Smuggler Archive
Thread: Secrets and Communication
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Chavabegga
Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:29 pm
#1
I would like to address the issue of Dev communication with the SWG community and the Correspondent system.
My understanding of this system is that it is designed to prevent the spread of rumors and from people getting upset over unofficial things stated by the Devs. Now, I can understand the meanings behind that. People are, especially in mmorpg forum communities, are stupid and blow everything out of proportion so you need to limit the information you give them.
However, there is a sizeable portion of the population that is mature and sensible. They just want information. If the information is not solid they can accept it as such. Unfortunately they are denied information because of the people who can not handle it. This is a sad situation that I have seen in many places.
For instance, this one place I worked at had a problem with a few people stealing things. Their solution to this was to install cameras, lecture the entire staff of employees, and no one was allowed to leave the facilities unless escorted out by a manager. Did the theft go down? A little bit. However, the loss in morale and employee satisfaction more then counter-balanced the small reduction in theft. Everyone felt like a bad guy.
This is similar to the communication issue. Because a small, vocal portion of the community can not handle information, the entire community is punished with a lack of communication. This only serves to increase dissatisfaction and what information does get out is pounced on and over analyzed.
What I propose is that the Devs open up the Correspondents forums to the entire community for viewing. This will eliminate the dissatisfaction with all of the “behind closed doors” communication. Correspondents will be the only ones allowed to post there still but everyone can read it and see what is going on.
Sure some people will take information and rant and rave about it. So what else is new? They do that now. Ignore that kind of behavior and only focus on constructive posts.
The primary issue of a lack of communication and the overwhelming air of secrets and mistrust will begin to heal.
My understanding of this system is that it is designed to prevent the spread of rumors and from people getting upset over unofficial things stated by the Devs. Now, I can understand the meanings behind that. People are, especially in mmorpg forum communities, are stupid and blow everything out of proportion so you need to limit the information you give them.
However, there is a sizeable portion of the population that is mature and sensible. They just want information. If the information is not solid they can accept it as such. Unfortunately they are denied information because of the people who can not handle it. This is a sad situation that I have seen in many places.
For instance, this one place I worked at had a problem with a few people stealing things. Their solution to this was to install cameras, lecture the entire staff of employees, and no one was allowed to leave the facilities unless escorted out by a manager. Did the theft go down? A little bit. However, the loss in morale and employee satisfaction more then counter-balanced the small reduction in theft. Everyone felt like a bad guy.
This is similar to the communication issue. Because a small, vocal portion of the community can not handle information, the entire community is punished with a lack of communication. This only serves to increase dissatisfaction and what information does get out is pounced on and over analyzed.
What I propose is that the Devs open up the Correspondents forums to the entire community for viewing. This will eliminate the dissatisfaction with all of the “behind closed doors” communication. Correspondents will be the only ones allowed to post there still but everyone can read it and see what is going on.
Sure some people will take information and rant and rave about it. So what else is new? They do that now. Ignore that kind of behavior and only focus on constructive posts.
The primary issue of a lack of communication and the overwhelming air of secrets and mistrust will begin to heal.
SmugglinZane
Sun Dec 12, 2004 10:37 pm
#2
Reminds me of sitting off the coast of Pakistan and every officer on the ship swearing we were never gonna set foot in Afghanistan. The Devs may not be able to say certain things, which is understandable, but if the situation is different than the writing on the wall then you better damn well say something because it's gonna create chaos. People prepare and judge by what's in front of them, period. If there is not a substantial statement of intent, or an apparent outcome of events, then any and all cohesiveness will be lost.
Zane
Chavabegga
Mon Dec 13, 2004 2:13 pm
#3
I am still interested in smuggler's opinions and this is in danger of becoming a second page thread.
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