Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The end of an era...

tl;dr version: I'm getting out of the FAQ-maintaining business. Head over to www.getgluestickers.com for sticker guides if you're needing info on anything newer than what's been posted here. The forum here will remain open for anyone who wants to keep using it and the sticker reminder calendar will remain active, but there will be no future posts here on how to earn specific stickers.


The long version: How one guy wrote a FAQ and then got burned out, hard.

About a year ago I discovered GetGlue. It was a neat little check-in based social network / service that was centered around media activities instead of forcing the users to broadcast to the world where they were or trying to get them to find more and more "friends". I signed up for it because I thought it was a cool idea and because I knew I'd be able to earn some of the award stickers they made available to the users (one of the disadvantages of living in BFE is that you're never going to be able to use a service like Foursquare effectively). I jumped on the bandwagon, started earning stickers, and met some really cool people in the process. I ended up becoming one of the power users of the site, racking up sticker after sticker after sticker, and in the process I started to realize something was amiss over in GetGlue Land. People were asking me and the other power-users how to earn stickers a lot more often than one would have expected. It turned out that it was GetGlue's policy to not divulge the requirements for earning a sticker, because it takes away from the "fun" of using the site. How "driving yourself mad while checking-in to everything under the sun, trying to figure out how to get a sticker to trigger" equates to "fun" is beyond me, but that's neither here nor there. After answering a newbie's question on how to get the "Magnetic" sticker for the umpteenth time, I decided to take action. If no one over at GetGlue was going to provide a FAQ for sticker requirements then I should do it.

So I did it. I grabbed a copy of my own sticker list as well as the sticker list of a fellow power-user that I was using as a checklist, and started filling in the blanks. At the time there were under 300 stickers in total but it was still a daunting task. I tried my best to provide the proper information to go with the check-ins so other users could earn the stickers they wanted. I set up the reminder calendar, forums, a Twitter feed and I watched it grow while trying to keep up a 0-day update schedule on sticker postings.

Time passes, as it does, and over the past nine months I have become increasingly disillusioned with GetGlue. It was fun at first, playing the game-within-a-game, trying to figure out the sticker requirements, seeing who could be the first to get the sticker to pop, et cetera. I created the FAQ because I got sick of seeing people flailing around, trying unsuccessfully to get things to work. I got tired of doing GetGlue's job for them, answering question after question from the newbies that came to the power-users for help because GetGlue wouldn't give them any help. But most of all, I got tired of GetGlue in general. Sticker awarding glitches were hand-waved away with canned responses that amounted to "oh, you must not be doing it right" (no, we were following what you set forth as the rules before, your system was just broken). Their attempt to introduce QR codes as a check-in method was a major source of outrage for the community (let's just award the stickers to the privileged few that just happen to be able to get to the code, shall we? Thank goodness we broke that code quickly). Numerous UI changes were made, many of them not for the better. Moving the goalposts in regards to sticker requirements (e.g. turning Season Superfan stickers into what basically equals Full Season stickers without prior warning) has happened more and more frequently. These are just a few of the things that I've seen, and in the process the fun has been sucked out of using the site. It's not the same place it was when I discovered it. The social interaction has been replaced by a Skinner Box-like interface where we click on a button like mindless rats, hoping a reward in the form of a sticker will appear. The chatter on topics is mostly gone, replaced by hordes of users checking-in with null comments that push any social interaction out of the way so that no one sees it. Users from other countries play the "let's see how many Gurus we can amass on the cool topics" game while spamming plagiarized reviews all over the site. And let's not forget the stalker-types that get their panties in a bunch and throw a hissy fit because they can't get enough followers to maintain a Guru, so they claim everyone is out to get them and then try and stir up drama using fake accounts. Requests for stickers go un-filled and then get blamed on the post office (here's a thought - how about you actually put our names on the envelopes instead of "GetGlue Fan" or our screen name from the site?). Support gives canned answers 90% of the time, with the exception being one shining ray of helpfulness. Suggestions for improvements for the site that would actually help users go ignored. Requirements for stickers get jerked back and forth like a cow in a tornado, and if we bug the Powers That Be about them moving the goalposts or screwing up the awarding of a sticker we get told that we were doing it wrong and don't qualify for the sticker, if we even get a reply at all. A friend once told me, "When it stops being fun and starts being work, that's the time to think about getting out." I've hit that point.

