How in the world do you get an IRK?!
6I’ve been a member for about 4 years now (the read every post and never comment type), and I only really started trying for an IRK about a year and a half ago. No luck, although I’ve gotten close. I don’t understand how some of you manage to hit the buy button so much faster than me (I thought .7 seconds was pretty fast). Sigh That’s all, just wanted to rant.
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I got m first one yesterday![:heart_on_fire:](https://dj5zo597wtsux.cloudfront.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/2764-1f525.png)
Pure luck
I’m always shocked when I manage to get one - I try to do the same thing every time but the results definitely vary. I couldn’t tell you what’s different when I succeed - so I think it’s mostly luck too.
I’ve likewise gotten a couple, but not lately for numerous reasons, mostly related to being at work (remember that as a thing…?) and not keeping up with the opportunities. That being said yesterday I missed on both tries, having a captcha pop up is the kiss of death. Not sure why sometimes it does, and not others. Especially since I had been logged-in and busy on the forums for a while so obviously was not a robot (at least not at that time…!)
As a fellow robot, I understand your pain.
@mediocrebot
![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
I have accomplished it precisely once. This is the PC environment recipe that finally worked:
Preparation:
Now, position the mouse cursor on the Buy button and wait for the countdown to hit the magic refresh point, and hit ctrl-R to get the new item. If it’s an IRK, your mouse pointer is already poised for an immediate click on the Buy button, so do it. As fast as possible, catch the checkbox for the not-a-robot, preferably when the initial small box loads at the top of the window, and then nail the Buy It Already button as soon as it paints.
Nothing I tried prior to this ever worked. Good luck.
@werehatrack
FWIW ctrl-R is the same as pressing the F5 key (which only takes one hand…)
@chienfou @werehatrack I do CTRL-F5 on windoze PC.
@cfg83 @werehatrack
The shortcut is CTRL+F5 will fetch a new version of the page from the server regardless of any local cache. F5 will access the cache for any unchanged bits.
https://www.debugbar.com/difference-between-f5-and-shift-f5/
@chienfou @werehatrack I don’t have a CTRL or F5 button on my Android phone.
@cengland0
then you are hosed!
@cengland0 @chienfou
Neither do I, which is why I noted that my recipe was PC-based. People claim to get them with their phones, but I have had no such luck.
@cengland0 @werehatrack
![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
@werehatrack Also make sure your computer clock is synced to the real world, if you’re running slow nothing else matters.
This is a non-issue on phones, they’re probably the most accurate clock you own.
@werehatrack This is amazing advice! Maybe now I’ll have a chance.
@blaineg
Actually, my Prep item #1 covers that issue better, because there is every reason to suspect that the Meh server is going to be running several seconds faster than NIST at any given time. So instead of trying for a sync against an invisible target, I find out how much of an error to compensate for, and force the refresh accordingly.
@cengland0 @chienfou @werehatrack Agreed. I would never consider a Phartsmone when I am IRKing around.
@chienfou @werehatrack IME the local cache has sabotaged me from time to time. F5 may be better on paper, but the pachinko machine of browser software is a fickle bunch of silly marbles that often bounce around in strange and self-serving ways. I am just repeating my computer voodoo. The computer voodoo that you do may vary.
IMO the key is timing + luck + determination. If your timing isn’t working then you need to vary it by a smidge. I have crappy DSL, so I need to turn off other stuff like video streaming.
I won my first IRK yesterday and I was completely shocked. I hit refresh on the 1 second mark as usual, but it’s generally the lag between the not-robot captcha and the buy button that kills me. I think I just lucked out that I was a hair faster than someone else. As long as I don’t get weed socks and putty, I’ll be happy.
Beep beep boop boop. (I assume if you failed CAPTCHA you now understand Robot.)
I think also there all of a sudden became a bunch of new people trying to get irks. Like word got out or something. I just noticed one metathon that I didn’t know any of the names of the people that were posting that they got one. That was the same time the lowered the amount of irks to where they are now and it was my first time missing one since I started getting them.
It’s a very High Security, Top Level Secret!!![:shushing_face:](https://dj5zo597wtsux.cloudfront.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/1f92b.png)
![:zany_face:](https://dj5zo597wtsux.cloudfront.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/1f92a.png)
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(did they believe it so that only I can keep getting them??)
@IndifferentDude
As for why I gave away so much that probably reduces my own chance of success, well, it’s simple. Having “scored” one, and looked at the recaps of the contents of what others have received, my enthusiasm is a bit blunted.
