Curiose

I apologize. It seems like in m frustration I failed to make some sense. There's a lot of work that goes into it: Judging Hosting Advertising I do need help because it seems like all the help I enlisted is falling through the cracks. Either becoming inactive, unable to do things due to how things work, or overall just letting things pass by and letting me do things. Perhaps I am jaded, and I apologize. One of the reasons why I never asked them to do more was because I always thought that they would show enough initiative to help with things that need to be done. I dislike having to be the big boss that tells people to do things. But yes. Advertising as to saying when SN will happen will help a lot.

To those whom this may concern: I am at my limit. SN has run about... 4 times now? And yet each time it only seems to get harder and harder. I'm making an ultimatum here. Rather, not an ultimatum. But a message. I would really find it a lot easier if things would show initiative and respect the things I try to do. To be honest, I am trying what I can to make this work and it doesn't make things fun or enjoyable or in the least fulfilling when there are people hijacking the events, people being lazy and not bothering to show up [not had this happen yet, or to my knowledge yet], or doing it strictly for the reward. My thoughts for Story Night was for people to have a place to gather and share their creativity, have an event that they can all enjoy together and become part of the community, and in the least show some appreciation. I do get some thanks, and it makes me thankful that people enjoy it as much as they do. But when people only sit around, or idle during the event and not say anything, that hurts. I'm doing the best I can, and yet the appreciation seems to dwindle. I am not looking for crowds of people to come up to me and tell me how wonderful SN is, or whatever, but perhaps a little bit of help. It was a one man project when it first started. Now I have a whole group of people. Granted, they're not asked to do anything, but it still makes a difference when I'm not the only one advertising, or that I am not the only one picking up the slack, or collecting the stories or pulling out my hair trying to do things for people. I'm not angry, I'm just asking for help. My considerations for Story night is the following: It is either that things change... or I'm done. I can't be stressing out over this any more. I have things I need to do and focus on outside of MD and Story Night in general. I -don't- want Story Night to end, and it would really suck to have to let all those people down, but come on. I am only one person. Please and thank you. Curiose.

Sorry. I'm kind of like a bug that's been hit by a car on the windshield-- all over the place. I was thinking of having a small box with a list of events and their date to the side of the forum, beneath where the calender is that is to the right of all the threads. I vaguely remember a forum or two having that implemented, unless it's just a personal feature, I don't know, but, by clicking it, you would be able to see all the events with a description of them and such. As for having a new forum section dedicated to it, wouldn't it kind of be another: "Oh, I have to go diving into the forums to find a specific event."?

I do not think that using the forum calendar would be a good idea for advertising, and therefore, easily stating when something will happen. Of course, it will state the DAY OF when the event will happen, however, how many people actually bother looking at the actual calendar in the forum? My suggestion, would probably be to have a little side panel with: "Upcoming events" which, if clicked, will give a page to the calendar with all the necessary information. But this is stepping into wookie territory, and it all depends on what he thinks on that. Edit: I just looked at the forum lay out, and this could be placed beneath the calendar that is above the "Recently added topics" thingy.

There's a forum calendar? I did not know that.

Yeah, It's only one day of the month, or two, depending on time zone. But the people who participate in it never seem to have an issue with remembering the date, and normally people who happen to stumble upon the event stay, so it's always been fine. But, this has made me think of a way to better advertise for all events instead of something that happens once a month.

I was thinking. Some people have a hard time sifting through the forums to find dates to announced events. And often, there is more than one happening. I was thinking, perhaps there could be a calendar tab that could be updated-- like a quest paper, but only for events. The outline would probably look like: Event Name: [Person would obviously put their name here] Event owner:[Whoever runs said event/is in charge] Time:[obvious] Place:[obvious] Possible Prizes:[A list of prizes would follow here, including various information regarding it] Event Information:[A description of the event, why or who for, and other miscellaneous stuff] I am not sure if this should be attained like a quest paper, or if it would be a calendar that can just be updated by someone. I find it would be a lot easier to find information, and advertising, I think would be easier too.

If you do decide to follow through, I think the possible candidates would be: a. Master Archivist-- obvious. b. Fyrd Argentus-- for he is leader of LS. c. Innocence-- they are an archie, and therefore in charge of who becomes M.A. d. Myself-- the other active member of LS. Here are your choices. I cannot speak for anyone but myself. I would have stated Rendril, for he is another Archie, but I figured because he is busy with coding, he would not bother.

