Promo Code Giveaways Forum

[arn]

We've created a new forum specifically for developers to giveaway promo codes.

I resisted this for a while since I thought promo codes were a good way for developers to generate interest and feedback in their app threads, but as we've had more and more threads created just for the giveaway of promo codes, it made sense to split it out. The game release forum is busy enough without these threads, so I decided to move them out to their own.

Also, the promo code giveaways are rather boring threads to read after the giveaway is complete and tends to clutter up the release threads with a lot of noise.

http://forums.toucharcade.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22

[ImNoSuperMan]

Cool. That was quick :)

[ImNoSuperMan]

Oh Crap. Now it`s even more easier for lurkers to grab the codes. Promo codes now show up gloriously on the front page with big bold title Promo Code Giveaway:D:D

[Slapshot]

Thanks Arn! It's much more organized now! :D

[arn]

we'll see, the alternative is moving it into the Game Discussion forum, but that's already a bit crowded.

arn

[ImNoSuperMan]

we'll see, the alternative is moving it into the Game Discussion forum, but that's already a bit crowded.

arn
Ahem... I was just kidding over there. No real need to move promo codes to GD forum. The forums look really organized now. Thanx for that again.

[Prab]

Yup. Super organized :)

About lurkers, ultimately it's up to the devs if they want to make sure that lurker can't get codes so easily. Having a competition or making people write reviews for the lite is just two of many ways.

[Silver Orange]

Fantastic idea!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks a lot to the whole toucharcade team!!!!! :D

[The Bat Outta Hell]

Is it possible to make the section a "members only" area?

[ImNoSuperMan]

Is it possible to make the section a "members only" area?
It should be possible. MR already has the Promo Code (http://forums.macrumors.com/forumdisplay.php?f=136) sub forum viewable to members only.

[yourofl10]

make the promo code area non viewable for people that arnt logged in/lurkers. That would solve the problem.

[eggzbacon]

Yes!
Thats a great idea.
Make the promo code giveaway section not viewable by people not logged in/lurkers

[yourofl10]

Yes!
Thats a great idea.
Make the promo code giveaway section not viewable by people not logged in/lurkers

Thanks!

Or you can make it hidden but once you log in it's not hidden. But then again the promo code giveaways in the front page will have links to the forum...

[Little White Bear Studios]

Arn, from a dev perspective, this takes away a lot of the exposure a contest is designed to provide. If a contest is done well, it will generate hours of top level exposure, provide excellent feedback, create a closer relationship between dev and player, and generate buzz. As I'm sure you may have guessed by now, some of the people at Apple who choose the featured apps do visit your site regularly. The number of games that have gotten featured after prolonged forum discussion, or brief mentions on the front page, is pretty large, and includes a fair number of smaller devs, not just the obvious big guns. Will they go explore the contest section?

I think hiding away the contests will limit exposure to just those people interested in getting free stuff. Yeah, we might get a couple reviews out of it, but in reality, almost nobody ever leaves a review. The exposure to the general population, who may check out a contest thread that has several hundred responses, is gone.

Yes, I agree that contest threads muck up the system when the contest is over. Maybe they could be deleted after a day, as they serve no purpose after that.

But, your site, your rules. Just adding what I think other devs may be thinking. We make contests to generate buzz. I don't know that there's much buzz in a sub forum.

[eggzbacon]

@Little White Bear Studios
They aren't forcing you to put your thread in that category.
You could just make you thread in the game releases and it would be fine.
But a mod might move it

[Prab]

I think separating the contests into its own section is not the same as hiding them away.

[Little White Bear Studios]

@Little White Bear Studios
They aren't forcing you to put your thread in that category.
You could just make you thread in the game releases and it would be fine.
But a mod might move it

I was under the impression that they would belong in the promo forum, and would immediately be moved when found. I have no desire to go around the rules, just expressing my concern.

[Little White Bear Studios]

I think separating the contests into its own section is not the same as hiding them away.

Okay, maybe hiding isn't the proper term. But the result is the same: only those who are looking for free games will see it. It's perfectly fine if that's the rules, but it tends to take away the point of having contests in the first place.

