No, I'm actually 100% right. Look up giveaway/contest rules in the EU, then look them up in the US, then Canada, then Asia. They are all different. While smirk may be somewhat correct, that cost is a limiting factor, there is also rules governing physical items for contests and giveaways by corporations.
Not that i participated in that giveway but how much is the cost anyway?I bought a complete interior for a trans am and to get it to europe from California I paid 150$.How much can it cost for a keyboard lol
So what you're saying is that either Smirk knew that the prizes couldn't go outside the US and deliberately misinformed customers or that he was clueless that the prizes couldn't go outside the US and so accidentally misinformed customers. Neither of those options gives a good impression.
Hardly. Their might be mitigating factors involved. They might of had permission to do it but cost was a factor, he might of thought its okay, he might not know their are laws involved. It could have been alienware that set the guidelines. It could also be literally fine but costs. The only reason I know their are laws involved is because I've had to deal with it which is why I bring it up.
Yes, I'm that Askray@Batbayer in game. Yes, I still play. No, I don't care. Former Community Moderator, Former SSR DJ, Now Full time father to two kids, Husband, Retail Worker. Tiktok: @Askray Facebook: Askray113
So much hate over codes that were redeemed in 10 secs... askray, I'd close this one up... even if it's a tread from devs... no feedback here just 25+ pages of hate/flame/trolls.
So much hate over codes that were redeemed in 10 secs... askray, I'd close this one up... even if it's a tread from devs... no feedback here just 25+ pages of hate/flame/trolls.
I agree, we've all seen enough. Let's move on and enjoy the game!
So much hate over codes that were redeemed in 10 secs... askray, I'd close this one up... even if it's a tread from devs... no feedback here just 25+ pages of hate/flame/trolls.
Oh there is a lot of feedback here.
Much of it entirely germane to the business of running future livestreams.
Things were done badly this time, very badly.
The fact that there are 25+ pages basically saying this means something.
Feedback isn't always welcome. Last time I gave it, I was deleted. I guess a well laid out, articulated solution was not what was being looked for. Although venting and complaints seemed to be fine.
1. Event one: Was a failure and they made no attempts at restitution. They should have and still could. PW employees can still read deleted posts, there is one out there with a suggested solution.
2. Event two: Was another failure for the reasons list before this post so I won't go through them again. The solution. Use the same method I suggested for the first failure and give the attendees an account wide RMC unlock.
3. Learn from the multitude of mistakes and don't make them again going forward. These include but are not limited too: encouraging spamming in the chat, not meeting self imposed time lines, not giving out promised giveaways, not giving out the giveaway item you said you were, not having characters or ships prepared for the missions you intend to show off, blaming others for your mistakes and not pretesting the event plan to ensure you can enter the intended areas or use the intended equipment.
Feedback isn't always welcome. Last time I gave it, I was deleted. I guess a well laid out, articulated solution was not what was being looked for. Although venting and complaints seemed to be fine.
1. Event one: Was a failure and they made no attempts at restitution. They should have and still could. PW employees can still read deleted posts, there is one out there with a suggested solution.
2. Event two: Was another failure for the reasons list before this post so I won't go through them again. The solution. Use the same method I suggested for the first failure and give the attendees an account wide RMC unlock.
3. Learn from the multitude of mistakes and don't make them again going forward. These include but are not limited too: encouraging spamming in the chat, not meeting self imposed time lines, not giving out promised giveaways, not giving out the giveaway item you said you were, not having characters or ships prepared for the missions you intend to show off, blaming others for your mistakes and not pretesting the event plan to ensure you can enter the intended areas or use the intended equipment.
1. Event One - STO does not control TWITCH; so when the feed goes done, STO is just as much a victim of unforeseen circumstances. Even though it failed before completing the code giveaway for the Holo-Leeta, they still provided the code on Twitter (which is how I got it and I say thank you),
2. Event Two - Again, tech issues occurred and once they were up, the crew (which came in on a weekend) gave a good show of showing the new stuff and rewarding participants; which did include the code for the RMC (account-wide access after claimining). The one fault, which they recognized, was the small number of allotted items for the two grab-bag items (Section 31 and Oberth). Still, the intent was with good intentions and they then provided ZEN to make up for the shortfall. All in all, the STO team deserve an applause and a thank you for sticking to their plan despite justifiable reasons to cancel the second show. Good job, folks.
To put this into perspective, the gifts were worth 850 zen or $8.50. Both the prizes were given away before.
Now consider they expect me to outlay $125 for the new pack and yet, they can't give out $8.50 worth of stuff to everyone at the live stream. And the RMC was just a blatant lie.
I think I'll reconsider my Delta pack purchase and any that I will make in the future, no more keys, no more C-Store ships.
It's about customer satisfaction. All Crypitic seem to do is want more and more money for little in return. Personally I'm sick of it.
I occasionally play other MMO's. It seems when they crash or the server goes down, they reward the players with a bonus. On this game you get told to **** off and to just be happy it's running at all.
I was one of STO's biggest supporters. Now, I think I'll go spend my money with someone who appreciates it.
All because you are liars and too stingy to give away $8.50 worth of stuff.
1. Twitch did not go down. They blew their servers. But my solution ensured that was not an issue.
2. The RMC was not account wide. That is what they said it was but it was single character only.
Who needs the facts when you can make stuff up I guess.
You know all this hate over a live stream giveaway. The item was a freebie the ones you should be shouting at are the ones who started spamming it all over social media. Now I know cryptic lied in the past and I do not support the game with real money due to this but I believe these live streams should be given codes either at the end and limited to one hour then only people who really watch the live stream can claim it or due them as prizes rather than freebies. If that doesn't stop the whiners then stop giving prizes loads of games do live streams and don't give prizes and due to the whining on this forum cryptic may decide to do this. No I didn't get the rmc as I missed the live stream and to be honest it doesn't bother me.
NO TO ARC
Vice Admiral Volmack ISS Thundermole
Brigadier General Jokag IKS Gorkan
Centurion Kares RRW Tomalak
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
I actually feel kind of bad, for Smirk and Trendy here. I'm may be just an old TRIBBLE, but I've always felt that a man's word is his bond. I figure they both must feel like TRIBBLE over this, as I know I would, If I had said something, and then it was changed under with out me knowing it.
Am I upset, about the RMC? well maybe a tiny bit, but it's nothing to loose ones head over. If anything, I'd be more ticked off at the people who made the change without telling them in time to make the announcement to us on the live stream.
But what can they do? Get mad and get fired? Hell, they have other responsibilities just like we all do. Would we throw away our jobs , even if we are in a horrible position with the community now, a situation that was not even our fault? I don't think so, I kind of like spoiling my grandkids, I don't know if they have kids or family, but even if they are on their lonesome, they still have bills to pay.
