Many Events and How They Affect Our Community

[Dwilah]

One thing I've felt lately, personally, and I've gotten a feeling from others, is that there's a whole whole lot of events happening alllll the time. Our community has grown and expanded to encompass many groups, guilds, and independents who set up their own events, and we're constantly seeing new events pop up. As our community continues to grow and change, we see the likes and flavors of the month change as well, and the crowds at different events fluctuate. This is true of cantina parties, hunts, or plot-related events.

I've expressed it to a few people that I feel there's a lot of pressure to attend every event, or as many as you're available for, and that if you are online and not attending an event, you're somehow not supporting the community or not participating in good RP. We all have our obligations, both in-game and out of game, IC and OOC, and I personally don't think anyone has the right to claim they keep full tabs on what the community is choosing to do or not to do. Nor do I think it is right to expect or ask people with events to stop their events, or alternate them, or new people to not plan them.

However, I DO feel that this is a topic worth discussing. While people in general keep a positive attitude about events and encouraging people to attend events, I think that it's important to identify what the possible problem is. We've already seen people planning for events so as not to conflict with others. I'd like to hear if other people have been feeling these concerns/frustrations with feeling pressure over attending events and/or with holding events that have dwindling/no attendees. We can prompt questions and brainstorm for the community, if it seems the undercurrent of hinted thought I've picked up on in others, as well as in myself, is indeed there.

Most importantly, I think we should all remember that we are a community, and despite our sometimes limited time together, we are all here for the same thing.

Some brainstorming questions--

--Has your event or events you attend regularly experienced declining attendance in the past months?
--How does this make you feel as an attendee/planner?
--What would you attribute this too? Declining interest, ongoing plotlines, RL responsibilities?
--How could these events renew interest?
--What stops you from attending other events during the week?
--What tips can you offer for someone to get their character more involved with current plotlines you know of?

Please offer your thoughts.

[Ekade]

Great topic...

Most importantly, I think we should all remember that we are a community, and despite our sometimes limited time together, we are all here for the same thing.

/QFT


If you come away from this discussion with one thing.. let it be an understanding of the above.


Yes, I know it is your $15.. but this game would comepletely suck without community. So, if your attitude is to say, "screw it, I am gonna do my own thing".. well, that wish may come true.

As a community we need eachother. Our fun comes from doing things together and interacting with eachother. Have any doubt? Roll a toon on a server where you don't know anyone and tell me how much fun you have.

My "job" here is to provide fun for the people I play with. If they are not having a good time interacting with me, then I am not doing my job. I will not have fun at someone else's expense. If I do, they will not want to interact with me.. and to that end, I would be the one losing.

If you are someone who has people telling you they don't want to interact with you, you are not doing your job. You need to give fun, just as much as you take it.. if not more so.


We are here to have fun, together.

[Hashum]

--Ive noticed my attendance declining however Ive had several RL matters that have prohibited my being IG and continue to constrict the amount of time I am IG. So if I do happen to be on when an typical planned event is taking place Ive usually got to work on other RP items I have on my plate and I give those priority to regular weekly events. But thats my personal experience, so I cant say that this is true for anyone else obviously.

--As I dont do much as a planner I can only imagine that its rather frustrating and discouraging. Only thing I could offer is that I at least do appreciate the option of attending these and do enjoy attending them when I can. And in the future may as time permits will try making a larger effort to try attending some of these as it fits Hashum IC.

As an attendee I have to admit Im a bit clicky in that I have a click and I stick with it. This is an issue that I should resolve but Im a bit shy in RL and so it does translate into the way I play Hashum, I dont think his character would be however I do let it effect my decision making when in these situations which probably makes me part of the problem when I am there. So sorry.

--Combination ongoing plotlines, RL responsibilities. But ongoing plotlines can be used at these events as well so Im not sure that makes a great excuse. If I have to meet someone for something, why not meet them at the regular event?

--Im not sure how to renew interest but I can tell you that the last several times Ive attended an event like the Roba I found it more enjoyable then I remembered it being. Unfortunately things like Casino Night and S&V Night which are both on Sunday and thats a terrible night for me.

--Im not sure I know all the events and some of them dont seem to fit with my character, Im not all that creative so sometimes its hard for me to find a reason to be there. Sometimes I have to have someone help me spell out a reason. This is just a personal issue of mine.

