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by Ice Cream Jonsey 06/12/2006, 2:19am PDT |
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Zsenicorpse wrote:
Caltrops is all about criticism and making fun of things; we can model Caltrops very well if we think of gayness as a zombie and posting as attacking zombies. Caltrops is a survival horror game with a limited ammo supply, degrading weapons, and infinite zombies. It's a game that rewards wrench-wielding purists like Fussbett and people who can kill zombies just by looking at them real hard, like Creexul, and people who don't mind losing a lot, like Worm. But it's hard on people with shaky aim who blow ammo misfiring (BDR), or keep attempting to play Mario Paint using the Caltrops interface (mrs johnson), or people who are used to playing everything on God Mode (Zseni!) I was always confused that people liked Caltrops but didn't like System Shock 2. I liked Caltrops and SS2, I just wasn't very good at either.
Who said you weren't very good at Caltrops? Anonymous people? The same two or three people who used to post three dozen different times as Mysterio? People who naturally hate everything?
I thought Caltrops should have been easier, but I usually got shot down on that point. Nobody wanted Caltrops to be easier and, worse yet, we kept getting Unreliable Narrator DM's like SB and BDR. BDR may have been very polite, but he's better suited to moderating big forums that are actually about talking. Not viciously intimate PVP affairs like Caltrops, because he's such a huge personal fuckup. You can fly with "huge personal fuckup" if you're on a big board where people are interested in getting along. You don't have to be all there to delete crappy posts and yell at people who get out of line. But you can't fly with it when the (sensitive, committed, polite) board admin is at least as likely to get attacked as anyone else. ICJ, you're a great admin for this place - you keep all your huge personal fuckups offline. We never hear about them. That's perfect.
I appreciate that, but I believe this place can be much better than it is and I take the full blame for it not being that way. To 'administer' this site, in all of its various iterations, you have to be willing to walk away. For a day, a week, a month, whatever. For instance, I think that Entropy Stew would be a perfect admin (at this point) if I got hit by a bus tomorrow because he just doesn't have all that much emotionally invested any longer. It puts two opposing mindsets together, though: you have to care enough to update the main page and format articles and so forth, but not care so much that you'll take it personally if somebody - reg or Mysterio - tells you what an enormous fag you are.
It could have worked out better if the Fussbett/Creex/INC axis wasn't so assfuckingly dominant and tight. They just whipped everyone! Nobody else could compete! In fact, nobody else was even close! And so the lesser orders did much better playing along with whatever they thought Fussbett, Creex, and INC would like: war stories, porn, trolling, FPS games, liking the right movies and the right music, that sort of thing. It wasn't so much that Fussbett came down on anyone who posted about liking poetry and kittens as that anonymous tards and second-string posters would pre-emptively assign Fussbettian judgement on the post and poster and attack accordingly. Everything would have been cool if, you know, people could just not give a shit about what other people say about them on the internet, but when you've spent years saying things back and forth with these people? Or when they stink of cool kids or get your jokes?
I would definitely maintain that, yes, to actively keep up with this place, you can't take anything you read personally. You may even get dismissed and called an asshole months later and ALL THE WHILE the person can think that he and Caltrops are "cool." That means that every possible new poster is going to end up asking himself (and sadly, it's almost definitely a he) "Why should I bother with this shit?" With OMM it was obvious: for their articles. I don't know that there's a really good parallel for this place, if only because you aren't going to instantly know that the Fussbett/Ray/Whorebach/Whoever posts are hilarious and worth keeping around for.
I always thought the best way to level the playing field would be to have a seriously bent administrator - not somebody polite and hands-off, but a raging tyrant, a fantastical abuser of power, like Chet or SB but worse... and fun. Fun to hate, fun to fight, and of course someone who would not actually fucking delete the boards for fun.
I can't argue with this at all.
Which is of course where Caltrops is at now: the endgame. Highlander-eque, posters fall away one by one and their powers revert unto Those Who Remain. The ultimate problem is that Creex, Fussbett, and INC aren't going to bitch out each other, but everyone else who could be bitched out is either gone or worthless. There is less and less to talk about at Caltrops and fewer and fewer people to talk about it. I don't think this is actually bad, but it is dull, and especially unnecessary.
There are some things I have considered changing to try to help. While I think the current About page is hilarious, it wouldn't hurt to actually tell people what the forums are for and that there are hundreds of them. I believe that the average would-be reader comes to the forum, sees 10 active subforums (Gamerasutra, Half-Life 2, The Zionist Media Conspiracy and then something random like Carmen Sandiego or Xenophobe) and assumes the place is dead. A buddy of mine who is fairly fluent in BBSs assumed as much when we were on opposite sites of the phpBB-being-garbage debate.