I just can't get as mad at them I suppose, as some here, but hey, everyone looks at things differently, and I get that. It takes all kinds.
My mother always told me to walk away from a fight, The Marines taught me how.
As I said earlier in the thread, I think Kate was an excellent guest for the stream and Trendy was her usual funny self in chat but I think the streams themselves could be handled better.
Am I miffed that the R&D pack from the previous livestream snaffu didn't get given out? Yes (especially since it will contain new shinies to help with upgrading). Will that stop me watching another livestream? Probably not. Do I still feel justified in being miffed after a couple of days cooling down? Actually, not as much towards the stream itself but definitely towards the people who made changes/decisions that affected all but the quickest and luckiest.
Smirk and Trendy are the community's front line of communication and for them to not know in advance of a change to a prize/correct details to a prize is just so incredible as to beggar belief. For us to be told it was our fault a code got changed is unacceptable. Telling us IN ADVANCE that a code is being given out in a particular way to prevent people getting it despite NOT watching the stream is fine. Information is key here.
Spam in the chat is too much. Things scroll by so fast, and there is such a delay, that many of us simply cannot copy and paste any limited number code fast enough to have an even chance of getting 1 of 500 prizes when there's 3500+ of us. People spamming the prize word more than once need to be told that only one entry per user is accepted and extra entries will be cancelled (or better yet, result in the first entry being voided - harsh but it might cut down on the number of people repeating themselves and flooding chat). Since there is a delay, many people might genuinely believe they didn't enter the code and be doing it twice simply to make sure. Maybe a system where the code needs to be sent by private message to keep chat clean would work?
This weeks stream broke all previous records for an STO stream and then some... something to be proud of. First hitting 3000, then 3500 and at one point I swear it climbed so fast I thought we were going to hit 4000.
Maybe in future, and to prevent codes being "spammed across all channels" the powers that be could limit the number of items available to their target number of viewers? Say they want to hit 4000 viewers for the first time. Advertise, IN ADVANCE, that they intend to make it the biggest show yet and that there will only be 4000 of each item to give away. I guarantee you that people watching the show will be far less likely to give the code to friends/fleetmates not watching the show if they know there's a chance they won't get one themselves... human nature being inherently selfish.
500 Oberth codes, even for a viewer figure of the previous weeks levels (2500+) is harsh for a Tier 1 ship. As is 500 section 31 costumes, since that was given out previously as well and was not limited (I got one, thank you Smirk). They've given out better prizes to the entire playerbase just for logging in over the summer giveaway.
I actually like the idea of codes being limited to during the show as this encourages viewers to actually watch the show to make sure they get the code. It might even boost viewing figures further (I would be thrilled to see viewer numbers hit 5000). Once PWE realise this is a marketing tool, maybe they'll invest more into it and we'll get better organised streams, better prizes, more dev interaction and more GOOEY AFTERBURN!
Quote of the evening, btw, goes out to CaptainSmirk...
"Ew, goo all over me!"
"...we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than the things that divide us.”
Jo Cox 22.6.1974 - 16.6.2016
You know all this hate over a live stream giveaway. The item was a freebie the ones you should be shouting at are the ones who started spamming it all over social media. Now I know cryptic lied in the past and I do not support the game with real money due to this but I believe these live streams should be given codes either at the end and limited to one hour then only people who really watch the live stream can claim it or due them as prizes rather than freebies. If that doesn't stop the whiners then stop giving prizes loads of games do live streams and don't give prizes and due to the whining on this forum cryptic may decide to do this. No I didn't get the rmc as I missed the live stream and to be honest it doesn't bother me.
You know, at first glance I kind of agreed that it's partly the fault of those spamming social media, but in thinking about it... not really.
Just as it isn't Smirk or Trendy that are at fault for misinformation since they themselves were not given correct information, those that sent out the codes or posted about the Livestream are not at fault either. At no point in the News article or Livestream were we told not to post on social media, nor were there any warnings even in the Forum thread (I had to go back and look, since I was actually watching the Livestream :P) that listed the code. If anything, the goal of any giveaway or promotion of this sort is to generate PR... you give away swag so that people start talking about it, about your company, about the message you're delivering. For companies, folks spamming social media about the cool thing they are doing is gold, and a whole lot cheaper than any other form of advertisement.
Look at it this way: unless PWE is still making and shipping new Collector's Editions, they gain nothing from having the Red Matter Capacitor sitting around in some Amazon vendor's warehouse. Since they allow full download of the game via the web, albeit requiring downloading Arc first... yeah, they probabaly aren't manufacturing new hardcopies. So, giving away a dormant but sought-after digital asset is a wonderful way to gain positive buzz, get folks tweeting, maybe even getting folks to log into Twitch or watch a recap... all without undercutting their own C-Store sales by offering an asset otherwise available in the C-Store.
And then they modify the code. Clever, that. Yes, we do have confirmation that it was modified (my thanks to monkeybone13), and without any warning to Smirk or Trendy based on what we were told during the actual Livestream. Smirk went to his own character to check when Livestream viewers reported the change to him (amongst the wave of raffle spam), and Trendy was in the Livestream playing along and running the raffles for nice things.
Those two deserve an apology, plus bacon/beer/coffee in whatever quantity and combination they desire, and we should get the account unlock as it was originally intended rather than the knee-jerk alteration because they generated the social media buzz they wanted. :rolleyes:
With each passing day I wonder if I stepped into an alternate reality. The Cubs win the world series. Donald Trump is President. Britain leaves the EU. STO gets a dedicated PvP season. Engineers are "out of control" in STO.
I'd just thought I'd throw in there, that I remember smirk saying that if he couldn't get the keyboard to the winner they would sort out a digital prize of equal value.
...
Just as it isn't Smirk or Trendy that are at fault for misinformation since they themselves were not given correct information, those that sent out the codes or posted about the Livestream are not at fault either.
...
And then they modify the code. Clever, that. Yes, it was modified, and without any warning to Smirk or Trendy based on what we were told during the actual Livestream. Smirk went to his own character to check when Livestream viewers reported the change to him (amongst the wave of raffle spam).
Those two deserve an apology, plus bacon/beer/coffee in whatever quantity and combination they desire, and we should get the account unlock as it was originally intended rather than the knee-jerk alteration because they generated the social media buzz they wanted. :rolleyes:
See, that screenshot you posted is exactly why some people are pissed at Trendy.
Yes, Smirk and Trendy were given false information (or the information/code got changed after it was handed to them).
Smirk said several times during the livestream that the RMC code was for an account wide unlock. Of course at that time nobody could test it, because holodeck was still down.
Then holodeck came back up, people tried to claim their RMC, and found out it was a single unlock that was character bind-on-pickup.
