Kinda makes me wonder exactly how many people who are complaining about this issue has even played STO, haha. It just seems like people are hoping in the bandwagon because "all the cool kids are doing it." :P
The problem with this backlash is it effects potential buyers as well, which is why people of all walks of life are commenting on this. Something this large doesn't just effect its players, you know.
~Miles "Tails" Prower out! Catch me if you can!
Come Join us at www.globalequestria.com - Meet other fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!
Cryptic Studios, which has been no stranger to controversy lately, is on the receiving end of community backlash once again, this time for their recently released MMORPG, Star Trek Online. What's stirring the pot over at Star Trek Online? A limited time offer of a $10 price cut and an additional 60 days (for a total of 90) free game time for customers who purchase the standard edition of the game or just the extra 60 days for those who purchase the Collector's Edition before 9PM PST on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010. As a new customer, this sounds like an absolutely excellent offer. Who wouldn't want an extra 60 days? That more than covers that premium one would pay for the Collector's Edition, and makes the standard edition an absolutel steal. I'll give you a hint -- it's not the new customers that are in a tizzy. The early adopters of Star Trek Online are the one's feeling the rage at the moment, and boy are they angry. Cryptic Studios has released a statement regarding the matter, but it hasn't really done much to placate the community. Read below for Cryptic's statement:
Hi everyone, We understand that some of you are upset about the current sale on Atari.com. There are a number of threads on the forums about this, which is making it very difficult to find information about anything else on these forums. Due to this, we are closing all other threads regarding this matter. We do value your feedback on this, matter however, and would appreciate it if you would post your feedback regarding this matter here, in this thread. All other threads regarding this will be closed. Thanks,
Phoxe Addendum:
I've heard many voicing concerns that we will not be honoring this sale for anyone who took advantage of it this weekend. This is not the case at all, and anyone who decided to take advantage of the offer will receive what they purchased, as advertised.
Please re-read the ad above and think for a moment. Most non-gaming consumers know how to really read an ad. And when I first read it I thought you get an extra 30 days on top of the 30 days you get from the online purchase of the game. That equates to a grand total of 60 free days before you get charged.
Now take gaming consumers who have little to no experience when it comes for shopping for anyone else but themselves and for anything other than a want (as appose to a need). They take one look at the ad and automatically assume that you get 30 days for the digital purchase plus an additional 60 days on top of that before you get charged! Well sorry but that's assuming a little too much. And now you have hordes of clueless e-shoppers thinking that they get 90 days of free play when the ad nor the offer states you get 90 days. (All the reps are denying the 90 days as well but good luck explaining that to gamers)
Of course Cryptic's marketing muscle Atari, realizing the mistake it has made by using a old sale pitching technique on a mass of anything other that household shoppers, is backpeddling to do away with the ad and it's confusing offer. And this is on top of the countless original purchasers who will be missing on the additional free month (not 2 like you want to believe) that players will get who took advantage of the promotion.
All I can say that as gamers make a bigger bunk of their gaming purchases online, they best get use to the slick business practices of advertising and sales before they drive themselves into a mindless frenzy every time they forget to read the fine print.
Dude, the box key gives you 30 days, then they mail a 60-day timecode. I think it is you who don't understand and I made an account just to tell you that talking down to people makes you look unintelligent, moreso when you are quite wrong.
I'm sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handed out the correct product keys for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
Originally posted by hauptmann85 Kinda makes me wonder exactly how many people who are complaining about this issue has even played STO, haha. It just seems like people are hoping in the bandwagon because "all the cool kids are doing it." :P
lolwhat? That's the weak apologist comment. What does playing the game have to do with this fuck up of mass proportions regarding sales & marketing? zero.
People are "jumping on the bandwagon" b/c active, former or non-player a-like can see when something is going horribly wrong or being mishandled from the word go. Being intentionally ignorant to that, makes you no more cultured or enlightened.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
Still, feigning ignorance in a court will only get you so far. "I swear, I had no idea that someone in marketing had posted this request! I also had no idea that our partner; Cryptic Studios had not sent out the promised keys, that in truth don't exist".
It just doesn't add up. Spinning a tale to your customers is one thing, but how can you actually explain this in a court?
~Miles "Tails" Prower out! Catch me if you can!
Come Join us at www.globalequestria.com - Meet other fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
Then providing a screenshot of your email with everything blacked out except for the pertinent information at hand will clear this misunderstanding up. If you cannot show me proof that a 60 day timecard was listed as part of your completed order form then I'd rather go with my intuition than your word, no offense.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
Still, feigning ignorance in a court will only get you so far. "I swear, I had no idea that someone in marketing had posted this request! I also had no idea that our partner; Cryptic Studios had not sent out the promised keys, that in truth don't exist".
It just doesn't add up. Spinning a tale to your customers is one thing, but how can you actually explain this in a court?
~Miles "Tails" Prower out! Catch me if you can!
In retail prices are often misquoted all the time. Depending on the difference in price (a few dollars vs a few hundred dollars) it can be as simple as letting it go and honoring the blunder or going so far as to offer an disclaimer and apology for the price mix up. Both I have seen and experienced. And I see this as a case of something Atari is not willing to let slip through.
