Topic: Calaris Exposé

sending the game itself, whether via gift or a physical review copy... it's not money. i think that's where CB was going with it, anyway, lol. even having them send you the code for a points card probably would've been preferable to them sending you the money to purchase one, y'know?

Lol, I mean it in the sense that it acts as a reimbursement sort of deal. Yeah I understand what you're saying, but since they couldn't do either, this is what they suggested. In fact, they originally asked to provide banking information....

No, it's not the same as sending the game, for the very reasons outlined in your story above: a possible contested charge, "accidental" overpayment, the developer attempting to out you as a thief for not upholding your end of the bargain (even though you never entered into the bargain), etc.

Money complicates things to an absurd degree. If you hear that a reviewer received $50 to review a game, you're going to think twice about trusting his opinion. If you hear that he received a free review copy, you won't even bat an eye, because that's how reviews commonly work. Just the fact that it is money will cause people to question a reviewer's motives, and sincerity, and--as your experience has borne out--it has other, more practical and sticky ramifications as well.

Once again, thanks for providing those "words of wisdom". I totally see what you're getting at, and I appreciate it. Obviously, you guys have been at this longer than I have, so I've already been able to take more than a few things from your expressions. Thank you, both of you. Just thinking about all this... things would've gone even worse if I was stupid enough to accept their original proposition.

Hey, listen. I'll pay you good money to take down that article. Some friends of mine have a problem with it 'cause it puts them in a negative light. Contact me at shadydeali
... and we'll see what we can do. Or else.

"Yo, 'sup. Calaris is amazing and you are not. Yadda yadda yadda we rule. Woooooo."
^ Someone's idea of a practical joke on Formspring.

This reminds me of story a few years ago (but it's the other way around...someone trying to get something published). Someone put a helicopter jet engine in the back of a new VW Beetle. His web site says, "Response from the hot rod magazines has been slow. One editor told me that is because I didn't use anything they advertise."

Here's the link in case you're interested in the Jet Beetle:

http://www.ronpatrickstuff.com/

Sorry if this is too far off topic. I just thought it showed a bit of the "seedy" side of publishing, possibly explaining why some people are motivated to try to buy their way into print.

Pretty cool.