All Your Tomium Are Belong To Us

[Raggy]

Naturally, we can't tell you everything we have planned.

I can say for sure that we are going to do something for the anniversary- I just can't say what yet.

Also, I truly do read the forums every day, and though I may not reply- I am reading.

Constructive criticism is certainly welcome, and you are being heard. Just remember, as I have said before, just because I hear you- doesn't mean that I can make that thing happen, or in some cases- even reply.

Keep the very cool ideas coming. They are not falling on deaf ears.

Thing is, we've heard this time and time and time again over the years, what's different now? When a new face affiliated to FunCom shows up, the atmosphere becomes icy, because we wonder: "What load of bs are going to try and feed us now?"

The "Not falling on deaf ears" line has been spun so many times since AO was released that it has lost potency and those of us left can already see from the changes being made that all our concerns ARE falling on deaf ears.

[Encyros]

Naturally, we can't tell you everything we have planned.

I can say for sure that we are going to do something for the anniversary- I just can't say what yet.

Also, I truly do read the forums every day, and though I may not reply- I am reading.

Constructive criticism is certainly welcome, and you are being heard. Just remember, as I have said before, just because I hear you- doesn't mean that I can make that thing happen, or in some cases- even reply.

Keep the very cool ideas coming. They are not falling on deaf ears.

Heya! I'd recommend having a skim through http://forums.anarchy-online.com/sho...d.php?t=606416 if you haven't yet; it's a good background to this community's brand of cynicism, and the reasons for it.

Welcome! Looking forward to the anniversary!

[Githzy]

Welcome to the Forums Tomium!
Thanks for being our new CM, i hope that you can provide us with the listening ear we so desperate need.

oh, oh... because i cant resist; Voluntary Programmers of Rubi Ka, or short; vPoRK. Think about it There to code modules, which find their origin within the community.

[Traderjill]

Naturally, we can't tell you everything we have planned.

I can say for sure that we are going to do something for the anniversary- I just can't say what yet.

Also, I truly do read the forums every day, and though I may not reply- I am reading.

Constructive criticism is certainly welcome, and you are being heard. Just remember, as I have said before, just because I hear you- doesn't mean that I can make that thing happen, or in some cases- even reply.

Keep the very cool ideas coming. They are not falling on deaf ears.

AO's anniversary is June 27th (9 days away). If Awi hadn't brought it up in this thread I wouldn't have looked it up and found it was this month (for some reason I always think it is in July). I'm sure there are many other players that don't have AO's anniversary marked on their calendar and that is why it is important to bring attention to special events ahead of time (at least a month).

Honestly, the specific details of the anniversary event aren't nearly as important as the begin and end dates. Special events, in AO, are a time where people tend to farm twinking items for toons and ofc many people are into the social stuff available as well. Giving a week's notice on an event happening at the start of summer is really inconsiderate of a predominantly adult playerbase.

At the very least there should have been:
- Some mention of the anniversary in the most recent monthly update (isn't that something to be proud of.. I believe it is the 13th)
- Something on the launcher page
- A sticky post on the forums

Even if you can't give firm start/end dates (and I have no idea why that would be the case), just the mention of the fact that the anniversary is on June 27th might allow some to set aside time to participate.

[MachSchau]

FC cant manage the community of AO simply because there is nothing going on to manage. The devs are too busy working behind the scenes, they have no other resources to pull to create some sort of event whether that is ANNOUNCING some sort of epic raid on a city, increasing XP for a weekend, free gifts for doing/purchasing whatever. Granted, some things they simply cant do technically and some things they could do if someone put some time in to doing them/making them happen, but no one does and I dont expect anyone to.

In my opinion, with AO being ran in to the ground in terms of delays, slow development, no new content (new content = "booster" or dare I say a true expansion pack) in more than 5 years, a closed engine beta that has been officially going on for 7 months with ZERO updates in regards to it to the live community, a serious lack of initiative in dealing with exploits it doesn't make much sense to me why there should be any sort of "Well we cant tell you what we are doing". I can understand that maybe not elaborating on whats under development because stuff under development can experience massive change or just be thrown in the garbage can but there are other things that can be talked about I am sure. To be so secretive, I feel, is pretty moot at this stage in AO's life.

It is one thing to say, "I cant say yet" which sounds like you/the company is being secretive/bound by red tape than it is to say "It is still under development so we dont know what all will be in the final patch" that to me sounds a bit better than the latter.

I dont know, I just wish there was more continuous realistic feedback and comments coming from higher up. For example them saying, "This is the direction AO is going to go!" or "We cant do that technically so stop asking" or just something that gives us a better idea on the mindset of where things are going. Currently, there is a monthly update and thats it. No follow up questions being answered by the devs from people who have legitimate and good questions. We have in out of touch Creative Director (Joel) who is more concerned about other projects that actually make money and aren't a headache (which is understandable cause its his ass on the line for those projects to be successful and AO is just the red headed step child) who I think and feel has not provided anything for AO (ideas, suggestions, feedback to the community) and just green lights what the devs have had in the pipeline and trusting the feedback of the GD.

