Heavensturn Screenshot Contest (EU) - Please revise results. Heartbroken here.

@Miitan @Tiggy
You two don't get the point of the thread. You can't use more than one of these items at the time, so why give the same person two items? They could do honorable mentions for consecutive winners, but repetitive winners for prizes they already have and can only have one of is in fact unfair to others. The only reason you're posting those comments is because this thread was posted after the contest results had both come in. Had this been noticeable beforehand, the thread would likely still exist for the same reason.

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Originally Posted by Riepah

If this isn't changed, it makes everyone who participates in a contest, the prize for which they already own, a bad person for intentionally screwing a random person out of their prize if they win, rather than allowing previous winners to participate for fun without having a negative effect on anyone.

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Moreover it makes people who enter twice just for the fun of it feel bad for winning if they happen to win twice.

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Originally Posted by Zohnax

@Miitan @Tiggy
You two don't get the point of the thread. You can't use more than one of these items at the time, so why give the same person two items? They could do honorable mentions for consecutive winners, but repetitive winners for prizes they already have and can only have one of is in fact unfair to others. The only reason you're posting those comments is because this thread was posted after the contest results had both come in. Had this been noticeable beforehand, the thread would likely still exist for the same reason.

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An entry doesn't suddenly become worthy of a prize just because someone else already has the prize in question. You're proposing that if somebody already has the prize, SE should give the prize to someone who didn't win just so they don't feel bad.

An entry shouldn't be worthy if it has already won a prize because getting two Unique items is a waste. It's either going to sit in their MogMail or on a Retainer where it'll never be used; even for Vanity's sake because the first item can already be used for Vanity's sake. Ever hear of the term, "runner-up?" This is where it should be used. When you have at least a fifth of the prizes getting wasted, there's definitely a problem these contests. As the OP pointed out, some people actually had the decency to withdraw their entries after they had won the first, because they knew otherwise the second prize would be wasted. Why don't the community representatives who do the judging realize this themselves?

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Originally Posted by Miitan

An entry doesn't suddenly become worthy of a prize just because someone else already has the prize in question. You're proposing that if somebody already has the prize, SE should give the prize to someone who didn't win just so they don't feel bad.

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So you're suggesting that 100 out of those 110 people actually deserved to win, and the remaining 10 really did not. It looks like you really believe that there are set-in-stone criteria SE uses to judge every single screenshot's worth with 100% accuracy and fairness.

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Originally Posted by DracotheDragon

since there is 10 is people wholost out and 20 plus items that is technically lost it dose seem a bit unfair to have those 10 people lose out, if the prize was different then the 100 would of won and gained a prize as they have won, instead 20 odd people have won and gained nothing while others lose out.

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Which is irrelevant, those 10 who "lost out" didn't submit entries that the judges deemed worthy of winning. Whether someone won the same prize twice for 2 compettitions is also irrelevant. They judge based on merit, not on who won before. And they judged that those 10 who didn't win didn't submit a winning entry and thus recieve no prize.

Try again next time.

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Originally Posted by Zohnax

@Miitan @Tiggy
You two don't get the point of the thread. You can't use more than one of these items at the time, so why give the same person two items? They could do honorable mentions for consecutive winners, but repetitive winners for prizes they already have and can only have one of is in fact unfair to others. The only reason you're posting those comments is because this thread was posted after the contest results had both come in. Had this been noticeable beforehand, the thread would likely still exist for the same reason.

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So you are saying you didn't win but you deserve a prize anyways because some entered both times with entries the judges decided where better than those who didn't win. You don't win, you don't get a prize, end of. What the prize is or how many times one person has won the same reward is irrelevant.

Maybe I'm reading it all wrong but... the way I see it, the thread was made because there's a redundancy in the contests. Regardless of the TS's feelings, it's still wasteful that a non-tradeable, unique item would be given to the same person.

My suggestion would be to alternate (bluebird earrings was given recently so the next contest shouldn't have it as a reward, maybe a March or April contest would).

However, there really is no obvious set-in-stone criteria for judging... I mean, that obviously photoshopped image of a lalafell with fireworks over a group of people who were mourning won the Starlight contest until a thread was made to protest it, even though one of the rules states that you can't heavily alter an image.

