Originally posted by Vinterkrig

Originally posted by HeliosXII

Originally posted by whoeps

If they are this desperate to get people to play this game they might as well shut it down. How can you justify this to a paying subscriber?

 

When these "paying subscribers" can say they willingly put their lives on the line in order to protect and serve their country, then we'll talk. ^^

 

we should give them free anything they want then right? cops too.. and firemen...

your points of putting their lives on the line may be valid, but most people are gonna call the current day war BS, and not really give a shit, lost lives suck, no one is gonna downplay that, but .. gotta be out of your mind to sign up for the army with a bush in office... ANYWAYS

One: a game is hardly "anything they want." Stop making it sound like some huge conspiracy against those not in the armed forces.

Two: What people think of the current war is irrelevant; it's happening.

Three: Bush isn't even in office anymore.

Originally posted by Vinterkrig

Originally posted by HeliosXII

Originally posted by whoeps

If they are this desperate to get people to play this game they might as well shut it down. How can you justify this to a paying subscriber?

 

When these "paying subscribers" can say they willingly put their lives on the line in order to protect and serve their country, then we'll talk. ^^

 

we should give them free anything they want then right? cops too.. and firemen...

your points of putting their lives on the line may be valid, but most people are gonna call the current day war BS, and not really give a shit, lost lives suck, no one is gonna downplay that, but .. gotta be out of your mind to sign up for the army with a bush in office... ANYWAYS

Simple justification for giving to the military. It shows appreciation and goodwill. Regardless of why they did it, its a respectable way to advertise that isn't underhanded.

Also, I would rather sign up for the military under a "warmonger" or any conservative president rather than this one we have now that appears weak to the world. At least with Bush I'd know I'd have backup.

I am not in the military and I am a paying subscriber. I honestly think this is a good idea and don't feel slighted in the least.

I think it is a bit unfortunate that this offer only applies to US military personnel. It sends a clear political message as to whom they support. Now, I seriously doubt we're going to see a bunch of terorists suicide bombing the servers or the developers for that matter. However, it just might turn off some potential subscribers who are opposed to this whole war and what the US is doing. Might.

Bottomline is, if the pay is so crappy that independent companies have to make offers like this to compensate out of goodwill, wouldn't it be more resonable to raise the pay and put the burden on the government who is responsible for making the decisions? If that means having to raise the taxes or cut funding elsewhere, well - it's a democracy and people are free to vote against it, right?

Anyway, I'm not all bend out of shape over this. I'm okay with FLS doing what they're doing. I just think it would be better if the men risking their lives on the battlefield are paid what they're worth, so that companies serving a multinational audience don't have to get involved. But meh - as someone said, it's probably just a publicity stunt. I just don't see the value in this since the game really doesn't strike me as having enough content to keep people playing once the 6 months are up.

*shrug*

Originally posted by Faelan

I think it is a bit unfortunate that this offer only applies to US military personnel. It sends a clear political message as to whom they support. Now, I seriously doubt we're going to see a bunch of terorists suicide bombing the servers or the developers for that matter. However, it just might turn off some potential subscribers who are opposed to this whole war and what the US is doing. Might.

Bottomline is, if the pay is so crappy that independent companies have to make offers like this to compensate out of goodwill, wouldn't it be more resonable to raise the pay and put the burden on the government who is responsible for making the decisions? If that means having to raise the taxes or cut funding elsewhere, well - it's a democracy and people are free to vote against it, right?

Anyway, I'm not all bend out of shape over this. I'm okay with FLS doing what they're doing. I just think it would be better if the men risking their lives on the battlefield are paid what they're worth, so that companies serving a multinational audience don't have to get involved. But meh - as someone said, it's probably just a publicity stunt. I just don't see the value in this since the game really doesn't strike me as having enough content to keep people playing once the 6 months are up.

*shrug*

 

The pay is fine.  People get wrapped around the axle about how much they get paid in the military but it is pretty good.  I'm not going to break it all down to you here but that information isn't hard to find. 

What other job will take someone who is straight out of highschool train them in whatever job, teach them life skills, pay them through all of this in addition to having one of the most conprehensive benefits packages around?  I could be way off base here but not many come to mind.

