Do Not Beg/Ask for Promo Codes

[arn]

Begging / asking for promo codes to developers unsolicited will result in permanent bans.

This includes private messaging developers asking for promo codes unless it was offered by the developers.

If developers are getting these PMs, please report it to me.

arn

[dannys95]

Nice one arn!! Will that take effect as of now or like since before this?

[Rocketman919]

I agree. There are all these new members joining and ruining the forums. Thank you for stepping in and putting a stop to this. It's crazy that a dev post a video of their game and the first 20 responses are from junior members hoping to score a free game. Let me ask you this. Is it possible for you to create a senior member forum for people who have been here for over a month and have over 200 posts? I as well as many other members would love that, it would be a place for all of us experienced members to talk about whatever.

[McChikun]

Hooray! An end to begging!

[Renare]

I agree. There are all these new members joining and ruining the forums. Thank you for stepping in and putting a stop to this. It's crazy that a dev post a video of their game and the first 20 responses are from junior members hoping to score a free game. Let me ask you this. Is it possible for you to create a senior member forum for people who have been here for over a month and have over 200 posts? I as well as many other members would love that, it would be a place for all of us experienced members to talk about whatever.

I think having limited access when you are brand new may not be a bad idea.. However, 200 posts (or really any post count) is unnecessary IMO. I have been a member of the site for a while now, and I don't post nearly as often as I just search around. I think that would be unfair to those like me who are active, just not posting in every thread. I believe having to be a member for a certain time period would be more effective (not sure how all that works). This way we know the members are here for the long term. Otherwise you will get people posting a lot more spam to get to that higher post count... Quality posts, not quantity :)

[mavis]

Sweet. Keep the boards free of nonsense like that, please. :)

[wastedyuthe]

Nice one Arn. Sometimes I think these promo codes were a bad idea. But then again, that probably just because I can't use 'em, being in the UK and all ;)

[organerito]

Well done!

We don't want to annoy too much the developers.

[snow_mani]

It's a good rule and I am glad it is being implemented. Thumbs up!

[1337brian]

One word... Awesome!!!

[brewstermax]

I think having limited access when you are brand new may not be a bad idea.. However, 200 posts (or really any post count) is unnecessary IMO. I have been a member of the site for a while now, and I don't post nearly as often as I just search around. I think that would be unfair to those like me who are active, just not posting in every thread. I believe having to be a member for a certain time period would be more effective (not sure how all that works). This way we know the members are here for the long term. Otherwise you will get people posting a lot more spam to get to that higher post count... Quality posts, not quantity :)

Agreed. I would need to wait for another day if it took affect today, but still, I agree completely to giving Seniors with a certain number of posts a special forum url

[Thorero]

I know I'm still a junior member, but I lurk around these forums quite a lot. I wholly support the move to stop the beggars. I also would support the move to create a seperate section for more senior members.

[wastedyuthe]

I also would support the move to create a seperate section for more senior members.

There has been a new thread started on this subject here (http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=2257).

[le'deuche123]

I've noticed the worst offenders have yet to post on this....but they know who they are!!

[larrybeo]

I think having limited access when you are brand new may not be a bad idea.. However, 200 posts (or really any post count) is unnecessary IMO. I have been a member of the site for a while now, and I don't post nearly as often as I just search around. I think that would be unfair to those like me who are active, just not posting in every thread. I believe having to be a member for a certain time period would be more effective (not sure how all that works). This way we know the members are here for the long term. Otherwise you will get people posting a lot more spam to get to that higher post count... Quality posts, not quantity :)
Forgive me if I misread your post Renare, but to me it almost sounds if you are entitled to asking these devs for promo codes. That makes no sense. Arn is trying to give the devs some participation on his site by allowing them to post this kind of stuff. Being able to "talk" with a developer is such a privelidge! Abusing it by asking for promo codes is going to devalue toucharcade.com and needs to stop! It's going to scare the devs away, and honestly, it's a waste of everyone's time. If I were a dev and you asked me for an unsolicited promo code, I would find a way to *raise* the price - just for you! HaHa. Then again, I don't make iPhone games LOL

[RedStaR]

ARN:

While I agree with the new policy, a question I have to is that I do reviews for a reputable site and test for may devs.

So if I happen to PM a dev inquiring or informing them that I'd like to or will be doing a piece on their game with a hands on review. If I include the phrase

"any promotional content such as vid, specific screen shots, pre release versions and or promotional versions are greatly appreciated."

Is that considered unsolicited asking or begging?