[HJJ]

Okay, maybe hiding isn't the proper term. But the result is the same: only those who are looking for free games will see it. It's perfectly fine if that's the rules, but it tends to take away the point of having contests in the first place.

I understand what you're saying, but honestly, I really think contest threads are mostly full of code grubbers, and a lot of the "discussion" that goes on during a 2 hour contest is just spam. A lot of "TanZen rocks!" or "Cool!" and "Damn, missed that one!" For a developer, it's nice to have a big bolded link at the very top of the forum for a couple hours, but for readers who are looking for discussions, it's just clutter.

I imagine that people will still keep their eyes out for contests, and you'll get roughly the same audience. Why not bump up your release thread with a note that a contest is about to begin in the promo code section? Anyone interested will know to head over or keep an eye out, and everyone else can go about their business.

I really welcome this change. So many times, I go into a new release thread looking for information and opinions about the game, only to be assaulted by 40 "I'd like a code!" "All gone." "Damn lurkers!" posts. I have no problem with developers trying their best to promote their apps, but I'd rather not encourage spamming, which unfortunately, promo code giveaways and contests can't help but do.

Also, I wouldn't say that moving contests to a separate thread makes having contests worthless. They might not have the same effect, but I would bet that they will have a bigger impact than doing nothing at all. You're very good at creating interesting contests that are fun to participate in. I can't see why you couldn't have similar success in another section.

[Little White Bear Studios]

I understand what you're saying, but honestly, I really think contest threads are mostly full of code grubbers, and a lot of the "discussion" that goes on during a 2 hour contest is just spam. A lot of "TanZen rocks!" or "Cool!" and "Damn, missed that one!" For a developer, it's nice to have a big bolded link at the very top of the forum for a couple hours, but for readers who are looking for discussions, it's just clutter.


Can't argue with that. Contests mean exposure for devs. Contests can also mean clutter for some viewers. They're not unlike commercials.

I imagine that people will still keep their eyes out for contests, and you'll get roughly the same audience. Why not bump up your release thread with a note that a contest is about to begin in the promo code section? Anyone interested will know to head over or keep an eye out, and everyone else can go about their business.

I think bumping the release thread may be even more clutter than the contest, as the title is misleading, since the game hasn't just been released. If the goal is a clutter free forum, then yes, moving everything somewhere else is a solution.

I really welcome this change. So many times, I go into a new release thread looking for information and opinions about the game, only to be assaulted by 40 "I'd like a code!" "All gone." "Damn lurkers!" posts. I have no problem with developers trying their best to promote their apps, but I'd rather not encourage spamming, which unfortunately, promo code giveaways and contests can't help but do.

I'm all for separating info threads from contest threads. [edit: By this I mean a thread about info, and a thread about a contest, not a different forum for each] If a thread says it's a contest, one should expect such terms (not in my contests, but in many, yes). A thread about the game should be about info, not codes. But that's just my opinion.

Also, I wouldn't say that moving contests to a separate thread makes having contests worthless. They might not have the same effect, but I would bet that they will have a bigger impact than doing nothing at all. You're very good at creating interesting contests that are fun to participate in. I can't see why you couldn't have similar success in another section.

Noy worthless, just less effective. I've given away hundreds of codes in the last year. The review return can be counted on two hands. The true value of contests is advertising to the general gaming public. In a contest forum, you're advertising to a smaller audience, one which is looking for free stuff, thus making it less effective. Why does the advertising on the front page of Touch Arcade cost so much more than an ad on a sub page? Because the front page gets more eyes, and is much more effective. Same thing with contests.

As I said, I have no problem following the new rules. I just don't expect my contests to have nearly the impact they used to. Members want cleaner forums, and I can respect that.

[DaveMc99]

I just don't expect my contests to have nearly the impact they used to.

So you have had more people buy your games because of contests on TA?

[Little White Bear Studios]

So you have had more people buy your games because of contests on TA?

Absolutely, as contests are advertising. I've said on multiple occasions that TA has played a large role in my games' success. Contests are just a portion of that, but do play a big part in it. There are people who have bought the game, even after the codes ran out, as they have stated so in the threads. Whether delegating contests to a sub forum will reduce that success is yet to be seen.

