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Thread Statistics | Show CCP posts - 17 post(s) |
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CCP Falcon
8243
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:19:00 -
[1] - Quote
The EVE Community Team recently became aware of a new promotion by SOMER Blink, both through communication with the CSM9 and other channels. In this post IGÇÖll discuss the promotion, the concerns raised by it, and CCPGÇÖs response.
For those of you not familiar with SOMER Blink, they are a player-run EVE Online site that is not a business affiliate of CCP and that is managed independently outside of the EVE client. Some EVE players enjoy SOMER Blink because their games and promotions offer an opportunity to win valuable items in EVE using in-game currency, and because SOMER Blink has had a history of supporting other player-run efforts with their in-game profits.
Other EVE players have expressed skepticism over SOMER Blink for a range of reasons, from distaste for such peripheral GÇ£gamesGÇ¥ in the EVE universe to a personal suspicion of an GÇ£end gameGÇ¥ for SOMER Blink similar to past player-run sites which didn't turn out well for player investors.
The Promotion
Around 17 August 2014, SOMER Blink began advertising a new promotion. The basic framework of the promotion was that if a player purchased a PLEX from one of SOMER BlinkGÇÖs affiliates (paying real-world money for the PLEX), then SOMER Blink would repurchase that same PLEX from the player (paying ISK for the PLEX). The promotion is bundled, and creates a constant purchasing loop.
At this point, the facts become muddy. Some claim SOMER Blink received cash from the affiliate as part of the transaction. Some believe SOMER Blink paid inflated ISK prices as a means to undercut other authorized PLEX resellers. Some assert this was simply a value-added service, allowing players to redeem their PLEX without having to go through the steps of personally selling it on the in-game market. In response to the appearance of impropriety in the promotion, the EVE Community team helped lead an immediate investigation.
The Concerns
Our investigation uncovered a number of concerns. For privacy and other reasons, we will not discuss them all. However, we want to comment on three key issues.
First, the promotion could be applied to facilitate the exchange of real-world money for ISK (itGÇÖs indirect, but such transactions usually are). If the promotion were used in this manner, it would be a violation of EVE OnlineGÇÖs EULA and Terms of Service. We will not comment on whether any such violation actually occurred. However, this potential did raise a red flag.
Second, SOMER Blink advertised the promotion as being GÇ£approved by CCP.GÇ¥ But SOMER Blink never had permission from CCP to make such a statement, which misled our players, and is no different than someone pretending to be an authorized representative of CCP (look at paragraph 8 of our Terms of Service). This is a serious violation because it undermines the safety and security of EVE.
CCP was involved in discussions with SOMER Blink to address our concerns about their products, which included several different ideas for promotions, but none of them had been fully authorized by a CCP representative (notably the legal department). The promotion in question was similar to one SOMER Blink had suggested (the GÇ£PLEX BuyerGÇÖs ClubGÇ¥), but the promotion had been altered before enacted. SOMER Blink certainly had no basis to assert the live promotion was GÇ£approved by CCP.GÇ¥
Finally, following our investigation, CCP tried to resolve our concerns directly with SOMER BlinkGÇÖs founder. In response, the founder published private communications from CCP without authorization. This violates our EULA and Terms of Service (see paragraph 18 of our Terms of Service).
Our Response
We cherish and protect the freedom of our players and the creative ways people interact in EVE. But we also have an obligation to make the game environment safe and secure for everyone.
We believe the actions of SOMER Blink overstepped the bounds of fair play.
After careful consideration and consultation with CSM9, who have displayed an outstanding level of support in assisting with this issue, CCP has taken the decision to permanently ban the founder of SOMER Blink from EVE Online across all accounts, with immediate effect. This is due to multiple violations of our EULA and Terms of Service.
Following the promotion, CCP no longer regards SOMER Blink as a fair or legitimate service within the EVE Community. We are unable to provide reimbursements as per section 1.3 of our reimbursement policy, so itGÇÖs good to see that SOMER Blink is shutting down in a controlled and stable manner, and that players will be able to withdraw their ISK and / or assets. While we will be monitoring this closely, we have no intention of interfering with the process, as we feel that allowing players to be able to have their assets and/or ISK returned by SOMER Blink will is an important part of bringing this situation to a solid resolution.
Our actions are not intended to restrict creativity. Rather, we want to ensure that EVE player organizations do not leverage unfair advantage outside of the normal bounds of acceptable gameplay and do not have a detrimental effect on the health of our community, the game environment, or the relationship we have built with our players over the last 11 years. CCP sincerely hopes that players wonGÇÖt take this incident as a sign we want to start micromanaging any of the amazing player services who have operated for days or months or years without breaching the EULA or ToS.
We remain committed to ensuring the playing field remains level, fair, and even for every player. We want you to enjoy EVE for a long time to come GÇô without the risk of misleading or unfair gameplay.
