My petition

[aboll2009]

Well TA members, seniors and juniors alike, it's time we banded together and stopped lurkers from taking chances at betas and promo codes that us reliable, experienced members may obtain, which will ultimately make apps better.My petition states the following:

1.Forums should gain a section titled "Promo Codes/Betas"
2.This section, much like the dev only section, becomes MEMBER ONLY
3.Members are forced (somehow) to post a nice, genuine thanks with the code they have taken and/or write a review/feedback here or on itunes.

All who agree, give a nice response. If not, please post so the supporters can send you an army of PM's stating "SHUN THE NON-BELIEVER! SHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UNNNN!!!:D(I'm not kidding)

[Glowz]

I agree ,,,
maybe they could just but it in their signatures?

[Eli]

The thing with developers posting promo codes, is they just throw them out there, no strings attached, to whoever will enjoy the game. I've never seen a developer post that only members of Touch Arcade can use their promo codes, or even asking anything more than if the people who use the promo codes enjoy the game to post a review.

[yourofl10]

+1 I agree

[CDubby94]

It's been discussed in length,

Here:

http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=8541

And Here:

http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=7984

I disagree with this, if devs want to put them out in the open in the thread, that's their choice. They should know full well that lurkers might take them and if they don't want that, members can PM the dev for a code, like many ask to do.

[aboll2009]

It's been discussed in length,

Here:

http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=8541

And Here:

http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=7984

I disagree with this, if devs want to put them out in the open in the thread, that's their choice. They should know full well that lurkers might take them and if they don't want that, members can PM the dev for a code, like many ask to do.

I do realize that, but maybe THEY don't. I'm assuming that they would want their app to be honestly reviewed, wouldn't you?

[Eli]

I do realize that, but maybe THEY don't. I'm assuming that they would want their app to be honestly reviewed, wouldn't you?

If you think a game looks cool, you missed out on the promo codes, and want to leave a "honest review"... Buy the game?

[The Bat Outta Hell]

Ugh... I hate Charlie the Unicorn.

This is a bad idea, lurkers will just make accounts to gain access to the thread, and probably will never post.

[yourofl10]

Ugh... I hate Charlie the Unicorn.

This is a bad idea, lurkers will just make accounts to gain access to the thread, and probably will never post.

Ohh true.
Maybe to people with over 1000 posts?? JK.....

Maybe only over 200 posts?

[nattylux]

We made people work for their promo codes, and got some awesome screenshots of Little Red Sled as a result:

http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=7629

I've seen a number of other developers hold similar contests, which is a much better use of our precious 50 promo codes, I think. However, it did take us a good few hours of time to run that contest, so maybe other developers don't want to put in the time to do that sort of thing.

[The Bat Outta Hell]

Ohh true.
Maybe to people with over 1000 posts?? JK.....

Maybe only over 200 posts?

No. Remember Lovelyman? Imagine 100 more of him.

[CDubby94]

I do realize that, but maybe THEY don't. I'm assuming that they would want their app to be honestly reviewed, wouldn't you?

They would want it honestly reviewed but I think you have to be really naive and innocent to believe that, whether you've spent time on the site or not, if you hand out freebies, people will take advantage of it.

I say make the people work for promo codes or at least have members PM the dev. That work will turn off the vast majority of people who are not willing to put an honest review on the site and/or iTunes. Who's to say that members won't take the code and run as well?

Ohh true.
Maybe to people with over 1000 posts?? JK.....

Maybe only over 200 posts?

This would just induce more spam to the site because lurkers would create accounts just to up their post count so they can get into that promo code forum.

Bottom line, I say developers should come up with a creative way to promote their game and create interest before actually giving out the promo codes. Hold a contest, ask a trivia question, do something creative to bring your game into the quest for a code. If you make the members work, the chances are greater you'll get an honest, fair review from those who actually receive the code. There's no need for a promo code forum, that wouldn't solve anything.

[aboll2009]

If you think a game looks cool, you missed out on the promo codes, and want to leave a "honest review"... Buy the game?

I probably will, but I'm just saying that its a waste of promo codes when that could be 50 good reviews instead of 1 or 2.

Ugh... I hate Charlie the Unicorn.

