The number one complaint about Scratch Membership is the pricing and how it's being promoted as “donation” but the way it operates is actually a subscription.

So what if, instead of doing set a price, just let people choose how much they want to donate. Saint Jude does this, Feeding America does this. Instead of trying to justify locking things behind a paywall, the pricing, and community backlash, let donaters choose their own prices to donate to annually, monthly, or one-time. I can assure you half of the mess would go away and the only thing they'all have to deal with is the paywalling features, which is still a problem. But I feel like the pricing controversy can be nipped in the butt with just some consideration of this method.

I've never been a fan of the membership ever since it was first announced. Feels weird to have rejected suggestions behind a paywall now doesn't it? Not to mention there's a lot of kids here, so it really relies on the adults to make that decision. I know if I were a parent, I wouldn't want to spend money on some kids' website just so my child could have different sprites and cat ears on their blocks. Nonetheless, I'm not totally against the membership as Scratch does need to make money.

I like this suggestion, but there's one issue. What if someone chooses to just donate $1 and then get all the perks of membership? I do think this could potentially be fixed by setting a minimum amount of money that can be submitted. Semi support on this one, as I think people would be more inclined to donate if they had a choice over how much is coming out of their wallet.

TheWolfyGirl wrote:

I've never been a fan of the membership ever since it was first announced. Feels weird to have rejected suggestions behind a paywall now doesn't it? Not to mention there's a lot of kids here, so it really relies on the adults to make that decision. I know if I were a parent, I wouldn't want to spend money on some kids' website just so my child could have different sprites and cat ears on their blocks. Nonetheless, I'm not totally against the membership as Scratch does need to make money.

I like this suggestion, but there's one issue. What if someone chooses to just donate $1 and then get all the perks of membership? I do think this could potentially be fixed by setting a minimum amount of money that can be submitted. Semi support on this one, as I think people would be more inclined to donate if they had a choice over how much is coming out of their wallet.

People would probs just set it to the lowest value anyway, I think a better idea would be to give rewards scaled on how much is donated.

If you donate minimuly, say 5 dollars, you get two sprites and a thank you message thank-you-ing you for your contribution.

Then this can stack up, soon getting CAT BLOCKS and then more sprites, and then access to some videos from that one youtube tutorial thing there trying to do. Then even more sprites, the webinar thing, and the full set of tutorials and other stuff once you donate the maximum.

This can let people still contribute in the same way but affordibly and still get a fair prize. Or it fails since the membership wasn't that good of an idea anyway.

TheWolfyGirl wrote:

I like this suggestion, but there's one issue. What if someone chooses to just donate $1 and then get all the perks of membership? I do think this could potentially be fixed by setting a minimum amount of money that can be submitted. Semi support on this one, as I think people would be more inclined to donate if they had a choice over how much is coming out of their wallet.

Most non-profits have the minimum to be $5. And either way, it shouldn't be about the money and the OP is stating that the Scratch Foundation inadvertently makes it about the money with the way they promote it and have these set prices. Real charities don't care about the money or make people donate an exact price, Scratch does and that's why the Membership is under heavy backlash. Additionally, visiting the Scratch Foundation website just screams "pay, buy, purchase!"

cambegonefr wrote:

TheWolfyGirl wrote:

I like this suggestion, but there's one issue. What if someone chooses to just donate $1 and then get all the perks of membership? I do think this could potentially be fixed by setting a minimum amount of money that can be submitted. Semi support on this one, as I think people would be more inclined to donate if they had a choice over how much is coming out of their wallet.

Most non-profits have the minimum to be $5. And either way, it shouldn't be about the money and the OP is stating that the Scratch Foundation inadvertently makes it about the money with the way they promote it and have these set prices. Real charities don't care about the money or make people donate an exact price, Scratch does and that's why the Membership is under heavy backlash. Additionally, visiting the Scratch Foundation website just screams "pay, buy, purchase!"

Yeah, they got a pop-up, ‘'Become a Member!’' at the top and bottom, and have an entire page to replace About.
And the Scratch News part too.

typedangerous wrote:

So what if, instead of doing set a price, just let people choose how much they want to donate. Saint Jude does this, Feeding America does this.

It's already possible to choose how much you want to donate to the Scratch Foundation. If you are interested in donating less than $35, the usual donation page is a good place to be.

Obviously this is not the same, as regular donations will not get the same perks as Scratch Members … but then in that case I am a little confused about your comparison to Saint Jude and Feeding America. Do these organizations offer perks for donating to them regardless of how much you choose to donate? If so, what are they? (I quickly looked at Feeding America and couldn't find anything about perks for donating.)