--I could use some of these myself so not sure Im in the position to offer any. However with the recent order from the Inquisitor I would imagine many of the members of ONE- maybe either be hunted which is an opportunity or in need of assistance which is another opportunity. I believe most of the members are still unknown to the community IC at this point but obviously Ive been a bit active so if anyone is interested in getting involved in something there feel free to contact me.

[Ekade]

--Has your event or events you attend regularly experienced declining attendance in the past months?

Yes and no. Attendance is always such a random thing, I have a hard time noticing a trend.

--How does this make you feel as an attendee/planner?

As an attendee it used to bother me when I was present at a slow night, just as it made me very happy when an event was "rockin". Nowadays, I have been taking a very IC approach. Ekade shows up when she desires to, if she feels it is safe to do so.

As a planner I have more of a concern about attendance. I like to have people show up to something I put effort into. However, I don't get nearly as worked up about this as I used to. People will show up of they want to, and people are generally very whimisical when it comes to their gaming agenda.

One thing to consider as an attendee, if you want an event to succeed, your attendance DOES matter. If I had people showing up in droves for my Temple events, I would be having a lot more. With sparse attendance, it is simply not worth my effort to put them on very frequently.

--What would you attribute this too? Declining interest, ongoing plotlines, RL responsibilities?

Player turnover. New characters often have little or no history with other characters. Unless they RP someone who is outgoing, or has a particular need, it is hard to establish some good interaction.

For me, ongoing plotlines has limited my ability to appear in public.

I've been a dancer for 2+ years. I needed some fresh air. But seriously, interaction with the entertainers at events has steadily declined over the past year. I just was not having as much enjoyment with it anymore.

--How could these events renew interest?

Having a draw, something to look forward to. Our original intent for events was to have them be a place to showcase the plotlines we were participating in and provide opportunity for others to get involved.

The simple answer.. more RP. Someone should come to an event expecting to have some good interaction with other people. I want to see people getting to know eachother, perhaps even RP'ing a card game together. There should be business dealings, forging of alliances, that sort of thing.

Have an RP reason to go to an event.

--What stops you from attending other events during the week?

IC reasons as stated above. OOC, my playtime is limited and I try to balance in some enjoyment for myself. I don't want my gaming to feel like a job, so I prefer to come and go as I please. I used to attend EVERY event, but it got to be too much.

--What tips can you offer for someone to get their character more involved with current plotlines you know of?

Be aware of the plotlines.

Interact with people involved. Invent a reason why your character would be involved as this will not be spoon fed to you.

Play your character as a character in the Star Wars universe.

[E-bo Obi]

To be honest I got completely burnt out somewhere and I don't exactly know if it was too many events, juggling characters issues, trying to determine what I expect, or just plain I been doing this for 2 years and I am tired/bored.

I logon to this game and others and just don't want to do anything. I spend more time reading about the games and/or working on out of game content than I do actually playing games anymore. I actually have enjoyed the break. I know some of you would rather see me being active but I just can't bring myself to do it.

That and RL issues now that I am back in the real world have drastiacally reduced my desire to play. Pregnant wife, the neverending job hunt, and the constant arguments over buying a TV have left me drained. Not to mention fixing doors, plumbing, the furnace, and whatever other things were left to rot for four months that are now all of a sudden a priority in my life.

As for events... There are too many. I am not saying that is bad. There is soething for everyone. But I don't like feeling that I should have to attend every event out there or I am not supporting the community. Until I came home I don't think I missed a friday night event at at least one of the locations they were being held. But now, its tough for me to choose what I want to attend.

[Griven]

Let's talk about the Roba here...

--Has your event or events you attend regularly experienced declining attendance in the past months?

Yes it has. It seems that almost no one comes to the Roba anymore.

--How does this make you feel as an attendee/planner?

As an attendee, it makes the event seem pointless. Being part of the security during the event, I'm mainly there as part of the scenery, much like the dancers. When there's no one around to enjoy the scenery, it makes my job seems pointless.

--What would you attribute this too? Declining interest, ongoing plotlines, RL responsibilities?

It's a possibility that declining interest plays a factor. There are so many other new events going on that it's possible people just choose them over the Roba.

--How could these events renew interest?

I think that more advertisement would help quite a bit. Perhaps throw in some contests like a raffle.

--What stops you from attending other events during the week?

