Following the previous polls on the SFCCL Facebook group page, I have now posted another (hopefully final) poll to get some more information from fellow members. The current poll is simple: who is committed to a 4th season of the SFCCL on SSF4:AE 2012. This is basically an unofficial signup poll to see if we can get a minimum of 20 members. I have a framework for the next season with 20 members (40 fighters) in either the season 2 or season 3 format.
The on-going question within the question is whether the upcoming season will be pay-for-play. Based on the results of the first poll, I then posted a followup poll asking if members would want to play for free, for $5.00, or $10.00. The final count was 2 votes for free, 3 votes for $5.00, and 5 votes for $10.00, respectively. Personally, I voted for a pay-for-play season since I believe it would combat the main problem that plagued previous seasons, member's interest falling throughout the season. If every member involved in the upcoming season pays an upfront $5.00 signup fee, that should provide them with enough self-motiviation to play the season to the end in attempt to win back one of several cash prizes. This also eliminates one of my duties as league admin of chasing down members asking them to contact other members to play their matches. If they signup and pay their $5.00, it is now their own decision to play or not to play. The league has their money, and will award prizes to those that do play.
I am also committed to playing another free-for-all season, but leave this decision to the members.
If we do go to a pay-for play season, the entry fee for this 4th season will only be $5.00. Several members voted for a $10.00 entry fee (bigger cash prizes), but since a few voted for the the lower fee, I am happy to go with the $5.00 to satisfy most everyone. Also, since this will be the first pay-for-play season, I am willing to forgo any personal payments myself to run this season. I want to fully demonstrate how committed I am to this league since this may be the future of the SFCCL. I want to ensure all member's trust in me by fully disclosing the league funds and how they will be paid throughout the season. I will not profit from this upcoming season one cent.
The biggest cash prize (half of all funds collected ~$50) will be awarded to the winner of the Super Brawl tournament at the end of the season. The runner-up will also receive a smaller cash prize. The season will be anywhere from 4 to 6 months, similar to last season. There would be several live special events (War Games, Survivor Series, 2vs2 Tournament, Fall Brawl) throughout the season where winners of the events would earn actual cash prizes (~ $5 to $10). However, to be fair, a member would be limited to winning one live event during the season in order to give other members an opportunity to win a cash prize. All members would have the chance to win the Super Brawl cash prize.
Collecting the entry fees and paying the cash prizes would go thru PayPal. Unfortunately, PayPal could take a portion of the funds collected/paid due to their fees. However, there is a way around their fees as listed on their website. If we avoid their fees, the cash prize pool will be slightly larger. I don't want PayPal to profit from our league.
Well, that's it. This is the basic layout for the upcoming 4th season. Hopefully, we can get enough interest from members to begin moving forward and start playing soon. The decision is yours. I am ready if you are. Follow the link to the SFCCL Facebook group page to place your vote and voice your commitment to the 4th season:
SFCCL Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/348539818504591/
SFCCL-SALonghorn