Did Amazon Delete Spore Reviews? [Updated]

from the they're-all-gone dept

Fri, Sep 12th 2008 1:31pm — Mike Masnick

Want to know how not to respond to criticism? By deleting it. Yet, it appears that's what Amazon has done. Earlier this week we wrote about the controversy of EA's decision to put cumbersome DRM on the highly anticipated video game, Spore. The response was that thousands of people started posting one star reviews of Spore, noting the problems with the DRM. Things then got worse when people realized that EA had misled customers about the fact that they could only have one user account on Spore.

Now, a bunch of people have noticed that Amazon appears to have deleted all of the reviews on the Spore page. This is only going to end badly. When you try to shut down a large group of people who feel wronged, you're not just whacking the bees' nest with a stick, you're setting it on fire with a flame thrower. The folks who were complaining are only going to complain louder, and louder. Remember what happened when Digg tried to takedown the AACS crack? Whoever was responsible for removing the comments -- whether it was Amazon or EA -- they may find that the reaction to trying to shut down the angry mob is only going to make folks that much angrier, and alert that many more people to the problems they have with EA's use of DRM.

Update: It appears that some, or potentially all, of the reviews are now back on the site, and Amazon is claiming that it was a "glitch" that they disappeared. Some people claim that their own reviews are not back yet, though, so the whole situation is a bit fluid. Either way, if it really was a glitch, it was a pretty bad time and place for such a glitch to occur.

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Filed Under: backlash, deletions, drm, reviews, spore, streisand effect
Companies: amazon, ea

132 Comments

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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 1:34pm

If they removed mine, And I will check. I will remove my info from amazon and add them to my boycott list, sad since I have spent over a grand there this year alone.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
TheDock22, 12 Sep 2008 @ 1:45pm

Not good
This is going to end very, very badly. I will be glad to spread the word Amazon.com is horrible. Time to switch permanently to Shop.com!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 1:46pm

Spore
Other products by Electronic Arts
Platform: Windows XP / Vista, Macintosh | ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
No customer reviews yet. Be the first.

I have removed all my information, 1-click settings, payment info etc.

Not 1 cent more !

Amazon - You are deceptive! I will NEVER buy another thing from your site, you are dead to me!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 1:52pm

That is complete BULLSHIT! I hope they get hacked into oblivion!

I have been an amazon customer for a couple years,

NO MORE !

That is just deceptive!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 1:54pm

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars DRM - Destroyed Rotten Media, September 9, 2008

Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars
Be aware! This purchase is a rental! EA needs to stop treating it's customers as criminals!

My EA & AMAZON boycott starts NOW!

Not 1 Cent!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Skeptical Cynic (profile), 12 Sep 2008 @ 1:58pm

Back to the Streisand Effect
It's even worse when you have a lot of people that were already mad.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Steve, 12 Sep 2008 @ 1:58pm

Oh i can't wait for this one........ this is going to be big
[ link to this | view in thread ]
TheDock22, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:00pm

Email Flame!
I emailed Amazon and let them know exactly what I think of this latest b.s. move of theirs and also let them no I will no longer be a customer. I encourage everyone else to do the same!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
jimbo, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:00pm

I will post a 1 star review on every website I can come across. Suck it EA, and I will do my shopping at buy.com from now on.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Altaree, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:01pm

And now their server is spawning an error
and you can't even get the game login going.... argh
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Eeqmcsq, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:02pm

Haha, someone just put up a 1-star review with the question "Where did all the reviews go?"
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Skeptical Cynic (profile), 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:02pm

There is now one 1 star review back up!!
Everybody put the reviews back up!!!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Eeqmcsq, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:05pm

Re: There is now one 1 star review back up!!
Looks like the reviews are slowly trickling back in
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:06pm

they seem to be back...

and i was hoping for a real battle.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Lucretious, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:08pm

I agree 100% with the sentiment on DRM but this situation has put Amazon in a difficult position. I read through many of the "reviews" and its clear that most were from people who had NOT played the game. This isn't assumption, many stated they were NOT going to buy it due to the DRM. Thats fine, but the problem for Amazon is that its a "review" section and much of the appeal of going to Amazon (for me anyhow) is the review system they have in place. If they start allowing protesting over DRM in then whats to stop some special interest groups from flooding the reviews of , say, a company that does animal testing on their products? Is it fair to have to wade through hundreds of well intentioned protestations that I don't agree with to find unbiased info on what I want to purchase?

As a hardcore gamer I find much of what EA does reprehensible but I can't really fault Amazon from trying to keep some semblance of order in an area that adds a lot of value to their service.
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kingmanor, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:09pm

reviews back up?
I went to the site Mike linked and saw the number of one-star reviews was 281. 20 minutes later I refreshed the page and the number of one-star reviews jumped to 1,607. Did Amazon capitulate that quickly?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
bailey, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:09pm

some nut not all?
When I went just now. There were approx 1400 odd reviews. Which was curious as of about noon today I had stopped by to read them and saw over 2000.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:11pm

2,216 Reviews
5 star: 3% (73)
4 star: 2% (50)
3 star: 0% (21)
2 star: 2% (56)
1 star: 90% (2,016)
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Ragaboo, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:12pm

2,216 reviews
It says there are 2,216 reviews when I go there, and most are 1-star reviews. I did a hard-refresh and everything. Doesn't look like they deleted any to me...

Or did they just add them all back?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Alex Hagen, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:12pm

Not news
Guess what, Amazon does this all the time. I have personally seen it at least 3 or 4 times. Any time there has been an organized negative review brigade, Amazon has wiped nearly everything.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Eeqmcsq, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:13pm

Amazon says glitch
According to arstechnica, an Amazon.com spokesperson claims it was a glitch.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
James, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:13pm

The reviews are there
I'm afraid someone is mistaken, I just looked and there are over 2,200 reviews (mostly 1 star) for Spore. I'd say its still getting its justified spanking.

Now if folks would just given Palin the 1-star rating SHE deserves.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:13pm

I see 2216 reviews now. Looks like Amazon caved to EA, then got overwhelmed with outrage of its customers. Yay for the little guy!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Geoffrey Kidd (profile), 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:13pm

Looks like reviews are back.
They haven't put mine up yet, though, and it was submitted two days ago.

