Beta, NDA and YOU

[Dominion1971]

On two separate accounts, I have viewed what is both a gross violation of the TOS and NDA that Cryptic has for those that are accepted into Closed Beta and a second minor yet all the same Violation, through yet ANOTHER video exclaiming that He is a Beta tester as well.

Here is the thing Folks.. Nearly EVERYONE of us is chomping at the bit to get a crack at the closed Beta.. Some of gotten in, the stark reality is that alot more of us wont..

I cant and wont speak for anyone else.. but I DO NOT want to see ANYTHING from closed beta that is "leaked out" from someone that is currently inside the CB. I DO NOT want to hear people exclaiming that they are in closed Beta..

While we are all happy for those that have been selected.. it is a REAL Shame in my mind that there are those that clearly do not honor their agreements nor take their word very seriously..

Rather then hold to the NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT and test STO and be a force to assist making it better, they post leaked video of it, and others still Glout about being in the Beta.

Wake up.. If you were chosen to be apart of the Closed Beta test phase for STO, then STOP LEAKING THINGS and adhere to the NDA ... Its not fair to Cryptic, the Developers and it is CERTAINLY NOT fair to the multitude of players that are eagerly awaiting STO.. Nor is it fair to those of us, MYSELF included that would Honor the NDA and support Cryptic with the best Beta Testers that are available..

So, I said all that to say this.. If your in Closed Beta.. GREAT.. but We don't want to know or hear about it.. If you got Video.. Big deal.. WE DON'T want to see it.. If you are not capable to Honor the NDA, then bow out of Beta and make room for those of us that CAN and WILL..

[Tain01]

It's sad that you had to post this, but it is what it is.

[Joles]

It's sad that you had to post this, but it is what it is.

Indeed ... some people just don't give a crap about the NDA or anything, all they care about is getting in to show other people.

[Tain01]

Indeed ... some people just don't give a crap about the NDA or anything, all they care about is getting in to show other people.

My statement goes both ways, however. Devs have already addressed the NDA a couple times by now, so anything occurring afterward is typically deliberate unless the perpetrator is a complete muppet. The answer to that isn't to put on a tin badge.

[NeoWolf06]

http://www.startrekonline.com/nda

can i just point you to that?

no where in there does it say that we cannot tell other's we're in the beta.
the Devs have even told us themselves, that we can tell others. but the recommend that we don't

so as far as i can see, people who say they're in the beta haven't broken thier NDA, only people who start telling people whats in the beta and whats going in break the NDA.
which only one person has done so far

[Bigwig]

Hey Dominion, we know, everyone knows, you always get leaks in any beta. You know this. In fact, why do you care so much? I'll put my money on this being nothing more than a brownie-point thread, so you can rack up a few more brownie points and hopefully be seen as a good samaritan securing your own beta place. Just speculation of course, either way this thread is highly unnecessary and serves no other real purpose.

It's cryptics job to enforce the NDA (which they are doing), not non-beta players desperate to get in.

Just my 2 cents.

[kkmccall]

WE DON'T want to see it..


Short of physically rounding up all those in Closed Beta & shipping them off to an undisclosed location (probably a Military Base), removing all means of communication with the outside world & keeping them locked up there until the end of Closed Beta, you will always get some leaks as soon as you open it up to the general public.

Whether it be for personal reasons or financial reasons - the minute you open up something to the general populace you accept that some things you wanted to keep secret may be leaked.

I'm certainly not condoning their actions - they are, afterall, bound by a legal document & the worst that will happen is they will have their right to continue in Beta removed. Having a much stiffer penalty - heavy fine/prison sentence will, of course, reduce this risk greatly, but even then it will not completely eliminate the risks of a leak.

Being in the EU, due to the different time zones, I have a much reduced chance of getting into Closed Beta than someone in the US. Therefore I will not see how STO is developing prior to release. If these people are going to leak - then I counter the above statement I quoted & state "I do want to see".

I'm not a Hero, I'm not a Super human, I have strengths & weaknesses as does everyone else. One such strength/weakness is an insatiable curiosity.

[Demyk]

Wake up.. If you were chosen to be apart of the Closed Beta test phase for STO, then STOP LEAKING THINGS and adhere to the NDA ... .

