Steam

[NighEve*{MEOW}*]

Why are some features of Steam not available to me?
We've chosen to limit access to some community features as a means of protecting our customers from those who abuse Steam merely for evil purposes such as spamming and phishing. Only people using the platform to play games are able to directly connect with others. Spammers' and phishers' ability to send pesky invites and chat requests to strangers is thereby reduced, protecting legitimate users from annoyance and scams.
How can I gain access to these Steam features?
To access all features of Steam, simply purchase a game from the Steam store, redeem a Gift or Guest Pass* on Steam, or activate a retail game on Steam.

* Access to features may be limited to the duration of the Guest Pass.

Suddenly I cant add friends unless I purchase a game?  

[Zephran{MEOW}]

I remember when I was young and naive and didn't think steam was so bad.

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

I sign in and still see my firends - Confused 

[NighEve*{MEOW}*]

Oh i still have my friends that I started out with ... but now to add someone I need to have bought a game through steam.  I can't add any more friends.

[NighEve*{MEOW}*]

http://supportwiki.steampowered.com/wiki/Limited_User_Accounts

This makes me mad..I have been a part of steam for a long time.  Just because I dont purchase a game through them, I cant add friends even if they request ME>

[Raidien{MEOW}]

wow that is lame of them! is there a way to email them to "legitimize" your account?

[NighEve*{MEOW}*]

Yes, you have to jump through hoops to "make a ticket". New pass, user name, wait for validation...then the ticket system is based on drop-down choices, none of which fit the category of POed.

[Jugulator*{MEOW}*]

they say you can 'activate a game on steam" can you activate ARMAII? I bought mine through steam, maybe you can activate the retail version?

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

 
Might be a nice Steam replacement?

[NighEve*{MEOW}*]

they say you can 'activate a game on steam" can you activate ARMAII? I bought mine through steam, maybe you can activate the retail version?

I believe I activated it already?  I dont want to HAVE to open anything through Steam however.

[NighEve*{MEOW}*]

Might be a nice Steam replacement?

Dunno..wanna test it?

[THEKATZ*{MEOW}*]

Sure, I think a tool like this (Steam was a nice tool but...) could help keep a squad somewhat together.
I am not so sure we even have a squad any longer. 

[Jugulator*{MEOW}*]

"I am not so sure we even have a squad any longer."

well, Smooth, Kitty, Wild, Raidien, Jug, play bfbc2 on a reagular basis
Nigh and Fast sometimes play too.
If we had just one more regular person I think we would be a squad, not gonna name any names but
I think TK has this game too.

[Jugulator*{MEOW}*]

and I forgot to mention my good Friend Crazy, sorry bud. Crazy plays some too. might be a couple others who have it too

[NighEve*{MEOW}*]

Hello,

A staff member has replied to your question:

Hello Gloria, Thank you for contacting Steam Support. We have chosen to limit access to some community features as a means of protecting our customers from those who abuse Steam merely for purposes such as spamming and phishing. Only people who have purchased games are able to directly connect with others. Spammers' and phishers' ability to send invites and chat requests to strangers is thereby reduced, protecting legitimate users from annoyance and scams. For more information, please read the following FAQ: https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=3330-IAGK-7663

That doesnt wash.  What of the long-time members like me?  They should know that I am not a spammer.  I'm sorry, but it seems that they jsut want us to suddenly buy "somethng" to have the features. I may not have bought somethng, but most of my squad has...