Current News: Jan 21, '09 Recruiting Pirates

[Basil Dreadflint]

Originally Posted by OFxZeppers

It does sound like fun, there wont be many slots for these 'crews', alot of pirates I think are going to be left out. I wonder what criteria the GMs will be using when selecting their crews. (should be first come first served) They should dump the crew after each voyage, and recrew making a reasonable effort to track who has participated already and picking up NEW crew members so everyone gets a chance. Im sure it will be fun for those that get the opportunity.

Recommendation: Those already having some contact with the GMs, should be leaders in the community, and let those that are not as blessed with such opportunities to interact with the GMs instead. Besides if the GMs keep rubbing elbows with all the same people, they are not getting a full range of input on the game, which is inevitably part of their intention in these events.

When I logged into the game and saw this, I thought, Hmmm , Something new! Then I read it a second time, and thought, Hmmm, Only for the Noobs!

Read the entire thing! "Are you in a crew? Are you in a guild?" This event IS NOT for virtually ANY of you/us that are posting here! This is to get noobs more involved, and not have them just standing around on Abassa, wondering what to do next.

All of you who are posting about how much fun this is gonna be, you are all senior players. You should not / do not need to be taught how to crew or guild. You shouldn't need help aquiring cannon reps or gold.

If I were one of the GM's, I wouldn't crew or sail with anyone over level 12, or a founder, or anyone who immediately starts asking about what's going to come out 'new'. Obviously, those pirates already know all the stuff that this event is about.

As Zep states in his recommendation above: Let those who haven't had the opportunities interact with the GM's instead!


EDIT: I don't know why Disney doesn't actually have someone , a GM, standing at the end of the pier on Abassa, and give advice to "NEW" players. Especially regarding making friends, joining a guild, using chat, etc. These are items that aren't immediatley obvious to the new player, and would enhance the entire gaming experience.

[Edward Edgemenace]

I agree with OfX' sentiment, but I'm cautious about telling people not to attend. The "Feats of Strength" had almost 500 people who registered early; this event may have a greater turnout due to being at a more convenient time for most people.

Not everyone on POF is a senior player. It wasn't all that long ago that I was a total n00b here. But for those of us that are, it is a good reminder to turn on crew matching (on whatever server ye may haunt) to reinvigorate some of the most delightful parts of the game.

If you don't see "50% Crew Bonus" on a regular basis, you're missing out on a lot of fun!

[Achilles]

I agree with not crowding or rudely shoving your way into the presence of the GM’s or other players, Pirates need to be patient and considerate. I do believe the Captain is not trying to limit this at all and would most likely have a “More the Merrier” perspective.
I totally agree with Zep in the perspective that Leaders or high level players should not push their way in and take “seating” that would be better suited for newer and lower level players. Allow others to Crew up with and draw closer to the GM’s. I know many higher level Pirates get excited as well when the Captain and the GM Leadership makes appearances, that is understandable,.. use good judgment Pirates.

On the other hand,… I do not think that, nor believe the Captain would want any level of Pirate to not participate, but in fact, show up at the docks as well, to perhaps take part in the leadership.
Meaning this, if you are a higher level Pirate,.. there is a good possibility you will receive a on the spot commission to gather Pirates (due to the amount of turnout) and crew and teach newer Pirates. There are many savvy and seasoned Pirates who could offer sound advice to many newer Pirates.
These events are largely PR Events with a touch of input as a consequential benefit. They do learn from events, but “Testing” is not the motive, enrichment and game fruition is.

My concern is this as well,.. Many of the old Salty Pirates may miss out on surprises given spontaneously to event participants if they choose to not involve themselves, and from my perspective, (no disrespect to newer members) the Long standing Members deserve a first hand view of any special game revelations.
Disney loves to pop up with things without prior notice!





addendum:

Basil said:" I don't know why Disney doesn't actually have someone , a GM, standing at the end of the pier on Abassa, and give advice to "NEW" players. Especially regarding making friends, joining a guild, using chat, etc. These are items that aren't immediatley obvious to the new player, and would enhance the entire gaming experience. "

Stay tuned Basil, I believe the Captain is going to be addressing this particular thing very soon.

