What's the purpose of this board?
By
American_Eagle,
Posted on: 2004-12-16 19:43 in Developers' Corner
As you talk about issues, can you talk about the stage they are in decisionmaking, something like "This is something we're kicking around" "This is something we think is good and we want to see if reality agrees" or "This is something that is pretty much locked in stone."
I have a personal issue I'd love to know its state in the decisionmaking process.
My arcs are constantly shifting, just search for GadgetDon for the latest.
The world beware! I've started a blog
GadgetMania Under Attack: The Digg Lockout
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As you talk about issues, can you talk about the stage they are in decisionmaking, something like "This is something we're kicking around" "This is something we think is good and we want to see if reality agrees" or "This is something that is pretty much locked in stone."
I have a personal issue I'd love to know its state in the decisionmaking process.
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Yes I agree with this suggestion...
There are 1-2 things I have on my mind that I'm sure other players are wondering if they're being looked into...
It wouldn't have to be anything real explanatory, just a list like:
1. Looking into this...
2. Looking into that...
Yeah I agree with what these twi have said exspecially in the field of a list to be made. It would probably make things much easier to find.
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate being kept in the loop and how forthcoming you guys are about developments. I've played games where things were kept completely secret and changes took months and were often ill-conceived or poorly implemented. So thanks for listening and working with the players so well! We appreciate it even though we sometimes get snippy about our powers. 
You should have the first and last word in this section, I'd consider disabling replies. I can respond to everything you'll ever say here right now:
a. It rocks!
b. It sucks!
We already have The Training Room for feedback.
</tidy_drunk>
States! Up at 9:45 on a work night just to post on the boards!?
Take care,
A very good idea, exactly what many people had been hoping to see and not actually expecting.
Hmm, I worry about certain posters who feel they're competing for you time will never leave this forum now while spamming the open threads in it, and many casual readers might leave the General forum as abondoned as Faultline too...
...But it might lead to better communication too. Worth a try anyway. Good luck with it. I really hopes it leads to you only having to answer a question once. *snickers* ...but we know better than to expect that...
...but a big fat DITTO on what Jesterman just said never the less.
I'm glad to see this and the other sections you've created. I'll make one note, however, that has me a little worried. I fully understand that you're priorities are squarely focused on Issue 3, but it would be a wonderful gift to drop into the Suggestions forum every once in a while and say hi. 
I've seen a ton of great ideas, as well as some that aren't so great, and it would be nice to have a Dev drop in to give their opinions one way or the other.
You can't imagine how much it would mean to see a 'great idea!' from you or any other Dev. Keep up the good work.
I'm no fanboy, but thats pretty cool, States. I appreciate you talking with the community.
much <3 to statesman
Good Idea
I've come to the conclussion that States and the other Devs here in CoH are like no other Dev team. KEEP IT UP!
I'm amazed no trolls have come in to complain that the issues are being taken out of the issue-specific forums/threads.
Wait... maybe that statement itself is somewhat trollish?!
ANYHOO... Statesman; have you considered having a locked thread, wherein you could post a daily thought? This way, people can come in, read what you're currently working on, currently kicking around, or testing, or thinking of testing... and your posts won't be buried by mountains of fanboy (WE <3 YOU STATESMAN!!!!one) gushing replies.
Seriously, whenever you post, the thread is guaranteed to get 50 replies in the next 30 minutes, from people just wanting to 'personally thank you'. That's fine, and nice... and I'm not complaining that people are showing support... but the issue gets a wee bit sidetracked this way, don't you think?
You're still going to actively post in other forums/threads/etc... so why not have this as a quick little; "Here's a note... if you want to discuss <this> change, go post your thoughts in the appropos forum... I'm just posting this thought for now" deal?
I don't think this would be necessary if all people replying to your posts kept on topic... but that never happens... so....
(that's right.... dot, dot, dot...)
::nods:: Yes, I know it's been said, but, still, I would like to say it again, this time adding a slightly different motive/reason.