Za-Chary wrote:

typedangerous wrote:

So what if, instead of doing set a price, just let people choose how much they want to donate. Saint Jude does this, Feeding America does this.

It's already possible to choose how much you want to donate to the Scratch Foundation. If you are interested in donating less than $35, the usual donation page is a good place to be.

Obviously this is not the same, as regular donations will not get the same perks as Scratch Members … but then in that case I am a little confused about your comparison to Saint Jude and Feeding America. Do these organizations offer perks for donating to them regardless of how much you choose to donate? If so, what are they? (I quickly looked at Feeding America and couldn't find anything about perks for donating.)

Do the perks really matter though? If Scratch is a non-profit, why would they need give out these perks like they're a “for-profit” business. The only perks you get from Feeding America and Saint Jude are the knowing that you did something good for the world, as someone who has used their own money to donate to both organizations in the past.

Saint Jude also once mailed me and my Mother this cute poster card of children's handprints and a thank you for donating. I feel like Scratch doesn't give you any satisfaction when it comes to donating, especially given the recent controversies, I would not want my money that I earn from my music to be going towards Scratch, especially given my history with them but that part is my own bias and irrelevant.

Za-Chary wrote:

typedangerous wrote:

So what if, instead of doing set a price, just let people choose how much they want to donate. Saint Jude does this, Feeding America does this.

It's already possible to choose how much you want to donate to the Scratch Foundation. If you are interested in donating less than $35, the usual donation page is a good place to be.

Obviously this is not the same, as regular donations will not get the same perks as Scratch Members … but then in that case I am a little confused about your comparison to Saint Jude and Feeding America. Do these organizations offer perks for donating to them regardless of how much you choose to donate? If so, what are they? (I quickly looked at Feeding America and couldn't find anything about perks for donating.)

The above user stated one perk of donating to Saint Jude and some others are tax deductions, exclusive updates, and sometimes branded gear. As for Feeding America, you get a tax deduction and depending on your donation level (especially monthly gifts or large gifts), you might receive perks like recognition in newsletters, donor walls, special event invitations, or even a thank-you gift from a local food bank partner, but expect lots of follow-up calls.

cambegonefr wrote:

If Scratch is a non-profit, why would they need give out these perks like they're a “for-profit” business.

Scratch giving perks to donors doesn't make it less of a nonprofit. They're rewarding people for donating, or enticing someone to donate. Scratch is still a nonprofit organization.

cambegonefr wrote:

I would not want my money that I earn from my music to be going towards Scratch

In that case, I recommend not buying a Scratch membership.

zispe wrote:

cambegonefr wrote:

If Scratch is a non-profit, why would they need give out these perks like they're a “for-profit” business.

Scratch giving perks to donors doesn't make it less of a nonprofit. They're rewarding people for donating, or enticing someone to donate. Scratch is still a nonprofit organization.

Did I said it made them less of a non-profit? I meant, compared to the other non-profits we discussed, Scratch's donation perks give off video game subscription rather than “donation”.

zispe wrote:

cambegonefr wrote:

I would not want my money that I earn from my music to be going towards Scratch

In that case, I recommend not buying a Scratch membership.

And who said I was going to?



But in all seriousness, what has Scratch done in the last 5 years that was absolutely beneficial to the general public to justify this set price? If I were to donate and get perks, I would rather select my own price with the minimum being $5. And this page doesn't give you anything in return other than a bank statement.

They have even more Membership advertisements with the buttons.

kip22s wrote:

They have even more Membership advertisements with the buttons.

Agreed. Everywhere you turn on the Scratch Foundation website, “BECOME A MEMBER”. Like please, get out my face.

My main problem with the membership is just the on-site perks (the profile picture border and cat blocks), the other perks are fine, they can stay.
Basically, that it feels like they want people to subscribe to the membership just so they can get the perks, not simply just as a donation with some small bonuses, even though they didn't intend it to be that way, and also that there will be a psychological impact and jealouy about the border specifically. There was a really well written post from Jeffalo about this but I can't find it anymore.

typedangerous wrote:

kip22s wrote:

They have even more Membership advertisements with the buttons.

Agreed. Everywhere you turn on the Scratch Foundation website, “BECOME A MEMBER”. Like please, get out my face.

It's like YouTube ads, the more annoying pop-ups there are, the less people want to buy it.

cambegonefr wrote:

Did I said it made them less of a non-profit? I meant, compared to the other non-profits we discussed, Scratch's donation perks give off video game subscription rather than “donation.”

You challenged the authenticity of Scratch's nonprofit structure with the question:

If Scratch is a non-profit, why would they need give out these perks like they're a “for-profit” business.

While not stated word for word, the way the sentence is written does make the claim that Scratch's perks for donors are not something a nonprofit business does (or should do).

cambegonefr wrote:

And who said I was going to?

