Crazy Kestra's Suggestions

[Kestra 0]

Having recently fallen prey to the terrific alternate Reaent sim, I was able to sample what it was like to be on two different STSF sims. Obviously things were a bit different on the Reaent, but I still noticed a couple of things that got me thinking. I'd appreciate anyone weighing in on some of these ideas I'm going to present here.

 

I think it would be helpful to have more information about the ships available to the general STSF public. I know most of the ships have websites, but they all contain varying amounts of information. I'm talking about information that would be useful to new people coming in that are trying to choose a sim.

 

It would be nice to know more about the style of the sim. I know there's some sort of unofficial suggestion to drop by sims, but it's sometimes hard to get a sense of the sim anyway. You generally don't know anything about the GMs or how things are run. Or maybe someone has more specific questions. Does it tend to be character intensive, with lots of crewmembers putting out character development logs? Duty logs? Are there briefings sent out? What about chat logs?

 

It might sound a bit picky, but I know that when I graduated, I didn't know that all the sims were run a bit differently. I figured in an organization like this one, certain things were standard. I'm not trying to start anything here, it's just something I've been thinking about and I'd appreciate comments on the matter.

[Nicolas Lepage 0]

Hmmm... I think basically those are good ideas but I also think that if you want to ask any of these questions the GMs of each sim would probably be glad to answer them.

 

I also think that whether a sim is character intensive or not depends on each single player.

 

Personally I've found that so much about simming depends on the single player that it's really difficult to answer all these questions. I've been on the alternate Reaent sim, too and due to time constraints and computer problems ($§"%§%) I haven't managed to develop my character the way I would have liked to. This made for a totally different kind of simming than in my regular sim.

 

My suggestion would be that if you join a sim, give it a chance. I know I utterly hated the very first time I went to an advanced sim. I didn't want to go back the next week. I did it anyway and now I am addicted to it.

 

Sometimes it takes a while to figure out how things are run and to get comfortable with them but somehow I think these are things you cannot put on a website. That's mainly because there are too many factors. Which department are you in? What's your chief like? What are the other players in your department like? And also, do you get involved or do you wait until someone tells you to do something?

 

Just my opinion

[LoAmi 0]

I think your comments are entirely appropriate. :-)

 

I'm mostly in agreement with Nick, though. Simming styles can be hard to quantify, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's hard enough to quantify/generalize one's own style of simming, let alone an entire ship's. A website would just end up generalizing to the simming style of the most frequent poster.

 

Some of the things you're writing about are individual player dependent, and some of them (like frequency and type of log posting) can be picked up from reading a ship's briefings and logs section.

 

Watching a sim can give you an idea of how a sim is run (although, you're right, it will be incomplete). Talking to sim's GM's can give you a better idea. And, there is nothing wrong with politely PM-ing other players and asking them for their opinions.

[Kestra 0]

Thanks Nick, and LoAmi, for responding. I really appreciate it.

 

I suppose part of my point is that new players might not even know to look for those things or ask those questions. Right now, if I want to add another advanced sim on, I know who to ask questions and what to ask. I probably know at least one person on each advanced sim that I'd feel comfortable asking questions to.

 

Coming in as a new player, it's much more difficult. Do you drop by the advanced sim, pick someone at random (or the GM, who always looks very busy), and ask them all your questions? Like I said above, I wouldn't have even known what to ask. Even if I had, I feel like it makes a bad impression.

 

I didn't know how regularly people put out logs. I don't think I even really understood what a log was. I thought maybe the sims themselves had general guidelines on the matter. I didn't know who was on the roster of each ship so I didn't know if only a small percentage were writing logs or if that was most of the crew. It's actually quite a bit of work and very confusing to try to get a sense of each of the ships on your own. I remember trying it and failing utterly.

 

Even if you can't generalize answers, maybe something to point people in the right direction. A "you might want to consider these while choosing a ship". Maybe something saying whether or not a ship sends out a welcome packet, briefings, chat logs, or something to do with departments.

 

Mind you, I'm not saying that all the sims should. I guess I'm just having a hard time expressing the information I'd like to see available.

[MisterSmith 0]

I think what Kestra's leaning more towards is a Fast-facts page on each sim. Maybe a section of the GM's section of the board or something.

 

Just basic info. A little bit of history. GM names. Senior Officers?. Rank divisions.

 

Maybe even a chance to do testimonials?

 

Brian

[Cptn Elias Moore 0]

Most new players are just looking to join a sim and play. They aren't interested in any information beyond roster openings and the sim's setting (time period, faction, ship class, etc). Trying to tell them anything about sim styles would be dropping more information on them that may only end up confusing them. If they do something that clashes with the style of the sim, they'll be told about it (probably by the GM), and they can choose to either adjust their style or find another sim. By then, they, like you, should have enough experience and enough contact with other players to realize that their isn't a group standard.