Yes, that is what I meant. I didn't mean a huge, blown out MDNP version, but a mini one that gives highlights and tidbits of juicy tantalizing information about the game that would draw newbies in. I was thinking, perhaps a small column, like... Quest of the month or something, where some of the quests would be reviewed and given a rating and such. And then there would be upcoming events, like a calendar and stuff like current events and an opinions page. Fyrdy was trying to do something of a gossip-column thing, or whatever of sorts so if you like, Grido, I can talk to him about LS doing some writing. I don't mind volunteering-- at least it gives the alliance something close to what it was supposed to do. All of this is basically supposed to be a written trailer, and is supposed to be at least a page. Nothing larger than that.

The only reason why it hasn't been advertised as much is because I have been busy, and been without internet the past few days. But from the way he talked on the forums, it seemed like he was saying that I would have to move the scheduling for my event to make room for his.

Yeah, I was referring to the MDNP. I knew it died, but I thought this would be a nice way to get it started back up a bit, and lube up the rusting wheels and such. I don't know how it was run previously, so I hope that this wasn't picking up old ideas that people had. And even so, I don't think an official alliance has to be done to make this work anyway. Just some volunteers, I'd like to think.

Right. I see what you mean. I try to keep the events short, and with enough space inbetween for people. I mean, if ever someone has any issues with scheduling, I'm more than open to talk and work around it and such. I might be a bit head-strong but I'm not a terrible person to converse with when someone needs help changing something. edit: Chewy posted before I could. I don't try to take one 'better' date for myself. The times always vary-- except for this weekend, which is a repeat of last SN. If to be done on a weekday, then it will. It depends on availability and what can be done. if a postponement is necessary, then so be it. Like I said, I will gladly make arrangements if I am notified ahead of time, and there is enough room to change. But, in this instance, I was only given.. maybe less than 5 days to do said preparation, such as scheduling a new time, and letting people know. Another edit: And if ever someone should be wanting another time, then I would be more than happy to move the schedule around the newer event. SN normally falls around the middle/end of each month. I don't mind working with people, and I certainly don't mind taking requests or what not.

I agree. But I find it even more obnoxious when it's plenty easy to get a hold of someone/find the information necessary to schedule such a time instead of blindly groping, and then declaring: OH hey, since we're doing such and such thing, I demand that you move your time so that we can have the date to ourself. : D

I am simply curious as to how the community as a whole views scheduling of events. I admit there is a courtesy to it, but it isn't like people are all vying for the same day to hold their event. As far as I can see, people have it fairly spaced out. Now, when it comes to continuous events, such as Story Night for example [it was the only one I can come up with off the top of my head], wouldn't that hold... 'scheduling' rights of sorts? Considering that the events are always planned a good month or more in advance, I think that people would at least hold courtesy to people's events, correct? In my experience, I have always spoken to people about their events [when I had known that they were planning one] so as to bypass any issues with timing. For SN, I try to have a morning and an evening time so as to make room for other events to follow between those two times. I don't mind if someone so much as has the date at the same time, as long as they talk it over with me so that things don't conflict. And if things happen to conflict, then it's apologized, and we try to work around it as best we can. If not, then that is fine. What I don't particularly like, is when people get snotty about it [or appear to be], and behaving as though what they are planning is somehow superior to what was beforehand prepared. I mean, I can understand, SN is simply SN. If it was some uber awesome event that has been around for... the past six years, sure. I can understand that event or whatever holding precedent and therefore, superiority. From what I understand, people -do- hold a courtesy towards other people's stuff. Even when I advertise, I did my best not to step on BFH's toes when I had put advertising out to the chat. I pretty much covered the areas of which he did not post in, so as not to conflict. Maybe people don't take it that far, but even so. I am curious as to what the logistics of this is.

Hello! It is always nice to see a new one. If you have any questions, feel free to ask and you will be given an answer as soon as possible.