Nobody, which is why its unfair to use your “music money” as an example. Donating is an option, and if you don't want to donate you shouldn't.

cambegonefr wrote:

But in all seriousness, what has Scratch done in the last 5 years that was absolutely beneficial to the general public to justify this set price? If I were to donate and get perks, I would rather select my own price with the minimum being $5.

That's an option.
-

CST1229 wrote:

My main problem with the membership is just the on-site perks (the profile picture border and cat blocks), the other perks are fine, they can stay.

I personally don't see the problem with the cat blocks. For me, the only “issue” with the membership is the fact that children could feel pressured to donate because they see other Scratchers have donated. If a perk feature is only really visible or useable to the donor, I really don't see why it's a perk that shouldn't be offered. (Unless, of course, it gives them opportunities that non-donors don't have).

CST1229 wrote:

There will be a psychological impact and jealousy about the border specifically.

I know I just said this in slightly more detail, but that's actually a point I completely agree with.

A message for everyone who believes in kids:

You deserve to know why we’re asking.

Scratch is free, and it always has been. But it’s not free to build, grow, and protect. Every day, over 500,000 new projects are created on Scratch—by 12-year-olds exploring physics, 10-year-olds remixing animations, and kids across every country using creativity to connect, learn, and express who they are. Unlike many platforms, Scratch isn’t run by a tech giant or driven by ads. We’re a nonprofit. That means no paywalls, no algorithms pushing content, and no selling your data.

Scratch is much more than a coding tool. It’s a canvas, a community, and a lifeline for creativity in a digital world. As young people face the psychological effects of screen time, algorithmic pressure, and digital isolation, Scratch stands apart as a space designed to help kids’ imaginations flourish.

If Scratch has meant something to you or someone you care about, please consider becoming a Founding Member. Founding Membership is the most powerful way to support Scratch’s future—and now is the time. Join today for $35/year or $150 for a Lifetime Membership. Rates will increase in the new year, but your early support helps us keep Scratch free, safe, and thriving for millions of kids around the world.

Thanks for being part of the Scratch movement.


It says “no paywalls”. Holy chicken nugget this is getting bad.

zispe wrote:

cambegonefr wrote:

Did I said it made them less of a non-profit? I meant, compared to the other non-profits we discussed, Scratch's donation perks give off video game subscription rather than “donation.”

You challenged the authenticity of Scratch's nonprofit structure with the question:

If Scratch is a non-profit, why would they need give out these perks like they're a “for-profit” business.

While not stated word for word, the way the sentence is written does make the claim that Scratch's perks for donors are not something a nonprofit business does (or should do).

Mmm.. no. I said that because of the example the OP gave, which has the non-profit perks that Saint Jude and Feeding America gives. And contrast that to the perks that Scratch gives, they're more like the perks a “for-profit” business. That's not me challenging, that's just an observation.

zispe wrote:

cambegonefr wrote:

And who said I was going to?

Nobody, which is why its unfair to use your “music money” as an example. Donating is an option, and if you don't want to donate you shouldn't.

I said “music money” because my music royalties are my main way of getting money, and I'll be * if I spend that on Scratch.

zispe wrote:

cambegonefr wrote:

But in all seriousness, what has Scratch done in the last 5 years that was absolutely beneficial to the general public to justify this set price? If I were to donate and get perks, I would rather select my own price with the minimum being $5.

That's an option.

Yeah, I've established that earlier in the topic. I was referring to the membership itself.

The Scratch Foundation website looks like a scam site, so they should fix that first.
Like 40$ for a white T-shirt that has a cat on it?

I completely agree..
Here are a few reasons…
If you don't agree or want to call out something then feel free to.
(The underlines are what I'll also be talking about)

You deserve to know why we’re asking.

Scratch is free, and it always has been. But it’s not free to build, grow, and protect. Every day, over 500,000 new projects are created on Scratch—by 12-year-olds exploring physics, 10-year-olds remixing animations, and kids across every country using creativity to connect, learn, and express who they are. Unlike many platforms, Scratch isn’t run by a tech giant or driven by ads. We’re a nonprofit. That means no paywalls, no algorithms pushing content, and no selling your data.

Scratch is much more than a coding tool. It’s a canvas, a community, and a lifeline for creativity in a digital world. As young people face the psychological effects of screen time, algorithmic pressure, and digital isolation, Scratch stands apart as a space designed to help kids’ imaginations flourish.

If Scratch has meant something to you or someone you care about, please consider becoming a Founding Member. Founding Membership is the most powerful way to support Scratch’s future—and now is the time. Join today for $35/year or $150 for a Lifetime Membership. Rates will increase in the new year, but your early support helps us keep Scratch free, safe, and thriving for millions of kids around the world.

