IMPORTANT POLL: Activity Check Alterations

[burningvigor]

Hello, everyone! The time has finally come to discuss a possible change in the Activity Check requirements. I realize this is long overdue, but we were all busy with handling the end of the military arc, so that's why there's been a delay. I hope that wasn't too inconvenient for anyone

Comments

[gald_digger]

I don't have a problem with the proposed requirements at all, but I agree with the people who are worried that this might be overcomplicating things.

I think an important thing to consider is newcomers to damned. When they ask about the AC, are they going to get scared away by seeing something this detailed when they already have so many other things to figure out and keep track of? I know many who'll immediately pass over a game if the AC looks like a pain, even if it's technically easy to pass.

I would be all for small changes to the existing AC system (such as requiring people to post within X days after receiving a strike, or simply having more frequent checks), or getting a new system that's more effective without being too complicated, but this feels like it'll be too much work for both players and mods to keep up with.

And... I guess in the end, I still don't think AC changes will help much with our activity problems. I'm frustrated with the activity issue too, but I'm worried we could be jumping too quickly to implement a solution that'll create new problems.

[sheepwood]

I agree with everything in this, especially the part about newcomers. They already pass us by for the still-infamous-even-though-it's-been-toned-down application and the fact that this game is just unlike any other in LJ. Getting a system that will take a lengthy page to explain all the little details seems like we're not doing ourselves any favors.

But yes, smaller steps might help us rather than implementing something that does look like a demon for both mods and players already.

[purpletaint]

I understand your concern, but what's proposed is actually closer to how every other game does ACs. It's not something new or daunting. I can list some examples for people if needed of other games that use this system--actually, it's normally stricter than this.

[gald_digger]

Damned is already fundamentally different from other games in so many ways, though. What works for another game with a different format and structure isn't necessarily what's going to work for us.

edit: And it's definitely not 'every' game that does this. I've seen plenty of games get by just fine with a "hey I'm still here" type AC. The bigger issues are player motivation and communication, which aren't going to be fixed by a more complicated AC.

[purpletaint]

That's true and I'm not arguing that. I just think it's a change for the best.

And you are right. I was speaking generally of the larger games out there since I thought they'd be better examples since people would know them. There are a few "hey I'm still here" ones--I'm in one--but those are normally more lax, without a set schedule or linear movement. And yeah, 100% agree on the last sentence, though I think this would promote that in the long run.

Ugh, sorry for arguing/debating. It's been a long day.

[gald_digger]

Yeah, I can understand that.

I just hope we can work out a solution that benefits the game and makes most players (present and future) happy.