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Originally Posted by Miitan

Uh oh, I think we have a situation here.

http://puu.sh/ftD7h/bddc99d19f.jpg

You didn't win, so try again next time. Don't whine about it on the forum to try and get the pity prize.

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......

*sigh*

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Originally Posted by Neuflune

Maybe I'm reading it all wrong but. the way I see it,the thread was made because there's a redundancy in the contests.Regardless of the TS's feelings,it's still wasteful that a non-tradeable,unique item would be given to the same person.My suggestion would be to alternate (bluebird earrings was given recently so the next contest shouldn't have it as a reward,maybe a Spring contest would).
However,there really is no obvious set-in-stone criteria for judging. I mean,that obviously photoshopped image of a lalafell with fireworks over a group of people who were mourning won the Starlight contest until a thread was made to protest it,even though one of the rules states that you can't heavily alter an image.

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Exactly. There aren't set in stone rules.
And I'm sorry,but if they don't offer the Bluebird Earrings on the next screenshot contest (or if people win them thrice,lol), I'll get a break from the game for some time to lose the pent up disappointment.

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Originally Posted by kyuven

Moreover it makes people who enter twice just for the fun of it feel bad for winning if they happen to win twice.

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Exactly, as evident by the reactions of about a dozen doube winners. Kudos to them for speaking up too.

Looking at your post it seems like you entered the contest 3 hours after the deadline.

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Originally Posted by Ghasto

Looking at your post it seems like you entered the contest 3 hours after the deadline.

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Good catch o.o I just checked the entry thread... I wish they closed those things as the deadline is reached. But they could have just gotten to it a bit late (the thread is closed now). Anyways, Spiroth:

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Entry Period
31 December 2014 15:00 (GMT) to 19 January 2015 03:00 (GMT)*
*Please note that the in-game seasonal event ends on Wednesday, 14 January 2015

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This post would have probably had more meaning if it was posted by someone who did not enter in it. Imo.

People are just going to come here seeing OP rant and undermine the fact that people winning the x2 of the same UNIQUE item, and It's NOT going to an alt character is SILLY. Meanwhile you have posts from those double WINNERS who want to WITHDRAWAL for this reason. Making this post not so babyish as it seems.

In my opinion SE should say that winners who have already won something could get X in game to exchange for another previously won item. Make an NPC or something. "Event Calamity NPC." This could be a thing.

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Originally Posted by Neuflune

Good catch o.o I just checked the entry thread... I wish they closed those things as the deadline is reached. But they could have just gotten to it a bit late (the thread is closed now). Anyways, Spiroth:

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This was pointed to me earlier in the topic, but the topic was open when I submited my entry. Still, it doesn't take away from my point.

Why would you enter a contest when you already have the prize?

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Originally Posted by SekhmetM

Why would you enter a contest when you already have the prize?

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Because they didn't know they would win, as Square-Enix made the same unique / untradable item as the prize for both contests, while not having announced the results for the first contest until the deadline for the second one was over.
And then made 22 people double winners..... while only 74 of the 88 new entrants won... in a contest advertised for up to 100 winners, which ultimately had 96 winners.


^ Real Square-Enix contest situation here, and no matter how close it seems, absolutely not fanfiction. And they still haven't commented on it. lol.

I would blame the double winners - not SE. I don't enter contests if I already won the reward. I purposely waited for the results of the Christmas screenshot contest before entering the New Years one.

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Originally Posted by SongJoohee

I would blame the double winners - not SE. I don't enter contests if I already won the reward. I purposely waited for the results of the Christmas screenshot contest before entering the New Years one.

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The people from the first contest had no idea they won until a couple weeks after the second contest entry period ended. That's the opposite of their fault.

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Originally Posted by Parodine

The people from the first contest had no idea they won until a couple weeks after the second contest entry period ended. That's the opposite of their fault.

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http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...st-%28EU%29%21

17th Jan. 2015

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/211214

Entry Period
31 December 2014 15:00 (GMT) to 19 January 2015 03:00 (GMT)*

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Originally Posted by SongJoohee

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...st-%28EU%29%21

17th Jan. 2015

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/211214

Entry Period
31 December 2014 15:00 (GMT) to 19 January 2015 03:00 (GMT)*

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So, you're saying this is on the players? Really?