Call it fair or shady if you want, but it's all legal and has been practiced in retail since retail existed.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
Then providing a screenshot of your email with everything blacked out except for the pertinent information at hand will clear this misunderstanding up. If you cannot show me proof that a 60 day timecard was listed as part of your completed order form then I'd rather go with my intuition than your word, no offense.
Just... read the STO forums and you will realize that you are failing to defend a stance that was fail in the first place and every time you retort you are just looking worse.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
Then providing a screenshot of your email with everything blacked out except for the pertinent information at hand will clear this misunderstanding up. If you cannot show me proof that a 60 day timecard was listed as part of your completed order form then I'd rather go with my intuition than your word, no offense.
Just... read the STO forums and you will realize that you are failing to defend a stance that was fail in the first place and every time you retort you are just looking worse.
But I'm not asking them for proof, I'm asking you. I did my research on the official boards and on countless websites and they have all proved to be fruitless in giving me solid proof for what has transpired. So far the only thing I've found was dead links on the official forums and 1 link to a copy of a complaint filed with a CS rep with a response.
But now that I have someone who claims to have completed such a deal, I'm asking you for a copy of your transaction so I can put that part of the debate to rest.
But so far I'm still coming up empty-handed as you are being just as cleverly elusive as Cryptic/Atari in this matter and both sides are staring to wear thin on my Chirst-like tolerance levels.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
But I'm not asking them for proof, I'm asking you. I did my research on the official boards and on countless websites and they have all proved to be fruitless in giving me solid proof for what has transpired. So far the only thing I've found was dead links on the official forums and 1 link to a copy of a complaint filed with a CS rep with a response.
But now that I have someone who claims to have completed such a deal, I'm asking you for a copy of your transaction so I can put that part of the debate to rest.
But so far I'm still coming up empty-handed as you are being just as cleverly elusive as Cryptic/Atari in this matter and both sides are staring to wear thin on my Chirst-like tolerance levels.
Um, exactly when did I say I took that deal? I preordered like I said in a previous post in this very thread. Your ' Chirst-like tolerance levels' are no match at all for your lack of intelligence, or apparent inability to master reading comprehension.
I could provide a list as long as my arm of open an closed threads about this, but even if you pretend to read them I doubt you would understand them. I don't say that to be mean, that's my honest opinion.
Champions Online and Star Trek Online both suffer from the same recurring failure, Cryptic.
Agree, Not only do they make shallow, simplistic, and rushed games (2 years to live when most MMORPGs take as many as 4 or more) they run their games terribly. They are in it for the quick cash, not for the kind of profits that come from satisfying customers over the mid to long haul. Cryptic is a cancer to the MMO genre and anyone who gives their games a penny is feeding the demise of the genre.
Agree, Not only do they make shallow, simplistic, and rushed games (2 years to live when most MMORPGs take as many as 4 or more) they run their games terribly. They are in it for the quick cash, not for the kind of profits that come from satisfying customers over the mid to long haul. Cryptic is a cancer to the MMO genre and anyone who gives their games a penny is feeding the demise of the genre.
But I'm not asking them for proof, I'm asking you. I did my research on the official boards and on countless websites and they have all proved to be fruitless in giving me solid proof for what has transpired. So far the only thing I've found was dead links on the official forums and 1 link to a copy of a complaint filed with a CS rep with a response.
But now that I have someone who claims to have completed such a deal, I'm asking you for a copy of your transaction so I can put that part of the debate to rest.
But so far I'm still coming up empty-handed as you are being just as cleverly elusive as Cryptic/Atari in this matter and both sides are staring to wear thin on my Chirst-like tolerance levels.
Um, exactly when did I say I took that deal? I preordered like I said in a previous post in this very thread. Your ' Chirst-like tolerance levels' are no match at all for your lack of intelligence, or apparent inability to master reading comprehension.
I could provide a list as long as my arm of open an closed threads about this, but even if you pretend to read them I doubt you would understand them. I don't say that to be mean, that's my honest opinion.
Then I offer my apologies for my obvious misunderstanding. I thought I was finally dealing with someone that the promotion actually effected, not another useless champion for justice. And those are just about as useful as dead links that people claim are screenshots of their order.
There was one other poster that stated that he took advantage of the offer for him and his wife, but failed to produce any evidence to support his claim as well. Also in the future, saying you read about the promotion with your own eyes and claimed to have seen first hand the listing of a 60 day gamecard being included with the deal along with a 30 day free month with purchase is hearsay.
