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My thoughts on DakkaDakka:

1.) I'd love to see a reputation system for posters. Obviously for what our coders get paid, I am aware that may be an unreasonable request.

2.) I mostly come to see the rumors and discuss the news. Yes, I know they are all essentially recycled Warseer rumors. I don't care. If I wanted to be at Warseer, I'd be there.

3.) So far as YMDC, it has been the single most useful resource since I started 40K. The community overall has been enormously helpful and friendly. In 19 months, I've only had to put 2 people on ignore. As a newish player, I enjoy knowing I can ask a basic question without being called slowed.

4.) I love the gallery functionality.

5.) I've only used the swap shop twice, but it's gone well both times. I'm not much of a swapper.

6.) I haven't spent a lot of time in the Army list section, but from what I have seen, there is some pretty dubious stuff going on: some advice that was pretty flaky. The people who wisely answer questions in YMDC appear not the generally frequent this area. I think a reputation system would help here.

7.) Moderation: I have some thoughts here. Specifically, I've found it to be occasionally uneven. In some cases, threads are allowed to go on for far too long after there is no value, in my opinion ("difficult terrain destroys vehicles"). In others, they are closed too quickly. Specifically, at least one thread was posted where someone posted about a new Eldar product that I suspected was recast (lets not re-hash that please, just summarizing). It turned into an IPqusition and got locked. I regret that I instigated/participated in that. A better outcome would have been a mod posting in the thread that IP discussions are offtopic, and then leaving the thread open - I think the "lock" trigger got pulled too quickly, and essentially someone else (the OP) got boned by having their thread closed because of someone else's actions (me). I have seen that happen several times (although I only caused it once, and have regretted it since).

There are several threads that continually recur that I'd like to see not recur - "Space Marines vs Starcraft", "Women can't be space marines" etc etc. On the other hand, I am completely capable of ignoring what I don't like. In that area, if the community enjoys them, they have spoken, but I suspect more posters find them tedious then not.

I haven't always been as respectful to DoP as I should have been, but I think part of that is that I was simply jealous of the acclaim and success he's had. The rest is partially due to style, I'm simply an understated guy.

That said, I'd like to say I agree with him here. I think there is value to Dakka being a top notch competitive discussion board. Maybe I'm wrong, but he gets a lot of crap despite being one of the engines that drives the traffic.

I think that's what some of us find galling: the cynicism that underlies the attitude the staff has to top posters. Some of that traffic is brought in by people actually creating content.

Ouze wrote:My thoughts on DakkaDakka:

1.) I'd love to see a reputation system for posters. Obviously for what our coders get paid, I am aware that may be an unreasonable request.

2.) I mostly come to see the rumors and discuss the news. Yes, I know they are all essentially recycled Warseer rumors. I don't care. If I wanted to be at Warseer, I'd be there.

3.) So far as YMDC, it has been the single most useful resource since I started 40K. The community overall has been enormously helpful and friendly. In 19 months, I've only had to put 2 people on ignore. As a newish player, I enjoy knowing I can ask a basic question without being called slowed.

4.) I love the gallery functionality.

5.) I've only used the swap shop twice, but it's gone well both times. I'm not much of a swapper.

6.) I haven't spent a lot of time in the Army list section, but from what I have seen, there is some pretty dubious stuff going on: some advice that was pretty flaky. The people who wisely answer questions in YMDC appear not the generally frequent this area. I think a reputation system would help here.

7.) Moderation: I have some thoughts here. Specifically, I've found it to be occasionally uneven. In some cases, threads are allowed to go on for far too long after there is no value, in my opinion ("difficult terrain destroys vehicles"). In others, they are closed too quickly. Specifically, at least one thread was posted where someone posted about a new Eldar product that I suspected was recast (lets not re-hash that please, just summarizing). It turned into an IPqusition and got locked. I regret that I instigated/participated in that. A better outcome would have been a mod posting in the thread that IP discussions are offtopic, and then leaving the thread open - I think the "lock" trigger got pulled too quickly, and essentially someone else (the OP) got boned by having their thread closed because of someone else's actions (me). I have seen that happen several times (although I only caused it once, and have regretted it since).

