Entertainer Archive
Thread: Theed Starport Jam Results and Revision to Approach
Xyrdre
Fri Jun 18, 2004 3:05 am
#14
Beery wrote:
Apologies for posting this on all three entertainer forums, but I think some might not see it if I just posted it here, andeveryone might benefit from this idea:
I suggest we hold a protest and keep it completely in character. Blame the cantina management for forcing us to work for tips.Harrass buffbots and AFK macroers, calling them'AFK scabs'and 'buffbot blacklegs' hired by the city to perform for free, taking away entertainer revenues. Form a union - call it something like UMDAW - the Union of Musicians, Dancers and Allied Workers (heck, it could even be a guild, LOL). Use macroed messages as placards: "The Empire (or the Alliance on rebel-allied worlds)treats entertainers as second-class citizens", "TheJedi (or Sith on Empire-allied worlds)are prejudiced against entertainers - we have Midichlorians too!" (that should get a laugh), "The right to work for a fair wage", "Entertainers deserve fair pay", "AFK Scabs out of cantinas". Picket cantina entrances and accost players as they enter, saying "support worker's rights - get your entertainment from union workers, not AFK scabs". In short, bring our issues to the attention of players, raising our concerns andgetting the message across in a way that is humourous andtongue-in-cheek, so that players can applaud our roleplaying skills and our sense of humour. That will do the trick.
"AFK scabs",is now a part of my vocabulary. 
Warryyr
Fri Jun 18, 2004 8:15 am
#15
Beery wrote:
"I suggest forming a group of Entertainers, and playing Tuesdays in front of Theed. NO COMMENTS ABOUT DEMANDING DEVS ATTENTION ALLOWED."
So it's no longer a protest? Whyare we doing it then? I can have fun anywhere. I don't need to go to Theed to do it. I'm perfectly capable of performing on the street anywhere - and I often do. I thought the whole point of this was to ruffle somefeathers soour issuesgot noticed. We canbe meek and mildanywhere, anytime- surely we've proved thatin the past, as we have stood by, holding our tongues for ten months while the developers kept promising the moon and delivering nothing. You seem to be suggesting that more of the same kid-glove treatmentwill get us what we want. It hasn't worked so far. What makes you think it will now?
I certainly don't want to alienate my fellow players, but any playerwho thinks that entertainer issues aren't serious enough to warrant a protest doesn't know the first thing about how theentertainer community has been treated as second-class citizens for nearly a year. Added to that, any player who thinks that entertainers don't count as much as so-called'real' professions has his head up his arse. I'm tired of catering to leet prejudice. We have as much stake in this game as any other players. Entertainers don't get a price break on subscriptions - we pay our $15 just like everyone else. It's about time the developers, and other players, gave us an equal measure of respect. If we're too afraid to stand up and speak out for our rights, no one else will do it for us.
Message Edited by Beery on 06-18-2004 02:59 AM
I understand your point, and you're very much welcome to express it and practice any form of protesting you like, anywhere you like.
Playing in front of Theed (instead of randomly across the Galaxy) gives us all a time and place to meet up and get together, try to form a big group, and draw attention to ourselves. Most people don't see entertainers forming big groups in Theed - and when they see them performing, they walk up and ask "what's going on?" This is a great means of starting an open discussion with them regarding our problem with AFKbot and buffbots filling the cantinas, our need for new content, etc.
If we keep the info in our bio, and have folks read THAT and see our protest comments, we avoid adding MORE spam to Theed (which makes some folks very angry) and it prevents hot-headed l337 Uber d00d's from running from the entrance, after travelling, for the sole purpose of mocking us and griefing us. It also means that if Mr. Uber PvP'er has a problem with our protest in our bios, he ends up running around yelling about junk, looking like an idiot, because people won't know what he's talking about - even he starts yelling his fool head off about "read their bios! Entertainers are lame! Get back in the cantina!" People wandering through will most likely think "what's that loon's problem?"
