Board Game Resource Donation Fund
Donation protected
Hello, I am Zach, the owner and creator of Board Game Resource. Board Game Resource was created to be just that - a resource for board gamers all across the hobby. It was inspired by my own frustration of finding good, detailed text reviews with a quick Google search when I entered into the hobby. How many times have you been at the game store, wanting to quickly find reviews for the games on the shelves, only to spend an eternity fiddling around on your phone?
When I finally revealed Board Game Resource to the public eye, the positive reception was astonishing and humbling. The site appealed to many people, and I saw for the first time that it has the potential to someday meet the grand long-term vision I have for it. However, it quickly became clear that I would have to work faster, harder, and produce much more content to get it to where I'd like it to be.
That's where you can help! As committed as I am to the website, I am, unfortunately, very low on funds. I'm paying my way through university, as well as saving for a marriage that will happen in five months. As much as I hate to say it, there's just not a whole lot of money that can be freed up for the website in my current situation. Currently, I'm working on reviewing my own collection of games. I still have several left, but I will eventually run out, and then that leaves the question of what will happen next. Furthermore, there are other expenses that, while not immediately necessary, would go a long way in helping the site grow.
Here is an overview of the expenses that your donated money would help with:
-Professional Grade Photos
Many users (correctly) pointed out that my photos need some work. I wholeheartedly agree. Unfortunately, my tiny apartment isn't too friendly to photography. Donated funds would allow me to setup a proper picture taking setup, as well as purchase a camera that gets the job done better than my HTC One does.
-Games for Review/Additional Content
I'm reviewing the games in my collection, but would eventually like to move on to games that are more in demand. We all know board games can be pricey, and with donated funds I wouldn't be restricted in the games available for review. BGR also plans to be more than a review site, so strategy articles, lists, and blog posts can also come out of games that we've had experience with. Additionally, I would like to add a request form for reviews. With additional capital, I could review whatever is in demand.
-Additional Content Writers
While BGR is currently a one man job, it was never meant to stay that way. The vision I have for the website far exceeds my own capacity, and so with more funds, I would be able to pay for consistent contributors. After all, writers need to make ends meet too.
-Website Development
Board Game Resource is powered by Wordpress, which is host to countless powerful tools that can improve websites in a myriad of ways. Many of these plugins require payment for optimal functionality, and donated funds would be able to pay for resources that the website needs to improve. An example is user interactivity - in its current state, Board Game Resource can't do much in the way of users. By having the money to pay for development resources, BGR would be one step closer to becoming a community rather than just an information hub.
When Do I Need the Money?
This campaign was created to be an ongoing thing; there is no specific deadline I'm trying to meet. I fully expect to keep using my own means to grow BGR, but any donated money would be incredibly helpful for the site's development. Ideally, I want to reach the point where BGR can fund itself through ad and affiliate revenue, so this page is primarily meant for "startup" funds that will help the site grow to that point.
In Conclusion
Board Game Resource is something I've put my heart into, and it means a lot that it's been so well received thus far. With the proper capital, I can see my passion project becoming something big. BGR is important to me, and I've always dreamed of being able to create something that people enjoy that would allow me to fill my time doing something that I love. After the first wave of positive reception, the reality of that dream felt tangible for a moment. This is why, if anyone is generous enough to donate, I'll be grateful beyond what words can describe.
I expect fully to work within my own means to continue paying for the site, but any donated money would be infinitely appreciated. I would be incredibly, hugely thankful for any help, and I would work as hard as I can to use these funds to make the site the best that it can be.
Thanks for everything,
-Zach
When I finally revealed Board Game Resource to the public eye, the positive reception was astonishing and humbling. The site appealed to many people, and I saw for the first time that it has the potential to someday meet the grand long-term vision I have for it. However, it quickly became clear that I would have to work faster, harder, and produce much more content to get it to where I'd like it to be.
That's where you can help! As committed as I am to the website, I am, unfortunately, very low on funds. I'm paying my way through university, as well as saving for a marriage that will happen in five months. As much as I hate to say it, there's just not a whole lot of money that can be freed up for the website in my current situation. Currently, I'm working on reviewing my own collection of games. I still have several left, but I will eventually run out, and then that leaves the question of what will happen next. Furthermore, there are other expenses that, while not immediately necessary, would go a long way in helping the site grow.
Here is an overview of the expenses that your donated money would help with:
-Professional Grade Photos
Many users (correctly) pointed out that my photos need some work. I wholeheartedly agree. Unfortunately, my tiny apartment isn't too friendly to photography. Donated funds would allow me to setup a proper picture taking setup, as well as purchase a camera that gets the job done better than my HTC One does.
-Games for Review/Additional Content
I'm reviewing the games in my collection, but would eventually like to move on to games that are more in demand. We all know board games can be pricey, and with donated funds I wouldn't be restricted in the games available for review. BGR also plans to be more than a review site, so strategy articles, lists, and blog posts can also come out of games that we've had experience with. Additionally, I would like to add a request form for reviews. With additional capital, I could review whatever is in demand.
-Additional Content Writers
While BGR is currently a one man job, it was never meant to stay that way. The vision I have for the website far exceeds my own capacity, and so with more funds, I would be able to pay for consistent contributors. After all, writers need to make ends meet too.
-Website Development
Board Game Resource is powered by Wordpress, which is host to countless powerful tools that can improve websites in a myriad of ways. Many of these plugins require payment for optimal functionality, and donated funds would be able to pay for resources that the website needs to improve. An example is user interactivity - in its current state, Board Game Resource can't do much in the way of users. By having the money to pay for development resources, BGR would be one step closer to becoming a community rather than just an information hub.
When Do I Need the Money?
This campaign was created to be an ongoing thing; there is no specific deadline I'm trying to meet. I fully expect to keep using my own means to grow BGR, but any donated money would be incredibly helpful for the site's development. Ideally, I want to reach the point where BGR can fund itself through ad and affiliate revenue, so this page is primarily meant for "startup" funds that will help the site grow to that point.
In Conclusion
Board Game Resource is something I've put my heart into, and it means a lot that it's been so well received thus far. With the proper capital, I can see my passion project becoming something big. BGR is important to me, and I've always dreamed of being able to create something that people enjoy that would allow me to fill my time doing something that I love. After the first wave of positive reception, the reality of that dream felt tangible for a moment. This is why, if anyone is generous enough to donate, I'll be grateful beyond what words can describe.
I expect fully to work within my own means to continue paying for the site, but any donated money would be infinitely appreciated. I would be incredibly, hugely thankful for any help, and I would work as hard as I can to use these funds to make the site the best that it can be.
Thanks for everything,
-Zach
Organizer
Zach Hillegas
Organizer
Rexburg, ID