There are several threads that continually recur that I'd like to see not recur - "Space Marines vs Starcraft", "Women can't be space marines" etc etc. On the other hand, I am completely capable of ignoring what I don't like. In that area, if the community enjoys them, they have spoken, but I suspect more posters find them tedious then not.

Maybe we should have a kiddies section, where people could post these threads. j/k

Personally, better.

Well, mostly better. YMDC needs to stop whining when people go RAW. OT is fine, it's the same threads re-hashed over and over. 40k Background is kinda lame, tons of poorly executed crossover crap and cliche "Super Awesome x2 Marines" or "Super Emo x2 Chaos Marines" Custom Chapter stuff. Proposed rules gets somewhat annoying every now and then, but it's fine.

H.B.M.C. wrote:Once upon a time if you posted something stupid, you'd get called on it. These days, if you call on someone for posting something stupid, you get a warning.

Wasn't here for that but I agree

Dakka seems cool. I'll admit I'm probably contributing to it's decline, I guess. But aside from me, it seems like more 'warseer' types have moved here. Dakkites are much different from other 40k forums. More intelligence, more creativity. Better jokes, better responses to flaming. Not to much trolling here, aside from the occasional 'cool story bro' (which is usually put in as a joke, not as a meaningless trolling )

Dakka has one of the best OT boards on the international network, and Albatross, Metallifan, shadwbrand and crew make it all worth mentioning. All of you OT guys, really

I like dakka. It makes me remember that most of the people here are normal and have completely real lives. Dakkadakka is a breath of fresh air in a rather stagnant section of the bloggosphere.

Samus_aran115 wrote:I'll admit I'm probably contributing to it's decline, I guess.

Only when you non-ironically use words like "blogosphere".

Cryonicleech wrote:Personally, better.

40k Background is kinda lame, tons of poorly executed crossover crap and cliche "Super Awesome x2 Marines" or "Super Emo x2 Chaos Marines" Custom Chapter stuff.

Completely agree. Most Homebrew chapters are IMO, poorly done and uncreative. We really don't want to hear about them. Paint your army. Play your army. It doesn't need fluff. Keyword there is 'MOST'. I love seeing a well done homebrew chapter, like the sons of orar or tony_nids10's emperor's shields. And this one...http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/301013.page


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Ouze wrote:

Samus_aran115 wrote:I'll admit I'm probably contributing to it's decline, I guess.

Only when you non-ironically use words like "blogosphere".

I had a fascinating discussion with some friends about internet synonyms, and I had to use a couple in my post

loki old fart wrote:

Ouze wrote:There are several threads that continually recur that I'd like to see not recur - "Space Marines vs Starcraft", "Women can't be space marines" etc etc.

Maybe we should have a kiddies section, where people could post these threads. j/k

Maybe they should be stickied, so that people would keep restarting them.

JohnHwangDD wrote:

loki old fart wrote:There are several threads that continually recur that I'd like to see not recur - "Space Marines vs Starcraft", "Women can't be space marines" etc etc.

Maybe we should have a kiddies section, where people could post these threads. j/k

Maybe they should be stickied, so that people would keep restarting them.

wyomingfox wrote:

Redbeard wrote:I think what Deadshane is saying is true. People with interesting things to say have moved on to blogs, because they can be prima donnas (read as donkey-caves) on their own blog and no one can call them on it.

I find that to be a sad state of affairs, really. On one hand, you get a more polite site by removing those elements, but maybe there's something to what Patton said. If I want to push my theory of gaming and put down anyone who disagrees with it, why do that on a site where I get slapped for doing so, when I can just set up a blog and get followers.

That may be true of some, but I have met several in the Madison area who are really good players and were honestly put off of Dakka's earlier years due to Posters like Stelek who were in general needlessly rude.

No one wants more Steleks. That guy was just over the top arrogant.

What we do want is an environment where the people with something to say can say it. That's what draws people to the boards. If you have a wealth of USEFUL information then you will draw tons of people. In order to have that type of environment, you need to separate the wheat from the chaff. I know in days past this occurred by having an environment where you knew you'd get flamed if you posted crap. This created an air of intimidation. I know people think that sounds bad, but, it forced people to fact check and THINK before posting. The reward was a wealth of great information. The downside: huge egos and a lot of vitriol.

I am totally open to a system that achieves the positive without the negatives. Carmachu has drafted a really nice suggestion as to how to implement this.

