I often post Xbox LIVE Marketplace codes on my Twitter account, as well as other places on the internet. As a result, I get many questions about the codes so here is a FAQ that will attempt to address the questions:
Q: What are these codes see you post?
A: These are codes for an item on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. If you guess the code, you'll win that item for free.
Q: Where do I redeem the code?
A: You can redeem it on your Xbox 360 or Xbox.com While signed into Xbox LIVE, go to the Marketplace blade, then select "Redeem Code." From there, use the keyboard to type in the code. On Xbox.com, go to this page (after you sign in) and enter the code. Hint: Pasting the code will work with some browsers.
Q: What are the question marks (?) I see in some of the codes?
A: To make it more challenging, I sometimes replace one (or more) of the code characters with a question mark. You need to guess the missing character(s) to win. The format of all codes is five groups of five letters/numbers.
Q: I entered the code, but I get an error that the code is not valid! I know I entered it it correctly.
A: You probably did enter the code correctly, but someone has already redeemed the code.
Q: What do you mean someone entered the code already?
A: Each code I post is only good ONCE. That means that the first person to correctly enter the code, will get the item for free.
Q: I KNOW I was the first person to enter the code, yet I still got the error.
A: See above. Someone entered the code before you. Sorry.
Q: How do people enter the code so quick!
A: They may own an Xbox 360 Chatpad, or be using a USB Keyboard. The Xbox 360 will recognize most wired USB Keyboards. It is much quicker to enter codes using one of these methods.
Q: Where do you get these codes?
A: Many publishers provide them to me to share with the community.
Q: I was working / sleeping/ eating/ taking a test/ stuck in traffic when you posted the code. Can you send me one?
A: No. Sorry.
Q: It's my birthday! Can you send me a code?
A: No. But Happy Birthday.
Q: When do you give them out? Is it a certain time/day?
A: I post them when I have codes, when I have a spare moment or when I think of it. There is no rhyme or reason.
Q: Are the codes good where I live?
A: Most of the codes I post are valid for all Xbox LIVE regions.
Q: I am a publisher/developer...how can I give you codes to share?
A: Email me. Major - at Xbox com
Q: Wait. What's the code for?
A: Don't skim this page...read it!
Q: I did not win anything. Can I have a pony?
A: No. At this time ponies are not available from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Update: You can now purchase a Pony for your Avatar from the Marketplace.