EPTPlease tell me what this is so I can buy it.
Today we're announcing TL+, a premium service for the TL forums. TL+ will be a feature similar to Reddit Gold: purchasers will gain some special features and abilities on our forums, like the removal of banner advertisements, access to special TL+ forums, and other cool stuff. You can buy it for yourself or gift it to other TL users.
How does this impact regular users?
For many of you, this changes nothing on the site. We're making sure that the normal user experience is not altered in any significant way, aside from seeing a few small icons or post highlights. Of course, you'll have to live with the mystery of not knowing what is in the secret TL+ forum of awesomeness but we assume you'll be able to survive.
Oh no, is TL selling out??
OK let's be real for a second. It's no secret that we're trying to find ways to generate income for us, like creating and promoting TL store items. However, our goal for "commercializing" TL has always been to do it in a way that doesn't negatively impact the average user's experience, only add to it. We feel that TL+ achieves this goal: it adds a lot of fun features for very active TL users and supporters, while being non-intrusive to those that don't wish to buy it. In addition, it provides an option for those that wish to support TL without being forced to see ads, something we really didn't offer until now.
Why didn't all these features exist already for free?
We've actually considered this quite a bit in the past. The reason is these features can't really be justified for all users for various reasons, like server load, spam concerns, or cost. As for the future, rest assured, if a feature is "core" to TL users we won't be making it premium-only, and we'll continue to improve the site for everyone as we've always done.
So if I buy this, I can repeatedly insult the unwashed masses of normal users without fear of being banned?
No, you jerk. TL+ users will largely be moderated the same way as normal users, and will be held to the same posting standards. The TL+ private forums however may have slightly less strict moderation when it comes to thread and post content. If you buy TL+ for yourself or gift it to others, you are just purchasing some added features and access while supporting TL. It is not a get-out-of-ban free card or a way to feel superior to others.
TL+ Trailer / Commercial
Here is everything you need to know about TL+ condensed into 35 seconds of "Inception" music.
Features
+ No Ads
This is pretty self explanatory: for you, the banner ads on TL will be removed. You will also have an option to turn off TL created ads, like the countdowns we have top right for big events.
+ Private TL+ Forum
In this private forum, all TL+ members will become best friends. What will be in this forum? What does your heart tell you? Follow your dreams.
+ Filter button (view all posts by a single person in a thread)
By clicking on this button you can see all the posts made by a single user in a thread. It's also extremely useful for stalking people.
+ View all button (view 1000 forum posts on one page)
For the TL user that can't be bothered to scroll through pages, you can now browse threads of any length 1000 posts at a time. For example, a 300-page Live Report thread can be 6 pages. Regular users can only do this for threads under 1000 posts.
+ Send PM's to multiple recipients
Now you can mass PM all the moderators every day! But seriously don't do this or we will ban you.
+ Subscribed Threads and Favorite Streams limits increased from 50 to 200
There are more than 50 cool threads and streamers on TL so here's your chance to bookmark all of them.
+ Ability to report forum posts to moderators
If you're too scared to fight crime in real life you can do it on the internet instead by reporting bad posts or users. The mods still have the final say in whether action is taken, but it is kind of fun to contribute to some idiot being banned. Note: regular users with accounts over 1+ year old will still get a report button.
+ Small icon showing you are a TL+ member
In the bottom right of your post you'll have a tiny plus indicating you are a TL+ member. Please don't use this as an excuse to act like you are superior to other users. You can feel free to secretly feel this way though. If you are gifted TL+ for a specific post, the post itself will have a gold bar.
Price
TL+ will cost the same whether you are purchasing for yourself or someone else. There are discounts for buying more months. Currently there is no "lifetime TL+" membership. We'll work on that. In the meantime, enjoy the new features!
$3.95 (1 month)
$18.95 (6 months)
$29.95 (12 months)
$18.95 (6 months)
$29.95 (12 months)