Smirk still didn't want to believe it, because he had been told otherwise. So then he went onto holodeck and tried out the code, and was as surprised as we were that this was not an account wide unlock.
So I agree that CaptainSmirk is completely blameless in this matter.
That post from Trendy however is really disgusting. Trying to shift the blame for a f***up from some anonymous PWE-drone who messed up the code to the playerbase is just WRONG. Put it down to "internal miscommunication" or whatever, just DO NOT try to blame the playerbase for your own mistakes.
For all I know it really could have been a hypothetical internal miscommunication:
PWE pencilpusher to CaptainSmirk: "You know, this time we could change the code for the RMC you always give out to an open unlock! But to compensate it would be a single character unlock."
Smirk to PPP (distracted): "Good idea, people love those RMCs. Getting one to all our viewers is really going to push our numbers on twitch, marketing is going to love this."
Or maybe it was the other way around, and our hypothetical PWE pencil pusher was distracted and forgot to mention that an open code would only be a single character unlock.
The problem is what might have very well been an honest mistake got blown up by
a) not standing up and admitting it,
b) trying to shift blame to the playerbase.
(and c) not fixing the mistake by changing the code to what was promised. This would have been a really great gesture/apology and instead of all this cr*p, people would be proclaiming their love for Smirk/Trendy/Cryptic/PWE).
So reading all of this what was said, clearly shows that someone knew something. RMC prior to the holodeck patch was valid and planned to be a wide open account access. Now you have RMC code redeem and you go into the C-Store to claim the prize and learn it's for one account access and not the wide account access as you were told in live-stream event it was.
During the patch of the holodeck server is the key evidence to who or whom made the last ditch effort to limit RMC to one account access only changing what was mention prior to the patch during the live-stream. All parties involved in that decision should come forth and explain why it happen.
The only ones that loose out on the RMC wide account access is the fans, players of STO who wanted to support the live-stream last on 9.27.14 by showing up to reach 2,000 mark.
As for me, I had wanted the RMC but I never knew it was suppose to be wide account access and they decided to give us the RMC as the requirement of 2,000 attendances was fulfilled! So my point in all of this is they (I don't like to mention names as out of respect to those involved here) need to make things right and give us what was intended by the actions of those who are involved live-stream process. It's just not two individuals! There are more individuals which are not mentioned here who are involved!
In all business decisions, can be judge in ways that might not suit everyone who had participated in this live-stream but this item the RMC plays an important part of STO. Cost aside if you as a company offer any item or items for free, then tell everyone it's free! Make the offer that it's wide spread account access to your account! Then you should make good on that offer to those individuals, who had taken time out of the daily actives to show-up for the live-streaming event for such item.
So there was an intent, but only if they could gather enough STO members to show-up on 9.27.14 so they could have reached their goal of 2,000. There has to be someone else involved here who made hastily decisions (at the last minute) to change the offer! Then had the team involved in the Holodeck patch to make the offer not valid for wide account access but only for limited account access.
See, that screenshot you posted is exactly why some people are pissed at Trendy.
Yes, Smirk and Trendy were given false information (or the information/code got changed after it was handed to them).
Smirk said several times during the livestream that the RMC code was for an account wide unlock. Of course at that time nobody could test it, because holodeck was still down.
Then holodeck came back up, people tried to claim their RMC, and found out it was a single unlock that was character bind-on-pickup.
Smirk still didn't want to believe it, because he had been told otherwise. So then he went onto holodeck and tried out the code, and was as surprised as we were that this was not an account wide unlock.
So I agree that CaptainSmirk is completely blameless in this matter.
That post from Trendy however is really disgusting. Trying to shift the blame for a f***up from some anonymous PWE-drone who messed up the code to the playerbase is just WRONG. Put it down to "internal miscommunication" or whatever, just DO NOT try to blame the playerbase for your own mistakes.
For all I know it really could have been a hypothetical internal miscommunication:
PWE pencilpusher to CaptainSmirk: "You know, this time we could change the code for the RMC you always give out to an open unlock! But to compensate it would be a single character unlock."
Smirk to PPP (distracted): "Good idea, people love those RMCs. Getting one to all our viewers is really going to push our numbers on twitch, marketing is going to love this."
Or maybe it was the other way around, and our hypothetical PWE pencil pusher was distracted and forgot to mention that an open code would only be a single character unlock.
The problem is what might have very well been an honest mistake got blown up by
a) not standing up and admitting it,
b) trying to shift blame to the playerbase.
(and c) not fixing the mistake by changing the code to what was promised. This would have been a really great gesture/apology and instead of all this cr*p, people would be proclaiming their love for Smirk/Trendy/Cryptic/PWE).
It was my screenshot actually.
Just to clear things up; my intention for posting the screenshot of what Trendy said in ESD wasn't to get people upset at her. I posted the screenshot to inform people that a dev actually gave a reason for changing the RMC to a single character item. Like Trendy and Smirk, I was merely passing on information to the players.
Trendy and Smirk can pass on our feedback to the higher ups, but I don't think either of them have the power to make such a decision in the game as to change an item to a single character unlock.
I've been watching the live streams, and while there were issues before, the last 2 have simply highlighted the worst offending issues.
As for the stream on Sept. 18th I think someone just felt "well we will just wait till next time".
I don't think they could not make up a new code, they just simply didn't want to devote any time to it. (totally their prerogative to choose to fix it or wait till next time and fix it then). Not being able to make a new code up on Monday morning and giving it to the list of users viewing the chat would be simple enough, I'm sure they have archive turned on (You do don't you?!) and getting the names of users from the log is as easy as parsing. Then simply make the new code and message those users. DO NOT RELY ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO REWARD THOSE USERS! Some of us do not use any social media! (I for one do not use any social media IE facecrap, twits, that picture one like twitter, i cant remember the name. lol)
As for this weekends stream....
First let me thank the team for coming in on the weekend. I hope you got overtime for it (if not, you should now! ) and Thanks to Kate for joining. The creepy factor for surface tension was a nice change of pace when I played it through the first time!
I think the biggest issue would be communication period. Not just simply between Smirk/(helper) and the higher ups, but also between Smirk & helper, and between Smirk/(helper) and us the viewers.
Smirk/(helper) and the higher ups: Before every stream there should be a constant flow of information between these 2 entities. Even if only over the phone. Giveaways should be made absolutely clear to all parties, and it should be asked for each and everyone of the giveaways "Are the parameters of this gift clear?". If someone says no, make it clear. This should be done at the minimum for 24 hours before the stream.
