Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2014 23:54:52 GMT -8
Okay, so instead of sleeping, I decided to think. Before anyone starts to panic, no gerbils were harmed during this thought process.
What we seem to lack on all levels, from individual to faction to a site as a whole, is direction. The Jedi have their council (and by that I mean the one or two folks that try to drive RP for them), the Empire has Sin, and everyone else seems to have their thumbs up their collective ass. The cold war, instead of being a site-wide Cold War, with caps, appears to be limited to a small section of the Deep Core. Nothing is happening, people are losing interest, and if we don't do something, we're gonna have to start sacrificing virgins to keep the place afloat. Since we seem to be light on those, I figured it might behoove us to come up with a less arcane solution.
Every month, someone comes up with a story point or goal or something. It gets played out over the next month, and in the last week, the next month's goal is laid out. Each one builds off the last. In anticipation of questions, I've come up with some answers.
What are these goals/story points?
Depends. Maybe a cortosis deposit is located on ________, and the Empire and Jedi both want it. Maybe corporation A is trying to open up trade under the table with one faction, and the others want to stop it. Could be anything, as long as it gives everyone something to work towards.
Who comes up with these goals?
Anyone with an idea. In the last week of each month, ideas can be put forth, briefly discussed, and chosen by consensus. Ideally, ideas will play off past events, and will allow for as many levels of story as possible.
Who can get involved?
Anyone and everyone. A good goal will allow for just about any style of writing, and there should be a place for just about anyone.
Sounds like a campaign. Will there be a DM?
Ideally, the person who comes up with the idea owns it, and is responsible for seeing it through to the end. Having conditions to be met for victory is probably a bare minimum. How in depth they go will depend on personal style. I tend to be pretty hands off, but if there's room in your story to break out the D20 and you've got people willing to play ball, knock yourself out. Just remember that not everyone is into your style, whatever it may be, so having multiple layers to accommodate that is probably a must. If the idea creator doesn't feel up to the challenge or knows beforehand they might not be around, it shouldn't be too hard to pick a replacement DM, especially after we get a feel for everyone's style.
What if life happens, and the DM has to drop out?
In all but the most extreme cases, they should have time to let folks know and pick a replacement. If they just vanish, we wait a few days or a week at most and then move on without them. If they come back pissed, well, they should have given a heads up. RL always takes priority, but in assuming the role of DM, you're accepting responsibility for your story. If you let people down by just dropping off the map without warning, it's going to get harder and harder to get them to listen to you. Do it often enough and you might as well not even try to take charge.
What if the DM is a dick?
It's a given that not everyone gets along. If you believe a DM is acting unfairly, to you or anyone else, speak up. Hopefully it will all just be a misunderstanding and things can be worked out for the good of the group. If you just absolutely can't stand the mofo in charge, it might be a good idea to sit out or pursue an objective that doesn't require as much outside moderation for the month. People who consciously abuse their power will likely run out of friends in a hurry, and if they piss people off, one of those objectives might just include popping a cap in their ass. Same goes for people who go out of their way to wreck things for everyone. This whole thing will have to be self policing and self regulating, but abuse like that should be rare.
Does this armor make my axe look big?
Yes. Yes it does.
Any other questions, comments, concerns, or curse words?
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Kalosis
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Post by Kalosis on Jun 28, 2014 0:06:36 GMT -8
Frankly I think your axe looks tiny... Also I love this and I am in as soon as I get a laptop.
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Atia
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Post by Atia on Jun 28, 2014 2:00:55 GMT -8
I am in great support of this.
I also just got my fresh membership card for the Eralam Fan Club.
Juvex Import Exports is in.
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Jun 28, 2014 2:21:41 GMT -8
Not to be a Debbie downer or anything, but I've been up all night so... well I'm going to be one anyway. As much as I like the general idea of this and all there is a slight problem or two or so that I see with my cynical eyes of Ewok influence. Mainly speaking... the amount of writing done in a month is rarely enough for an event such as this since for the most part we've all slowed down a bit or so. I just think a monthly thing would spill over and overlap and cause all sorts of interesting issues.
