How can we help improve RPGuild? Community suggestions and discussion.

[mickilennial]

I don’t have a positive view of Arena, so I wouldn’t be the best person to ask for unbiased advice on the section. But from a looking glass it does seem barely active and exclusive to 1x1 type of dynamics, so minimizing it doesn’t seem, to me, to be an entirely bad move. Though I can see how this would antagonize some of the marque users in the section.

[Kratesis]

Adding to that, as I am aware for example of that 'report things' deal, I don't report things because I think I can deal with it myself better than I trust the moderators to do it. And in other situations, that has led to harassment off of RPG, because people don't trust the moderators to deal with it adequately. Simply saying 'you need to report things' isn't enough if people are dissatisfied with what happens after you report something.

I have to agree with this. I have never reported anything because it seems more practical to walk away from the thread or handle the matter yourself.

From their posts in this thread they seem fair and rational. But because I never see them in action I get the impression that some sections of the forum are a free-for-all. Contacting a mod always seemed like calling the police in the middle of the zombie apocalypse ;-P

[mickilennial]

I find [in my experience on other forums] people report things more often if there is a report button on posts. I suggest one right next to 'Quote/Mention' or alternatively 'View Raw'.

[Dolerman]

<Snipped quote by Dynamo Frokane>

You could have all of that in the new sub forum. You really want a specific sub forum for the people that open an arena post once a month and then post 4 times and leave again? I don't.

@Buddha

If you dont post there I'm not sure why it bothers you. I started out in the Arena, and one of the things I liked about it is that like a long distance game of chess, it doesn't need to be active. You can pause a match for a long while and pick it up easily whenever you'd like because of the simple premise of combat.

And yeah its slow, but at the moment we have a new tournament sign up, so that thread in particular has been quite active. Arena is very specific, its more than just a 1x1 story. I'm not saying the Arena couldn't do with a jump start but for the people who do post there wouldnt want it removed or merged with 1x1 just because its less popular than other sub forums. I assume Nation RP and Tabletop Regulars feel the same way.

[mickilennial]

I assume Nation RP and Tabletop Regulars feel the same way.

@Dynamo Frokane

Especially with how hard and long those people fought to get their own section.

[Dolerman]

<Snipped quote by Dynamo Frokane>
Especially with how hard and long those people fought to get their own section.

@Inkarnate

Did they? I thought they were always around since new guild. Granted I never paid much attention anything outside of arena in the old guild.

[Dion]

<Snipped quote by Buddha>

If you dont post there I'm not sure why it bothers you. I started out in the Arena, and one of the things I liked about it is that like a long distance game of chess, it doesn't need to be active. You can pause a match for a long while and pick it up easily whenever you'd like because of the simple premise of combat.

And yeah its slow, but at the moment we have a new tournament sign up, so that thread in particular has been quite active. Arena is very specific, its more than just a 1x1 story. I'm not saying the Arena couldn't do with a jump start but for the people who do post there wouldnt want it removed or merged with 1x1 just because its less popular than other sub forums. I assume Nation RP and Tabletop Regulars feel the same way.

@Dynamo Frokane

You raise a good point. Tabletop and nation RP should just be merged, too.

I'm not saying to disband arena RP. I'm saying to have it be merged with something else. Like advanced and casual would be merged in my ideal world. Which evidently isn't going to happen, but I'd still like to put it forth.

One of the common things I hear about fighting in RP's is that people are scared of messing up. That could be a reason as to why arena is doing so poorly (and, if we are being frank, has always done poorly compared to the other RP sections). You're obviously an arena roleplayer first and foremost it seems, so you'll understand that when I say merging it will create new opportunities to 'advertise' arena roleplaying. If arena is merged with 1x1, it will become more accepted to advertise your arena concept in 1x1, so to speak, and as a result you will gather perhaps more attention than in just the arena RP section, where nobody really comes anyway.

You'll also agree with me that the disparity in 'last posts' in arena is pretty fucking big.



I mean you really can't argue otherwise in arena. And the point that you can pick it up at any time is pretty fine and dandy but the same could be said for any other RP really.

I'm sorry but I just don't see the pro's outweighing the con's in this case. It's my opinion that arena (and tabletop now that you've mentioned it) are better off merging with 1x1, and if NRP proves to be continuing to lose activity and consist of purely failed project after failed project, we might as well move that into 'high-commitment roleplay' too.

[Xavier Bloodbayne]

<Snipped quote by Cynder>

O 1-for-1 and private Roleplay (existing 1x1 and arena get merged because arena is dead and useless and mostly are just 1x1 anyway)

@Buddha

I am going to go ahead and put my two cents in and say HELL NO!

I am also going to guess that you probably DON'T roleplay in the Arena. But believe you me there are still people that is use. Me for example. And the last thing I want is to go hunting down the only RP section I even use on this site.

You opinion is a P.O.S and so are you.

I want to say it again since there is another post from you talking about it: Leave the Arena alone. Throw out ideas to merge other shit but leave the Arena alone.