[Edward Edgemenace]

Considering there was a software update last night, I suspect a pleasant surprise during this event.

[CaptainGreenGene]

Originally Posted by Edward Edgemenace

12 War frigates with full crews, spread out on the oceans of one quiet server, won't cause any noticeable lag. It's not uncommon to see a half dozen pirate ships, just in Mariner's Reef or Boiling Bay. Now if they all launch from the same place at the exact same time...then maybe a few moments of slowness (until they disperse.)

The thought just occurred to me so that means everyone else already must have had this thought long ago, what if a mean spirited crew of pirates sailed out and sunk all the ships around the GM ships. Whats to stop some idiot from spoiling this event? In fact, whats to stop 8-10 idiots from ramming, flaming and otherwise harassing the GM's ships?

[Edward Edgemenace]

Originally Posted by CaptainGreenGene

...what if a mean spirited crew of pirates sailed out and sunk all the ships around the GM ships. Whats to stop some idiot from spoiling this event?...

Speed, distance and sheer number of enemy ships. I don't care who or what tries to do that; they will fail - you can't sink them all. And your odds are not good, trying to rep-steal from a SINGLE fully-crewed war frigate...infinitesimal against a dozen.

Now, if their special surprise (from last night's software update) is a sea serpent or the Kraken, it might get a bit tricky.

[Maximvs]

In fact, whats to stop 8-10 idiots from ramming, flaming and otherwise harassing the GM's ships?

One can still click on players on ships and report them (or they could....) - the LAST thing I would want to do is be sailing close to a GM ship and start harassment - just so they could repot you (and because THEY report you - you know you're getting a vacation )

[Crazypirate]

There is a GM on right now on PR dock crewing and taking pirates out on treasure runs and yes he is using a different crew each time.

[Sarah]

Yeah there was, took the bait.

I guess they're doing random tests as to how all this is going to work out, or their GM's just need some practice. (phew, Vic is a poor dirver LOL) Anyhow, I Got Crewed.





Had to ask about the nort. thing...got no response



Either Vic is a poor Capt, or I'm just bossy, but he didn't handle the crew very well, so I shouted some orders. (and he was a terrible shot...was broadsiding the air)



We took a Blood Scourge, lag o rama, but it was funny, no one on crew took a lot of damage, and there were some lower lev's there that should have been creamed. Head in?? The belly's not full Capt! Perhaps he had to get the phone



ok, i guess they do watch the POF



Then we landed...




All in all, it was a minor lag fest, no where near as bad as I've seen, but, it was kind of random, and we were on abassa. Might not be too bad on a quiet server.

[Edward Edgemenace]

Great shots Sarah!

[ukebec]

Thanks for the inside scoop Sarah! Wow - that's really interesting.

[swashbuckler II]

I got in the crew, unfortunitly, I got the loading screen bug when boarding the ship.

[Achilles]

YA Sarah !!!,. ... that is exactly what I was talking about,... Awesome girl!!
In your screenshots, it is clear you took a assistant lead role, that is soo cool, and what is so badly needed when the GM's hit Port.

It doesn't take a Founder to be a leader, high level Pirates of both types can be great assistants just like Sarah’s example.

Disney has made significance of the Founder and their potential role.
The GM made a clear reference to Sarah and her status as there are fewer and fewer seen.
A Founder is no better than any other playing member, I certainly agree to that.

I made this comment before, perhaps I can re-interate.
A Founders role is not less nor better, nor is the role or position of a founder any less or better, we just have some different opportunities as a Founder offered and I feel we also have a greater responsibility as Founders to oversee in a leadership position that is being lifted up by the POTCO staff.

[MacIronhawk]

Anytime I got in the event my internet connection broke.
Obviously they should work on getting better servers.

[Sven Osymthe]

I didn't even bother to attend but it seems they should work a little on it.