 

For a more experienced player, asking the GM's is always the best option. We're never too busy to answer PM's (it's our job) and no one knows more about the way our sims operate.

[Kestra 0]

Alright, well I'm disappointed that you feel that way but you've been simming much longer than I have, so maybe you've got some knowledge I don't.

[MisterSmith 0]

Honestly Kestra, even though it's not completely necessary, I don't think many GM's would have a problem if you "interviewed" them. I'm sure some would be happy to do it. If it's a big sucess, and alot of people read it and like it, then maybe someone will give it it's own section of the boards.

 

How does that sound?

 

Smithy

[Nicolas Lepage 0]

Most new players are just looking to join a sim and play. They aren't interested in any information beyond roster openings and the sim's setting (time period, faction, ship class, etc).

I can only speak for myself but I don't quite agree.

 

I remember that the sim I joined first had an extensive welcome package. It included al the necessary information such as, what are logs for? Do I really have to attend every week? What are the do's and dont's of this sim?

 

I admit it was a lot of information but it all came in handy at some point and I'm still grateful I had it. I prefer having too much information to having not enough.

 

I realise that there are quite a few experienced simmers but when I came to STSF it was my very first time I ever tried anything like this. So a bit of guidance is not necessarily a bad thing. I don't think that telling people beforehand what they can expect of the sim is a bad idea.

[Garnoopy 0]

I think it would be helpful to have more information about the ships available to the general STSF public. I know most of the ships have websites, but they all contain varying amounts of information. I'm talking about information that would be useful to new people coming in that are trying to choose a sim.

Actually, we had a Simulation of the Month web page for a while that covers exactly what you are talking about. It had a plot summary and player reviews. Gave you idea what the sim was about.

[Guest STSF Muon]

Well, here is my two cents. ;-)

 

I am in the process of developing (for Sky Harbor Aegis) a 3 or 4 page manual for the security department. It has things in it like different weapon types, red alert procedures, some security terms, locations of security stuff...etc. I started doing it so that anyone who joins the security department on Sky Harbor Aegis will have something to browse thru for information on the security department AND some simming information, like the red alert procedures and what to do.

 

I'm doing this not only to help myself, but anyone new to the security department on Aegis as well. They learn a few security procedures, get their Trek terms down, and then they can just jump right in.

 

Maybe, if anyone is interested and with permission from the bosses, I could do an overall manual for security and the other departments? It would depend on the interest and if it's ok with the GM Staff. I don't know if it would help anyone or if it would be of any use but.... ::shrugs:: Let me know..

[MisterSmith 0]

Muon,

 

I think it's a pretty good idea. I know when I joined Reaent as an AMO, Dr. Matthews sent me the link to a website that had list after list of procedures, medicines, tools, diseases and the such. It was a big help back when I was still trying to get a feel for just what exactly a medical officer does.

 

It might be good to create an "STSF Simmer's Guide" that could be found on the boards, and would contain information for all departments. Maybe even experienced STSF Simmers (Could possibly have a rank/time factor) could submit items on their department, and then the information can be compiled and issued out. I'm sure alot of stuff would be repeated.

 

It's something that I think everyone could benefit from. So...I'm all for it, even though I wouldn't have any time to help w/it.

 

Dr. Smith

[CaptainSDavies 0]

Although I'm a little confused what's being asked here, I think I agree with Loami. The internal chemistry of a sim is hard to quantify. If you asked me how to describe my style and the make-up of my crew, I don't think I'd know where to begin. You'd end up getting an answer like this: "The people are cool, but not because of me, and order is maintained." Not very informative.

 

Visiting an advanced sim is probably the best way to get a feel for the sim. I've known players that visited several advanced sims for a few weeks after they graduated before finally selecting one.

 

I also think that Moore is right: the majority of players are drawn mostly by:

1) The day of the week/time

2) The setting of the sim

 

That's not to say that there aren't exceptions, as in Lepage's case, but when I was a graduate, those were the two most important things to me! Oh so many moons ago (and suns too)! :rolleyes:

[Col. C.E. Harper 0]

I think I'm going to be a dissenting voice -- I think there is quite a bit one can learn about a sim without visiting it. I'm just not certain how one would go about distilling that information into a format that's accessible for a new graduate.

 

In other words, I think you can learn a lot about a ship from its welcome packet, but I don't know how to make a handy comparison chart of ships.

[Travis Kroells 0]

Just a few comments...

 

Several sims are in different Star Trek timelines.

 

Trying to keep in touch with your former academy classmates is not easy.

 

Sometimes the advanced sim is fast paced, other times it enjoys slow character development.

 

There is no standard interpretation of Star Trek.

 

Many advanced players do not have the time for logs every week.

 

Some logs are sent out by email but never make it to the message board.