Smirk & helper: the flow of the stream should be followed completely. If you say you will announce the keywords both in video and chat then do so and at the same time. Do not say that and then have the keyword come out on video 2 minutes after the chat. (Some people ignore chat and focus on video only). Keywords need to be agreed upon *before* the stream. Don't let the fans/customers/friends/viewers decide. (reason will be made clear with Twitch Giveaway)
Smirk/helper & "us": At the beginning of each stream announce the rules! Don't leave us in the dark stumbling around like drunken idiots. There are rules to each stream, the first one I watched I could not believe no one had reiterated them. Are we allowed to let others that were not viewing know the codes?? is it only allowed to my 500 player fleet members only?? if we are allowed to let others know, are we banned from announcing it on Local & Zone chats?? See many rules do apply even without getting to the actual gifts and processes themselves. Is there a limit to entries for keywords?! Kill the spam guys, set a limit and let us know (I suggest any more then 1 entry and you are disqualified) this not only kills spam, but also allows the "Host/Hosts" to see when every entry is done.
You as an entity that is holding a raffle are using a random generator for winners correct?! if not I see many issues rising from this. Kill favoritism, distrust, and complaining by using a script like "Twitch Giveaways", and let US know the rules. 1 entry and only 1, cool! You will message us the code for the prize, cool! (To see how to use this if you aren't already: Read Here. *If links to other forums are not allowed, please mod, let smirk and anyone else know what it is before removing*)
Gift Rules: This falls under communication really, but it's such a problem it needs it's own section. If you are going to limit the number of gifts, then limit the number of a gift to the total viewers, NOT a random number that has no chance of changing because no one can get an "OK" from someone to change the number! (Easy fix, give Smirk the abaility to change the number of a gift based on viewers!) Obviously big gifts like the DR pack would be set before the stream based on expected turnouts and should not be changed unless turnout goes over by at least 100%, if at all. All of this would eliminate the problems faced with the RMC of this weekend. You could full unlock, cancel code after stream, and all your problems are solved as well as following your word, and keeping the fan base happy.
As for players that are arguing the the RMC should NOT be full unlock, let me ask this: Should this game be free?? I remember people paying for this game. now it's free.... See the point? Another point, Without new players the player base will start falling off. This would be deadly to the game. No new content because it's not a good business model to pay people for a game that does not generate good revenue. New users = new money. Would you rather other players get a free full unlock RMC or the game shut down? Giving gifts like these out are a great way to increase the user base, and promote sales. Think about it, if they gave away a Bellerophon class skin, it would prompt you to purchase the vessel....
I'm not saying the game will fail because of the RMC problem of this weekend, I'm simply using it at an example (extreme yes, but the point is valid). I know this weekend cost PWE/Cryptic $374.97 USD. I was going to buy the new expansion pack for myself, my son, and my daughter. As a direct result of the past couple streams I will not be purchasing anything. Bugs, streams, & lack of control in game makes me wonder how much longer it will remain up and I'm simply not willing to gamble 300 + dollars on it. My mind was not made up until I saw Trendy's post in chat. At that point I decided not to spend my cash here. This is NOT trendy's fault, her chat dialog simply illuminated a problem I had not seen till that time. They (the higher ups) used us to put blame on. There were no rules laid out, yet we are getting penalized for a rule that was broken!
You want my business back, and the rest of the people that feel as I do? Then unlock RMC, take blame, and fix the issues. That would go a long way to mending broken trust.
No one should be mad at Trendy or Smirk, I'm sure they were just as in the dark as the rest of us. We shouldn't even be mad at the people who spread the code via social media. We should be mad at the faceless, nameless PWE employee who decided that the code needed to be changed. I'll tell you why.
1. They know that the RMC is one of the most sought after items. That's why they've constantly used it as an incentive to get people into their live streams. The few streams I've watched have had them as prizes in the raffles.
2. They knew that the code was going to go out via social media. If they didn't they haven't paid any attention to past codes. At all. I mean total willful ignorance. This was one of the stated reasons Smirk said that the code would be limited to redemption to the length of the livestream. Once the livestream was down, the code would be cut off.
Those two reasons are enough to make me realize that it wasn't Smirk or Trendy's fault, but it also wasn't our fault, or the fault of those who used social media to spread the code. It's a duplicitous action by a person higher up the food chain than Smirk or Trendy.
Am I mad that it's a single character redemption? It depends. I won't if redeeming this code for 1 didn't make it so I can't redeem another code for another RMC. If this prevents me from being able to get another code, I am mad.
On the subject of limited redemption codes like the Section 31 Uniform and Oberth, if this is way they are going to hand out freebies in the future livestreams I will be giving up on watching them. Even if they up the code a number of redemptions based on how many users are in the chat, a great number of people in the streams will be left out. Between the lag on twitch and the users spamming whatever they think the code for the next raffle is I will never be able to redeem one in time. I had the Oberth code copy/pasted within 3 seconds of Smirk putting it into chat and by then all the codes had been redeemed. I didn't even see the code for the Section 31 uniform because of spam. Thankfully I got that from the livestream before last when they handed it out to everyone.
I've been on the prior live-stream where the codes were given out but the rest of the codes wasn't because of the drop live-stream feed. So we all where told there would be another live-stream to make up for that one.
So here we ago again but this time there was other factors going on behind the scenes while this live-stream was suppose to start at 1 PM PST. While everyone was waiting/chating at 11 am PST prior to that start time some had reported that the holodeck server was offline.
Now what was really going on? After 1 hr has past, they had finally got on the live-stream. They weren't at the 2,000 yet! But when the did reach that target mark the codes for RMC was going to be typed in (which to me they need to display on the live-stream video instead) chat box (which isn't good because it can get bump-up and you won't see it. They every one types it into the chat.
So you have RMC code, you have to redeem it while the live-stream event is going on at the same time and your given time to do that. Not like the other 2 codes that seem to be limited access or limited number to registered sto members by chance.
They already know what was said when the live-stream started and the story changed at the end of the live-stream. They do need to make things right with the RMC for full unlock on your account so your FED, ROM, KDF an etc can use Red Matter Capacitor
Ugh 30 pages giving out about the RMC console? Not gonna go through that, it was mess up, but well, I can live with that.
There was one thing I noticed in the stream/bug hunt mission, that I didnt like. The way rewards were given out at the end - all the rewards given as option, so you either choose expertise, skill points, marks, dilithium, whatever there is.
I DO NOT LIKE THIS CHANGE, dilithium should be given out on any PvE mission, even the measly 240 dilithium ore and the rest can be option. Run stf, but you will have to choose between 960 dilithium or marks? Come on, dilithium sinks are so many in this game, dont limit its income any more.
All the codes given out during the stream are now either redeemed to their limit or cut off.
Sadly, these code were posted in the Forums, on Reddit and Twitter without the information that they would only be limited redemption or made inactive after the show went off the air.
Sorry that this info wasn't passed out by the users who shared the code while we were broadcasting.
In the future we will make sure to utilize the raffle system more exclusively.