And yes; I am VERY salty about this.

AND! Arena RP is not the same as 1x1 at all.

[Kratesis]

@Buddha The metaphor that comes to mind is 'rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic'. Now I don't believe the Guild is doomed, or even in trouble. I just don't see how rearranging the places in which one has to post will increase the number of posts or how it would increase the number of posters.

[Dion]

I am going to go ahead and put my two cents in and say HELL NO!

I am also going to guess that you probably DON'T roleplay in the Arena. But believe you me there are still people that is use. Me for example. And the last thing I want is to go hunting down the only RP section I even use on this site.

@Xavier Bloodbayne

You opinion is a P.O.S and so are you.

@Xavier Bloodbayne

Learn to English, you nonce, vacate my thread, and don't get my thread locked. Bye.

@Buddha The metaphor that comes to mind is 'rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic'. Now I don't believe the Guild is doomed, or even in trouble. I just don't see how rearranging the places in which one has to post will increase the number of posts or how it would increase the number of posters.

@Kratesis

Maybe not. But it'll remove the clutter and make other forums that are currently low on the list (guides comes to mind) appear more towards the top. I'm prepared to go over the backs of few to satisfy the many.

Also, this thread isn't about arena RP, so let's not let it devolve into that.

[skidcrow]

<Snipped quote by Buddha>

I am going to go ahead and put my two cents in and say HELL NO!

I am also going to guess that you probably DON'T roleplay in the Arena. But believe you me there are still people that is use. Me for example. And the last thing I want is to go hunting down the only RP section I even use on this site.

You opinion is a P.O.S and so are you.

I want to say it again since there is another post from you talking about it: Leave the Arena alone. Throw out ideas to merge other shit but leave the Arena alone.

And yes; I am VERY salty about this.

@Xavier Bloodbayne

calm the fuck down, this is a civil discussion where everyone is allowed to throw in their two cents, but to do so it must be done politely. don't make this go the way of the previous thread. pls.

[Kratesis]

<Snipped quote by Buddha>

I am going to go ahead and put my two cents in and say HELL NO!

I am also going to guess that you probably DON'T roleplay in the Arena. But believe you me there are still people that is use. Me for example. And the last thing I want is to go hunting down the only RP section I even use on this site.

You opinion is a P.O.S and so are you.

I want to say it again since there is another post from you talking about it: Leave the Arena alone. Throw out ideas to merge other shit but leave the Arena alone.

And yes; I am VERY salty about this.

AND! Arena RP is not the same as 1x1 at all.

@Xavier Bloodbayne

Come on man. I don't think Arena should be locked/merged either but you can make your point without insulting someone. Especially in this case as the arguments you could make are very good. The opportunity cost of insulting him is that you fail to make the many strong points at your disposal.
1: It isn't cool to attack him.
2: It is sub-optimal; you would be better served by attacking the weaknesses of his argument.

[Midnight Howl]

<Snipped quote by Buddha>

I am going to go ahead and put my two cents in and say HELL NO!

I am also going to guess that you probably DON'T roleplay in the Arena. But believe you me there are still people that is use. Me for example. And the last thing I want is to go hunting down the only RP section I even use on this site.

You opinion is a P.O.S and so are you.

I want to say it again since there is another post from you talking about it: Leave the Arena alone. Throw out ideas to merge other shit but leave the Arena alone.

And yes; I am VERY salty about this.

AND! Arena RP is not the same as 1x1 at all.

@Xavier Bloodbayne

I would like to point out several aspects for a moment.

Firstly, I would like you to consider that Buddha's comment about Arena is not an attack on the forum type itself. He is merely stating it could very easily be placed into another category. Mind you this is his point of view and a mere suggestion, not law. It would be best for all members participating in this discussion to keep a level head. Yelling insults will not solve anything and we are trying to keep this conversation from being locked.

Consider that it isn't making arena go away entirely but allowing the rps in general to be merged into better categories. One of the issues with the site is people getting defensive over their cliques. Not once was it stated that Arena should not be allowed.

[skidcrow]

<Snipped quote by Buddha>

If you dont post there I'm not sure why it bothers you. I started out in the Arena, and one of the things I liked about it is that like a long distance game of chess, it doesn't need to be active. You can pause a match for a long while and pick it up easily whenever you'd like because of the simple premise of combat.

And yeah its slow, but at the moment we have a new tournament sign up, so that thread in particular has been quite active. Arena is very specific, its more than just a 1x1 story. I'm not saying the Arena couldn't do with a jump start but for the people who do post there wouldnt want it removed or merged with 1x1 just because its less popular than other sub forums. I assume Nation RP and Tabletop Regulars feel the same way.