I simply don't know about them. That, and being a hard core Imperial kind of excludes me from a lot of them.

--What tips can you offer for someone to get their character more involved with current plotlines you know of?

Other than the hunt for Sharn and Sepiv that I'm involved in right now, I don't really know of any others. Due to that, I don't have any tips to give.

[Shensen]

- Attendance varies from what I've seen. Sure you can attribute some of it to player turnover, but really it all just depends. It depends on what a person has planned for that night (guild hunts, solo quests, IC story progression that doesn't involve said event). I also think that a lot of the people at these events are clique-y. I typically see the same folks sitting at tables with the same folks. Nothing wrong with that. How many people would go into a bar and walk up to a table of strangers and make themselves at home? Flip it around and say you are sitting at a table with a bunch of your friends, how many unknown people do you invite to sit with you? I'll be honest, I go when I have nothing better to do. My character just isn't the meet n greet type.

- As an attendee (when I come), on the one hand I feel like new people to RP are not going to get involved with anything unless they are playing an outgoing person and even then it still depends on how flexible everyone is RPing. If anyone walked up to me in public and started nosing into my bitness I sure wouldn't be very trusting. On the other hand I think if people are roleplaying like they would real people then there really aren't a lot of openings to get involved (see example in first paragraph). Not saying it's wrong, it's just human nature imo.

- Attributing factors: Ease of involvement, RL issues, IG character goals (finishing temps, quests, guild responsibilities, etc), Ongoing plotlines that don't seem to be going anywhere, lack of follow through.

- The greatest renewal of interest imo is from people reaching out and involving others. Some have the "get in or go home" attitude, but I say if you get involved in a plotline, aside from the level of your involvement I would also start thinking about who else I can get involved. Example being Dwilah getting me involved in something I had no idea about, which then brought in the Inquisitor, I then brought in Hashum and the rest of -ONE- that wanted to participate. The creative people that always seem to be in the forefront of the stories can kinda kick start the newer people into it until everyone gets comfortable with eachother.

- Limited play time really. I'm still trying to finish my template and get involved with some RP along the way and participate in hunts, classes, etc.

- Talk with people OOC in tells or email perhaps and feel em out - get some character background and then you can work out how to work them in somewhere that makes sense for you both.

[IagoBoom]

[I'm unsure if this should be its own thread, or if it's a tangent. I trust the mods to make a new thread, if I'm hijacking the thread]

I often hear "My character has no reason to attend such an event." I see that can be true, but not as much as it's actually used as an excuse. If you don't want to go to an event, don't go, but don't blame it on your character.

I'm not attacking anyone with this, just suggesting that everyone take a look at their motivations when they decide whether an event is for them, or not.

Examples: I've seen Jaminos at parties. He plays his character, in such situations. Why is a bounty hunter attending a party? We could say he's out of place, but no one knows his motivations. There's a mystery there, and that's intriguing, not wrong. (Sorry for singling you out, Jammy, any character that is solitary could be used in this example).

Is that stormtrooper on leave, or is he performing some surveillance? Everyone has to find a place where they can put work out of their mind (the Roba is an excellent example of Imperials taking some time off).

On the flip side, why is that dancer out on a gorax hunt? Curiosity? Is she in need of some excitement after weeks of spending time in a cantina? Some form of a grudge against the beast?

Why is that architect flying a mission against Black Sun? When did he learn to fly? Are most of his ship's systems automated? Is he receiving pressure to supply credits for protection?

Why is that persecuted Jedi showing her face in public? Is she disguised? Is her purpose more important than her safety? Is she lapsing in her control and allowing herself to indulge for a short time?

I admit there are some situations that make little sense, but if you, the player, want to attend something, you can find a reason for your character to want to...a reason that makes perfect sense. Every situation in your character's "life" does not have to be pivotal or based on his/her origin or the main objective they're driving at.

The bounty hunter that only works for credits, the Imperial that is obsessed with his mission, the carefree drunk, the dilligent artisan...everyone has two sides, if not more. Don't box your character in, and close off possibilities.

(I understand if your character is imprisoned somewhere, or the like, but many players, in the past, have played with time, so they wouldn't miss out on something they want to do. Consider that when you're upset about missing out on something due to other storylines.)

If YOU want to do something, find a reason to, and don't blame your character for your lack of interest in the event. Be honest with yourself about your motivations (if not honest with your friends).

