Why I did this and how we can reach a compromise.

Snark · 03-11-2008, 02:13 AM

To start - a little history:

EQ2Flames has an interesting story, and attempting to explain its purpose without recounting this history would be impossible.

Flames essentially started on the old Dissolution forums. Back then, the increase in SOE moderation on the official forums began to wear on people, while their complaints about raid content was reaching an all time high. People came to the disso forums to vent their frustrations. Yes, there were flames. Yes, there was Xelus' legendary "Fuck you SOE for..." thread. But among these posts were absolute gems describing in unprecedented clarity the issues with raiding and how they can be resolved.

Seeking a neutral third party site, Jennuine and Tanger of EC opened up a EQ2 section on their website, Whodigs.com. This lasted for a few weeks, and was even more succesful at bringing in constructive criticism that would have been drowned in moderation and spam on the official forums.

LFG decided to purchase EQ2Flames to take this to the next level. To support the number of people that were growing.

I still remember choosing out forum layouts with Ishbu and LFG, and designing the top banner.

When EQ2Flames went live in 2006, no one was prepared for its popularity. I remember when we hit 100 users online and how awesome that was. Today Flames accommodates over 4000 simultaneous users. This is an absolutely jaw-dropping amount when you consider that this is higher than most server populations at any given time.

Theres a famous quote that says something like "Invention is the art of recognizing what people need and coming up with a solution". No fan site in EverQuest history has filled a need in such a profound way before.

Unlike other fan sites, EQ2Flames pays nothing to advertise, doesn't rely on exclusive "scoops", and doesn't maintain popularity with the SOE staff.

This is where we can see the ignorance in SOE's logic: You have upset us, so we will cut off our "exclusivity" with you.

EQ2Flames is not like Allakhazam/TTH/et al. EQ2Flames has an unavoidable gravitational pull in the EQ2 community, one that pulled the dev team into it almost unwillingly. Will EQ2Flames exist without the devs? Of course. Will it continue to grow in popularity? Of course.

Why? Because it fills a need in the game - a need that is growing faster every day bringing more and more voices into the crowd.

That need is a place to discuss what we love about the game; what we hate about the game, and what we REALLY hate about the game.

It's a dynamic feedback system on an unprecedented level, with the players who invest the most time playing the game steering the wheel.

Why I made this thread:

Aeralik said something earlier that struck a chord with me. He said "the game is more important than this". And he's right.

Driving away devs like Aeralik is the last thing we want. Dev's that listen and post and keep us resubscribing. We are taking advantage of that trust he has given us.

But the reaction today from the community manager was unacceptable. You need EQ2Flames as much as we need you. I truly believe that. To hold the website hostage on such ridiculous principles is mind blowing. Moorguard would have never made this mistake.

What I want to happen:

I want the community manager to formally apologize for their reaction.

I want a peaceful discussion in ventrilo or IRC with the staff of EQ2flames to discuss an appropriate relationship.

And most importantly, I want to work on an EQ2Flames summit established in San Diego every year to peacefully and intelligently discuss every aspect of game development and what the primary issues are from the community stand point. Because we understand this game a lot better than the people you choose to come down every year. Infinitely better.

If the previous three things can happen I will ask LFG to delete my thread and any references herein. I have that right according to site rules.

You held us hostage earlier with your inexcusable slam, now I'm returning the favor.

Ask yourself whats best for the game. I know. You know. You just have to admit it.

Lamil · 03-11-2008, 02:18 AM

2 words.

TOO LATE.

What bridges HAVEN'T you burned yet.

Snark · 03-11-2008, 02:23 AM

Why are you being stupid lamil?

aduros · 03-11-2008, 02:26 AM

While your intentions seem noble, the damage has already been done, from both parties. In all seriousness, do you really see this Utopian scenario taking place with a big company such as SOE? EQ2 is a sinking ship. They know it, we know it, and I don't they'll put forth the effort required to repair the hull.

SOE is not a company known for breaking ground in community relations.

The leadership coupled with it's democratic format allow EQ2Flames to stay alive long after EQ2's demise. Just look at how many former players still post here today. Everquest 2 however, won't be so lucky.

LFG · 03-11-2008, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snark

Why I made this thread:

Aeralik said something earlier that struck a chord with me. He said "the game is more important than this". And he's right.

Actually, bud, that was part of my reply to him after his PM to me.

My exact words following his angry words to me that he was done with this site, after I sincerely tried to help him, was:

Quote:

But please don't leave things like this, the game is more important than this.

I posted the whole PM including his original reply - his words are italicized, mine are not in that post.

AdaM pErSOn · 03-11-2008, 02:27 AM

dont get all bitchmade

Frogdorr · 03-11-2008, 02:28 AM

hey just stating the obvious..

you publicly outed a lot of people ... if you are true in your word I don't know if that is possible.

I am sure if it is possible, you will have to do something in good faith for them to consider listening to you.

bobz69 · 03-11-2008, 02:29 AM

wow lamil, get off of snarks cock already, he fucking pawned your face, and every member of npus face, deal with it, you have succeeded at tryign to deny something that has been blown wide open, and all you are doing is managing to look like a fucking scrub, GG

Malignx · 03-11-2008, 02:30 AM

Fuck that. They don't deserve something to be done in good faith.

If they care about this game, like the majority of us care about this game, they'll work towards making a compromise.

Faabio · 03-11-2008, 02:30 AM

If I may quote Doc Holiday...

You're a daisy if you do~