Ultimate Game Card

Fri, November 20 2009

So, I’ve mentioned that I play Maplestory a time or two and while it;’s free, there is a cahss hop where players can buy all sorts of things from abilities to stats changes special armor to pets. When Nexon announced they were going to have a special where you could buy a white tiger pet and it would be permanent, instead of expiring after 90 days, I decided to go for it. Previously, I saw a game card by the registers at Wal-mart which said it would work for Maplestory as well as a host of other games so I picked it up on the way out the other night.

Unlike actual Nexon cash cards, the $20 Ultimate Game Card can be used with games such as Runescape, Silkroad and Trickster Online. It’s also pretty ugly but that’s pretty inconsequential. ;) And, unlike a regular cash card, one does not simply go to the regular page to add a card to one’s account. Instead, I had to go through the process of selecting NX (Nexon’s currency) and then use the Ultimate Game Card as payment by selecting PayByCash. I was then taken to the PayByCash site which allows me to choose a payment method, including the Ultimate Game Card as well as these other methods:

• Cash (through the mail) – US Dollars
• Money Order or Cashiers Check by Mail
• Moneybookers
• BOKU – Pay by Mobile (Mobillcash)
• Western Union QuickPay
• WebMoney Transfer
• TravelersExpress MoneyGram

After entering my information and card number, the process was complete and I was directed back to the Maplestory site. The amount loaded into the cash shop immediately and easily. However, I had to go through the process twice because I bought a $20 card and the Maplestory site only has options for $5, $10, or $30 increments. This meant I got 4 e-mails (2 for each transaction, one from Nexon and one from PayByCash). Regardless, I now have a cute white tiger to pick up my Mesos and help me get rich.

I was surprised at the extra steps it took to redeem the card and this might be confusing for some if they don’t take the time to read the instructions on the back (I didn’t at first) but I’d probably buy the Ultimate Game Card again in the future.

The End of the World As We Know It

Thu, November 19 2009

Since seeing 2012 (which was pretty good), I have been thinking and blogging about the end of the world over at Her Realm. I know I’d be screwed in a doomsday situation, and probably even a less serious natural disaster because I would never take the precautions to install a generator or set up rain barrels. I’d try to survive by moving someplace safer but would only do so if I could take the kitties. Otherwise, I’d hunker down with my boys and wait out the end.

The FTC and Me

Wed, November 18 2009

It seems like a lot of folks are up in arms at the announcement that FTC is going to look at blog advertisements (including product and service reviews) as a form of marketing/PR efforts and, as such, has decided to implement some guidelines about how those should be done, you know, ethically. I have never been worried because I’ve only ever done one review one Reviews by Cole which was for a free product (also, I solicited the creator, not the other way around), all of my reviews are (sometimes painfully) honest anyway and none of my paid blogging qualifies as reviewing but lately I’ve been seeking out ways I can bring new reviews and giveaways to my visitors.

In fact, I’ve been joining blogger-PR networking sites in hopes that I can become more awesome. I’ve joined SheBlogs, BlogHer, Blog Friendly PR (forums) and The Product Review Place to put out feelers for companies who might like to work with me. I’ve made contact with 3 companies (CSN Stores, Skin Free and Arm & Hammer) that will be providing me with product in exchange for review and I hope that number increases as it allows for this site to be better than evar, really!

And yet, I’m still not worried about the FTC coming after lil ol’ me. For the record, they do not intend to seek out individual bloggers but rather the companies who are promoting sleazy PR moves. You can read more about how the FTC guidelines may or may not blog you at Marketing Roadmaps (the author breaks down the guidelines in a way everyone can understand!) and you can read more about sponsorship on Reviews by Cole on my brand new Sponsorship FAQ page (which is also linked in the sidebar).

To Venus and Back

Tue, November 17 2009

My first razor that was all my own (you know, when I stopped using my mom’s razor; did other chicks do that?) was a Venus. It had just come out when I was a lowly bagger/checker at a grocery store and it was awesome to all grown up like that. I was impressed and even upgraded when the Venus Divine came out. I don’t remember why I switched or if I felt the Venus blades weren’t doing well enough. I can’t recall if I noticed a big improvement with the Divine blades but I stuck with them and still use them to this day.

Until Wal-mart runs out. Then I make some sacrifices and I decide maybe I can just use the regular Venus blades and it will all be okay. WRONG! I was wrong. I tried to live with it but was just so sick of the blood on all my white linens. I broke down and made Ryan take me to the ghetto Wal-mart to go back to my former love. I will never forsake you again, Venus Divine. Never. I promise. I now know why I left Venus for you and, with you, I will always stay.

My maiden name has the same number of letters as Mickey Mouse

Mon, November 16 2009

Ryan and I sometimes plan where we’re like to go for our “honeymoon.” He suggested Disney World once and I think it’s be fun and I’d definitely be able to see some characters but.. I’ve already gone to two Disney theme parks and as much fun as it would be to stay at one of the disney world resorts and see fireworks and ride monorails and go to all the related parks, it’s just not romantic. I totally want to go to Niagara Falls, instead. Plus, I bet that’s a lot cheaper.