 

Nobody actually works at Starfleet Command. :blink: There is no centralized hub for official fleetwide reporting. It would be great but probably impossible to have a standardized form for reports/logs.

 

The Redstar Nightclub is a good place for officers from different ships to share their experiences.

 

The activities of some ships are necessarily classified. :blink:

 

Some players are fighters, some are lovers, still others are natural loners. Some require intense interaction, others enjoy passionate romance, still others are content with an empire of NPC's.

Just a couple responses.

 

In regards to the timeline: Thats not really a factor. I believe that the Agincourt and Hood would have the same "spirit" if they simed in the normal TNG era. Period may affect plot, but I believe that the simmers are the same regardless. If I wanted to make another Jamie like character (God forbid) the time he's set in is regardless.

 

In regards to classmates: I find it hard to believe that statement. Most of the cadets in my opinon (Im not going to boast claims of knowledge here) use these boards, espically the latest generation of simmers, who often use this place as an area to get aquainted with STSF, and how we sim. Even if people dont IM each other, its not that hard for someone to contact someone and ask "Hey, hows it going. You know, Im interesting in the ship your simming on, and I was wondering what you think of it." I dont know if thats considered ok around here, but I did it anyways in joining some of the ships I've simmed on.

 

Most of the stuff I dont care to cover, but let me say this. I dont think Kestra is looking for a deffinitive guide to each ship. I dont think its too much to ask for a simple "Hey this is this ship, and we do this and that." Maybe give players an option for them to put some of their logs up, if they so please. I believe this is one of the reasons we have recent graduates just leave STSF. Cadets join a ship, knowing little about it, and when they find their not enjoying the experience, the just...disapear. Go compeltely MIA, and we never hear from them again, they take up a spot on a roster until finally droped. I'm not going to name names, but I know of some people who have mentioned problems with this.

 

Anyways, thats about all I have at the moment...cause I have a tummy ache :o

[mtporter 0]

Most of the stuff I dont care to cover, but let me say this. I dont think Kestra is looking for a deffinitive guide to each ship. I dont think its too much to ask for a simple "Hey this is this ship, and we do this and that." Maybe give players an option for them to put some of their logs up, if they so please. I believe this is one of the reasons we have recent graduates just leave STSF. Cadets join a ship, knowing little about it, and when they find their not enjoying the experience, the just...disapear. Go compeltely MIA, and we never hear from them again, they take up a spot on a roster until finally droped. I'm not going to name names, but I know of some people who have mentioned problems with this.

I totally agree with you on that on Travis. There is more to it than just era and time. In a rather odd sort of way when I first joined one of my advanced sims I did not really know what I was getting into. And because of that I had a hard time. I have almost thought of going MIA on a handful of occasions. ::shrugs:: who knows maybe I might still do it sometimes.

[Col. C.E. Harper 0]

All right; let's stop dealing in abstractions, and figure out what kind of information we need.

 

For current cadets/new graduates without a ship:

-What one thing would you most like to know about a ship?

or

-"If I knew about a ship that was ______ , I would definitely want to join it."

 

For people who were happy with the ship they joined:

-What one thing would have helped you in the beginning?

or

-"My life would have been a lot easier if someone had told me _____ ."

 

For people who were unhappy/changed ships:

-What one thing would you have wished to have known before you joined?

or

-"I would definitely not have picked that particular sim if I'd only known ______."

[Travis Kroells 0]

Thats what I'm trying to say. I mean, when a sim isn't right for you, it isn't right for you, no way to say it any plainer. People are leaving, because they dont know what their getting into, and we're losing potentially good simmers because of it.

 

I think we should be able to have a open area where people can discuss the ships, on what they think and what they've seen/experienced. I mean, how great would it be for a cadet to see it written somewhere by someone saying "Yeah, a while back we had this plot where we did this and this, and it was really great and I got to develop my character alot."

 

I'm going to be rather fank and honest in the fact that we have no power here. I believe the GM's dont want us to have something like this, for fear of bad mouthing a sim. I know some people here dont like each other, but for the sake of helping people out lets put that behind us? What kind of a view will a cadet get when all they see and ask is "Yep, we're a good ship, you should join us!"

 

I know it may hurt, but people need to have a real view of things. Some times people dont like what happens on their ships. Why cant we have some where to say "Yeah, this happened, but it didn't really make sense, or I just didn't approve." We could even do it without revealing without revealing ourselves to the board. I think one of the major problems with this site is the fact that no one says "Yeah, these guys are sometimes slow to respond to things" or something to that effect.

 

Its happened to me before, and I want to keep it from happening to cadets. I mean, these kinds of things deminish our very enjoyment of simming, and this is something intend to fight for.

 

(Edit: This was meant in response to Miranda, but Harper snuck in while I was ranting)

Edited January 20, 2006 by Travis Kroells

[Col. C.E. Harper 0]

I'm going to be rather frank and honest in the fact that we have no power here. I believe the GM's dont want us to have something like this, for fear of bad mouthing a sim.