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Atia
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Post by Atia on Jun 28, 2014 4:57:48 GMT -8
While I see Mikes point to be valid, its an easy fix. I have rps that only get posts like monthly... (and those are with the two big factions  ) Some Rps get posts quasi daily. Dont limit it to time, and just make it a list of current SLs that are joinable and boom, there we go. I guess (or what I gathered, with my inferior mid east european mind) is that this would give characters a goal, that hopefully conflicts with other characters goals, and thus creats conflict, which is the greatest driver of good stories. Ive got a two of these going on for the unaffiliated of the galaxy, The Sacking of Nal hutta, and the Retake of Yaga Minor Shipyards. I could add in a drug cartell on corulag for the jedi and republic players to take up against. Thats what I got right now at least. Your Curse word: Dingleberries. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2014 7:01:49 GMT -8
I'm sorry...but...is this REALLY going to solve our site issues? Stories aren't really the issue here. We've honestly got plenty: it's just that when they get big, they get slow.
Without getting into the whole writing vs gaming thing...the writing aspect of the site slows everything down...a LOT. When things were more gaming oriented, the quality went down, but it did crate conflict - conflict that created rapid posting, and interest.
I'm not saying one way Is better than the other, but isn't this a MEMBER issue? I swear out of all of the active members on the site, most are alts of someone or another. When things were gaming and war and intrigue oriented, it was a LOT easier for newer members to get into - I base this on the drastic slowing I memberships to the site, and the fact those who DO join the site get hopelessly lost in all the rules we've made, or, alternatively, have a lack of fast paced stories to get the proverbial hook into them to stay at the site.
We're a shadow of our former selves.
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The Major
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Post by The Major on Jun 28, 2014 7:11:15 GMT -8
Second the Count's notion.
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Post by Ver'metus on Jun 28, 2014 7:15:54 GMT -8
Right... Many may not remember me. Many will. But I have to strongly disagree with Dante. I have been around, and gone and back again since the days when we all wrote this on Facebook, some may refer to this era as "The good ole days" But really that is because those of us from that era that are still here enjoyed writing and Star Wars enough to stick around, formed a community, and created some good memories, good friendships, and most of all created some amazing stories. But on a whole, back in those days it was shitty. And I mean down right Craptastic most of the time. Going into a good space battle only to have some idiot show up with 200 SSD's. When most good writers and star wars fans know that such a feat to be impossible, the empire had 2 total for the whole thing. Having rules makes the quality of writing so much better. Personally I prefer quality writing over quantity writing. I would rather read 10 or 20 good posts week, then 2000 horrible posts a day. Maybe this is just my personal opinion, but it is what it is.
As for "gaming thing over writing aspect" this is a Star Wars Roleplay Site, if you want the "Gaming experience" Go play some video games on your computer, or other gaming system. Roleplay is about creating a character, and writing stories for those characters. Its not about who has the biggest guns. I have said through many years of writing, that I would gladly let my characters die, if it fits the story, and if its done in such a way that it will create a story that will last in the memories of others for years to come.
We are a shadow of our former selves? Yea, we have culled the herd, and left the quality stock.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2014 7:23:42 GMT -8
You're missing the point. I'm not saying that the rules are bad, I'm the first one to say I want to keep them. I'm also the first to say the move from FB to the new site was a good one.
FB was NOT a golden age as far as writing. What I'm saying, is that it was a golden age for booming membership, and activity. It was something that new members could integrate Ito easily. The way things are now, we have far less "hooks" if you will to secure new members interest.
Quality writing is great. I write mythic posts ok? But what I'm saying, is that it may be killing our site, by bleeding it dry of members.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2014 7:59:11 GMT -8
Okay, in the order my foggy brain is comprehending things:
Mike, the simple answer to that is not everything has to be resolved in a month. Loose ends let us build on things as time goes by. It just gives us a timeline to work with. If things get too bogged down, we can slow down and catch up.
As for the others...
If you're trying to turn this into a debate on whether or not this should happen based on pretty much anything mentioned so far, you're doing it wrong. If you don't think this is what the site needs, don't get involved. If it turns out that most of the site agrees with you, it won't happen. It'll fizzle out like everything else anyone has tried in the last few years. Let's try not to get bogged down under philosophical debate in the meantime.
