Promotional Activities - What's allowed?

I couldn't find a section to ask a GM to clarify a portion of the Prohibited Activities list, so I am wondering if I can ask for GM assistance on interpreting the "Political / Religious / Commercial / Promotional Activities" portion. I have submitted a support ticket, but the response I received was only a link to the exact Rules & Policies page I found the Prohibited Activities list whose portion I am looking to clarify.

My fc wants to host events in game which help raise awareness towards charitable causes, but we are concerned that may be a violation of the Political / Religious / Commercial / Promotional Activities portion of the Prohibited Activities list. We will never receive any real money donations, but would rather advocate that attendees donate directly to a charity.

We were wondering which of the following scenarios are acceptable:

1. We advertise for the event or venue via an outside source (e.g., twitch, twitter), stating the purpose of the venue. For instance, making a tweet that says "Meet us on Sunday at our FC house! We're raising awareness for cancer research and encourage all attendees to donate to a charitable cancer research cause." Then, in game, we make no mention of donations or charity. All discussions regarding charity and donations will be done outside of the game such as on twitter.
   
2. We advertise in game that our event or venue is intended to raise awareness towards charitable causes, but only in our FC house and nowhere else to keep discussion in a closed environment. We would be using say/yell/shout within our FC house only. An example would be saying "Today we're hosting this venue to raise awareness for those affected by the war in Ukraine! Please consider donating to a charity."

In addition, in either of those cases, would we be allowed to name a specific non-religious, non-political charity to donate to? For instance, saying "We recommend donating to Red Cross, but any charity of your choice is fine" or "The focus of the event today is promoting donations to Doctors without Borders." If not, can we state that we encourage attendees donate to a charitable organization of their choice without naming a specific charity?

Thank you.

Edit1:

To respond to everyone concerns, I understand that activism for real life causes can be done outside of the game and I did not say that individual members have or have not done so already. I would like to reiterate that I am merely relaying the requests and concerns because I am one of the planners and have the obligation to so, so please keep things civil :)

Many of our members were inspired by many popular FF14 streamers and influencers hosting charity events and asked if we would also be able to do so. I said I would consult GMs to ask for clarification so that's where I'm at right now.

That billboard was truly just the beginning....

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Originally Posted by Kranel_San

That billboard was truly just the beginning....

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The next step will be TV commercials for FFXIV nightclubs. :)

Cheers

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"Political/Religious/Commercial/Promotional Activities" refer to the act of engaging in activities and promotions that involve real-life political groups, religious organizations, or business entities that have no connections to Final Fantasy XIV. Even if the activity is for charity, it is prohibited as the activity is not relevant to the game.

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That section is pretty clear. The answer is no. The community tends to echo this sentiment by default. FFXIV is an escape from the real world. Kindly leave all that other stuff out there. If you want to affect change in the real world, you do it out there.

Will you also change your profile pictures to feature a flag overlay? Where can I donate my thoughts and prayers? As has been said by multiple people every time one of these threads pop up, don't do it. If you have good intentions, that's great. If you want to actually do something to help any effort in fixing the issues you care about, even better, and more power to you. Putting a line in your PF and patting yourselves on the back is useless slacktivism, and this isn't the platform for it anyway. It's a video game.

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Originally Posted by Larirawiel

The next step will be TV commercials for FFXIV nightclubs. :)

Cheers

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Would be the worst idea ever, i mean who is actively playing FF14 and still watch TV ? Maybe a handfull of people but i don't think it would be worth the money at all.

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Originally Posted by Syln

Would be the worst idea ever, i mean who is actively playing FF14 and still watch TV ? Maybe a handfull of people but i don't think it would be worth the money at all.

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I've all but abandoned cable TV for streaming services, where I can watch all of my shows without the commercials.

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Originally Posted by Vahlnir

I've all but abandoned cable TV for streaming services, where I can watch all of my shows without the commercials.

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Precisely this. Not to mention, there is almost never anything decent to watch on TV anyways that doesn't end up on a streaming service within a year or two.