I really like the networking capabilities of this site and don't want to step on anyone toes or get banned for honest "networking". most of it is common sense and I am always tactful when inquiring about such possible promo content be it codes or just a vid. I just want to clear the air. So any furthur input on my question would be great.
Thanks Arn
Q

[arn]

I really like the networking capabilities of this site and don't want to step on anyone toes or get banned for honest "networking". most of it is common sense and I am always tactful when inquiring about such possible promo content be it codes or just a vid. I just want to clear the air. So any furthur input on my question would be great.

The ultimate reason for the rule is we want this to be a place developers feel comfortable visiting and participating in.

While this "no begging" rule generally includes both forum threads and private messages, we obviously don't police everyone's private messages. For private messages, I'm sure most developer just ignore requests they don't want to fulfill, but if we get complaints about a particular user, we'll take action.

arn

[PointOfLight]

The ultimate reason for the rule is we want this to be a place developers feel comfortable visiting and participating in.

I completely agree with this, and I could understand the frustrations of getting a ton of unsolicited "gimmies", but I would be highly suspect of a developer that felt uncomfortable getting a request from a legitimate reviewer asking for a promotional code. Since I've started reviewing I've written almost 180 reviews, and if I would have had to pay for every one of those games I'd probably have been kicked out of the house by now. The way I look at it, if a developer gives me a promotional code and I write them a good review (not saying the two are synonymous, mind you), then they've basically "paid" somewhere between 99 cents and 20 bucks for some good advertising because they didn't get my sale. Last I checked, that's an incredible deal. On the other hand, if the review is bad, they've merely lost the ability to go out to McDonald's once during the week. And to be honest I really try hard to pick games that I think I'll like so I don't have to write a bad review.

Now I'm not saying that I'm going to go around your policy and start PM'ing every developer asking for codes, because I like this site and don't want to get banned. However, a site like this should be as much for the patrons as the developers, and while this policy certainly will solve some issues, it could also unfairly dampen the experience for others.

[arn]

I completely agree with this, and I could understand the frustrations of getting a ton of unsolicited "gimmies", but I would be highly suspect of a developer that felt uncomfortable getting a request from a legitimate reviewer asking for a promotional code.

Yeah, but who's to say who a legitimate reviewer is? Anyone with an iTunes account seems to call themselves a reviewer.

I guess the bottom line is I don't think any developers are going to complain about getting contacted by a legitimate reviewer, so I don't think this will stifle the community. Just don't annoy the devs. :)

arn

[PointOfLight]

Yeah, but who's to say who a legitimate reviewer is? Anyone with an iTunes account seems to call themselves a reviewer.

I guess the bottom line is I don't think any developers are going to complain about getting contacted by a legitimate reviewer, so I don't think this will stifle the community. Just don't annoy the devs. :)

arn

That's right, and that's exactly why I don't leave reviews in the App Store for the most part (unless a dev asks me too). Too much garbage to be useful, and their 'rating' system is a joke. And trust me, if I annoy the devs it's not going to be because I'm asking for promo codes :p

Just to be perfectly clear to everyone, I am on your side about not annoying the devs. So please, no hate-PMs from anyone :D

[dannys95]

Yeah, but who's to say who a legitimate reviewer is? Anyone with an iTunes account seems to call themselves a reviewer.

I guess the bottom line is I don't think any developers are going to complain about getting contacted by a legitimate reviewer, so I don't think this will stifle the community. Just don't annoy the devs. :)

arn

i just read this; but so far i have asked them if they want a review. maybe i should stop? really since i have almost 2000 posts and am on here almost 24 hours a day they could trust me. do i need to stop?

i write on a blog not itunes btw.

[le'deuche123]

i just read this; but so far i have asked them if they want a review. maybe i should stop? really since i have almost 2000 posts and am on here almost 24 hours a day they could trust me. do i need to stop?

i write on a blog not itunes btw.

I would...Let them come to you if they want a review...or do the review after buying the game.

[markx2]

Seeing as codes are currently US only, that they generate a lot of noise, that people like me in the UK do not bother to read them now because of the 'I want one too' posts so we will never see any feedback I'd go so far as suggesting a different forum. You could even limit access by post count / membership time.

And my advice to devs is not to just give them out. Do some research, find the names of people who actually do review in a good way and PM them the codes. I see heaps of codes being given out and - as I said in another thread - no reviews being given.

[dannys95]

I see heaps of codes being given out and - as I said in another thread - no reviews being given.

They can trust me!! I swear. LOL. Seriously though usually they ask me to show they some work and I show them. And since I'm always here they know they can trust me.

[walsh06]

just wondering how exactly does a promo code work??

[Zincous]

just wondering how exactly does a promo code work??