I like the idea that has been thrown to make this a no-reply thread. Here's why- I love the dev's digest. I use it more often than not to see what's going on, because I don't have the time, patience, or even the desire to read through 80-someodd pages of this, 158 pages of that, a lot of which are just a bunch of "this sucks", "you guys rock", and "if it sucks, why dont you add a solution idea, test it, chillout it's only on test" replies. That's why I never really read any of the threads on power changes, etc.
With the digest, I can go directly to a dev's reply, and try and sort stuff out from there.
I like the idea someone mentioned of making it like "here's such and such, for ideas and comments, please go to the appropriate thread here"
It really would help out a lot of people who like to keep track of what's going on, without having to sift through hundreds or thousands of posts to find said info.
But that's just my 2 influence
Like the others here, I rely on the dev tracker to get to actual meaningful information about what's going on in the game. I understand your idea of making an official thread forum, but unless you have some way to control response it won't solve the problem. I believe that invulnerability thread has been up a day and a half, and it is already 50 pages long - most of it just people whining. The official threads are the worst ones to read, because they guarantee everybody with a chip on their shoulder or a hug to give out will post their 2 paragraphs. It may very well be worthwhile to make non-reply posts with some of your updates and summaries. Or perhaps even to have someone who produces issue summaries, presenting the key statements from Cryptic and a summary of the concerns raised in response. I essentially do just that for my supergroup ( http://cohddf.com/ ) on several issues based off the dev tracker. Perhaps Cuppajoe or another of your fine moderators could provide that service. Or if they are too busy, I'd be happy to come work for you doing it... seriously. 
I love working with this game, and wouldn't even mind dealing with the trolls, flamers, and l337 twits if it was my job. That option aside, any action you can take to make it easier for us to access more meaningful information about the game and the changes in it would be vastly appreciated.
How about a nice thread in the Dev corner that discusses Ice/Stone/Dark Armor....
Maybe get some Developer input on the changes you are thinking of implimenting down the line, whenever you finish with the more important content like:
New boombox music.
Tweaking down scrappers in general.
Epic Powers
New art for missions etc...
Making the dismal firetanks better...
Stuff that is way more important than sets that are fundementally subpar in comparison to what is found in the rest of your game.
When something good happens to me, I can never enjoy it....
I am always too busy looking for the inevitable punchline...
BEHOLD THE POWER OF CHEESE!
Is there any way that you can make it so non-devs can't read what other players post on this forum? About 1000 replies (and counting) and quite a few of them are players talking to each other and not the devs at all. You might get more repetition that way, but you might not. At least that would make the Developer's Corner unique. So far, its just as trashed as the rest of the boards. Anything worth reading is in Dev Digest.
What are the Arenas for? Current Hero v. Hero duels or for some future sinister purpose?
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As lead designer, I like to post frequently on the boards and let the forum readers know what's going on.
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Um. Not to rag on you but....you have hardly been posting at all in the last 3 months. Frequently would not be the word I use.
States has posted 114 times since 10/1/04.
*Goes to check post count of other MMO Lead Designers*
yeah i gotta say this is def the best team ive ever come across in regards to communicationg with the community.
/em offers pie to cuppa and all the rest
...And that's what I love about the devs of this game.
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure. --- Thomas Jefferson
Formerly known as YFNDBA
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States has posted 114 times since 10/1/04.
*Goes to check post count of other MMO Lead Designers*
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Yes, but how many times has he, or any Dev, posted in the suggestions forum in that same amount of time?
As lead designer, I like to post frequently on the boards and let the forum readers know what's going on. With the success of the game, we've got a lot of fans - and that's great...but I've noticed that threads quickly multiply that dev responses get buried.
Now, when I've got something to explain, I can put it here. All the comments and responses are contained to a single thread. Devs can post responses in one place - posters know where to go.
Now this isn't to say that I'll stop posting in the other forums - but I'll try to keep the "hot" issues answered in this forum.