Military Hate in Sweepstakes??? - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

Sergeant of Marines

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2006

Japan

[트두므s], Guild Leader

Mo/

29 May 2007 at 23:29 - 1

Don't know who ever thought of this one up, but due to me being in the Military, I am able to give my life in it's defense, BUT I can't have a chance to win in the Return to Tyria Sweepstakes, just for the simple fact that I may live on a military installation. I know that there is a very slim chance that I could win, BUT all I am asking for is for me and my Brothers/Sisters in arms to have a chance to enter...To copy and paste the rules for those that actually read them, here it is...

ELIGIBILITY: This sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada, 13 years of age or older at the time of entry. Void in Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, military installations and commonwealths, the Province of Quebec and where prohibited by law. Employees of ArenaNet, Inc., and anyone working on the product, project or promotion, their respective parents companies, subsidiaries, advertising and promotional agencies and the immediate family members (parents, spouse, siblings, children) or anyone who lives in the same household of each (whether related or not) are not eligible. Entrants agree to be bound by the terms of these Official Rules and by the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this promotion.

I know that it is the right of the Company and everything, but that is just stupid, guess I can thank the sponsor's of this directly...

SPONSOR: The Sponsor of this promotion is ArenaNet, Inc., 227 Bellevue Way NE #75, Bellevue, WA 98004. Administrator: Marden-Kane, Inc., 36 Maple Place, Manhasset, NY 11030.

Sorry if nobody cares but I just feel like I needed to vent on this one

MSecorsky

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2005

So Cal

The Sinister Vanguard

Me/

29 May 2007 at 23:34 - 2

Did you ever consider what the legal reasons behind this may be before spewing out hatred?

Sergeant of Marines

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2006

Japan

[트두므s], Guild Leader

Mo/

29 May 2007 at 23:37 - 3

What legal matters could there be that would be so drastic to where if I would live off base I could enter, but since I live on base I can't...

KamikazeChicken

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

Mo/

29 May 2007 at 23:40 - 4

The same types of legal matters that void all the other places listed. >.>

Sergeant of Marines

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2006

Japan

[트두므s], Guild Leader

Mo/

29 May 2007 at 23:44 - 5

Quote:

Originally Posted by KamikazeChicken

The same types of legal matters that void all the other places listed. >.>

Not likely, but I hate to say it, you are mssing the entire point of this thread, as usual on some of these threads that I have been reading, people jump to conclusions before they even finish reading the post and end up putting there foot in their own mouths.

Kook~NBK~

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Mar 2005

A little chalet outside Drok's

Natural Born Killaz

29 May 2007 at 23:52 - 6

It's a very odd thing that the contest would be void on military installations. I think that service members and thier families living on military installations deserve an explanation why this restriction. I understand that there are some overseas locations where the laws of the host countries would prohibit contests like this, but for those places where there are no laws prohibiting this contest (United States, etc.) not allowing the troops who live on base to enter isn't right.

I proudly served for many years and have had the pleasure of working with many very talented and imaginative people. A-net should know that they're cutting themselves off from a large source of creativity by instituting this restriction against military folks.

An explanation for this would be most welcome. The troops and their families deserve it.

You just got tomahawked

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Nov 2006

H-Town

The Battle Bakery [vPie]

N/

29 May 2007 at 23:54 - 7

I agree that this is wrong. Your serving our country in a way that allows them to even make video games but they won't allow you to participate.

P.S. I swear to God if anyone turns this into a thread about politics and if they're really serving the country I will hunt you down. ( I lost my uncel to an IED)

Relambrien

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2006

Delaware, USA

Error Seven Operators [Call]

W/

29 May 2007 at 23:56 - 8

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kook~NBK~

It's a very odd thing that the contest would be void on military installations. I think that service members and thier families living on military installations deserve an explanation why this restriction. I understand that there are some overseas locations where the laws of the host countries would prohibit contests like this, but for those places where there are no laws prohibiting this contest (United States, etc.) not allowing the troops who live on base to enter isn't right.

I proudly served for many years and have had the pleasure of working with many very talented and imaginative people. A-net should know that they're cutting themselves off from a large source of creativity by instituting this restriction against military folks.

An explanation for this would be most welcome. The troops and their families deserve it.

I think you explained it right here. Because on some military installations, there are laws against these contests, they cannot permit the contest on any military installation. It would show favoritism to those who live in the United States, and knowing the type of lawsuits that have been won, I wouldn't be surprised if someone sued for something like that.

I just realized that didnt' sound very clear. Anyway, let me try again. People have sued for ridiculous things and won (McDonald's hot coffee anyone?), so I wouldnt' be surprised if someone won a case of locational favoritism. If they did, then Anet would have to prohibit the contest in all areas of a certain type (i.e. military installations) if the contest is prohibited by law in some of them.

Or something like that, I'm just throwing out ideas.