If you have not actually MADE the purchase then your accounts of the facts run the possibility of appearing to be fabrications thought up to support a bias stance against the company when no more of those viewpoints are needed in the discussion. Right now I'm looking for evidence not fighting battles with forum jockeys.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
About time you posted it You forgot to add that ATARI not only suddenly retracted the whole offer yesterday morning. They also suddenly took in a stance of flat out saying the offer NEVER existed! All the people that took on the offer. They were charged shipping fee. And the 60 extra days they also didn't get! As the 60 day codes were suddenly removed from their account page as well. People that tried to call ATARI were hung up on the phone. And people that posted about this on the ATARI forums were instantly banned! Cryptic however, is doing nothing more then damage control on their part. Wich I cannot blame them for. As their forums were a complete warzone over the weekend and a real mess. So they had to do something. Not to mention that people now also getting banned on the Cryptic forums as well. That statement on the Cryptic forums however, has now been altered three times (in the first version they were also saying the +60 days offer never existed)! And is in sheer contrast and conflict with the stance ATARI is taking and still taking at the moment. Meaning, that as of today, ATARI still claims the offer NEVER existed. And customers contacting them are getting ZERO on request!
Just remember, we've always been at war with Oceana
About time you posted it You forgot to add that ATARI not only suddenly retracted the whole offer yesterday morning. They also suddenly took in a stance of flat out saying the offer NEVER existed! All the people that took on the offer. They were charged shipping fee. And the 60 extra days they also didn't get! As the 60 day codes were suddenly removed from their account page as well. People that tried to call ATARI were hung up on the phone. And people that posted about this on the ATARI forums were instantly banned! Cryptic however, is doing nothing more then damage control on their part. Wich I cannot blame them for. As their forums were a complete warzone over the weekend and a real mess. So they had to do something. Not to mention that people now also getting banned on the Cryptic forums as well. That statement on the Cryptic forums however, has now been altered three times (in the first version they were also saying the +60 days offer never existed)! And is in sheer contrast and conflict with the stance ATARI is taking and still taking at the moment. Meaning, that as of today, ATARI still claims the offer NEVER existed. And customers contacting them are getting ZERO on request!
i even have pictures of it, i facti've ben recording the adventures of the USS Failboat since CO
We STILL don't have the female Mirror Universe Uniforms promosed with CO Lifetime, they said they are working on it but have no definite date of this item promised /7/ months ago.
God i could have a sex change, ger knocked up and deliver a baby before gals get Mirror Universe at this rate
But I'm not asking them for proof, I'm asking you. I did my research on the official boards and on countless websites and they have all proved to be fruitless in giving me solid proof for what has transpired. So far the only thing I've found was dead links on the official forums and 1 link to a copy of a complaint filed with a CS rep with a response.
But now that I have someone who claims to have completed such a deal, I'm asking you for a copy of your transaction so I can put that part of the debate to rest.
But so far I'm still coming up empty-handed as you are being just as cleverly elusive as Cryptic/Atari in this matter and both sides are staring to wear thin on my Chirst-like tolerance levels.
Um, exactly when did I say I took that deal? I preordered like I said in a previous post in this very thread. Your ' Chirst-like tolerance levels' are no match at all for your lack of intelligence, or apparent inability to master reading comprehension.
I could provide a list as long as my arm of open an closed threads about this, but even if you pretend to read them I doubt you would understand them. I don't say that to be mean, that's my honest opinion.
Then I offer my apologies for my obvious misunderstanding. I thought I was finally dealing with someone that the promotion actually effected, not another useless champion for justice. And those are just about as useful as dead links that people claim are screenshots of their order.
There was one other poster that stated that he took advantage of the offer for him and his wife, but failed to produce any evidence to support his claim as well. Also in the future, saying you read about the promotion with your own eyes and claimed to have seen first hand the listing of a 60 day gamecard being included with the deal along with a 30 day free month with purchase is hearsay.
If you have not actually MADE the purchase then your accounts of the facts run the possibility of appearing to be fabrications thought up to support a bias stance against the company when no more of those viewpoints are needed in the discussion. Right now I'm looking for evidence not fighting battles with forum jockeys.
Um, wow even when you admit you're wrong you can't admit you're wrong. Seriously there are an obscenely large number of posts about this in the STO forums and if you can't find one I am dumbfounded by your ineptitude. That aside I'm not going to dignify any of your further statements as when you lose the argument you simply attempt to poison the thought well and drag in another argument that has nothing to do with the point of our discourse up to now.
Learn some humility or choke on hubris. Up to you.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
Then providing a screenshot of your email with everything blacked out except for the pertinent information at hand will clear this misunderstanding up. If you cannot show me proof that a 60 day timecard was listed as part of your completed order form then I'd rather go with my intuition than your word, no offense.
Atari's legal department is now involved. Looks like Atari must have gotten a strong wake up call about what they have been doing. Perhaps all the threats of taking the issue to the BBB and AG must have done something.
So sad as someone posted on the STO forum, the thread got locked too.
The BBB is kinda biased; you have to jump through hoops, pay fees, and what not. It's heavily based on whether or not you're willing to pay them for the score you want. Take Bioware for example. They also got a "F" rating. Bioware, seriously? They're the leading RPG developers in the market today and even they got a F.
~Miles "Tails" Prower out! Catch me if you can!
This is not true sir! My own business has never had to do that, though we do not have the volume of comsumers like Cryptic and Bioware. We are not BBB Accredited and have never had to pay to maintain the score we have with them.