Prior to the billboard event, which is not related to charities fyi, there have been many player hosted in game events that focus on raising awareness to particular issues or charities, with many famous players and influencers advertising for said charities on their personal social media accounts and twitch. It's not an uncommon focus for venues and events in game, but regarding whether this is against or in line with ToS is not stated clearly so I am asking GMs to clarify.

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Originally Posted by Deveryn

That section is pretty clear. The answer is no. The community tends to echo this sentiment by default. FFXIV is an escape from the real world. Kindly leave all that other stuff out there. If you want to affect change in the real world, you do it out there.

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The statement says that we cannot promote real-life political groups, religious organizations, or business entities that have no connections to Final Fantasy XIV, but does not state whether ambiguous statements that do not advocate for a particular group or ideology is acceptable (e.g., saying "It's sarcoma and bone cancer awareness month. We are raising awareness of those affected by this condition" does not advertise for a particular real-life political group, religious organization, or business entity). In addition, that portion of the Prohibited Activities also states that conversation on such topics in closed environments is not considered a violation depending on the circumstances, so I am asking GMs to clarify what the circumstances are.

I understand that the game is an escape from the real world for many, which is why we are considering discussing the topic in closed environments and/or outside of the game to respect the wishes of those wanting to play the game as such.

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Originally Posted by Vahlnir

I've all but abandoned cable TV for streaming services, where I can watch all of my shows without the commercials.

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I barely even watch those even then. YouTube and the occasional Twitch stream VOD is what I watch nowadays. Apparently TikTok is how the gen z's spend there time. Imagine anyone under 50 watching TV still though. :eek:

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Originally Posted by wei_t_a_minute

Prior to the billboard event, which is not related to charities fyi, there have been many player hosted in game events that focus on raising awareness to particular issues or charities, with many famous players and influencers advertising for said charities on their personal social media accounts and twitch. It's not an uncommon focus for venues and events in game, but regarding whether this is against or in line with ToS is not stated clearly so I am asking GMs to clarify.



The statement says that we cannot promote real-life political groups, religious organizations, or business entities that have no connections to Final Fantasy XIV, but does not state whether ambiguous statements that do not advocate for a particular group or ideology is acceptable (e.g., saying "It's sarcoma and bone cancer awareness month. We are raising awareness of those affected by this condition" does not advertise for a particular real-life political group, religious organization, or business entity). In addition, that portion of the Prohibited Activities also states that conversation on such topics in closed environments is not considered a violation depending on the circumstances, so I am asking GMs to clarify what the circumstances are.

I understand that the game is an escape from the real world for many, which is why we are considering discussing the topic in closed environments and/or outside of the game to respect the wishes of those wanting to play the game as such.

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It's pretty much keep it to your FC only. You can't take it into the public hubs or any public chats or party finder. It doesn't matter if it's for something harmless like cancer awareness, it has nothing to do with the game and therefore isn't allowed in public spaces.
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Source from the ToS if you click Key Points under the section referenced in OP's post.

It is prohibited to engage in activities or advertisements in public areas where many players can see them, such as Shout and through the Party Finder. If a report has been filed and the prohibited activity is confirmed, a penalty will be issued.


In a closed environment within a private chat such as a Linkshell or Free Company, it is not considered a violation to raise such topics among peers, but if the conversation is repeated persistently, please be aware that it may be considered a violation depending on the circumstances.
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It's also pretty defined what is prohibited:
refer to the act of engaging in activities and promotions that involve real-life political groups, religious organizations, or business entities that have no connections to Final Fantasy XIV. Even if the activity is for charity, it is prohibited as the activity is not relevant to the game.
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So therefore, if you want to raise awareness for something or collect donations for charity, it has to be within your FC or friend group. Anything else is a violation and will get you penalized if someone reports it.

As far as what grounds a violation in private chats, most likely if you annoy your friends with talking about your cause non-stop and they report it you can get penalized.

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TLDR: You can't raise awareness or collect donations for a charity or other charitable cause in public spaces, keep to your friend group or FC. Be aware that if you annoy them with talking about it that it can get you penalized. Do all charitable work on Discord to save yourself a headache.

