Should people that are not members of this site be able to view/use promo codes and promo code threads? I have recently seen some promo code threads where the developer (I think) gives out promo codes in the threads, but when I try to enter it, it has already been used. I don't care that it has been used, what makes me a bit upset is that no one says that they have used it. I have this feeling that the people that are using the promo codes are non-members. Now, I know that there are also people that use the codes and don't post that they used them, but for some strange reason I feel that the people using the codes are non-members. So, I want you opinion. Should non-members be able to use promo codes they see from threads or should they have to be a member of the site?
In before "this again..." Eli has said a bunch of times that the forums and content posted on them aren't exclusively for the benefit of members, so... yup. Promo codes are for everyone, no discrimination. Developers should be aware of the possibility (probability) of codes simply disappearing though, and use alternate means of distributing them if they want a better chance at feedback.
Oh I didn't know this has already been talked about. I guess that it just makes me a bit upset when no one has said they used the code. I don't have a problem with non-members using them if there was a way for them to say that they used it, like maybe singing in as a guest or something.
Yeah ideally, but occasionally devs just want a place to dump the codes to get the app in people's hands, whether they leave feedback or not, so I guess that's one of the reasons it's open to anyone. Plus, even if they restricted them to members only, there's still no real guarantee... I've seen regular posters say thanks for a code and then never return with app impressions. If the devs really want to hear from us, we can only assume they'll be more selective about giving codes out.
I think a lot of times devs want feedback either on Toucharcade or itunes reviews, only to find that in 10 seconds, they are all gone, taken by lurkers. I do think that many do it with the expectation that it will bump their threads, and are surprised that they are all taken by lurkers. But they will never admit it though, cause if they did it makes them look stupid and greedy. I have seem some mods post about urging devs to use a pm system for free codes, so I do think in some ways TA does recommend a pm based promo code giveaway. But this does require a little more work from the developers and a little know how. Probably the only real way to implement it if their was a members only forum or something. Or devs might just want to pick some members themselves to give codes to. Anyway, things probably won't change even though there has been a lot of talk about it in the past. Robot, how would you like to see developers giveaway their promo codes?
I don't mind if the people that receive them are members of the site. I do like the idea of developers giving out promo codes through private messages.
Quick etiquette question: I've taken a handful of promo codes over the years, and I regularly post the code and a word of thanks. Unfortunately, I've never used a promo code on something I ended up downloading and actually liking. I always considered it kinda rude to take a free code and then come back and bash the game. If it were just a tweak here or there, I would definitely make a couple suggestions, but its not. These titles are fundamentally flawed, derivative trash that lasted for seconds on my device before being removed. Shoud I post my true feelings, even though they will likely be damning, or should I continue to keep them to myself?
Keep your hatred in you. Let it flow and empower your dark side. Serious: Be honest, not harsh mate. Be respectful.
Constructive criticism is infinitely more helpful than a bunch of butt-kissing yes-men who are too afraid to tell the developer how they could improve their game. Often when developers want opinions they're more or less asking you to act as an extended beta tester, and nobody likes beta testers who do nothing but smile and nod.