[IagoBoom]

On the situation of the community and number of events:

I see our community growing. The number of events are growing in relation to that. If an event loses its participation base, it will die. That's how things work out. If your event isn't as popular as you want it to be, you can do one of three things:

1. Accept the current situation, and be happy with it
2. Change the event to better represent the desires of your intended audience
3. Choose to believe it's only a temporary lapse, and it will revert in a week or two.

Pressure to attend events:

That's what advertising is. If you get several emails about an event, you're being pressured. If a friend asks you to attend, that's pressure. If someone makes an announcement on the forums, that's pressure, too. I've directed concerts, films and comedians in RL. Pressure is part of advertising.

I think the question is, "Are you uncomfortable with the amount of pressure you recieve?"

If that's the case, why do you feel that way? Is it the source's fault, or the number of sources? Are you having trouble saying no? (In my case, it's usually this one) Do you feel the methods of advertisement are inappropriate?

I suggest looking at your own feelings, finding the basis for them, then being proactive about a solution: "Iago, stop emailing me, it's gotten to the point of spam", "Iago, you're the fourth person to ask me to attend in the past 10 minutes", "Iago, you're short", "Iago, streaking in Eisley isn't a decent way of getting people to show up for a hunt."

I, personally, don't get a lot of requests to attend an event, with the exception of a lot of gig offers. Handling the business affairs of the band has taught me how to decline (in most situations). If I'm placing too much responsibility on the individual, I apologize.

If I'm IG, I'm with at least one other person, or I lose interest and fall back on preparing for spending time with others. I can't solo. I can't RP with NPCs. I need players to share with. If I was playing the game for anything except the other people, I'd have finished one of the KOTOR's by now. SWG is fun, but there are much more entertaining single player games out there. I'm here because of the community, like everyone else.

[Oniss]

/cheer very well put iago.

[Sai'nu]

Some brainstorming questions--

--Has your event or events you attend regularly experienced declining attendance in the past months?
--How does this make you feel as an attendee/planner?
--What would you attribute this too? Declining interest, ongoing plotlines, RL responsibilities?
--How could these events renew interest?
--What stops you from attending other events during the week?
--What tips can you offer for someone to get their character more involved with current plotlines you know of?

Please offer your thoughts.

I'll start with a... I still encourage people to try to make new events no matter if there are a couple of conflicting times. To the people who happen to have the conflicting times; just don't slight each other over it. Varity is usually a good thing I think. It gives us the opportunity to try out something different. Even if this translates into... we have two parties the same night; their still in two different locations and may have a different type of theme.

Now, has my attendance been down? Yes, it has. Dial up aside, and I do get horrible lag now if there are more than say 12 people around, I just found that my characters probably wouldn't be at some of the regular events. An example, Scum and Villany night... Batak and Vreese are highly unlikely to frequent this event. I'll even produce the argument that because I play a gaurd role for Ekade that I would because her, or my Sisters, may go there to enjoy a quiet evening. Well, looking at what the event is about... 'Scum' and 'Villany'... I always get the idea that this is really for the 'bad' guys as it were. So, I try and steer clear of it.

Now what stops me from other events? To be honest, sometimes I'm in RP with someone random; Or I'm out doing my own thing as well... hunting, the like.

This is true for all of us; It's our $15 a month (or more for multiple accounts) to try and have the kind of fun we want. Me, I love the community and RPing. But, I try to balance event attendance with 'playing the game' as well. This may boil down to simply this:

I may only set a small goal of one Event attendance per week and use the rest of the time to play the game and do random RP.

Now, for the event people... what can they do? I think just stick to it. Try a little advertising and/or work with the other person whose event is the same time as yours to see if you can tie them in together somehow.
An example, If someone were running a Rebel themed party somewhere on Friday night... I would think the Roba would be an excellent mixture to do some subterfuge RP. While at Roba whisper about your 'plans' and give yourself that shifty appearance while trying not to give your self out as a 'Hey, I'm a Rebel' show. Use that RP either before or after going to the other event to create a mixture having used both events to further your RP. Again, this is only one example of what I think someone could do with conflicting themes scheduled at the same time.

As far as getting involved... I think it is as simple as introducing yourself to the rest of us. Just don't be discouraged if there doesn't happen to be some major plot going on when you first talk to someone. I guess I'm just saying make friends with the rest of us (as best we can; we're not all going to get along) and the rest will usually fall in place.

