What is Core Membership?

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World Heart by minayuyu
Earlier today, DeviantArt released an announcement explaining what "Core Membership Is..."  To complement that announcement, I've penned a few of my own thoughts about what Core Membership means to me.

DeviantArt owes its existence to its community. The inspiring, pulsating life force that began 15 years ago with a small group of artists and art appreciators has grown more than anyone could have ever imagined. A true force of motivation and support on the Web, our community is one-of-a-kind in its service to the artistic greater good. And it always has been.

Whether you take the extra moment to answer a Note from a student of art hoping to learn from you, leave a thought-provoking comment on a moving piece of art, or simply watch a deviant, you are invested in your fellow artistic man, and that has all happened naturally from day one. The fact that you're here, browsing, collecting, supporting, and creating, just because you feel that pull to change the world through your artistic contributions is an inspiration to all that there is hope for humanity, via the arts.

To use DeviantArt, you need no more than your artistic ambition and an Internet connection. Membership has always been  and will always be  free to use for all across the world. But there are instances when deviants strive to give more, as thanks for providing the framework that brought us all together. In these instances, in exchange for monetary support, we're able to focus on exciting new features, more tools to inspire, and more opportunities to let art shine. 

Just like a donation of your time or funds to a local museum makes it possible for all to reap the benefits of your generosity, so does the support to DeviantArt  it benefits all deviants.

Core Membership is a proclamation from deviants around the globe stating a material commitment to the future of DeviantArt. Core is the fuel that sustains the momentum and leads us forward to building a stable, strong future with the innovations necessary for the community to survive and thrive.  

Core Membership comes with special privileges in return for that commitment, but perhaps the greatest privilege is the knowledge that the entire community can continue to prosper and grow thanks to such generous contributions. 

Why didn’t you formally announce Core before today?
We should have.  It was a mistake to not have properly explained our belief in Core and what it means for DeviantArt.

Why did you change the name of Premium Membership to Core Membership?
While the Premium Membership was largely about special features and add-ons, the Core Membership is about supporting the community for the sake of the community itself.  Core Members will continue to receive special features and add-ons, but Core is first and foremost about helping DeviantArt sustain a stable, strong future.  We call it Core Membership because those are the deviants who sustain us at our very core, allowing benefits to radiate outward in all directions.

Does DeviantArt only care about Core Deviants?
All deviants are important and valued.  The DeviantArt community represents a cross-section of the world at large and it's thanks to our many deviant artists  both free and paid  that DeviantArt exists as it does today.

Why did you increase prices?
We believe Core Membership is worth $5.00 per month.  A three-month Core Membership is $15.00 and a twelve-month Core Membership is available at a discounted rate of $50.00.

Core Membership is too expensive.
While we don't have current plans to further discount the price of Core Membership, it is possible that we will have promotional opportunities in the future.

What if I previously had a Premium Membership?
All Premium Memberships have been converted into Core Memberships.  If you selected re-billing as a Premium Member, you will continue to be re-billed at the previous rates you enjoyed.  If you weren't enrolled in re-billing, you will not automatically be charged for a Core Membership.  Core Members enjoy the same privileges as the former Premium Members – no features or add-ons have been removed.

Why is the Core Membership symbol an orange star?
When creating the identity for Core, DeviantArt's Studio team explored a number of options relating to symbols and colors.

The Future is Now


Three months ago we launched the DeviantArt Timeline to provide the community better insight into DeviantArt's future.  The following is a condensed roadmap of what's already in the works:
  • Sept. 1st: the DeviantArt Mobile App will be updated to include Notes and notifications.
  • Sept. 2nd: the first phase of our new thumbnail grid launches.
  • Oct. 2nd: the first phase of our new Watch launches.
  • Oct. 8th: the DeviantArt Mobile App will be available for Windows phones and tablets.
  • Oct. 15th: Notes search launches.
But there's still so much more to be done.   We could translate the site into additional languages (skyrocketing traffic for artists), build advanced tools for commissions, create an art registry to establish clear proof of authorship and ownership, and so much more.  With your help, through supporting Core Membership, DeviantArt could one day enhance the lives of artists in ways we can currently only dream about.

Some deviants help the community simply by using the site – donating their time and energy to supporting their fellow artists.  And their contributions are invaluable.  But for those who have the desire and ability to support the DeviantArt community, through the Core Membership, we're able to push forward, improve, grow, and advance the art and the artists of DeviantArt.

~Heidi


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LDTV22's avatar

Is DeviantArt being greedy for money just for users to unlock customization features?