Here's the email I sent them before learning the reviews were back up:

I am NOT pleased with your company's decision to delete the reviews of Electronic Arts' DRM-infested "Spore" simply because so many of them were negative. It calls into question Amazon's status as an intermediary through which to buy products and effectively destroys the integrity of the review system.

If you don't like negative comment, don't invite it by allowing customers to give honest reviews, even reviews of why we won't buy a lousy product.

Put the reviews back, or lose a LOT of business. Your option.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
jonnyq, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:15pm

Re:
stop it with your common sense! We'll have none of that!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Ljlego, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:16pm

Amazon mods their reviews just as forums mod their threads. If a bunch of bitchy gamers wants to crucify EA, then a blog is an appropriate place for it. Everyone knows Spore has DRM, and thus 100 million reviews telling people that and not concentrating at all on the game content are unconstructive and unhelpful. If I were looking to find out how difficult the gameplay was, or how intuitive the controls were, or how long the game itself was, then I'd prefer not to have to waste my time sifting through pages and pages of pontification. It doesn't strike me as particularly deceptive, considering there is a mechanism by which reviews can be stricken from view that is plainly presented in its interface and ToS (or whatever document covers this particular caveat).
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:19pm

Reviews are back up. Amazon is claiming a glitch in the system caused the missing reviews.

::shrug::
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Urza, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:22pm

Call them.
Mine's not there, so it doesn't appear they simply restored them. I think I'm going to call their customer support line (because it costs them more than email) and ask why it's gone.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Jim_G, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:22pm

People are free to rate games on whatever standard they wish.

Amazon should not censor their customer reviews.

Having said that, I think that rating a game as one star because you don't like the DRM policy of the publisher is extremely misleading. This is why the average person thinks us gamers are eccentric loners with quirky values.

Deciding to never use Amazon is in the same category. I frankly am skeptical of the posters who claim they are never going to use it again. A few day from now they will get over their little tantrums and realize that Amazon will never know or care why they don't use the service. It's like canceling your phone because you don't like ATT's customer service policy. You get an initial rush of moral superiority, but not much else.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:25pm

Re:
reviews are the place, that what they are for, reviewing a product to help others make educated decisions like not getting ripped off of their money.

not 1 cent!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:27pm

Re:
If you want to know the particulars of a game go to a website like IGN or Gamespot. Public reviews on sites such Amazon are there so the general public can say how they feel.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Buzz, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:29pm

Hm?
They must've put them back. I checked a couple days ago, and there were about 1900 one-star reviews. Now there are over 2000. They cannot have removed very many. Either way, they shouldn't be removing ANY.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Brian, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:29pm

Re:
Here is what I said in a discussion on amazon.com.

To say reviews based on the DRM should be allowed is exactly 100% spot on. Some people are complaining that a lot of reviews focus on the DRM rather than the gameplay. HOWEVER the DRM that was included with Spore is such an integrated part of the game you don't get one without the other. Albeit the DRM is PART of Spore and thus falls under the topic of the game review.
I personally have not bought Spore; I was going too but I have since changed my mind after finding out about the DRM. Now how can I rate a game I haven't played/installed you ask? Well I bought Bioshock and I went through so many hoops just to get the game to work. I had constant troubles with the install and the DRM (even uninstalling became a chore because of the DRM) and I will not go through it again.
I don't have to eat a rotten apple twice to convince me it is still going to be a bad experience the second time.
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Cyn, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:34pm

Re: Urza
Good luck finding the number to call Amazon.

Hint: Google it *before* you try to find it on their site.

Spoiler: It isn't listed on their site. Google is the only way to find it.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Skeptical Cynic (profile), 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:35pm

Re: Looks like reviews are back.
I purchase over $20K from them for my company every year which is now going to be moved to another company. Nothing they sell can't be bought elsewhere. I will now move that purchasing to another place. The main reason I bought from them was I could check the reviews and then buy. Since I can no longer trust the reviews why check the reviews elsewhere and then go to Amazon to buy.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Buzz, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:36pm

Re: Re: Urza
Amazon.com
800-201-7575 (Toll free, US and Canada)
877-586-3230 (Canada only)
877-251-0696 (Seller Support)
866-348-2492 (Rebate Status)
206-266-2992 (International)
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Buzz, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:39pm

Re: Re: Re: Urza
The phone numbers came from here:
http://www.whatyououghttoknow.com/show/2008/07/15/secret-800-numbers/

^_^
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Fsm, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:42pm

That's okay.
I think the whole vendetta against DRM is hilarious. Normally I pirate all of my software. This time I decided to pay $50 for a game designer that I respect, and I'm having loads of fun playing the game.

Background processes, rootkits, whatever. As long as my gameplay and my computer aren't affected noticeably (which they aren't), who cares?

If you say it's about the principal, grow up. The world isn't fair. Might as well deal with it.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Fsm, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:45pm

Spelling Nazis:
"If you say it's about the principal, grow up."

I meant principle.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Buzz, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:45pm

Re: That's okay.
Enjoy your rental.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:46pm

Re: Re: That's okay.
ditto

RentWare
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:48pm

Similar deletions for Dianetics, Bioshock and other products have happened and there was no "glitch" mentioned or later restoration. Amazon have been caught and have rushed to do damage control due to this hitting the news sites.

Amazon are outright liars.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Fsm, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:49pm

Re: Re: That's okay.
It works. I'm happy.

What's the problem?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
JJ, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:50pm

Good lord, you're all crazy! The sky is not falling, people!

Even a site as democratic as Wikipedia still locks pages when people are abusing them. What's wrong with Amazon doing the same thing?

When thousands of people are abusing the system by "reviewing" a product they've never used, using Amazon's review system as their own personal blog to rant about things they don't like, it's only natural that Amazon would undo the damage.

Everyone complaining about this "draconian" DRM reminds me of all the fundamentalists who boycotted the movie "Dogma." They made a lot of noise and got lots of attention, but didn't hurt sales of the movie at all. If anything, they just gave it free publicity.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:51pm

Re:
Well, to be fair, the reviews weren't really reviews from people who had tried the product - it was people who oppose the draconian DRM that EA shoves down consumer's throats. Which I'm all for opposing, but that's not what the reviews are really there for. I can't really fault Amazon from removing a bunch of non-reviews from their review section.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:51pm

I just wait for a couple years after a game is out and buy it for less than half its original cost , in which case I don't mind paying 10 - 20 bucks for a 2 year rental.

so I guess it comes down to how much you want to play, I have to say that this should still hurt the companies as I used to buy games pretty soon after they were released. DVD version of Quake4 for 60 bucks, but with that I can install today for the um-teenth time with no problem. Adding DRM is making the software = rentware. plain and simple and I will not pay more than 20 bucks for it.