I mean realistically that is probably impossible. No one wants to work for 8-9 hours at their job making something then devoting some time either during or after work hours to commenting on posts and entering forum debates for 1-4 hours. It isn't easy creating and maintaining an MMO it is even worse when the company has angered, disrupted and discouraged the community time and time again. I could say you have your worked cut out for you, but I dont see you doing much here for AO.

[Tomium]

We have things we are working on for the community. I can't say what those are because they are not finalized.

[Ophiuchus]

Heh, well I suppose I ought to say welcome to the shark pit. Those that post on these forums are predominantly the bitter veteran remnants of AO's glory days that for one reason or another just can't let the game go. In my case it's because there's something unique about AO that I hope will one day be given another chance to shine. Possibly when all the new stuff is done and released and publicised. Assuming the heat death of the universe hasn't occurred by that point.

The warnings in previous posts are not exaggeration. People here are pretty cynical about anything anyone from FC has to say, and new staff have it worst because they're often not prepared for it There is a default attitude of 'oh look, another person to feed us more broken promises - we're not fooled' and whilst yes, that's not particularly fair to throw at a new person like yourself, you have to understand why this is a tough and fairly hostile crowd.

We've seen a steady decline in two-way communication from FC staff. We see something announced once a month that often contains changes that will be forthcoming, some of which are very fundamental changes, and then next to no dialogue when concerns and questions are brought up. This gives the overwhelming impression that feedback is dismissed, and it descends into players arguing with one another until a moderator steps in because no further concrete information is given and all we have left to go on is ever-wilder speculation.

Just remember that people are bitter and angry and sharp because on some level they care. Otherwise they wouldn't even bother.

[Gargle]

[Emma]

AO's anniversary is June 27th (9 days away). If Awi hadn't brought it up in this thread I wouldn't have looked it up and found it was this month (for some reason I always think it is in July). I'm sure there are many other players that don't have AO's anniversary marked on their calendar and that is why it is important to bring attention to special events ahead of time (at least a month).

Honestly, the specific details of the anniversary event aren't nearly as important as the begin and end dates. Special events, in AO, are a time where people tend to farm twinking items for toons and ofc many people are into the social stuff available as well. Giving a week's notice on an event happening at the start of summer is really inconsiderate of a predominantly adult playerbase.

At the very least there should have been:
- Some mention of the anniversary in the most recent monthly update (isn't that something to be proud of.. I believe it is the 13th)
- Something on the launcher page
- A sticky post on the forums

Even if you can't give firm start/end dates (and I have no idea why that would be the case), just the mention of the fact that the anniversary is on June 27th might allow some to set aside time to participate.

Anniversary plans should be posted by now ...

I found the ARK/Gridstream posting for the parties buried in Life on Rubi-Ka. http://forums.anarchy-online.com/announcement.php?f=555

It should be posted way more prominently than buried inside a sub-forum of a sub-forum. Community Forums > Rubi-Ka > Life on Rubi-Ka. At least the Game announcement should be, perhaps the parties are appropriately posted only in Life on Rubi-Ka

Emma

[Anarrina]

Anniversary plans should be posted by now ...

I found the ARK/Gridstream posting for the parties buried in Life on Rubi-Ka. http://forums.anarchy-online.com/announcement.php?f=555

It should be posted way more prominently than buried inside a sub-forum of a sub-forum. Community Forums > Rubi-Ka > Life on Rubi-Ka. At least the Game announcement should be, perhaps the parties are appropriately posted only in Life on Rubi-Ka

Emma

The Announcement is actually in all of the Community Forums subforums, as it was placed under that header.

I have now placed it in the Announcements forums also, so you will see it at the top of all of those subforums also.

[lordcabro]

Hey Tomium Welcome to FC. AO side is a bit passional about its issues. People will get offensive and very personal. I hope you can deal with it, even good ones get tired sometimes. Its good to have you there, ull inject some new prospective in to AO team.

[Emma]

The Announcement is actually in all of the Community Forums subforums, as it was placed under that header.

I have now placed it in the Announcements forums also, so you will see it at the top of all of those subforums also.

Thank you

Emma

[lunarmyst]

Welcome! its funny I used to run BBS's on renegade back when I was in Junior high. Doing lots of ansi drawing and getting yelled at for running up the phone bill calling into long distance boards ect lol.

I've played this game on and off for close to 10 years now and the reason I keep coming back is because no game out there comes CLOSE to the amount of customization, skills, items theres still things I don't know what the hell they are after all this time.

I've played all the major mmo's at some point or another and they all get super boring with them picking all your skills for you, level locked items with no twinking in sight. What gets boring in this game is the only real way to level at the end is run inf missions till your eyes bleed with an hour of doing daily's thrown in the mix.

I wish there was a lot more quests, not just like one major quest for every SL zone, those only take you so far then you're back to grinding missions.