The devs get 50 of them per update to each app.

They can then give them out however they choose.

Once you have one (if you are in the US) you can copy and paste it into the "redeem" section in itunes and then it downloads and you'll have the app next time you sync up.

[Big Albie]

Since Arn made this new rule, I'm just curious if the promo code begging has declined. I know on occasion I still see it happening, and others promptly tell them to knock it off so people obviously know.

Now if we could only stop people from asking for price drops...:rolleyes:

[brewstermax]

They can trust me!! I swear. LOL. Seriously though usually they ask me to show they some work and I show them. And since I'm always here they know they can trust me.

Danny is the only ****ing one who ****ing does it. So, yes stop that. Do a complementary review and tell them about it. Stop ****ing asking for ****ing promo codes.

[crimson.]

Danny is the only ****ing one who ****ing does it. So, yes stop that. Do a complementary review and tell them about it. Stop ****ing asking for ****ing promo codes.
Anyone who's says ****ing that much has to be right.

[snow_mani]

Since Arn made this new rule, I'm just curious if the promo code begging has declined. I know on occasion I still see it happening, and others promptly tell them to knock it off so people obviously know.

Now if we could only stop people from asking for price drops...:rolleyes:

The begging for codes occurs a lot less in the forums than it did before the rule was implemented. I see it from time to time but nowhere near as often as it was occuring before.

People asking for price drops all the time really annoys me too. I come here to read about apps and games. And what people think of the gameplay. What they like, are there any problems or issues with a game, etc. It gets really tiresome to see lots of posts whining about the price.

Like markx2 I would like a seperate forum for promo codes. While devs are generous in giving out promo codes, sometimes the "chatter" about the codes clutters the games forum. I want to read more about the games and less about the promo codes. Don't get me wrong, even though I am in Australia and can't use the codes with my Australian iTunes account, I like the promo codes (I've received a few to use with my US iTunes account) and think that they have their place here, but I'd like that place to be in a seperate forum.

[Kamazar]

Danny is the only ****ing one who ****ing does it. So, yes stop that. Do a complementary review and tell them about it. Stop ****ing asking for ****ing promo codes.

A community of brotherly love, TA is :D

I'm kinda wondering about distribution of said promo codes. Lots of lurkers are getting the damn codes!

[brewstermax]

A community of brotherly love, TA is :D

I'm kinda wondering about distribution of said promo codes. Lots of lurkers are getting the damn codes!

Oh, I know. I only spread my "brotherly love" to those who have done something to earn it. Ohh, lets see who may be on that list of members. :rolleyes:

Not you, btw.

[le'deuche123]

Anyone who's says ****ing that much has to be right.

Priceless:D

[brewstermax]

Priceless:D

I know right. ;)

[Sainter]

Writing for TPG & TheAppEra I find that most of the codes we get are actually from people sending them into us so that their games can be reviewed. Unless devs read that you are a reviewer from such links in your sig it is hard to know who is who with arns strict no advertising your sites policy..

Public begging is wrong and I see it far too often, and most of it is on a place that can't be moderated by the name of 'Twitter'. I don't really know what to think of the whole deal so I will just stay on the fence and let the big boys play around with the rules.

[markx2]

People asking for price drops all the time really annoys me too. I come here to read about apps and games. And what people think of the gameplay. What they like, are there any problems or issues with a game, etc. It gets really tiresome to see lots of posts whining about the price.

This is my single biggest annoyance with this site. It is the same people asking time after time. These are the very same people who will cry that quality might be falling, fart apps make a comeback and anything else that upsets them but will never make the connection between their wanting more games for .99 and less money going into the devs pockets.

If you could ban anything then price drops would be it.

[dannys95]

Oh the brotherly love. I write LOTS of COMPLIMENTARY reviews. But sometimes I ask for a promo code in exchange. But not always. I'll wait for arn's opinion though. Hopefully his won't be as curseful. :p

[le'deuche123]

Oh the brotherly love. I write LOTS of COMPLIMENTARY reviews. But sometimes I ask for a promo code in exchange. But not always. I'll wait for arn's opinion though. Hopefully his won't be as curseful. :p

Honestly if I was a developer and you "asked" me for a promo code, review or not, I would think you were a tool. If you have a legitimate review site put it in your signature and let the dev come to you if they want a review. It's not a hard rule..don't ask.

[dannys95]

Honestly if I was a developer and you "asked" me for a promo code, review or not, I would think you were a tool. If you have a legitimate review site put it in your signature and let the dev come to you if they want a review. It's not a hard rule..don't ask.

