A serious discussion about the future of the game

[digitaldivemods]

Hey everyone. This is Raz-mod, and I'd like to talk to you all about the state of the game.

We're coming up on our fifth anniversary, and... well, suffice it to say, the game isn't in the best shape it's ever been. There are some serious issues, and we need to address them. That's why we're reaching out to you, the players, to help us figure out how we can fix these issues and make it so Dive can continue on into the future as long as it possibly can.

This will be no small undertaking. There may be massive, potentially even difficult changes as we go forward. It may change how we approach everything from here on out, as far as plot, characters, and management are concerned. However, when talking about this, I would like to make something clear.

This is not about pointing fingers. There have been areas where we've erred along the way, and areas where we've been lacking. I speak in that context as both a moderator and as a member of the community itself. Right now, it'd be best if we focused on what we can do to improve Dive and get it back on the right track, rather than being hung up on what could have been. That's not to say I want us to ignore areas where we can improve, but I don't want this to be about calling anyone out.

So, we're going to be doing this three different ways, depending on what makes you as individuals feel most comfortable. First off, there will be this thread, where you can post publicly, a thread where you can submit your thoughts on this matter privately to the mods, and a third venue where you can email us directly. I'm willing to receive the emails personally, so please send them to razorsawtf[at]gmail[dot]com. You may also feel free to directly PM the mod account.

Additionally, we have a poll in thise thread whose results will be entirely anonymous, where you can pick a result that best fits your thoughts about how Dive is doing.

In summation, I'd just like to say, Dive is very special to me, and I'd like to continue on as long as we can. I believe in this game, and I'm confident we can overcome these issues and make things work. We can't do it without you guys, and really... I believe in you all too.

- Raz

Poll #11208 How do you feel about Digital Dive?

This poll is anonymous.
Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 9

How do you feel about Digital Dive?

View Answers

The community is doing fine.
0 (0.0%)

There's some issues but I'm happy here.
1 (11.1%)

This game is in serious trouble and needs serious change if it's to have a future.
8 (88.9%)

The game is too far gone to be saved.
0 (0.0%)

Edit: The thread for screened comments can be found here.

Comments

[blastiaobsessieanonymous]

I can name one thing I have thought of, in particular.

Imperial Saga has benefitted massively from the ability to run logs via AOL IM sessions when it's at a certain scale - 4 to 8 people (more if you split it to multiple groups akin to the Dark Area scenario going on now). The sessions aren't the sole format - if someone can't make it, we use regular logs - but it does allow for Getting Major Plot Stuff Done to a significant extent.

There's always going to be controversy attached to the IM-based log format, but in terms of ability to actually kick stuff into gear and advance stories, there's little better, in my opinion.

[changelingdude]

A good suggestion in my opinion. So long as a chat can be scheduled. It makes the process more engaging. You're less likely to let your tags slow to a crawl if it's something you've set aside a night to do with everyone else. It's like making a promise to your fellow players.

[readmyback]

Personally, my problem with that is that I usually need to think about how a muse will respond for a few minutes if I want to stay in character, longer if it's a complicated situation. It's the main reason I don't play D&D anymore, since it's not fair to keep everyone else waiting. Also I'm a slow typist. -_-;

I do see the benefits though, even if I can't enjoy them directly.

[blastiaobsessieanonymous]

This is a fair and recurring concern. AIM will not be usable for all logs, and that's OK.

The other trick is to use a controlled pacing and flow so that you have those few minutes - a good log format can help there.

[amadmansshadow]

Except no one has been on AIM for weeks now. Chat is deader than shit and no one seems to be logging on it, or if they are they're invis and thus impossible to get a hold of.

That and we'd be alienation anyone who doesn't have AIM at all.

[blastiaobsessieanonymous]

Imperial Saga's chat has precisely One (1) person on it right now - me. Quite a lot of the time, it has Two (2) people on it - me and AoB.

The trick is that you organize the log's date/time ahead of time via a post in, say, dive_ooc - a few days to a week ahead, so everyone has the time agreed upon in advance.

However, using AIM chat to organize is, you are correct, a SERIOUS alienation issue - to the point where Imperial Saga's chat has a policy that the mods will not talk about anything serious there - for one-on-one, you can IM them (just like you can IM players to chat with them), otherwise it's either Plurk or the OOC comm.