Perhaps. Can't imagine Bioware getting a F-score though. *shrugs* nothing can really explain that.
My thoughts are as usual "why is the mmo crowd so bitchy?". On the one hand you've got folks constantly throwing there 2-3 lifetime subs in your face and all of a sudden a sale that has no adverse effect on gameplay has the forums up in arms. Also though I'd also like to note while there is a fair number of posts complaining about it there's probably an equal number of people just constantly bumping up the negative posts each other are making (atleast that's what I noticed).
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
Cryptic Studios, which has been no stranger to controversy lately, is on the receiving end of community backlash once again, this time for their recently released MMORPG, Star Trek Online. What's stirring the pot over at Star Trek Online? A limited time offer of a $10 price cut and an additional 60 days (for a total of 90) free game time for customers who purchase the standard edition of the game or just the extra 60 days for those who purchase the Collector's Edition before 9PM PST on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010. As a new customer, this sounds like an absolutely excellent offer. Who wouldn't want an extra 60 days? That more than covers that premium one would pay for the Collector's Edition, and makes the standard edition an absolutel steal. I'll give you a hint -- it's not the new customers that are in a tizzy. The early adopters of Star Trek Online are the one's feeling the rage at the moment, and boy are they angry. Cryptic Studios has released a statement regarding the matter, but it hasn't really done much to placate the community. Read below for Cryptic's statement:
Hi everyone, We understand that some of you are upset about the current sale on Atari.com. There are a number of threads on the forums about this, which is making it very difficult to find information about anything else on these forums. Due to this, we are closing all other threads regarding this matter. We do value your feedback on this, matter however, and would appreciate it if you would post your feedback regarding this matter here, in this thread. All other threads regarding this will be closed. Thanks,
Phoxe Addendum:
I've heard many voicing concerns that we will not be honoring this sale for anyone who took advantage of it this weekend. This is not the case at all, and anyone who decided to take advantage of the offer will receive what they purchased, as advertised.
Please re-read the ad above and think for a moment. Most non-gaming consumers know how to really read an ad. And when I first read it I thought you get an extra 30 days on top of the 30 days you get from the online purchase of the game. That equates to a grand total of 60 free days before you get charged.
Now take gaming consumers who have little to no experience when it comes for shopping for anyone else but themselves and for anything other than a want (as appose to a need). They take one look at the ad and automatically assume that you get 30 days for the digital purchase plus an additional 60 days on top of that before you get charged! Well sorry but that's assuming a little too much. And now you have hordes of clueless e-shoppers thinking that they get 90 days of free play when the ad nor the offer states you get 90 days. (All the reps are denying the 90 days as well but good luck explaining that to gamers)
Of course Cryptic's marketing muscle Atari, realizing the mistake it has made by using a old sale pitching technique on a mass of anything other that household shoppers, is backpeddling to do away with the ad and it's confusing offer. And this is on top of the countless original purchasers who will be missing on the additional free month (not 2 like you want to believe) that players will get who took advantage of the promotion.
All I can say that as gamers make a bigger bunk of their gaming purchases online, they best get use to the slick business practices of advertising and sales before they drive themselves into a mindless frenzy every time they forget to read the fine print.
Except that the original ad copy said: "Limited time double bonus! Buy Star Trek Online Collector's Edition before 9pm PST on Wed March 3rd and get FREE SHIPPING (* lower 48 states only) and extra 60 days free!" Later the ad copy said something about "additional 60 days game time!"
People were also e-mailed 60 day time codes on top of the box code which always comes with 30 days game time.
My thoughts are as usual "why is the mmo crowd so bitchy?". On the one hand you've got folks constantly throwing there 2-3 lifetime subs in your face and all of a sudden a sale that has no adverse effect on gameplay has the forums up in arms. Also though I'd also like to note while there is a fair number of posts complaining about it there's probably an equal number of people just constantly bumping up the negative posts each other are making (atleast that's what I noticed).
That's kind of the reason I don't want any part of STO anymore. Troll bait attracts trolls and they have pretty fiercely strangled that forum. Objective questions and suggestions are very quickly found at the bottom of the thread stack.
Cryptic Studios, which has been no stranger to controversy lately, is on the receiving end of community backlash once again, this time for their recently released MMORPG, Star Trek Online. What's stirring the pot over at Star Trek Online? A limited time offer of a $10 price cut and an additional 60 days (for a total of 90) free game time for customers who purchase the standard edition of the game or just the extra 60 days for those who purchase the Collector's Edition before 9PM PST on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010. As a new customer, this sounds like an absolutely excellent offer. Who wouldn't want an extra 60 days? That more than covers that premium one would pay for the Collector's Edition, and makes the standard edition an absolutel steal. I'll give you a hint -- it's not the new customers that are in a tizzy. The early adopters of Star Trek Online are the one's feeling the rage at the moment, and boy are they angry. Cryptic Studios has released a statement regarding the matter, but it hasn't really done much to placate the community. Read below for Cryptic's statement:
Hi everyone, We understand that some of you are upset about the current sale on Atari.com. There are a number of threads on the forums about this, which is making it very difficult to find information about anything else on these forums. Due to this, we are closing all other threads regarding this matter. We do value your feedback on this, matter however, and would appreciate it if you would post your feedback regarding this matter here, in this thread. All other threads regarding this will be closed. Thanks,
Phoxe Addendum:
I've heard many voicing concerns that we will not be honoring this sale for anyone who took advantage of it this weekend. This is not the case at all, and anyone who decided to take advantage of the offer will receive what they purchased, as advertised.