[HJJ]

I was actually a little bit annoyed when General Game Discussion got split off from the "main" board. I didn't like the idea of having to keep up with two separate boards. But now, it's like second nature. Hopefully, the right eyes will continue to watch the Promo Code board. And maybe the lure of promo codes will drive a larger and/or more diverse audience.

For people like me, promo code contests do nothing. I'm not going to compete for a $1 game. I'm definitely an impulse shopper, but I am swayed - exponentially so - by information and opinions, not overexposure or the promise of free stuff.

[Little White Bear Studios]

I was actually a little bit annoyed when General Game Discussion got split off from the "main" board. I didn't like the idea of having to keep up with two separate boards. But now, it's like second nature. Hopefully, the right eyes will continue to watch the Promo Code board. And maybe the lure of promo codes will drive a larger and/or more diverse audience.

I felt the same, and got used to it too. I'd be delighted if the promo code forum makes contests more effective. :)

For people like me, promo code contests do nothing. I'm not going to compete for a $1 game. I'm definitely an impulse shopper, but I am swayed - exponentially so - by information and opinions, not overexposure or the promise of free stuff.

I'm not a promo code shopper either, so I understand where you're coming from.

[Zaz]

But the result is the same: only those who are looking for free games will see it.

With a contest your game is in the front page of TA. Seems a good advertising for a game. Perhaps people, who didn't look at the forum before, will see there are codes, so they'll come to the forum and perhaps buy the game.
But I understand the problem too because with all promo codes threads in the same place, your thread won't be special...

For readers, the new section is just perfect : I appreciate the fact that I could see the contests quickly and that I could find new releases without looking at the 3 last pages :p

[Little White Bear Studios]

With a contest your game is in the front page of TA. Seems a good advertising for a game. Perhaps people, who didn't look at the forum before, will see there are codes, so they'll come to the forum and perhaps buy the game.

I'd be happy if that turns out to be true. My guess is no, but it'd be cool if I were wrong. It may be too early to judge, but right now, there are 248 people viewing the main game forum, and only 14 in the promo code forum. As a dev, I'd take the 248 eyes over 14.

But I understand the problem too because with all promo codes threads in the same place, your thread won't be special...

Exactly. Is advertising really effective when it's completely surrounded by other advertising? But, since contests are unpaid advertising, TA has every right to move them to a single area, or remove them completely.

For readers, the new section is just perfect : I appreciate the fact that I could see the contests quickly and that I could find new releases without looking at the 3 last pages :p

I agree, for readers it's great. No argument there. I think I'm just trying to express that contests may become less effective for devs due to the change. If I'm wrong, fantastic! :)

[Mindfield]

From the perspective of tidying up the forum and allowing a place just for contests and promo codes that could potentially be made invisible to users who are not logged in, I think it's a good idea.

On the other hand, I can also easily see the position of the developers who are running these things for the exposure and promotional value. A forum dedicated to contests and promo codes shifts the exposure to another area that is separate from the browsing of the average person who may either not be aware of this separate forum or might forget about it from time to time. I only just noticed this forum here today, even though it seems to have started yesterday and I've been here several times over the last couple of days.

Personally I didn't mind the promo and contest threads in the main games forum. It wasn't like they were easy to miss, the developers got lots of exposure from the majority of the users who browse here, and while there were lots of "Cool" and "Grabbed this code" and "all gone" posts, often those posts would evolve into a series of impressions from users who got the codes, which would in turn become a discussion about what's good and what could use some attention in it. I'm sure it will get that in this separate forum too, I'm just concerned that it won't get the same sort of attention that these sort of threads did in the main games forum.

[pharmx]

With a contest your game is in the front page of TA. Seems a good advertising for a game. Perhaps people, who didn't look at the forum before, will see there are codes, so they'll come to the forum and perhaps buy the game.
But I understand the problem too because with all promo codes threads in the same place, your thread won't be special...

For readers, the new section is just perfect : I appreciate the fact that I could see the contests quickly and that I could find new releases without looking at the 3 last pages :p


I think a better solution would be to have a new release forum for games that just came out. But make it so that there can be no replies, the same way the user review forum is. That way people can quickly find what game they're looking for without having to wade through a bunch of non-relevant drivel. Then once threads pop up in the general discussion forum, links can be added to the new release posts that point to where all the discussions are taking place.

