If you're anything like Joel and I, you'd really like to get into next month's closed beta for free-to-play online multiplayer shooter Tribes: Ascend. If camping out in front of Hi-Rez Studios until they let you in isn't an option, you can always drop $30 for the beta-guaranteed VIP preorder package.
My plan is to drive down the street to Hi-Rez's Alpharetta headquarters and perch menacingly on Todd Harris' desk, staring at him intently until he cracks. That tactic probably wouldn't work for most of you, and even if it did would likely cost more than the $29.99 asking price for the VIP preorder package.
The package contains VIP status (a $20 value, somehow!); 800 Tribes Gold, which sounds vaguely terrifying; a 30-day booster; and of course, guaranteed beta access. That means that when the November 4 closed testing starts, you'll be one of those folks closed within it.
You could always just apply for the beta and take your chances, but without Harris-staring or money-spending, there are no guarantees.
Preorder Page [Tribes: Ascend]