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You can also give paying members something besides additional functionality. Game sites with even minor social functions naturally bring out the competitive sides of players. A "supporting" player could have their username in bold or with a star beside it making them stand out more in "Now Playing" or "Top Rated" lists.

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That's a very good point. I've had a player ask for a "feature" where he could have his username appear in red instead of the normal color. I think people like to be able to customize their internet personas and those kind of features would make nice carrots.

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