You know - whilst I agree with the point your making (ie, take the NDA seriously) this particular comment I would imagine is quite offensive to those who are in the beta and *haven't* leaked anything. You know everyone other than the handful of people who seem to have broken it one way or another so far.

Hell, if I was in I'd be somewhat offended by that.

[ChristopherC]

Well the devs said it is ok to say that you are closed beta tester but they don’t recommended as you may have lots of PMs and people asking you about closed beta etc. so they don’t recommend it.

As far as why people want to say that they close beta test? Well that is easy they yearn for attention, maybe they have no life, or just been bored. If I knew that this person who is talking about been in closed beta is a nice blond chick I would definitely give her a hug if it is a guy then nice pat on the shoulder and some nice conversation like hey man don’t worry be happy you’ll find girlfriend it’s just a matter of time so don’t worry.

[Dominion1971]

You know - whilst I agree with the point your making (ie, take the NDA seriously) this particular comment I would imagine is quite offensive to those who are in the beta and *haven't* leaked anything. You know everyone other than the handful of people who seem to have broken it one way or another so far.

Hell, if I was in I'd be somewhat offended by that.

Only those guilty would take offense.. so if your not, then dont.. Nuff said..

[Bigwig]

Only those guilty would take offense.. so if your not, then dont.. Nuff said..

WITCH HUNT!

[c0m4ndo45]

Okay. I won't even tell to my mom if i get in. I'll quickly alt tab when she enters my room, i promise! :D

I applied seeing it as a opportunity to take my first steps into gaming industry and development. After all, i want to be an game developer in the future, and everything has to start somewhere!

2 yrs to go on computer engineering graduation! Then it's off to make games! :cool:

[ChristopherC]

WITCH HUNT!

LOL Spanish Inquisition :eek:

[Dominion1971]

Hey Dominion, we know, everyone knows, you always get leaks in any beta. You know this. In fact, why do you care so much? I'll put my money on this being nothing more than a brownie-point thread, so you can rack up a few more brownie points and hopefully be seen as a good samaritan securing your own beta place. Just speculation of course, either way this thread is highly unnecessary and serves no other real purpose.

It's cryptics job to enforce the NDA (which they are doing), not non-beta players desperate to get in.

Just my 2 cents.

Nice assumption, but you know what they say when you "Assume" something... but yea, its not true... My only point is exactly as stated.. Not trying to start a flame war.. nor do I claim to be enforcing anything.. Just simply find it Appalling that some would be so brash.. and curiosity killed the cat.. I'm willing to wait.. and I have little patience, but I am biding my time.. I have waited this many years for a Good trek MMO, a little while longer wont kill anyone.. besides.. I want to be pleasantly surprised about what I see.. not already been there seen that.. I am looking for a new experience.. and STO is just that new experience...

oh, and your two cents and an opinion wont get you a coffee at McDonalds... sadly.. so.. yea.. it is what it is.. :)

[Bigwig]

So please, Dominion, enlighten us, what did you hope to achieve starting this thread?

Are you REALLY 'appalled' that someone else has released ONE video of the closed-beta? Does that deeply sadden you? If you said 'yes' to the above two points, i suggest you take a trip into the real world and soak up some sun! :D

And my 2 cents will actually get me two penny sweets, nom nom nom.

Oh yeah, http://ui25.gamespot.com/1816/ibtl_2.gif

[Peregrine_Falcon]

While I agree that Cryptic should be informed, getting this serious about Pretendy Fun Time Games just doesn't make any sense.

I get the feeling that a century or so ago, some of you, would have been in that band of people knocking on my door sunday afternoon. Demanding to know why I hadn't been in church that morning. Demanding with pistols and rifles and rope.

This is a game, National Security is NOT at stake here. Report any NDA violations that you find to Cryptic and then move on. There is absolutely no need to get all upset and act like a vigilante over this. And there is absolutely no reason to get this worked-up about it, no reason except your own need to seem important.