Please re-read the ad above and think for a moment. Most non-gaming consumers know how to really read an ad. And when I first read it I thought you get an extra 30 days on top of the 30 days you get from the online purchase of the game. That equates to a grand total of 60 free days before you get charged.
Now take gaming consumers who have little to no experience when it comes for shopping for anyone else but themselves and for anything other than a want (as appose to a need). They take one look at the ad and automatically assume that you get 30 days for the digital purchase plus an additional 60 days on top of that before you get charged! Well sorry but that's assuming a little too much. And now you have hordes of clueless e-shoppers thinking that they get 90 days of free play when the ad nor the offer states you get 90 days. (All the reps are denying the 90 days as well but good luck explaining that to gamers)
Of course Cryptic's marketing muscle Atari, realizing the mistake it has made by using a old sale pitching technique on a mass of anything other that household shoppers, is backpeddling to do away with the ad and it's confusing offer. And this is on top of the countless original purchasers who will be missing on the additional free month (not 2 like you want to believe) that players will get who took advantage of the promotion.
All I can say that as gamers make a bigger bunk of their gaming purchases online, they best get use to the slick business practices of advertising and sales before they drive themselves into a mindless frenzy every time they forget to read the fine print.
Except that the original ad copy said: "Limited time double bonus! Buy Star Trek Online Collector's Edition before 9pm PST on Wed March 3rd and get FREE SHIPPING (* lower 48 states only) and extra 60 days free!" Later the ad copy said something about "additional 60 days game time!"
People were also e-mailed 60 day time codes on top of the box code which always comes with 30 days game time.
Comments
The problem with this backlash is it effects potential buyers as well, which is why people of all walks of life are commenting on this. Something this large doesn't just effect its players, you know.
~Miles "Tails" Prower out! Catch me if you can!
Come Join us at www.globalequestria.com - Meet other fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!
It now appears that the 60 day bonus has now been removed.
What are your thoughts on the issue? Let us know in the comments below.
[Thanks Xondar123 for the tip!]
Please re-read the ad above and think for a moment. Most non-gaming consumers know how to really read an ad. And when I first read it I thought you get an extra 30 days on top of the 30 days you get from the online purchase of the game. That equates to a grand total of 60 free days before you get charged.
Now take gaming consumers who have little to no experience when it comes for shopping for anyone else but themselves and for anything other than a want (as appose to a need). They take one look at the ad and automatically assume that you get 30 days for the digital purchase plus an additional 60 days on top of that before you get charged! Well sorry but that's assuming a little too much. And now you have hordes of clueless e-shoppers thinking that they get 90 days of free play when the ad nor the offer states you get 90 days. (All the reps are denying the 90 days as well but good luck explaining that to gamers)
Of course Cryptic's marketing muscle Atari, realizing the mistake it has made by using a old sale pitching technique on a mass of anything other that household shoppers, is backpeddling to do away with the ad and it's confusing offer. And this is on top of the countless original purchasers who will be missing on the additional free month (not 2 like you want to believe) that players will get who took advantage of the promotion.
All I can say that as gamers make a bigger bunk of their gaming purchases online, they best get use to the slick business practices of advertising and sales before they drive themselves into a mindless frenzy every time they forget to read the fine print.
Dude, the box key gives you 30 days, then they mail a 60-day timecode. I think it is you who don't understand and I made an account just to tell you that talking down to people makes you look unintelligent, moreso when you are quite wrong.
I'm sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handed out the correct product keys for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
lolwhat? That's the weak apologist comment. What does playing the game have to do with this fuck up of mass proportions regarding sales & marketing? zero.
People are "jumping on the bandwagon" b/c active, former or non-player a-like can see when something is going horribly wrong or being mishandled from the word go. Being intentionally ignorant to that, makes you no more cultured or enlightened.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
Still, feigning ignorance in a court will only get you so far. "I swear, I had no idea that someone in marketing had posted this request! I also had no idea that our partner; Cryptic Studios had not sent out the promised keys, that in truth don't exist".
It just doesn't add up. Spinning a tale to your customers is one thing, but how can you actually explain this in a court?
~Miles "Tails" Prower out! Catch me if you can!
Come Join us at www.globalequestria.com - Meet other fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic!
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
Then providing a screenshot of your email with everything blacked out except for the pertinent information at hand will clear this misunderstanding up. If you cannot show me proof that a 60 day timecard was listed as part of your completed order form then I'd rather go with my intuition than your word, no offense.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
Still, feigning ignorance in a court will only get you so far. "I swear, I had no idea that someone in marketing had posted this request! I also had no idea that our partner; Cryptic Studios had not sent out the promised keys, that in truth don't exist".
