I was originally going to find a way to post this as a poll, but there are simply too many scenarios and possibilities. So instead, I'm opening up for discussion. However, I want to preface with a few things.
Currently, I'm feeling a lot of lag around the site, both in terms of the amount of activity on the site from the fine patrons (you guys), as well as the amount of time I personally am willing to put into the site. It seems that there are a lot of people with ideas on this site, but those people rarely follow through and turn those ideas into realities.
For instance, for months, there were discussions about bringing back the Campaign Setting Showcase. The Opal Council decided not to for the longest time, because of the lack of participation in it the previous time. Then, we came up with a way to make the Showcase interesting, exciting, and worthwhile. We posted, I left the news up for almost a month (total), and we got a total of five submissions. Now, we're going to go ahead and move on with those, and hopefully more will come along, but I can't help but think that there are a few more people on the site who clamored for the revivification of Showcase.
For another instance, there are the monthly contests. Contest participation is pretty low around here, and when I ask why, I got specific reasons. When I tried to change the contests to be more accommodating, there was still no participation. In the last contest, there were complaints and statements to the effect of, "I'm not touching this contest," but when I asked why, I got absolutely no response. When you're willing to complain about something, but then not willing to back it up and explain why, it makes it really hard for me to put the effort into fixing things.
Right now, I and brainface, as well as a few secret volunteers around the site, are working on getting the CBG 2.0 up and running. We've been needing to upgrade for way too long, and we're almost there, and personally, I believe things are going to be better than ever. However, I am a bit concerned that once the change is made, there will be yet more complaints without any sort of support to help fix the problems.
This is where you guys come in. I'm posting this not for my benefit (solely), but for yours. I'm trying to make the site something that everyone here will enjoy, not just the 10 people or so who are actually regularly posting nowadays. You guys can have a part in the future of this site, if you choose. If you answer these questions, then I will be taking into account anything you say, positive or negative, to help make the site better. However, if you don't like where the site is currently heading, or if you find yourself getting bored with the site, but still don't answer these questions, then there's nothing I can do about it.
These questions are not all-inclusive to what is important around here, feel free to expand as you will.
*What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
*What is the most unique feature of this site?
*What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
*What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
*How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
*How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
*If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?
*Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
*Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
*Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
*If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
*Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
*Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
*Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
*Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
*Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
*If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
*What do you think of the look of the site?[/list]
That's all I have. If you answer even some of these questions for me, you can help out a lot. If you have other questions you think should be listed that I forgot about, just send me a PM and I'll include them. You can email me your answers if you want to keep it personal (fallen_ishmayl{at}yahoo{dot}com), or you can just post here. There will be no hard feelings.
I hope to hear from some of you guys.
Cheers!
-Ish
[/size]
Oh man. The
tough questions.
Answers are spoilered, because they are loooong. [spoiler=Would you like to take a survey?]
Quote from: Ishmayl
*What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?[/list]
so ridiculous[/i] at times. It makes this community comfortable as well as useful.
Quote
*What is the most unique feature of this site?[/list]
*What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?[/list][/quote]
*What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?[/list][/quote]
*How have you benefited the site since you became a member?[/list][/quote]* Comedy answer (arrogant) : "I've graced you all with my majestic presence, haven't I?"
* Comedy answer (self-deprecating) : "Posting. If you can call that a benefit, I mean."
* Serious answer : "I've been around, and I guess I've posted some things and done some reviews here and there. It's weird to try to evaluate your own community contributions in that kind of way (which may put some potential respondents off your survey, really.) I never really did anything particularly significant or altruistic for the site, I don't think."[/list]
Quote
*How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?[/list]
*If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?[/list][/quote]
*Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?[/list][/quote]
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?[/list][/quote]
*Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?[/list][/quote]
*Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?[/list][/quote]
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?[/list][/quote]
*Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?[/list][/quote]
*Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?[/list][/quote]
*Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
*Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?[/list][/quote]
*Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?[/list][/quote]inaction[/i] when action was required. I suppose I can't remember any examples of moderator intervention at all, which I assume must mean that the people here get along well enough to make that kind of policing unnecessary. (Which is ideal.)
I guess I don't think of the Opal Council as enforcers or regulators of forum behavior, but as people who keep the site up and running and facilitate new projects. Engineers, not police. Which is fine with me.
Quote
*If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?[/list]
*What do you think of the look of the site?[/list][/quote]Though I think it might be slightly improved by a bolder color scheme, maybe with a little more gunmetal grey sort of theme, and perhaps some sort of new logo....[/spoiler][/spoiler]
What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?I love this site's community and overall intelligence. I'm here almost constantly; I'm checking the Tavern, new forum games (the World at Dawn is a breathtaking game that puts all of our good world-building skills into an interactive game, and I think that's marvelous), and any new worlds that pop up. Every once in a while I even go through and look over a world. I'm consistently impressed by everyone here.