Hopefully the next time we livestream it won't be when you are working
What about us people who could watch the livestream but not be at our comps to put the code in, are we just getting the Shaft for participating?
This is very bad trend and will make sure that I dont't attend again as normally I cannot be at home when these things are going on. I would suggest a rethinking on this for those of us that can't be on Twitch and on Arc at the same time.
It woulda been nice to know that the RMC was toon bound BEFORE I claimed it, now it's bound to an almost dormant toon that just happened to be the first one I launched when the servers came up.
Can I blame anyone but myself for doing anything in this game without waiting weeks after an item comes out to allow patches to fix it, or doing weeks of research first to assure that I do something right the first time. Tho I can say the twitch chat spam was the most epic insanity I've ever witnessed live on the internet. That was the first time I ever attended one of these events and might be my last.
Just to clear things up; my intention for posting the screenshot of what Trendy said in ESD wasn't to get people upset at her. I posted the screenshot to inform people that a dev actually gave a reason for changing the RMC to a single character item. Like Trendy and Smirk, I was merely passing on information to the players.
Trendy and Smirk can pass on our feedback to the higher ups, but I don't think either of them have the power to make such a decision in the game as to change an item to a single character unlock.
The bottom line is, don't shoot the messenger.
Yes, that... and in such a more concise manner that my typically verbose posts. Hmmm... I'll go back and maybe link your link so it's a bit more clear... my intent was merely to clarify that the code was changed from its original intended form. Since both Smirk and Trendy were actually running the Livestream, it's unlikely they were passing notes or something telling their cohorts, "Neuter the unlock while I tell them it's account wide. It'll be cool, they won't notice."
With each passing day I wonder if I stepped into an alternate reality. The Cubs win the world series. Donald Trump is President. Britain leaves the EU. STO gets a dedicated PvP season. Engineers are "out of control" in STO.
Just to clear things up; my intention for posting the screenshot of what Trendy said in ESD wasn't to get people upset at her. I posted the screenshot to inform people that a dev actually gave a reason for changing the RMC to a single character item. Like Trendy and Smirk, I was merely passing on information to the players.
Trendy and Smirk can pass on our feedback to the higher ups, but I don't think either of them have the power to make such a decision in the game as to change an item to a single character unlock.
The bottom line is, don't shoot the messenger.
As "Community Management Specialist" Trendy really should know better than to LIE to the playerbase and try to shift blame to the playerbase.
Even if she got ordered to do so.
Because the end result is that what could have been some nice PR for the game turned into some really ****ty PR for the game.
Let's reiterate the (theoretical) options:
a) Properly inform the devs doing the livestream that the RMC code will unlock a single RMC for every account using that code, with no limitation on the number of accounts. Result: good PR
b) Intentionally give out account wide RMC unlocks for everyone watching the livestream. Result: excellent PR
c) Give out single RMC unlock codes, but tell players that it is account wide (this is what happened). Apologize for the miscommunication (this did not happen). Result: good PR, some ruffled feathers
d) Give out singe RMC unlock codes, but tell players that it is account wide. Blame players. Result: PR disaster
Of all the ways this could have been handled cryptic chose the worst possible option. Of course this could still be salvaged by an apology and changing the unlock. Not that I'm expecting cryptic/PWE to do that, because that would be a nice thing to do and show that we are not just idiots who need to be milked for cash at every opportunity.
edit because of what breadandcircuses wrote:
I don't blame Smirk. It was totally obvious he was as surprised as the players that the code had been changed.
I also don't blame Trendy for the changed code. She also quite clearly had no idea what was going on.
I do blame Trendy for trying to shift the blame for the change to the players. If she had said "there was some internal miscommunication, the code was always intended as a singe unlock" people would have been disappointed, but we would have accepted it.
Or she could have said exactly what she did say, only with an "I have been informed..." or "I am supposed to tell you..." in front of it, and maybe a smiley after it. Just to make it obvious that everybody knows this is a blatant lie, but the decision happened above her paygrade and she really is just the messenger and she actually is on our side (and covering her rear end in all directions).
I also don't believe they intended to give out false information. Remember, Holodeck went down just before the Livestream, the RMC codes were given out and only valid during the Livestream, the patch that changed the RMC codes to single item unlocks was applied while Holodeck was down, and Holodeck came back online with a ~6 hr rollback near the end of the Livestream. Despite what Trendy was told and... ...relayed to us, it is convenient that the server was down and could be patched when the (limited duration and Arc required) code was "spammed across all channels". It looks more like someone made a knee jerk decision and didn't read in Smirk and Trendy, it was miscoded and they were later given clever "justification" for that miscoding, the patch did something unanticipated and moved the unlock to the wrong section of the C-Store (and the prior link still applies), or that the server was brought down just in case the code was "spammed across all channels" and it turns out it was. Yeah the last of those four is mostly just gunning for the Tinfoil Hat costume unlock Smirk leaked on Twitter, bit the others seem rather likely.
I highly doubt that Smirk or Trendy are the ones responsible for the change, nor were they likely privy to it before they were made aware of the single item unlock status by Livestream viewers rather than their own coworkers. Those coworkers should be required to abstain from all bacon and coffee for a month, instead giving it to our CMs as an apology for leaving them in the dark while they were live with their viewers. A Gibbs smack from Smirk and Trendy might also be warranted for all responsible for the change, whether intended or simply "justified" after the fact, as a wake up call...
Yeah, based on what Trendy relayed to us (see above), Smirk did know how they were supposed to be scripted and they were in fact changed while nobody (Smirk included) had access to Holodeck.
Yes, I am defending Smirk and Trendy in this case as I don't believe they are where the fault lies. That does not mean I am at all impressed by the handling of the giveaway or the stealth change that even Smirk and Trendy were left in the dark about. At a bare minimum those that watched the Livestream should be given the full account unock it was originally intended to be.
Surely you're not suggesting PWE would knowingly do a 'bait and switch", are you ? It IS rather convenient that they 'stealithly' patch the RMC to a single toon unlock while the servers were crashed from a very rare issue AND rolled back 6 hours when they did come back online. So not only we're the RMC's 'fixed' but players lost hours of progress, many lost very rare upgrades,very rare purchases, VR item drops and possible zen and EC losses.
Considering what MANY lost with the rollback, the RMC account wide unlock would've been a nice 'gift' .
Comments
all I see is 30 pages of people ******** about codes.....
Not that i participated in that giveway but how much is the cost anyway?I bought a complete interior for a trans am and to get it to europe from California I paid 150$.How much can it cost for a keyboard lol
Hardly. Their might be mitigating factors involved. They might of had permission to do it but cost was a factor, he might of thought its okay, he might not know their are laws involved. It could have been alienware that set the guidelines. It could also be literally fine but costs. The only reason I know their are laws involved is because I've had to deal with it which is why I bring it up.