So to that end, there will be no further updates to this site. It will be left up, as a reference guide to what has gone before and a memorial to the fun that I had over the last year maintaining it. I'll still be around on GetGlue, the forums here will remain open, and the calendar will continue to be updated, but the updates here on the blog will cease.

For those of you who still enjoy GetGlue, I suggest you head over to Steven's site, getgluestickers.com - I'll be hanging out over there as well as the forums here, so feel free to catch me in either place.

It's been a fun ride. Thanks for joining me on it. Happy sticker hunting.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Forum Problems as well as general posting issues

Sorry for the inconvenience, but the forum is down right now due to some issues on Vanilla's end. I've entered a trouble ticket and hopefully it'll be fixed soon. Also, there have been some issues with posting to Blogger tonight and I haven't been able to get anything to post properly. I'm hoping this goes through. Sorry for the outages, guys. :(

Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban sticker

Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban

Beware of the Dementors! Conjure up a Patronus to shield yourself against despair by saying the words Expecto Patronum! Watch how the expert wizards and witches fend of Dementors when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 opens in theaters on 7/15. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at Warner Bros..

Req: Check-in to Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban starting 20 Jun, 2011
Note: This one is time-limited, just like the others, so be sure to grab it A.S.A.P.

Mr. Popper's Penguins Box Office sticker

Mr. Popper's Penguins Box Office

They may be a handful, but Mr. Popper's Penguins are quite an adorable bunch. Don't you wish you could keep a penguin as a pet now? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at 20th Century Fox.

Req: Check-in to Mr. Popper's Penguins during its box office run starting 20 Jun, 2011

Green Lantern Box Office sticker

Green Lantern Box Office

You are now honorary members of the Green Lantern Corps. The brotherhood thanks you for protecting justice and peace in the universe-and for seeing the movie! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at Warner Bros..

Req: Check-in to Green Lantern during its box office run starting 20 Jun, 2011

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Falling Skies: Mech and Skitter stickers

I want one!!!

Falling Skies: Mech

The mysterious Mechs present a threat to the 2nd Mass and humanity. What do you find most dangerous about them? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at TNT.

Req: Check-in to Falling Skies during an airing and mention "mech"






With a face only their mother could love...
Falling Skies: Skitter

The aliens in Falling Skies have invaded, and it's up to the 2nd Mass to resist them. What do you think of Earth's newest residents? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at TNT.

Req: Check-in to Falling Skies during an airing and mention "skitter"

New York Red Bulls Kickoff sticker

New York Red Bulls Kickoff

You're cheering on the New York Red Bulls on MSG or MSG+. What was your favorite play of the match? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at MSG Network.

 Req: Live Check-in to the New York Red Bulls during one of their games

The Killing Season One Superfan and Finale

The Killing Season One Superfan

You haven't missed a moment of AMC's latest acclaimed series. Thanks for watching The Killing when it airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at AMC.

Req: Live Check-in to The Killing at least 10x over the season





The Killing Season One Finale

You're watching the season finale of AMC's gripping drama The Killing. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at AMC.

Req: Check-in to The Killing during its finale on 19 Jun, 2011

Falling Skies Premiere sticker

Falling Skies Premiere

You've joined the resistance by watching the series premiere of Falling Skies. See what else happens to the 2nd Mass Sundays at 10/9c. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at TNT.

Req: Check-in to Falling Skies during its premiere on 19 Jun, 2011

Masterpiece Mystery: Poirot sticker

Masterpiece Mystery: Poirot

You're watching Hercule Poirot on Masterpiece Mystery, Sundays at 9pm. Three Act Tragedy, The Clocks, and Hallowe'en Party find the legendary detective solving murders with the help of a few friends. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PBS.

Req: Check-in to Masterpiece during its airing on 19 Jun, 2011

Game of Thrones - Blood Of The Dragon sticker

Blood Of The Dragon

Do you have the blood of the dragon in your veins? Thanks for watching the season finale of Game of Thrones on HBO. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at HBO.

Req: Check-in to Game of Thrones during its airing on 19 Jun, 2011

The Glee Project: Cameron sticker

The Glee Project: Cameron

Nerd out with this sweet Cameron sticker! Share this one proudly & watch The Glee Project Sundays at 9/8c. It's brought to you by Verizon and our friends at Oxygen.