Sincerely,
CCP Falcon, EVE Universe Community Manager
On behalf of CCP Games CCP Falcon || Community Manager || @CCP_Falcon
Happy Birthday To FAWLTY7! <3 |
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CCP Falcon
8243
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:21:00 -
[2] - Quote
FAQ
What will happen to ISK and / or assets that I have deposited into the accounts of SOMER Blink?
If you have deposited in game items or currency with SOMER Blink in good faith, CCP will not provide reimbursements as per section 1.3 of our reimbursement policy. However, SOMER Blink has offered to reimburse ISK to players as part of their closure. We will be monitoring this closely, and have no intention of interfering with the process, so long as the ISK returned has not been involved in any rule breaking activity. We feel very strongly that allowing players to be able to have their assets and/or ISK returned by SOMER Blink is a positive part of the resolution to this issue.
IGÇÖve used SOMER Blink services in the past, am I in trouble?
Unless you have been involved in direct violations of our policies there is no reason to be concerned. We do not intend to pursue or reprimand individual players who have used SOMER BlinkGÇÖs services and have not broken the gameGÇÖs rules.
What will happen to the people who worked for SOMER Blink?
We have no intention of issuing any reprimand against those people who chose to volunteer and assist the operations of SOMER Blink in good faith.
Does this mean that player run services that have game items as prizes are now no longer permitted in the EVE Universe?
We will continue to evaluate how player-run services operate according to our responsibility as the creators and maintainers of EVE Online, but, as aforementioned, we would much rather celebrate the ingenuity of players and continue to support the greater player-run EVE ecosystem than try to dial back on anything. ThereGÇÖs a rich history of programs that reward players for their participation in games of chance and skill, and as long as they are above board weGÇÖre good with them.
Why did you not take action regarding this in 2013?
The issues that occurred last year were different and unconnected with the more recent problems. In 2013, CCP took appropriate action and SOMER Blink complied with our requests.
CCP Falcon || Community Manager || @CCP_Falcon
Happy Birthday To FAWLTY7! <3 |
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CCP Falcon
8243
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:22:00 -
[3] - Quote
If you have any further questions or comments, please keep them to this thread.
Please also ensure that you keep discussion on topic, and within the boundaries of the forum rules.
Thanks,
- F CCP Falcon || Community Manager || @CCP_Falcon
Happy Birthday To FAWLTY7! <3 |
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Sion Kumitomo
GoonWaffe Goonswarm Federation
68
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:23:00 -
[4] - Quote
In the handbook of GÇ£How Not to Get Permabanned,GÇ¥ not publishing private communications between you and the VP of global sales is on page one. Classic novice mistake. |
Ali Aras
Noir. Noir. Mercenary Group
734
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:26:00 -
[5] - Quote
Once again, I deeply appreciate the speed and thoroughness of the CCP response on this one, as well as the openness to CSM involvement. Great job, guys. http://warp-to-sun.tumblr.com -- my blog |
Major JSilva
Habitual Euthanasia Pandemic Legion
263
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:27:00 -
[6] - Quote
I'll have Xander send you some fuzzy slippers. It will be fine. Twitter: @Silva117 |
Steve Ronuken
Fuzzwork Enterprises Vote Steve Ronuken for CSM
3687
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:29:00 -
[7] - Quote
Thanks for the time everyone put in.
Woo! CSM 9! http://fuzzwork.enterprises/ Twitter: @fuzzysteve on Twitter |
Mangala Solaris
Red Federation RvB - RED Federation
1096
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:31:00 -
[8] - Quote
The willingness of CCP to be totally open with the CSM has been exemplary when it comes to this issue. Reaching a successful conclusion thanks to a serious amount of work on their part in a short amount of time.