[Isleh]

--What would you attribute this too? Declining interest, ongoing plotlines, RL responsibilities?

RL responsibilities & Ongoing plotlines? They were just as much a factor when the events were packed.

Declining interest? Diversifying, not declining. I think we are seeing the game offering more reasons to take part in the game content. Combine this with the fact that the community has grown and there are more events to attend. The events are now competing against other events as well as the game content.



--How could these events renew interest?

The calendar served one very important function. It was a unobtrusive reminder of the upcoming events. I am not asking Jabe to replaces it but rather under "Announcements" a new forum to replace the calendar titled "Events"? The rules can be simple.

Each event title should be DATE TIME ZONE Name of the Event. e.g.
"10-28 9-11pm EST - Friday Night at the Crazy Roba"

Reoccurring events can be stickied with a title in this format
"Friday: 9-11pm EST - Friday Night at the Crazy Roba"

The event should follow the general format below with discussions about the event taking place in "SWG Public Forum".

Friday Night at the Crazy Roba

Where: Dohrian, Talus
When: 9-11pm EST

Gorath's longest running weekly Roleplay event continues on. As always, the lovely ladies of the Holonotes will be performing on stage.

Hope to see you there!

To discuss the event and for updates, please go here.
http://swgtales.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6074

I would be happy to volunteer my time to moderate it

[Ekade]

The points Iago brought up pertain not only to events, but to RP in general.

In my opinion, there is no way to play a completely realistic character in this game. My solution... don't try.

Instead, play a somewhat realistic character and be ready to bend them on occasion to fit them into certain situations. Your goal should be to play a character that is fun for you, and also fun for others to play with.

Quite honestly, the more fighting you intend to to, the further from reality you have to be. Since our characters live in a world with no real consequences, they are prone to do things that actual people would not do.


Should a band of merceneries walk into a public venue and just assume they are safe to kill anyone in there they please? Would anyone else even go to that venue knowing heavily armed serial killers were present? No.

Would a Jedi in hiding go to a public event? No. RP-wise, the ideal jedi is someone who has no desire to have any social interaction with anyone, ever. And those kinds of people don't usually play MMO's.

Is any of this good for RP? No.


Community&Fun > Reality.


Events are intended for your enjoyment. Your purpose is to enjoy yourself and provide enjoyment for others.

[Dariis]

I feel this pressure, dont get me wrong its all self inflicted stress. since around 4 weeks before the CU i have dramatically reduced my game time hours, as a result all facets of my character are affected. IC a Teras Kasi monk would be a humble/sideline persone trying to avoid attention and looking for students, not fighting, and prolly not rebel. really i feel like as a player im not doing enough for this community. the game got to be too much and i have been disorganized for awhile

suggestions:
- I think this site is a great way to keep your toon alive IC, even if your not in game. Ex: I want to start a story arc with -ONE-, but im not online at the same time as a lot of the members. but a thread could be the solution? ongoing IC background, NPC's can be created, clues can be left (maybe an item could be left in a bookcase or chest, and admin can be obtained by "slicing" the door/security)
- like the french say "bon courage" dont be discouraged, so an event or 2 didnt work well, dont give up!

more to come, but i am at work and need to do more than post !

[Hashum]

I feel this pressure, dont get me wrong its all self inflicted stress. since around 4 weeks before the CU i have dramatically reduced my game time hours, as a result all facets of my character are affected. IC a Teras Kasi monk would be a humble/sideline persone trying to avoid attention and looking for students, not fighting, and prolly not rebel. really i feel like as a player im not doing enough for this community. the game got to be too much and i have been disorganized for awhile

suggestions:
- I think this site is a great way to keep your toon alive IC, even if your not in game. Ex: I want to start a story arc with -ONE-, but im not online at the same time as a lot of the members. but a thread could be the solution? ongoing IC background, NPC's can be created, clues can be left (maybe an item could be left in a bookcase or chest, and admin can be obtained by "slicing" the door/security)
- like the french say "bon courage" dont be discouraged, so an event or 2 didnt work well, dont give up!

more to come, but i am at work and need to do more than post !

Hey feel free to contact me about an arc with -ONE- and we can work something out be it through a thread or just adjusting IG time to accomodate, whatever.