unforum

[Mikeyj]

Mail from Guy at MC

[myf]

Not too many surprises there, but it's good to have some clarification on things that have left people a bit..... well, perplexed recently.

I think I said before that it would have been nice for people to have some warning about discontinuing the leitmarks, and that still stands. It's a shame, and an annoyance for those affected.

At least we've been given information about some of the problems they've faced (about various things), and how they're anticipating future ones, rather than vague wishy-washy flannel.

It'll be really helpful if they can promote that Zeesource map, as it will hopefully encourage more people to add and update it. (The cynical part of me says they'll do it as it's probably very little effort for them, and could help them sell more shiny things. The non-cynical part says they'll do it to add another facet the community and togetherness and helping-each-other-out-ness of the whole enterprise). Either way, it'll be a Good Thing.

[YahwehTzVaoth]

I do not understand why they are no longer giving out letimarks. Aren't they just pins? They should already have them all made, so it sounds like they're just going to waste. There are only a finite number of points available to earn them. So lack of supply should not be an issue.

The only reason I am troubled by the lack of letimark. is I really liked the idea that you could get actual physical things you could hold in your hot little hand as a result of playing the game. Now it seems like they are headed away from this. If there is no tangible benefit for solving the cards, the points seem meaningless if you're not already in the top twenty. Realistically, I couldn't catch up at all even if I solved all season two cards right now.

It is true that in the United States state lottery commisions regulate the purchase of items which are involved in games of chance. But this should only be the case if the prize is money, or something valuble (like a car). If the prize were some sort of swag, there would be no problem.

I do not use any other forums for this game, but if someone wants to tell mind candy that the way around this is to make [whatever is mucking them up] a sweepstakes. Bascailly all you have to do is say that no purchase is necessary and people can request a free entry form/thingie/whatever-they-would-use. But you can still put [entires] on future cards. Even if people buy them.

Another route would be to do another sort of treasure hunt as in Season One. Even if the cube had been in America, no regulations would have applied as purchase was not necessary to enter. Purchase might you a rather large advantage, a clue of some sort, but anyone could theoretically find the object of the hunt and claim the prize.

[cmlobue]

I just wonder if everyone at MC agrees/knows what is going on with leitmarks. It seems like every time we hear something, it's through an [e-]mail, and it contradicts whatever we last heard.

What I'd really like is an official statement (somewhere on the website) saying "We'll send out leitmarks for any cards solved by [some date in the future]. After that, we will replace lost or damaged leitmarks only while our supplies last." That way, everyone gets the chance to redeem cards they have in their possession, we don't have to keep contacting them for clarification, and everyone can be on the same page.

[GasparLewis]

Y'see, this is why I still have faith.

They admitted, flat out, they've been buggy, they're sorry, and they're fixing it as best they can. Honesty, people: a commodity still worth its weight.

I still say, "Why release the unfinished product?", but they figured that out at this point, so there it is.

I believe we'll be happy once the kinks are worked out.

*goes back to impatient, fidgety waiting*

[xnera]

While I'm upset that leitmarks may not be available anymore, I can understand the decision. I think a lot of people are forgetting the logistics behind sending them out.

It's relatively easy to do if your player base is small, but as the game becomes more popular and the player base increases, the logistics of sending out leitmarks becomes something of a nightmare. I mean, it's one thing to send a mass-mailing postcard that is the same for everyone, but it's another to send different products to different people at different times.

My guess is that it's become something that's too hard to handle in-house, and that Mind Candy has decided not to hire another company to do it at this time. Which is a shame, because I really do want a way to acquire the season one leitmarks I hadn't gotten yet. But then again, if it means more manpower and money to put together some truly awesome puzzles and events, then I can live with that.

[lonadar]

From what I understand, the logistics of awarding prizes are easier here in the US then they are in the UK (some states excepted). I'm also a regular player on Pogo.com and constantly see their different attempts to give UK players a similar experience without running afoul of their laws. (Pogo games, for subscribed members, usually end in a "jackpot spin" that awards Pogo tokens [an in-site currency] or prizes like a mug or a hat, but can award a cash prize. In addition, tokens can be turned in towards tickets for a daily/weekly/monthly cash prize.)

[Caz]

[Mexican]

Why must the US always ruin everything. (Even though I'm from the US.) Now I'm all sad inside because theres no S2 Leitmarks.