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2011/01/17 23:04:49
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Fixture of Dakka
Feasting on the souls of unworthy opponents
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Hey folks!
This thread/question is more aimed at people who read my *personal* battle reports, which I haven't written in a long time.
I plan on starting up Battle Reports again, toting my camera to tournaments, and doing the jangle. What do you look for in a battle report, preferably that you haven't seen in any of mine? How could I improve mine? Do you prefer vassal screenshots over pictures? Pictures at different times than the ones I take?
Comments/criticism/feedback.
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2011/01/17 23:10:27
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Lone Wolf Sentinel Pilot
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Great to hear that you're starting to write battle reports again. I really enjoyed them - your descriptions, pictures, and tactical analysis were all great. The only thing I could sayb to improve on yours is the drinking, because when you do, the battle reports start to get a bit hazy (as do the pictures). But other than that, nothing. I guess shots of the players you're fighting would be cool.
I personally used your battle report format as a basis for mine (so long ago - I haven't written one in ages). What are you going to be using now? The new DE?
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2011/01/17 23:12:14
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Ultramarine Land Raider Pilot on Cruise Control
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Photos, definately. Vassal is a nice program, but it can never acurately recreate the table top. And it's nice seeing the actual scenery.
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If you can keep your head, while all about you are losing their's, then you have probably completely misunderstood the situation!
 6,000pts
 5,500pts
 3,500pts
 2,500pts |
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2011/01/17 23:12:55
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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Gratuitous picks of scantily clad women can't hurt.
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2011/01/17 23:15:25
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Land Raider Pilot on Cruise Control
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Dashofpepper wrote:Hey folks!
This thread/question is more aimed at people who read my *personal* battle reports, which I haven't written in a long time.
I plan on starting up Battle Reports again, toting my camera to tournaments, and doing the jangle. What do you look for in a battle report, preferably that you haven't seen in any of mine? How could I improve mine? Do you prefer vassal screenshots over pictures? Pictures at different times than the ones I take?
Comments/criticism/feedback.
My personal favorites are pictures made into a slideshow and put up on youtube. The general idea is that 5-6 pictures are taken per turn and put into a slideshow and then the reporter (IE, you) does audio commentary over the pictures, describing the battle. One to two pictures in the beginning of the turn describing what you see, what you want to do, what you think your opponent will do. Then some pictures following the movement and shooting phase with some commentary, and then one-two more following the assault phase. Then do the same for your opponents turn.
To give an example, OnceBitten and Malorian from WarSeer do this for fantasy, and they are easily the best battle reports I've ever seen. You can see an example of OnceBitten's reports here ----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQQjqDJm8eM
They are fantasy, but it would easily translate to 40k IMO. If you're sticking to just type and pictures in a forum post, I think the ones you've done in the past are just fine. Either way it would be glad to have you (and your batreps) on dakka again, it hasn't been the same without em.
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2011/01/17 23:17:16
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2011/01/17 23:21:32
Subject: Re:Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Swift Swooping Hawk
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Perhaps having a single vassal pic after deployment to give a nice generic top down perspecitve.
Followed up with real pics from turn to turn.
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WLD: 221 / 6 / 5
5 Dragons 2011: 2nd Overall
DT:80+S++G++M+B+I+Pw40k96++D++A++/mR+++T(T)DM+
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2011/01/17 23:48:27
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Fixture of Dakka
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I second what Dayve said. Having a better perspective on deployment is also useful.
Otherwise, I find your Battle Reports to be some of the best out there. The pictures, quality and level of writing is spot on, as are the games themselves. Good tactical analyse too.
The only thing I don't really like are when you say for example "This was my first costly mistake" as it seems like an almost 'spoiler'.
Otherwise, I'm glad to hear you're back and I'd say you should just carry on as you are and/or follow Dayve's suggestion.
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Enlist as a virtual Ultramarine! Click here for my Chaos Gate (PC) thread.
"It is the great irony of the Legiones Astartes: engineered to kill to achieve a victory of peace that they can then be no part of."