I like organization, but having to sift through multiple forums to read everything I want is just as tedious as having to go back a page or two to read about items that got bumped off of the first page.

edit: Mindfield summed it up better than me :D

[DaveMc99]

I think a better solution would be to have a new release forum for games that just came out. But make it so that there can be no replies, the same way the user review forum is.

That is the purpose of this page. http://toucharcade.com/newest-iphone-games/

[jasonsmith]

If I may chime in... I admit it, I like codes, really who doesn't. I love to try new games but I get more satisfaction helping in a games development. There aren't many of us who like codes, use codes AND leave reviews and provide feedback. Due to us taking enjoyment in an apps development and progression, I can imagine that we mostly like hanging out in the games section. With the new promo section there's a "possibility" of increasing the ratio of non interested code users using codes vs those of us that would actually serve a benefit and give something back.

[Brazilian Rider]

If I may chime in... I admit it, I like codes, really who doesn't. I love to try new games but I get more satisfaction helping in a games development. There aren't many of us who like codes, use codes AND leave reviews and provide feedback. Due to us taking enjoyment in an apps development and progression, I can imagine that we mostly like hanging out in the games section. With the new promo section there's a "possibility" of increasing the ratio of non interested code users using codes vs those of us that would actually serve a benefit and give something back.

+1 for the truth.

It's gonna be Lurkers galore now...

[arn]

Hey guys

I am aware of the implications of moving the promo codes to their own section. I think LittleWhiteBearStudios brings up the developer's perspective, and here's how I view it all:

I've long been reluctant to move promo codes out of the game release threads.... because they do offer a way for developers to promote their games and also get early feedback for users. (Though, if developers aren't getting the responses they want, they need to be more selective about who they give promo codes to. )

To those who are asking for Promo Code giveaways to be sequestered into a members-only section... I don't think you realize the motivation of the promo code giveaways. They are not to give promo codes to people, but to increase exposure and advertising to the games from the developers. If the promo code section becomes private, there will be less promo code giveaways. So that's not really something I really want to do either.

All that said, even moving the promo code contests into their own section may decrease the number of giveaways -- and I'm OK with that. It's just gotten to the point where the contests are dominating the Game Release forum which is already very busy.

If devs want to give out a handful of codes to prospective customers in the official game release threads to motivate some discussion, I don't think we'll get too bent out of shape... but the massive giveaway threads have gotten to be so frequent that something had to give.

arn

[Zaz]

There is just a problem for me about the Promo Codes Forum : his place.
Promo Code on TA are only for games but the forum is under the Apps and not the games. I think it's why I missed it today (just saw it because, on Twitter, Qwiboo send a link to his new thread).

Promo codes forum just under the release forum seems better for me (and I suppose, for the devs too) :)
The Upcoming Games could be just under it and after, you'll find the General Discussion.

[pharmx]

That is the purpose of this page. http://toucharcade.com/newest-iphone-games/

Hey Dave, that's not exactly what I meant. I mean, I could see something like that from AppShopper or even iTunes. I meant something more like what a developer's first post on a game release should be like. Introducing their game (and themselves if they're new to TA), screenshots, iTunes link, and YouTube video link.

Arn, you summarized the situation perfectly. I guess what I don't see is an increase in massive contests threads. The only ones that come to mind as being massive are something like Firemint's thread, the Galactic Gunner thread, and of course the LWBS threads. But I don't really feel like they are taking over. What I see more often is that those threads turn into discussion threads that get bumped every now and then, but the title still has "contest" or "code giveaway" in it, long after the actual contest is over. Maybe after a contest is over, the thread can just be merged into the main thread on the game?

[Little White Bear Studios]

All that said, even moving the promo code contests into their own section may decrease the number of giveaways -- and I'm OK with that. It's just gotten to the point where the contests are dominating the Game Release forum which is already very busy.


Fair enough. We'll just have to adapt. :)

[dannys95]

Fair enough. We'll just have to adapt. :)

Both you and arn have a point. Here you won't get as much exposure, but having a million open contest threads in the game section doesn't really make it a game section.