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I agree, we've all seen enough. Let's move on and enjoy the game!
Oh there is a lot of feedback here.
Much of it entirely germane to the business of running future livestreams.
Things were done badly this time, very badly.
The fact that there are 25+ pages basically saying this means something.
It's not 25+ pages of sharply divided opinion.
It's 25+ pages of pretty much a consensus.
That means something, or should do.
Feedback isn't always welcome. Last time I gave it, I was deleted. I guess a well laid out, articulated solution was not what was being looked for. Although venting and complaints seemed to be fine.
1. Event one: Was a failure and they made no attempts at restitution. They should have and still could. PW employees can still read deleted posts, there is one out there with a suggested solution.
2. Event two: Was another failure for the reasons list before this post so I won't go through them again. The solution. Use the same method I suggested for the first failure and give the attendees an account wide RMC unlock.
3. Learn from the multitude of mistakes and don't make them again going forward. These include but are not limited too: encouraging spamming in the chat, not meeting self imposed time lines, not giving out promised giveaways, not giving out the giveaway item you said you were, not having characters or ships prepared for the missions you intend to show off, blaming others for your mistakes and not pretesting the event plan to ensure you can enter the intended areas or use the intended equipment.
1. Event One - STO does not control TWITCH; so when the feed goes done, STO is just as much a victim of unforeseen circumstances. Even though it failed before completing the code giveaway for the Holo-Leeta, they still provided the code on Twitter (which is how I got it and I say thank you),
2. Event Two - Again, tech issues occurred and once they were up, the crew (which came in on a weekend) gave a good show of showing the new stuff and rewarding participants; which did include the code for the RMC (account-wide access after claimining). The one fault, which they recognized, was the small number of allotted items for the two grab-bag items (Section 31 and Oberth). Still, the intent was with good intentions and they then provided ZEN to make up for the shortfall. All in all, the STO team deserve an applause and a thank you for sticking to their plan despite justifiable reasons to cancel the second show. Good job, folks.
Now consider they expect me to outlay $125 for the new pack and yet, they can't give out $8.50 worth of stuff to everyone at the live stream. And the RMC was just a blatant lie.
I think I'll reconsider my Delta pack purchase and any that I will make in the future, no more keys, no more C-Store ships.
It's about customer satisfaction. All Crypitic seem to do is want more and more money for little in return. Personally I'm sick of it.
I occasionally play other MMO's. It seems when they crash or the server goes down, they reward the players with a bonus. On this game you get told to **** off and to just be happy it's running at all.
I was one of STO's biggest supporters. Now, I think I'll go spend my money with someone who appreciates it.
All because you are liars and too stingy to give away $8.50 worth of stuff.
Nope.
character only unlock, despite Smirks actual words.
What world do you live in?
1. Twitch did not go down. They blew their servers. But my solution ensured that was not an issue.
2. The RMC was not account wide. That is what they said it was but it was single character only.
Who needs the facts when you can make stuff up I guess.
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I think this is a good compromise.
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Am I upset, about the RMC? well maybe a tiny bit, but it's nothing to loose ones head over. If anything, I'd be more ticked off at the people who made the change without telling them in time to make the announcement to us on the live stream.
But what can they do? Get mad and get fired? Hell, they have other responsibilities just like we all do. Would we throw away our jobs , even if we are in a horrible position with the community now, a situation that was not even our fault? I don't think so, I kind of like spoiling my grandkids, I don't know if they have kids or family, but even if they are on their lonesome, they still have bills to pay.
I just can't get as mad at them I suppose, as some here, but hey, everyone looks at things differently, and I get that. It takes all kinds.
Am I miffed that the R&D pack from the previous livestream snaffu didn't get given out? Yes (especially since it will contain new shinies to help with upgrading). Will that stop me watching another livestream? Probably not. Do I still feel justified in being miffed after a couple of days cooling down? Actually, not as much towards the stream itself but definitely towards the people who made changes/decisions that affected all but the quickest and luckiest.
Smirk and Trendy are the community's front line of communication and for them to not know in advance of a change to a prize/correct details to a prize is just so incredible as to beggar belief. For us to be told it was our fault a code got changed is unacceptable. Telling us IN ADVANCE that a code is being given out in a particular way to prevent people getting it despite NOT watching the stream is fine. Information is key here.
Spam in the chat is too much. Things scroll by so fast, and there is such a delay, that many of us simply cannot copy and paste any limited number code fast enough to have an even chance of getting 1 of 500 prizes when there's 3500+ of us. People spamming the prize word more than once need to be told that only one entry per user is accepted and extra entries will be cancelled (or better yet, result in the first entry being voided - harsh but it might cut down on the number of people repeating themselves and flooding chat). Since there is a delay, many people might genuinely believe they didn't enter the code and be doing it twice simply to make sure. Maybe a system where the code needs to be sent by private message to keep chat clean would work?
This weeks stream broke all previous records for an STO stream and then some... something to be proud of. First hitting 3000, then 3500 and at one point I swear it climbed so fast I thought we were going to hit 4000.
Maybe in future, and to prevent codes being "spammed across all channels" the powers that be could limit the number of items available to their target number of viewers? Say they want to hit 4000 viewers for the first time. Advertise, IN ADVANCE, that they intend to make it the biggest show yet and that there will only be 4000 of each item to give away. I guarantee you that people watching the show will be far less likely to give the code to friends/fleetmates not watching the show if they know there's a chance they won't get one themselves... human nature being inherently selfish.
500 Oberth codes, even for a viewer figure of the previous weeks levels (2500+) is harsh for a Tier 1 ship. As is 500 section 31 costumes, since that was given out previously as well and was not limited (I got one, thank you Smirk). They've given out better prizes to the entire playerbase just for logging in over the summer giveaway.
I actually like the idea of codes being limited to during the show as this encourages viewers to actually watch the show to make sure they get the code. It might even boost viewing figures further (I would be thrilled to see viewer numbers hit 5000). Once PWE realise this is a marketing tool, maybe they'll invest more into it and we'll get better organised streams, better prizes, more dev interaction and more GOOEY AFTERBURN!
Quote of the evening, btw, goes out to CaptainSmirk...
"Ew, goo all over me!"
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Just as it isn't Smirk or Trendy that are at fault for misinformation since they themselves were not given correct information, those that sent out the codes or posted about the Livestream are not at fault either. At no point in the News article or Livestream were we told not to post on social media, nor were there any warnings even in the Forum thread (I had to go back and look, since I was actually watching the Livestream :P) that listed the code. If anything, the goal of any giveaway or promotion of this sort is to generate PR... you give away swag so that people start talking about it, about your company, about the message you're delivering. For companies, folks spamming social media about the cool thing they are doing is gold, and a whole lot cheaper than any other form of advertisement.