- Roboute Guilliman
"As I recall, your face was tortured. Imagine that - the Master of the Wolves, his ferocity twisted into grief. And yet you still carried out your duty. You always did what was asked of you. So loyal. So tenacious. Truly you were the attack dog of the Emperor. You took no pleasure in what you did. I knew that then, and I know it now. But all things change, my brother. I'm not the same as I was, and you're... well, let us not mention where you are now."
- Magnus the Red, to a statue of Leman Russ
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2011/01/18 00:20:00
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Dakka Veteran
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Truthfully the best battle report, that i've watched about 8+ times... is this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogXYszZzoJg
Probably not the most informative, but hot damn is it enjoyable!!! 
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Total Finecast models purchased: 5
Total models without Finecast issues out of those purchased: 0
...  "Finecast" |
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2011/01/18 00:50:17
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Anointed Dark Priest of Chaos
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In what why isn't it informative? I find it pretty clever how he conveys so much info without having to have a traditional voice-over commentator. The graphics used and the pics make it pretty clear: He shows a squad of ten necrons and then you see muzzle flashes from a depicted ork mob and then three impact graphic sand thre necrons are suddenly laying face down, etc. Pure genius.
He actully does a great job convey info rather clearly, and far better then Vassal which i find utterly boring, and I didnt have to rad walls of text either... 
However this style of batrep isn't something you could film in the middle of a tournament without annoying your opponent and wasting time...
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2011/01/18 00:57:17
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Sneaky Kommando
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Orks.
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2011/01/18 01:12:42
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Land Raider Pilot on Cruise Control
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CT GAMER wrote:
In what why isn't it informative? I find it pretty clever how he conveys so much info without having to have a traditional voice-over commentator. The graphics used and the pics make it pretty clear: He shows a squad of ten necrons and then you see muzzle flashes from a depicted ork mob and then three impact graphic sand thre necrons are suddenly laying face down, etc. Pure genius.
He actully does a great job convey info rather clearly, and far better then Vassal which i find utterly boring, and I didnt have to rad walls of text either...
However this style of batrep isn't something you could film in the middle of a tournament without annoying your opponent and wasting time...
...and it would take hours of editing work.
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2011/01/18 04:29:00
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Lone Wolf Sentinel Pilot
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I would say use pictures with captions, and at the end of each turn, have a vassal picture for a top down view of the battle field. Vassal is very good for showing a general overview of the battlefield.
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2011/01/18 05:32:21
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Awesome Autarch
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DarthDiggler wrote:Gratuitous picks of scantily clad women can't hurt.
I vote this!
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2011/01/18 05:35:52
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Decrepit Dakkanaut
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The words part of your battlereports are very good, and the pictures are pretty. My only real complaint is that often your games seem to devolve into a cluster of small skirmishes. When the only pictures you take are of any one little chunk of the action, my poor brain quickly gets confused, and I lose track of what's going on.
When I don't know what's going on, I tend to just start skimming over reports to look at the pretty pictures.
You do a good job of telling what's going on, but it would be just that much more awesome if the pictures did a slightly better job of SHOWING what's going on.
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2011/01/18 05:36:14
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Plaguelord Titan Princeps of Nurgle
Alabama
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DarthDiggler wrote:Gratuitous picks of scantily clad women can't hurt.
No, in all seriousness, pics > Vassal.
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2011/01/18 05:37:21
WH40K
  Death Guard 5100 pts.
  Daemons 3000 pts.
DT:70+S++G+M-B-I--Pw40K90-D++A++/eWD?R++T(D)DM+
28 successful trades in the Dakka Swap Shop! Check out my latest auction here!
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2011/01/18 05:37:56
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Blackclad Wayfarer
From England. Living in Shanghai
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Pics, most definitely. I hate myself a little more each time I post a batrep without pics.
Army pics before the battle.
Pics of the battle (1 per player turn).
Pics of crazy moments that everyone hears about but no-one seems to record ("I rolled 27 6's").
TBH though your batreps are always fine by me.