Everyone should donate some sleep to Falcon especially. RvB Ganked: EVE's Number One Public Roam |
Sugar Kyle
Snuff Box
675
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:32:00 -
[9] - Quote
Thank you for listening to the requests for clear answers to how CCP handled this and keeping the community updated. Low Sec Lifestyle - A Blog |
I Want ISK
I Want ISK Corp
11
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:36:00 -
[10] - Quote
I would like to know how anyone could get their link white listed on this forum like Somer BLINK did. Thanks! |
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111010110
The Darwin Initiative
17
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:37:00 -
[11] - Quote
So, what about the Markee Dragon element in all of this? |
Two step
Aperture Harmonics No Holes Barred
4748
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:39:00 -
[12] - Quote
Are you concerned that banning Somer might lock up ISK/assets that could otherwise be used to repay players? CSM 7 Secretary CSM 6 Alternate Delegate @two_step_eve on Twitter My Blog
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James Amril-Kesh
4S Corporation Goonswarm Federation
11239
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:39:00 -
[13] - Quote
Look at all the tags. Enjoying the rain today? ;) |
Karbowiak
Superior Mass
188
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:39:00 -
[14] - Quote
Whats up with the CSM circlejerk? lol |
KIllerJon
Snuff Box
11
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:39:00 -
[15] - Quote
good job leeloo, falcon & csmites for going about this the right way + the stupid hours KJ |
mynnna
GoonWaffe Goonswarm Federation
3715
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:39:00 -
[16] - Quote
Being at work means I didn't get in ahead of everyone else like the rest of the cool kids, but that's okay. All I can say is Falcon's handling of this has been stellar. Member of the Goonswarm Economic Warfare Cabal |
Cherry Yeyo
68
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:40:00 -
[17] - Quote
This was a quick resolution and a fair decision. CCP Rise>Sentry drones have enormous downsides |
Two step
Aperture Harmonics No Holes Barred
4748
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:40:00 -
[18] - Quote
Double post, delete CSM 7 Secretary CSM 6 Alternate Delegate @two_step_eve on Twitter My Blog
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James Amril-Kesh
4S Corporation Goonswarm Federation
11239
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:41:00 -
[19] - Quote
Two step wrote:Are you concerned that banning Somer might lock up ISK/assets that might otherwise be used to repay players? Are you concerned about your post being buried? Enjoying the rain today? ;) |
DexterShark
The Night Watchmen The Bastion
32
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:41:00 -
[20] - Quote
It looks to me like CCP Falcon just delivered a 3-day masterclass in community crisis management. Good work, chief.
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Rain6637
Team Evil
15741
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:42:00 -
[21] - Quote
o7
RE: Steve (sir) that convo we had going. I would like to follow it up in an EVEmail, if that's alright. President of the Commissar Kate Fanclub | Rainfleet on Twitch | Twitter | Rainfleet mk.III | Imgur |
Darkblad
Hilfe is like Free Entertainment
432
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:42:00 -
[22] - Quote
Thank you CCP Falcon for this statement.
And thanks to all involved for clearing that up so fast and yet thorough.
Edit: The Forums continue to have issues updating itself with newly submitted/edited posts EVE Infolinks -+-áOld and new-áPortraits |
Rhes
GoonWaffe Goonswarm Federation
1043
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:42:00 -
[23] - Quote
DexterShark wrote:It looks to me like CCP Falcon just delivered a 3-day masterclass in community crisis management. Good work, chief.
Agreed. This was handled so much better than last time. EVE is a game about spaceships and there's an enormous amount of work to do on the in-space gameplay before players (or developers) are ready to sacrifice it for a totally new type of gameplay - CCP Rise |
Doc Fury
Furious Enterprises
6022
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:43:00 -
[24] - Quote
Karbowiak wrote:Whats up with the CSM circlejerk? lol
It's called: Control the message.
Thanks CCP for doing the right thing and swiftly this time.
The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the ho's and politicians will look up and shout 'Save us!' and I'll look down, and whisper 'Hodor'. |
SomeDudeInLocal
Hedion University Amarr Empire
0
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:43:00 -
[25] - Quote
Are users who made use of the recent service also subject to punishment regarding the incident?
In particular, anyone that may have used the service in faith of Somer having the now invalid Approval from CCP? |
RubyPorto
RubysRhymes
5329
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:43:00 -
[26] - Quote
Me likey CCP Birdman "It's easy to speak for the silent majority. They rarely object to what you put into their mouths." -Abrazzar "the risk of having your day ruined by other people is the cornerstone with which EVE was built" -CCP Solomon |
BadAssMcKill
ElitistOps
842
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:44:00 -
[27] - Quote
Gambling is haram anyway . |
Adrie Atticus
The Shadow Plague The Bastion
225
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:44:00 -
[28] - Quote
111010110 wrote:So, what about the Markee Dragon element in all of this?
As Falcon said that there is no proof of RMT you can figure it out yourself. |
Frantico
Body Count Inc. Pandemic Legion
36
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:44:00 -
[29] - Quote
I get why he got banned. BUT with banning him you also banned almost 30% of all the Unique ships in eve alliance turney ships of old and other ships that just dont exist anywhere else its alot of history that has been in 1 persons assets. for a game that is built around its rich history.
so what ccp should do is hold a auction of the seized Unique ships that way ccp can get eve history ships back out there to the public AND get alot of isk out of the game back to ccp.
whatever you choose to do CCP dont ruin the eve History by removing these ships from the game |
Jarnis McPieksu
Habitual Euthanasia Pandemic Legion
545
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Posted - 2014.08.20 19:45:00 -
[30] - Quote
Any consideration regarding the fact that this action will most likely remove a large number of unique items from the game (namely, numerous AT prize ships and other not-obtainable-ever-again type ships that are/were in possession of Somer)?
A potential solution would be to auction these unique items through public contracts with the ISK going to CCP (ie. removed from the game). Might even help fight the inflation a bit :) |
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