[Little White Bear Studios]

Both you and arn have a point. Here you won't get as much exposure, but having a million open contest threads in the game section doesn't really make it a game section.

I think that could've been solved by deleting them after a day, but I'm sure that would've involved some moderator upkeep. I'd have been happy to delete one of my contests after it was over.

[dannys95]

I think that could've been solved by deleting them after a day, but I'm sure that would've involved some moderator upkeep. I'd have been happy to delete one of my contests after it was over.

Yeah, but yeah it would involve moderator upkeep. So no one wins really. :(

[Little White Bear Studios]

Yeah, but yeah it would involve moderator upkeep. So no one wins really. :(

Yep. We'll see what the new system brings.

[pharmx]

Yep. We'll see what the new system brings.

Well, the good thing is that there's room for a little trial and error to see what works best for the site overall.

[ImNoSuperMan]

Well, the good thing is that there's room for a little trial and error to see what works best for the site overall.
+1. Let's see how it all works out for a couple of weeks first. Not every one knows that promo contests have been shifted to other forums now. Once the lurkers realize that the contests are moved we'll have quite a few users refreshing that page every couple of minutes;).

I still believe this was necessary. I mean look at that Galactic Gunner thread. I think it has over 1500 replies and I m sure not even 5% of those posts would be discussing the game. And with te promo giveaways now showing up on TA front page I think you'll get atleast the same if not actually more exposure then earlier. Promo contests in game releases will be buried down under other threads as soon as the the contest is over. But in promo forums it'll stay there for a much longer period as there will be a lot less threads in those forums.

But I'd really hate to see the devs loosing out coz of this. If it doesn't work good enough even after a week or so then you can poke arn to move the promo contests back to the New releases forums;)

[The Game Reaper]

I'd prefer if it was moved under upcoming games.

[ImNoSuperMan]

I'd prefer if it was moved under upcoming games.
Doesnt make any sense to me:confused:.

[arn]

Doesnt make any sense to me:confused:.

he means the order of the sidebar on the front page.

arn

[Zincous]

Oh I thought he meant change the order here: http://forums.toucharcade.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16

[ImNoSuperMan]

he means the order of the sidebar on the front page.

arn
Oh! I thought he meant to include the contests in Upcoming Games.:o

[schplurg]

Hey guys

........

If devs want to give out a handful of codes to prospective customers in the official game release threads to motivate some discussion, I don't think we'll get too bent out of shape... but the massive giveaway threads have gotten to be so frequent that something had to give.

arn

I like this last part, as a "soon to be" dev. The Game Release section is for game releases, not contests that are held later on. I want to be able to release my first game with some codes and not have it stuck into the Promo Code forum.

I agree with White Bear on most of his points though. I don't see promo code threads as a big problem here... I AM glad the MMO "add my code" threads have disappeared though. Now THOSE were annoying.

I think the devs participation on this forum is what makes the site unique and popular. Limiting exposure may take away a big reason why they are here (I'm not sure if this will limit exposure mind you). Devs take advantage of the site in this way, and, in turn, TA takes advantage of increased traffic. There needs to be a balance between the two.

As a side note, devs need to be smarter about their giveaways. Just listing 10 codes in the OP guarantees you a short-lived thread which gives you no exposure. I will probably have a combination code contest as well as giving codes to specific people here that I'd like to have them.

[arn]

I think the devs participation on this forum is what makes the site unique and popular

I definitely agree with this. The App Store has provided a scenario where dev's interests and reader interests tend to be aligned. People want to hear about new games and get feedback from developers.

I certainly encourage developer participation, but I think the promo giveaways just need to be tempered a bit. If that reduces the pure promo giveaways, then so be it. I think the dev participation is far more valuable to the majority of readers (at least the ones we want to attract) than promo code giveaways.

arn

[The Bat Outta Hell]

Are you planning on making the section for members only?

And I have a little complaint.

Whenever someone posts their code in the MMO section, it makes that show up as the newest poster in the release category, so you constantly see "Epic pet wars codes" under the iPhone and iPod touch games recent post. Is there a way to change that?

[skyye06]

Are you planning on making the section for members only?

And I have a little complaint.

Whenever someone posts their code in the MMO section, it makes that show up as the newest poster in the release category, so you constantly see "Epic pet wars codes" under the iPhone and iPod touch games recent post. Is there a way to change that?

