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The University of Guelph did a study that states less than 6% of people who are overweight, are overweight because of a disability. Meaning that the other 94% have a choice. If you make fun of someones new haircut because it is stupid, it is not a low blow. It was their choice and it was a dumb decision.
The same goes for getting fat.
And I say this form the perspective of someone who until recently was 5'8" and 240lbs. (I am now 180 and still consider myself chubby)
So not a low blow.
[/ QUOTE ]
The University of Guelph?
Interesting links for reading:
Ars Technica
Ancient Article on SWG
AoC interview
From the AoC interview:
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Craig Morrison: You know, I think in normal MMO-and anyone whos worked on an MMO will probably tell you the same thing: You spend 90% of your time on the last 10% of any design, preventing players from doing stuff. [Laughs]
Because players main disposition is to break things.
And I think that rather than looking at things like that, I prefer to ask the designers to embrace the thought of putting their minds into the minds of a player, rather than seeing it as a challenge almost like, We must police them, we must force them to play the way that we want them to play!
I hate that. I know hates a very strong word, but I really do. I really, really dislike that approach to design.
[/ QUOTE ]
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The University of Guelph did a study that states less than 6% of people who are overweight, are overweight because of a disability. Meaning that the other 94% have a choice. If you make fun of someones new haircut because it is stupid, it is not a low blow. It was their choice and it was a dumb decision.
The same goes for getting fat.
And I say this form the perspective of someone who until recently was 5'8" and 240lbs. (I am now 180 and still consider myself chubby)
So not a low blow.
[/ QUOTE ]
The University of Guelph?
[/ QUOTE ]
http://www.uoguelph.ca/
looking for the article now.
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I agree with that article someone posted: if things come too easily, people will soon get bored and leave.
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The problem with this sentiment, is that its an opinion with no research to back it at all.
I do not play this game for the sense of community, in fact I think the idea of a virtual community is pretty dumb. But I respect your right to enjoy it.
You however are not respecting my desire to farm, which is something you think is dumb.
All the people I used to farm with, were here for more than 3 years. we all had a ton of lv 50's and just enjoyed farming, with a loose association to each other. The only reason a lot of them left was because of Positrons official statement regarding farming.
So my considerable anecdotal evidence, seems to indicate that the idea of people getting bored when stuff is too easy is false.
Having said that, I can see why in a non-MMo style game, cheats can easily ruin the game and make it repetitive and pointless. Balder's gate comes to mind. But an MMO, and specifically this game, is different, there is far too much to try and accomplish to make it boring.
just something to think about.
[/ QUOTE ]
Sure, City of Heroes kind of has a built in safety net around that, as there are tons of different powerset combinations to try out and such. Part of the fun is rolling up a new character with different powersets to see how that plays. However, when things are going ZOMG SUPER FAST even THAT can wear out, and people might think "Well, I've done everything this game has to offer. Time to see what MMO X is like." It's obviously in the developers' best interest to try and prevent that, whether it's actually going to happen or not.
I want to point out to everyone that this is me agreeing with their intent, not their actions. If you're going to flame me, do it for a good reason. Insult my ethnic heritage, for example. 
Oh, It's in Canada.
My bad. Interesting name.
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[ QUOTE ]
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I agree with that article someone posted: if things come too easily, people will soon get bored and leave.
[/ QUOTE ]
The problem with this sentiment, is that its an opinion with no research to back it at all.
I do not play this game for the sense of community, in fact I think the idea of a virtual community is pretty dumb. But I respect your right to enjoy it.
You however are not respecting my desire to farm, which is something you think is dumb.
All the people I used to farm with, were here for more than 3 years. we all had a ton of lv 50's and just enjoyed farming, with a loose association to each other. The only reason a lot of them left was because of Positrons official statement regarding farming.
So my considerable anecdotal evidence, seems to indicate that the idea of people getting bored when stuff is too easy is false.
Having said that, I can see why in a non-MMo style game, cheats can easily ruin the game and make it repetitive and pointless. Balder's gate comes to mind. But an MMO, and specifically this game, is different, there is far too much to try and accomplish to make it boring.
just something to think about.