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Originally Posted by SongJoohee

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...st-%28EU%29%21

17th Jan. 2015

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/211214

Entry Period
31 December 2014 15:00 (GMT) to 19 January 2015 03:00 (GMT)*

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I see. You're definitely correct on the timeline. But within the contest entry thread:

For the Starlight entry thread:

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Winners will be announced on or around Monday, January 19, 2015.

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And within the Heavensturn thread:

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Contest Entry Period
Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 7:00 a.m. (PST) through, Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. (PST)

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The people entering the Starlight contest likely assumed based on the information on both contests that the entry acceptance period for Heavensturn was going to end before the Starlight winners were announced based on SE's information.

Regardless of whether people entered both contests or not, the judges -could- have simply checked the list of winners from Starlight and crossed them off from the list of Heavensturn entries.

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Originally Posted by Neuflune

Regardless of whether people entered both contests or not, the judges -could- have simply checked the list of winners from Starlight and crossed them off from the list of Heavensturn entries.

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That would be the ideal. In fact, that would have made every single loyal subscriber that had the dedication to enter, win, because of the very few total unique entries. But that would have been too good and simple for Square-Enix, so they had to mess up. And not even acknowledging the situation.... Ugh, FINAL FANTASY XV can't arrive soon enough.

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Originally Posted by Sapphic

So you are saying you didn't win but you deserve a prize anyways because some entered both times with entries the judges decided where better than those who didn't win. You don't win, you don't get a prize, end of. What the prize is or how many times one person has won the same reward is irrelevant.

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A) Don't post if you're just going to try and shit on people because you don't understand their point. Go back reread instead of stammering on the same points already corrected in the first few pages.

B) You know the saying about assumptions~

C) Go learn proper grammar and spend less time trying to make yourself feel good by attempting to condescend to others based on following a set of rules you think should be concrete and without question.

I feel a summary is needed, considering how this post has evolved and the misunderstandings arising... Especially if any SE reps do read this and get lost.

The main issue which has led to all of this has been having the same unique/untradable item as a prize to two very close/overlapping contests. This led to a majority of people not seeing any worth in entering the second contest, which led to there only being ~110 entries. As the number of winners are not proportional to the number of entries, there were more people winning both contests than there were those missing out on the second one. I mean... that in itself isn't really an issue, but it can lead to hurt feelings nonetheless. But as stated... the items go to waste, so winning the contest is a waste, which is why not many people entered the second contest in the first place.

The most important lessons that should be taken from this is to bring in proportional winning numbers up to a certain amount of entries (eg less than 200) because then no matter how many people enter, you've always got a fair chance of winning/the standard shouldn't change, and don't have the same prize for overlapping contests!

I can't believe people are in an actual uproar about this.

People have too much time and luxury on their hands, I swear.

While this is an issue when 100 winners are chosen, in this case, it's not. Only 96 winners were chosen for the Starlight contest anyway, so even if those of us who won twice didn't, it's safe to assume no one else would have been chosen. They say in the details topic they will choose UP TO 100 winners.

I do support that in future they should deffo check that a winner of the Starlight didn't already win in Heavensturn though. Or just change the dates slightly. I posted in the discussion topic for the contest too but not sure we will get a dev response as none have so far.

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Originally Posted by Fawkes

Also this probably won't be the last chance, just get ready to take some Valentione pictures.

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Hmmm, maybe not. Looks like JP got some chocolate making contest instead of a screenshot contest. :/

Well maybe they'll still have the earrings as a reward again.

yazpanda,

Thank you very much for your synopsis. I hope a Square-Enix representative will give the much needed attention this issue brings to the few dozens of their most loyal subscribers, who even bother to participate in these things. Especially to future-proof us.

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Originally Posted by Jeckyl_Tesla

I can't believe people are in an actual uproar about this.

People have too much time and luxury on their hands, I swear.

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Actually not at all. I just returned from an exhausting 12 hours work shift, have guitar lesson in a few minutes, and must go to a friend's birthday in a few hours. Then I have roughly 2 hours to play before sleep and work again. Thee 2 hours shouldn't be stressfull to a subscriber.