Frank-ly, I’ve seen it.
This was a super interesting thread. I also appreciate the advice guys!
I don’t want to give away all the tricks but I will tell you that it’s a game of skill and internet speed doesn’t matter as much as some people would like you to think it does.
Since speed matters, be sure that you’re already signed in so it doesn’t prompt you for your login credentials when you’re trying to buy.
It helps to already be a member because if you have to select a shipping option or to become a member on the purchase screen, that small click delay may be enough to exclude you from the sale. Some people even select to become a member during the purchase and it was successful in making them a member but still selling out of the product.
Make sure your credit card details is correct ahead of time and that you do not use anything weird like Visa’s special authentication feature that requires you to verify your identity before continuing.
Read what @werehatrack said above and think about that because it’s important. Although those are instructions specifically for people using Windows and a mouse, you need to understand the implications and customize that technique for whatever OS you’re using and/or your phone/tablet.
@cengland0
Actually this isn’t entirely true although when you reload affects (accommodates for) some of what I am saying below.
Connection speed does matter if we are talking loading with respect to how fast stuff sells out. As a result how fast your page needs to load to have a chance matters. Fiber optic is far faster to up and down load a page than cable which is faster than DSL which is faster than dial up. Remember you are not only loading the initial page, you are also clicking buy, that takes time to upload, you then have to reload the buy page, check the box (pretty much doomed if you have to check the cross walks unless meh has a glitch), and upload this back to meh.
Related to that is ping/latency. Slower load speed due to high ping is a killer. These days I can only get one if I happen not to be home as my ping there is 170+ OR if there is a meh website glitch if I am home.
While with these things, with respect to initial page loading, you can somewhat accommodate for those factors with when you actually reload the page when the current deal ends per meh’s counter. That will get the page up “sooner” but it still doesn’t control the back and forth it takes to actually then load the page after you hit buy and send back that filled out form to meh. When completing the buy process those factors matter too. You may load more quickly initially, but then take longer once you have loaded and hit buy because of things out of your control (and I am ignoring having to do anything other than check the box).
And of course there is luck involved when a zillion people are trying to get something where there are so few and so many trying.
@Kidsandliz We can agree to disagree. Look at what @Elstaf77 said below. Using the same hardware and internet was unable to get one but his daughter is.
I have the slowest internet you can get from the suckiest service in my area and I have been able to get them with my phone, my tablet, my Mac OS machine, and my Windows machine. I even did a remote connection home to use my home machine to buy one so that was two connections with two latency added up. I’ve used my home internet as well as 3G and 4G connections to get them while at the gym. I’ve bought one while driving to the airport to pick someone up. It is definitely a skills based game and you are welcome to disagree.
I will say that if you have a slow computer, that might prevent you from getting one. Different computers in my house render the page at different speeds even though they use the same internet connection. The slowest computer I have is an old Macbook Pro that is old enough to still have a DVD burner in it running Snow Leopard. That computer takes about 7 seconds to load the page and would never be fast enough to buy an IRK so I don’t even try.
There’s no rule that says you must use the DNS server provided by your internet company (hint, hint) if your latency is slow.
I stopped buying them for a couple months but have always been able to get them in the past. In fact, now that they are offering them all day long and I have an OCD habit of trying to get all the faces, I see those IRKs throughout the day and was unable to pass up the temptation of buying them. I have a compulsive sickness of hoarding junk so I’ve been buying them again without telling my girlfriend because I know she would be mad at me. I watch the Fedex tracking so I can sneak the box inside my office without her knowing. If she finds out, she will be disappointed in me because I told her that I’m not buying anymore (that lasted for about 2 months). At least I don’t try very hard to get them now. I used to stress about it and get nervous and anxious all day until I finally score one. Now I have the “I don’t care attitude” about them and that has been helping me but it’s hard not to click that buy button when it seems there’s one popping up at least once or twice every hour.
@cengland0 @Elstaf77 What I wrote about I double checked with an IT website to make sure this was true.
It may be that his/your daughter has quicker reflexes and certainly being marginally faster at clicking will put you in front of those who are slower clicking. Reflex speed slows down with age. And, as all of us know, luck has a lot to do with it when there are far more people than irks. Correlation does not mean causation.
I feel like OPENING them is the real frustration.![:)](https://dj5zo597wtsux.cloudfront.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/1f642.png)
@ACraigL Frankly, I’d like to find out.
If you’re trying to get an IRK, you’re putting way too much effort into it.
Also, make an offering to Thor.