I don't think it would hurt to have the messages and bases scroll off after a month instead of 8 days. And personally I'd just make the default color of the forum purple and give those people who need the blue version a separate URL.
At OMM the draw was the content and, as it turns out, Caltrops just isn't producing stuff on that level even if the general quality of posting in the forum is way above any other forum's. So there's a second problem: even with a crazy administrator, how would you get more people to show up?
Exactly. I was once told that the average page of an OMM article took a day to write. I don't know the actual history of Chet and erik at that time, but it wouldn't surprise me to learn that, ah, at least one of them had their days free to come up with that stuff. My last bit (on Postal 2) took a week to play what was a shitty game and then a couple days to whip up some writing on it. Even after all that I still needed proofreading from Ray. I imagine that many of us don't have that kind of time. And who wants to hear about all the great fun I've been having in Oblivion? Who gives a shit?
A lot of the AIM log stuff just needs a little more cleaning up and editing before it's saleable article content - that's a good schtick all on its own, the only game review site that reviews everything in AIM.
You're ABSOLUTELY right about this. I agree completely.
I would turn many more posts from the forum into permanent articles, or make the "game reviews in the forum" section more navigable, and possibly add user ratings or something.
The only problem with this is on my side - it takes an evening to get something ready for the site. I get about three hours of free time a night by the time I get home and have dinner with my girlfriend due to my commute. But I am hoping to fix that by the end of the month. I could probably post a template for people to use, though which would go a long way towards stuff getting uploaded at a faster clip.
I have run out of things to say, but I am not done thinking about this. Thanks for taking the time to write out what you did. It's appreciated.
the dark and gritty...Ice Cream Jonsey! |
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Questions by TAFKAM 08/06/2005, 6:12pm PDT
Re: Questions by Creexul :( 08/06/2005, 6:21pm PDT
Mics by Fussbett 08/07/2005, 2:42pm PDT
Re: Mics by FABIO 08/07/2005, 4:09pm PDT
Re: Mics by Fussbett 08/07/2005, 9:35pm PDT
Re: Mics by TAFKAM 08/07/2005, 5:30pm PDT
Fucking mics. by Bill Dungsroman 08/07/2005, 8:55pm PDT
Or don't plug in the headphone jack. NT by Fussbett 08/07/2005, 9:32pm PDT
Doesn't work (I tried). NT by Bill Dungsroman 08/08/2005, 1:12pm PDT
Re: Fucking mics. by TAFKAM 08/07/2005, 9:47pm PDT
speaker + mics by FABIO 08/07/2005, 10:51pm PDT
Re: speaker + mics by TAFKAM 08/08/2005, 5:35am PDT
Can't you just get one for the neck of your shirt? by Worm 08/08/2005, 6:26am PDT
"lavalier" NT by Fussbett 08/08/2005, 12:51pm PDT
Re: "lavalier" by Worm 08/08/2005, 4:24pm PDT
Has that happened to you? by Fussbett 08/08/2005, 8:31am PDT
the OTHER possibility by FABIO 08/08/2005, 11:17am PDT
Damn, what kind of rig do you have to accomplish that? by bink 08/08/2005, 8:28pm PDT
Re: Damn, what kind of rig do you have to accomplish that? by TAFKAM 08/09/2005, 3:17am PDT
Had to do it. by TAFKAM 08/13/2005, 7:40pm PDT
Re: Had to do it. by FABIO 08/20/2005, 10:53pm PDT
Re: Had to do it. by TAFKAM 08/21/2005, 10:49am PDT
See that fabio? by Andreas 08/21/2005, 11:45am PDT
Re: See that fabio? by Ray of Light 08/21/2005, 12:45pm PDT
I think I'm going to throw up. by Bill Dungsroman 08/21/2005, 10:55pm PDT
Does the thought of hard work always have that effect? by Ray of Light 08/22/2005, 12:38am PDT
Re: Does the thought of hard work always have that effect? by TAFKAM 08/22/2005, 5:08am PDT
i enjoyed the eyerolling response to anyone questioning his insane habits. by bombMexico 08/22/2005, 5:07pm PDT
Re: i enjoyed the eyerolling response to anyone questioning his insane habits. by Ray of Light 08/22/2005, 5:46pm PDT
