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Why are Referral threads and bribing people for referrals on the forums allowed?

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
Straight from: http://forums.startrekonline.com/announcement.php?f=167&a=2

3. Advertisements are not allowed. Generally speaking, posts made specifically for the promotion of a website, product and/or service are considered advertising. Additionally, posts that unnecessarily send people to a website with which you are in some way affiliated also may be considered advertisements. It does not matter if such website is a commercial website, personal website or non-profit website.


5. You are not allowed to post an affiliate URL that leads to you earning cash, banner impressions, credits, points and/or any other form of consideration. Such links are also not allowed in signatures and profiles, and may not be referred to in posts.


Both of these in some way, seem to imply that these kinds of posts should not be allowed. Now, before anyone jumps in, please note that I have I believe 7 upgraded accounts at the moment on my referral list with several more people planning to play. This has nothing to do with jealousy at these people trying to get referrals before me.

I just think it is strange that people are allowed to bribe others into buying STO via energy credits or perks when it seems to be a clear violation of the forum rules.

What do others think?
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Because Cryptic disregards it's own rules when it is they who benefit. Nuff said.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Ok I tried to look the other way for as long as possible but I am going to comment to keep it from getting out of hand.

    The TOS/EULA are very specific (while at the same time being vague, neat isn't it?). We do not allow account trading/sharing, and we do not allow selling in game merchandise for real money out of the game.

    This particular issue is neither of those.

    In this case the theoretical "referral" is some happy go lucky Star Trek fan who is looking to try out the STO demo. They are going to sign up anyway, nothing is going to stop them. Joseph001 is simply attempting to incentivize the use of his referral code with the promise of some in game money. He is not forceing them to purchase the game, and he is not asking for anything in return for the energy credits.

    If you break down the parts.
    Is using his referral code against the TOS? No.
    Is giving someone 1 million energy credits against the TOS? No.

    It would be the same moral ambiguity if you offered to purchase a copy of STO for your friend/family member/significant other under the stipulation that they try it for a month as your referral. Or if you offered to purchase a time card for them so they could activate their accounts and you could get the bonuses.

    Now Cryptic's stance on this subject could change. If it does then I promise nobody will get infractions for this first wave. We will simply send you PMs saying to cut it out, you will, and we will all go on our merry ways. Until that time though I do not see a problem with people looking to get more people into our game.

    Now if you don't mind there are brand new feds out there for me to devour.

    From this thread

    I think its questionable, but I don't see how it hurts anything really.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    I still have referral keys for all new players and the offer still stands. See my sig for more details.

    :cool:
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    I have plenty too that i offer from the goodness of my heart, and answers to any questions a referree may have. :p
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Because the rule against "advertisements" is quite OBVIOUSLY talking about things OTHER than STO. Of course Cryptic doesnt mind if your advertising THEIR game. As far as the thing about energy credits, the person buying the subscription isnt paying you, their paying Cryptic.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Because the rule against "advertisements" is quite OBVIOUSLY talking about things OTHER than STO. Of course Cryptic doesnt mind if your advertising THEIR game. As far as the thing about energy credits, the person buying the subscription isnt paying you, their paying Cryptic.

    I'm pretty sure that if it got obnoxious enough, with enough players complaining, Cryptic would step on it. As it is, I've only seen a handful of threads tucked away here and there, so it doesn't seem to be out of hand. The majority of folks seem to be approaching people in RL or on other boards, or are not even bothering.

    ETA: That being said, they did say that it was OK for the time being, but left themselves able to come to an alternate decision, probably based on obnoxiousness of the referral requests and their legal advisors.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    V-Mink wrote:
    I'm pretty sure that if it got obnoxious enough, with enough players complaining, Cryptic would step on it. As it is, I've only seen a handful of threads tucked away here and there, so it doesn't seem to be out of hand. The majority of folks seem to be approaching people in RL or on other boards, or are not even bothering.

    ETA: That being said, they did say that it was OK for the time being, but left themselves able to come to an alternate decision, probably based on obnoxiousness of the referral requests and their legal advisors.

    Oh I agree. However, I think the best solution is to create a "referral" board, so people can post their ads, and people interested in playing STO can find someone to refer them.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Oh I agree. However, I think the best solution is to create a "referral" board, so people can post their ads, and people interested in playing STO can find someone to refer them.

    That would work well, I think! That way it's a central clearing house.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Oh I agree. However, I think the best solution is to create a "referral" board, so people can post their ads, and people interested in playing STO can find someone to refer them.

    Agreed on it being the best solution overall. Clears the boards while still giving people who have issues with the system some method of obtaining the reards if they choose. I see it as nothing but win/win provided it stays above board.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Oh I agree. However, I think the best solution is to create a "referral" board, so people can post their ads, and people interested in playing STO can find someone to refer them.

    Best idea I've heard so far.

    :cool:
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited May 2010
    Cygnus-X-1 wrote:
    Best idea I've heard so far.

    :cool:

    There's a surprise, the most prolofic referral poster agrees with referral posts being allowed.
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