Donations

• »What is Crowdrise?
  

  Crowdrise is a somewhat snarky fundraising service that allows us to not only create fundraisers for charities of our choice, but also have the possibility of giving back to those who are giving in the first place. It’s one big ol’ circle of giving. In the past we have used a service called ChipIn, and they are totally great and we love them, but this time we are trying out this new service to see how well it works. The only downside we have seen so far is that we no longer are able to have a widget directly on our page with an updated tally of donations. Have no fear, however, because we will be keeping a tally on the video screen for all to see. We also suggest you check out these wicked FAQs regarding Crowdrise and how it all works.

• »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?
  

  Crowdrise requires all donations be $10.00 or more in USD.

• »What do I get if I donate?
  

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

• »Do you keep any money?
  

  We definitely do not. None of the donations ever see any of our pockets. Your donations are processed through Crowdrise and go straight to the organization at hand. Crowdrise does take a bit just to help keep their operating costs under control and to offer rocking give-aways. Again, consult their FAQ for more details.

Video Stream

• »So you use Justin.tv for your video stream? What is that all about?
  

  Justin.tv is a site not-unlike Ustream or Livestream that allows us to broadcast streaming video to THE WORLD. We picked this site because it allowed for widescreen video and the use of Quicktime Broadcaster, our streamy program of choice. Other services work well, but most – if memory serves – force one to use their flash based streaming controlly thinger, and for us that wasn’t the best.

• »Where is the video stream?
  

  When the event begins the home page will change displaying the stream where the banner is, all thanks to magic (you wouldn’t believe the amount of fairy dust that goes into changing that banner). Until then there’s no reason to display a non-live video window. The chatroom will also be available at this time.

• »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, it’s very possible that you are behind a firewall preventing your viewing the live stream. Or maybe it’s a Flash thing. Or maybe a giant monster attacked your ISP. OR MAYBE it has something to do with ghosts. In any case, if you are having trouble with the feed, you might also consult the Justin.tv FAQ for assistance.

• »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. (OR MAYBE IT’S GHOSTS!) The only functional solution at this time is that we reset our connection and bring everything back online; let the compy breath for a while. This event usually takes 4-5 minutes and is announced well in advance. The chatroom is still available during this time. Or again, if no one else seems to be having any issues, it may be a Justin.tv issue, and you can see if their FAQ has any answers.

• »Oh hey, the video is all in one stream now!
  

  Indeed! We finally figured out how to display both the game and the people in one feed. In the end it was a very simple solution that makes us all look very silly for not doing it in the first place. This should dramatically reduce the lag that we had formerly experienced between the two video sources. Plus there should be less confusion with the chatroom since now there definitely is only one. Before there were two chatrooms because we were using two streams, and people would get all confused, and then we would be like, “DOODZ, the real chatroom is over here!” And then they’d be all, “RLY?” And then we’d be like, “YA RLY!” Now we don’t have to go through that.

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. Realistically, just don’t be that guy.
• 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.

• »Why is everyone named JustinFan15868453548=/9+*-+*68489 in the chat?
  

  That’s a good question. The answer is basically that any “guest” user of the chatroom is given the label JustinFanXXXX. We, unfortunately, have no control over that. It is pretty confusing for everyone, to be honest. It’s just the way that their chatroom is set up. If we could make it so that you could more easily choose your own screen name, we would. As it stands, only those with Justin.tv accounts will have their screen name shown in the chat. You can sign up for a Justin.tv account from their homepage.

• »Will there be mods? How many?
  

  1.) Yes, of course. 2.) One or Two most of the time. There should always be at least one.

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.”

• »What about SPLOITZ or HAX?!11
  

  See above.

• »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.

• »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! We will be happy to read comments and suggestions during our marathons. Just email us at comments@hardmode.org, or, you know, use the chatroom.

Event Specific Questions

• »So wait, is this for OHH or PLC?
  

  Both, actually. If that doesn’t make sense let’s try to clarify that a bit. Operation Healing Hearts is attempting to raise $30,000 for the Preemptive Love Coalition, and WE are trying to help OHH reach their goal. In the end, your donation will go to the PLC, but it will count towards OHH’s goal too. We have talked to both of these groups, and everything is on the up and up. Trust me. But don’t be surprised if the Crowdrise page lists PLC as the charity you will be donating to.

• »You know what would be cool to play? Operation.
  

  Don’t worry, we are way ahead of you. Well, we are at the same speed, at least. There will be a table to the side with Operation and Pandemic that we’ll cut to from time to time.

• »Why is Operation Healing Hearts hoping to raise $30,000?
  

  This number was not just arbitrarily picked out of a hat. Not only is that the estimated number of children that need heart surgery, it happens to be the exact number of dollars for what the Preemptive Love Coalition describes as a Remedy Mission: REMEDY MISSIONS are international pediatric heart surgery teams we bring to Iraq to perform surgeries on children and train doctors and nurses. Remedy Missions drastically reduce the cost of saving a life per child and reduce per hour training costs for Iraqis. The more we raise, the better we can help them meet their goal!