Donations

• »What is ChipIn?
  

  ChipIn is a safe, secure web-based service that simplifies the process of collecting donations. The Chipin widget will only be viewable during the event. To see an example, check out our Events page and click on the link at the bottom regarding our first event. To view a more in-depth F.A.Q concerning the ChipIn service, please visit their website. When the event goes live, you will see the Chipin widget in the sidebar to the right. Here is the one from our last event:

• »Do I need a verified Paypal account in order to donate?
  

  While a verified Paypal account will make the donation process easier, ChipIn also accepts VISA gift cards, all major credit cards, and some debit cards.

• »Can I use my parents’ credit card?
  

  Please ask your parents! While we are very thankful for your desire to donate, we would rather not intrude on any personal family dilemmas.

• »Is there a minimum amount to donate?
  

  ChipIn requires all donations be $1.00 or more in USD.

• »What do I get if I donate?
  

  You get the great satisfaction that you have donated to a good cause. Also, see below regarding giveaways.

• »Do you keep any money?
  

  We definitely do not. None of the donations every see any of our pockets. The Paypal account associated with the Chipin widget is NDSS’s and goes directly to them.

Chat Room Rules

The following are rules that each viewer is expected to follow in the live chat room. Failure to follow these rules will result in a warning, kick and/or ban, depending on the severity. The chatroom is visible only during the event.

• Be Respectful – Do not insult or bother anyone. We are trying to cultivate a friendly and respectful community among our fellow gamers. Also, those playing video games are very aware of how bad they suck – there is no need to remind us!
• No Spam – No spamming of any kind will be tolerated! That goes for witty comments, profane language, Chuck Norris jokes, or anything else that can found childishly annoying.
• Privacy – This is a public chat room; the information you share may very well be with complete strangers. Be careful of what you say.

The chat room will be a much friendlier place if we keep these simple rules enforced.

Video Stream

• »Where is the video stream?
  

  When the event begins the home page will change displaying the stream where the banner is. Until then there’s no reason to display a non-live video window. The chatroom will also be available at this time.

• »Why are there two streams?
  

  Mostly just for screen real estate. Because we have two cameras in addition to the game stream, it was easier to consolidate the cameras onto one feed and have the game feed separate. Plus that gives us more room to put up information on the screen. Also, some people may not want to listen to/see us at all, opting instead to just watch the game. It’s called options, people, we give them to you.

• »Why can’t I see video?
  

  Sometimes bandwidth is an issue during these streaming events. If the video feed is down, rest assured we’ll have it posted in the chat room and the main website within seconds of problems occurring. If no message is posted, its very possible that you are behind a firewall preventing your viewing the live stream.

• »Why is the video lagging for me?
  

  If video is lagging for all of our viewers, then its very likely the problem is on our end and we’re killing the bandwidth by uploading too much at one time for too long. The only functional solution at this time is that we reset our connection and bring everything online. This event usually takes 4-5 minutes and is announced well in advance.

Hardmode.org Questions

• »Do you use exploits or hacks?
  

  This is an emphatic “No!” While we may not be the best gamers in the world, we do not tolerate cheap tricks and lame antics to “get the job done.”

• »Can I join your team?
  

  While this may not be an option at the moment, we reserve the right to open recruitment for our marathons at any time. If you are in the Oklahoma/Texas region, please feel free to contact us with your interest at staff@hardmode.org.

• »How many events do you do a year?
  

  Currently the number of large events we do per year is two, one in the fall and one in the summer. We have started looking at doing smaller events in-between those that are not solely focused on raising contributions. We will have more information about that when it develops.

• »Where do I send questions/concerns?
  

  You may contact us via email at staff@hardmode.org and we will try to address the questions and concerns in a prompt manner!

• »Where do I send my comments to be read during your marathons?
  

  We are eager to hear from our viewers! Additionally, we will be happy to read comments and suggestions during our marathons. Just email us at comments@hardmode.org.

Marathon Specific Questions

• »Why Ninjas?
  

  Why not?

• »Will you be using guides?
  

  Normally we would say “No,” but for this event we do have one action/rpg (Brave Fencer Musashi) that due to time constraints we would like to finish but finish in a timely matter. If it hadn’t been about twelve years since we have all played the game, then we might have a chance of completing it quickly without any help. As it stands, that is the only game we will be using help with unless something else pops up. For most of the games the general idea is to walk to the right and kill things, so there really is not a whole lot to look up.

• »Are the games set on a schedule?
  

  Yes. In an effort to make the show more interesting, if there is a game that just is absolutely too difficult for our tiny brains to comprehend, we will move on after a certain point in time so that we don’t stagnate on a single thing for three days. With that in mind, we have a tentative schedule for the games: Thurs. 2000 – Ninja Commando Fri. 0000 – The Last Ninja Fri. 0400 – The Last Ninja 2 Fri. 0800 – Brave Fencer Musashi Sat. 0400 – Ninja Combat Sat. 0800 – Ninja Spirit Sat. 1200 – Shinobi III Sat. 1600 – Legend of the Mystical Ninja Sat. 2000 – Ninja Turtles Sat. 2200 – Ninja Gaiden Sun. 0200 – Muramasa Yeah, that’s right, those are listed in military time. That’s how we roll. In the slim chance we beat a game early, we will simply move on to the next. In the slimmer chance that we complete all of the games way early, we have a few back up ninja games that we will reveal at that time.

• »How are you handling give aways?
  

  Throughout the event we will give some things away. Don’t worry about what those things are specifically, but they will be ninja-tastic! The idea is to give away a random gift to a random donor during each main game that we play. We will keep track of when we start games and those who donate during the time when a specific game is being played will be elegible to win. Drawings will be held after we stop playing the particular game. Only donations of $10 or more are eligible to win. If no one donates during the time that a game is played, then that game’s prize is forfeit and no one wins. And then everyone is sad. If you win we will attempt to contact you via email. We will use your address only to send out the prize and for nothing else. You, of course, are under no obligation to provide us with any information if you do not wish.