[elisagiven]

Please move forward on this event, I am a cancer survivor, I live with the effects of this disease every day...as it has affected my central nervous system.
This game is my escape and people here are my friends. The ACS does wonderful work and needs our support to continue the fight to find cure for these horrble ailments.
If I can do anything from my laptop please email me. I am on Epith Server.

[CM_Saphar]

We're discussing this event internally.

Please PM me or reply to SKiNG's PM if you would like to discuss this further.

[spart5]

I like this idea.

[lycorogue]

I am getting so excited that this idea seems to have really started a buzz.

CM_ Saphar - I sent you a PM, thank you for posting. It is good to know that Outspark is talking about this! ^_^

elisagiven - Thank you for posting. I am sorry for your situation, but glad you are willing to share. I am planning on hosting a Relay by the end of the 2009 summer regardless of Outsparks decision, except if it is a player-hosted event it will only be on my server - Teva. If it ends up being a player-sponsored event I'll be sure to set up information on this thread letting other players know how they can set up a similiar event on their servers (Unless Outspark kindly asks us not to do so for whatever reason...).

adryden1313 and spart5 - thank you for your interest, try to spread the word to get more players informed/interested in this event. I've had mostly a good response about this and I'd love to keep the buzz up. Please keep in mind that ACS Relay For Life is a world-wide event, so feel free to check your local area to see if there is a Relay being hosted! Most events are held during the spring/summer.

[saueracker]

i am completely for it.


This would be an awesome idea, although who knows whethr or not outspark will participate. This would be something I would gladly support and participate in.


my grandmother just got diagnosed over christmas. so It is touchy...ive lost many baby cousins to this...before they even reached 3 years old. Ive always done relays for cancer, aids, diabetes,...and so on. My family suffers many of these and i can say that i will be saving up money for this event , just in case it does happen. i would love to see a shirt and a cap, each with ribbons on them. maybe along the lines of the earth day pack...but with black shorts instead.<

anyhow if the op would like i can post some drawn ideas for possible costumes. if at elast for fun.

what i would love to see costume wise is a selection of different ribbons colros in the gear. Breast cancer, and so on. they would all be the same costume except for the ribbon color?


best wishes.

[palmfruits]

This would be an awesome event. There's always at least 1 person on at any given time (besides the maintenance). It would be fun to have everyone come together for a great cause. Even though we wouldn't be actually walking, our characters would be great representations of us XD

[Roseanna]

I lost my dad to cancer in 2007... I'd participate in an event like this. Anything to help others not have to go through what I watched in his last 3 months. =/

[saueracker]

I hope someone can update us as to how the debate is going. I would love to know if they will do this so that i can save up for more sc.

[lycorogue]

I still haven't heard any word on what Outspark thinks of my proposal. I'm currently going into overtime when it comes to the real Relay For Life I have going on in my hometown in May. I might be a little more absent on this forum because of that.

However, if you have any ideas on activities for the online Relay, or any ideas on how to hold the Survivor Lap, Luminaria, or Fight Back ceremonies, by all means let me know.

For more information on Relay For Life please go to relayforlife.org.

[lycorogue]

Excuse the double post, but I have too much to say to just edit my last post.

The update is that there's still no word from Outspark. However I do want to get some ideas flowing, even if it is a player-sponsored event. Can some people throw out some ideas of Relay locations, keep in mind that even 1st-level characters should be able to get there. I'm thinking a stroll around Roumen is the best bet.

Still not too sure how to handle the light for the luminaries, I'll have to figure something out. Also, I need to come up with something for the Fight Back ceremony. The idea is to encourage people to pledge to fight back against cancer - items such as eating healthier, exercising, encouraging friends and family to get regular checkups such as mammograms and colonoscopies, wear sunscreen, etc.

If anyone has any fun activities the "walkers" can do during the 24-hr event I'd love some ideas. I was thinking of maybe using the walk as an opportunity to get some people some titles. Would people be bugged if we did such things as "shout hour" to attempt to get people World DJ or whatever? Eh, if they're bugged they can just block the offender, right? What other things would people do?