If we shout our stuff in Spatial, that then starts a chain reaction of l337's vs. non-l337's and their opinions on their professions, duels break out, and people start griping about their professions and how THEY need fixes (more than us, they'll sometimes say) and attention is effectively drawn away from us.
Just having a big group and having fun outside of the cantina (and really, just playing outside of cantinas in general) seperates the mentality that an entertainer's place is in the cantina, otherwise they're useless.This was expressed to us on Starsider a few times - go back in the cantina, why are you wasting your time out here?
You performing in places outside the cantinas is awesome, I do the same thing and it's fun. But, a big group doing it tells Spaceport folks "something is going on." The occasional mention asking Entertainers to join the Jam for a Revamp would probably be fine. When we get down to specific gripes, things can get confrontational. I'd rather avoid that and keep things from distracting from us.
Beery
Fri Jun 18, 2004 8:28 am
#16
I see your point. What do you think of my idea to protest in character (i.e. roleplay)? If we're complaining about Cantina owners, the Jedi Council, the Hutts and the Emperor, surely folks can't get mad about that, and those who are willing to see our side will want to find out more, and we can explain (still in character, but getting the point across clearly). I think roleplaying is the perfect solution to the antagonism of the leets. They can hardly complain or grief usif we're simplytaking our roleplaying seriously. Our actions may be too subtle for some, but many will see the points we're making, and applaud us for our creativity.
Warryyr
Fri Jun 18, 2004 8:52 am
#17
Beery wrote:
I see your point. What do you think of my idea to protest in character (i.e. roleplay)? If we're complaining about Cantina owners, the Jedi Council, the Hutts and the Emperor, surely folks can't get mad about that, and those who are willing to see our side will want to find out more, and we can explain (still in character, but getting the point across clearly). I think roleplaying is the perfect solution to the antagonism of the leets. They can hardly complain or grief usif we're simplytaking our roleplaying seriously. Our actions may be too subtle for some, but many will see the points we're making, and applaud us for our creativity.
I think it's a great idea!
There's not enough RP lately, anyways. It would be hysterical to have us lambast the cantinas IC! I want to use any tactics that we can to get our point across.
Perhaps we can detail a "Protest Tactic of the Week" post in our profession forums, and try different means of protest - see what works the best, what gets us the best/worst reaction, etc. It could be a fun experiment.
Anyone have ideas for other ways we can present our concerns in-game?
So far, we have (in absolutely no particular order):
1) Blatantly /shout about it while performing.
2) Perform, and keep comments contained in our bios (the Paks Wookiee protest method) and /tell people who ask why we're playing in such a big group by the Spaceport to look at our bios (would work best with a large group to draw a lot of attention, and will keepconfrontation to a minimum).
3) Do a silent protest in front of the cantina entrance (this is best suited for a huge group, a mass gathering of entertainers across galaxies - the more that are there and totally silent/immobile, the more eerie it will look - like the other protest, keep info in our bios, but during this protest all participants are asked not to say anything in Spatial).
4) Use Beery's idea, RP our situation and protest IC about our professions' problems. This should be a really funny event, and it will most definitely get some great reactions from people! Confrontation in the name of RP!
Beery
Fri Jun 18, 2004 12:15 pm
#18
Apologies for posting this on all three entertainer forums, but I think some might not see it if I just posted it here, andeveryone might benefit from this idea:
I suggest we hold a protest and keep it completely in character. Blame the cantina management for forcing us to work for tips.Harrass buffbots and AFK macroers, calling them'AFK scabs'and 'buffbot blacklegs' hired by the city to perform for free, taking away entertainer revenues. Form a union - call it something like UMDAW - the Union of Musicians, Dancers and Allied Workers (heck, it could even be a guild, LOL). Use macroed messages as placards: "The Empire (or the Alliance on rebel-allied worlds)treats entertainers as second-class citizens", "TheJedi (or Sith on Empire-allied worlds)are prejudiced against entertainers - we have Midichlorians too!" (that should get a laugh), "The right to work for a fair wage", "Entertainers deserve fair pay", "AFK Scabs out of cantinas". Picket cantina entrances and accost players as they enter, saying "support worker's rights - get your entertainment from union workers, not AFK scabs". In short, bring our issues to the attention of players, raising our concerns andgetting the message across in a way that is humourous andtongue-in-cheek, so that players can applaud our roleplaying skills and our sense of humour. That will do the trick.