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Bloodrage Pirates
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Post by Bloodrage Pirates on Jun 28, 2014 16:05:59 GMT -8
Dante has a point, but I don't think he's entirely right. Some people, myself included sometimes, might delay a post to make it longer or better in some way when in fact it would be perfectly acceptable to post what I wrote in 10 minutes. That, I think, is the issue, too many people taking days to post something slightly better than what they wrote in 10 minutes. It does kinda kill the flow.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Jun 28, 2014 17:23:06 GMT -8
I like this idea. I'm always looking for ways of bringing interesting writing to Tatooine.
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Post by Ver'metus on Jun 28, 2014 23:06:57 GMT -8
Don't get me wrong Mr. Eralam. I am all for you idea. I just believe Mr Dante talking of the gaming is stepping backwards.
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Jun 29, 2014 0:21:45 GMT -8
Okay, in the order my foggy brain is comprehending things: Mike, the simple answer to that is not everything has to be resolved in a month. Loose ends let us build on things as time goes by. It just gives us a timeline to work with. If things get too bogged down, we can slow down and catch up. More Flexible time frame makes much more sense. And I see no reason not to give it a shot, if it works it works, if not, like you said it'll just disappear as so many other things have. |
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Post by Pearce Zigher on Jun 29, 2014 1:35:44 GMT -8
Personally? I am still a fan of sacrificing virgins (Which I am shocked that at least Major said nothing about. I expected better from all of you.) Witchcraft, and lack there of aside though. Another problem I am seeing is that as time goes on, people have become less and less willing to split their time lines in a way the benefits multiple points coming together at once.
And example, a few months ago i offered to join a writing team that was still being put together in character. In order to keep things moving and people interested, I suggested a group of NPC agents (or split time lines) work to get everyone to the main goal of getting all of us together. The idea was largely ignored, and at the time I bowed out, they still had like 5 people on the team that they needed to find.
Simply put, at this junction, there aren't really any ideas we can afford to just brush off. Everyone and every idea deserves consideration, Saying something is a back track is unproductive to that. On that note though, starting a debate is as well.
As for idea's, I would suggest the Jedi and Sith (and any other factions) start considering outside sources for work. Example: Sith start actively hiring bounty hunters to carry out jobs. It will add a chance for bounty hunting characters to start digging their claws into writing. Or, and I may be a bit biased towards this one, hackers across the galaxy begin to slice into the systems of both factions, airing out their dirty laundry in an attempt to one up one another. That gives the hackers, slicers, movers, and shakers an in on the festivities and can serve to escalate the tensions brewing between factions, and give both sides new targets to consider.
I could go on. but for the time being, I am now content to sit and watch what ideas you all might have. Do remember though, children, the world is hardly black and white. There is a big moral grey area there where the Jedi and Sith's ideals of right and wrong do not apply. That is where you will find a large source of potential allies, foes, or what have you.
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Will Sontir
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Post by Will Sontir on Jun 30, 2014 9:44:15 GMT -8
I rise in support of my fellow Corellian (mostly because I am contractually obligated too, and he stole my flask and is holding in ransom-- don't think I don't know it's you, Michael Beauregard Franz!).
As much as I have grown to be an old cynic (I was a wide eyed teenager fresh outta high school when the app started, now I am finishing my Graduate work), I think anything that generates collaboration and healthy literary conflict is positive at this point. As a faction leader in my own right, I have openly admitted to not having any creative direction-- sometimes leaders are born out of necessity.
New membership isn't necessarily a topic that is most appropriately discussed on this thread. Maybe the Whills and the RP Councilors can have a joint committee for recruitment-- but I digress.
Best way to have vibrant membership is to have vibrant activity-- and I think this helps with that. I think Maybe introducing a "mission member cap" for each monthly story and have a 48 hour post expectation would be advantageous guidelines for everyone involved in the monthly story. NOT EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED IN EVERY MONTHLY MISSION. To validate the Count's perspective, it would bog things down, slow the beast and the only way to enjoy the RP is in retrospect.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2014 10:03:03 GMT -8
I'd say hold off on time limits for now. If they turn out to be necessary, they can always be added in.
Since the majority of folks so far seem to be willing to at least give this a go, I say we start hashing out the first story. And since this was my brainchild, I'll throw out an idea.