Req: Check-in to The Glee Project during its airing on 19 Jun, 2011

AFI Morgan Freeman sticker

AFI Morgan Freeman

You're watching Morgan Freeman as he's given American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award on TV Land. Which of his film roles is your favorite? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at TV Land.

Req: Check-in to TV Land showing of the AFI Life Achievement Award during its airing on 19 Jun, 2011

NASCAR on TNT - Michigan and TNT RaceBuddy sticker

TNT RaceBuddy #1

You’re watching RaceBuddy’s enhanced coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing Summer Series race LIVE from Michigan! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at NASCAR on TNT.

Req: Check-in to NASCAR on TNT via the web widget on the NASCAR / TNT promo page on 19 Jun, 2011
Note: Yes, this sticker was supposed to be live for the Pocono race last week. Looks like someone forgot to redo the page to include the web widget.


Michigan

You’re watching NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing LIVE from Michigan on TNT! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at NASCAR on TNT.

Req: Check-in to NASCAR on TNT during the race on 19 Jun, 2011

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Come Fly With Me Premiere

Come Fly With Me Premiere

Come Fly With Me is a gloriously magnificent mockumentary set in an airport terminal, starring Little Britain’s Matt Lucas and David Walliams as they play over 50 characters from flight crew and check-in to paparazzi and passengers. It gives a hilarious perspective of Britain’s busiest airport and the people who work in and pass through it every day. Part of the MINISTRY OF LAUGHS, BBC America's new comedy block, hosted by Chris Hardwick, Saturdays 10/9c. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at BBC America.

Req: Check-in to Come Fly With Me during its airing on 18 Jun, 2011

Inbetweeners Premiere

Inbetweeners Premiere

The Inbetweeners return for an all-new, painfully funny season of awkwardness, idiocy and sexual misadventure. Part of the MINISTRY OF LAUGHS, BBC America's new comedy block, hosted by Chris Hardwick, Saturdays 10/9c. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at BBC America.

Req: Check-in to The Inbetweeners during its airing on 18 Jun, 2011

Bad Teacher - Scott Delacorte

Scott Delacorte

Watch as two rival teachers--Elizabeth Halsey and her overly energetic colleague, Amy--compete for Scott Delacorte's affections when Bad Teacher opens in theaters on 6/24. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at Sony Pictures.

Req: Check-in to Bad Teacher starting 18 Jun, 2011

HBO Boxing - Alvarez Vs. Rhodes sticker

Alvarez Vs. Rhodes

You're watching as veteran Ryan Rhodes takes on the quickly ascending Canelo Alvarez on HBO Boxing After Dark. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at HBO Sports.

Req: Check-in to HBO Boxing during the fight on 18 Jun, 2011

I've got a beef with the stickers in this set, but I'm going to save it for another post.

Girlfight sticker

Girlfight

You're watching Michelle Rodriguez kick butt in Girlfight, part of MSG's Cinema Weekends. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at MSG Network.

Req: Check-in to Girlfight during its airing on 18 Jun, 2011

Rock The House Premiere

Rock The House Premiere

You're watching Rock the House on Hallmark Channel. Will family win out over work for Max? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at Hallmark Channel.

Req: Check-in to Rock The House during its airing on 18 Jun, 2011

Friday, June 17, 2011

PopSugarTV Diehard sticker

Fifty flippin' check-ins...
The things we'll do to earn a sticker...

PopSugarTV Diehard

Thanks to watching PopSugarTV, you know more about celebrities than their mothers! That's 50 check-ins to PopSugarTV! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in to PopSugarTV 50x

Rick James Fan sticker

She's a super-freak!
Super-freak!
She's super-freakyyyyy!

Rick James Fan

From his funk-tacular music to his trademark style, you love everything about this influential hitmaker, which is why you checked-in 5 times. *Not available in print. Share this one proudly. It's from our friend Rick James.

Req: Like and Check-in to Rick James 5x

State Of Georgia Coming Soon sticker

State Of Georgia Coming Soon

Look out New York, Georgia Chamberlin has arrived! Don’t miss the world premiere of the new ABC Family original comedy State of Georgia Wednesday, June 29 at 8:30/7:30c! Raven-Symoné stars as Georgia, an aspiring actress with a larger than life personality who movies with her best friend Jo (Majandra Delfino)from the South to New York City so she can become famous! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at ABC Family.