[/ QUOTE ]
Sure, City of Heroes kind of has a built in safety net around that, as there are tons of different powerset combinations to try out and such. Part of the fun is rolling up a new character with different powersets to see how that plays. However, when things are going ZOMG SUPER FAST even THAT can wear out, and people might think "Well, I've done everything this game has to offer. Time to see what MMO X is like." It's obviously in the developers' best interest to try and prevent that, whether it's actually going to happen or not.
I want to point out to everyone that this is me agreeing with their intent, not their actions. If you're going to flame me, do it for a good reason. Insult my ethnic heritage, for example.
[/ QUOTE ]
I have over 40 lv 50's at last count. probably more...and a ton of 40ishes......and the only thing that ever made me consider quitting...ever....was being told how I am allowed to have fun.
Because even if you make one of every AT, you still have bases, and PvP, and an emotional/creative investment in what you create. I will not admit to having made a few LV 50's in less than 8 hours. But if I did I would value them as much as all my other toons (which is a lot)
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Oh, It's in Canada.
My bad. Interesting name.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah my wife went there and they do a lot of interesting science studies that she forwards to me 
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So my considerable anecdotal evidence, seems to indicate that the idea of people getting bored when stuff is too easy is false.
[/ QUOTE ]
Up to a point I'd agree with you. Just remember though that part of the reason why you're engaged is because of a risk/reward ratio.
You are playing because you want to be engaged. If you there was no risk, you wouldn't bother with sitting at the keyboard, you could afk the whole thing and not be bothered. If the risk was too high, you might get frustrated and not continue and quit. In the CoX context, the risk is being defeated.
Similarly, if the reward is too high for that task, it could distort your perception of the rest of the game. If you aren't playing the game for any reward, ie. xp/drops/tickets/etc. then why isn't everyone merely playing in test mode for AE?
Farming is totally acceptable to me as long as the risk/reward is similar to the rest of the game, and that there is challenge enough where you don't disengage from the game entirely or that it is an impossible task. Obviously those metrics are different for everyone's unique play styles and experience.
This is a quick reply.
To those that are indeed canceling or going to cancel their account(s), I would merely suggest to wait with that decision to see how the events truly unfold.
If pacted characters are restored, bans get unbanned etc, then perhaps it will be worth it to those involved to stay and enjoy the game as they have before MA ever came into being.
Nothing can be done about the statements that Positron made. He is the lead designer, but he doesn't state company policy. As he has eluded to a few times, the producer is the real power behind CoH.
Were those statements made at the behest of the Producer, or were they made from Positron himself? No one knows and the distinction isn't that important.
What seems to be more important is the heavy handed draconian approach that was taken.
I may be wrong, but I think some of the characters have been or will soon be restored. The accounts have or soon will be unbanned.
If I am correct in this, that should leave us with these:
1 - The inability to discuss such actions.
2 - The unclear nature of what is a violation.
3 - The actual actions of the CS department.
I may have missed some, but that seems to be the big issues.
No one enjoys being told they have to accept something they don't like and then being told they can't even discuss it.
However, perhaps there would be a way to discuss things providing a positive attitude and healthy approach to them.
Perhaps an answer to this is to not directly discuss "Z" got deleted because of CS. But instead discuss if the general direction of a game can be considered well thought out, and positive regarding the public's view of a game.
So long as no direct references to CS or the like are made, and some good positive ideas are brought out, that might turn out to be a good thing. A nice healthy discussion of customer feedback versus no feedback.
To the idea of something being unclear, that is such a broad based subject that I don't know if there is any way to give good feedback on that. There is no way for anyone to give a list of what is good or bad. The moment a list is developed, the next second there will be someone who does something just outside that list thinking a game company will not take action. I believe we should go with caution on that subject myself.
The CS department can only do what it is instructed to do. There seems to be some good people in there. I think, through persistance and with good intentions, most any error can be corrected with them. Escalation might have to be involved, but should prevail.
I guess the basics of this long winded post would be to ask the people who are or will soon leave to reconsider that choice.
