Clearly explain "RT" in instructions

[PLAYER57832]

Suggestion Idea:
Explain what "real time" is in instructions AND that the only way to "demand" rt is to pay the premium and use the "speed game" option.

Specifics: Just put a line in the instructions, when talking about various options, reinforcing that casual games are casual, even if only 2 players and that the only way to ensure a speed game is to PAY and play a speed game.

Another option might be to mention this in feedback. That is, you already have guidelines. Maybe something specifically stating that you should not neg someone because they cannot play rt (and while we're about it, maybe suggest that folks not neg just because they think someone played poorly/ used a poor strategy)

Why it is needed:
Though it has yet to happen to me (knock, knock), I have seen several folks negged because they did not want to play real time with a non-premium player. Often times, 2-player games are rt, but no one can demand this of another. Granted, some of these folks are of the type that don't read the instructions anyway, but some folks seem to think this is an unwritten rule. Declaring otherwise OFFICIALLY might help.

P.S. Lack, I love the idea to switch from a speed to a non-speed game, in your "to do list" ... and that you are reviewing the missed turns reinforcement procedures.

[BaldAdonis]

maybe suggest that folks not neg just because they think someone played poorly/ used a poor strategy

That's why negative feedback is around: so you can identify who will make your game less enjoyable. If I play against people who don't know what they're doing, it makes for a terrible game, and I'd rather be warned about them.

[PLAYER57832]

WRONG, that's what the ratings are for, not feedback. For one thing, what you call "poor play" may not be at all. A classic example is in chess when the world championship was won using what is generally considered a beginners start/ a stupid start. Dice rolls, a plain mistake ... all can put a kink in and cause even the best of strategies to lose.

Poor play is impossible to judge from one game or even a couple. Further, what works in one board perfectly might not work in another .. the only real way to find out is to try. You ruin the reputations of good players when you assume you know better than everyone else. If you want to prove you know better .. beat them, don't neg them. And if you don't like a person's style, then put them on the ignore list. Don't insist on telling everyone else their strategy is bad.... at least until you are #1 and stay there a GOOD, LONG while!

[lackattack]

Feedback is based on opinion and there will always be fringe opinions and therefore fringe feedbacks.

Nobody should expect a good player to keep 100% positive feedback.

[cena-rules]

Feedback is based on opinion and there will always be fringe opinions and therefore fringe feedbacks.

Nobody should expect a good player to keep 100% positive feedback.

*quietly mentions that this had nothing to do with the actual idea then runs off with his premium*

[PLAYER57832]

I realize fringe opinions will always exist, but I don't think some folks think they ARE fringe opinions. Also, it may not matter to someone who has played a lot of games, but I have seen this done to folks who were just starting out. The bottom line is that no one person is the judge of what is good or bad strategy. I have never played any of the really advanced players .. they are out of my league at this point, but it seems that those with the strongest opinions in this areas are, ironically NOT the best players themselves.

The only way to really learn is to try .. new strategies, new people, etc. It just seems a shame that some people seem to think they have a lock on the way to play .. when they are not at the top themselves.

Lack's opinion is the one that really matters, but I wanted to add my two cents worth.

[insomniacdude]

To get back to the suggestion, I support it. It could only help and it's not like it takes a whole lot to edit instructions.

[PLAYER57832]

Yes, sorry to get side-tracked. I am not suggesting penalties, just an advisement.

As an example, after the "definite do not list" say "though we intend to keep this a relatively free forum, the following are some general guidelines to consider. Violating these won't get you ousted, but you might find yourself with neg feedback or on a lot of ignore lists:

1. negging someone for what you consider "poor strategy". This is what ratings are for, not feedback. Strategy is personal and often changing. What you consider "poor strategy" may win more games than your own ideas or it could be that a person just had a bad day. If you want to put in feedback, a nuetral would be more appropriate. If you don't want to play the person, put them on your ignore list.

3. negging someone for not playing rt. We have speed games and casual. If you want to play speed games, buy a membership. Some folks MAY be happy to play a non-speed game in "real time", but this is NOT gauranteed, should NOT be assumed even in a 1-person game.

2. Negging someone for using a strategy that's legal, but you don't like. Again, put the person on your ignore list and use a nuetral to advise similar-minded folks.

OK, so I am a bit wordy .. but I htink putting this stuff up front will save you from seeing repeated postings and complaints about this. Also, most folks will follow guidelines that exist. Those who don't -- well, as stated, can end up on a lot of ignore lists.