It just doesn't add up. Spinning a tale to your customers is one thing, but how can you actually explain this in a court?
~Miles "Tails" Prower out! Catch me if you can!
In retail prices are often misquoted all the time. Depending on the difference in price (a few dollars vs a few hundred dollars) it can be as simple as letting it go and honoring the blunder or going so far as to offer an disclaimer and apology for the price mix up. Both I have seen and experienced. And I see this as a case of something Atari is not willing to let slip through.
Call it fair or shady if you want, but it's all legal and has been practiced in retail since retail existed.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
Then providing a screenshot of your email with everything blacked out except for the pertinent information at hand will clear this misunderstanding up. If you cannot show me proof that a 60 day timecard was listed as part of your completed order form then I'd rather go with my intuition than your word, no offense.
Just... read the STO forums and you will realize that you are failing to defend a stance that was fail in the first place and every time you retort you are just looking worse.
http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=131591 Just for one.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
Then providing a screenshot of your email with everything blacked out except for the pertinent information at hand will clear this misunderstanding up. If you cannot show me proof that a 60 day timecard was listed as part of your completed order form then I'd rather go with my intuition than your word, no offense.
Just... read the STO forums and you will realize that you are failing to defend a stance that was fail in the first place and every time you retort you are just looking worse.
http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=131591 Just for one.
But I'm not asking them for proof, I'm asking you. I did my research on the official boards and on countless websites and they have all proved to be fruitless in giving me solid proof for what has transpired. So far the only thing I've found was dead links on the official forums and 1 link to a copy of a complaint filed with a CS rep with a response.
But now that I have someone who claims to have completed such a deal, I'm asking you for a copy of your transaction so I can put that part of the debate to rest.
But so far I'm still coming up empty-handed as you are being just as cleverly elusive as Cryptic/Atari in this matter and both sides are staring to wear thin on my Chirst-like tolerance levels.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
But I'm not asking them for proof, I'm asking you. I did my research on the official boards and on countless websites and they have all proved to be fruitless in giving me solid proof for what has transpired. So far the only thing I've found was dead links on the official forums and 1 link to a copy of a complaint filed with a CS rep with a response.
But now that I have someone who claims to have completed such a deal, I'm asking you for a copy of your transaction so I can put that part of the debate to rest.
But so far I'm still coming up empty-handed as you are being just as cleverly elusive as Cryptic/Atari in this matter and both sides are staring to wear thin on my Chirst-like tolerance levels.
Um, exactly when did I say I took that deal? I preordered like I said in a previous post in this very thread. Your ' Chirst-like tolerance levels' are no match at all for your lack of intelligence, or apparent inability to master reading comprehension.
I could provide a list as long as my arm of open an closed threads about this, but even if you pretend to read them I doubt you would understand them. I don't say that to be mean, that's my honest opinion.
Agree, Not only do they make shallow, simplistic, and rushed games (2 years to live when most MMORPGs take as many as 4 or more) they run their games terribly. They are in it for the quick cash, not for the kind of profits that come from satisfying customers over the mid to long haul. Cryptic is a cancer to the MMO genre and anyone who gives their games a penny is feeding the demise of the genre.
--------------------------------
Achiever 60.00%, Socializer 53.00%, Killer 47.00%, Explorer 40.00%
Intel Core i7 Quad, Intel X58 SLi, 6G Corsair XMS DDR3, Intel X-25 SSD, 3 WD Velociraptor SATA SuperTrak SAS EX8650 Array, OCZ 1250W PS, GTX 295, xFi, 32" 1080p LCD
I won't be as verbose, but I agree
But I'm not asking them for proof, I'm asking you. I did my research on the official boards and on countless websites and they have all proved to be fruitless in giving me solid proof for what has transpired. So far the only thing I've found was dead links on the official forums and 1 link to a copy of a complaint filed with a CS rep with a response.
But now that I have someone who claims to have completed such a deal, I'm asking you for a copy of your transaction so I can put that part of the debate to rest.
But so far I'm still coming up empty-handed as you are being just as cleverly elusive as Cryptic/Atari in this matter and both sides are staring to wear thin on my Chirst-like tolerance levels.
Um, exactly when did I say I took that deal? I preordered like I said in a previous post in this very thread. Your ' Chirst-like tolerance levels' are no match at all for your lack of intelligence, or apparent inability to master reading comprehension.
I could provide a list as long as my arm of open an closed threads about this, but even if you pretend to read them I doubt you would understand them. I don't say that to be mean, that's my honest opinion.
Then I offer my apologies for my obvious misunderstanding. I thought I was finally dealing with someone that the promotion actually effected, not another useless champion for justice. And those are just about as useful as dead links that people claim are screenshots of their order.
There was one other poster that stated that he took advantage of the offer for him and his wife, but failed to produce any evidence to support his claim as well. Also in the future, saying you read about the promotion with your own eyes and claimed to have seen first hand the listing of a 60 day gamecard being included with the deal along with a 30 day free month with purchase is hearsay.
