It seems the guy at EK has put in a lot of effort to try and make it fair for everyone, and I really respect this effort.
The more people that these are widely available to, the less likely people will be paying rather inflated prices for items which are just accessories for the main attraction - the keyboard. From what EK says, the creator doesn't want his goods sold at high prices. None of the 'extra' money earned goes back to either of them anyway.
I don't have any CC's at all, and will be really happy to own just one.
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Just to help EK out in turns of suggestions/feedback, what I think/see are problems in the current system:
a) 30 days to pay
- Personally I think this is too long, if you can't pay in 48 hours, you should never have bought it in the first place, as you don't have the money. This leaves the option of advertising that you have a 'CC' for sale and presenting an opportunity of selling it at an inflated price in order to pay it off and profit.
b) Having an option where people buy things they don't need (i.e. Cherry MX keys when one only has a Topre) in the hope that the limited number of them can be traded for one that is wanted.
- There is something wrong with this - consumerism gone wrong: buying things you don't need; while I acknowledge that people may own both boards, there are many that only own one, and have done this to increase their chances of getting just 'one' of 'something'.
c) Reliance on data analysis/mining to catch cheats
- There is a significant time and effort cost in this, as EK is probably realizing. Whatever checks, there will be those that will find ways around by flaunting the unregistered system.
I really want to see hard penalties for those trying to play/cheat the system. If people registered, win one and don't want to pay - I really hope they don't get a chance to buy one again. It's not a game and there are people that really want just one.
Anyway, I was thinking how to make it fairer for all, and I would suggest something like a: "Pre-registration/Nomination system".
How this might work:
1. EK team to set up Member Registration for their website (all email, address info will be here)
2. Restriction of sale of specials to EK Members (i.e. not available for public sale, unless registered)
3. At time of a new sale, a registration page is available to nominate, in order/preference, say 3 keys only (any type: Topre, Cherry MX, or same ones).
4. EK can conduct his method of sale - i.e. 'first in first served' or 'drawing', or apply his multiplier effect if the same key is wanted (he suggested in previous posts)
5. The Member account on EK will record that you have been sold which item/how many - and should prevent you selecting or nominating that item again in future sales where it comes up. (i.e. limit 1 offer of a CC type that comes out).
6. Future improvement suggestions may be ways of bumping up the chances of those who have missed out on their nominations in previous sales, etc...
All payment option/address information will be tied to the EK Member registration, where data analysis can be done continuously over time - not just during a limited 'drawing' period.
What do others think - while there is no 'perfect' system - what is the way to maximize the availability of these to people and be a fairer system, given that these can only be made in a limited quantity? I'm sure EK will be interested in knowing too.
TL;DR:
Suggest your way of implementing a fairer CC sale for all.