In other words, "Relax!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzvKhDejPFQ)

[Cappy_Card]

Hey Dominion, we know, everyone knows, you always get leaks in any beta. You know this. In fact, why do you care so much? I'll put my money on this being nothing more than a brownie-point thread, so you can rack up a few more brownie points and hopefully be seen as a good samaritan securing your own beta place. Just speculation of course, either way this thread is highly unnecessary and serves no other real purpose.

It's cryptics job to enforce the NDA (which they are doing), not non-beta players desperate to get in.

Just my 2 cents.

Im afraid I have to agree. This [thread] seems more like an underhanded attempt at applying for beta through a "LOOK HOW EARNEST I APPEAR TO BE!!" thread. Some will unfortunately violate the NDA and no amount of screaming what you DO NOT WANT TO SEE will change that fact, especially when the screaming comes from someone who (no offense intended) really amounts to no one at all.

[indigowhale345]

I have to point out they can't rightly demand people to not tell other people they are in the beta. The reason for this is that anyone who bought one of the subscription plans to CO automatically has a spot and will get into the beta at some point.

The problem is that there was no NDA signed then to keep it hush hush that you bought one of those subscription plans. You can tell whoever you want you're a lifer or got the 6 month deal. But immediately on telling them that, you've also told them you are or will be in closed beta even if you didn't explicitly state it.

And even if you didn't tell them that, lifers would be unable to use their Foxbat figure or the costume pieces, because that too would tell everyone in the game that yes they are or will be in the closed beta because they're a lifer with exclusive stuff.

So that part isn't even remotely possible to demand silence on.

As for leaks, just tell Cryptic, then relax and eat a taco. There isn't anything more you can do about it, and coming in here and getting angry about it won't change anyone's minds either.

[KO_Gilligan]

Only those guilty would take offense.. so if your not, then dont.. Nuff said..

I think you missed the point... Barking at the moon about this is a bit condescending towards a community who already knows full well about the deal.

It is sort of Ironic. It's obvious that J.J. Abrams may have been fully involved with a bit of viral leakage, as well as some viral promotions of his movies. How would it look if a non-participating affiliate sent out a global email declaring everyone should obey the NDA?

Fact is they know the rules, and probably talk about this stuff all the time.

[peter13317]

On two separate accounts, I have viewed what is both a gross violation of the TOS and NDA that Cryptic has for those that are accepted into Closed Beta and a second minor yet all the same Violation, through yet ANOTHER video exclaiming that He is a Beta tester as well.

Here is the thing Folks.. Nearly EVERYONE of us is chomping at the bit to get a crack at the closed Beta.. Some of gotten in, the stark reality is that alot more of us wont..

I cant and wont speak for anyone else.. but I DO NOT want to see ANYTHING from closed beta that is "leaked out" from someone that is currently inside the CB. I DO NOT want to hear people exclaiming that they are in closed Beta..

While we are all happy for those that have been selected.. it is a REAL Shame in my mind that there are those that clearly do not honor their agreements nor take their word very seriously..

Rather then hold to the NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT and test STO and be a force to assist making it better, they post leaked video of it, and others still Glout about being in the Beta.

Wake up.. If you were chosen to be apart of the Closed Beta test phase for STO, then STOP LEAKING THINGS and adhere to the NDA ... Its not fair to Cryptic, the Developers and it is CERTAINLY NOT fair to the multitude of players that are eagerly awaiting STO.. Nor is it fair to those of us, MYSELF included that would Honor the NDA and support Cryptic with the best Beta Testers that are available..

So, I said all that to say this.. If your in Closed Beta.. GREAT.. but We don't want to know or hear about it.. If you got Video.. Big deal.. WE DON'T want to see it.. If you are not capable to Honor the NDA, then bow out of Beta and make room for those of us that CAN and WILL..

This post has been edited to remove content which violates the Cryptic Studios Forum Usage Guidelines (http://forums.startrekonline.com/announcement.php?f=24&a=2). Thank you, Dionaea

[The.Grand.Nagus]

On two separate accounts, I have viewed what is both a gross violation of the TOS and NDA that Cryptic has for those that are accepted into Closed Beta and a second minor yet all the same Violation, through yet ANOTHER video exclaiming that He is a Beta tester as well.

Here is the thing Folks.. Nearly EVERYONE of us is chomping at the bit to get a crack at the closed Beta.. Some of gotten in, the stark reality is that alot more of us wont..

