I still lean towards the side favoring accountability, primarily because clear promises were made (Anyone who donates $15 or more by...), and SOME people made donations based on those promises.
While the act of giving should ideally be motivated by a desire to support rather than receive, once a promise of compensation (in this case, prizes) is made, TO ME it becomes a matter of integrity to fulfill that promise or, at the very least, provide a clear and sincere explanation or apology for any failure to do so. Especially since it was reiterated 6 months ago that the situation would be sorted out.
If there are folks here who weren't fussed about the prizes and just wanted to donate to keep things running, that's awesome! Hats off to you! I'm genuinely pleased for you. But for those of us seeking clarity, let us get the answers from the only person who can give them: bosk1.
When you DONATE money, you can't expect 'prizes' to be 'compensation'. I think you have the meaning of that word wrong.
The issue with your reasoning is that besides asking for a DONATION of $15 or more it was PROMISED that donors would be eligible for prizes, thus 'prizes' as compensation is a valid term.
Anyone donating $15 or more will be eligible for a drawing at the end of the contest. Here are some of the prizes we have:
-Dream Theater CDs (will post specific titles later)
-Dream Theater vinyl (Images and Words, Awake, or Live at the Marquee)
-Dream Theater past tour laminates
-Item from Dream Theater's online store
-Dream Theater DVD/Blu Ray (will post specific titles later)
-Dream Theater vintage shirts
-Systematic Chaos tour book, in brand new condition
And despite that, and that the management of the band was also involved in some capacity (
"Dream Theater management has also authorized me to allow a winner or two to choose from some items in DT's official online store.") and that after 1 year and 8 months have passed the drawing has not taken place, we the DONORS that were expecting the drawing to happen as promised in the OP are still waiting for answers.
Again, and with all due respect, as some of you don't care for the prizes THAT'S FINE! I don't understand why you care so much for those who DO CARE for the drawing of the prizes, or for at least to get an answer why the drawing will not take place even after it was said 6 months ago that it will be addressed.