Okay. So what I was thinking, since Rhaegar's idea is a bit more concrete, I still think that having an overall newspaper of which highlights ideas/events/happenings of what is going on in MD is a great way to help with the advertising. My idea would be this: Newspaper: [Content] [content] [Content] [Advertising information] [Advertising information] Etc. Stuff like that, basically. The thought is, to have maybe pictures, enticing information that would draw in the people's thoughts. Also, remember: LAYOUTS are also a HUUUUUGE part of how you advertise, and not just the way you say things or what you put on there. Anywho. My suggestion, is possibly send it out like a newsletter... but not like spam. More like... if people are interested, they can see more, almost like a written trailer. Or, what you could do, is on [if you decided to] an 'official' page, have the newsletter in a specific section and have it catalogued with dates and such. Kind of like the AL but more reporterish style. Offtopic: If you decide you are doing an advertising ad, make it short, clean, easy to read, and lastly but most importantly, to the point. I ran some stuff and organized it, and advertised it before on my own in real life, and I learned this stuff pretty quickly. People don't want to read gobs and gobs of information that won't get them the right information that they want to see. Let me know if you need/want any help. : 3 I would be happy to.

It is a bit off topic: But: I would appreciate it if for now on that if you, phantasm, or anyone else for that matter, speak to me about any events that MAY possibly conflict. You have avoided a conflict this time, but please. I am not that that hard to get a hold of. My advertising is almost everywhere [unless I am in a situation I am in now]. You can easily ask Awii, or Keith, or anyone participating taking part when the times are. Or even so, message me about it. And even so, if you HAD somehow made the date at the same time: You had better be plenty bloody courteous enough to have moved YOUR date. Why? Obviously because SN has had the date set for... how long now? About a month? Please keep that into consideration. Thank you. I apologize for this off topic message.

I apologize in advance if my thoughts are a bit short sighted, (I have no internet or means of transportation so phone is how i am keeping updated) but, the thought of a newspaper, etc, would be a nice way of reviving the MDP. That is the first thing that comes to mind. The revival would be a good way to integrate the advertisers and MDP so as to work together for community and advertising. I haven't thought this through completely, but i thought i might as well toss this out here. What do you all think?

What is good? -Good is a complimentive adjective to an action. I.e.: "You did good, Bob!" What is your best physical attribute? -My Eyes. What is your best non-physical attribute? -My creativity. What do you value most? -Honesty. What is 2 + 2? -Four. What do you know? -I know what I know, which surely, you would like to know.