If you have not actually MADE the purchase then your accounts of the facts run the possibility of appearing to be fabrications thought up to support a bias stance against the company when no more of those viewpoints are needed in the discussion. Right now I'm looking for evidence not fighting battles with forum jockeys.
"Small minds talk about people, average minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas."
Just remember, we've always been at war with Oceana
A witty saying proves nothing.
-Voltaire
i even have pictures of it, i facti've ben recording the adventures of the USS Failboat since CO
http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x202/NekoLLX/Cryptic/
Here's another kicker
We STILL don't have the female Mirror Universe Uniforms promosed with CO Lifetime, they said they are working on it but have no definite date of this item promised /7/ months ago.
God i could have a sex change, ger knocked up and deliver a baby before gals get Mirror Universe at this rate
But I'm not asking them for proof, I'm asking you. I did my research on the official boards and on countless websites and they have all proved to be fruitless in giving me solid proof for what has transpired. So far the only thing I've found was dead links on the official forums and 1 link to a copy of a complaint filed with a CS rep with a response.
But now that I have someone who claims to have completed such a deal, I'm asking you for a copy of your transaction so I can put that part of the debate to rest.
But so far I'm still coming up empty-handed as you are being just as cleverly elusive as Cryptic/Atari in this matter and both sides are staring to wear thin on my Chirst-like tolerance levels.
Um, exactly when did I say I took that deal? I preordered like I said in a previous post in this very thread. Your ' Chirst-like tolerance levels' are no match at all for your lack of intelligence, or apparent inability to master reading comprehension.
I could provide a list as long as my arm of open an closed threads about this, but even if you pretend to read them I doubt you would understand them. I don't say that to be mean, that's my honest opinion.
Then I offer my apologies for my obvious misunderstanding. I thought I was finally dealing with someone that the promotion actually effected, not another useless champion for justice. And those are just about as useful as dead links that people claim are screenshots of their order.
There was one other poster that stated that he took advantage of the offer for him and his wife, but failed to produce any evidence to support his claim as well. Also in the future, saying you read about the promotion with your own eyes and claimed to have seen first hand the listing of a 60 day gamecard being included with the deal along with a 30 day free month with purchase is hearsay.
If you have not actually MADE the purchase then your accounts of the facts run the possibility of appearing to be fabrications thought up to support a bias stance against the company when no more of those viewpoints are needed in the discussion. Right now I'm looking for evidence not fighting battles with forum jockeys.
Um, wow even when you admit you're wrong you can't admit you're wrong. Seriously there are an obscenely large number of posts about this in the STO forums and if you can't find one I am dumbfounded by your ineptitude. That aside I'm not going to dignify any of your further statements as when you lose the argument you simply attempt to poison the thought well and drag in another argument that has nothing to do with the point of our discourse up to now.
Learn some humility or choke on hubris. Up to you.
I sorry but since this offer was on their website: Atari.com, I doubt that any box key we given out. If by box key you mean product key, then there are different version of product keys no? So what makes you so sure Cryptic handing out the correct product keys out for the promotion? Unless you have a screenshot showing your purchase with a free month attached AND a voucher for 60 days on top of that, then you are still reading too far into the ad.
So I stand by my original opinion based off my own personal experiences on retail until I see proof otherwise.
I was on the Atari site during the sale and it very clearly said *30-day free trial included with purchase.
Underneath that they stated that they would be mailing a 60-day time code after purchase.
Every boxed copy comes with 30days they cannot separate that from the key. Atari was offering an ADDITIONAL 60 days with it. How you don't get that is just boggling my mind.
It's because of the promotion that I did not associate getting a free additional month as well as a 60 day voucher. Usually when sales promotions are in effect, exclusions are listed. Yes, it is standard practice for developers of MMOs to include a free month to go along with your purchase. But just because it's a traditional practice does not mean it's a right or a given.
Boggle all you want, but my gut tells it this was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left was doing. Atari was offering a promotion without making sure all the details were ironed out while Cryptic dropped the ball on their website by not providing promo product keys or making it clear to gamers that 60 days of free playtime does not mean you get a 60 day gamecard. Huge difference there.
I'd agree with you but they did very plainly say 60 day timecode. You failed to understand it properly. Deal with it.
Then providing a screenshot of your email with everything blacked out except for the pertinent information at hand will clear this misunderstanding up. If you cannot show me proof that a 60 day timecard was listed as part of your completed order form then I'd rather go with my intuition than your word, no offense.
pictures? there's a Site for that
http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x202/NekoLLX/Cryptic/
http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=131591
This is an interesting new thread....
Atari's legal department is now involved. Looks like Atari must have gotten a strong wake up call about what they have been doing. Perhaps all the threats of taking the issue to the BBB and AG must have done something.
-Vox
I am take your power k thanks
The BBB is kinda biased; you have to jump through hoops, pay fees, and what not. It's heavily based on whether or not you're willing to pay them for the score you want. Take Bioware for example. They also got a "F" rating. Bioware, seriously? They're the leading RPG developers in the market today and even they got a F.
