16 minutes ago, Rinzler in a Tie said:

If FFG wants to send me early release wares, I will buy a high production video camera and feed the masses, soothing them with my voice, which is whiny IRL, too.

That would be 50,000 dollars, sir.
Oh and another 1,200 per storage module … expensive you say? Dear sir, we are red and red is never expensive, always on point with our prices. Enjoy your camera. Would you be interesting in a editing system to go along with it? ($.$)

7 minutes ago, SEApocalypse said:

Maybe FFG was not willing to pay any professionals ... sure, they could have send a big check to someone like AngryJoe and get a professional unboxing with high quality video equipment. Or they send it so someone unknown via a cheap cam who does it for free. ;-)

Assuming they are getting free product in advance, they are getting paid, at least in the barter system.

I could have taken a better photo of the TIE Silencer dial with my cell phone lying on the floor of a moving public transit bus.

21 minutes ago, Darth Meanie said:

Assuming they are getting free product in advance, they are getting paid, at least in the barter system.

I could have taken a better photo of the TIE Silencer dial with my cell phone on the floor of a moving bus.

I think "You pay peanuts, you get monkeys." applies here. As mentioned: With a decent check you get professionals. Though the french stuff does not look like intentional by FFG anyway, the unboxing video does look like standard marketing with an extreme low budget.

And btw, you making better photos with your cell is not the point. Spikey bits has 30,000 subs. That is already in range that he can charge for sponsored content, though his average views per video are rather low … but his unboxing stuff has a decent enough view count on average to justify a low triple digit check, especially when the product itself is so cheap. And I am not implying that FFG actually paid him with money, most likely he did it for free, because this kind of exclusives are the best thing for him to grow his channel. He gets a lot of clicks on his X.Wing content, while his runewars stuff gets mostly ignored.

If your photos in general have a high reach and you are interested in getting stuff in advanced, you might try to contact FFG and ask if they want to sponsor you. ;-)

24 minutes ago, SEApocalypse said:

Maybe FFG was not willing to pay any professionals ... sure, they could have send a big check to someone like AngryJoe and get a professional unboxing with high quality video equipment. Or they send it so someone unknown via a cheap cam who does it for free. ;-)

Spikeybits is usually good quality - I'm just being abusive because the SIlencer is going to reinvigorate my will to play this game. Much anticipated news get held up to a magnifying glass.

20 minutes ago, SEApocalypse said:

That would be 50,000 dollars, sir.
Oh and another 1,200 per storage module … expensive you say? Dear sir, we are red and red is never expensive, always on point with our prices. Enjoy your camera. Would you be interesting in a editing system to go along with it? ($.$)

Citation need lol and what is this "storage module" - My basement is included in my mortgage, if that counts...
I'd certainly devote a lot more time than I should if I had a setup. I'm half-way - I have the will. Now to find an extra $5g for that sweet, sweet livestream rig.

This is a fairly novel usage of "spoiler" and "leak", isn't it? Spoiler normally refers to something with a narrative element. You can't "spoil" product specifications. "Leak" would normally mean unauthorized release, rather that previews from entities given preview copies.

11 minutes ago, Rinzler in a Tie said:

Spikeybits is usually good quality - I'm just being abusive because the SIlencer is going to reinvigorate my will to play this game. Much anticipated news get held up to a magnifying glass.

Citation need lol and what is this "storage module" - My basement is included in my mortgage, if that counts...
I'd certainly devote a lot more time than I should if I had a setup. I'm half-way - I have the will. Now to find an extra $5g for that sweet, sweet livestream rig.

The storage is basically a SSD in a fancy case, formated to a proprietary file format from red.
http://www.red.com/store/cameras

People like SpikeyBits etc. are given the products ahead of the rest and ahead of the article with FFG knowing full well what he does for a living. Why these 'leaks' (I use the term loosely as the information has not been stolen) have been so consistent this wave is something I can't comment on, but FFG are in control of all of this. If they didn't want these things out there, they wouldn't be.

There is also a thing called guerrilla marketing.

1 hour ago, SEApocalypse said:

I think "You pay peanuts, you get monkeys." applies here.

And btw, you making better photos with your cell is not the point. Spikey bits has 30,000 subs.

If your photos in general have a high reach and you are interested in getting stuff in advanced, you might try to contact FFG and ask if they want to sponsor you. ;-)

Three strikes and I am out. I'll just go out by the post box and wait for my Silencer. . .

1 hour ago, Rinzler in a Tie said:

I'm just being abusive because. . .

Yeah, for me it's just cuz this seems newly off-kilter. If it's what it's supposed to be, well then, I can either look or not look.