Also, I'm just gonna go ahead and have my local ACS set up a website for online donations, this way people can fundraise in the meantime. Worse comes to worse, people donate to a good cause, even if the event itself doesn't actually happen.

Again, thank you everyone who has shown interest in this event. Your simple posts here have really given me the drive to try to get this to work. ::hugs and kisses to all of you!::

[fireyair]

I still haven't heard any word on what Outspark thinks of my proposal. I'm currently going into overtime when it comes to the real Relay For Life I have going on in my hometown in May. I might be a little more absent on this forum because of that.

However, if you have any ideas on activities for the online Relay, or any ideas on how to hold the Survivor Lap, Luminaria, or Fight Back ceremonies, by all means let me know.

For more information on Relay For Life please go to relayforlife.org.

Excuse the double post, but I have too much to say to just edit my last post.

The update is that there's still no word from Outspark. However I do want to get some ideas flowing, even if it is a player-sponsored event. Can some people throw out some ideas of Relay locations, keep in mind that even 1st-level characters should be able to get there. I'm thinking a stroll around Roumen is the best bet.

Still not too sure how to handle the light for the luminaries, I'll have to figure something out. Also, I need to come up with something for the Fight Back ceremony. The idea is to encourage people to pledge to fight back against cancer - items such as eating healthier, exercising, encouraging friends and family to get regular checkups such as mammograms and colonoscopies, wear sunscreen, etc.

If anyone has any fun activities the "walkers" can do during the 24-hr event I'd love some ideas. I was thinking of maybe using the walk as an opportunity to get some people some titles. Would people be bugged if we did such things as "shout hour" to attempt to get people World DJ or whatever? Eh, if they're bugged they can just block the offender, right? What other things would people do?

Also, I'm just gonna go ahead and have my local ACS set up a website for online donations, this way people can fundraise in the meantime. Worse comes to worse, people donate to a good cause, even if the event itself doesn't actually happen.

Again, thank you everyone who has shown interest in this event. Your simple posts here have really given me the drive to try to get this to work. ::hugs and kisses to all of you!::

Um...

Necro much?



Peace:cool:

[lycorogue]

Ok, well my IRL Relay is at the end of the month, so in theory I'll be able to start working hard core on the Fiesta relay... in theory. I have a wedding (I'm a bridesmaid) at the end of June as well as a huge job hunt/move during some point over the summer, so we'll see...

Anyway, still putting my feelers out there. Since I have not heard from Outspark I'm assuming that they are NOT helping out with this event. So I'll need players willing to co-sponsor (no money needed, just time). I'm on the Teva server, so I'll need someone from the other servers willing to "host" for their server. As of right now laping Roumen seems to be the best idea. My track idea is through town, up the stairs by the blacksmith, then through the woods to the right, going down the zig-zag bridge to the marketplace, across the bridge back to the main stairs, and repeat. And that is pretty much ALL I've figured out so far. XP Any ideas, feel free to post or PM. ^_^

[solarwings]

Um...

Necro much?


This is a good thread shhh >.>

[mage_way14]

I think it would be best put in Sand Hill.

[lycorogue]

I was thinking sand hill briefly, but would low levels be able to get there? I don't want a minimum level for participating...

[lycorogue]

OK, well.... It was a great idea while it lasted, and although I'd hate to throw in the towel, life flipped me a pretty big bird lately and I just can't even bother thinking about organizing this. Besides, the original outpour was great, but so far this year it seems that I am the only one posting here. Perhaps I'll try again next year if life gets a little more organized.

Relay season is in full force IRL, so feel free to check out www.relayforlife.org to look for an event in your area if you'd still like to donate. The 2008-2009 season goes until August 31, so you can still donate to the American Cancer Society even if the event by you is over.

If anyone reading this is interested in taking over and organizing the player-sponsored Fiesta Relay For Life and needs help just PM me and we can talk it through.

See you all again next year I guess (With a new thread, no more Necroing...)