As far as political messages from a game company giving away free subs to soldiers?  That is a bit redonkulous.  You could insert whatever you wanted instead of soldier and come up with something.   Free PotBS subs for loggers does not default to 'I hate conservationists trying to save the trees' it simply means they have a soft spot for loggers and want to act on that.  I will also say that these guys are a business.  Of course they are going to have some sort of benefit from most of what they do.  From where I'm sitting I'm just fine with companies giving out subs to soldiers.  I can care less if the 'super secret squirrel ninja' underlying objective is for them to make more money off of residual subs, my little pirate boat is kickin ass and I appreciate the opportunity to play.  ;) 

they can't win wars why should they than win against some random NPC´s? the US military is the most worst  in the world. mil .. ridiculous. 

---

Originally posted by brezel

they can't win wars why should they than win against some random NPC´s? the US military is the most worst  in the world. mil .. ridiculous. 
 

---

 
Cant win wars?

Desert Storm is a recent example of how the US military destroyed the 4th largest army in the world within weeks with the lowest casualty rate of any war prior.

If you are talking about a war against terrorists who hide in caves or among innocent villagers with knives to childrens throats to make sure they stay hidden? Then yes, thats a rough war. But we didn't start it, we just want to end it.

Regardless of reason it is a very cool offer. I am in the service and I will be taking them up on this offer and probably pay for my sife to play with me for those 6 months. So while it is of course an advertising campaign and a way to get more subs it works. And it is very cool.

Yeah the pay isn't as horrible as it used to be, but it still isn't as high as it should be for what we in the service have to deal with, namly life and death situations (literaly) extended periods away from our families and such. And yes we did all volunteer for it so I am not complaining, but it is very cool to get a little love every now and then, I mean after all we don't start the wars we just fight in them. YOu want to hate someone for starting something look at the politicians, or the weak cowards that have to attack innocent people with suicide bombers or any other number of cowardly attacks.

Either way I am in and it is a very cool offer and I salute them and thank them for it.

Hmm what's the message here?

Why are cops, fbi, cia, nsa, secret service, etc, not included? Common.... :)

Originally posted by Moriwenne

Hmm what's the message here?

 

Why are cops, fbi, cia, nsa, secret service, etc, not included? Common.... :)

Military personel are the lowest paid of that group. They are also in the highest danger.

None of the agencies or issues you mentioned are in very much danger or paid as low. Soldiers are also the most neglected and have the most to endure. All the rest of those guys you mentioned get to live at home and be with thier families for the most part.

Just let go of the narrow-minded view.

If anything I want to widen the offer :)

Also I think the highest danger is debatable.

2% of military personnel will be severely injured or killed during their military career.

10% of police officers will be severely injured or killed during their law enforcement career.

Source: Police academy training

I'm not that invested in the matter anyway, it's their game and they can do whatever they want with it, besides I'm only a casual pirates gamer now so, I'm on chill mode.

GREAT PROMO< anything that thanks our service personnel is a great idea in my book.

It is an American Company, so of course its for American Military Personnel.

As for people from other countries who are expressing a problem with this....whats your problem, did we recently spank your country? Look, as soon as your country makes a MMORPG, they can offer the same deal to your military personnel :-)

Originally posted by tryklon

Originally posted by HeliosXII

Originally posted by Lanmoragon

Originally posted by Vinterkrig

cool, 20 new players for the company, gj!

 

I take it you are not in the military? Military pay = crap and at least my schedule doesnt always allow reliable time to play an MMO and make it worth paying the monthly fee.

Free to play for military=win.

 

Not only that, it's a nice little "thank you" to the troops for doing what they do for us.

 

They certaibly dont do anything for me since im not american.

Still, you guys really think they do this to thank the troops? Its nothing more than a publicitary trick, and one using military and wars.... seems a bit of bad taste to me

As prior military, these sort of things were always appreciated.  Military folk don't always get the play time that a 9-5 job provides,  and its nice to be recognized.  

So no, its not bad taste or public trickery.  It's good publicity for a good cause.  And, in my opinion, its in bad taste to think otherwise.

Originally posted by Faelan

I think it is a bit unfortunate that this offer only applies to US military personnel. It sends a clear political message as to whom they support. 

Um, its a Seattle based company.  You know... Seattle, Washington.  You know... Washington in the United States of America.  I'd be a bit jaded if they didn't "support" their own country.  I sure as hell wouldn't give a rat's ass if CCP did the same thing for their Icelandic troops.

Originally posted by comerb

Originally posted by Faelan

I think it is a bit unfortunate that this offer only applies to US military personnel. It sends a clear political message as to whom they support. 

 

Um, its a Seattle based company.  You know... Seattle, Washington.  You know... Washington in the United States of America.  I'd be a bit jaded if they didn't "support" their own country.  I sure as hell wouldn't give a rat's ass if CCP did the same thing for their Icelandic troops.

Meh...