This is a bad idea, lurkers will just make accounts to gain access to the thread, and probably will never post.

This could probably be tracked, and they could be kicked

Keep throwing them at me people, I'll retort every time:D

[aboll2009]

No. Remember Lovelyman? Imagine 100 more of him.

Point taken, maybe the spamming note could be raised to 10 words and so many posts per day. :p

[Eli]

No. Remember Lovelyman? Imagine 100 more of him.

Not only that, but most developers register and only post a few times. So we'd need to go through and verify who is a developer and add them to a special user group to allow them to post in this special forum. I think we're better off right now where anyone can register and anyone can post.

As far as saving codes only for people who leave reviews, I think most developers would appreciate it much more if you supported their work, bought their game, and if you liked it, left a review.

The promo code for review trading is what made games like Don't Be a Fatty! (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=307733731&mt=8) have solid 5 star rating. Look at how quick it fell back down to 2 stars when the developer stopped offering 50 promo codes once a week in exchange for 5 star reviews.

[gscal]

I say go with the idea of having the dev say, "The first (some number) of senior members to PM me will get a code." This has always seemed to work. Don't have all devs do that, because then we'll get tons of reincarnations of Lovelyman. Have the devs give promo codes to everyone, and then give promo codes through PM. This is what a lot of devs have been doing, and it seems to work. So, I say no new promo section.

[Eli]

I probably will, but I'm just saying that its a waste of promo codes when that could be 50 good reviews instead of 1 or 2.

How is it a waste of promo codes if people used them, downloaded the game, and played it? Maybe they didn't like the game and since they got it for free didn't feel it was right to leave a negative review? Promo code giveaways just seem to create iTunes shill reviews which doesn't help anyone.

[CDubby94]

If you don't like the game, say it!

Don't let the promo code hold you back, just because you got it for free.

For the good of humanity, speak your mind!

[The Bat Outta Hell]

I'm surprised lovelyman hasn't made another account.

[pante]

The promo code for review trading is what made games like Don't Be a Fatty! (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=307733731&mt=8) have solid 5 star rating. Look at how quick it fell back down to 2 stars when the developer stopped offering 50 promo codes once a week in exchange for 5 star reviews.

he gave me a promo code. and i gave him 2 star honest review. he wasn't satisfied.

[aboll2009]

I say go with the idea of having the dev say, "The first (some number) of senior members to PM me will get a code." This has always seemed to work. Don't have all devs do that, because then we'll get tons of reincarnations of Lovelyman. Have the devs give promo codes to everyone, and then give promo codes through PM. This is what a lot of devs have been doing, and it seems to work. So, I say no new promo section.

I like this idea even better, as this prevents complaining and lovelymans! Give 25 to non-members (i.e. through email) and half to members or just senior members (i.e. PM's)

How is it a waste of promo codes if people used them, downloaded the game, and played it? Maybe they didn't like the game and since they got it for free didn't feel it was right to leave a negative review? Promo code giveaways just seem to create iTunes shill reviews which doesn't help anyone.

Tap out on the negative review part, that makes sense. That raises the question: Why would people download a game they don't think they'd like? Unless it had superb bugs, in which case they should leave a review to assist in the increase of the quality

[mrkgoo]

-1 I disagree. I don't see what makes TA members so special that only they can participate, when it's openly posted. It's a public forum. I have no problem either, if a developer wants to do it the PM way. The codes are for promotion - they can do what they want with them.

[aboll2009]

-1 I disagree. I don't see what makes TA members so special that only they can participate, when it's openly posted. It's a public forum. I have no problem either, if a developer wants to do it the PM way. The codes are for promotion - they can do what they want with them.

I'm saying they should, not have to

[Eli]

I'm saying they should, not have to

You know what you should do is develop a game then you can do whatever you want with your promo codes. :)

[coconutbowling]

-1 I disagree. I don't see what makes TA members so special that only they can participate, when it's openly posted. It's a public forum. I have no problem either, if a developer wants to do it the PM way. The codes are for promotion - they can do what they want with them.

