The City Scoop - Discussion - July 27, 2008

Vol. 2, Issue 9
July 27h, 2008

The City Scoop a publication for Supers by Supers! Our apologies for the late publish - the Comic Con Convention is to blame

Be sure to read this week's edition of the City Scoop and then post your comments here.

If you have concerns regarding the content of the Scoop please direct your comments via PM to Lighthouse or Ex Libris.

If you would like to do a feature article, have an event covered, or join "The City Scoop" team please PM Snow_Globe or Pants_Stealer

If you need some “Advice” contact Lady_Athyna or would like to “Ask The X” contact LiquidX

Finally if you have a Classified Ad or Recipe you would like included please contact: LadyK or MistressNoire

One page there looks doubled up.

EDIT: Page 2 and Page 3. I might be wrong though.

Is page 3 supposed to be an exact copy of page 2?

The City Scoop isn't showing up in the Community Digest.

The Babes of War ad while graphically very nice doesn't say which server the festivities are going to be held on.

I still haven't received any response to my attempts to submit my SG for consideration in the bases thread. It's been well over a month.

And finally, while I realize that this is just my opinion, my opinion is that this issue of the City Scoop is the most lackluster issue I've ever seen. Completely devoid of anything concrete or informative. I mention this because I've seen what the City Scoop staff can accomplish. I've been wowed by them before, more than once. A filler article here and there is one thing, but this entire issue seems like all filler to me.

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The Babes of War ad while graphically very nice doesn't say which server the festivities are going to be held on.


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Click on the ad...

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Is page 3 supposed to be an exact copy of page 2?

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Sorry about that, my mistake.

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The City Scoop isn't showing up in the Community Digest.

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Posts can sometimes take an hour for the digest script to pull in.

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The Babes of War ad while graphically very nice doesn't say which server the festivities are going to be held on.

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As was mentioned, click on it for more details.

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I still haven't received any response to my attempts to submit my SG for consideration in the bases thread. It's been well over a month.

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Sorry, but the Scoop is made up players just like yourself. I'm sure if you contact them politely and inquire again they may be able to accommodate you.

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And finally, while I realize that this is just my opinion, my opinion is that this issue of the City Scoop is the most lackluster issue I've ever seen. Completely devoid of anything concrete or informative. I mention this because I've seen what the City Scoop staff can accomplish. I've been wowed by them before, more than once. A filler article here and there is one thing, but this entire issue seems like all filler to me.

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Constructive criticism is all fine and well, but rather than throwing stones, perhaps then you should offer to help with the Scoop? It is put together by players for players.

... I don't get the comic and it worries me, because something tells me I should.... I feel like there is an empty void in my mind... GRAH

Great publication as always, though I have a nitpick with Hostile V's article.

His portion of probability manipulation is a little off to say the least. The examples he is giving is more attributed to Chaos manipulation, where any action, through a series of random events, indirectly causes another event to occur in a random location.

Probability manipulation requires a direct link between the events. Casually kicking a can and a nemesis bot blowing up are non-related, while kicking a can at a nemesis bot in a precise way to jam it and cause it to blow up is a direct link and makes PM viable.

Sitting down and money from the sky is just silly as well as being part of chaos theory. Sticking your arm out at just the right time to clothesline a thief causing the money to drop in front of you is PM territory.

As for the recluse example, I've got nothing. Spraying the water at him in such a way as to cause him to choke to death maybe?

Basically, probability manipulation is about taking the one in a million chance and making it happen on command, but the one in a million chance has to be a direct link between the two items being affected. The examples hostile gave are chaos manipulation and would be strictly in the hands of omnipotent beings. (ie devs)

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Constructive criticism is all fine and well, but rather than throwing stones, perhaps then you should offer to help with the Scoop? It is put together by players for players.

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When Ebert and Roper pan a movie because it's bad does anyone tell them that they should make their own film?

When someone says they don't like Piccasso do people immediately tell him that if he doesn't like it then he should become a painter?

When someone says they prefer Ford to Chevy do people irrately tell him that he should go to college and become an automotive design engineer?

Look, I may not be an expert but I know what I like. I'm not a professional writer but I know that I don't like Stephan King novels and I am even articulate enough to explain why. Does that mean that I should become a professional novelist or shut up? Are you really planning on telling anyone that criticizes anything on the forums from now on that if they don't like it they should do it themselves? When Arcanaville does a thorough statistical write up on why one powerset is more powerful than another will you really tell her if you don't like it you should go write your own MMO? Are you serious?