I don't quite get your title zinger, you being you and me being me and all. by Bill Dungsroman 08/22/2005, 11:36pm PDT
I'm also sick of Ray thinking he's clever by I need clarification 08/23/2005, 12:22am PDT
Why is it important to you to feel you're better than I am? by Ray of Light 08/23/2005, 12:40am PDT
I would love to see Bill research a new chair for Ray! by FABIO 08/23/2005, 12:51am PDT
I'd love for you to get a fucking life and stop playing video games by Bill Dungsroman 08/23/2005, 1:08am PDT
owner of Caltrops is above video games NT by FABIO 08/23/2005, 3:12am PDT
One trick pony misses point. NT by go figure. 08/23/2005, 4:51am PDT
anyone else know what this guy is talking about? NT by fabiNO 08/23/2005, 11:05pm PDT
Because I....heyyyyy, WAIT JUST A DANG MINUTE! by Bill Dungsroman 08/23/2005, 1:26am PDT
Chill, Dungsroman by Ray of Light 08/23/2005, 2:55am PDT
Re-heat your arguments, Light. by Bill Dungsroman 08/23/2005, 1:20pm PDT
Make it stop by Chillum 08/23/2005, 1:46pm PDT
Re: Make it stop by Bill Dungsroman 08/24/2005, 1:43am PDT
That BDR, I tell you he's UNTROLLABLE. NT by I need clarification 08/24/2005, 6:41pm PDT
Next Tuesday, for one. by Bill Dungsroman 08/24/2005, 7:50pm PDT
Well, guess who wins? (ME) NT by Creexul :( 08/24/2005, 8:22pm PDT
PS: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA NT by Creexul :( 08/24/2005, 8:22pm PDT
Fuck you. You're shit. NT by Worm 08/24/2005, 10:14pm PDT
No, you don't by motherfuckerfoodeater 08/25/2005, 1:47am PDT
Re: No, you don't by Creexul :( 08/25/2005, 2:56am PDT
Hello, rookie by motherfuckerfoodeater 08/25/2005, 3:05am PDT
Re: Hello, rookie by Creexul :( 08/25/2005, 3:38am PDT
I could watch MFFE pound his head against this wall all day. by I need clarification 08/25/2005, 8:28am PDT
Why? NT by Worm 08/25/2005, 9:08am PDT
You're both pathetic and need a new schtick. NT by motherfuckerfoodeater 08/25/2005, 12:08pm PDT
Wait, are you calling me pathetic? NT by I need clarification 08/25/2005, 12:45pm PDT
Remember when you used to write posts like this, look at them, and not hit submi NT by yeah, submint Worm 08/25/2005, 1:06pm PDT
haha like there's a "mint" worm. by I need clarification 08/25/2005, 3:21pm PDT
Most predictable forum post of all time. NT by motherfuckerfoodeater 08/25/2005, 3:46pm PDT
Okay, I'm going to suggest ICJ disable posting and we can predict everything. by Worm 08/25/2005, 3:54pm PDT
I knew SOMEONE would say that, but I only SUSPECTED it would be you. NT by I need clarification 08/25/2005, 9:20pm PDT
What, no poll? NT by Bodybag 08/24/2005, 8:36pm PDT
This looks like a job for ctrl c ctrl v. by Creexul :( 08/24/2005, 9:00pm PDT
Re: This looks like a job for ctrl c ctrl v. by Souffle of Pain 08/24/2005, 9:09pm PDT
Re: This looks like a job for ctrl c ctrl v. by Creexul :( 08/24/2005, 10:24pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Tony 08/24/2005, 9:37pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Ice Cream Jonsey 08/24/2005, 9:46pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by E. L. Koba 08/25/2005, 12:40am PDT
Welcome back! NT by Ice Cream Jonsey 08/25/2005, 12:42am PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Ray of Light 08/25/2005, 1:23am PDT
Huh, the place sure has gone to shit since I left by tatters 10/06/2005, 11:45pm PDT
That isn't you, because I am you and I've shut up for a long time. by Mysterio 10/07/2005, 10:43pm PDT
No, I am Spartacus by American Asshole 10/10/2005, 10:00am PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Zsenicorpse 06/11/2006, 1:55pm PDT
Temporary solution: William Forsythe's joie de vivre! NT by conflictNo 06/11/2006, 2:49pm PDT
Or this: Advanced abseiling with Roland Gift! by conflictNo 06/11/2006, 11:30pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Ice Cream Jonsey 06/12/2006, 2:19am PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Entropy Stew 06/12/2006, 4:54pm PDT
The busses of the world are deeply disappointed. NT by motherfuckerfoodeater 06/13/2006, 12:31am PDT