+1

I know most you guys hate lurkers, but when codes are openly posted, it's fair game. You know they will play it because those who do take it most likely has an iDevice to use it. Most lurkers also use them right away whereas us here tend to save them. I think the developers should keep their method of code posting. They have a choice on what to do. Just make sure to write something like "please write a review." That way, even if a lurker does take a code and not review it, the guilt will eat him/her from the inside out.

[Eli]

Most lurkers also use them right away whereas us here tend to save them.

Yeah, there's also this. When codes get posted publicly, they all get snatched up and most importantly used. It always makes me shake my head seeing a developer offering promo codes to people via PM then see those same people who post "PM SENT!" offering a code for that same game up for trade for something else in social groups.

If I were a developer I'd prefer a lurker or someone who is actually going to play the game uses it instead of trading it like it was some kind of baseball card.

[inferi22]

i dont like it(or your stupid reference to charlie the unicorn)

[brewstermax]

How about no.... Because in all honesty, I don't see the point. It would divert a lot of the traffic in Games to the new promos section though. :rolleyes: Maybe it would dwindle down to where Games is a mature group of people who can actually discuss and talk about games without the problems that the immature new members tend to cause. Interesting. I still say no though. Do something about it.

Ohh, and you know what I vote? /thread. HODAPP!!

[aboll2009]

[QUOTE=inferi22;224690]i dont like it(or your stupid reference to charlie the unicorn)

I hate it too, i just found the line appropriate. By the way, very articulate post, don't elaborate or anything, typing more than 12 words is way to difficult

Why did the quote not work

[brewstermax]

i dont like it(or your stupid reference to charlie the unicorn)

I hate it too, i just found the line appropriate. By the way, very articulate post, don't elaborate or anything, typing more than 12 words is way to difficult

Why did the quote not work

It needs a [/quote] at the end of the quote. Like so.

[aboll2009]

How about no.... Because in all honesty, I don't see the point. It would divert a lot of the traffic in Games to the new promos section though. :rolleyes: Maybe it would dwindle down to where Games is a mature group of people who can actually discuss and talk about games without the problems that the immature new members tend to cause. Interesting. I still say no though. Do something about it.

Ohh, and you know what I vote? /thread. HODAPP!!

Is that necessary? We are having a valid discussion here and it falls under all rules

[brewstermax]

Is that necessary? We are having a valid discussion here and it falls under all rules

There have been dozens of these very same threads. Nothing is going to happen, and most would rather it not. End of story.

[Little White Bear Studios]

When I give out codes for TanZen or Zentomino, it involves work for the receiver. Sometimes I have them complete a whole page of puzzles in the Lite version of the game, and email a screenshot with their username. I've had a "design your own puzzle" contest, as well as a fast paced trivia contest. I only hand out codes via email or PM, after they've won. A lot of the time, I require that they haven't won a code before, and sometimes everyone is free to play, and trade them. The way I figure it, I'm giving people $1-$2. A little effort isn't too much to ask.

[aboll2009]

When I give out codes for TanZen or Zentomino, it involves work for the receiver. Sometimes I have them complete a whole page of puzzles in the Lite version of the game, and email a screenshot with their username. I've had a "design your own puzzle" contest, as well as a fast paced trivia contest. I only hand out codes via email or PM, after they've won. A lot of the time, I require that they haven't won a code before, and sometimes everyone is free to play, and trade them. The way I figure it, I'm giving people $1-$2. A little effort isn't too much to ask.

Finally, a reasonable developer! Some devs are just to lazy (because developing a game takes no work:p) to give people a job to do for a promo code!

[inferi22]

There have been dozens of these very same threads. Nothing is going to happen, and most would rather it not. End of story.

that is wat I meant but was too lazy to post-and I'm on my touch so harder to type

[HJJ]

Finally, a reasonable developer! Some devs are just to lazy (because developing a game takes no work:p) to give people a job to do for a promo code!

Omigod, seriously? You are seriously calling developers "lazy" because, what, they didn't set up a way for you to more easily get a free game?