Anyways, I know that if this game could get to Steam there would be a large influx of players, but they would not stay without some serious help. The game is very hard to understand (a GOOD thing) but with everyone used to having their hand held there needs to be a something more. Be it quest lines, or something that eases new players into how everything works. I sit around on a nuet character answering questions from the noob channel, but hell I doubt half the people that make a toon even know how to chat, I rarely see questions being asked when I'm sitting there. It's probably because everyone on noob island is making alts anyways. I know the first time I played I quit because I didn't get it, then I gave it another try and someone came along and helped me understand implants, and where to get nano's and how buffs worked. I try to do this as much as possible hanging out in WA looking for legit new players.

Anyways walloftext ql300 I hope that someone will be able to be a bridge between the community and the staff and at least keep us up to date with whats going on. I honestly recently re-subbed because I was getting a feeling they might shut this game off soon and I wanted to play it some more before its gone and I hope that is not the case.

[Stillian]

We have things we are working on for the community. I can't say what those are because they are not finalized.

Good for you.

Difficult though it is; getting more difficult as you get to know and like the community, not announcing plans because they're not ready... is the best thing you could do. I'm glad you're working on things, and glad you have the honesty to say so without getting hopes up yet. Keep going along these lines and you might actually do OK in comparison to those who have spent 8 years telling us the engine is coming in the next 6 months.

[ByLogic]

Naturally, we can't tell you everything we have planned.

I can say for sure that we are going to do something for the anniversary- I just can't say what yet.

Also, I truly do read the forums every day, and though I may not reply- I am reading.

Constructive criticism is certainly welcome, and you are being heard. Just remember, as I have said before, just because I hear you- doesn't mean that I can make that thing happen, or in some cases- even reply.

Keep the very cool ideas coming. They are not falling on deaf ears.

Welcome to the ratthole ..just kidding. It is nice to see a active new name working for Funcom
in this community, the community needs it. I cant not wait for the anniversary, no other game have
greater events than AO, i hope you get some GM suits and we can see you with your enf in Borealis.

Some advice/help/support" from me, about people on this forum, that might help you in times where negativity becomes overwhelming. Don't get fooled by "fake Constructive criticism". Most people here are mature and polite, but some Constructive criticism are just plain Trojan horse or trolling if you like. If you mange to distinct this you will feel more free on this forum. I say this because i been roaming this forum for over 10 years. I wish you the best of luck and will support any positive contribution.

[Sturmfaust]

Hallo,

Do you know if there will be any more engine beta invites coming? And if not, who's pockets do I line to get in? (I have some expired movie tickets and a buy one get one free Caribou Coffee coupon, no big deal).

[Tomium]

Welcome! its funny I used to run BBS's on renegade back when I was in Junior high. Doing lots of ansi drawing and getting yelled at for running up the phone bill calling into long distance boards ect lol.

I've played this game on and off for close to 10 years now and the reason I keep coming back is because no game out there comes CLOSE to the amount of customization, skills, items theres still things I don't know what the hell they are after all this time.

I've played all the major mmo's at some point or another and they all get super boring with them picking all your skills for you, level locked items with no twinking in sight. What gets boring in this game is the only real way to level at the end is run inf missions till your eyes bleed with an hour of doing daily's thrown in the mix.

I wish there was a lot more quests, not just like one major quest for every SL zone, those only take you so far then you're back to grinding missions.

Anyways, I know that if this game could get to Steam there would be a large influx of players, but they would not stay without some serious help. The game is very hard to understand (a GOOD thing) but with everyone used to having their hand held there needs to be a something more. Be it quest lines, or something that eases new players into how everything works. I sit around on a nuet character answering questions from the noob channel, but hell I doubt half the people that make a toon even know how to chat, I rarely see questions being asked when I'm sitting there. It's probably because everyone on noob island is making alts anyways. I know the first time I played I quit because I didn't get it, then I gave it another try and someone came along and helped me understand implants, and where to get nano's and how buffs worked. I try to do this as much as possible hanging out in WA looking for legit new players.

Anyways walloftext ql300 I hope that someone will be able to be a bridge between the community and the staff and at least keep us up to date with whats going on. I honestly recently re-subbed because I was getting a feeling they might shut this game off soon and I wanted to play it some more before its gone and I hope that is not the case.

Renegade? You might as well have run a Tag! or Wildcat board. Me? I was 313373 and running WWIV. 3 days to get a message off to the west coast. Even longer for overseas. Whooo!

[Emma]

We have things we are working on for the community. I can't say what those are because they are not finalized.

On Test-Live Update Notes ...
Item Updates
A new play costume has been made for this year's birthday celebrations.


Still no information about the birthday/anniversary activities this year?

Emma

[Pafpuf]

We have things we are working on for the community. I can't say what those are because they are not finalized.

Related: http://forums.anarchy-online.com/sho...7&postcount=33

Welcome to funcom, you fit in perfectly.

[Bluecheeze2]

Edited by poster.