I thought this thread was going to be about the clogged toilet at NOVA... nvm

On 2017-11-30 at 7:25 AM, Incard said:

Usually in this context, a "leak" means the release of secret information that is not yet intended for public consumption. As far as I know, reviewers like SpikeyBits (who released unboxing videos of wave 12 & 13 stuff) are given their products in advance of public release for the purpose of review. To my knowledge, SpikeyBits has not violated any agreement, and nothing fishy is going on with them. It seems like what happened in this case is that FFG's articles were later than they should have been. That's not on the reviewers.

If SpikyBits is given a copy in advance for free and is expected to give a review, SpikyBits is violating the FTC Disclosures laws.

Quote

The FTC is only concerned about endorsements that are made on behalf of a sponsoring advertiser. For example, an endorsement would be covered by the FTC Act if an advertiser – or someone working for an advertiser – pays you or gives you something of value to mention a product. If you receive free products or other perks with the expectation that you’ll promote or discuss the advertiser’s products in your blog, you’re covered. Bloggers who are part of network marketing programs, where they sign up to receive free product samples in exchange for writing about them, also are covered.

Spikybits DOES NOT indicate in their video or YT description that they have received the product 'free' for review. Therefore, they either did not receive the product for Free from FFG or they are breaking the FTC Laws.

If they have not received their copy from FFG, this means there was a leak in the supply chain. You can bet that a store is at fault here and IS violating contracts. Spilybits in this case is being unethical leaking the video although I am not sure if they are breaking any laws. For certain, the store that gave or sold the ship to SpikyBits would be in breach of contract.

For sure, we know there is something wrong. In all cases, Spikybits is being unethical.

On 29.11.2017 at 7:27 PM, Darth Meanie said:

I'm with the Chief. If the product is not supposed to have dropped yet, having people unaffiliated with FFG vaingloriously unbox something before the rest of us is a bit rude.

In what way? Towards whom?

If you don't want to see any spoilers then don't watch them, avoid certain topics or FB groups and you will be fine.
Spoilers are as old as the miniatures games themselves and never before people were bu**hurt about spoilers. Quite the contrary - these were one of the most sought news.
Well, I guess these days it is trendy to be offended by anything, so some people decided to be offended by spoilers.
Top kek indeed.

7 minutes ago, Embir82 said:

In what way? Towards whom?

If you don't want to see any spoilers then don't watch them, avoid certain topics or FB groups and you will be fine.
Spoilers are as old as the miniatures games themselves and never before people were bu**hurt about spoilers. Quite the contrary - these were one of the most sought news.
Well, I guess these days it is trendy to be offended by anything, so some people decided to be offended by spoilers.
Top kek indeed.

The question is more of legality than anything else. As I have stated in my previous post, if Youtubers are getting review copies from FFG with the intention of advertising them (ie video reviews, early access, etc), than they are breaking the FTC laws regarding disclosure. If the youtubers are getting the copies via stores, than the stores are breaking contract with FFG. This could be a serious problem for the store.

Either case, youtubers and bloggers are being unethical by releasing this information early because they benefit from these leaks. They get more views which means more money. Its a dirty business practice. I do not think the x-wing community should support dirty business practices.

22 minutes ago, Rexler Brath said:

If SpikyBits is given a copy in advance for free and is expected to give a review, SpikyBits is violating the FTC Disclosures laws.

Spikybits DOES NOT indicate in their video or YT description that they have received the product 'free' for review. Therefore, they either did not receive the product for Free from FFG or they are breaking the FTC Laws.

If they have not received their copy from FFG, this means there was a leak in the supply chain. You can bet that a store is at fault here and IS violating contracts. Spilybits in this case is being unethical leaking the video although I am not sure if they are breaking any laws. For certain, the store that gave or sold the ship to SpikyBits would be in breach of contract.

For sure, we know there is something wrong. In all cases, Spikybits is being unethical.

Spikey Bits is a company ;-)
A company which is selling advertising space. https://spikeybits.com/advertise
And I am pretty sure that you don't have to disclose when you get review samples. That seems to be an industry standard in the whole gaming industry and basically a given. Though naturally there is always the option to send those copies back. It seems that either the FTC regulations are not enforced with review samples or are indeed not apply to those, because again, it industry standard to send out review copies of basically anything.

I get the desire to avoid spoilers (what constitutes a "spoiler" is a completely subjective line, so trying draw it somewhere is pointless). I also get the concern that their marketing strategy will include pre-release unboxings.

But I don't know that a sample size of one wave is enough to beg for the leaks to stop.

If there's legal trouble, that's FFG's business to pursue, but my hunch is that it isn't a big deal to them. If there's an issue, videos will get pulled, threads would be locked, etc. If you're certain there's something insidious going on, by all means, avoid and don't support it. I haven't watched the videos.

...I just waited for someone else to post the particulars.

4 minutes ago, SEApocalypse said:

Spikey Bits is a company ;-)
A company which is selling advertising space. https://spikeybits.com/advertise
And I am pretty sure that you don't have to disclose when you get review samples. That seems to be an industry standard in the whole gaming industry and basically a given. Though naturally there is always the option to send those copies back. It seems that either the FTC regulations are not enforced with review samples or are indeed not apply to those, because again, it industry standard to send out review copies of basically anything.