I've already spent enough time commenting on this subject, notably here (http://forums.toucharcade.com/showpost.php?p=87040&postcount=16). But since this non-issue has reared its ridiculous head once again...
It seems like you're just upset because the codes get snatched up quickly. I don't see the big difference between guests taking codes and members taking codes. If they're gone, they're gone. Whether they took the time to post "I took X-code" or not, you would have missed them either way. Yes, it's rude. And yes, it's annoying having to blindly plug in a bunch of codes that have already been used. But realize that none of us are owed anything. Being given free games is not part of the Touch Arcade TOS, as far as I know. This is like getting up in arms because there are no brownies left at the sample stand at Costco.

"Devs should do this. Devs should do that." Developers should do whatever they want to do. If they want to drop a bunch of codes in a single post, then so be it. Maybe they realize that this website has a much larger audience than the selection of people who choose to participate in the forum. Stick around the forums for a day, and you'll notice exactly who the regulars are. They're easy to keep track of because, relatively speaking, there's not that many. Their post counts are high because they spend a lot of time posting. That's cool. But it doesn't mean that these people are inherently more "deserving" of anything. It just means they like to chat about games and have the time to do so. If a developer wants to "reward" "senior members" (for posting a lot, I guess?) he or she can and will. If a developer just wants to get his game out there for exposure, I don't see the problem with letting anyone, member or not, grab a code. Remember that Touch Arcade forum members are not the only consumers here. Touch Arcade is a great marketing tool, and it can be used in a variety of ways.

[Vester]

idk, i dont think that that would help any, lurkers would make accounts, if a post was added limit to join the "promos/betas" part then we would get more spammers, i have got promos form devs just posting on a thread and from PMs or e-mails, i dont think that this would help, it would just get us more spammers

[le'deuche123]

Omigod, seriously? You are seriously calling developers "lazy" because, what, they didn't set up a way for you to more easily get a free game?

I've already spent enough time commenting on this subject, notably here (http://forums.toucharcade.com/showpost.php?p=87040&postcount=16). But since this non-issue has reared its ridiculous head once again...

Wow, can't seem to post the quote that went with that....but I agree full heartedly. If you signed up here just to chase down promo codes, then don't be pissed when 100 people just like you take them all.

[coconutbowling]

Yeah guys, be honest. Most of you that joined only posted if promo codes were involved. I'll admit, I was like that. Don't hate those people. Some are actually cool.

[aboll2009]

Wow, can't seem to post the quote that went with that....but I agree full heartedly. If you signed up here just to chase down promo codes, then don't be pissed when 100 people just like you take them all.

When did I, at ANY point, say that I signed up just for codes? Oh right, I didn't

[le'deuche123]

When did I, at ANY point, say that I signed up just for codes? Oh right, I didn't

No your just being a cry baby because you don't get enough promo's, it's all semantics and just as lame.

[iFonePhanatic]

We made people work for their promo codes, and got some awesome screenshots of Little Red Sled as a result:

http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=7629

I've seen a number of other developers hold similar contests, which is a much better use of our precious 50 promo codes, I think. However, it did take us a good few hours of time to run that contest, so maybe other developers don't want to put in the time to do that sort of thing.

Exactly! ++1 I agree, but they would probably just create an account and never post. Maybe it could only be accessible for 50 posts and up?

[treehuggerflem]

the devs should just do what little white bear studios does. extravagant contests for promos usually using lite versions or doing research to answer questions. this turns most people (lurkers) off unless they really want the game. if people want to sign up to participate and win codes then let them.

[arc417]

umm.. good ideas i guess, but how about only accessing promo code area with 25 posts or more...

Or how long does it take to become a member

[HJJ]

the devs should just do what little white bear studios does. extravagant contests for promos usually using lite versions or doing research to answer questions. this turns most people (lurkers) off unless they really want the game. if people want to sign up to participate and win codes then let them.

I actually think the LWBS contests are executed perfectly. I already had Zentomino, but I followed the last contest thread a little bit, and I was pleased with the way it was set up. Very well thought out.

There's still no reason to pressure other developers to act in the same manner. Some will dump codes into a single post; Some will have contests. So in one instance, you get a bunch of codes to lurkers, and in the other, you get a bunch of codes to --get this-- the SAME couple dozen of members that hang out in the forums 24/7. What's the difference? Oh, that's right, the difference is that when non-members are allowed to participate, and a member is too late to the game, the member gets to act self righteous and entitled about it.