EA sucks, I'll buy my games elsewhere.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:55pm

The DRM is part of the package that you buy. The whole point of the DRM is based on this! As a buyer you are paying for that DRM on your disc too. Therefore it is completely legitimate to make this a major part of any review. If it is a deal-breaker, then that is all that matters.

EA and Amazon have lost future custom from me and many others I know.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Buzz, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:55pm

Re: Re: Re: That's okay.
The problem is that you are running a rental. If absolutely guarantee that you will not be reinstalling the game ever the in the future, then yeah, you're fine. However, the rest of us change computers (or just reinstall our whole systems) periodically. Why are we restricted to 3 installs? And what happens when EA's authentication servers go away? That's not worth $50.

Games from 10 years ago had no such restrictions. Why are we DIGRESSING in the 21st century?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
anon, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:56pm

Actually Amazon deletes alot of 1 star reviews that negative to any product, especially if they sell it.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Duane (profile), 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:59pm

Actually, you're wrong
There are literally thousands (probably millions) of reviews of products that the reviewers have never seen, yet alone owned. More specifically in the video game world, there are a lot of fan boys that go on and post reviews based on demos and previews at Cons and such. No one complains about that entirely unwarranted positive publicity.

Additionally, Amazon reviewers have no problem knocking products similar to what they own. They've got swanky DVD player A and they're reviewing @ss-tastic DVD player B. Happens all the time and no one gets deleted.

Those reviews have value and although I think perhaps there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, if I were considering buying Spore, I sure as hell wouldn't now.

This deluge of people willing to take time (even if it's just a few minutes) out of their day to go run down a game they've never played says something is seriously amiss. As the cliche goes, where's there's smoke, there's fire.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Blatant Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 2:59pm

Disasporsia
I sent my complaint to EA directly.

"As you can tell from your records I have been a previous EA purchaser. While I do not like sports games or First person shooters, this does not make me a frequent purchaser.

I had been looking forward to the Spore product's release and I had actually reserved a copy at a local gaming chain that does not normally carry PC titles any more. When I found out about the Secure ROM software I called and canceled losing the 10.00$ deposit I had made. As long as you have secure ROM or other DRM software in a product, I will never purchase it. If this makes me an unwanted consumer I will be glad to send the purchased discs of the Sims expansion pack, in it's original packaging, back to any address you provide me with.

I am not going to download the DRM free version as I am not a thief. Nor will I let you treat me as one before I can make a purchase."

Their answer:

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Electronic Arts.

Thank you for you recent E-mail. Actually the nature of the problem could not be identified with your previous mail. Kindly give us a brief description of your issue so that we could assist you further.

We request you to please reply back to this email specifying your issue in detail so we may provide you the best assistance in this regard. Once we have this information, we will be able to provide you the best contact information

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

EARep Paddy
Player Relations
Electronic Arts

Any one wanna copy of the sims with expansion packs? Cheap.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:02pm

as far as amazon, I was the first to say I would not do any further business with them on account of the reveiws being removed, since they are indeed back, I have removed Amazon from my boycott as this may, or may not, have been a error. either way, they responded so I give them credit.

When EA removes DRM from games , I will again be willing to pay high price for good games.

just bought GTA 3, Vice City and San Andreas for $30 bucks, if I get a year out of them, it will be worth it. Just be patient and don't pay the high prices for their RENTWARE!

DRM = Rentware
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:04pm

DRM = Digital Rental Media
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Ima Fish, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:10pm

Re: Re:
"I can't really fault Amazon from removing a bunch of non-reviews from their review section."

But those reviews were genuine reviews. They gave factual information about serious problems with the product. If prior knowledge about those serious problem led people to conclude the product was not worth buying, Amazon's review system should accept those opinions.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Fsm, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:10pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: That's okay.
Just built the computer and I'm personally against reformatting.

I think I'm good.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:13pm

Re: Disasporsia
"EARep Paddy"? Why isn't it signed by an EA employee?

OH, I see. Formletter wizards are amazing! Maybe the Lucky Leprechaun Paddy is making Missi Roti in his pot o' gold.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:13pm

Amazing how this "glitch" happened on Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de and many other sites all at the same time. What a "coincidence", eh?

This glossing over of negative opinions has been happening on various other sites too. EA has gone to a great deal of effort with this one. There are probably some well paid marketing departments breathing down necks and writing up copy to blame pirates or some phantoms for it all once again.

Very distasteful and dishonest behaviour by these companies, I feel.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:15pm

drm or not spore is just a plain bad and boring game. avoid it like the plague.

this sums it up well in a short read: http://news.bigdownload.com/photos/10-reasons-to-avoid-spore/1033846/
[ link to this | view in thread ]
A Coward, but not anonymous, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:17pm

Re:
>But those reviews were genuine reviews.

Some are, some aren't. Here's a random typical example: "Since this game has DRM I will not buy. It is that simple."

I am not interested in reading "reviews" by people who have not purchased the game.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:19pm

Re: Re: Re:
Should Amazon accept being used as an on-line petition or protest forum however?

When you boycott or protest a product you don't do it inside the sellers shop.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:21pm

Re:
I am not sure about this but I don't think Amazon is going to care about losing you as a customer. Considering the size and scope of the company and the number of users that sign-up and remove their accounts you won't even be noticed.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Blatant Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:27pm

RE:Re: Disasporsia
I just presumed it was a India based keyboard jockey who couldn't decide which keyword response fit. Probably is a Padeen, or Padjuai something like that. Irish outsourcing would be too expensive.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:28pm

Re:
I must agree on this one. I use review sections on many different sites for guidance and to insist that Amazon be given a black eye because they sell something many people don't like is not the correct way. The only company that should be protested and boycotted (as some have said) is EA. Amazon is a innocent third party. If you don't like their policies then don't shop there but if you don't like the DRM in a game then bitch at the game manufacturer not the retail outlet that sells it and then tries to stop "special interests" from clouding its review systems.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:35pm

Re: The reviews are there
Why is it that even an article about DRM+Retail+Game gets someone making a shortsighted political quip. If you want to make a point about politics then do it on articles that deal with politics. And if you are going to dis someone please be a little more original; you are making the Democrats look bad.

