Musician Archive
Thread: Thoughts on /register?
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NewJedi
Wed Dec 01, 2004 3:45 pm
#1
Hi folks,
Do you have any specific suggestion on how /register should work? I know, I know, currently it doesn't work properly at all. It made it onto our top-five list for the first time ever this go-around,so I'd like tolearn more about what you'd proposeto fix it.
For example: If you had your druthers, would you limit /register to cantinas or extend it to hotels and theaters? Do you have any thoughts on how players should be able to search for off-planet entertainers? On the interplay between faction and /register?
Search functions will become more important if the devs make good on their promise to do away with bots. People will need to be able to find us quickly. So let me know what improvements you'd like to see.
Aleyo
Wed Dec 01, 2004 3:47 pm
#2
I'll post more on my thoughts later, but I wanted to point out that register currently does work (as much as it works) in theaters, and I'm >50% sure in hotels as well. Though I may be reading to much into the word "extend" in the original post.
Tralmek
Wed Dec 01, 2004 4:26 pm
#3
It does currently work, for theaters at least--and I believe for hotels as well. I'd like to keep registration for all those and add it for taverns & other small venuessuch as the one in downtown Anchorhead.
I have to run for now, but assuming I don't flake, I'll be back later to post ideas on how /register can be made more useful.
bawler14
Wed Dec 01, 2004 6:51 pm
#4
First of all, there needs to be better instructions for combatents, etc. on its use. As of current, many people don't know of the sun symbol on maps or what it means.
As for the symbol itself, I think as of current, this process is annoying to access and limited to only the planet you are on. You have to bring up the Planetary Map, and then proceed to bring up the Cantina List. This list is annoying, for several reasons. It only shows the presence of a live entertainer. And it is limited to catergories. You'd have to check, Cantina's Hotels and Theatres. Furthermore due tothe fact thatPlayer City cantinas are listed by name, finding which city a player cantina belongs to is a game of matching the symbols area on the map to a specefic city. You do this only to discover the city lacks a shuttle port... It isn't fun for the combatant who only wants to get healed and get back to hunting.
I would prefer a way for players to access a list. Seeing as howfor most entertainers regular customers are the most appreciative and best tippers, a way for a combatant to access a galaxy or even planet wide list of entertainers and location, city and venue (Cantina, Hotel, Theatre, Tavern) would be awesome. To help this remain uncluttered, venues only appear if they have someone registered there. Seeing as how combatants would be heading into town anyways when in search of an entertainer, placing this list feature on a Terminal located in town, or in the cantina wouldn't be a bad idea. It could be accessible via anywhere, but this may be to much. Thus, if a combatants comes to the cantina to find it vacant, they can log on the HoloNet and checkthe status ofCantina's on that planet or across the galaxy.A list without names, just location and venue with the same uncluttered use would be nice for out in the field, but if a player appreciates their entertainment enough to be a regular, they won't mind a stop into the nearest cantina to track their preferred entertainer down.
Some could see such a list as a way for harassers to track us down as well, but /registering is voluntary... and if it is that much of an issue, an anymous command could be added. Thus the venue displays a registered entertainer, but no name.
Additional information, such as (Dancer/Musician) and the planned "Duration of Stay" could be a great benefit. There will be noone more annoyed then a combatant who just took 3 shuttle trips to get to a cantina and find the entertainer has logged. However, I think such additional info, should be on the static terminals only. Thus, one can check the cantina for all the information they need to find an entertainer.
In regards to factions and /register. The ever ellusive feature for overt Dancers and Musicians to get bonuses in a base, via /register, would be a great feature.
That's all I can think of at the moment... if I come up with anything else, I'll be sure to post it.
Message Edited by bawler14 on 12-01-2004 05:54 PM
NeillM
Thu Dec 02, 2004 3:21 am
#5
I think /register should work in all NPC buildings where we can heal BF, plus any player Cantina and player Theatre (as long as they havepublic access). I guess the Sun/Moon thing is OK (would be better if it worked for player cantina's though), but making use of the /find command to help players get to the nearest Registered entertainer may be useful, i.e.
/find Entertainer would create a waypoint to the nearest registeredDancer or Musician (Used to get your BF healed)
/find Dancer
/find Musician These two may allow players to find buffs of the type they require more easlily.
Red-Dwarf
Thu Dec 02, 2004 6:33 am
#6
Two things I'd suggest:
First - on planetary map a new option (tick box) appears with "Show empty cantinas" default Off. This was opening the planet map will only shop cantinas (and theatres/hotels) that have got entertainers in them, while still allowing players waypoints to other cantinas (i.e. if they want to go somewhere private to practice a gig on a stage?), helps for folk who don't understand the sun/moon symbol.
Second - a new search window next to the friends tab, UI basically same as current local search function. For us would have ability to search for Entertainer, Musician, Dancer. Will provide a list of all manned cantinas in the galaxy with waypoints (can save waypoint using rightclick and save attachment like e-mails).