Well back then this was meant for when promo codes were allowed to be made. This rule I thought applied to those begging for codes. But you are right; I'll just add it to my sig. As you can see I asked..........cause I wanted to make sure I was not doing anything wrong............so don't kill me. Geez

Updated my sig...........but it's not showing. ???

[le'deuche123]

Well back then this was meant for when promo codes were allowed to be made. This rule I thought applied to those begging for codes. But you are right; I'll just add it to my sig. As you can see I asked..........cause I wanted to make sure I was not doing anything wrong............so don't kill me. Geez

Updated my sig...........but it's not showing. ???

It's cool man, not trying to be a dick, just throwing my 2 cents...Don't know about the sig not updating.

[dannys95]

It's cool man, not trying to be a dick, just throwing my 2 cents...Don't know about the sig not updating.

Heck you were nicer than brewster. :D:D:D

[le'deuche123]

Heck you were nicer than brewster. :D:D:D

Yeah he's awesome!!:D

[Big Albie]

It sounds like the TA's "Don't Ask, Don't Beg" policy should include no price drop whining. Sorry, didn't mean to play off Bill Clinton...it just came out that way :)

[le'deuche123]

It sounds like the TA's "Don't Ask, Don't Beg" policy should include no price drop whining. Sorry, didn't mean to play off Bill Clinton...it just came out that way :)

That is definitely the second most annoying behavior seen on the forums. I agree that it should be added to the rules. Don't worry B.Albie I'm sure Bill would be proud:)

[Real Racing Fan]

I think having limited access when you are brand new may not be a bad idea.. However, 200 posts (or really any post count) is unnecessary IMO. I have been a member of the site for a while now, and I don't post nearly as often as I just search around. I think that would be unfair to those like me who are active, just not posting in every thread. I believe having to be a member for a certain time period would be more effective (not sure how all that works). This way we know the members are here for the long term. Otherwise you will get people posting a lot more spam to get to that higher post count... Quality posts, not quantity :)

Possibly how long you are at TA and active?

[knittytal]

This site is really awesome. I think it would cool to have patches for shirts and such. I would not even mind if we had to buy them. Put me in for 3 or 4 if you do anything like that


Ben

[The Bat Outta Hell]

This site is really awesome. I think it would cool to have patches for shirts and such. I would not even mind if we had to buy them. Put me in for 3 or 4 if you do anything like that


Ben

Hahaha... What?

[Hodapp]

This site is really awesome. I think it would cool to have patches for shirts and such. I would not even mind if we had to buy them. Put me in for 3 or 4 if you do anything like that


Ben

We've actually talked about it before. ;)

[loves2spoon]

[Touch Arcade] Keychain Lanyards!

[Anders]

This site is really awesome. I think it would cool to have patches for shirts and such. I would not even mind if we had to buy them. Put me in for 3 or 4 if you do anything like that


Ben

We've actually talked about it before. ;)

I have TA stickers :P

[Hodapp]

I have TA stickers :P

These might be the last 8 TA stickers in existence...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4212975348_e5a413bbf9_o.jpg

[Anders]

These might be the last 8 TA stickers in existence...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4212975348_e5a413bbf9_o.jpg

Hmm wonder how much they are worth on ebay.. You gave me a bunch of them at WWDC :P

[derek420]

Those stickers are tight lol I'd totally rep those.

[iphoneprogrammer]

does anyone here has promo codes?





kidding.

[Vester]

i want a TA sticker :(

[Outkast1]

i want a TA sticker :(

Do Not Beg/Ask for TA stickers

[KGameLover1]

do not beg/ask for ta stickers

lol.

[dogmeat]

i want a sticker damnit!!

hell, i want a TA t-shirt.

shit, I'll even redesign the logo so it's 4 color so it can be silkscreened. It's only like 250$ for 100 shirts, 4 color, from the dude down the street from me.

[Dylan1696]

These might be the last 8 TA stickers in existence...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4212975348_e5a413bbf9_o.jpg

Nah! There is a computer engineer/hacker/gamer/gazillionaire dude (I think it is "Old" money)that lives by me in my neighborhood and he has quite a few. He sticks them in random places around the city(peoples car bumpers/rear windshields, store windows etc) and gives them to fellow enthisiast gamers. He probably re-created them and printed them out. He is who directed me to this site to begin with. Hell you'd think he was the one that created this site or something!

Hey, free advertising I guess :) Let's hope he doesn't put one up at the local porn retailer store window....Some people might get the wrong idea about "touch"Arcade. :)

Ha!