In the scheme of things, this is only a small bump in the road versus the glaring implementation debacles known as GDR and ED. We survived them, hopefully those involved will reconsider and survive this as well.
-Cos
Member of Team Awesome���
Justice Server
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you could afk the whole thing and not be bothered
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I have often done this. Its a form of power leveling, and we have often traded or taken turns. I enjoy being able to go afk and accomplish real life things, and come back to some new levels. In fact I think that is what the whole leveling pact thing is about.
As for risk vs reward. I had never heard about that until I started this game, and you know what? it's stupid.
What they are really talking about when they say "risk vs reward" is managing your addiction. They want to make sure they give you enough to satisfy you a little but not so much that you don't come back for more.
I do not play this game because of an addiction. I play it because it allows me to have a creative outlet. I play to think outside the box, and come up with new and creative uses of the powers, and classes. I understand that a lot of people play for the addiction, but I am not one, nor do I believe it is healthy to play for that reason.
But I respect that others have the desire to play for those reasons, and am happy to let them.
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you could afk the whole thing and not be bothered
[/ QUOTE ]
I have often done this. Its a form of power leveling, and we have often traded or taken turns. I enjoy being able to go afk and accomplish real life things, and come back to some new levels. In fact I think that is what the whole leveling pact thing is about.
As for risk vs reward. I had never heard about that until I started this game, and you know what? it's stupid.
What they are really talking about when they say "risk vs reward" is managing your addiction. They want to make sure they give you enough to satisfy you a little but not so much that you don't come back for more.
I do not play this game because of an addiction. I play it because it allows me to have a creative outlet. I play to think outside the box, and come up with new and creative uses of the powers, and classes. I understand that a lot of people play for the addiction, but I am not one, nor do I believe it is healthy to play for that reason.
But I respect that others have the desire to play for those reasons, and am happy to let them.
[/ QUOTE ]
When you afk and someone has taken over, they are assuming the risk, you are sharing in the reward. Same with pacting. Otherwise you might as well log in and have all the loot and a level 50 as soon as you click 'create character.' Which some people are arguing for anyhow.
And the whole risk vs. reward thing can be viewed the way you do, but it has also been around for heck of a lot longer than MMOs or computers for that matter.
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When you afk and someone has taken over, they are assuming the risk, you are sharing in the reward. Same with pacting.
[/ QUOTE ]
Even though the burden is being taken on by a different player, the risk is still being assumed. So long as both parties are consenting and the other player is okay with taking on said additional risk, I don't have a problem with it.
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The University of Guelph <snip>
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That is not the point, at all. There is a right way and a wrong way to argue a point, and bringing in personal attacks is the wrong way. Asking for an apology while summarily bringing up personal things completely unrelated to the situation is disingenuous at best, and hypocritical at worst.
For what it's worth, I too would like to see a public statement of apology. I just don't think insulting the person you're asking it of is the right way to go about it. Call me crazy, but if someone where to say to me "You owe me an apology, you fat person with a stupid haircut" (to use both of your examples), I'd feel rather disinclined to offer one, whether I was in the wrong or not.
@Arwen Darkblade
Proud Member of Hammer of the Gods and Sanguine Syndicate
Arc ID #86194 "Cry Havoc"
Arc ID #103934 "Dr. Thomas' First Day"
[URL="http://tobyfife.blogspot.com/"]Hero Girl[/URL] - my geek culture blog
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[ QUOTE ]
When you afk and someone has taken over, they are assuming the risk, you are sharing in the reward. Same with pacting.
[/ QUOTE ]
Even though the burden is being taken on by a different player, the risk is still being assumed. So long as both parties are consenting and the other player is okay with taking on said additional risk, I don't have a problem with it.
[/ QUOTE ]
Heh, I never said there was a problem with it
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The University of Guelph <snip>
[/ QUOTE ]
That is not the point, at all. There is a right way and a wrong way to argue a point, and bringing in personal attacks is the wrong way. Asking for an apology while summarily bringing up personal things completely unrelated to the situation is disingenuous at best, and hypocritical at worst.