Thanks for being part of the Scratch movement.

Let's begin with that “no algorithms pushing content”
Yes, they certainly do… The trending and explore page.
They push up certain projects on what is booming right now.
That is how it works.

Okay the next one I underlined is about psychological effects of screen time, algorithmic pressure and digital isolation.
One thing: Although these are true, it really doesn't explain anything on why this is happening. This would have much more impact and actually people would see why that you want a membership donation,

This one I underlined about it saying Scratch's future,
I really feel like the people are really supporting Scratch's future here. They are the ones that are really actually shaping up to make it a better place, you know? Like reporting, backlash, and stuff. it kinda helps to shape it up to help Scratch in the longer run.

Also the perks? Like yeah…. They may help but honestly… not really, cat ears are just… for bragging rights? For so long, Scratch avoided status symbols, and it benefited them from that, yeah sure… New Scratcher, and Scratcher are status symbols. But those are ranks designed to be so that Scratch avoids spam and stuff.

And the sprites…. are honestly just… isn't their a backpack feature? I mean like I get that it'd hype up players, but honestly I'm not sure that's the best way either, because like young people can get jealous or feel like they are the more worse one if like the person gets special sprites, cat ears. Hence what I think digital isolation is. And also the tutorials like one thing…

they pointed out was learning storytelling from Netflix…. but I want to say that Netflix isn't the best at storytelling either… But also the fact that their are tutorials from Youtube or even apps and sites like Skillshare that LET YOU LEARN how to storytell. Does that make sense?

But overall, Scratch Membership could in theory be great, but it's execution was just not that great.

EDIT: That said though.. I'd love to support otherwise (not thru membership but probably through donations)

rexygames13 wrote:

I completely agree..
Here are a few reasons…
If you don't agree or want to call out something then feel free to.
(The underlines are what I'll also be talking about)

You deserve to know why we’re asking.

Scratch is free, and it always has been. But it’s not free to build, grow, and protect. Every day, over 500,000 new projects are created on Scratch—by 12-year-olds exploring physics, 10-year-olds remixing animations, and kids across every country using creativity to connect, learn, and express who they are. Unlike many platforms, Scratch isn’t run by a tech giant or driven by ads. We’re a nonprofit. That means no paywalls, no algorithms pushing content, and no selling your data.

Scratch is much more than a coding tool. It’s a canvas, a community, and a lifeline for creativity in a digital world. As young people face the psychological effects of screen time, algorithmic pressure, and digital isolation, Scratch stands apart as a space designed to help kids’ imaginations flourish.

If Scratch has meant something to you or someone you care about, please consider becoming a Founding Member. Founding Membership is the most powerful way to support Scratch’s future—and now is the time. Join today for $35/year or $150 for a Lifetime Membership. Rates will increase in the new year, but your early support helps us keep Scratch free, safe, and thriving for millions of kids around the world.

Thanks for being part of the Scratch movement.

Let's begin with that “no algorithms pushing content”
Yes, they certainly do… The trending and explore page.
They push up certain projects on what is booming right now.
That is how it works.

Okay the next one I underlined is about psychological effects of screen time, algorithmic pressure and digital isolation.
One thing: Although these are true, it really doesn't explain anything on why this is happening. This would have much more impact and actually people would see why that you want a membership donation,

This one I underlined about it saying Scratch's future,
I really feel like the people are really supporting Scratch's future here. They are the ones that are really actually shaping up to make it a better place, you know? Like reporting, backlash, and stuff. it kinda helps to shape it up to help Scratch in the longer run.

Also the perks? Like yeah…. They may help but honestly… not really, cat ears are just… for bragging rights? For so long, Scratch avoided status symbols, and it benefited them from that, yeah sure… New Scratcher, and Scratcher are status symbols. But those are ranks designed to be so that Scratch avoids spam and stuff.

And the sprites…. are honestly just… isn't their a backpack feature? I mean like I get that it'd hype up players, but honestly I'm not sure that's the best way either, because like young people can get jealous or feel like they are the more worse one if like the person gets special sprites, cat ears. Hence what I think digital isolation is. And also the tutorials like one thing…

they pointed out was learning storytelling from Netflix…. but I want to say that Netflix isn't the best at storytelling either… But also the fact that their are tutorials from Youtube or even apps and sites like Skillshare that LET YOU LEARN how to storytell. Does that make sense?

But overall, Scratch Membership could in theory be great, but it's execution was just not that great.

EDIT: That said though.. I'd love to support otherwise (not thru membership but probably through donations)

Preach! Preach! Preach!