Message Edited by Beery on 06-18-2004 03:44 AM
Tiaga
Fri Jun 18, 2004 7:04 pm
#19
Warryyr wrote:Ohhh, now I understand. Actually, you didn't say use the one outside the spaceport. You said:
"Here's a tip...If you're playing outside the Theed starport. Use the Nalargon and Ommni box there. It can't be stolen."
I took that to mean - if you're playing outside the Theed starport, use your Nalargon and Ommni box there. Rather, you meant use the Nalargon and Ommni box that are there. It all makes perfect sense now lol.
Thanks, as always, Tiaga
I know what I meant, why couldn't everyone else figure it out when I write it?
On a serious note, I see how the wording could be confusing. I'll be more careful next time.
If you want to do things IC, I forget who, but there was a post talking about the problems with performing under the influence of acid-fermented kreetlejuice (Or AFK). I've used that as my IC explanation of the situation since then.
Beery
Sun Jun 20, 2004 2:45 pm
#20
I'm assumingthe plan is toprotest again this Tuesday. Since last week didn't bring a huge turnout on any server I suggest that this weekwe do this only on one server, witheveryone who wants to participatecreating acharacter (unless they already have one in existence)onthat single server so that we can see how many people will turn out for these events. After all, we're not going to create a mass movement overnight, and if we try to have a presence on every server I think we'll be spread too thin and people may get discouraged. Wouldn't it be better to field a large crowd of protesterson one server than 1 or2 people on each server?
Just a suggestion. Let me know what you think.
Anyway, if we do this, I'm going to be therein characterwith my humorous slogans and shouting for the UCW (Union of Cantina Workers - currently the galaxy's smallest, but most determined,union).
Message Edited by Beery on 06-20-2004 05:57 PM
Drygo
Sun Jun 20, 2004 4:31 pm
#21
That's certainly true. The rare times I've been with large groups dancing in sync everybody stops and watches and is very curious. Most of them say, "wow, that is so cool." And, they'll ask what we're doing. I tend to agree with you, the spam is not necessarily a good option. But, for those who ask what we're doing, being able to /tell them or refer them to our bios is a good idea. That way we don't piss people off.
Warryyr wrote:
Playing in front of Theed (instead of randomly across the Galaxy) gives us all a time and place to meet up and get together, try to form a big group, and draw attention to ourselves. Most people don't see entertainers forming big groups in Theed - and when they see them performing, they walk up and ask "what's going on?" This is a great means of starting an open discussion with them regarding our problem with AFKbot and buffbots filling the cantinas, our need for new content, etc.
Beery
Sun Jun 20, 2004 5:22 pm
#22
I spent today protesting outside the Coronet cantina on Tempest. I created some humorous slogans for use during protests and tried them out. I'd classify this test as a great success. A number of leet dudez had a battle outside the cantina during my protest and even these guys, who are generally not pro-entertainer, had a good laugh. I got responses such as the standard "LOL" and one person said "that's great". I got no negative responses at all. The most successful sloganswere the following:
Say no to slavery: demand Hutts pay a living wage!
Your government is lying to you: there were no WMDs on Alderaan!
End Hutt slavery now!
Impeach Emperor Palpatine!
Don't blame me: I voted against Palpatine's Emergency Powers Act.
Other slogans I used were:
Say no to buffbot scabs!
Cantina bosses: workers demand a fair contract!
Entertainers have Midichlorians too!
AFK scabs out of cantinas!
Support union workers!