FYI: I do not affiliate myself with either political party so this is more of a "your an Idiot" post then a "don't mock my political party" post.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:35pm

Amazon insisted that DRM be removed from all the music that they sold. They forced Sony and others to do it. Why is there an exception for software where the DRM is even more troublesome?

More importantly: Why are so many idiots out there desperate to bend over for the company and beg to be screwed again? Some people have no dignity or sense.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:36pm

Re: Re:
the only complaint with Amazon was if they removed the reviews to deceive new buyers, seems it was an error, but if they had in fact did, then that's a different story.

seems you did not read the article.
"Did Amazon Delete Spore Reviews? "
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Ima Fish, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:38pm

Re: Re:
"Some are, some aren't. Here's a random typical example: "Since this game has DRM I will not buy. It is that simple.""

That is a genuine review. What is a review? It's a person's opinion on a product. Does the review quoted above express an opinion on a product? It sure does. Is the opinion based on and supported by facts? Sure enough. So it's legitimate.

"I am not interested in reading "reviews" by people who have not purchased the game."

No one is saying you have to. I tend not to read glowing reviews. Like at newegg, and on amazon, I'll read what people do not like about a product. I'd decide if their opinions are based in reality or just stupid. Then I'll buy or not buy accordingly. However, I would never claim that newegg or Amazon should get rid of glowing reviews merely because I don't find them useful.

Think of this, let's assume that there was a child's crib for sale on Amazon (and elsewhere) that has caused numerous deaths to children due to a design flaw, but that the crib had not been recalled.

Do you think a person should not be allowed to point out, "Hey, this product has led to numerous deaths. It has not been recalled yet, but you might want to give it a second thought before you buy it."

Under your argument, the person be forced to buy the faulty product and have an actual kid die before they could write such a review! That makes no fricken sense.

One point of writing reviews is to inform people about flaws and problems with products. That's exactly what is happening here.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Ima Fish, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:41pm

Re: Re: Re: Re:
One point of Amazon's review service is so that users can point of flaws and problems with products. That's exactly what is occurring here. And, as reviews tend to do, these people are expressing their purchasing opinions of the product based on the known flaws and problems.

Check out my example of the crib above. If that review is allowed, then these reviews should be allowed.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:43pm

Re: Re:
I don't think anyone is going to take 2000 bad reviews as anything more than a bunch of disgruntled people who are trying to make a point. Such an action in and of itself is self defeating. Once someone sees that there are that many review and that they are all one star they are going to ignore the reviews. Don't think that something like this is going to get EA to change the game. And if Amazon, realizing all of this, is trying to clean up their review sections than that is their right. If you owned a business would you let a small group (in comparison to Amazon's active users) of disgruntled people stop you from running your business the way that you want? Probably not!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:48pm

Before everyone gets their panties in a bunch you might want to read this: (It is from the conditions page at Amazon")

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=508088

I am going to assume that this has always been their policy. They have the right but not the obligation to do whatever they want with your reviews.

REVIEWS, COMMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND OTHER CONTENT

Visitors may post reviews, comments, photos, and other content; send e-cards and other communications; and submit suggestions, ideas, comments, questions, or other information, so long as the content is not illegal, obscene, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, infringing of intellectual property rights, or otherwise injurious to third parties or objectionable and does not consist of or contain software viruses, political campaigning, commercial solicitation, chain letters, mass mailings, or any form of "spam." You may not use a false e-mail address, impersonate any person or entity, or otherwise mislead as to the origin of a card or other content. Amazon reserves the right (but not the obligation) to remove or edit such content, but does not regularly review posted content.

If you do post content or submit material, and unless we indicate otherwise, you grant Amazon a nonexclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully sublicensable right to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, and display such content throughout the world in any media. You grant Amazon and sublicensees the right to use the name that you submit in connection with such content, if they choose. You represent and warrant that you own or otherwise control all of the rights to the content that you post; that the content is accurate; that use of the content you supply does not violate this policy and will not cause injury to any person or entity; and that you will indemnify Amazon for all claims resulting from content you supply. Amazon has the right but not the obligation to monitor and edit or remove any activity or content. Amazon takes no responsibility and assumes no liability for any content posted by you or any third party.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:53pm

Re: RE:Re: Disasporsia
LOL! Very true. Which is why the Missi Roti reference was snuck in there.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 3:59pm

I bought the game and played it through to the goal (not putting spoilers). It was depressingly dull and lacking in content. The game is very poor. The one and two star reviews actually mention this frequently, despite what the naysayers and fanboys may wish to believe.

I bought and played the game and it is a bad game. I wish I had seen these reviews first. I know I will be adding another bad review for this game wherever I go.
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Thomas, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:06pm

Reviews
I bought some DVDs from Amazon recently, and just two days ago received an e-mail asking me for a review. If it's common to remove reviews that they don't like, I don't see any point in putting up a review - not worth the effort.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:19pm

Re: Re: Re:
Read Amazon's policies on reviews. It states it is allowed to do whatever it wants with them. I don't think this policies just popped up today.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=508088
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Lucretious, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:21pm

Re: Re:
regardless of your opinions on DRM it still isn't a REVIEW. If people want to play the game and comment on the DRM and say it ruined the experience, I've go no problem with that. it's when you have people using the reviews section as a means of protest. It ends up causing collateral damage to the Amazon system which is arguably one of their best features.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:21pm

Re:
Well said.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:25pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: That's okay.
You must not have read just about every software vendors T&C. And if being able to download most software over the internet is digressing then you need to look up that word. If someone is doing something you don't like that is called "their right". If you don't like it then don't download it. To try and tell others that your opinion is fact is just well . . . you figure it out.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:27pm

Re: Re: Re:
I think your right, Ima Fish. What's interesting about software is that in general, no return is possible. So if someone's unhappy with a product, they should have the ability to excersize their 1st amendment rights so others fully understand the limitations prior to purchase.

How many things have you bought that failed to live to expectations? If these issues limit playability, and therefore prevent usage of the product, they should be disclosed. A disclosure of features and subsequent requirements would be helpful to the uneducated customer.

Of course, a much more reasonable response would be to remove or eliminate the technology.