Look at it this way: unless PWE is still making and shipping new Collector's Editions, they gain nothing from having the Red Matter Capacitor sitting around in some Amazon vendor's warehouse. Since they allow full download of the game via the web, albeit requiring downloading Arc first... yeah, they probabaly aren't manufacturing new hardcopies. So, giving away a dormant but sought-after digital asset is a wonderful way to gain positive buzz, get folks tweeting, maybe even getting folks to log into Twitch or watch a recap... all without undercutting their own C-Store sales by offering an asset otherwise available in the C-Store.
And then they modify the code. Clever, that. Yes, we do have confirmation that it was modified (my thanks to monkeybone13), and without any warning to Smirk or Trendy based on what we were told during the actual Livestream. Smirk went to his own character to check when Livestream viewers reported the change to him (amongst the wave of raffle spam), and Trendy was in the Livestream playing along and running the raffles for nice things.
Those two deserve an apology, plus bacon/beer/coffee in whatever quantity and combination they desire, and we should get the account unlock as it was originally intended rather than the knee-jerk alteration because they generated the social media buzz they wanted. :rolleyes:
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See, that screenshot you posted is exactly why some people are pissed at Trendy.
Yes, Smirk and Trendy were given false information (or the information/code got changed after it was handed to them).
Smirk said several times during the livestream that the RMC code was for an account wide unlock. Of course at that time nobody could test it, because holodeck was still down.
Then holodeck came back up, people tried to claim their RMC, and found out it was a single unlock that was character bind-on-pickup.
Smirk still didn't want to believe it, because he had been told otherwise. So then he went onto holodeck and tried out the code, and was as surprised as we were that this was not an account wide unlock.
So I agree that CaptainSmirk is completely blameless in this matter.
That post from Trendy however is really disgusting. Trying to shift the blame for a f***up from some anonymous PWE-drone who messed up the code to the playerbase is just WRONG. Put it down to "internal miscommunication" or whatever, just DO NOT try to blame the playerbase for your own mistakes.
For all I know it really could have been a hypothetical internal miscommunication:
PWE pencilpusher to CaptainSmirk: "You know, this time we could change the code for the RMC you always give out to an open unlock! But to compensate it would be a single character unlock."
Smirk to PPP (distracted): "Good idea, people love those RMCs. Getting one to all our viewers is really going to push our numbers on twitch, marketing is going to love this."
Or maybe it was the other way around, and our hypothetical PWE pencil pusher was distracted and forgot to mention that an open code would only be a single character unlock.
The problem is what might have very well been an honest mistake got blown up by
a) not standing up and admitting it,
b) trying to shift blame to the playerbase.
(and c) not fixing the mistake by changing the code to what was promised. This would have been a really great gesture/apology and instead of all this cr*p, people would be proclaiming their love for Smirk/Trendy/Cryptic/PWE).
During the patch of the holodeck server is the key evidence to who or whom made the last ditch effort to limit RMC to one account access only changing what was mention prior to the patch during the live-stream. All parties involved in that decision should come forth and explain why it happen.
The only ones that loose out on the RMC wide account access is the fans, players of STO who wanted to support the live-stream last on 9.27.14 by showing up to reach 2,000 mark.
As for me, I had wanted the RMC but I never knew it was suppose to be wide account access and they decided to give us the RMC as the requirement of 2,000 attendances was fulfilled! So my point in all of this is they (I don't like to mention names as out of respect to those involved here) need to make things right and give us what was intended by the actions of those who are involved live-stream process. It's just not two individuals! There are more individuals which are not mentioned here who are involved!
In all business decisions, can be judge in ways that might not suit everyone who had participated in this live-stream but this item the RMC plays an important part of STO. Cost aside if you as a company offer any item or items for free, then tell everyone it's free! Make the offer that it's wide spread account access to your account! Then you should make good on that offer to those individuals, who had taken time out of the daily actives to show-up for the live-streaming event for such item.
So there was an intent, but only if they could gather enough STO members to show-up on 9.27.14 so they could have reached their goal of 2,000. There has to be someone else involved here who made hastily decisions (at the last minute) to change the offer! Then had the team involved in the Holodeck patch to make the offer not valid for wide account access but only for limited account access.
Time will only tell!
It was my screenshot actually.
Just to clear things up; my intention for posting the screenshot of what Trendy said in ESD wasn't to get people upset at her. I posted the screenshot to inform people that a dev actually gave a reason for changing the RMC to a single character item. Like Trendy and Smirk, I was merely passing on information to the players.
Trendy and Smirk can pass on our feedback to the higher ups, but I don't think either of them have the power to make such a decision in the game as to change an item to a single character unlock.
The bottom line is, don't shoot the messenger.
As for the stream on Sept. 18th I think someone just felt "well we will just wait till next time".
I don't think they could not make up a new code, they just simply didn't want to devote any time to it. (totally their prerogative to choose to fix it or wait till next time and fix it then). Not being able to make a new code up on Monday morning and giving it to the list of users viewing the chat would be simple enough, I'm sure they have archive turned on (You do don't you?!) and getting the names of users from the log is as easy as parsing. Then simply make the new code and message those users. DO NOT RELY ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO REWARD THOSE USERS! Some of us do not use any social media! (I for one do not use any social media IE facecrap, twits, that picture one like twitter, i cant remember the name. lol)
As for this weekends stream....
First let me thank the team for coming in on the weekend. I hope you got overtime for it (if not, you should now!
As for players that are arguing the the RMC should NOT be full unlock, let me ask this: Should this game be free?? I remember people paying for this game. now it's free.... See the point? Another point, Without new players the player base will start falling off. This would be deadly to the game. No new content because it's not a good business model to pay people for a game that does not generate good revenue. New users = new money. Would you rather other players get a free full unlock RMC or the game shut down? Giving gifts like these out are a great way to increase the user base, and promote sales. Think about it, if they gave away a Bellerophon class skin, it would prompt you to purchase the vessel....
I'm not saying the game will fail because of the RMC problem of this weekend, I'm simply using it at an example (extreme yes, but the point is valid). I know this weekend cost PWE/Cryptic $374.97 USD. I was going to buy the new expansion pack for myself, my son, and my daughter. As a direct result of the past couple streams I will not be purchasing anything. Bugs, streams, & lack of control in game makes me wonder how much longer it will remain up and I'm simply not willing to gamble 300 + dollars on it. My mind was not made up until I saw Trendy's post in chat. At that point I decided not to spend my cash here. This is NOT trendy's fault, her chat dialog simply illuminated a problem I had not seen till that time. They (the higher ups) used us to put blame on. There were no rules laid out, yet we are getting penalized for a rule that was broken!