I am become death, the destroyer or worlds. by Fussbett 06/12/2006, 3:56am PDT
CORRECTION by Fussbett 06/12/2006, 4:02am PDT
Re: I am become death, the destroyer or worlds. by Ice Cream Jonsey 06/12/2006, 3:21pm PDT
he said post a new PICTURE, pal! by Blobbio 06/12/2006, 4:38pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Just this guy who wastes time 08/24/2005, 10:06pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Creexul :( 08/24/2005, 10:26pm PDT
not replying to every single post would have helped :( NT by FABIO 08/24/2005, 11:50pm PDT
Sorry to see you go by Entropy Stew 08/25/2005, 12:32am PDT
Re: Sorry to see you go by Motherhead 08/25/2005, 1:55am PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Motherhead 08/25/2005, 2:12am PDT
Damn by TAFKAM 08/25/2005, 5:18am PDT
Homosayswhat where are you? by laudablepuss 08/25/2005, 12:25pm PDT
Re: Homosayswhat where are you? by I need clarification 08/25/2005, 12:44pm PDT
Re: Homosayswhat where are you? by laudablepuss 08/25/2005, 12:50pm PDT
I never liked any of you ANYWAAAAAAY by FABIO 08/25/2005, 12:30pm PDT
I am part of the problem. by Mischief Maker 08/27/2005, 9:33pm PDT
Colombian thugs play DDR, which is a strange sight to see. by casual observer 08/31/2005, 10:36am PDT
SPFFFGGHHFF!!! (Spit Take) by mark 08/28/2005, 3:22pm PDT
Bill, this is pathetic. I'm leaving you (in my new car!). NT by Your girlfriend 08/28/2005, 3:56pm PDT
You're not very good at jokes. Perhaps you should submit news stories. NT by Clapstro 08/28/2005, 6:42pm PDT
nice try, Bill. I'm still not coming back to you. vrOOM VROOM! NT by Your girlfriend 08/28/2005, 7:18pm PDT
More people BDR likes by not BDR, but this is totally real. 08/29/2005, 9:15pm PDT
Re: More people BDR likes by Mischief Hata 08/30/2005, 11:14am PDT
I blame the loss of the balance of power. by casual observer 08/30/2005, 11:42am PDT
Re: I blame the loss of the balance of power. by Creexul :( 08/30/2005, 11:49am PDT
Wait, did you just say that Caltrops sucks? Let me write this down... NT by Fussbett 08/30/2005, 5:44pm PDT
Compared to what it used to be? Yes. NT by casual observer 08/30/2005, 6:34pm PDT
hey hey heeeeeeeeeey now NT by Rose Glasses 08/30/2005, 8:45pm PDT
Oh shit by Rafiki 08/30/2005, 1:16pm PDT
Re: Oh shit by Entropy Stew 08/30/2005, 4:32pm PDT
pffft, my Scanners pic was a much better interpretation NT by Flabio 08/30/2005, 4:55pm PDT
Re: More people BDR likes by bombMexico 08/31/2005, 2:56am PDT
Re: More people BDR likes by laudablepuss 08/31/2005, 12:25pm PDT
Re: More people BDR likes by TAFKAM 08/31/2005, 12:36pm PDT
I've been annihilated, apparently. by casual observer 08/31/2005, 1:50pm PDT
I aint buying it by The Office Mysterio 08/29/2005, 9:39pm PDT
Re: I aint buying it by Ice Cream Jonsey 08/29/2005, 9:43pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Parker Brothers 06/06/2006, 5:37pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Choson 06/06/2006, 6:33pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by Creexul :( 06/06/2006, 6:38pm PDT
My impression of bdr's post. by Creexul :( 06/06/2006, 7:45pm PDT
Another awesome BDR zinger by Choson 06/06/2006, 8:08pm PDT
Break him! NT by Quentin Beck 06/07/2006, 10:29pm PDT
Re: Next Tuesday, for one. by I need clarification 06/18/2006, 2:57pm PDT
13,000 POSTS BITCHES by Qt3 reporter 12/07/2008, 6:52am PST
the end of an era by Ray of Light 05/23/2017, 8:29am PDT
Chafing: bane of the sedentary working man by Entropy Stew 08/23/2005, 2:49am PDT
Psh you bought the Doom 3 expansion? NT by Creexul :( 08/21/2005, 12:25pm PDT
fag by FABIO 08/21/2005, 1:53pm PDT
Re: fag by TAFKAM 08/21/2005, 3:05pm PDT
Re: Questions by FABIO 08/06/2005, 6:33pm PDT
Re: Questions by FABIO 08/06/2005, 6:37pm PDT
Re: Questions by TAFKAM 08/06/2005, 7:18pm PDT
Re: Questions by Creexul :( 08/06/2005, 7:40pm PDT
Re: Questions by FABIO 08/06/2005, 7:42pm PDT
Re: Questions by TAFKAM 08/06/2005, 11:26pm PDT
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