And always remember:
BTW, I forgot to welcome you to the insanity that comes with posting on these forums…
@chienfou Yes, we’re a lovely bunch of coconuts.
@chienfou That’s alright. Thought I’d finally bite the bullet, I’ve been here long enough.
You said you’ve been trying for a year and a half? I think people have been trying for much longer, so so maybe you’ll end up getting one more quickly than others. What was the thing before this? I never got one even though it was years. I’ve gotten thre IKR and I think all of them have been been unexpected, like checking in on a mehrethon and having the page load right then.
Tbh I really only do it for the bag so I don’t really ever think I’m losing out on something.
OK, I’m feeling a bit of “IRK Hoarder’s Remorse” so I’ll give a few tips on how I acquire my bountiful boxes of beautiful IRK-iness.
As @werehatrack mentioned, it’s crucial to click the"not a robot" box as soon as you see it!! Then, after the “Buy It” button appears, click it and hope your quickness has paid off! It also helps to have the page minimized enough where the whole order box appears so you don’t waste time scrolling! There’s several ways to do this according to how your browser works. I use the “Control” and “-” (minus) buttons myself.
Also, several previous posts mention that using Google helps by reducing your chances of getting the dreaded “find the correct images” game (otherwise known as Capt-cha). I use their search engine a lot and keep signed into several of their apps.
I start hitting the F5 button as the timer nears zero. Sometimes I’ll get an immediate refresh; other times there’s a lag before the page loads which I’m assuming is because of the magnitude of folks trying to snag an IRK.
Lastly, as mentioned earlier, clock synchronization is imperative! I use a FREE app for Windows called “Time Sync” by VOVSOFT. I always sync every time I notice a mehrathon is happening. There are apps for phones available in your app stores also.
Having now scored 26 IRK’s in a row may (or may not) mean anything. Maybe I’m just Lucky (or is that cursed??
) Hope some of you who haven’t been able to score one will now have a fighting chance!!
/giphy you can do it!
![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Forgot to add that @cengland0 has some great advice as well.![:thumbsup:](https://dj5zo597wtsux.cloudfront.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/1f44d.png)
@IndifferentDude
That this is good advise but a risky strategy. The checkbox appears before the shipping address and credit card information so it materializes at the top of the page immediately. Then suddenly the shipping and credit card info appears causing a page re-render and pushing the checkbox down to the bottom of the page. If you go to click that box and the page shifts and you accidentally click in the credit card field, you might be screwed and have to either cancel and click buy again or attempt to enter your credit card information again. By that time, it will be sold out.
If you don’t click in the credit card field and instead click in the name or address field, the keyboard will appear (if using your phone) and that will mess up your scrolling ability. You might accidentally click one of the keys and change the name or address (even if you correct it back to what it was) and then, for security reasons, it will make you enter your CVV/CVC code again.
@cengland0 Good advice. I’ve noticed the box doing exactly what you said (at the top 1st, then goes to the bottom). I double check when it’s at the bottom to be sure it’s still checked before clicking the “Buy It” button. The other scenario sucks if you happen to mess up your shipping / credit card info but I can see how it could happen.
@cengland0 @IndifferentDude i dont know the exact way i do it, since im in such a panic moment during that time… but i think the way i do it, is even tho the screen hasnt dropped down to bring the robot box down, i still flick the screen to scroll down as if its dropped. It automatically flies it down to the bottom as soon as it does, then i can click the not a robot. Then immediately hit the buy it button as the check mark is forming. Works 97% of the time.
Bottom line is you probably don’t. Been trying since 2004 with woot. Very very close with meh a few times.
Now that they are interspersed 50 at a time in mehrathons, would take you all day to ever see for the half second its active and you probably have a job. Just don’t. It you are retired and have low latency internet and infinite time. Go for it.
@unksol sign up for woot pointless push. They’ve been doing a few like that randomly. Pretty sure its easier to score a BOC these days. Ive managed a few.
@Sneakertree I’m aware of the easier BOCs that have shown up over the years. I thought about getting one here and there but I honestly stopped counting/caring about them a bit after amazon took over woot and the forum was basically killed. Woot was never the same
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I’ve gotten 19 irks, well, 20 if you count the fuku. I have not been able to get a single one myself. Not one. I simply cannot do it. I hand the phone to my teenaged daughter and she gets one every time. Whatever special skill it takes to get an irk, she has it. So there is your answer. You must have a secret weapon.
@Elstaf77 Hmm your daughter has faster reflexes than you do?