I was trying to offer courteous, honest and constructive criticism. And your response is actually if you don't like it then you should do it yourself. Wow. I guess I shouldn't bother mentioning that in this issue of the City Scoop Dr. Quarterfield was incorrectly spelled as "Dr Quaterfield" for fear that you'll recommend that I become a professional spell-checker.

@R_Son,

The comic is the end of a mini "story arc" between Val and Bullrush - if you read some of the previous comics that included the two of them, it might make more sense.

Well, maybe. I never really know what's going to be funny to others, only what _I_ think is funny - I can only hope that other people "get it" as well. If people like my strips, or don't like them/don't get them, it helps a ton to PM me and let me know -- I use your feedback as a "weather vain" that helps me know if I'm going in the right direction or not.

That brings up an interesting point, really (well, interesting to me anyways). I'd love to hear more on what people like or don't like in a comic in terms of whether they like longer, more in-depth "stories" or just short "one-shot" strips. I'd love to hear from you - let me know what you think!

Also, looking back at my strips, I've realized that I tend to use a LOT of CoX-specific language that other people may never have heard before. I realized this last night as well when a player on my team had never heard of the term "herding" before, but intuitively knew what I was talking about when I said we were going to "lure and trap" the enemies. So what do you all think - how do you feel about the language I'm using? Are you totally lost, or is it ok?

As always, thanks for the feedback

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Peregrine_Falcon: "I guess I shouldn't bother mentioning that in this issue of the City Scoop Dr. Quarterfield was incorrectly spelled as "Dr Quaterfield" for fear that you'll recommend that I become a professional spell-checker."

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Quaterfield is spelled correctly - it is Quaterfield - you can go see him in-game, or check at PW:
http://cityofheroes.wikia.com/wiki/Quaterfield . Hehe, I actually spelled it Quarterfield first too, and one of the eagle-eyed editors (2 actually) caught it before it went to print, so don't feel bad

Uh..........yes?

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The Babes of War ad while graphically very nice doesn't say which server the festivities are going to be held on.

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You seem to have missed the "Click here for more information." link at the bottom of the picture, the fact that the picture is linked (like past event fliers), and the link in the Upcoming Events (on the front page) July 26th "Freedom: Help Us Paint This Town PINK! BoW turns 4!!!" was also linked to the forums. I don't think we could have made things any clearer.

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I still haven't received any response to my attempts to submit my SG for consideration in the bases thread. It's been well over a month.

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If anyone PMs me something and I haven't gotten back to them within 7 days they should remind me. Also people might want to send PMs to the section editors that are responsible for what they are asking about. There is a reason why every Scoop has the article authors linked, and a staff page that has who does what. A lot of the other staff are not getting any feedback or suggestions directly, and they should be the people you ask [u]first[u].

My job at the Scoop is to make things run smoothly so the writers can write. I wouldn't be able to review a base or critique a work of fan fiction or come up with a recipe to wow your taste buds. Sending me these request is a bit counter productive and generally not give you a quick response.

If you are having a problem with a Scoop staffer that is related to the Scoop's functioning, that is when people need to contact an Editor in Chief.

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And finally, while I realize that this is just my opinion, my opinion is that this issue of the City Scoop is the most lackluster issue I've ever seen. Completely devoid of anything concrete or informative. I mention this because I've seen what the City Scoop staff can accomplish. I've been wowed by them before, more than once. A filler article here and there is one thing, but this entire issue seems like all filler to me.

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This is a combination of Summer, some real life pressures, and people not submitting anything to the Scoop.

Do you have any article ideas that you don't consider "fillers"? If you do, let us know. As it stands "I don't like it" isn't very constructive.

Triumph: White Succubus: 50 Ill/Emp/PF Snow Globe: 50 Ice/FF/Ice Strobe: 50 PB Shi Otomi: 50 Ninja/Ninjistu/GW Stalker My other characters

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Look, I may not be an expert but I know what I like. I'm not a professional writer but I know that I don't like Stephan King novels and I am even articulate enough to explain why.

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Except you didn't articulate why. You said that this issue seemed to be more "fillers" and less informative. You didn't say what you felt would be more informative, or what you considered "filler".

At this point the only thing I've gotten from your posts here are that you are upset that you haven't gotten a response (and I think I've explained that in my last post), and that you didn't like this issue. Nothing more concrete than that.