Quote

The FTC is only concerned about endorsements that are made on behalf of a sponsoring advertiser. For example, an endorsement would be covered by the FTC Act if an advertiser – or someone working for an advertiser – pays you or gives you something of value to mention a product. If you receive free products or other perks with the expectation that you’ll promote or discuss the advertiser’s products in your blog, you’re covered. Bloggers who are part of network marketing programs, where they sign up to receive free product samples in exchange for writing about them, also are covered.

Than certainly Spiky Bits is breaking the FTC laws. And there are game reviewers who DO follow the FTC laws. The Linux Game Cast for instance ALWAYS states if they receive free keys to review games: https://www.youtube.com/user/linuxgamecast

That's because they are the linux game cast. ;-)

How to properly disclose -

I'd prefer to see all the information in legit articles as well, but at least the spoilers alleviate the frustration of incomplete FFG articles. Why do they leave things out? I've heard it's to stop proxying, but have you heard of anyone (for example) being hyped for the gunboat, pre-ordering one, then proxying it and cancelling their pre-order? If genuine articles contained 100% of the information about the ship leaks wouldn't be a thing. I don't want a sense of mystery, I want disclosure about a product I might want to buy.

On ‎11‎/‎29‎/‎2017 at 4:33 PM, Darth Meanie said:

Yeah, for me it's just cuz this seems newly off-kilter. If it's what it's supposed to be, well then, I can either look or not look.

1 hour ago, Embir82 said:

If you don't want to see any spoilers then don't watch them, avoid certain topics or FB groups and you will be fine.
Spoilers are as old as the miniatures games themselves and never before people were bu**hurt about spoilers. Quite the contrary - these were one of the most sought news.
Well, I guess these days it is trendy to be offended by anything, so some people decided to be offended by spoilers.
Top kek indeed.

I already said that, but I suppose you can pillory me for fun anyways.

Found the next big leak:

On 29/11/2017 at 7:24 PM, Jo Jo said:

Or just don't click on the spoiler?

Got the next big spoiler also:

Leaks or no, I just want FFG to put out their articles faster, and include more information in them. It always stinks when the dial isn't in the preview article, for example. They ought to put everything in the box in the preview, including all rule cards and rulebooks in larger ships.

On 11/29/2017 at 1:57 PM, BlodVargarna said:

FFG provides the material to the reviewers with a wink and nod knowing they will be “leaked” because the early reveal drives the hype train and is overall good for sales.

I guarantee if they did not want the leaks, the reviewers would never get an advance copy of new releases again, and their unboxing videos would be hit with C&D letters pdq.

It's kind of standard practice in many industries to release all sorts of information to journalists, while putting an embargo on the information until such-a-time. Folks have time to write articles or record unboxing vids or whatever. FFG probably could likewise embargo the contents of advanced copies. I don't think I'd mind per se, so long as FFG was more timely on their own previews.

Leaks are not so bad, but problem is the drive and pressure that the competitive meta has placed on the game. Everyone is trying to get a leg up by finding out what is coming out sooner so it can be tested out so players can already place whatever is new in the meta and frankly it is ruining the game all in the false hope and promise of competitive balance.

6 hours ago, Marinealver said:

Leaks are not so bad, but problem is the drive and pressure that the competitive meta has placed on the game. Everyone is trying to get a leg up by finding out what is coming out sooner so it can be tested out so players can already place whatever is new in the meta and frankly it is ruining the game all in the false hope and promise of competitive balance.

That’s a bit hyperbolic. An unboxing video before official release is not ruining the game.

Players proxying new content is not just to get a leg up, it’s also the excitement of the new stuff and the fun of trying to figure out and test new build combinations.

I play a fair bit more Vassal than I do in person simply for logistical reasons. I love playing new content and can’t wait to test VI Poptics.

3 hours ago, BlodVargarna said:

That’s a bit hyperbolic. An unboxing video before official release is not ruining the game.

Players proxying new content is not just to get a leg up, it’s also the excitement of the new stuff and the fun of trying to figure out and test new build combinations.

I play a fair bit more Vassal than I do in person simply for logistical reasons. I love playing new content and can’t wait to test VI Poptics.

But only a bit, since I would agree that the "competitive edge" effect is real and is preventing the game from being a lighter-hearted Star Wars "relive the battles" kind of game.

And as far as the excitement of new stuff, why can't everyone just wait until release day?? I mean, by the time it gets here, every card has been spoiled, every combo has been talked about, the ships have been proxied, etc. It makes getting the ship itself pretty anti-climatic.

Heh, maybe I'm just old and can remember a time when you just had to be patient and wait, without the free flow of information and disinformation that everyone thinks they are entitled to.