Req: Check-in to State of Georgia before its premiere on 29 Jun, 2011

Melissa & Joey Coming Soon sticker

Long sticker flavor text is long...

Melissa & Joey Coming Soon

Don’t miss the hilarious summer premiere of the hit ABC Family original comedy series Melissa & Joey! Melissa Joan Hart stars as Mel, a former wild child of a political family who is now a local politician herself. When her sister ends up in prison and brother-in-law flees after a scandal hits, Mel must take responsibility for her niece and nephew. Spread too thin to manage by herself, help comes in the unlikely form of Joe (Joey Lawrence) who, desperate for a job, moves in and becomes the family's "manny." Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at ABC Family.

Req: Check-in to Melissa & Joey before the premiere on 29 Jun, 2011

Masterpiece Mystery Coming Soon sticker

Masterpiece Mystery Coming Soon

Masterpiece Mystery's Summer of Intrigue begins on June 19 with Poirot and continues with Miss Marple and Zen. Watch Masterpiece on PBS on Sundays at 9pm. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PBS.

Req: Check-in to Masterpiece before the Summer of Intrigue premiere on 19 Jun, 2011

Happiness By Alexis Jordan sticker

Happiness By Alexis Jordan

You are happy just listening to Alexis Jordan's vibrant and compelling voice as she belts out this song about acceptance and empowerment. Share this one proudly. It's from our friend Alexis Jordan.

Req: Check-in to Alexis Jordan and mention "Happiness"

J. Cole On Tour sticker

J. Cole On Tour

You are totally pumped to see this fresh and fierce rapper take to the stage and perform his music live. You'll be rocking to his beats and so will we. Share this one proudly. It's from our friend J. Cole.

Req: Check-in to J. Cole and mention a tour location
Note: Many people have been using "Minneapolis" - if that doesn't work, check the list of events at his website

Graham Norton Fan sticker

Graham Norton Fan

The UK's wildest talk show, with Hollywood's biggest stars. Part of the MINISTRY OF LAUGHS, BBC America's new comedy block, hosted by Chris Hardwick, Saturdays 10/9c. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at BBC America.

Req: Like and Check-in 5x to Graham Norton

Come Fly With Me Fan sticker

Come Fly With Me Fan

Congrats - you're a Come Fly With Me fan. You can't get enough of Melody, Keeley, Fearghal, and Ian Foot. In fact, you're practically Omar Baba himself! Part of the MINISTRY OF LAUGHS, BBC America's new comedy block, hosted by Chris Hardwick, Saturdays 10/9c. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at BBC America.

Req: Like and Check-in 5x to Come Fly With Me

Inbetweeners Fan sticker

Inbetweeners Fan

Congrats - you're an Inbetweeners-aholic. You can't get enough of Will, Simon, Neil & Jay. It's almost like you're a student at Rudge Park Comprehensive! Part of the MINISTRY OF LAUGHS, BBC America's new comedy block, hosted by Chris Hardwick, Saturdays 10/9c. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at BBC America.

Req: Like and Check-in 5x to The Inbetweeners

Green Lantern Opening Weekend sticker

Green Lantern Opening Weekend

You must have Green Lantern superpowers because you just willed yourself to the front of the line to see this movie during opening weekend. Thank you watching Green Lantern. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at Warner Bros..

Req: Check-in to Green Lantern during its opening weekend, 17-19 Jun, 2011

Mr. Popper's Penguins Opening Weekend sticker

Mr. Popper's Penguins Opening Weekend

There's no better way to celebrate Father's Day than to treat your old man to see this fun family comedy in theaters. Why not give your dad a hug, too? Thank you for watching Mr. Popper's Penguins. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at 20th Century Fox.

Req: Check-in to Mr. Popper's Penguins during its opening weekend, 17-19 Jun, 201

Selena Gomez On GMA On June 17! sticker

I bet the NYC cops HATE these
summer concert events. Crowd control
has to be a a bitch to deal with.
Selena Gomez On GMA On June 17!

You're watching Selena Gomez rock Central Park--and Good Morning America--with this Summer Concert Series performance. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at Good Morning America.