Triumph: White Succubus: 50 Ill/Emp/PF Snow Globe: 50 Ice/FF/Ice Strobe: 50 PB Shi Otomi: 50 Ninja/Ninjistu/GW Stalker My other characters

Just to let everyone know:

Due to many unforeseen factors, there will likely be no Scoop for August 1st.

Triumph: White Succubus: 50 Ill/Emp/PF Snow Globe: 50 Ice/FF/Ice Strobe: 50 PB Shi Otomi: 50 Ninja/Ninjistu/GW Stalker My other characters

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You seem to have missed the "Click here for more information." link at the bottom of the picture

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No, I saw the link. What I said is still true. I do not click on links in this forum ever. Too many rick-retard-rolls and garbage. More than once I've had a link actually take control of my browser forcing me to actually restart my computer in order to regain control of it. Reports and PMs to the Mods went unanswered. I finally started a thread asking the mods why these links were allowed to remain on the forums. My thread was deleted and I was sent a warning, BUT the thread with the link that took control of your computer was allowed to remain on the thread for several days. So yeah, I do not ever click on links in this forum ever.

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If anyone PMs me something and I haven't gotten back to them within 7 days they should remind me.

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My post was meant to be a reminder. You've responded to my posts on this and I appreciate that. The person who is in charge of the base column has read my PM, but never responded to me.

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Do you have any article ideas that you don't consider "fillers"? If you do, let us know. As it stands "I don't like it" isn't very constructive.

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I'm not a painter but I know that I don't like Picasso. That isn't meant as an insult to Picasso, it's just the truth. My post here was meant in the same way, which is why I went to great lengths in an attempt to be courteous in my post. I'm not trying to troll, flame or insult anyone, it's just that today's issue seems lackluster to me. It's getting so no one can post honest and constructive criticism on this forum anymore without being attacked by multiple people. Would you honestly prefer that I post "Great job!" in response to every single issue of the City Scoop? Or would you rather that I, one of your readers, tell you how I really feel about it?

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Except you didn't articulate why. You said that this issue seemed to be more "fillers" and less informative. You didn't say what you felt would be more informative, or what you considered "filler".

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Informative, full of actual information, more data and less Op-Ed peices. That's just my opinion, and I'm stating it only in response to your request so please don't attack me for my answer. As I specifically noted in my first post I've been wowed by the City Scoop staff before so I know that they are capable of it. Please realize that I meant my post to sound like; "C'mon guys, you're better than that, I know you can do better." It was not meant to sound like; "WTF??? You guys friggin suck! What do you call that?!?!" I appologize if that's how my post came across.

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At this point the only thing I've gotten from your posts here are that you are upset that you haven't gotten a response

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Nope, not upset. I was merely stating facts. I was also attempting to do so in a calm and courteous way. I'm honestly not sure if I failed to do so or if people are just being overly sensitive lately.

Love that Multi-media show room! (Though I liked the kids starting out the Hammers!) Good article on perma-doms, too. Though I've got no idea what Hostile has against super hair. It'd be neat! And I bet it will happen, too, I've already heard talk of BAB working on custom bows!

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You seem to have missed the "Click here for more information." link at the bottom of the picture

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No, I saw the link. What I said is still true. I do not click on links in this forum ever. Too many rick-retard-rolls and garbage. More than once I've had a link actually take control of my browser forcing me to actually restart my computer in order to regain control of it. Reports and PMs to the Mods went unanswered. I finally started a thread asking the mods why these links were allowed to remain on the forums. My thread was deleted and I was sent a warning, BUT the thread with the link that took control of your computer was allowed to remain on the thread for several days. So yeah, I do not ever click on links in this forum ever.

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Ok, let me put it this way: In order for the Scoop to be put in the announcements section it has to pass by the following people (at least) the Scoop copy editor, one or both the layout people, one or both the EiCs, and at LEAST one of the forum moderators/admins (Lighthouse, Ex Libris, Niviene, Koschej).

Simply put: We make sure that nothing bad happens when people click on links in the Scoop.

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Do you have any article ideas that you don't consider "fillers"? If you do, let us know. As it stands "I don't like it" isn't very constructive.

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I'm not a painter but I know that I don't like Picasso. That isn't meant as an insult to Picasso, it's just the truth. My post here was meant in the same way, which is why I went to great lengths in an attempt to be courteous in my post. I'm not trying to troll, flame or insult anyone, it's just that today's issue seems lackluster to me.