Missmaul
Fri Jun 25, 2004 3:35 am
#23
Beery wrote:Apologies for posting this on all three entertainer forums, but I think some might not see it if I just posted it here, and everyone might benefit from this idea:I suggest we hold a protest and keep it completely in character. Blame the cantina management for forcing us to work for tips. Harrass buffbots and AFK macroers, calling them 'AFK scabs' and 'buffbot blacklegs' hired by the city to perform for free, taking away entertainer revenues. Form a union - call it something like UMDAW - the Union of Musicians, Dancers and Allied Workers (heck, it could even be a guild, LOL). Use macroed messages as placards: "The Empire (or the Alliance on rebel-allied worlds) treats entertainers as second-class citizens", "The Jedi (or Sith on Empire-allied worlds) are prejudiced against entertainers - we have Midichlorians too!" (that should get a laugh), "The right to work for a fair wage", "Entertainers deserve fair pay", "AFK Scabs out of cantinas". Picket cantina entrances and accost players as they enter, saying "support worker's rights - get your entertainment from union workers, not AFK scabs". In short, bring our issues to the attention of players, raising our concerns and getting the message across in a way that is humourous and tongue-in-cheek, so that players can applaud our roleplaying skills and our sense of humour. That will do the trick.Message Edited by Beery on 06-18-2004 03:44 AM
I really, really like this idea. We'd want to hold it on one server, so I imagine we'd need a lot of serious generosity and an 'orientation period' to get everyone set up. Perhaps some friendly tailors/IDs to get immigrants from other servers started. Everything Beery said sounds really awesome, and I'd definitely be willing to make yet another character in the name of new content.
Tiaga
Fri Jun 25, 2004 11:14 pm
#24
After reading some of the threads here today, I had to blow off some steam. So I tried a little one man action outside the Dath outpost cantina.
The reaction I got I'm not sure if it is a good thing or a bad thing. Everyone (except 1 person) seemed so sympathetic to the plight of entertainers. But I have to wonder how many were just hoping they could pressure me into stepping into the cantina.
The reaction I got I'm not sure if it is a good thing or a bad thing. Everyone (except 1 person) seemed so sympathetic to the plight of entertainers. But I have to wonder how many were just hoping they could pressure me into stepping into the cantina.
Beery
Sat Jun 26, 2004 4:43 am
#25
I think this is the problem in a nutshell. The desperate need of the leets for heals andbuffs makes them feel they have to suck up to us in public, and they resent us afterwards in private (and sometimes in public)whether we give them what they want or not.
IDs are about to find out how hated a class can become. Since they got the sole ability to change stats, they willbecome familiar withthat need/hate relationship that other entertainers have been living with for a while.
I wish the developers had never thought of giving us buffs. I wish people could healthemselves at a very slow rate, and thatwe simply had a faster way to heal them. That way, no one could complain that they were forced to stop the animal slaughter togo to a cantina.
Kreistor
Tue Jun 29, 2004 11:07 am
#26
Beery wrote:
I think this is the problem in a nutshell. The desperate need of the leets for heals andbuffs makes them feel they have to suck up to us in public, and they resent us afterwards in private (and sometimes in public)whether we give them what they want or not.
IDs are about to find out how hated a class can become. Since they got the sole ability to change stats, they willbecome familiar withthat need/hate relationship that other entertainers have been living with for a while.
I wish the developers had never thought of giving us buffs. I wish people could healthemselves at a very slow rate, and thatwe simply had a faster way to heal them. That way, no one could complain that they were forced to stop the animal slaughter togo to a cantina.
You've hit it on the head Beery. The combat classes resent having to take time off to come in and watch us. I think this was the absolute first problem that ever occurred. When I first started, I tried to teach myself how to read a customer's reactions when I sent them a proud and welcoming "Hi! ". You can usually tell right off the bat if they're wanting to be there.
I certainly don't envy the IDers at this point. They're about to get it worse than us for sure 
As for buffs, I wish they'd remove them all. Ent buffs, doc buffs, the works. The combatants are more addicted to those buffs then they are to spice, thinking that they're a necessity when all they should be is an extra. Remove them and alot of problems will go away.
I think the Combat Balance is supposed to be dealing with buffs. I guess it'll be an interesting time 