Until then, I'm happy to see others willing to disclose limitations that the production house would rather sweep under the rug.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:27pm

Re:
You might want to read their policies on reviews. To paraphrase: We are allowed to do whatever we want with out system"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=508088
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Lucretious, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:28pm

BTW, the game isn't the 2nd coming of Christ like so many journos implied. Its a cute game with some cool ideas but its rather shallow in several areas. I'm sure it'll sell a bazillion copies though.

Will Wright deserves every bit of success he's achieved. It just irks the hell out of me that EA is the other beneficiary.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:30pm

Re:
Read this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=508088

It states that they can do whatever they want with reviews.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:37pm

I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
Thanks Amazon for chiming in and saying "WE'RE RIGHT"

In case you missed it, the Purveyors Of Truth at Amazon want you to still buy crap from them, but subtitley have suggested you visit this page:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=508088
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:38pm

Re: Re: Re:
You are comparing DRM to the loss of life. Get your head out of your ass and realize that this type of argument is a sign of a complete and total misunderstanding of analogies and an obvious attempt at over dramatization. Once DRM has killed someone then you can resume the use of such analogies. But for now get a clue Chicken Little.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:43pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
Again with the DRM and death analogy. Don't you get that this is a ridiculous example. Cars have been the cause of death. So have planes, and trains and walking has even claimed a few. But DRM. Who, in their right mind, is going to say "Oh yeah that is a great analogy DRM and death like two peas in a pod". The BBB and many others are where you would tell consumers about a product that causes death not Amazon. Likewise the BBB would not care about your complaint of something as menial as DRM.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 4:53pm

Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
Actually that post and every other one that points to the policies is from me. I am not an employee of Amazon and I am not even a shopper at their site. I dislike many things about their business and stopped shopping there years ago. As you I spend most of my time shopping at places like newegg and for your information everyone has access to that link and if fuckheads, like you, would take two seconds to educate yourselves before spouting you nonsense then most of the posts on this article would not exists. If you want to have an emotionally fueled outburst to something you don't like that is fine but call it exactly that; an emotional outburst. Don't act like a bunch of freedom fighters and Purveyors Of Justice when you don't have a fucking clue what you are talking about.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 5:01pm

Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
So you own stock in the company?
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 5:11pm

Re: Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
That makes sense? When someone is asking people to educate themselves on the policies of a place they shop they must be either a part of the company or have a vested interest in the company. Is it possible that some people just get sick and tired of things like comparing DRM to the lose of life, and calling a retailer a liar? If you want the right to bitch then you have to accept the responsibilities that go with it. What is that you ask? Educating yourself so that when you bitch you are speaking in a way that is correct and that lines up with facts not just an emotional outburst. I read the articles on this site daily and even though I don't agree with some of the things Mike and the others say I at least have enough respect for them to research the issue before I start my rants. Although this long list of comments is exactly why Mike and others have such an open system for comments; they want as many hits on an article as possible and the more people reading the better. I know these guys (and I mean that in a gender neutral way) believe in what they are writing about and unlike most of these comments it is obvious that they research before they rant.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 5:30pm

Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
One last point. If two thousand people went to Best Buy and stood in the aisle that contains the games and told everyone that past they shouldn't buy a certain game because it has DRM Bestbuy retains the right to escort every one of those 2000 people out the door. Yes this is the same as using a review system as a place to petition for the very reason that even if those 2000 people were conducting themselves in a non-combative and peaceful way and were not really stopping anyone from buying something the retailer would still ask them to take it outside. No one has the right to use another companies business and property to stage a protest even if they called it a review. 2000 people giving the exact same review is called a protest not a giving of a proper review. There is no difference between a Web Storefront and a Brick and Mortar Storefront in an argument like this.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 5:30pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
Oh such insight! Thank you for posting the links twenty times. Be sure to print a copy of the terms and conditions for your grandpa and grandma.

Hugs and Kisses! XOXOXOX

Ta-ta!
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 5:36pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
I love it: more drama and childish retorts.

Thanks for the reply and remember have a great day.
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 7:03pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
Is it possible that some people just get sick and tired of things like comparing DRM to the lose of life, and calling a retailer a liar?

Yes. Why doesn't it get investigated by the FTC?

If you want the right to bitch then you have to accept the responsibilities that go with it.

I see it the other way around. Apparently people don't want it. 2,000 negative reviews? Come on. Yet this concept of "rentals" continues to get shoved down our throat. This isn't a hourly-rate motel, we want ownership and the relationship that comes with ownership. Maybe your in the minority.

Educating yourself so that when you bitch you are speaking in a way that is correct and that lines up with facts not just an emotional outburst. I read the articles on this site daily and even though I don't agree with some of the things Mike and the others say I at least have enough respect for them to research the issue before I start my rants.

Be sure to click on the ads so they support the site. I think your misguided if you believe that most people don't perform due diligence and their own research. If I had to guess, there may be 1000 clicks for every comment received. Usually people don't share their perspective.

Although this long list of comments is exactly why Mike and others have such an open system for comments; they want as many hits on an article as possible and the more people reading the better.

Is it? That seems like a tall assumption.

I know these guys (and I mean that in a gender neutral way) believe in what they are writing about and unlike most of these comments it is obvious that they research before they rant.

Interesting perspective. So do the comments take precedence to the article?
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Magus, 12 Sep 2008 @ 7:08pm

Re:
Yeah! I'm a very angry, very loud minority and thing better be my way!
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crystalattice (profile), 12 Sep 2008 @ 8:03pm

Hasn't Amazon done this before?
I seem to remember that a similiar, if not same, situation happened another time. Someone posted bad reviews about something and Amazon deleted those posts, with no "it's a glitch" explanation.

It's not like it's the first time it's happened. I personally don't shop at Amazon because of their change in their privacy policy many years ago that allowed them to sell your information to 3rd parties. I'm sure they've changed that practice, but the fact that they were willing to do it in the first place leaves me wary of them.
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Clueby4, 12 Sep 2008 @ 8:24pm

Didn't purchase; SO WHAT!!!
I don't care if a reviewer purchased the item or not, if it's such a issue for the weak-minded just add a check box filter for "purchaser review only" like Newegg.

Moderators are worthless, the internet has a high signal to noise ratio, I accept that, I don't need some more-than-likely bias "moderator" removing posts, regardless of its content.

Frankly the most offensive and ignorant post is quite common; "It works for me".
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Anonymous Coward, 12 Sep 2008 @ 10:01pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
After reading through your questions it is obvious that you did not understand or are at the very least misguided on all of my points.

> "Yes. Why doesn't it get investigated by the FTC?"

