That's a great idea, however, I am concerned that some will see it as an elitist symbol, a "get out of jail free" card for flaming and otherwise acting rudely. Both the "haves" and "have nots" may interpret or use the symbol incorrectly. I am not sure how to correct this possible problem.
To bring even more problems to the table, some have opined that donors are treated with kid gloves by the moderators, which is untrue, but a symbol would only further validate those faulted assertions.
Having done a lot of work with non profits and with my church for decades, I have evolved to responding to the emotional charges you mention with a simple, "So!" Then in some cases with some really rude individuals, I have started using your dad's comments, "Stuff a sock in it or move on!" At age 63, I never worry about losing those who never contribute and just try to run down an organization! In most cases the organization is better without them!
Of course the decision is Jim's and yours! I recognize that fact and so do most of your loyal supporters! It just seems that could be some way to identify those Freepers who really care on a regular basis without being intrusive and other PC words!
*The reason why I selected a $5/month regular donation was based on Jim's cost data of your upcoming expenses! We don't have to know the amount per month, but it would be nice to know who is paying for their lunch and the lunch for the other 90%!
Thanks for your comments, and we realize that Jim and your decision on this little issue is yours!
Our borough recreation association, which maintains the local lakes, trails, and ballfields, has an annual list of "Allstars" that get their name published in the newsletter if they send their dues before the end of January (the deadline is March). Seems to me that they're stigmatizing those of us who are usually a little tapped just after Christmas. I send the dues in February whether I can spare it in January or not.
I know what you mean John but if you implemented this "symbol" for monthly donators, I think you would be pleasantly surprised at just how few "have nots" there will be. Once a Freeper is recognized for his/her monthly donations, be it an asterisk or a color code on the screenname, you will see others rush to become regular donors as well. You guys will never have to have a fundraiser again! Forget what we were saying about a different color for this level and another color for that level. Just give the same symbol whether the person is donating $5 a month or $50 a month. That way we don't have the problem of people "pulling rank" on others (i.e. "I give more to Free Republic than you, blah, blah, blah"). The symbol will simply state that this Freeper is serious enough about Free Republic that he/she sees fit to donate to it monthly. Whether it is $5 or $500 a month is between the donor and Free Republic. Nobody else needs to know.