Perhaps, better yet, a list of "closed topics" akin to the "no Dark Eldar" thread that was up for a long time in the News section (before there actually was DE news again).

Space Marines vs Whatever
Games Workshop ripped off Warcraft/Starcraft/Aliens/Starship Troopers/etc
Who would win in a fight between Whatever (as a discussion, not as an army list compare)
The IPquisition


I'm sure there are more, but please, if you go with this? I beg you - spare the Foam Wars. I live for that drama right there.

Reecius wrote:Manchu has drafted a really nice suggestion as to how to implement this.

At least I think you're talking about me rather than Carmachu, right?

Yeah! Haha, sorry, I am really tired and had a brain fart.

Manchu wrote:

Reecius wrote:Manchu has drafted a really nice suggestion as to how to implement this.

At least I think you're talking about me rather than Carmachu, right?

How dare someone make a name that sounds anything like yours???!!

Nice to see your old avatar. I couldn't tell which posts were yours for a while :3

Dakka good... me likes.

Samus_aran115 wrote:
How dare someone make a name that sounds anything like yours???!!

*ahem* Listen whippersnapper, dont make me beat you with my cane. I can guarentee its the other way around. I've been on dakka longer then both of you combined. I should get royalties from him usinga version of my name....

Carmachu: My name is nothing like your name. I have no idea what your name even refers to. And I suppose it's likewise in the reverse. :p

Manchu wrote:Carmachu: My name is nothing like your name. I have no idea what your name even refers to. And I suppose it's likewise in the reverse. :p

Oh your only saying that becuase I mentioned royalties....

Busted.

In any case, I wonder if anything will actually come of these threads. We're told that they're generating buzz among the powers that be but sometimes I think that's just to keep us content.

Imho, a little discontent makes things exciting...

I can only speak for the swap shop, but whenever people suggest things in Nuts & Bolts, we discuss it and often tweak things accordingly when there are good ideas.

Honestly, things that take less work tend to get taken up more quickly, though! Things that are a major overhaul or require more work are obviously a bit harder to pick up...

Oh Manchu , remember when i told you half a year ago you'll be a dakka mod?

Im gonna be right arnt i. Im very sharp on these type of things

Manchu wrote:Busted.

In any case, I wonder if anything will actually come of these threads. We're told that they're generating buzz among the powers that be but sometimes I think that's just to keep us content.

That be true if it were a different type of site. But the owner(s) are gamers too, so they arent going to discuss things just to keep us happy. Thats a short term bump and a long term loss.

Some of the chaff has to go around here. I remember the old old days and things were rough and tumble. I know a few said they wouldnt want steleks or the equvilant, but I recall a time before him and sometimes its people like him thats needed. I dont always agree with what he says, and he might say it rudely at times, but thats infiniately more preferable then some of the things and dicussion we have now. Because whether you like him or not(or folks like it) or whether agree with him or not, more times then not what comes out in the end is useful moreso then not.

asmith wrote:that's not accurate, if you are not being rude chances are someone else is and the thread will be shut down instead of being edited.

That generally just depends on how far gone the thread is. If it's just a comment or two that have gone past the line, but the thread is back on track (or at least looks like it's headed there) the thread will generally be left open, with either the offending post edited or the poster warned.

If people have decided to pile in and it would be too much work to clean it up, then the thread is more likely to be just locked to let everyone go home and rethink their life a little.

Reecius wrote:Let people know that they can argue their point passionately and that is OK!! Don't take things personally, it is just the net for crying out loud.

That goes both ways, though. It's just the net, and just a game of toy soldiers. Is getting heated really necessary? Is it really too much to ask that grown men talk about their toy soldiers without all the wailing and gnashing of teeth when someone has a differing viewpoint?

carmachu wrote:
Some of the chaff has to go around here. I remember the old old days and things were rough and tumble. I know a few said they wouldnt want steleks or the equvilant, but I recall a time before him and sometimes its people like him thats needed. I dont always agree with what he says, and he might say it rudely at times, but thats infiniately more preferable then some of the things and dicussion we have now. Because whether you like him or not(or folks like it) or whether agree with him or not, more times then not what comes out in the end is useful moreso then not.

