I thought I was over it, but seems I'm still a little bit of a CV whore and probably will be until I get to level 11, and nirvana ensues. This is good for you, not me :-)

I've a giveaway I want to do along with DLC, but it comes as multiple keys (it's a bundle on Steam, not a single sub), and I would like the winner of the base game to get the DLC.

So if I giveaway 5 copies of the base game, then create a giveaway with 5 copies of the DLC, and only give that to the 5 winners (e.g. through whitelist or invite-only links), thus guaranteeing them all wins, my understanding is I still get CV for all 5 copies?

Finally, if my understanding is correct and I do get the CV, does anyone see this method as unethical or against the ethos (or even the rules) of SG? Maybe not in this particular case (I hope not), but in the general sense - 6 friends could collude to each giveaway 5 copies of games thus quickly boosting their CV?

Oh, one more thing. Here is my first attempt using SG Tools to guard against basic infractions and bots, please test it for me.

5 years ago*

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Do you get CV for 5 copies and 5 winners?

View Results
Yes, you get CV for all 5 copies
No, you get no CV (fewer than 5 entries per copy)
No idea, RTFM (read the FAQ, man)
It's a scam, and I'm not telling you (the potato option)

My understanding is that the "friends colluding on giveaways" idea is a known scam called a CV Ring and will get everyone involved a ban if brought to the attention of the site moderators.

EDIT - Though to be honest, I don't see that applying to your DLC giveaway since it's a specific one-off whitelist situation.

5 years ago
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Wow it has a name? I just found this comment by Khalaq, which pretty much says it's dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

One of those unwritten rules of SG?

5 years ago
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That was what a mod referred to it as in a posting that I read not long after joining SG. I was still learning the rules about this place, so the name stuck with me... :P

5 years ago
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I am pretty sure if both giveaways get 5 or more entries they will provide cv. Whether it breaks the rules I am not so sure, maybe worth asking one of the moderators or send a ticket and find out. 6 friends colluding together and doing a number of giveaway with the same winners will definitely get a ban if caught.

I don't see there being a problem with you messaging the winners of the base game on SG or steam(better option) with an invite link to the giveaway for the DLC. That should work fine.

5 years ago*
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From the comments I'm pretty confident that in this instance I'll be fine, but reaching out to support is probably the wisest option.

5 years ago
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then create a giveaway with 5 copies of the DLC, and only give that to the 5 winners

yes, that works if they all join the ga. but you won't get cv if at least one of them doesn't enter.

does anyone see this method as unethical

if you made all your giveaways with 5 entries and shared them with 5 friends, yes, it would sound like you're exploiting the system.
in this case you're just getting a bit more cv and making sure previous winners also get dlc.

5 years ago
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Yes, there is a risk that not everyone enters and messes the whole devious plan. Of course I could delete the GA and annoy those that did enter, but I probably wouldn't be bother. Probably.

5 years ago
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I'd agree with what Mully said. Seems a reasonable assessment.

I also tested your SG Tools link (as a rules-compliant individual). It works :). Thanks for sharing!

5 years ago
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That's good, and thanks for confirming the sgtools link is working.

5 years ago
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Happy to help!

5 years ago
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what mully very well said (that "if you made all your giveaways with 5 entries..." is a general, important rule) + "messaging the winners" part from stevey.

and a plus for you for the useful poll. kinda rare

5 years ago
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5 years ago
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