To weigh in as a GM --

 

I for one don't mind criticism of my sims. If you'd like to post saying, "Geez, we chased the Vacitu for like forever and then we didn't get to do anything at the end and it was boring!" (to use our last plot) -- go right ahead. From a creative standpoint, I'd prefer you to give reasons for disliking a sim/plot, so that I can improve the writing, but if you really just want to vent, that's fine too.

 

What isn't acceptable is cursing and personal insults or attacks -- but then, those aren't allowed on the boards at any time, so that shouldn't be a surprise. Also, if someone was consistently and constantly saying "I hate this sim," I'd suggest they change sims; that kind of negative attitude makes everyone around them miserable, too.

[Travis Kroells 0]

All right; let's stop dealing in abstractions, and figure out what kind of information we need.

 

For current cadets/new graduates without a ship:

-What one thing would you most like to know about a ship?

or

-"If I knew about a ship that was ______ , I would definitely want to join it."

 

For people who were happy with the ship they joined:

-What one thing would have helped you in the beginning?

or

-"My life would have been a lot easier if someone had told me _____ ."

 

For people who were unhappy/changed ships:

-What one thing would you have wished to have known before you joined?

or

-"I would definitely not have picked that particular sim if I'd only known ______."

I think we could go so basic as to give each sim a little extra board, where people can straight up ask questions. Then simmers can easily reply. I think this would be the easiest and most feasible way to do it.

[Col. C.E. Harper 0]

I think we could go so basic as to give each sim a little extra board, where people can straight up ask questions. Then simmers can easily reply. I think this would be the easiest and most feasible way to do it.

A board in each sim sounds unwieldy. How about a section in Academy or Q&C with a thread for each ship? Central location, easy to find, easy for everyone to check/respond.

 

(note: not promising anything. Not wearing my "Official GM Hat".)

[Travis Kroells 0]

What isn't acceptable is cursing and personal insults or attacks -- but then, those aren't allowed on the boards at any time, so that shouldn't be a surprise. Also, if someone was consistently and constantly saying "I hate this sim," I'd suggest they change sims; that kind of negative attitude makes everyone around them miserable, too.

Well, that much I agree with. Regardless of how much you may dislike a sim and/or plot, we should at least be mature enough to make it constructive. I mean, since when has yelling "This sucks" gotten anyone anywhere. Not to be repetitive, but I think that the board idea could cover this too. People could easily post what they thought about plots, and how things went.

[Travis Kroells 0]

A board in each sim sounds unwieldy. How about a section in Academy or Q&C with a thread for each ship? Central location, easy to find, easy for everyone to check/respond.

 

(note: not promising anything. Not wearing my "Official GM Hat".)

Yeah, I mean even that would be an improvement. Just some place where people can go to put thoughts, suggestions, ideas, concerns, questions, you name it someplace where live people can respond. I mean, I dont try to bad mouth the GM's when I say this, but asking someone what their ship is like, I dont know if people get the whole picture.

[Nicolas Lepage 0]

I think the extra section on the boards is a good idea but here's a thought: If someone doesn't like the sim would he bother telling anyone?

If someone has a question they already can watch a sim and ask it there.

I think what would be a good idea is to make something like a welcome packet...look at that of that of the Talon for example. I know this exists for some ships but I'm also fairly certain not all of them have it. It covers all the basic questions. There is one even more important thing something like this does. I know that most cadets who are new to simming wouldn't e-mail a GM no matter how often you say that's not a problem.

 

So imagine the following situation:

 

You've just ben assigned to a ship. You do have a few questions but you're not sure whether to bug the GM with them. You decide not to because GMs are busy and you don't want to look stupid.

 

Same situation:

 

You've just been assigned to a ship and before the first sim a GM sends you a welcome packet with all the things you have to know and a nice line at the end saying: 'Welcome aboard! If you have any further questions please feel free to send me or 'insert GM name here' a mail.

 

I think it would be more likely the second player gets to ask all his questions and will be overall satisfied with his sim experience. I'm not saying that way all the problems will be solved. I am quite aware that sometimes you find out you just don't like the simming style and you want to transfer and no welcome packet in the wold can change it. But the welcome packet does at least serve the purpose of getting in touch with eachother. The cadet learns the basic rules of the sim and he is encouraged to ask further questions.

 

I think in this whole discussion we're forgetting the point of view of cadets a bit. Even if we have a section on the boards where everyone can ask specific questions about a sim... how do I as a cadet know what questions to ask?

If you're new to simming you wouldn't know what's important. If you have a welcome packet the cadets get enough info to actually start asking questions.

[CaptainSDavies 0]

Just to chime in...

 

I believe every sim does have a welcome packet of some sort.