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Originally Posted by Kaelah

While this is an issue when 100 winners are chosen, in this case, it's not. Only 96 winners were chosen for the Starlight contest anyway, so even if those of us who won twice didn't, it's safe to assume no one else would have been chosen. They say in the details topic they will choose UP TO 100 winners.

I do support that in future they should deffo check that a winner of the Starlight didn't already win in Heavensturn though. Or just change the dates slightly. I posted in the discussion topic for the contest too but not sure we will get a dev response as none have so far.

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They really haven't bothered fixing this.
And imo, they can't get away with locking a unique / untradable collectible item behind a contest when they say up to 100 winners will be chosen, and actually choose 74 winners... with just 14 people not winning... And 22 of these unique / untradable items being thrown away. It's wrong.


And believe me, if they don't do a Valentione screenshot contest, or even worse if they don't offer the Bluebird Earring again immediately in the next contest, it will be a sad day.

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Originally Posted by Spiroth

Actually not at all. I just returned from an exhausting 12 hours work shift, have guitar lesson in a few minutes, and must go to a friend's birthday in a few hours. Then I have roughly 2 hours to play before sleep and work again. Thee 2 hours shouldn't be stressfull to a subscriber.

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...Stressful?

You didn't win a competition for an virtual piece of earrings.

Stressful?

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Originally Posted by Jeckyl_Tesla

...Stressful?

You didn't win a competition for an virtual piece of earrings.

Stressful?

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Why do you need everything pointed out to you? Please read yazpanda's post, and then think.
And yes, stressfull. The entirety of the game is "virtual goods" btw.

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Originally Posted by Spiroth

Why do you need everything pointed out to you? Please read yazpanda's post, and then think.
And yes, stressfull. The entirety of the game is "virtual goods" btw.

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I not doubting what Yaz says.

I'm doubting that it's as such a disheartening concept as you think it is. Or stressful.

I fear what would happen to you if you came across a REAL problem in life. Would your soul just shatter to pieces and would you just fall to the floor and have some sort of seizure? For example, if your coffee machine broke.

Because a coffee machine breaking is more stressful than this.

And coffee sucks.

What is going on with this issue?
And where is our Valentione Screenshot Contest? Probably the team saw what they did and are trying to weight their options.
Meanwhile, the Bluebird Earrings for the Heavensturn Screenshot Contest are still not delivered to the both the winners and the "winners".

What is going on with issue, and where is our "Bluebird Earring-ed" Valentione Screenshot Contest like JAPAN already has going on?

Greetings,

I'd like to address a few of the main points being discussed in the thread and general comments regarding the official contests we've held in the past.

We try to make it clear that there may be instances that we do not select 100 winners by including language that references that it may be "up to 100". We're sorry if this was not clearer and we'll work to ensure that users are more aware that it's not a guarantee to win the contest simply by entering.

In regards to players that have won more than once; we do allow them to transfer their second prize to another character that is on their service account if they wish. However, we understand that contests that offer the same prize and happen in such a close proximity may lead to issues and will definitely take this into consideration in the future.

With that said, we do plan to introduce more opportunities to obtain the bluebird earring soon, so please hang tight a bit longer.

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Originally Posted by Bayohne

In regards to players that have won more than once; we do allow them to transfer their second prize to another character that is on their service account if they wish. However,

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I'd like to know how this is done? I won the starlight & Heavenstrum on NA servers and can't find a way to contact anyone.

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Originally Posted by Bayohne

Greetings,

I'd like to address a few of the main points being discussed in the thread and general comments regarding the official contests we've held in the past.

We try to make it clear that there may be instances that we do not select 100 winners by including language that references that it may be "up to 100". We're sorry if this was not clearer and we'll work to ensure that users are more aware that it's not a guarantee to win the contest simply by entering.

In regards to players that have won more than once; we do allow them to transfer their second prize to another character that is on their service account if they wish. However, we understand that contests that offer the same prize and happen in such a close proximity may lead to issues and will definitely take this into consideration in the future.

With that said, we do plan to introduce more opportunities to obtain the bluebird earring soon, so please hang tight a bit longer.

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wot?????????

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Originally Posted by Evangela

wot?????????

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I believe the difference here is that people who entered both contests didn't expect to win the earrings twice.
If a future contest had them as a reward, people who'd won them would be entering knowing fully well they'd be wasting another pair of the things.