~Miles "Tails" Prower out! Catch me if you can!
This is not true sir! My own business has never had to do that, though we do not have the volume of comsumers like Cryptic and Bioware. We are not BBB Accredited and have never had to pay to maintain the score we have with them.
Perhaps. Can't imagine Bioware getting a F-score though. *shrugs* nothing can really explain that.
~Miles "Tails" Prower out! Catch me if you can!
I looked up Bioware's BBB rating: www.bbb.org/edmonton/business-reviews/computers-system-designers-and-consultants/bioware-in-edmonton-ab-111723
" * BBB does not have sufficient background information on this business.
* Failure to respond to one complaint filed against business."
Bioware could probably very easily get a good rating. It seems like video game companies generally don't care about the BBB.
By contrast, here is Cryptic's BBB page: sanjose.bbb.org/Business-Report/Cryptic-Studios-221613
Here we see a total of 43 complaints(!) 35 of them were unanswered by the company.
My thoughts are as usual "why is the mmo crowd so bitchy?". On the one hand you've got folks constantly throwing there 2-3 lifetime subs in your face and all of a sudden a sale that has no adverse effect on gameplay has the forums up in arms. Also though I'd also like to note while there is a fair number of posts complaining about it there's probably an equal number of people just constantly bumping up the negative posts each other are making (atleast that's what I noticed).
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
It now appears that the 60 day bonus has now been removed.
What are your thoughts on the issue? Let us know in the comments below.
[Thanks Xondar123 for the tip!]
Please re-read the ad above and think for a moment. Most non-gaming consumers know how to really read an ad. And when I first read it I thought you get an extra 30 days on top of the 30 days you get from the online purchase of the game. That equates to a grand total of 60 free days before you get charged.
Now take gaming consumers who have little to no experience when it comes for shopping for anyone else but themselves and for anything other than a want (as appose to a need). They take one look at the ad and automatically assume that you get 30 days for the digital purchase plus an additional 60 days on top of that before you get charged! Well sorry but that's assuming a little too much. And now you have hordes of clueless e-shoppers thinking that they get 90 days of free play when the ad nor the offer states you get 90 days. (All the reps are denying the 90 days as well but good luck explaining that to gamers)
Of course Cryptic's marketing muscle Atari, realizing the mistake it has made by using a old sale pitching technique on a mass of anything other that household shoppers, is backpeddling to do away with the ad and it's confusing offer. And this is on top of the countless original purchasers who will be missing on the additional free month (not 2 like you want to believe) that players will get who took advantage of the promotion.
All I can say that as gamers make a bigger bunk of their gaming purchases online, they best get use to the slick business practices of advertising and sales before they drive themselves into a mindless frenzy every time they forget to read the fine print.
Except that the original ad copy said: "Limited time double bonus! Buy Star Trek Online Collector's Edition before 9pm PST on Wed March 3rd and get FREE SHIPPING (* lower 48 states only) and extra 60 days free!" Later the ad copy said something about "additional 60 days game time!"
People were also e-mailed 60 day time codes on top of the box code which always comes with 30 days game time.
That's kind of the reason I don't want any part of STO anymore. Troll bait attracts trolls and they have pretty fiercely strangled that forum. Objective questions and suggestions are very quickly found at the bottom of the thread stack.
It now appears that the 60 day bonus has now been removed.
What are your thoughts on the issue? Let us know in the comments below.
[Thanks Xondar123 for the tip!]
Please re-read the ad above and think for a moment. Most non-gaming consumers know how to really read an ad. And when I first read it I thought you get an extra 30 days on top of the 30 days you get from the online purchase of the game. That equates to a grand total of 60 free days before you get charged.
Now take gaming consumers who have little to no experience when it comes for shopping for anyone else but themselves and for anything other than a want (as appose to a need). They take one look at the ad and automatically assume that you get 30 days for the digital purchase plus an additional 60 days on top of that before you get charged! Well sorry but that's assuming a little too much. And now you have hordes of clueless e-shoppers thinking that they get 90 days of free play when the ad nor the offer states you get 90 days. (All the reps are denying the 90 days as well but good luck explaining that to gamers)
Of course Cryptic's marketing muscle Atari, realizing the mistake it has made by using a old sale pitching technique on a mass of anything other that household shoppers, is backpeddling to do away with the ad and it's confusing offer. And this is on top of the countless original purchasers who will be missing on the additional free month (not 2 like you want to believe) that players will get who took advantage of the promotion.
All I can say that as gamers make a bigger bunk of their gaming purchases online, they best get use to the slick business practices of advertising and sales before they drive themselves into a mindless frenzy every time they forget to read the fine print.
Except that the original ad copy said: "Limited time double bonus! Buy Star Trek Online Collector's Edition before 9pm PST on Wed March 3rd and get FREE SHIPPING (* lower 48 states only) and extra 60 days free!" Later the ad copy said something about "additional 60 days game time!"
People were also e-mailed 60 day time codes on top of the box code which always comes with 30 days game time.
OMG thank you for saying that.