[dogmeat]

haha, get one for me :)

[derek420]

Nah! There is a computer engineer/hacker/gamer/gazillionaire dude (I think it is "Old" money)that lives by me in my neighborhood and he has quite a few. He sticks them in random places around the city(peoples car bumpers/rear windshields, store windows etc) and gives them to fellow enthisiast gamers. He probably re-created them and printed them out. He is who directed me to this site to begin with. Hell you'd think he was the one that created this site or something!

Hey, free advertising I guess :) Let's hope he doesn't put one up at the local porn retailer store window....Some people might get the wrong idea about "touch"Arcade. :)

Ha!

Well, I wouldn't go that far :rolleyes:

[TheProxy]

I'll wait for the stickers to go on sale for 99cents/free.

[starmonkey101]

may i have a promo code please?

[Tzibo]

Do you have to be a (user) reviewer to be eligible for promo codes? Or can anybody get them if the dev offers 'em?

[David7]

Do you have to be a (user) reviewer to be eligible for promo codes? Or can anybody get them if the dev offers 'em?

I'm pretty sure it's up to the developers.

[Tzibo]

Okay. Well, it never hurts to try. :)

[jak56]

Do you have to be a (user) reviewer to be eligible for promo codes? Or can anybody get them if the dev offers 'em?
well, it really depends. some devs like to have giveaways on toucharcade wehre everyone (including lurkers) can get them, some do giveaways where only users can get them PM giveaways for example. others only give promo codes to reviewers on release and let the rest of the codes expire.

i've heard some devs give codes in exchange itunes reviews though.

[Mykyl66]

I wondered about this as I got a pm asking for a promo code in exchange for a good review on the appstore and Toucharcade forums.

I pointed out we are not handing out any promo codes at the moment and then stated that any reviews we get we want them to be truthful as thats the only way we can find out where we are going right or wrong with our apps. Otherwise its a pointless exercise and we never learn anything.

Maybe we are strange but money and reviews are secondary to us. We want to make the best games we can and from feedback etc as that's how we will improve.

Cheers

Mike R

[All-Eyez-On-Me]

I wondered about this as I got a pm asking for a promo code in exchange for a good review on the appstore and Toucharcade forums.

I pointed out we are not handing out any promo codes at the moment and then stated that any reviews we get we want them to be truthful as thats the only way we can find out where we are going right or wrong with our apps. Otherwise its a pointless exercise and we never learn anything.

Maybe we are strange but money and reviews are secondary to us. We want to make the best games we can and from feedback etc as that's how we will improve.

Cheers

Mike R

I like that idea, unique, good job!:)

[Random_Guy]

Do you have to be a (user) reviewer to be eligible for promo codes? Or can anybody get them if the dev offers 'em?

Well, the purpose of devs giving out promo codes is for you to write reviews for them, but if you don't want to, then that's your choice. You don't necessarily have to, as there wasn't an official 'contract' or 'agreement', but it would be pretty rude for you to not write a review for them.

[Mctron]

That's right, and that's exactly why I don't leave reviews in the App Store for the most part (unless a dev asks me too). Too much garbage to be useful, and their 'rating' system is a joke. And trust me, if I annoy the devs it's not going to be because I'm asking for promo codes :p

Just to be perfectly clear to everyone, I am on your side about not annoying the devs. So please, no hate-PMs from anyone :D

What if you have a blog where you review iOS games, wouldn't that make you legit.

[New England Gamer]

What if you have a blog where you review iOS games, wouldn't that make you legit.
Are you kidding? You quoted a two year old post?

[Coldar]

Are you kidding? You quoted a two year old post?
Lol, I almost commented on that earlier. Weird.....or just didn't realize how old that post was.

[TakenXXDeadly]

I agree. There are all these new members joining and ruining the forums. Thank you for stepping in and putting a stop to this. It's crazy that a dev post a video of their game and the first 20 responses are from junior members hoping to score a free game. Let me ask you this. Is it possible for you to create a senior member forum for people who have been here for over a month and have over 200 posts? I as well as many other members would love that, it would be a place for all of us experienced members to talk about whatever.

I'm a new user to this forum. I have been in many forums such as Halo Reach forums, OpenFeint, Bulletstorm forums and more. Am I under that category? (been a member of OF for 3 years and and bungie 2 years)
Anyway, a little harsh though. If they constantly beg, than definitely. but once shouldn't be permanent..

[Scorpion008]

I'm a new user to this forum. I have been in many forums such as Halo Reach forums, OpenFeint, Bulletstorm forums and more. Am I under that category? (been a member of OF for 3 years and and bungie 2 years)
Anyway, a little harsh though. If they constantly beg, than definitely. but once shouldn't be permanent..

+1 Always give yourself one chance, eh? :D