@Dynamo Frokane

if the other features related to this idea were also implemented (stuff like the tag filter and better searching function), then it wouldn't be a problem at all. it's just easier than having an entirely different subforum, because in my opinion it makes it feel skill-less, in a way. if it's contained within one of the existing subforums (free, casual, advanced, 1x1), then at least it's an easier way of finding arena rps suited to your skillset/preferences, too.

besides, none of this is a definite. it's just people sharing their ideas and what they'd like to see happen, rather than letting things stay the same.

[Dion]

@Kratesis I consider it more of an appeal to 'I go there, so don't decide for me!' when it might not be in the best interest of the rest of RPG to maintain that section.

Admittedly I'd rather see arena as a sub-forum of another forum. Kinda like how we have 'casual roleplay' and 'casual interest checks' are their own tab?

It'd look like this:

O One-for-one and private Roleplay
O 1x1 roleplay
O 1x1 interest checks
O Private (invite only) roleplays
O Arena interest checks
O Arena roleplay

It's just a bit more organized to move it into respective subfolders, especially because nobody uses arena RP. Proof for that above in the screenshot.

[mickilennial]

One of the issues with the site is people getting defensive over their cliques.

@Midnight Howl

[Dolerman]

@Buddha Yes I agree with you the the Arena isnt as popular as other sub forums.
Yes I agree that it's been especially sparse lately.

But none of this is a good reason to merge. 1x1 is story driven collaborative writing, arena is non-collaborative creative competition, the fact that Arena usually takes place between two people doesn't mean it is the same thing as 1x1 story, both have their place. The reason why it is separate is because of the format and the motivation. There are other better ways to advertise. A good way is to use the general interest threads to announce tournaments or exhibition matches. We also could do better to include a wider range of combat types, instead of just 'badass vs badass' we should be hosting mecha battles, warplane dogfights, and small army warfare, which could get more people interested.

Like I said before, I'm all for improving the Arena, and I would be happy to help give it a kick in the right direction, but being merged with a thread that has nothing to do with what we are about will just piss people off, and make people want to give up on the RP combat completely if they feel they don't have a platform that supports it, and what happens in the long run? We just lose more users which is counter to what you are trying to achieve with this thread.

Tabletop is extremely unique, I cant speak for that community, but I imagine that having RP rules based on d20 and GURPS systems definately put you outside of the realm of anything you will find in Free, Casual and Advanced, it doesn't seem fair to take away that platform. I get that they are somewhat alienated from the traditional RPers but that comes with the territory of providing a platform for the niche.

Nation I don't know that much about, I assume that having a different mindset to RPing as a faction as apposed to a character is quite significant to how they write and interact with each other. But thats about all I can say, you'd have to speak to an NRPer for more details.

Anyway, in short, I think having niche sections for specific interests does more for the guild. Free, Casual and Advanced Regulars arent going to leave the site just because Arena, Nation and Tabletop arent as popular as their threads, I'm sure they either don't care or like the fact they can jump into something different one day if they feel like it.

But people WILL start leaving if you delete/merge maybe the only reason they are on the site. I do regular RPs now, but when I just started I only came to the guild for the duels, if that was taken away I would have left the site, and I know for a fact I wouldn't have been the only one.

[ImportantNobody]

As an arena person...don't want to sound like I'm betraying my own kind, but I don't see a huge problem with merging it with 1x1 other than the fact that I search a forum to see if it has it, so might miss it and not join if I don't think there is an arena. If merged stuff make it clear what's in it there's not a super huge downside from my point of view. In the thread titles could say something like [arena] or whatever specific 1x1 it is.

[Cyndyr]

You opinion is a P.O.S and so are you.

@Xavier Bloodbayne

I don’t have a positive view of Arena

@Inkarnate

Hmm, I wonder why.

o No flaming
o No ad hominem
o 'Be Fonz Cool', whatever the fuck that means
o Constructive criticism only, naming an issue is one thing, complaining and whining another
o Motivate your answers
o Try to think of solutions as well as problems

@Buddha

On a serious note, this was placed on the first post of this thread. Either come here to discuss civilly or don't at all. We're wanting to help the website we love and if there is suggestions that you disagree with, please politely explain as to why. Right now these are only suggestions and we have to keep in mind that this is discussion meaning that nothing is set in stone.

Everyone's voices are equally important here.

[Kratesis]

<Snipped quote by Kratesis>

Maybe not. But it'll remove the clutter and make other forums that are currently low on the list (guides comes to mind) appear more towards the top. I'm prepared to go over the backs of few to satisfy the many.

Also, this thread isn't about arena RP, so let's not let it devolve into that.

@Buddha

In this case it seems you would enrage the few and be irrelevant to the many. The Guild does not seem to be clamoring for the removal/rearrangement of the smaller forums. I do not see any evidence whatsoever that the masses of the Guild want the smaller forums changed or removed or altered in any way.

Implicit in your statement is the claim that a majority of the Guild desires change to the smaller forums. That is a fairly large claim and burden of proof falls upon you in this case. Do you have evidence to support this claim? If you do I am willing to be persuaded.

EDIT: Alright you've ninjaed me with another reply. Gimmie a sec.