Anti-Lurker Suggestion

[MrPiggles]

I've seen on some internet forums where they have special quotes for outside links/codes that only members of the forums can view. They should implement this idea as an option for the freebie section so people trying to access a code or url for free stuff, they have to register first. This would make things a lot nicer and fairer.

[Relysis]

I would like to bump and expand on this. Some strictly moderated threads (ex. Play-Asia coupon thread) require posting all codes. This thread and the Xbox live code threads are always taken advantage of by lurkers and bots. I understand not wanting to implement measures against this, but at least let people give codes how they want, through PM or other means?

I personally prefer that those who actively participate in this community get first use of codes. Forcing users to post them in threads prevents this.

I'm not asking for a different set of rules for how we give things away here, just more freedom to give them away however we want. I know PMs pose the problem of affiliate links, but those using them can still be caught and banned through the message system.

I'm not attacking sp00ge here, I'm just genuinely curious as to the reasoning behind this policy. Maybe I'm way off base.

[Muthafodder]

Will never happen...would cut revenue in half if lurkers were prevented from viewing the forums.

Play-Asia is an affiliate...makes $$
<li><a href="http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/retailer.php?do=view&retailerid=26">Play-Asia</a></li>

Those forums you reference are not in the business of making revenue.

EDIT - Would actually cut revenue upwards of 2/3...

[IAmTheCheapestGamer]

Incredipinoy actually came up with a somewhat unique idea on how to give away their GoHastings' 40% off codes. They posted most of the code, then made people figure out two or so spots that they left blank.

At least it gave some CAG's a fighting chance, albeit I think 1-2 of the codes were still taken by lurkers who didn't even say thanks or that they used the code.

[Indigo_Streetlight]

What if free codes were only posted in a special CAG User-Created Social Group? Just flick the toggle that says you have to be a member of the group to see its contents and boom, anyone who isn't part of CAG doesn't have immediate access.

[sp00ge]

I would like to bump and expand on this. Some strictly moderated threads (ex. Play-Asia coupon thread) require posting all codes. This thread and the Xbox live code threads are always taken advantage of by lurkers and bots. I understand not wanting to implement measures against this, but at least let people give codes how they want, through PM or other means?

I personally prefer that those who actively participate in this community get first use of codes. Forcing users to post them in threads prevents this.

I'm not asking for a different set of rules for how we give things away here, just more freedom to give them away however we want. I know PMs pose the problem of affiliate links, but those using them can still be caught and banned through the message system.

I'm not attacking sp00ge here, I'm just genuinely curious as to the reasoning behind this policy. Maybe I'm way off base.

Well, policy such as play-asia, I don't see changing, especially since it was approved by Cheapy. Some time, there was no policy enforcement, but it was still against ToS of CAG. There was way too much abuse of personal affiliate links, people stealing potential revenue from this site. Some users did nothing on this site but give out codes in exchange for their AF link being used.

I'm 99% certain there are still users still dong this, but unless someone reports them, there isn't much we can do. Contrary to popular belief, moderators cannot access your PMs.

As far as a solution, I had toyed with the idea of a central database that users could contribute their codes to, that would be kept by a mod, or someone trustworthy. If somebody requested a code, then this moderator would send them one from the database. The idea got swept under a rug and I never got around to running it by Cheapy. On top of that, I personally wouldn't be able to do it, as I don't have much free time nowadays.

I still may run the idea past Cheapy and see what he thinks, since he is the owner and makes the final decision.

What if free codes were only posted in a special CAG User-Created Social Group? Just flick the toggle that says you have to be a member of the group to see its contents and boom, anyone who isn't part of CAG doesn't have immediate access.

That's not a bad idea, but the person moderating the social group can't just pick and choose who they want to be part of it. Everyone with an account needs to be allowed to join, aside from possibly zero-post newbs.


EDIT: I started up a P-A social group, just as a test run. If things work, we'll expand it for other code drops. http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/group.php?groupid=451

[Relysis]

Thanks for the clarifications Sp00ge. The social group seems like a great alternative to the public thread, at least.

That's an interesting bit of info about mods not having access to PMs. The database idea would eliminate posts requesting codes, which would kill off affiliate link PMs. It does sound very time-intensive to develop and maintain though.

[dmaul1114]

It doesn't seem like that would help much since lurkers can be members. Anyone can sign up and grab codes and never post.

The easiest thing is to just post that you have a code and PM the first who responds etc. But that only works for members giving away their own codes etc. Too much hassle for the site to do it with their giveaways probably.

But for any individual that has a code they want to give away, just saying they'll PM it to the first person who responds is the easiest way to have it not taken by a lurker.

[sp00ge]

It doesn't seem like that would help much since lurkers can be members. Anyone can sign up and grab codes and never post.

The easiest thing is to just post that you have a code and PM the first who responds etc. But that only works for members giving away their own codes etc. Too much hassle for the site to do it with their giveaways probably.

But for any individual that has a code they want to give away, just saying they'll PM it to the first person who responds is the easiest way to have it not taken by a lurker.

It's not perfect, but it's a start. At least this way, unregistered lurkers are knocked out of the equation. I wish there was a way, aside from making it a closed group, to exclude newbs. That may be the next step.

As I said before, PM'ing is staying out of the equation for reasons stated.

[ShockandAww]

I'm confused. We aren't supposed to PM people codes?

So I'm not supposed to say something like "hey I have a Deus Ex DLC code. First to PM me gets it."?

If that's the case I just wouldn't give them out because I hate lurkers getting them.

[sp00ge]

I'm confused. We aren't supposed to PM people codes?

So I'm not supposed to say something like "hey I have a Deus Ex DLC code. First to PM me gets it."?

If that's the case I just wouldn't give them out because I hate lurkers getting them.

No, the "no PM" policy only applies to Play-Asia. DLC and other codes are at your own discretion.