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Still not seeing [u]why[u].

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It's getting so no one can post honest and constructive criticism on this forum anymore without being attacked by multiple people. Would you honestly prefer that I post "Great job!" in response to every single issue of the City Scoop? Or would you rather that I, one of your readers, tell you how I really feel about it?

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Highlighted the portion that is missing.

Going back to your Picasso example, if I had told one of my teachers "I don't like it", they would immediately come back and ask [u]why[u]? If I said I don't like blue, placement, or subject they would ask me to explain why and then ask me to suggest another way to deliver the same message that he did.

Even "great job!", "keep up the good work!", or "nicely done!" comments by themselves are not constructive.

You seem to be confusing "constructive" with "agreement". Nothing could be further from the truth.

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Except you didn't articulate why. You said that this issue seemed to be more "fillers" and less informative. You didn't say what you felt would be more informative, or what you considered "filler".

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Informative, full of actual information, more data and less Op-Ed peices. That's just my opinion, and I'm stating it only in response to your request so please don't attack me for my answer.

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I'm not trying to attack you, but we need more information to work with. What types of data, what types of information are you looking for? Right now a lot of the current writers are swinging to in-character stuff as opposed out of character articles. There seems to be more demand for that.

Also, right now with so many people away (it is Summer after all) maybe the articles you normally like aren't being done.

Triumph: White Succubus: 50 Ill/Emp/PF Snow Globe: 50 Ice/FF/Ice Strobe: 50 PB Shi Otomi: 50 Ninja/Ninjistu/GW Stalker My other characters

Who picks the Super Groups that are featured in the city scoop, i'd like to put Java Junkies SG on pinnacle up for consideration.
It's time to meet your coffeemaker!

The have submitted their groups and talked to the people doing those sections (pretty much the base writers).

Triumph: White Succubus: 50 Ill/Emp/PF Snow Globe: 50 Ice/FF/Ice Strobe: 50 PB Shi Otomi: 50 Ninja/Ninjistu/GW Stalker My other characters

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Simply put: We make sure that nothing bad happens when people click on links in the Scoop.

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Oh I believe you, but I have two rules. One is never get involved in a land war in asia and the other is never click on links in this forum.

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I'm not trying to attack you, but we need more information to work with.

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Look, I was just stating my opinion. I told you that I personally prefer more hard data and less of what was in the scoop today. As I said I wasn't trying to flame or insult anyone. My opinion is that this issue is lackluster because it has a lot of fluff and no hard facts or information. Just my opinion. I'm not prepared to write a complete treatise on exactly what was wrong with each individual article. No do I want to have a long argument with you about it. I'm sorry if my opinion offended you, in the future I'll keep it to myself.

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What types of data, what types of information are you looking for?

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How about anything? How about any kind of data or hard information? I'm not picky. Maybe I'm in the vast minority and most people prefer fan-fiction and fluff pieces. I personally prefer helpful, useful data.

I'm not interested in writing for the City Scoop, so I guess that means that I'm not allowed to criticise it. In any case since you seem to be missing my point I'm done with this discussion.

This thread is two pages long and i still don't know what's going on.

Oh, and note to self: make all of next issues' links rick roll people while initiating a land war in Asia. Awesome!

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I'm sorry if my opinion offended you, in the future I'll keep it to myself.

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You haven't offended me. I was just trying to find out what you wanted so we can see about adding more of what people want.

It's tricky trying to guess what people want from the Scoop.

Triumph: White Succubus: 50 Ill/Emp/PF Snow Globe: 50 Ice/FF/Ice Strobe: 50 PB Shi Otomi: 50 Ninja/Ninjistu/GW Stalker My other characters

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It's tricky trying to guess what people want from the Scoop.

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More Awesome Bewbage, perhaps?

Woohoo, I got a mention in the Multi-Media Showroom! Yay! *happy dance*

And my links are safe, btw.

Michelle
aka
Samuraiko/Dark_Respite

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It's tricky trying to guess what people want from the Scoop.

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More Awesome Bewbage, perhaps?

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To paraphrase Yakko Warner:

"We'd love to, really, but the forum moderators won't allow it."

Triumph: White Succubus: 50 Ill/Emp/PF Snow Globe: 50 Ice/FF/Ice Strobe: 50 PB Shi Otomi: 50 Ninja/Ninjistu/GW Stalker My other characters

"Helloooo Nurse!"

*ahem*