+1 that is a nusiance

[ImNoSuperMan]

Yeah. Dev participation is the only reason I m hooked on to TA forums. Promo codes are just a bonus for spending my time here now.

How bout adding promo forum as a sub category in Game releases forum instead of MMO which could be moved to general game discussions(where they'd be more appropriate). But the giveaways would still need to show up on TA front page of course to make sure they get enough visibility which is the main purpose these giveaways.

[jovy23]

Nice New forum about promo code giveaways, and there also should be a recent game updates forum so people can know what game received a new update and what new features it brings.

[pharmx]

I definitely agree with this. The App Store has provided a scenario where dev's interests and reader interests tend to be aligned. People want to hear about new games and get feedback from developers.

I certainly encourage developer participation, but I think the promo giveaways just need to be tempered a bit. If that reduces the pure promo giveaways, then so be it. I think the dev participation is far more valuable to the majority of readers (at least the ones we want to attract) than promo code giveaways.

arn

I think the big threads were more from promo contests versus promo giveaways. The promo giveaways are usually short lived threads involving the developer's post and then the usual whining about lurkers afterwards.

The promo contests on the other hand can get rather big depending on who's doing the contest and how they have it structured.

Either way, as long as there is meaningful discussion about their game taking place, a dev should be happy. After all, exposure with people who are interested in the game itself is far better than exposure with people who just want something free.

[Vester]

i dont know if anyone hs said this but u should have to be logged in to visit this part of the forum. u no, to discourage lurkers

[markx2]

Thank you :)

[Ryan el champ]

i dont know if anyone hs said this but u should have to be logged in to visit this part of the forum. u no, to discourage lurkers

TA would also have a bunch of new members joining our community too :D

[ImNoSuperMan]

As you can see there arent that many forum at present.

What forums do you think should be added and why?
I think there are more than enough forum sections here(if thats what you meant). And dont see any need to add more forums. In fact I`m finding it hard to keep track of all the forums sections which are already here. Since I`m spending quite a bit of time here and find interesting topics in all the TA forums, I`d rather like to see some way of tracking all the threads in all the forums without any need to go to the specific section. Right now what I`m doing is I made a bookmark for "Todays`s posts" and click on that link to see all the latest updated thread at a single place. Not really perfect but close enough for my needs.

Any plans of including something like Forum Spy here arn :rolleyes:

[HJJ]

i dont know if anyone hs said this but u should have to be logged in to visit this part of the forum. u no, to discourage lurkers

The problem isn't lurkers. The problem is simply that there are only ever 50 promo codes up for grabs, at most. Usually, it's far, far fewer than 50. Often, the amount is in single digits.

I know it's nice to have some invisible group of baddies to blame for the harsh realities we suffer here at Touch Arcade, but I really don't think "lurkers" are as much of a problem as some may think.

After all, being a member and being a lurker are not mutually exclusive. I am a member and a lurker at another tech forum. I created an account because it allowed me to view attached images. And viewing images isn't even that important. Imagine if there were $1 freebies up for grabs! I'd have probably broken some fingers as I rabidly typed in my new account information.

Registering or being logged in seems like a very low barrier of entry. If this invisible band of code thieves have enough time to sit around refreshing the codes forum 24/7 in order to steal codes from honest, do gooder members, as alleged, why would having to spend all of 2 minutes filling out a form deter them? This is just an empty "fix" that would placate the paranoid, but in reality, change close to nothing.

(And before any more dead horses are dropped from the big glue factory in the sky: Requiring a pre-determined post count or member status would only encourage spamming, and frankly, I'll take the lurkers over the spammers every. time.)

[worldcup1100]

After all, being a member and being a lurker are not mutually exclusive. I am a member and a lurker at another tech forum. I created an account because it allowed me to view attached images. And viewing images isn't even that important. Imagine if there were $1 freebies up for grabs! I'd have probably broken some fingers as I rabidly typed in my new account information.

Good points but I find it funny that you said that the only difference between you and the tech forum is that you are a member here for petty benefits AND 800 posts.