Req: Check-in to Good Morning America during its airing on 17 Jun, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

PopSugar Sticker Set

PopSugarTV Fan

You know who's dating whom and who's wearing what. You've liked PopSugarTV and checked-in 5 times! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 5x to PopSugarTV





PopSugarTV Superfan

Whether we're talking about Kim, Katy, or Kristen, you know all the latest dish on on celebrities thanks to your PopSugarTV habit. That's 15 check-ins to PopSugarTV! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 15x to PopSugarTV
Note: There is also a DieHard Fan sticker for PopSugarTV - it requires 50 (!!!) check-ins. I'll post it as soon as I get it earned.


BellaSugarTV Fan

Your skin glows, your hair shines...someone's been learning beauty tips from BellaSugarTV! You've liked BellaSugarTV and checked-in 5 times! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 5x to BellaSugarTV





BellaSugarTV Superfan

You can rock red lipstick and create an updo with ease thanks to 15 check-ins to BellaSugarTV. What's been your favorite beauty tip from them so far? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 15x to BellaSugarTV





FitSugarTV Fan

With 5 check-ins to FitSugarTV, you're really on the ball--the exercise ball, that is. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 5x to FitSugarTV






FitSugarTV Superfan

You've checked-in to FitSugarTV 15 times. Are you a personal trainer, or do you just look like one? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 15x to FitSugarTV





YumSugarTV Fan

With five check-ins to YumSugarTV, you can mix a mean mint julep, and your macaroni and cheese is good enough to start a feeding frenzy. Thanks for watching YumSugarTV! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 5x to YumSugarTV




YumSugarTV Superfan

You've checked-in to YumSugarTV 15 times and learned great tips for food, drinks, and entertaining. Is it rude if we invite ourselves over? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 15x to YumSugarTV





FabSugarTV Fan

You're a fashion queen who rules the runway. You've liked FabSugarTV and checked-in 5 times! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 5x to FabSugarTV





FabSugarTV Superfan

With 15 check-ins to FabSugarTV, you know all the coolest fashion tips. Can we raid your closet? Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at PopSugar.

Req: Like and Check-in 15x to FabSugarTV

Leverage Coming Soon sticker

Leverage Coming Soon

The Leverage crew has to deal with more than just crime in the season premiere; the harsh terrain of Alaska threatens them, too. Tune in when Leverage returns on Sunday, June 26 at 9/8c to see what happens. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at TNT.

Req: Check-in to Leverage before its season premiere on 26 Jun, 2011

Mr. Popper's Penguins - Lovey sticker

Lovey

Lovey is about to be the proud father of three adorable penguin chicks. Find out if he'll ever be reunited with his family when Mr. Popper's Penguins opens in theaters on 6/17. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at 20th Century Fox.

Req: Check-in to Mr. Popper's Penguins on 16 Jun, 2011

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Happily Divorced Premiere sticker

Happily Divorced Premiere

Fran Drescher is back to TV! Tune in to Happily Divorced Wednesdays at 10:30/9:30c on TV Land. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at TV Land.

Req: Check-in to Happily Divorced during its premiere on 15 Jun, 2011

Toddlers & Tiaras Premiere sticker

Ugh... people really watch this train wreck?
Toddlers & Tiaras Premiere

It's the TLC Summer moment you've been waiting for. Fan-favorite Makenzie goes head-to-head against pageant legend Eden Wood. Are you on Team Makenzie or Team Eden? VOTE NOW on TLC.com ! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at TLC.

Req: Check-in to Toddlers & Tiaras during its premiere on 15 Jun, 2011

Hot In Cleveland Premiere sticker

Hot In Cleveland Premiere

The ladies are back! Tune in Wednesdays at 10/9c on TV Land to see what antics they are up to this season. Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at TV Land.

Req: Check-in to Hot In Cleveland during its premiere on 15 Jun, 2011

Man V. Food Nation: Tulsa sticker

Man V. Food Nation: Tulsa

You're watching Adam Richman tour through Tulsa to tackle the largest dishes he can find. Thanks for watching Man v. Food Nation tonight! Share this one proudly. It's from our friends at Travel Channel.

Req: Check-in to Man V. Food Nation during its airing on 15 Jun, 2011