How well is the community growing?

Youngmoose · Post by **Youngmoose** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:13 pm

Sounds like the major problem is retention then. IMHO the problem is more of a steep learning curve rather than newb attacks. Is there anything the community in general can do to help people pick up the basics of the game? I was lucky, I had plenty of time and opportunity to read the acadamy before playing. Most people don't have that patience to do the reading for an hour, play for an hour, read for an hour, then play for an hour until the feel they half way know what they're doing. Maybe a suggestion that we have someone offer to coach them and answer any questions they might have. Possibly in a training game of some kind? Just a thought. Tell me what you think.

Post by **Raveen** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:15 pm

Well, there's the regularly organised Cadet sessions which give people the opportunity to read and ask questions. I think this community does the best it can with regards to training new players.

Malicious Wraith · Post by **Malicious Wraith** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:17 pm

All Bold = Lose, but otherwise you make valid points that have been discussed in the past.

The community does a lot to lessen the learning curve of the game, and the attacks are controlled as much as possible.

If you want to throw forward suggestions to help retain more players, then I am sure that the administration would be happy to consider them.

Youngmoose · Post by **Youngmoose** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:31 pm

Raveen wrote:QUOTE (Raveen @ Nov 21 2007, 09:15 AM) Well, there's the regularly organised Cadet sessions which give people the opportunity to read and ask questions. I think this community does the best it can with regards to training new players.

I agree with you Rav, CDT is the best program to learn what you are doing, but it starts onlly every few weeks. What does a newbie do until then? I'm talking about getting them some immediate help. I know the @Allegs will bend over backwards to help someone new. But being new a few months ago, even aftrer knowing that an @Alleg is there to help, I was hesitant to draw them away from a game to hold my hand and help me to fly. I think that someone to give them ocassional one on one coaching until they are like a (5) or so would push pilots over the threshold of learning to having some fun and feeling useful in a game. Said trainer could also encourage them to take CDT. I think the community is doing a great job, but I don't think we are doing all we can do.

P.S. MW I wasn't bold, I increase the font cause it's easier to read on my laptop.

Cadillac · Post by **Cadillac** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:32 pm

It doesn't lessen the learning curve, it merely gives people a boost up it.

Youngmoose · Post by **Youngmoose** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:40 pm

I agree completely.

Post by **BlackViper** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:21 pm

The game installs an icon on the desktop to the Academy. The Academy has a LARGE RED CADET I NEWBIE GUIDE on the menu. I could not begin to count all of the places people are directed to learning resources. The Cadet I material was designed specifically to address this. You can not force anyone to do anything. The people who have a CHANCE of surviving here are the ones who take the time to read. This game does require basic social skills, reading skills and intelligence.. See my blog http://www.freeallegiance.org/forums/index...;blogid=30& for further explanations of my attitude after many years.

Dajimmy10101 · Post by **Dajimmy10101** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:28 pm

I flew for a couple of months on the Academy/Cadet I info until I found the chance to take Cadet II. It did the job making me not a totally clueless moron who could actually nan and that's the only thing Comms need Newbs to know anyway.

To reiterate Total Clueless Newbs, learn how to nan and you'll be instantly infinitely useful and thus well liked.

Adept · Post by **Adept** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:30 pm

Those of us who want to help can try to do little things.

When one notices a (0) or another low rank being lost, or asking stuff on the chat... here's what I try to do.

I PM them, and explane how to PM me back. Then I try to give some encouragement and some immediately useful advice. I try to take a minute or two to do this when the opportunity and need present themselves.

I hope it helps. Other than that, and not yelling at the newbs too much, I think the academy and CDT are exactly what new players need. The wikipedia page is good too, so one can get some idea of the game.

Youngmoose · Post by **Youngmoose** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:40 pm

Adept wrote:QUOTE (Adept @ Nov 21 2007, 11:30 AM) Those of us who want to help can try to do little things.

When one notices a (0) or another low rank being lost, or asking stuff on the chat... here's what I try to do.

I PM them, and explane how to PM me back. Then I try to give some encouragement and some immediately useful advice. I try to take a minute or two to do this when the opportunity and need present themselves.

I hope it helps. Other than that, and not yelling at the newbs too much, I think the academy and CDT are exactly what new players need. The wikipedia page is good too, so one can get some idea of the game.

If more vets did this it would really increase our retention. If you can begin to see how fun it can be, more would be motivated to keep playing until the next session of CDT starts.