FTC? Did you read any of the other comments on this article. If you did then you would realize that I was remarking directly on a couple of the posts. Some one used an example of "if a crib caused multiple deaths and someone wanted to make sure people knew about it then they should post a comment on Amazon" and that "this was the same thing as the people post bad reviews on Amazon over DRM". Amazon was also called a liar in another post so I simple pointed then the Amazons policies.

> "I see it the other way around. Apparently people don't want it. 2,000 negative reviews (that is a protest not a group of reviews)? Come on. Yet this concept of "rentals" continues to get shoved down our throat (shoved - no one is making you buy or rent anything). This isn't a hourly-rate motel, we want ownership and the relationship that comes with ownership. Maybe your in the minority.

When I said "if you want to bitch" I was talking about people who come onto news websites like this one and start posting ignorant comments without first doing research to determine if what they are saying is even valid. Not sure where you are getting rentals from this. Also what hotel do you know of that would tell you that as long as you stay in the room you only have to pay the one day and you can stay as long as you like. The rental argument doesn't hold any water because it is trying to twist two things into objects that can be compared when they are not.

> "Be sure to click on the ads so they support the site. I think your misguided if you believe that most people don't perform due diligence and their own research. If I had to guess, there may be 1000 clicks for every comment received. Usually people don't share their perspective."

What does clicking on ad have to do with getting your information straight before you start ranting. It is obvious that very few, if any, of the people that posted negative comments, on this article, actually check to see if Amazon has the rights to remove reviews. And I am talking about people who rant not those who keeps their perspectives to themselves. If you want to open your mouth then you should first make sure you have something intelligent to say.

> "Is it? That seems like a tall assumption"

I believe every journalist will tell you that the point to writing an article is to get as many readers as possible. Plus if that site has advertising then the more readers the more chances for revenue. That is simple economics. Also if Techdirt wanted to keep the comments at a minimum or control the comments that are made then they would implement many of the technologies that are in existence for that very reason. An open comment system is always subject to abuse and I am sure Techdirt knows that.

> "Interesting perspective. So do the comments take precedence to the article?"

You last question is interesting because my statement was that the journalists on this site research the articles they are going to write and the general public thinks they, in the comments, can just spew forth any old thing they want and assume is carries as much weight as the article.

It is obvious that you did not take my advise and research before you ranted considering most of your questions were already answered if you had just taken the time to scroll up. Lastly, consider how off base and sometimes confusing your interpretation of my words were you might want to refrain from posting anymore - you obviously don't have the cognitive abilities necessary for these types of conversations.
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Anonymous Hero, 13 Sep 2008 @ 6:05am

http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/50021882/spore?tab=summary

7,000 seeders.
20,000 leechers (it was over 35,000 at times yesterday)

DRM-what?
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Anonymous Hero, 13 Sep 2008 @ 6:05am

http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/50021882/spore?tab=summary

7,000 seeders.
20,000 leechers (it was over 35,000 at times yesterday)

DRM-what?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Hero, 13 Sep 2008 @ 6:05am

http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/50021882/spore?tab=summary

7,000 seeders.
20,000 leechers (it was over 35,000 at times yesterday)

DRM-what?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Hero, 13 Sep 2008 @ 6:05am

http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/50021882/spore?tab=summary

7,000 seeders.
20,000 leechers (it was over 35,000 at times yesterday)

DRM-what?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Hero, 13 Sep 2008 @ 6:05am

http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/50021882/spore?tab=summary

7,000 seeders.
20,000 leechers (it was over 35,000 at times yesterday)

DRM-what?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Hero, 13 Sep 2008 @ 6:05am

http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/50021882/spore?tab=summary

7,000 seeders.
20,000 leechers (it was over 35,000 at times yesterday)

DRM-what?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Hero, 13 Sep 2008 @ 6:05am

http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/50021882/spore?tab=summary

7,000 seeders.
20,000 leechers (it was over 35,000 at times yesterday)

DRM-what?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Hero, 13 Sep 2008 @ 6:05am

http://isohunt.com/torrent_details/50021882/spore?tab=summary

7,000 seeders.
20,000 leechers (it was over 35,000 at times yesterday)

DRM-what?
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Anonymous Coward, 13 Sep 2008 @ 6:59am

Wow, touchy subject huh. Sorry, but I dont get it.
People are pissed, get over it.
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Anonymous Coward, 13 Sep 2008 @ 11:26am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
When I said "if you want to bitch" I was talking about people who come onto news websites like this one and start posting ignorant comments without first doing research to determine if what they are saying is even valid.

I am pretty sure TD doesn't consider itself a news site, nor adheres to journalistic standards. I don't understand why you believe this point is valid. Your perception may be severely skewed.

Not sure where you are getting rentals from this. Also what hotel do you know of that would tell you that as long as you stay in the room you only have to pay the one day and you can stay as long as you like. The rental argument doesn't hold any water because it is trying to twist two things into objects that can be compared when they are not.

DRM is a method to manage your rights. In many cases it limits rights without adding value to the users.

The utility of this computer game has changed dramatically. In comparison, this game can be considered quite limited in comparison to other games. These affect playability and under certain conditions, this can be severely limited, quite substantial, and unavoidable. But the main problem is that it's not disclosed, and goes against the fundamentals of many other major games on the market.

Instead of obfuscation of this "limited playability" feature set, (which could be seen as a modification of what could be considered generally accepted terms and conditions as perceived by a reasonably educated consumer, it should be disclosed, possibly in every advert.

A reasonable consumer may also expect this to be disclosed to users by the production house, not by 2,000 reviews. But alas, since the production house omits this, people are taking it upon themselves to educate the masses.

I don't see what's wrong with Amazon Customers sharing what may have been glared over as a marginal item. This "DRM feature set" apparently matters to a good deal of customers, but was passed up by someone.

What does clicking on ad have to do with getting your information straight before you start ranting. It is obvious that very few, if any, of the people that posted negative comments, on this article, actually check to see if Amazon has the rights to remove reviews. And I am talking about people who rant not those who keeps their perspectives to themselves. If you want to open your mouth then you should first make sure you have something intelligent to say.

Who is ranting?

I believe every journalist will tell you that the point to writing an article is to get as many readers as possible.

Again, this is a blog and an open conversation. Not a journalistic website that adheres to hierarchical standards. Have you visited other blogs? Some have similar comment technology in place. Secondly, I am lost at why you fighting an uphill battle against engagement of readers.