As an extra bonus this could be extended, first to doctors and possibly to vendors i.e. search for all Ship category advertised vendors - only shows stocked items (as current map) and could save customer searching time, and get us support from Merchants?
Just a thought
Red-Dwarf
Ikewe
Thu Dec 02, 2004 7:53 am
#7
I agree the register command should work in every structure where we can heal. I also really like the idea of the /find command allowing people to find a dancer or musician galaxy wide.
Of course once this does get fixed I'll have to get back into the habit of typing /register.
Thanks so much for getting this issue to the dev team.
Ikewe, Master Dancer Shadowfire
Kyorlana
Thu Dec 02, 2004 8:42 am
#8
I have mixed feeling on this. I do think that there needs to be better education of the masses in the methods currently available to find live entertatiners.
/rant on
However, in my mind the /register command is a bit of a cop out for the devs.
I would like to see the following type of implementation:
Cantinas - NPC cantina manager or terminal who you clock in with to perform and whilst you are there you get paid a regular wage. When you leave you are automatically clocked off, though you should have the option to manually clock off and take a break as well. This should be a placeable option for player cantina owners also from the management terminal.
Hotels - I would like a bar manager who manages the restaurant area who does the same thing. You clock on, get paid, and clock off.
Theatres - Use the stage manager to put on a show... (player theatres need to be fixed full stop and include this feature) this could be expanded greatly of course.
With all of these... interaction with the NPC would effectively be the /register, and leaving the /unregister as it is currently. In my mind it just makes it that little more immersive. Of course all of these could be greatly developed, but it would be a start to eliminate the dependence on the command line for this skill.
It IS a skill and as such should have some content with it.
/rant off
P.S. As player theatres are no more than a money sink right now (and ever since implementation I might add) they really should just bite the bullet and fix the damn things.
/rant on
However, in my mind the /register command is a bit of a cop out for the devs.
I would like to see the following type of implementation:
Cantinas - NPC cantina manager or terminal who you clock in with to perform and whilst you are there you get paid a regular wage. When you leave you are automatically clocked off, though you should have the option to manually clock off and take a break as well. This should be a placeable option for player cantina owners also from the management terminal.
Hotels - I would like a bar manager who manages the restaurant area who does the same thing. You clock on, get paid, and clock off.
Theatres - Use the stage manager to put on a show... (player theatres need to be fixed full stop and include this feature) this could be expanded greatly of course.
With all of these... interaction with the NPC would effectively be the /register, and leaving the /unregister as it is currently. In my mind it just makes it that little more immersive. Of course all of these could be greatly developed, but it would be a start to eliminate the dependence on the command line for this skill.
It IS a skill and as such should have some content with it.
/rant off
P.S. As player theatres are no more than a money sink right now (and ever since implementation I might add) they really should just bite the bullet and fix the damn things.
Shorrim2
Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:45 am
#9
Job #1: fix the player cantinas so when the server resets they are listed as empty. Currently the only thing the planetary map can tell you is if a Musician or Dancer has left the building. I can't think of any way of enhancing the functionality that will have anything like the impact of knowing that when you go to the cantina there will be someone there. Maybe then we won't have to endure Coronet cantina, since our customers will be able to find us. Encourage your regular customers to send you a tell before they go looking for buffs. Consider putting them on your friends list, so they can find you with /findfriend, which works galaxy-wide.
Not sure I like the idea of getting paid by an NPC just to play. I know we all need more income*, but I think this would just encourage the AFKbots.
* if you're on Gorath, buy one of Tasno's fine instruments, available on the Coronet bazaar and in the cantina in Nexus, Corellia.
Kyorlana wrote:
NPC cantina manager or terminal who you clock in with to perform and whilst you are there you get paid a regular wage.
Not sure I like the idea of getting paid by an NPC just to play. I know we all need more income*, but I think this would just encourage the AFKbots.
* if you're on Gorath, buy one of Tasno's fine instruments, available on the Coronet bazaar and in the cantina in Nexus, Corellia.
Warryyr
Thu Dec 02, 2004 10:47 am
#10
Do away with the sun/moon thing all together. Many just don't understand it, don't know it exists, or know that it's broken and thus totally disregard it.
I agree with Doasa. Put a registerterminal (or maybe a Talent Agent NPC) in cantinas, hotels, taverns, andtheaters. This terminal/NPC would bring up an interface that lets Entertainers /register themselves, which adds their name to a galaxy-wide list of available Entertainers. This list is available to anyone in any cantina, hotel, tavern, or theater so long as they click on the new terminal or NPC. Upon viewing the list, and seeing who is registered, a Combat person can then contact whatever Entertainer they choose and either A) go to where the Entertainer is or B) ask them to come to where they are.