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Originally Posted by SturmChurro

I barely even watch those even then. YouTube and the occasional Twitch stream VOD is what I watch nowadays. Apparently TikTok is how the gen z's spend there time. Imagine anyone under 50 watching TV still though. :eek:

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I spend a fair amount of time on Youtube myself, but that's about it. Twitch is more of a "plan b" if I'm watching a live stream on Youtube for SE, Playstation or anything like that and it decides to crap out on me due to server overload or something. I rarely, if ever use Twitch for anything else.

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Originally Posted by Vahlnir

I spend a fair amount of time on Youtube myself, but that's about it. Twitch is more of a "plan b" if I'm watching a live stream on Youtube for SE, Playstation or anything like that and it decides to [..] out on me due to server overload or something. I rarely, if ever use Twitch for anything else.

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I used to not watch Twitch pretty much at all, but a lot of content, and creators moved over to streaming. I rarely catch things live. Actually most of the Twitch vods I watch are on YouTube funnily enough. There is like one guy I watch semi-regularly on Twitch, and I sometimes listen to some Asmongold stuff more lately, specifically when I was playing Lost Ark or doing things in FF (why I actually prefer his react content - an unpopular opinion apparently).

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Originally Posted by SturmChurro

I barely even watch those even then. YouTube and the occasional Twitch stream VOD is what I watch nowadays. Apparently TikTok is how the gen z's spend there time. Imagine anyone under 50 watching TV still though. :eek:

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https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/...30/710/dd0.png

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Originally Posted by LianaThorne

It's pretty much keep it to your FC only. You can't take it into the public hubs or any public chats or party finder. It doesn't matter if it's for something harmless like cancer awareness, it has nothing to do with the game and therefore isn't allowed in public spaces.
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Source from the ToS if you click Key Points under the section referenced in OP's post.

It is prohibited to engage in activities or advertisements in public areas where many players can see them, such as Shout and through the Party Finder. If a report has been filed and the prohibited activity is confirmed, a penalty will be issued.


In a closed environment within a private chat such as a Linkshell or Free Company, it is not considered a violation to raise such topics among peers, but if the conversation is repeated persistently, please be aware that it may be considered a violation depending on the circumstances.
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It's also pretty defined what is prohibited:
refer to the act of engaging in activities and promotions that involve real-life political groups, religious organizations, or business entities that have no connections to Final Fantasy XIV. Even if the activity is for charity, it is prohibited as the activity is not relevant to the game.
-------------------

So therefore, if you want to raise awareness for something or collect donations for charity, it has to be within your FC or friend group. Anything else is a violation and will get you penalized if someone reports it.

As far as what grounds a violation in private chats, most likely if you annoy your friends with it and they report it you can get penalized.

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Thank you for your response, your interpretation makes sense and I understand where you are coming from. I'll still need to wait for an official GM response, but I'll keep what you said in mind when communicating to my fc mates who brought up this issue.

We are also looking at an option where we make no discussions or mention about this subject in game, but instead raise the subject outside of the game such as on social media. However, there are concerns that our activity will be reported or flagged as a ToS violation even when our promotional activities are occurring outside of the game so I am requesting GM clarification on this as well, as per my original post.

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Originally Posted by wei_t_a_minute

Thank you for your response, your interpretation makes sense and I understand where you are coming from. I'll still need to wait for an official GM response, but I'll keep what you said in mind when communicating to my fc mates who brought up this issue.

We are also looking at an option where we make no discussions or mention about this subject in game, but instead raise the subject outside of the game such as on social media. However, there are concerns that our activity will be reported or flagged as a ToS violation even when our promotional activities are occurring outside of the game so I am requesting GM clarification on this as well, as per my original post.

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Outside stuff can't be used as evidence in in-game related violations or punishments because it's considered third party and has the potential to be manipulated. It all has to be in-game for any action to be taken.

Also, you're not going to get a GM response unless this thread reaches dozens of pages in length. They're very hands off in terms of interacting with the community. You're more likely to get this deleted than get a real response.