As Awiiya has stated, Z has won the contest. There were a few other good pieces, however his stood out the best. Below is the story that I have written in which sparked this quest. Do enjoy, and maybe you'll be surprised at how different things end up. Invisible The waves were crashing, pounding against the cliffs angry as if demanding the walls to fall into its body, hungry and consuming. Above, staring at those waves, was a figure staring superiorly down upon those waves, perhaps thinking to itself that those waves could whine and cry all they want, or perhaps a more morbid line of thought flittered across its lashes. Teasingly, a step was taken forward, disregarding the knavish edge where the grass hung precariously over. Once more, the waves crashed, angry and coercing to the body standing above them. Unfortunately for the waves, their power and brutish charisma worked not against the cliff in their want. It was upon the figure’s own wishes to fall forth slowly, apathetically into the arms of the lapping waves. It was early fall, a bloom of colors stretching across the lawn of trees to add a touch of outdoors in the strangulation of urban construction. Some of the trees vainly clung to their healthy green, instead of falling prey to even the tiniest flush against their leaves’ veins. Others boldly wear their red and orange tints. People walk busily, lazily, aggressively or apathetically from place to place; a swarm of similar people claiming to be a separate identity. From afar, a bag is picked up, books are hoisted inside while the bag drifts away from its place to inside the doors of a school. People constantly thrust out from the mouths of the door, leaving the bag to the side, resting on the ground. In the break of the fleshy tide, the bag dragged itself inside, scuffling across the linoleum floor into a classroom. There it sat, beside a desk untouched until the bell rang and class resumed. When the bell rang again, the people swarmed out, buzzing, some stinging the backpack to the back of the line as it waited patiently to pass through. It walked through, and it went to its previous spot, sitting, and waiting until another came along. Not a bee, but a human. She smiled and waved, walking towards the boy who sat by the tree reading a book. Raising his face from his solemn expression, he smiled and waved back, calling her over inaudibly. The two sat, talked until the sun went down and she went away and slowly, the boy faded away. All the items drawn out of the bag were put back in, and the bag dragged itself home. Winter set in, covering everything. All traces of the trees, the leaves, the humming people. It was quiet, but loud enough for open ears to hear. A locker slammed, a door shut, and people laughed their inane laughter while the halls cleared and people ignored all sign of life. It was only until later when a Janitor came by to stumble upon a back pack stuffed inside his closet, which fell forth with a thud to the ground. Raising a brow, the Janitor grabbed his things and shut the door, moving on to his business. The bag wandered through the halls haphazardly, stopping only at a phone booth. It sat there for a good while, not moving, but waiting. That’s all it could possibly do. From the far end of the corridor, the girl returned, running to the boy and checking his face, his hands, arms, chest for any sign of cuts or bruises. He was fine, he smiled, but they never spoke of the scars inlaid elsewhere. Together, they walked in the snow, leaving their paths, despite only one being seen. One gloved hand stretched for the other one, naked, and frigid but far from reluctant. It was dark, and she must go, and as thus did only to leave but a memory of what was there before she left. Spring drifted lazily to conquer the winter, melting the snow, revealing what was so deeply buried through the entirety of the season. Leaves began to unfurl, and flowers began to blossom, sending the bees out once more to buzz and look at the pretty little shades of color. The bag stalked throughout the school, hiding behind the many different species of bee preparing for war, treaty, or indifference. It saw someone whom he knew very well, and went towards her, but was not accepted. She looked at the bag, and that’s all she saw. In contempt, she looked backed to her other bees and continued what they were talking about, moving away from the bag as it stood there. Later in the day, the bag sat on the grass by the track, watching the people run past. Shortly after, a small herd of people came by, buzzing angrily at an intruder being near their precious queen, and took the matters to their own hands. Worn, the bag let itself fall pitifully to the ground from the edge of the dumpster, a sound of decision ringing in the air. It sat there for some time, and went to the road to hitch a ride to the beach where it used to go when in better times. It stared at the waves below, watching them roar with pleads and beckonings, whispering sweet promises as the spray reached up the cliffs. People looking at the sight stared, thinking nothing of seeing the bag there. The waves were crashing, pounding against the cliffs angry as if demanding the walls to fall into its body, hungry and consuming. Above, staring at those waves, was a figure staring superiorly down upon those waves, perhaps thinking to itself that those waves could whine and cry all they want, or perhaps a more morbid line of thought flittered across its lashes. Teasingly, a step was taken forward, disregarding the knavish edge where the grass hung precariously over. Once more, the waves crashed, angry and coercing to the body standing above them. Unfortunately for the waves, their power and brutish charisma worked not against the cliff in their want. At last the pain would be gone, the people would remember him. He was about to take his fall, when he heard a familiar voice calling behind him. The figure turned his head, and took a step back. She was alone, but she was crying, no longer smiling. The girl saw him for who he was, and took him in her arms and pulled him away from the edge. At last, people saw the boy and rushed up the hill to the cliff, worrying for his safety. Once more, their hands clung together, the bag staying at the edge of the cliff to be swallowed by the waves while the boy moved on, clinging to his lifeline.

Sure, I will take part.

Hm... but how does one know that one has been following such a post as this, hmmm? Personally, I like how there are a series of filters to make MD, MD. I dislike generic, and repetitious things, and this, certainly is not that at all. MD in itself, is basically what -you- make of it. Some people work hard to do the things they do, and despite that to some it may seem a bit 'top heavy,' you just have to look and see that it really isn't. I do think that that notice integrated when new players join will be of help, because as I play, I see -a lot- of newbies trying to play this game as they would any regular game, and they get frustrated and give up. To me, that is disappointing, but at the same time, it's like the survival of the fittest.

As I said, this is a silly complaint that really has no basis on it -at all- other than: Eon is finding me, and he is attacking my crits, etc etc etc. And like myself AND OTHERS have stated previously: He is a NICE person, who can actually help out if you bother TALKING to the man instead of making said ridiculous posts. He helps me plenty of times, and when he accidentally attacked me: HE APOLOGIZED. Now is that the making of a rude, nasty man who is only out there to terrorize people? Pffft. No. For another thing, I know how to talk to people nicely, however, like I WILL SAY AGAIN: when people make ridiculous responses that really are not based off of anything other than people playing by the rules of the game fairly, then I -will- defend that name of said friend/anyone else for that matter. Now, go ahead and negative rep me because I know you all Loooooove doing that so much because I can stand up and say what I feel is right, even if blunt, but take a step back and take a look at the entire thing and ask yourself if maybe there -is- a bit of truth to what I say. I am done.

Ah, okay. It's just I saw a Newbie complaining about him attacking them once, I think, which is where I got that from. I wasn't trying to incriminate, but rather try to give an example.