I know this is a tender subject, and people can get heated, so I just want to express that this is my OPINION:
With the obvious caveat that it should not lead him into a superstar lifestyle (although he deserves it :0), sitting poolside while surrounded by adoring fans and lazily drinking an ice cold margarita, I firmly believe that Tarn deserves a large suitcase full of cash. A suitcase so bursting with cold currency that he can continue to develop Dwarf Fortress without the concerns of supporting a very luxurious and comfortable lifestyle. The sort of heap of money that would allow him to do whatever he might please.
While many generous supporters do a great deal as is, I think he deserves more. Everyone reading this (except YOU, random Kotaku reader) has played and loved DF for a good while now. We eagerly check the development page, hopefully anticipating the glorious new release. We pour over the forums, looking for and giving out answers as needed. We revel in the fantastic world that is Dwarf Fortress, and we love every minute of it.
But I am not satisfied. Though I am near bursting with earnest enthusiasm as I introduce strangers to this incredible game, I find myself, more often than I can bear, looking into the face of sullen rejection. How many of us have hefted the stout axe of the gameplay argument in defense of the attack against graphics? How many of us have handed out the promises of distant fulfillment while patiently urging newcomers to just keep climbing that learning curve?
It is easy for us to shrug it off. After all, we are the DF players. If they do not like it, then more game for us, right?
This argument has become unacceptable. This game is too amazing to jealously hoard. The wonder is too great not to share. The very IDEA behind Dwarf Fortress needs to be spread across the community of gaming developers. Everyone who overcomes the learning curve and can handle the graphics comes to love and cherish this game. And therein lies the problem.
It is a sad fact that we are here, in a world where graphics have become so important, where wonderful gameplay can be cast to the wayside in favor of shiny baubles. But we are here nonetheless. Concessions must be made. To earn Tarn that suitcase full of cash that he deserves, this game must be made more accessible. It must be made available to those who need graphics. There are, of course, those who will not be able to handle the depth. As any community of players grows large enough, there will be those who are naysayers. But the potential reward to be reaped by opening this game up to the masses, by spreading the glory of DF to everyone, is unquestionable.
So please. Keep toiling. Keep working your incredible, beautiful magic. Keep throwing your all into this outstandingly amazing project.
And Tarn, if you happen to read this, please consider lending your all-important stamp of approval to this project. I believe laying the groundwork for that bridge to a larger audience is incredibly important. And Scamps could use a gold water bowl.