I cant and wont speak for anyone else.. but I DO NOT want to see ANYTHING from closed beta that is "leaked out" from someone that is currently inside the CB. I DO NOT want to hear people exclaiming that they are in closed Beta..

While we are all happy for those that have been selected.. it is a REAL Shame in my mind that there are those that clearly do not honor their agreements nor take their word very seriously..

Rather then hold to the NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT and test STO and be a force to assist making it better, they post leaked video of it, and others still Glout about being in the Beta.

Wake up.. If you were chosen to be apart of the Closed Beta test phase for STO, then STOP LEAKING THINGS and adhere to the NDA ... Its not fair to Cryptic, the Developers and it is CERTAINLY NOT fair to the multitude of players that are eagerly awaiting STO.. Nor is it fair to those of us, MYSELF included that would Honor the NDA and support Cryptic with the best Beta Testers that are available..

So, I said all that to say this.. If your in Closed Beta.. GREAT.. but We don't want to know or hear about it.. If you got Video.. Big deal.. WE DON'T want to see it.. If you are not capable to Honor the NDA, then bow out of Beta and make room for those of us that CAN and WILL..

Do you feel better now that you've gotten that out? :p

[Psycofire]

Only those guilty would take offense.. so if your not, then dont.. Nuff said..

You're doing nothing here but creating tension between forum users, to be honest. I've seen you moan about this in another forum post and seriously, if the Cryptic guys wanted your help with this, they'd ask. You've falsely accused someone of breeching the NDA because he posted a video interview with a a Developer. :P

[vixen11]

http://www.startrekonline.com/nda

can i just point you to that?

no where in there does it say that we cannot tell other's we're in the beta.
the Devs have even told us themselves, that we can tell others. but the recommend that we don't

so as far as i can see, people who say they're in the beta haven't broken thier NDA, only people who start telling people whats in the beta and whats going in break the NDA.
which only one person has done so far

Quote from Storm Shade http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=29485

I also want to remind everyone about the NDA. All of our beta testers are required to sign and abide by a Non-Disclosure Agreement between Cryptic Studios and the individual Beta Tester. What this means is that if you are participating in the Closed Beta, you are not allowed to talk about the Closed Beta outside of the Closed Beta forums we have established here on the official website. We also highly recommend that you do not share with anyone that you are a beta tester. If you are found or believed to be in breach of the NDA, we will remove your access to the Closed Beta. Something none of us wants to do.

It's not in the NDA but the NDA does say they can terminate you for no reason what so ever. If you are willing to go around telling people that you are in the beta chances are you are going to be willing to leak additional information. If they think you will be a problem they'll kick you out. Better to not chance it.

[Dominion1971]

And the comedy just continues to roll in ... I find it incredibly amusing that there are some of you that get yourselves all worked into a huff over my opinion here and that fact that I do find this particular topic "Appalling" it has little to do with "needing" to get a life or sun or whatever..

I also find it amusing that there are some.. that feel that simply because they are able to write something long winded, and tell people to "Relax" that what they say makes so much more sense and should be listened to as if their opinion matters over anyone else ..

To all of you self indulgent, high minded people that don't think this is an important thing to discuss or all you that believe in your little hearts and minds that contractual obligations should not be honored or that ones word doesn't matter, and that I'm just "attempting" to gain favor by my words.. Well, you all are greatly amusing.. sad.. but amusing..

In the business world one such as I gets paid to do what some would call a Closed Beta, I find it appalling, because I know what the underhanded people can do to a game with premature leakage of material to the community.. Its under NDA for a reason ...

But according to some of you... Hey! Its just an NDA, its just a game.. so chill out.. who cares... Well, if that is your stance on things then fine.. That just means your word means nothing.. and your attempts here to stifle my opinion about how I feel simply is unacceptable..

So, please.. continue to ramble on about how you think violating the NDA is not a big deal and people should just calm down relax, get a life, or any of the other myriad of excuses have seen so far..

I said it once.. I will say it again.. Only the guilty will react harshly to this.. if your not guilty, then you wont get all up in arms.. you will leave it be as it doesn't pertain to you... NUFF SAID...