[rdklein]

what seems to work quite good, is to post a dumym code like a1,a2,a3,a4
which the people shoudl reserve and and a PM to gain the promocode. Just a step and you get the alias names of those using the codes (to avoid doubles for example)l.

[ImNoSuperMan]

Ya I`ve noticed you always use that way to giveaway your codes. Quite a nice idea IMO. A lot better than just posting all the codes in the thread.

[HJJ]

Good points but I find it funny that you said that the only difference between you and the tech forum is that you are a member here for petty benefits AND 800 posts.

Hmm, I don't think you understand, at all, what I meant.

I read another tech forum on a semi-regular basis. I don't feel the need to participate. I'm only interested in information. However, I realized that some people were attaching images that were necessary to see in order to grasp what the posts were referring to. So, since it didn't take much time to register an account, I did so. Now, I am a "member" there, but I don't post. I'm just a "lurker."

Here, at Touch Arcade, I have around 800 posts, yes. But I don't consider myself a lurker here. I am also not here for "petty benefits." I am here to discover and chat about games. I couldn't care less about receiving promo codes (which is why I'm such a vocal advocate for this new system that has been set up).

I think you are probably referring to my line: "Imagine if there were $1 freebies up for grabs!" If so, I was being sarcastic. I was addressing the point that viewing images is a non-urgent, elective reason to register for an account, i.e. it's that simple. Therefore, if there really are 1000s of unregistered lurkers just F5-ing Touch Arcade 24/7, I can't imagine that any of them would find having to sign up for an account to be much of a deterrent.

Imagine that you love steak. You crave it every waking moment! Now, imagine if your mayor made an announcement that everyday free coupons to the local steakhouse would be distributed to anyone wearing a red polo shirt. Maybe you wouldn't normally wear a red polo shirt, and you don't care for shopping, but I'd bet you wouldn't find it terribly inconvenient to stop at the store and pick one up. Free steak, after all. :)

[worldcup1100]

Hmm, I don't think you understand, at all, what I meant.

I read another tech forum on a semi-regular basis. I don't feel the need to participate. I'm only interested in information. However, I realized that some people were attaching images that were necessary to see in order to grasp what the posts were referring to. So, since it didn't take much time to register an account, I did so. Now, I am a "member" there, but I don't post. I'm just a "lurker."

Here, at Touch Arcade, I have around 800 posts, yes. But I don't consider myself a lurker here. I am also not here for "petty benefits." I am here to discover and chat about games. I couldn't care less about receiving promo codes (which is why I'm such a vocal advocate for this new system that has been set up).

I think you are probably referring to my line: "Imagine if there were $1 freebies up for grabs!" If so, I was being sarcastic. I was addressing the point that viewing images is a non-urgent, elective reason to register for an account, i.e. it's that simple. Therefore, if there really are 1000s of unregistered lurkers just F5-ing Touch Arcade 24/7, I can't imagine that any of them would find having to sign up for an account to be much of a deterrent.

Imagine that you love steak. You crave it every waking moment! Now, imagine if your mayor made an announcement that everyday free coupons to the local steakhouse would be distributed to anyone wearing a red polo shirt. Maybe you wouldn't normally wear a red polo shirt, and you don't care for shopping, but I'd bet you wouldn't find it terribly inconvenient to stop at the store and pick one up. Free steak, after all. :)

I am honestly sorry if you took offense and it caused you to write four paragraphs explaining yourself. I was just pointing out an amusing side note. Sorry if I offended you.

[Philsquirrel]

what seems to work quite good, is to post a dumym code like a1,a2,a3,a4
which the people shoudl reserve and and a PM to gain the promocode. Just a step and you get the alias names of those using the codes (to avoid doubles for example)l.

I think (like ImNoSuperMan) that it's a god idea :)

About the 'lurkers" (I speak about that because of the post about the an with 8OO posts , etc ...) :

Well I'm recent and not a great contributor in the TA forums, because essentially of my difficulty to write in comprehensible english ( I read much better than I wri) but I follow toucharcade for the reviews since I have my Touch. So I can be view as a lurker : I grab codes and don't participate to discussions :o ...
But I dont feel yet as a lurker, I've bought apps after reading the reviews here, I let my comments on the store or in the threads ... and I try nevertheless to participate a little ;).