The list should provide character name, location (city/planet), and available skills (Dancer, Musician). There should be options available, like Buffs: Yes/No, or Willing to relocate: Yes/No. Pertinent information that the player would need to know.
This list would also be available by typing /findEntertainer from anywhere, using their datapad. This wouldbring up a window asking what planet they'd like to search for an Entertainer, or select "Search Entire Galaxy." The list of registered Entertainers is then displayed, allowing the player to contact whoever they like. This is different from the usual Search function, since that only returns people who happen to have their Master tag up. This /findEntertainer function (or the Talent Agent NPC/Terminal) would only show someone who used /register in a cantina.
When an Entertainer leaves their cantina/hotel/tavern/theater, they automatically unregister to that location. They can proceed to help out the person who beckoned them, and won't get bombarded (hopefully) with 20 people asking to show up in 20 places. If you stay in one place, it's no problem - people just come to you. But once you meet up with some folks in another cantina, when you're done you can just /register there and wait for anyone to request your services.
This, of course, NEEDS to be given a very visible launch. None of this stealth secret hotfix "throw the new Entertainer stuff in and tell no one for weeks" crap. People NEED to know any system of finding us efficiently is available. I will have no tolerance for a botched job of implementing this. This function would help out Entertainers immensely and should be treated with the priority it deserves.
Finally, /register should automatically reset after 2 hours. You'll have to retype /register in order to get back on the Talent Agent list. The /register process should involve direct input from the player. Options like:
Are you providing enhancements at this location? Yes/No.
If Yes, what type? Dance/Music
Are you willing to relocate to another location if your services are needed elsewhere? Yes/No.
Then a message:
***Thank you, you are now registered at this location, and a Talent Agent will let others know you're performing here.***
That's how I've always dreamt /register would work.
Warryyr
Thu Dec 02, 2004 10:52 am
#11
Bah, forgot to add:
WIth the Talent Agent NPC, any player could also list a request for Entertainers for up to 30 days, for a player event. This request would appear on all Talent Agent NPCs for that 30 day timeframe, or until the person cancels the request.
This will let people book Entertainers for gigs without all the forum hassles, or relying only on your little group of friends.
It would be a great way to disseminate information to the whole galaxy that there's an EVENT going on, where it is, how many people are needed/in what roles, and all of that.
That function alone might bring a lot of people to cantinas to see what's happening in the galaxy, thus people will want to visit cantinas rather than having to.
Fragpuppie
Thu Dec 02, 2004 11:54 am
#12
All the register Ideas are good....
How about a "phone first"....
An NPC in the cantina who is the "Cantina Manager" that players can send messages that the manager will then say in spatial in the cantina.
A player can then not have to rely on a person "registering" but can have the cantina manager announce something like "Hey are there any musicians in here who would be willing to buff (X) for 5K creds" then the person could reply through the manager. It could be cross planet so you can send the message from Dath even tho you are asking for the theed cantina.
Personally I never register, and once its fixed, I'm sure I'll forget to.
With the above method, the person could communicate with the "manager" to speak to the room. Also, the "manager" could manage "register" and reply to exactly who is there and what services and if they have a list price....without having to "tell" the performer.
Fragpuppie Uber
Master Entertainer, Master Musician
Guild Leader - Performer United Professional Society (PUPS)
Founding Member - Frag's Puppies
Contact S'ita for bookings
President and CEO - Fragpuppie Enterprises and Uber Instruments
Coronet, Corellia, Chilastra
Master Entertainer, Master Musician
Guild Leader - Performer United Professional Society (PUPS)
Founding Member - Frag's Puppies
Contact S'ita for bookings
President and CEO - Fragpuppie Enterprises and Uber Instruments
Coronet, Corellia, Chilastra
Jon_Ari_Grecat
Thu Dec 02, 2004 12:32 pm
#13
Heya NJ, been a while since I spoke up in this forum, mostly because by the time I discover new posts someone has already expressed my opinion (glad to know great minds think alike)
But in this case this post is fairly new, so I have an idea that not only would make the /register mean something but it would also do something to help the live vs afk'er battle:
When an entertainer /registers it should show up in a recepticle way for the entertainer seekers to find
For example, I am in my cantina in Crescent City on Dantooine, I /register
Now I should show up in this fashion:
A player needs entertainer healing, they type in /FindEnt and a list appears of the entertainers either close by or on the same planet
*** Here's the kicker, if the entertainer goes AFK (most likely they are macroing) their register at that location disappears and they get taken off the list, when they get back they can re - /register
This way people are always able to find live entertainers now matter where they are and can enjoy the fun involved with live entertainment.
This would also prove to be an effective blow to the AFK entertainer buff bots which have appeared on the server. Yeah people would still have the option to use them, but they would also have knowledge of who is entertaining live and who isn't.
Would definitely give encouragement to the few quality entertainers left if they had something that would direct traffic to them. Cause staying in a cantina for people to get healing can get very lonely at times as I've had some tell me.
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