Sergeant of Marines

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2006

Japan

[트두므s], Guild Leader

Mo/

29 May 2007 at 23:56 - 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kook~NBK~

It's a very odd thing that the contest would be void on military installations. I think that service members and thier families living on military installations deserve an explanation why this restriction. I understand that there are some overseas locations where the laws of the host countries would prohibit contests like this, but for those places where there are no laws prohibiting this contest (United States, etc.) not allowing the troops who live on base to enter isn't right.

I proudly served for many years and have had the pleasure of working with many very talented and imaginative people. A-net should know that they're cutting themselves off from a large source of creativity by instituting this restriction against military folks.

An explanation for this would be most welcome. The troops and their families deserve it.

/signed

Couldn't have said it better kool, maybe I am missing something that (me being a Jarhead) would exclude us, but I can't think of it...

GloryFox

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jan 2006

Good ol' USA, where everyone else wants to be

Now Plays World of Warcraft on Whisperwind

29 May 2007 at 23:57 - 10

I find it interesting that they mention U.S. territories considering anyone living with a ZIP code is in a U.S. territory (legally speaking of course). Since U.S. territories are excluded but residencies are included then that would imply there is a Law requirement that Anet cannot meet for military jurisdictions (usually this is due to resident vs. non resident alien status in the IRS TAX code). This is not uncommon as there are many sweepstakes that can't be done on U.S. territories as a whole because of TAX laws.

If I were you I would use your Parents address or a friends address outside of the base grounds?

rohara

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Nov 2006

Rt/

29 May 2007 at 23:59 - 11

i'm guessing its a military installation security thing, rather than anet wanting to bone soldiers out of contest prizes. that's a very common clause amongst contests, i've noticed.

Sergeant of Marines

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2006

Japan

[트두므s], Guild Leader

Mo/

30 May 2007 at 00:05 - 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by rohara

i'm guessing its a military installation security thing, rather than anet wanting to bone soldiers out of contest prizes. that's a very common clause amongst contests, i've noticed.

This sentence can be a double sided blade but, Where would you feel safer? On a military installation or off of one?

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

30 May 2007 at 00:13 - 13

Our Legal Counsel has told us that we must maintain the exclusion list due to the laws pertaining to contests, sweepstakes, and so forth. I do not know why the laws exist; I only know that he has researched the matter and we are unable to distribute prizes to some cities, states, countries, territories, bases, installations, etc.

We greatly regret that we cannot include everyone, around the world, in our contests. But the reality of local, regional, and national law (and it seems possible in this instance that there is also military law involved) makes it impossible to do so. We do the very best that we can in offering the broadest contest possible, but we do not have legal counsel in most countries, and without legal counsel, we cannot offer the contest. (And as I've explained before, the cost for a review in each of the excluded locations would most likely exceed $100,000 per contest.)

Again, we regret the situation, but there is nothing that we can do to work around it.

rick1027

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Apr 2006

W/R

30 May 2007 at 00:13 - 14

as being a former military person myself i feel your pain and feel that military personal shouldnt be excluded. hopefully you can stil enter and put your parents address as an residence instead

Sergeant of Marines

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2006

Japan

[트두므s], Guild Leader

Mo/

30 May 2007 at 00:18 - 15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

Our Legal Counsel has told us that we must maintain the exclusion list due to the laws pertaining to contests, sweepstakes, and so forth. I do not know why the laws exist; I only know that he has researched the matter and we are unable to distribute prizes to some cities, states, countries, territories, bases, installations, etc.

We greatly regret that we cannot include everyone, around the world, in our contests. But the reality of local, regional, and national law (and it seems possible in this instance that there is also military law involved) makes it impossible to do so. We do the very best that we can in offering the broadest contest possible, but we do not have legal counsel in most countries, and without legal counsel, we cannot offer the contest. (And as I've explained before, the cost for a review in each of the excluded locations would most likely exceed $100,000 per contest.)

Again, we regret the situation, but there is nothing that we can do to work around it.

I appreciate the answer, that is all I was looking for, thank you Gaile...

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

30 May 2007 at 00:18 - 16

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick1027

as being a former military person myself i feel your pain and feel that military personal shouldnt be excluded. hopefully you can stil enter and put your parents address as an residence instead

That is correct and in fact it's most likely not even remotely close to cheating the contest, and here's why: My brothers both served; one in Turkey, one in Alaska and Asia. While they were deployed, they maintained their voter registration address at my parents' home. Therefore, they were residing on bases in foreign countries, but their legal address could be said to be their home in the States.

Also, please read this FAQ for an earlier contest (I'm updating the FAQ this week) for information on the matter. To be honest, I could not get as many details as I wanted when I asked about the contest exclusions; instead I was simply assured that we must include the full list and that the exclusions were required for legal reasons.

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

30 May 2007 at 00:27 - 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sergeant of Marines

You can not be that stupid can you, christ look at my Name! The worst insult you can give a military person is either a. calling him/her the wrong rank or b. putting them into the wrong branch!!!