@Kidsandliz The internets just like her more better.![:)](https://dj5zo597wtsux.cloudfront.net/joypixels/assets/6.6/png/unicode/64/1f642.png)
@Elstaf77 in mean. I wanted a kid just to help pickup sticks before I mow.
I have managed to get many fukus, fukos, and irks, though this last time Meh or Google decided I needed to do recaptcha images despite being logged in to google and using it regularly, so no irk for me.
This depends on your system’s clock being synchronized to internet time servers so it is correct and exact
Have your system time showing (digital so you can see minutes) as well as the web page with the countdown timer to get you close. When you are below 5 seconds, watch the system time and put your finger on the F5 or mouse cursor on the reload depending on browser.
When the minute on the system time goes up start doing a Lawrence Welk count ‘A one and a two and a’ and hit f5 or refresh instantly as the ‘two’ finishes. That gets me on the buy page at least 80% of the time. If you see the old item still there hit f5/refresh again. If that still doesn’t load the new item you’re probably hosed and its usually site or other overload causing it.
Of course part of it is I use a Mac, and what self respecting IRK (or fuko or fuku) wouldn’t rather be purchased via a high quality well built system like that rather than some smelly microsoft piece of scatology. I believe it makes a difference.
I installed CAPTCHA to save my fellow robots from wasting money on this crap.
@mediocrebot Yeah, but now I wonder if you’re marking accounts that have recently won an IRK so they get recaptcha automatically regardless of their google status.
You may have failed CAPTCHA but on the upside, you’re less of a human.
@duodec Which browser are you using on Mac OS that refreshes when you press F5. Some of my computers are Macs and neither Chrome nor Safari recognize F5 as a refresh out fo the box. Mine does but only because I setup some keyboard shortcuts for Chrome but vanilla Chrome did not come with that capability.
If you’re using something other than Chrome, what help do you think you get by logging into Google?
@cengland0 I don’t trust google at all any more (do no evil, what a joke), and I’ve read a lot about their shenanigans using chrome and tying it into their other apps. But being logged into google (for groups and gmail) and using it with some regularity seemed to prevent the recaptchas from popping up.
That did not work this last time; I’m hoping its not a sign that google is now going to reserve that perk for chrome users only (speculation!)
I’ve been using Firefox for a couple of years; I had some problems with Meh on other browsers back then and switched, and it hasn’t been a problem so I never tried the other browsers again.
As a fellow robot, I understand your pain.
@duodec I’m not an expert with Firefox but I certainly hope that when you sign into a site like gmail in one tab, another tab like meh shouldn’t be able to get any information from that gmail tab.
When you use Chrome, you sign into the browser, not just a tab. That way, Chrome can synchronize your bookmarks and settings across all your computers. It can also track all the urls you’re visiting and other privacy issues. But the benefit is that Google also runs the recaptcha features and if you’re frequently using Chrome and navigate sites like a regular human, Google can use that information to assume you’re a human instead of a script.
I don’t know all the information Chrome collects but I assume it could be mouse movements, search queries as you type and before pressing enter, keyboard presses, installed extensions, bookmarks, how frequently you visit particular sites, etc. A robot probably doesn’t move the mouse or type in the URL box the same way a human does.
Anyway, this is just my two cents worth and why I believe using a non Chrome browser cannot be beneficial even if you sign into several Google sites in some tabs.
@duodec I use a mac and am typically on Safari though not always. I always have a second window open and make sure I am signed into google with the email I use for Meh. I have a macbook with a touch bar so the F keys are not as simple, I just do the command R to refresh and I also count to 3 before I do. I did gain one really good hint from someone else above and that is to hit command minus to get the screen small enough that I don’t need to scroll down on the buy me popup. I do swear though that signing into google helps in the captcha department!
@cengland0 @duodec Technically, the motto was “don’t be evil,” so I think you can probably do evil as long as you’re not fundamentally evil yourself. I’m sure they ran it past some lawyers.
Lot of great advice in this thread. Interesting seeing how some others go about getting IRK’s and comparing it to your own method.
I think its all about the timing of when you refresh the screen, and knowing exactly how to minimize the time to the buy button. Since 2017, there’s probably only been 2 or 3 mehrathons that I wasn’t able to score an irk/fuko.
Including the most recent one that hasnt been mailed yet, I’ve gotten 14 irks in 2021 alone.
I also set timers on my phone to make sure im ready for the next deal.
Im not using anything fancy, just my basic home wifi (not even high speed), and my cell phone.
Semi-obligatory 100% correct and absolutely useless Microsoft-approved answer: via FedEx Ground.