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Looking for games in Shanghai? Send a PM |
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2011/01/18 06:29:21
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Dakka Veteran
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CT GAMER wrote:
In what why isn't it informative? I find it pretty clever how he conveys so much info without having to have a traditional voice-over commentator. The graphics used and the pics make it pretty clear: He shows a squad of ten necrons and then you see muzzle flashes from a depicted ork mob and then three impact graphic sand thre necrons are suddenly laying face down, etc. Pure genius.
He actully does a great job convey info rather clearly, and far better then Vassal which i find utterly boring, and I didnt have to rad walls of text either...
However this style of batrep isn't something you could film in the middle of a tournament without annoying your opponent and wasting time...
I personally loved it and found it very informative so don't get me wrong, but you get the youtube trolls bitching that it feels more like a stop motion movie than a battle report - which imho IS AWESOME! It's nice getting the feeling of a battle and as you mentioned, not just a commentator play by play.
But yes it would take hours to edit, I think this video was done for a competition or something.
When I was learning to play warhammer and just starting up, its actually the reason why I choose necrons  Yes, sure they lose, but it looked damn fun
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Total Finecast models purchased: 5
Total models without Finecast issues out of those purchased: 0
... "Finecast" |
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2011/01/18 06:51:08
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests
Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.
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I'd sure love a paint job from her Falcon... wait... that doesn't even make any sense... 
Dashofpepper wrote:Hey folks!
This thread/question is more aimed at people who read my *personal* battle reports, which I haven't written in a long time.
I plan on starting up Battle Reports again, toting my camera to tournaments, and doing the jangle. What do you look for in a battle report, preferably that you haven't seen in any of mine? How could I improve mine? Do you prefer vassal screenshots over pictures? Pictures at different times than the ones I take?
Comments/criticism/feedback.
I prefer good pictures that show interesting situations. Vassal pics are nice for deployment, but a string of vassal pics is uninteresting. I don't like 'narrative' reports. If I want to read a story I'll read a story. If I'm reading a battle report I want to read report about a battle. Fluff pieces to set the scene before and/or after are fine. Army lists included beforehand (where possible) are also good.
And for the love of Holy Terra and our Divine Emperor, make sure the table has some Throne-damned terrain on it. All of the above can be ignored if the table at least has some decent fething terrain on it, something that is so few and far between at this place.
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This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2011/01/18 06:52:52
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2011/01/18 07:17:24
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Decrepit Dakkanaut
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Oh, I'd also like to chip in: don't make youtube videos. Many places block certain websites, especially certain websites like youtube. Battle reports I can't read while at work are most usually battle reports I don't read.
Add a video element if you like, but still offer the option to read them in plain HTML.
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2011/01/18 07:27:42
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Anointed Dark Priest of Chaos
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Cryage wrote:CT GAMER wrote:
In what why isn't it informative? I find it pretty clever how he conveys so much info without having to have a traditional voice-over commentator. The graphics used and the pics make it pretty clear: He shows a squad of ten necrons and then you see muzzle flashes from a depicted ork mob and then three impact graphic sand thre necrons are suddenly laying face down, etc. Pure genius.
He actully does a great job convey info rather clearly, and far better then Vassal which i find utterly boring, and I didnt have to rad walls of text either...
However this style of batrep isn't something you could film in the middle of a tournament without annoying your opponent and wasting time...
I personally loved it and found it very informative so don't get me wrong, but you get the youtube trolls bitching that it feels more like a stop motion movie than a battle report - which imho IS AWESOME! It's nice getting the feeling of a battle and as you mentioned, not just a commentator play by play.
But yes it would take hours to edit, I think this video was done for a competition or something.
When I was learning to play warhammer and just starting up, its actually the reason why I choose necrons Yes, sure they lose, but it looked damn fun
I know the guy who makes them (Irenbear) and I can tell you first hand that he makes those reports of actual games: nothing is staged as far as gameplay/action.
However playing a game to be made into one of his vids is a production in that you have to stop to take notes and lots of pics, etc. regularly, so you are not simply setting up and playing a game in 1.5 hours and done. It sort of fels like a game mixed with a photo shoot, and you better have the whole afternoon cleared on your schedule...