Thank you for your continued support of my amusement..

[Dominion1971]

Do you feel better now that you've gotten that out? :p

My stating facts and my opinion had nothing to do with me "Needing" to get things out.. or feeling better.. and its just this sort of thing that are attempts to make my original point invalid as if I'm being silly or overreacting..

The simple fact of the matter is that the NDA was violated.. and there are those responding in this thread that are truly showing where their mind set is.. and hopefully Cryptic can look at all of you that have not truly looked at this and downplayed it, scoffed at me or made fun of me or others still that have attempted to "shut me up, insult me or any other thing simply because of my opinion...

Well, perhaps all those will get marked.. by Cryptic.. who knows.. You all "Claim" to be Star Trek fans and "trekkies" yet you are hypocrites and missing the main point of these forums..

That everyone's opinion is valued and valid.. regardless if you don't agree with them or not.. Making fun, or attempting to discredit them by saying their motives are this or that or making light of the topic simply by trying to turn my opinion into something that is nothing more then a childish rant is just wrong..

Yes, I take the NDA seriously.. YES, I think it is a BIG deal.. there were disgusting violations.. and YES something should be done about it.. and the more people that defend the Violators by trying to stifle my opinion, is truly astonishing..

But hey.. its just a game right..

[squidheadjax]

The NDA is a contract.

Violating the NDA is breaking your word.

That should be the end of discussion, but some people feel the need to justify and/or praise it.

Disgusting.

[Jakebob]

Most NDA's have something stating that you agree that the game publisher can sue you for damages if you disclose information prior to release (or sometimes up to 1 year after release)... I'd be surprised if Cryptic didn't do that as well...

[Tabaris]

Their will always be leaks and contract breakers, but YOU don't have to be one of those people. Respect the rules and enjoy the privlege of the few and be proud, but don't ruin it for everyone else.

[Kaybok]

I agree with the OP. Get rid of the violators and make room for those who will abide by their contract.

[The.Grand.Nagus]

My stating facts and my opinion had nothing to do with me "Needing" to get things out.. or feeling better.. and its just this sort of thing that are attempts to make my original point invalid as if I'm being silly or overreacting..

My last reply was just a joke. But if you want to get right down to it, seeing as how there was already a huge thread about the leak you got so worked up about, you really didnt need to post this one. Plus, you can count on Cryptic enforcing their NDA without needing you to help them. Some people will break the NDA, and I agree its wrong. But dont let it get you so worked up, it will be dealt with.

[peter13317]

My stating facts and my opinion had nothing to do with me "Needing" to get things out.. or feeling better.. and its just this sort of thing that are attempts to make my original point invalid as if I'm being silly or overreacting..

The simple fact of the matter is that the NDA was violated.. and there are those responding in this thread that are truly showing where their mind set is.. and hopefully Cryptic can look at all of you that have not truly looked at this and downplayed it, scoffed at me or made fun of me or others still that have attempted to "shut me up, insult me or any other thing simply because of my opinion...

Well, perhaps all those will get marked.. by Cryptic.. who knows.. You all "Claim" to be Star Trek fans and "trekkies" yet you are hypocrites and missing the main point of these forums..

That everyone's opinion is valued and valid.. regardless if you don't agree with them or not.. Making fun, or attempting to discredit them by saying their motives are this or that or making light of the topic simply by trying to turn my opinion into something that is nothing more then a childish rant is just wrong..

Yes, I take the NDA seriously.. YES, I think it is a BIG deal.. there were disgusting violations.. and YES something should be done about it.. and the more people that defend the Violators by trying to stifle my opinion, is truly astonishing..

But hey.. its just a game right..

This post has been edited to remove content which violates the Cryptic Studios Forum Usage Guidelines (http://forums.startrekonline.com/announcement.php?f=24&a=2). Thank you, Dionaea

[eldarian]

. Nor is it fair to those of us, MYSELF included that would Honor the NDA and support Cryptic with the best Beta Testers that are available..

. If you are not capable to Honor the NDA, then bow out of Beta and make room for those of us that CAN and WILL..

It would have probably saved a lot of time if you had just posted this section, as it seems to be your sole motivation for this thread.