Got it, I submitted a 2nd support ticket prior to making this thread so I will continue to follow up there as needed. Thank you for your response regarding both the 3rd party portion and likelihood of a GM response.

Just put an FF spin on it.

Instead of Cancer Awareness, it is Aether Sickness Awareness.

Instead of War in Ukraine, it is help Gridania build a bigger wall between them and Ala Mhigo!

Not all of those translate 1:1. Just got to localize your real world issues into Eorzea speak.

We did want to try putting an FF spin on it, but some also expressed concerns. At our last venue we wanted to say the following (and only this phrase with nothing else mentioning donations or charity):

"Please consider taking your noble spirit not just throughout Eorzea, but also to the world beyond by donating to causes that threaten your fellow adventurers."

A couple of fc mates raised concerns about that statement and requested official clarification as to whether something like that is okay or not.

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Originally Posted by Necrotica

it is help Gridania build a bigger wall between them and Ala Mhigo!

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I thought about seeing an advertisement that sounded like this in 2017 and got a hearty chuckle. Thanks m8! lol

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Originally Posted by wei_t_a_minute

We did want to try putting an FF spin on it, but some also expressed concerns. At our last venue we wanted to say the following (and only this phrase with nothing else mentioning donations or charity):

"Please consider taking your noble spirit not just throughout Eorzea, but also to the world beyond by donating to causes that threaten your fellow adventurers."

A couple of fc mates raised concerns about that statement and requested official clarification as to whether something like that is okay or not.

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I'd think that would be fine ngl. I think they're more about stuff that's more along the lines of: "Come to our venue where we're raising money for x charity."

Or people spamming a gofundme link in public hubs.

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Originally Posted by wei_t_a_minute

We did want to try putting an FF spin on it, but some also expressed concerns. At our last venue we wanted to say the following (and only this phrase with nothing else mentioning donations or charity):

"Please consider taking your noble spirit not just throughout Eorzea, but also to the world beyond by donating to causes that threaten your fellow adventurers."

A couple of fc mates raised concerns about that statement and requested official clarification as to whether something like that is okay or not.

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Your FC mates are right to be concerned. Even a statement like that could be interpreted as such. It's a nice gesture, but the best thing to do is just keep it out of game.

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Originally Posted by Larirawiel

The next step will be TV commercials for FFXIV nightclubs. :)

Cheers

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I'm waiting on someone who will advertise it by getting a tattoo and walking around.

all things allowed are RELATED TO THE GAME.

So, if your events have themes RELATED TO THE GAME ONLY, you can do them. If not, even if it's not to receive real money for charity IS NOT PERMITED.

Very clear. Very easy to understand.

I hope you can still make some events and HAVE FUN PLAYING this game, 'cause this is what everyone is looking for from the time we got this game... :)

Remember: there is space for everything and activism inside a game WILL NEVER be allowed no matter the purity of intentions.

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Originally Posted by Renalt

I'm waiting on someone who will advertise it by getting a tattoo and walking around.

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Imagine getting banned from said nightclubs lol

if you want to create a positive change in the world, DO IT IN THE REAL WORLD

seriously, having good intentions are always awesome, but why walk a tightrope that can get you banned? if you want to do good for real life causes, a video game is not the place to do it, plain and simple. its not so much logic as it is common sense.

Billboards all over the US!

Should be put on Twitter or Facebook. Not in a game people use to escape their lives for a couple hours a day/week/whatever.

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Originally Posted by wei_t_a_minute

We are also looking at an option where we make no discussions or mention about this subject in game, but instead raise the subject outside of the game such as on social media. However, there are concerns that our activity will be reported or flagged as a ToS violation even when our promotional activities are occurring outside of the game so I am requesting GM clarification on this as well, as per my original post.

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It's not unusual for streamers to raise money for charity while streaming game play, including FFXIV.

I imagine as long as you're following the streaming service's rule and not doing anything that would imply that SE is endorsing your event, you would be fine. It would be best to reach out to those in the streaming community who have done such events to get an idea of what has to be avoided.