21 June, 2011

talk is cheap when the story is good, and the tales grow taller on down the line

Curious Kitties--unadvertised, at least so far--is doing something that's ethically...questionable:

(from the fashion album)

So...charging for entrance into a VIP group, we've seen that before. Offering a special deal for that fee for getting in: also commonplace. Charging US (or yen) which will be transferred by PayPal or credit card to get that group entrance, and the limited edition item pack?

I'm...not sure I've seen that before. And, while it's not specifically a ToS violation, it still feels...iffy.

(from the fashion album)

I'm not saying what you get doesn't look great--it's Ameshin Yossarian, of course it looks great. And, while it doesn't say there on the ad for the Limited Edition packs, I'd be willing to bet it includes skin, hair, eyes, accessories, and possibly shoes along with the outfit. Possibly even the base shape, I don't know. There's nothing on the shop blog to tell me either way.

But even if this is above board--or as above board as third-party Linden dollar exchanges unendorsed by the Labs can be--I'm still uncomfortable with it.

Plus, I thought I already was in the VIP group.

3 comments:

Serenity Semple said...

Apparently there's an update group and the VIP group. The VIP group states this

"Why Join the Group?
- =^.^= Curious Kitties Update Group Gifts delivered to you weekly!
- Get past Group Gifts free at a special location!
- Special VIP only sales & two for one discounts on specific items!
- Monthly VIP only special present delivered on a specific day!
- FREE Birthday Present on your Rez Day! You choose the item"

Still don't think it's worth it. And even more, the board that says you can pay $500. Why would you even bother? Just get ready to buy a sim. XD

Emilly Orr said...

Ah, I must be in the update group, then.

I'm all for the benefits, they're not bad ones at all. And special VIPs you have to pay in some form to get into are, again, not unusual.

But I'm with you--paying $500 US--not Lindens, US dollars--to get a skin and a group invite? When for that same $500, I could have a better computer than the one I have built to spec? When for that same $500, I could take a vacation at a theme park? I mean, in all seriousness, even if we keep it virtual...you could buy a sim with that. And you'd instead get a skin and a group invite? Really?

Aunt Foggy said...

Sounds almost more like one of those deals where you are paying big bucks for a group title that indicates to those "in the know" that you can afford to pay big money for group membership. Sort of like the Coach purse and American Express cards :)

hide away, they say, 'cos we don't want your broken parts

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