Dressel has long been neutral. However, with the "death" of Eralam, factions have arisen, pushing for aligning the planet towards joining either the Empire or Republic. Neither faction has enough outright power to push their agenda, but they were able to work together to force a planet-wide referendum. At the end of July, Dresselians will go to the polls to decide whether the planet stays neutral, joins the Empire, or the Republic.
Both sides are able to participate on multiple levels. Bribery, campaigning, extortion, slicing, anything that can be done to sway an election is fair game, so long as you don't get caught. If you guys like this, we'll get some conditions for success set up and get started.
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Lord Jud'dayus: The Debase
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Post by Lord Jud'dayus: The Debase on Jun 30, 2014 10:45:37 GMT -8
OK, sorry for getting to the topic late, but my second daughter was born over the weekend, so i was disposed of. (yes, sorry, i have procreated - again. You all have my sincerest apologies)
First and foremost, Era, great idea - as always - It's a sound way of cleaning off the cobwebs and stirring up the stagnant brackish water of JvS. But, then again, other opinions haven't been too far fetched as well.
Mike, Nan, Will... basically everyone is on the same page when it comes to: there aren't enough people to hold up one storyline anymore. We need new blood, and we need the enthusiasm of something new and different to stimulate any sort of change in the lack of change on the site. When it comes to Dante's "Gamer" mentality, well, it's a kanker - plain and simple. The FB days were a cluster fuck of big egos, and little dicks. People "gaming" their way through the known universe in a desperate attempt to win. Win what? Dominion? prestige? player awards?
This isn't a gamer site, nor is this strictly writer's forum. It's a collaborative attempt at Role Playing in the universe of Star Wars. A universe that we are all obsessively intuned with. So, in saying this, lets agree to disagree, er, something. While people still harken back to the days of 1.5, and the awesomeness that was troll-central. I say; look on the past to build a better future.
I have been saying that since day one of this incarnation, and through my stints in both the Council and High Council. Learn from the past so as not to repeat it in the future... Seems no one cares or listens, but that's part of the fun for having several hundred cooks in a studio apartment's kitchen. Rules are necessary, the core rules laid down eons ago by the Whills. As for the newer adaptations of the PO and non-canon this and that, well, lets just say my teeth itch thinking about it. Anyways, so... Rules... well, since this site has been up, there haven't been nearly as many trolls, so, rules have taken a back seat to trying to find a way of getting people back into the groove of RPing. So, Dante, your rules argument falls flat on its face. There haven't been enough on site RPing in order to implement anything concrete.
Era, Sin, Dav (when he was here), Corr, Narti, even myself have offered many hypothetical situations too the masses, for mass RPing. But to no avail, there aren't enough of us to do such a thing. The Cold War was supposed to add to the site, after the Holy War fizzled out, and died an agonizing death on Yavin. It was supposed to bring RPing moral up and such, but it's gone the way of the Holy War as well. Disinterest, spotty posting, and voided RPs. All due to RL, and just he lack of any momentum. So, ll those poo pooing Era's new and better way to get things rolling - I can understand your hesitancy, if not outright morbid enthusiasm to see how long this will last before sputtering and dieing as well.
But we have to do something... Membership, and interest have gone out the door. We aren't going to continue to have people come in IF they don;t have a good time, and people who've been here since day one aren't going to stay when everyday they check in to see if a post is up, and isn't. Communication has to be paramount now, coordinating RPing - as Era's suggesting - may be the last chance from halting the continued decay of the site's moral, and boosting it's membership with eager new faces and characters.
now I'm rambling, lack of sleep, i don't know if I've made any sense, but... please feel free to crew me out for what I've posted.
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Post by Chancellor Cihlbar on Jun 30, 2014 11:28:56 GMT -8
I guess the question with Era's suggestion, on the Republic's side is: what does the Republic or Empire gain by investing in Dressel? What does it have to offer either faction?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2014 11:47:57 GMT -8
The Market, it's on a major hyperspace lane, and it's an RP opportunity that you didn't have before. And since the planet's military will fall under the victor's command, you get me NPCing both fleet and ground strategists. If you don't know why you should want that, ask around.
I suppose the real question to be asked is why wouldn't you want a planet to join? Any planet? Never mind resources and all that stuff, what do you gain by sitting on the sidelines or letting the Empire have it?
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) Some Rps get posts quasi daily. Dont limit it to time, and just make it a list of current SLs that are joinable and boom, there we go.
