PROTEST 101: Should we stage protests?

I was jjust thinking...it's no secret after half a decade that the Devs could care less about Base Builders. So what can we do about it?

We have made lists, formed representative groups, posted letters to the devs...you name it. Nothing works.

Today I got to thinking. In the real world, we would just stop buying the product, right?

Not gonna happen here. I don't know about you, but no matter how many times I tell myself I'm done, I always seem to come back to the game. So, frankly, stomping our feet and threatening to quit is an empty threat.

But what else is done in the real world that we could do here? Today, it dawned on me. Now, keep in mind, this is an idea that is minuted old and hasn't been thought through yet...maybe we can work it out together, or toss it in the trash together, lol.

PROTEST 101
What I propose is this...if the base builders can come together and create toons on the same server once a week (each week on a different server) and as a unit stage a protest, complete with picket signs and broadcast chants...for just...say...an hour each week...until the devs take notice, would it make our voices heard?

I know, at first, other players in the zones (say Atlas for example) would laugh and insult us. But if we stick to our guns, would we eventually draw attention to the issue?

Discuss. Is this an idea worth pursuing?

There is another benefit as well...
You know how some families get together for a weekly bar-b-q? Well, this would allow for all the base builders to hook up, get to know each other. We could form a special global channel for non-broadcast chat or something.

What do you guys think?

I like the idea of base builders getting together. I don't think a protest is the most constructive option available. A regular gathering on a regular basis for base related events would show players and devs alike that there are more players out there who are interested to see some improvement to the base system.

If we, as a community can band together and show that we are a growing minority, and suggest to the developers how improving this system can gain and maintain the player base, we will start to see the improvements we have been so desperately waiting for.

We have some incredibly talented builders who give tours and supergroups who sponsor base building contests. More of this would, in my opinion, be a more positive approach to the issue.

I think it's silly. It won't make the changes come any faster. As much as I love base editing, the reality is is that it isn't a necessity of the game. It's a nice feature, but you don't need base editing to get from 1 to level 50 - so yes, it's on the back burner, but I don't doubt they aren't working on it when they can.

They are - and I know you'll take umbrage with this, so I'm sorry - working on more important things.

Not only are bases (and SGs for that matter) not a necessity; their utility is pretty much at an all time low. Here's my point: I believe this is by design... especially given what was done lately in game to promote base/sg travel, rez, teaming and crafting alternatives. At this point, the easiest "fix" would be to move the CoP outside of bases (a la what happened to the Silver Mantis SF redside...still another example of trend away from bases) place empowerment stations in Universities and just concede the point once and for all that bases are past their prime and not doing anything that cannot be done elsewhere (in most cases better).

However, I disagree with those who imply that things somehow "have" to be this way. I believe there are a number of "simple" things which could be done that would have wide in game appeal. I also feel that many of the base related complaints over multiple years are indeed justified (and you do not need to be an experienced programmer to see or understand that). However, these voices and complaints have been (purposely) overruled.

What we need (and do not have) is some greater influence "on the inside" to promote the "vision" of base/sg value. There is no single person responsible for the health and welfare of this aspect of the game. So we should not be surprised that there is likewise no responsibility to accomplish anything. My theory is the failure of the whole "All you bases are belong to us" (for those of you that remember that a few years back) largely shut the door on both base development and open dev/player communications on the subject. I wish I had been told that earlier... it would have saved me a couple of years of pleading and aggravation.

Will this door reopen with secret committees? More lists? Protests? I have my doubts. Despite some very well meaning efforts and intentions, the easier development path (the same path we've been on for quite some time) is one of benign neglect. I'd love to see some tangible results that prove me wrong on this score but I remain pessimistic.

So what do you propose they do to make bases updated and worthwhile? How would a large percentage of the playerbase benefit from a massive amount of work pulled from other projects like new content, costumes, powers, etc. and dedicated to bases? I'm kind of curious.