An open comment system is always subject to abuse and I am sure Techdirt knows that.

They are just as susceptible as comment systems on other sites such as CNN, Fox News, Youtube, Et cetera.

...The general public thinks they, in the comments, can just spew forth any old thing they want and assume is carries as much weight as the article.

If there are people are that susceptible to what others say, then those people should limit their web viewing to sites such as AP or Reuters which report without engagement technology.

It is obvious that you did not take my advise and research before you ranted considering most of your questions were already answered if you had just taken the time to scroll up.

I am not ranting and am at a loss that you think so. I am, however interested that you've decided to continue to make your point. This assists to further my understanding to realize how Netzine views of utility are separated from those like your own.

Lastly, consider how off base and sometimes confusing your interpretation of my words were you might want to refrain from posting anymore - you obviously don't have the cognitive abilities necessary for these types of conversations.

Protip: When you post as Anonymous, comments are more susceptible to additional scrutiny because we can only judge the message and assume an attempt to understand it's underlying intent. Thanks for your detailed analysis on my cognitive abilities too.
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EAnema, 13 Sep 2008 @ 11:38am

What EA forgot to mention?
The product descriptions for any of the Spore software on offer through Amazon neglect to mention anything about this three activations then call to beg EA for one more activation asshattery.

Luckily the reviewers are filling in that detail for others to make an informed choice about what they buy from Amazon.
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Anonymous Coward, 13 Sep 2008 @ 11:42am

EA is the cause of their problems
1) their software uses SecuROM

"SecuROM is a CD/DVD copy protection product, most often used for computer games running under Microsoft Windows, developed by Sony DADC."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SecuROM

Remember the Sony Rootkit ordeal ?

2) Older EA games will no longer be usable

"Are you a big sports gamer? You like playing those games online? Well, you best be getting in your time with your loved ones now. Electronic Arts has informed us that they're going to begin shutting down online servers for a large number of their popular games in September and November."

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3161699
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Anonymous Coward, 13 Sep 2008 @ 12:07pm

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
It seems that you are replying to something entirely different than I am writing about. You seem to think my comments are directed to the article and DRM but as a matter of fact it is directed at people who make ignorant comments about something they know little about (this means the vast majority of the people who commented on this article). I can care less about DRM and I am in no way a gamer so I really don't give a shit about things like DRM in games and whether or not this cripple, or reduces, game play.

In regards to whether or not a blog is held under the same scrutiny as a news site you need look no further than to the numbers of court cases that have given the same journalistic rights (not all but some) to bloggers. Also if you actually read any of the articles on this site you would realize that Mike and the others do their research before opening their mouths and to hear you say that what they do is not news, or at least, of journalist quality is an insult to Mike and the others. Lastly if you want to understand my intent I will spell it out. Companies have the right to do whatever they want with their products and their Web storefronts and consumers have the right to not buy anything. But consumers don't have the right to use Amazon as their online protest site. Also, if you look at the comments you will find one that speaks about the rights of Brink and Mortar storefronts and Web storefronts (that was one of my rants). No one seemed to interested in debating that one.

I will say this about you. You are awfully susceptible to debating a worthless point with an anonymous poster. You have gotten sucked into one of the things that make the Internet great. On sites like this you can say anything you want and remain anonymous and people like you will, for some reason, feel it necessary, to debate that anonymous opinion for more cycles than is really necessary.

I save putting my name on things that are worth putting my name on and that is not stupid crap like DRM. You really should learn who to pick your fights with because I am simply baiting you and reeling you in with every one of these post.

Thank you for replying and remember have a great day.
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Anonymous Coward, 13 Sep 2008 @ 2:53pm

Don't feed the troll
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Anthony, 13 Sep 2008 @ 3:39pm

So does this make spore a bad game?
So the fact is that Spore comes with horrible DRM. However, no one has addressed if Spore itself is a bad game regardless of the DRM it employs.

I read up on IGN and Gamespot and they are giving the game play decent reviews. I was even recommended by a friend that the game was awesome.

Since DRM is never a problem for me, can anyone give some positive feedback on the game play experience they had?

So far I have got nothing but good opinions.
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Hyrulio, 13 Sep 2008 @ 5:17pm

Damn fine game!! Innovative concept masterfully transposed into fantastic gameplay! This game is the reason that The Sims 2 was to terrible, they were working on Spore, and rightfully so! DRM Schmee-R-M, at the end of the day, we have what is (hopefully) the first of a new generation of games!

Sure we can play our Shooters and our Strat games, but only Spore gives us so many opertunities of gameplay! Infinite replay value, I don't think Spore will ever get dusty on any shelf!
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Anonymous Coward, 13 Sep 2008 @ 9:20pm

Re:
troll
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lordmorgul, 14 Sep 2008 @ 11:45am

Re:
A review rating system exists there for a reason... people who want to find 'useful' reviews should be seeing those reviews first, the ones people have already marked as useful to them.

What is not acceptable about removing the reviews is what happens to the rating of the game itself; it is not fair to Amazon's customers to have low-rating reviews removed because it makes the game appear better than it should. You can find the reviews about gameplay difficulty if you're trying, but the rating should not be high on this game.
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Anonymous Coward, 14 Sep 2008 @ 11:50am

Re:
"I don't think Spore will ever get dusty on any shelf"
Yes, it will.. after you are forced to reinstall it the fourth time because windows, or the game's own updates, has corrupted the hell out of itself.
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MadJo (profile), 15 Sep 2008 @ 1:36am

Re: Re: Re:
See these 'reviews' as a sort of caveat emptor / buyers beware message...

Fact is, the DRM inside Spore is horrendous. And fact is, many people got burned by that DRM.
Fact is, people got angry at EA, since Spore was much anticipated, and now killed by EA's moronic decision to include said horrendous DRM into the game, making a game that potentially could last for years, into a rental game, where EA can decide to just kill the game at any time. (By killing the authentication servers) EA has no obligations to you as a customer, they already have your money.
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AJ, 15 Sep 2008 @ 5:04am

Geez
There's a LOT of pent up frustration at DRM and this is going to be one of the straws, I hope. EA needs to hear loud and clear, and Amazon too, that treating the legal buyers as criminals will sink their business.