Maybe my comment comes across as being a lot more strongly worded than it was intended.

I just don't think a game company serving an international audience should get involved in such affairs. They are of course free to do so and I know they're already supporting indirectly through taxes, but why the need to make it visible?

Doesn't matter which country they support in the end. I'd feel the same way if it was a company from my own country supporting my own soldiers. I play games to get away from all this crap going on in this world, not to be reminded of it.

Let's support the valiant troops who are putting their lives at risk in other ways. I'm all for that and I deeply appreciate their efforts. They have my sincere and utmost respect. It's the decisions by the politicians that I'm questioning at times. But what is done is done and we just have to get the best out of it. I'm not pretending that I know more or would be capable of making better decisions.

There's not a whole lot more to it. It won't change how I personally feel about the game either way.

Well haveing been in the beta got to say at the time not to impressed,i assume it's doing a lot better nowadays,now at first i was most impressed with this offer SOE are not usually this generous,but what really riles me is only American personal,now please if i'm wrong please correct me is this game multinational is there a block ala Acclaim (TCOS).

Well pretty sure there is not and furthermore no offence to the brave men/women of the US army.Did you guys not win the war with a bit of help i'd like to mention the British Army not the biggest but with out a shadow of a doubt one the most highly trained in the world with technology to boot.So i'm sure Alliance/personal/ vets who helped in both major campaigns get to try POTBS surely as a mark of respect to fallen allies and those who bare the scars of war.
 

Lastly i'll pay tribute to the brave British/Alliance soldiers who are indespensiblle to helping the American forces erradicate the threat in Afghanistan/Iraq as British/American/Alliance troops pay a heavy price for freedom and our safety.

 You know they picked who they picked, not everyone in life gets chosen for everything.  I mean really does it bother you that much? seriously?  Do you all get bent of of shape when everyone on the planet doesn't get picked to do a beta?  perhaps they should give everyone on the planet a free 6 months eh?  i seriously don't get people sometimes.

Originally posted by darker70

 

Well haveing been in the beta got to say at the time not to impressed,i assume it's doing a lot better nowadays,now at first i was most impressed with this offer SOE are not usually this generous,but what really riles me is only American personal,now please if i'm wrong please correct me is this game multinational is there a block ala Acclaim (TCOS).

 

Well pretty sure there is not and furthermore no offence to the brave men/women of the US army.Did you guys not win the war with a bit of help i'd like to mention the British Army not the biggest but with out a shadow of a doubt one the most highly trained in the world with technology to boot.So i'm sure Alliance/personal/ vets who helped in both major campaigns get to try POTBS surely as a mark of respect to fallen allies and those who bare the scars of war.
 

Lastly i'll pay tribute to the brave British/Alliance soldiers who are indespensiblle to helping the American forces erradicate the threat in Afghanistan/Iraq as British/American/Alliance troops pay a heavy price for freedom and our safety.

 

let me ask this, do other countries include america's fallen when they have their events or special days? do other countries companies include Americans in their promotions?   

after read the disclaimer on their site

This offer is available for new and existing Pirates of the Burning Sea accounts created by members of the United States Military only. The 6-month key may only be used once. After the free period is over, in order to continue to play Pirates of the Burning Sea, you will need to purchase a copy of Pirates of the Burning Sea and and update your Station Account subscription information with a valid credit card or an official SOE Game Card to pay the recurring subscription fee.

Perhaps they are just being nice to our military, not making a political statement, there are lots of american companies that do special things for our soldiers, should they include other countries? i mean really, we can't hook up our own people now?

That's awesome, me and a couple of my co-workers will be signing up for this. Never have I seen giveaways like this before.

-Army

Very cool move.   Thank you very much Flying Labs.   We are an orginization who also do things for Military familys so just had to say Thanks.  

Originally posted by tryklon

Originally posted by HeliosXII

Originally posted by Lanmoragon

Originally posted by Vinterkrig

cool, 20 new players for the company, gj!

 

I take it you are not in the military? Military pay = crap and at least my schedule doesnt always allow reliable time to play an MMO and make it worth paying the monthly fee.

Free to play for military=win.

 

Not only that, it's a nice little "thank you" to the troops for doing what they do for us.

 

They certaibly dont do anything for me since im not american.

Still, you guys really think they do this to thank the troops? Its nothing more than a publicitary trick, and one using military and wars.... seems a bit of bad taste to me

Curious here,  Your not American?  cool, then how many troops from your country are over their with us and supporting our cause by our side?   Was going to put a poll here so we could guess but gotta go.