Oh, now, Sargeant, I don't know. A long time ago, I was asked to greet some gentlemen from the armed services as they came to our engineering company for a big meeting. In walks this guy wearing this splendid uniform and he introduces himself by name, not rank. I gaze (with admiration!) over his chest of fruit salad and I think "What do I say? I can't call into the associates and say "Mike is here!") So I decide to take a stab at it. "Hi, Dr. Young. (PhD of Engineering, not a physician, not that it matters

) Mr. Gaslow is here. I mean, errr, umm... Colonel Gaslow is here."

Mike was a sweetheart. Said, "Well, Miss Gray, you've certainly flattered me, first with a friendly greeting, and then with increasing my rank by two levels."

cce

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Feb 2005

30 May 2007 at 00:33 - 18

While you're on the topic of the Military, the most offensive item in Guild Wars, by far, is the way that prisoners of war are treated in Nightfall. The Corsair Prisoners in the Chahbek Village are defenseless and without any way to fight back... yet, players are encouraged to torture, or even kill them. It is just completely incomprehensible to me that in a time of war anyone would go actively condoning behavior that violates the Geneva Convention. Now, if they called them Captured Corsair Terrorists, well, it'd be OK then.

placebo overdose

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2007

N/

30 May 2007 at 00:38 - 19

there is not much i can say except i am sorry for this happening and hope you will have a chance for another contest soon
note: gaile your just kinda awesome for helping in this thread so much

Relambrien

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jan 2006

Delaware, USA

Error Seven Operators [Call]

W/

30 May 2007 at 00:41 - 20

Edit for Deleted Content - Billiard

That said, apparently the reason the contest is forbidden in US military installations is because of a legal tangle, according to Gaile. Personally, I don't think that we should assume Anet dislikes a certain group of people just because of exclusion from a contest. I tend to assume the best of people, and I think we should all give people the benefit of the doubt in a situation such as this.

Levi West

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Aug 2006

dkmn

R/Mo

30 May 2007 at 00:44 - 21

Ok I am in the military aswell.... While I honestly feel no one should be excluded from a contest, especially a game contest... Not much we can do but complain which will get us no where.... And while it should be changed, its not going too..Maybe use a friends address that lives off base to enter with, or some other work around, if you really wish to enter....I know we should not have to work around this, but if it means enough, we will find a way??

Sergeant of Marines

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2006

Japan

[트두므s], Guild Leader

Mo/

30 May 2007 at 00:49 - 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Series

He is willing to risk his life for his country. That is more than your worthless ass will ever be able to accomplish. While you sit at home cozy playing Guild Wars, men like him are risking their lives to preserve freedom. Do you agree with the war? Do you support it? All of that is irrelevant. The soldiers and marines don't choose where to fight next. They go where their government tells them to, willing to die no matter what the cause in order to make our country- nay, the world- even a little bit safer. Hate the government, hate the war, hate the policies, but don't you dare hate the men who are risking their lives to protect the freedom of others. Perhaps when you reach the ripe age of 12 you will understand what I mean. Until then, go play your little computer games, thanks to the men and women who protect whatever country you live in from invasion, terrorism, and destruction.

All I can say is thanks for saying what I was thinking!

Series

Banned

Join Date: Aug 2006

30 May 2007 at 00:53 - 23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sergeant of Marines

All I can say is thanks for saying what I was thinking!

No problem

I have a LOT of bones to pick with the government, but you can bet your ass that I am not going to take it out on the people who are fighting and risking their lives for their people.

Sergeant of Marines

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2006

Japan

[트두므s], Guild Leader

Mo/

30 May 2007 at 01:08 - 24

Quote:

Originally Posted by I MP I

Oh yea being deployed to some insane backwards-ass part of the world gives you a ton of time to think about other things (that haven't even happend yet) when its happening so fast.

You're also not very bright or funny. But hey, eventually people like you disappear. Now go do something useful besides trolling on a game forum. Like killing yourself. After all, nobody will miss a racist emo prick like you.

Once again, thanks for saying what I was thinking! But we should really get back on the topic of this Thread, I can start another thread for this other stuff, if anyone wants...

wingzro

Academy Page

Join Date: Sep 2005

Canada

30 May 2007 at 01:16 - 25

Think this thread should be closed now. The question has been answered and is something out of our control since anet nor any of us can change the way the laws work, whether in the US or any other country.

lightblade

Forge Runner

Join Date: May 2005

The Etereal Guard

Me/Mo

30 May 2007 at 01:18 - 26

Soldiers need to make sacrifices, and not just their lifes.

/salute

Billiard

Doctor of Philosophy

Join Date: May 2005

Pacific Northwest

Team Love [kiSu] www.teamlove.us

30 May 2007 at 01:21 - 27

Thanks for the response Gaile. Sorry to hear about the restrictions, but I have seen similar before when I was in the service. I think it has to do in part with the fact that it is a game of chance and regulations concerning federal installations.

Anyway this thread has run its course, so closing.