Case-in-point -- I followed every requirement to play Blu-Ray discs on my home theater system... compliant projector, compliant video card, compliant cabling, etc. I spent WAY more money than I should have to be able to play Blu-Ray on my home entertainment PC. But, the discs wouldn't play. I tried for HOURS to reauthorize the player, rework the cabling... NOTHING. I called for technical support... NO HELP AT ALL. I wasted countless hours trying to comply and was turned back at every waypoint. So what to do? I purchased a program to remove the stupid DRM. In just a few minutes, PRESTO, fully functioning home theater.

So "go to hell Blu-Ray (and DRM). You no help. I do it myself."
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NetworkElf, 15 Sep 2008 @ 5:24am

No more Amazon
One of the reasons that I liked Amazon was for the customer reviews. Now that I know that they tinker with customer comments and/or delete bad reviews, I guess it's time to move on to another shopping site.
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Steve R. (profile), 15 Sep 2008 @ 5:25am

The Market does Speak
Good point. If customers of a product are dissatisfied they should be allowed to shout as loud as they can to stop a product from being purchased. The free market is speaking.

If this puts EA out of business, too bad, they made an incorrect choice.
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Anonymous Coward, 15 Sep 2008 @ 5:42am

Re: The Market does Speak
"Good point. If customers of a product are dissatisfied they should be allowed to shout as loud as they can to stop a product from being purchased. The free market is speaking."

Well do you have the RIGHT to speak your mind on Amazons servers . . . clearly the answer is no. Since they invite people to post "reviews" I believe they have moral responsiblity to maintain the crediblity of that system (which isnt very good anyway), but clearly no one has a
RIGHT to post anything there and Amazon can do anything it wants with what is posted there.

"If this puts EA out of business, too bad, they made an incorrect choice."

This could never even come close to putting EA out of business, if SPORE had never sold a single copy it would not have put EA out of business. Look at Madden 08, the fastest selling video game of all time (like 40 million in a couple of weeks), remember EA also makes that "idiot bait" (its just a liscense to print money basically) stuff too. Anyone who would make the argument that Amazon had to do this to save EA from going out of business, either knows nothing about gaming or business, or they are simply a liar.
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Michael Long, 15 Sep 2008 @ 5:52am

Customers
When an owner of the product leaves a review I have some measure of confidence in the result. As such, Amazon should only allow CUSTOMERS who they know have purchased a product to review it.

Why leave your store wide open to any group that wants to "bomb" a product because of some feature or aspect they may not like, or simply happen to disagree with?
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Anonymous Coward, 15 Sep 2008 @ 5:57am

"That is a genuine review. What is a review? It's a person's opinion on a product. Does the review quoted above express an opinion on a product? It sure does. Is the opinion based on and supported by facts? Sure enough. So it's legitimate."

No, thats an opinion, not a review. A review is based on experience (an opinion doesnt have to be based on anything). If the person never actually played the game, they CAN NOT offer a review of it (however, they certainly can express all the opinion they want).
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Michael Long, 15 Sep 2008 @ 6:00am

Customers
"Amazon should not censor their customer reviews."

I have no problem with CUSTOMERS leaving product reviews, if said customer actually owns the product.

But allowing thousands of non-owners to spam the review system with their opinions, likes, dislikes, wants, and childish desires is another thing entirely.
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Alex, 15 Sep 2008 @ 6:23am

Tigerdirect.com
Is it just me, or has Tigerdirect.com REMOVED ALL OF THE CUSTOMER REVIEWS AS WELL.
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Trevlac, 15 Sep 2008 @ 6:41am

Re:
DRM has just as much to do with a game as its gameplay.
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Anonymous Coward, 15 Sep 2008 @ 6:52am

Re: So does this make spore a bad game?
"Since DRM is never a problem for me, can anyone give some positive feedback on the game play experience they had?"

Its a fun game and has a very large scope. However when you go from the macro scope of the game, down to the micro of the actual gameplay, it feels a little more stale. Frankly you wont do anything in SPORE you have not already done in other games (never all in one game granted). The opportunity to do it all with content you create is fun and different, but this extra element wears off faster then it should. Truthfully SPORE feels like a game with enormous scope that had alot of stuff removed for later sale as added content. Its feels standard EA really (like the experience has been very much hampered by its publishers "bigger picture" considerations).
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Anonymous Coward, 15 Sep 2008 @ 9:22am

Re: Re: Re: Re:
Once DRM has killed someone then you can resume the use of such analogies.
Who the hell are you to tell others what analogies they and can't use? I suspect people will continue whatever analogies want irrespective of your personal approval.
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Anonymous Coward, 15 Sep 2008 @ 12:57pm

Re:
Oooh Semantics. I love that game.

When will we start debating what the meaning of "is" is?

Go away troll.
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Anonymous Coward, 16 Sep 2008 @ 9:52am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
Fine. What if, instead of baby-killing cribs they were complaining about a car that was cheaply made and without fail would stop running in 18 months. Would you still insist someone spend their money on a product they just want before they're allowed to warn other people that they probably don't want it either?
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Anonymous Coward, 17 Sep 2008 @ 3:16am

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I like NewEgg.com and Shopping.com
Michael Long, Is that you?

Oh Geez. I thought you were someone else. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been trolled by Mike Long. Please MIKE, take the stage.

Oh your such a joker. I will get you on the next INSIGHT COMMUNITY Case. Trust me!

If your company has a need for insight, please contact TechDirt at

http://www.techdirt.com/insightcommunity.php
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NetworkElf, 22 Sep 2008 @ 4:59am

buh bye Amazon!
Well, I found this whole notion of deleting comments disturbing. Very disturbing. Enough so that I closed out my Amazon account. Of course, they completely missed the point of my email, though I didn't find that at all surprising. If I can't see reliable reviews for products, then I see no real point in shopping with them.

Thank God that I didn't buy the kindles I was planning to get for Christmas. Yet another reason not to use proprietary technologies, I guess.
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honestGamer, 3 Nov 2008 @ 4:08pm

The truth is that SPORE sucks
I bought this game thinking 10 years in the making would be a revolution... Just don't buy it. It just sucks. POOR gameplay (always the same action again and again). The design of your creatures are almost no effect on a very dumb and linear gameplay, with SLOW progress. You'll spend 5 hours to get to the final stage, only to discover that action is limited to 3 very stupid alternatives again. Everyone should ask EA FOR A REFUND.
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eric, 18 May 2009 @ 6:09pm

gre
ea spore sucks d***
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