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2011/01/18 08:14:14
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Ladies Love the Vibro-Cannon Operator
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In fact, I'd prefer short reports (pics with captions, or text only) rather than long texts.
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Former moderator 40kOnline
Lanchester's square law - please obey in list building!
Illumini: "And thank you for not finishing your post with a "" I'm sorry, but after 7200 's that has to be the most annoying sign-off ever."
Armies: Eldar, Necrons, Blood Angels, Grey Knights; World Eaters (30k); Bloodbound; Cryx, Circle, Cyriss |
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2011/01/18 08:57:29
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Tough-as-Nails Ork Boy
Italy
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I've always enjoyed the format that Ailaros follows, with broad views of the battle fields, movement arrows and a recap picture telling what the board looked like after the turn was finished.
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2011/01/18 09:14:09
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Been Around the Block
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Another one with the no youtube! i like to read batreps at work crowd 
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Incurus
Long shall be your suffering. Joyous be your pain.
DR:80S+GM--B--IPw40k90/re+D+A+/eWD100R++T(S)DM+ |
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2011/01/18 10:03:21
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests
Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.
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I like the battle report videos that are still frames (and the odd bit of stop motion or fading to show movement) combined with sound effects, special effects and music, and maybe the odd bit of text to explain what's happening or signify the turn breaks.
There are a few of them out there, and they're pretty nifty.
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2011/01/18 10:30:45
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Renegade Inquisitor de Marche
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Pctures.
Explaination of what is happening.
Maybe a lst of dead guys at the end.
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Dakka Bingo! By Ouze
"You are the best at flying things"-Kanluwen
"Further proof that Purple is a fething brilliant super villain " -KingCracker
"Purp.. Im pretty sure I have a gun than can reach you...."-Nicorex
"That's not really an apocalypse. That's just Europe."-Grakmar
"almost as good as winning free cake at the tea drinking contest for an Englishman." -Reds8n
Seal up your lips and give no words but mum.
Equip, Reload. Do violence.
Watch for Gerry. |
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2011/01/18 10:41:33
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Ladies Love the Vibro-Cannon Operator
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What kind of armies are you playing these days?
Orks, DE, ...
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Former moderator 40kOnline
Lanchester's square law - please obey in list building!
Illumini: "And thank you for not finishing your post with a "" I'm sorry, but after 7200 's that has to be the most annoying sign-off ever."
Armies: Eldar, Necrons, Blood Angels, Grey Knights; World Eaters (30k); Bloodbound; Cryx, Circle, Cyriss |
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2011/01/18 11:53:32
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Esteemed Veteran Space Marine
Sheppey, England
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Photos are great, possibly with arrows overlaid to show movement, assaults etc.
Happy to read any batreps you care to post!
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2011/01/18 12:05:42
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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[ARTICLE MOD]
Fixture of Dakka
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Ailaros wrote:Oh, I'd also like to chip in: don't make youtube videos. Many places block certain websites, especially certain websites like youtube. Battle reports I can't read while at work are most usually battle reports I don't read.
This. A thousand words are worth a video and download much faster.
I like seeing pictures and reading analysis of why you did certain things, and why you think your opponent did.
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2011/01/18 12:29:41
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Fixture of Dakka
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I second (fourth/fifth technically) the idea of no video reports.
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Enlist as a virtual Ultramarine! Click here for my Chaos Gate (PC) thread.
"It is the great irony of the Legiones Astartes: engineered to kill to achieve a victory of peace that they can then be no part of."
- Roboute Guilliman
"As I recall, your face was tortured. Imagine that - the Master of the Wolves, his ferocity twisted into grief. And yet you still carried out your duty. You always did what was asked of you. So loyal. So tenacious. Truly you were the attack dog of the Emperor. You took no pleasure in what you did. I knew that then, and I know it now. But all things change, my brother. I'm not the same as I was, and you're... well, let us not mention where you are now."
- Magnus the Red, to a statue of Leman Russ
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2011/01/18 13:31:16
Subject: Dashofpepper goes back to writing batreps: What do you look for in a battle report?
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Lady of the Lake
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Also adding to no video reports. The way you did the reports before was fine though.
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