For what it's worth, I too would like to see a public statement of apology. I just don't think insulting the person you're asking it of is the right way to go about it. Call me crazy, but if someone where to say to me "You owe me an apology, you fat person with a stupid haircut" (to use both of your examples), I'd feel rather disinclined to offer one, whether I was in the wrong or not.
[/ QUOTE ]
I would normally agree, but women belong in the kitchen, not wasting time on an Internet messageboard.
*runs away*
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I would normally agree, but women belong in the kitchen, not wasting time on an Internet messageboard.
*runs away*
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Dude, it's the modern age. Women have internet kiosks in the kitchen now so they can look up recipes.
*hides in garage*
*yells to the garage*
Oh. That makes sense.
*keeps running*
[ QUOTE ]
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The University of Guelph <snip>
[/ QUOTE ]
That is not the point, at all. There is a right way and a wrong way to argue a point, and bringing in personal attacks is the wrong way. Asking for an apology while summarily bringing up personal things completely unrelated to the situation is disingenuous at best, and hypocritical at worst.
For what it's worth, I too would like to see a public statement of apology. I just don't think insulting the person you're asking it of is the right way to go about it. Call me crazy, but if someone where to say to me "You owe me an apology, you fat person with a stupid haircut" (to use both of your examples), I'd feel rather disinclined to offer one, whether I was in the wrong or not.
[/ QUOTE ]fair enough
Hmm, torch and pitchfork time.
And fire ants...
I wonder if I can make a fire ant torch.
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I would normally agree, but women belong in the kitchen, not wasting time on an Internet messageboard.
*runs away*
[/ QUOTE ]
Dude, it's the modern age. Women have internet kiosks in the kitchen now so they can look up recipes.
*hides in garage*
[/ QUOTE ]LOL, my wife (the main earner in our household) made me do this very thing for this very reason. She now has an open laptop mounted on the wall in the kitchen a la star trek, so that she can look up recipes.
I am not going to run, cause I didnt say anything wrong. 
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Hmm, torch and pitchfork time.
And fire ants...
I wonder if I can make a fire ant torch.
[/ QUOTE ]
You're nicer that I am. I was eyeing the shotgun.
@Arwen Darkblade
Proud Member of Hammer of the Gods and Sanguine Syndicate
Arc ID #86194 "Cry Havoc"
Arc ID #103934 "Dr. Thomas' First Day"
[URL="http://tobyfife.blogspot.com/"]Hero Girl[/URL] - my geek culture blog
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I am not going to run, cause I didnt say anything wrong.
[/ QUOTE ]
*watches from around the corner as Markus gets mowed down for 'being a man.'*
*runs back*
Have you learned NOTHING?! Guilt by association! Your [censored] is grass, man! RUN!
*runs away again*
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I am not going to run, cause I didnt say anything wrong.
[/ QUOTE ]
*watches from around the corner as Markus gets mowed down for 'being a man.'*
[/ QUOTE ]
I have learned through my long list of relationships, that you can be "right" or you can be "happy".
I am resigned to being unhappy.
Edit:
If I cross the street, on a green, having looked both ways first and a car comes speeding towards me, I might die....but I will die knowing I was right, and frankly that is more important to me at this time.
[ QUOTE ]
I agree with that article someone posted: if things come too easily, people will soon get bored and leave.
[/ QUOTE ]
The problem with this sentiment, is that its an opinion with no research to back it at all.
I do not play this game for the sense of community, in fact I think the idea of a virtual community is pretty dumb. But I respect your right to enjoy it.
You however are not respecting my desire to farm, which is something you think is dumb.
All the people I used to farm with, were here for more than 3 years. we all had a ton of lv 50's and just enjoyed farming, with a loose association to each other. The only reason a lot of them left was because of Positrons official statement regarding farming.
So my considerable anecdotal evidence, seems to indicate that the idea of people getting bored when stuff is too easy is false.
Having said that, I can see why in a non-MMo style game, cheats can easily ruin the game and make it repetitive and pointless. Balder's gate comes to mind. But an MMO, and specifically this game, is different, there is far too much to try and accomplish to make it boring.
just something to think about.