You want my business back, and the rest of the people that feel as I do? Then unlock RMC, take blame, and fix the issues. That would go a long way to mending broken trust.
Sorry for the long post, ChicagoJ0e
1. They know that the RMC is one of the most sought after items. That's why they've constantly used it as an incentive to get people into their live streams. The few streams I've watched have had them as prizes in the raffles.
2. They knew that the code was going to go out via social media. If they didn't they haven't paid any attention to past codes. At all. I mean total willful ignorance. This was one of the stated reasons Smirk said that the code would be limited to redemption to the length of the livestream. Once the livestream was down, the code would be cut off.
Those two reasons are enough to make me realize that it wasn't Smirk or Trendy's fault, but it also wasn't our fault, or the fault of those who used social media to spread the code. It's a duplicitous action by a person higher up the food chain than Smirk or Trendy.
Am I mad that it's a single character redemption? It depends. I won't if redeeming this code for 1 didn't make it so I can't redeem another code for another RMC. If this prevents me from being able to get another code, I am mad.
On the subject of limited redemption codes like the Section 31 Uniform and Oberth, if this is way they are going to hand out freebies in the future livestreams I will be giving up on watching them. Even if they up the code a number of redemptions based on how many users are in the chat, a great number of people in the streams will be left out. Between the lag on twitch and the users spamming whatever they think the code for the next raffle is I will never be able to redeem one in time. I had the Oberth code copy/pasted within 3 seconds of Smirk putting it into chat and by then all the codes had been redeemed. I didn't even see the code for the Section 31 uniform because of spam. Thankfully I got that from the livestream before last when they handed it out to everyone.
So here we ago again but this time there was other factors going on behind the scenes while this live-stream was suppose to start at 1 PM PST. While everyone was waiting/chating at 11 am PST prior to that start time some had reported that the holodeck server was offline.
Now what was really going on? After 1 hr has past, they had finally got on the live-stream. They weren't at the 2,000 yet! But when the did reach that target mark the codes for RMC was going to be typed in (which to me they need to display on the live-stream video instead) chat box (which isn't good because it can get bump-up and you won't see it. They every one types it into the chat.
So you have RMC code, you have to redeem it while the live-stream event is going on at the same time and your given time to do that. Not like the other 2 codes that seem to be limited access or limited number to registered sto members by chance.
They already know what was said when the live-stream started and the story changed at the end of the live-stream. They do need to make things right with the RMC for full unlock on your account so your FED, ROM, KDF an etc can use Red Matter Capacitor
Time will only tell!
There was one thing I noticed in the stream/bug hunt mission, that I didnt like. The way rewards were given out at the end - all the rewards given as option, so you either choose expertise, skill points, marks, dilithium, whatever there is.
I DO NOT LIKE THIS CHANGE, dilithium should be given out on any PvE mission, even the measly 240 dilithium ore and the rest can be option. Run stf, but you will have to choose between 960 dilithium or marks? Come on, dilithium sinks are so many in this game, dont limit its income any more.
What about us people who could watch the livestream but not be at our comps to put the code in, are we just getting the Shaft for participating?
This is very bad trend and will make sure that I dont't attend again as normally I cannot be at home when these things are going on. I would suggest a rethinking on this for those of us that can't be on Twitch and on Arc at the same time.
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Can I blame anyone but myself for doing anything in this game without waiting weeks after an item comes out to allow patches to fix it, or doing weeks of research first to assure that I do something right the first time. Tho I can say the twitch chat spam was the most epic insanity I've ever witnessed live on the internet. That was the first time I ever attended one of these events and might be my last.
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Now shaddup about the queues, it's a BUG
Yes, that... and in such a more concise manner that my typically verbose posts. Hmmm... I'll go back and maybe link your link so it's a bit more clear... my intent was merely to clarify that the code was changed from its original intended form. Since both Smirk and Trendy were actually running the Livestream, it's unlikely they were passing notes or something telling their cohorts, "Neuter the unlock while I tell them it's account wide. It'll be cool, they won't notice."
As "Community Management Specialist" Trendy really should know better than to LIE to the playerbase and try to shift blame to the playerbase.
Even if she got ordered to do so.
Because the end result is that what could have been some nice PR for the game turned into some really ****ty PR for the game.
Let's reiterate the (theoretical) options:
a) Properly inform the devs doing the livestream that the RMC code will unlock a single RMC for every account using that code, with no limitation on the number of accounts. Result: good PR
b) Intentionally give out account wide RMC unlocks for everyone watching the livestream. Result: excellent PR
c) Give out single RMC unlock codes, but tell players that it is account wide (this is what happened). Apologize for the miscommunication (this did not happen). Result: good PR, some ruffled feathers
d) Give out singe RMC unlock codes, but tell players that it is account wide. Blame players. Result: PR disaster
Of all the ways this could have been handled cryptic chose the worst possible option.
Of course this could still be salvaged by an apology and changing the unlock. Not that I'm expecting cryptic/PWE to do that, because that would be a nice thing to do and show that we are not just idiots who need to be milked for cash at every opportunity.
edit because of what breadandcircuses wrote:
I don't blame Smirk. It was totally obvious he was as surprised as the players that the code had been changed.
I also don't blame Trendy for the changed code. She also quite clearly had no idea what was going on.
I do blame Trendy for trying to shift the blame for the change to the players. If she had said "there was some internal miscommunication, the code was always intended as a singe unlock" people would have been disappointed, but we would have accepted it.
Or she could have said exactly what she did say, only with an "I have been informed..." or "I am supposed to tell you..." in front of it, and maybe a smiley after it. Just to make it obvious that everybody knows this is a blatant lie, but the decision happened above her paygrade and she really is just the messenger and she actually is on our side (and covering her rear end in all directions).
Surely you're not suggesting PWE would knowingly do a 'bait and switch", are you ? It IS rather convenient that they 'stealithly' patch the RMC to a single toon unlock while the servers were crashed from a very rare issue AND rolled back 6 hours when they did come back online. So not only we're the RMC's 'fixed' but players lost hours of progress, many lost very rare upgrades,very rare purchases, VR item drops and possible zen and EC losses.
Considering what MANY lost with the rollback, the RMC account wide unlock would've been a nice 'gift' .
Awoken Dead
Now shaddup about the queues, it's a BUG
And you think this community is toxic?
Anyway, point is there are two parts to the role.
The first one, communicating thing from TPTB to your customers, Smirk and Trendy are reasonably good at.
The second one, championing the players cause to TPTB, is sadly lacking.
Their job is not to be a one way street, but the meeting point.
Blaming players in such a way, for what was so blatantly not a player issue, is not Community Management.
It may well be some other form of PR, but its the sort of PR I'd usually attribute to dirty political campaigns, not selling a video game.