So, the choice is either Stelek or what we have. I am definitely in the camp that Stelek produced some good stuff but it was a shame he couldn't moderate himself. when I saw the picture of him I was totally surprised to see he was an adult - just goes to show how difficult it is to picture people from posts. Me? Short, slightly over weight/ stocky, bald Englishman

What about the "like" button that others have suggested? For me, especially in the tactics forum, starting where people have expressed most "likes" would be a good place to start.

fullheadofhair wrote:

carmachu wrote:
Some of the chaff has to go around here. I remember the old old days and things were rough and tumble. I know a few said they wouldnt want steleks or the equvilant, but I recall a time before him and sometimes its people like him thats needed. I dont always agree with what he says, and he might say it rudely at times, but thats infiniately more preferable then some of the things and dicussion we have now. Because whether you like him or not(or folks like it) or whether agree with him or not, more times then not what comes out in the end is useful moreso then not.

So, the choice is either Stelek or what we have. I am definitely in the camp that Stelek produced some good stuff but it was a shame he couldn't moderate himself. when I saw the picture of him I was totally surprised to see he was an adult - just goes to show how difficult it is to picture people from posts. Me? Short, slightly over weight/ stocky, bald Englishman

What about the "like" button that others have suggested? For me, especially in the tactics forum, starting where people have expressed most "likes" would be a good place to start.

Your username is more entertaining now : )

I was also in this camp... despite disagreeing with him on some points

Samus_aran115 wrote:

JohnHwangDD wrote:

loki old fart wrote:There are several threads that continually recur that I'd like to see not recur - "Space Marines vs Starcraft", "Women can't be space marines" etc etc.

Maybe we should have a kiddies section, where people could post these threads. j/k

Maybe they should be stickied, so that people would keep restarting them.

Yeah, that actually makes sense. Have a special board called "retards only". The explanation would be simply :"HURRRR"

fullheadofhair wrote:

So, the choice is either Stelek or what we have. I am definitely in the camp that Stelek produced some good stuff but it was a shame he couldn't moderate himself. when I saw the picture of him I was totally surprised to see he was an adult - just goes to show how difficult it is to picture people from posts. Me? Short, slightly over weight/ stocky, bald Englishman

Given the behavior and posts here on dakka, you could say that about many people, whether their adults or not. I mean the Wolrd Forge post complaint? Are you serious?

carmachu wrote:

fullheadofhair wrote:

So, the choice is either Stelek or what we have. I am definitely in the camp that Stelek produced some good stuff but it was a shame he couldn't moderate himself. when I saw the picture of him I was totally surprised to see he was an adult - just goes to show how difficult it is to picture people from posts. Me? Short, slightly over weight/ stocky, bald Englishman

Given the behavior and posts here on dakka, you could say that about many people, whether their adults or not. I mean the Wolrd Forge post complaint? Are you serious?

Oh god - that one - Ok, you got me, cannot even begin to defend my position if you are going to drag that one up ;-D

That is a good example of poor moderation. How that got past 1 page let alone 2 is beyond me. Got to be one of the crappest threads I have ever seen.

I wonder if part of the issue is that the game has gotten simpler... not ruleswise, but tactics wise.

If there is a balanced metagame, then discussion of that metagame is intreresting. But when the metagame has already been beaten to death and every new idea is met with "space wolves do it better", or some variation of that... well,what else is there to say?

Whenthe game, as a whole, has an easy win mode that renders so many other approaches futile, (or at least sub-optimal) it's hard to get the inspiration to work on a new approach, especially when you know the pundits are just going to call in inviable.

For casual play, who cares, there is no topic there, pick units you like. For competitive play, go mech, go wolves, go guard, or go home... and maybe it's not dakka that went downhill, it's the competitive scene...

As I was pondering Dakka's state of affairs, I'd like to call to attention a particularly troubling matter.

If there's one thing I really hate to see, it's all these ridiculous claims of "poor moderation" Feth! Frazz, Kilkrazy, Alpharius, and all those other mods are some of the best damn mods out there. On sites like 40k Online, whenever a mod posted I'd literally have to edit what I personally thought on a matter because it'd be "offensive" or it'd break a rule. Hell, Frazz is cool enough to descend into the madness of the OT forum and actually let you argue with him! Where else could you do that?

I mean seriously, poor moderation? Some posters are really ungrateful.