*
What is the most unique feature of this site?The community and its intelligence. The CBG would be nothing without the people that form its membership.
*
What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?I don't know personally, but I really enjoyed looking over the DivSet vs. Ethocentric debates.
*
How have you benefited from the site since you became a member?It's interesting being able to compare and grab ideas and inspiration from other settings. In a way, the CBG is my muse.
*
How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?I think I've written one article for the Guide and not sure what happened to it, but otherwise I just watch the projects. I've been meaning to enter one of the contests, but the deadline keeps escaping me.
*
If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?I'm somewhat single-minded, and I find it hard to work on a single aspect of a world that can't be brought into my world without some tweaking. I have really wanted to participate in some of the contests in the past and I really do just forget. If a contest came around that gave me something that I could also put in my world, that'd be grand. On a side-note, I'm not a fan of adventure design. Oh well!
*
Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?I think I say that I want to participate in about every contest. I'm still quite excited about the Showcase, but my world is going through huge changes right now (I just cut out dwarves completely out last week, so yes,
huge changes), so I didn't feel right about submitting to be showcased when even I don't know what's going on in my world. I really do plan on critiquing the worlds that become the Showcase. I read up on a good amount of the worlds and don't say anything about them; with the showcase, I think I'll be able to focus my comments.
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?20% -- I only post stuff on my setting every once in a while, though I admittedly don't post too often.
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?30% -- Honestly, I'm not sure. This is probably a shot in the dark.
*Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?I visit the Cartographers Guild almost as much as the CBG; I love mapping! They do some amazing work there. I was frequenting Plotstorming.com, but I lost interest there.
*Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?I have my own site for my setting, which is now a rather defunct site, but otherwise no. It's the CBG all the way (especially when y'all get those amazing hosting features up!).
*If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?N/A
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?None of them.
*Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?Nope. I typically get a pretty good response to anything I post.
*Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?Nope.
*Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?I've gone away for up to two weeks at a time, but I can't say I've ever "posted normally."
*Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?Nope.
*If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?I'm just waiting for the Showcase and the Hosting. Those will make me happy.
*What do you think of the look of the site?I think it looks really good. It's pretty easy to navigate and I love the front page with the Tavern, news, the poll, and the recent forum posts. That makes the CBG so easy to use![/list]
Without detracting entirely too far from the original intent of the topic, I am a newer member here at the CBG. I love coming here, bouncing ideas off of everyone and getting inspiration from fellow world-creators.
However, I see a huge, HUGE disproportionate representation of the settings folks have painstakingly written, unless they're bumped often in the threads. Personally, I'd love to see a blurb written about every setting and have the thread in Homebrews rotate on a daily basis on the front page in a window, preferably at the top of Latest Forum Posts. Raising the visibility of campaign settings to casual visitors by rotating through the settings (perhaps even on a refresh) would be more preferable to me as a newcomer than seeing 1 Campaign Showcase a month.
Why not just cycle through ALL of the campaign settings a day as a Daily Campaign Showcase?
[spoiler=Answers]
* What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
Tough one first, huh? I suppose fellowship and community, in a much greater sense than what was ever achieved on WotC boards. I feel like I actually know many of the regular posters, though I haven't met most face to face.
* What is the most unique feature of this site?
If by unique you mean unique and desirous, I'd say the hosting/wiki availability. If you mean just unusual, I'd say the whole cabbage obsession.
* What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
Maybe Theme Wars?
* What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
Favorite contest: gag gift (the only one I entered). Setting Showcase was cool for events (what other events were there?)
* How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
I'd like to think members benefit from comments on their settings/ideas, though my interest in reviewing settings is less than it used to be.
* How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
I tried to review most of the Showcase settings, and contributed to one contest.
* If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?
While I think contests are great ideas for the site, they're not really my thing. I've considered writing for the guide, but never got around to it because of real-life time issues.
The idea of a collectively built world like CeBeGia is nice but not something I'd be interest in.
* Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
Not that I recall.
* As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
Probably 10%
* As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
10-15%?
* Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
I've visited Cartographer's Guild, but not on a regular basis.
* Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
Nope. I have never posted anything about my settings on any other site, other than my personal website (prior to hosting here at the CBG).
* If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?
I actually switched mainly because the CBG offered PHP support.
* If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
I'd have to spend a lot more time thinking on it than I can right this second, but it seems like the CBG 2.0 is going to be very exciting.
One thing that might be neat is to feature a gaming resource or product every couple of weeks. This seemed like something we tried with the Post, but it didn't get off the ground. But we could get people to talk about favorite Indy RPGs, helpful books, and the like.
* If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
I might consider breaking PbP into some kind of separate wing rather than part of the core site. Something like what little I've read of "game table" for WotC.
* Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
No.
* Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
On occasion, though I'd say it more often that merely it gets a minor response and dies, than doesn't get any response.
* Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
No. The only time I don't come around at least every few days for a peek is when I'm traveling.
* Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
Only when traveling, and the longest was for a month (though I've got another coming up).
* Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
No. Mods are very lenient here, and most posters adhere pretty close to the CoC.
* If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
I'm very much looking forward to the expanded Wiki project.
* What do you think of the look of the site?
Weren't we supposed to have changing themes sometimes? Like a winter theme, or a Halloween border or something? That'd be cool once in a while.
[/spoiler]
@Ish,
In response to the Campaign Setting Showcase lacking entries, I would say I do intend to submit Kishar, just not right away. I have to leave for a month mid-November and won't be back until late December, which makes featuring my setting in the first two months impractical. It is also for this reason I couldn't offer to help with editing submissions, though I might have liked to do so.
Actually, Ish, I have another idea for the site I'll sound off, and that is allowing CBG settings to become "signature settings" (probably needs a better name).
When a setting (such as Jade Stage or Dystopia) continues to grow, it reaches a kind of critical mass. Everyone that's been around for a while has heard of the setting, even if not everyone has read it.
This would not be for settings in the planning stages, though they could still be undergoing updates and revisions.
Instead of being scattered around the forums, hosting, and so forth, it'd be kind of cool if everything for these sites could be collected into a mini-site.
For example, a link on a side bar for Jade Stage, you could click on. Then you could see all the Jade Stage PbP games, the hosted site, all the threads, collected in one place.
If there were several, the most recently updated setting could get bumped to the top, like the forums work now.
Anyway, this idea is just in the brainstorming stage, but I've often wished that these critical settings could each have their own section and link. Whereas the regular forums would still be for developing/brainstorming settings, as well as everything in Dragons Den, Crossroads, Elements & Design, etc.
*What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back? The people. I enjoy listening (or watching technically) ElDo, Ishy, LC, and others argue and discuss everything from RPG Magic (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?39967.last) to MEAT (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?21962). You guys are smart and amusing and always have good insights.
*What is the most unique feature of this site? I'm gonna go with the Tavern. I know, other places have shoutboxes, but The Tavern is by far the best of all of them! I don't know why. Maybe it's because it's on the front page, easily seen. Maybe because you can open it full screen and trail back weeks and weeks into chat. Maybe because people actually use it here.
*What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site? Hmm... I've indulged in discussions of meat, cabbages, superheroes, anthropomorphic turtles, webcomics, ninjas, pirates, robots, zombies, wizards, movies, books, music, teh intarweb, etc., ad nauseum. I can't really pick a favorite conversation...
*What has been your favorite contest or event on this site? I've like most of the contests, but my favorite would be the only one (I thinK) I managed so submit an entry for. The Inn/Tavern one. I didn't win, but I had fun posting and reading others' posts.
*How have you benefited the site since you became a member? I've gotten assistance on world building, campaign building, adventure buildign, race building, class building, and character building. I've gotten (and given) advice on DMing, roleplaying, romance, school, writing, cooking, and more. I've heard stories and jokes, gotten links to great websites, and been made a part of this community. Yeah, I'd say I benefited.EDIT: Benefited the site, not benefited
from the site... er.... Probably not much, though I did come up with our unofficial Welcome Song!
*How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute? I entered one Contest, but haven't really been much help otherwise.
*If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why? Well, I always want to submit something for the guide, but I don't feel I've got the follow-through to make something submittable.
*Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through? I've never promised something like that, no.
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting? 15%
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting? 10%
*Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)? I've been to PlotStorming once or twice, but don't have the initiative to submit something myself or comment on someone else's work.
*Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)? I haven't been to Wizards in months, but I do post at Giantitp.com occasionally. They've got a pretty decent Game forum, and I don't want to feel like I'm doing nothing but asking for help here.
*If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have? Nothing, just more members.
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting? Hmm... I got nothing.
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant? I don't use the Wiki or Hosting, but plenty of people do. Other than that, I've got nothing again.
*Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do? Well, I enjoy creating magic items and unique NPCs, but those don't generally work well as cross-alliance contests.
*Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested? Hmm... not really. I try to start threads only if I've got something that I'm sure will get someone's attention.
*Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile? Nope. I did take a hiatus, but only because I was trying to stay away from excessive internet use.
*Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally? Yes, at least I think I'm back to posting normally. For me anyway.
*Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)? I've never experienced any problems with mods or admins doing something like that, no.
*If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be? I'd have to say we need an obvious section on the front page that explains cabbages. Maybe a big link near the top that says "Wonder what the deal with cabbages is? Click here." And leads to the FAQ section on cabbages. Also, on a more serious note, I think (if it is at all possible) emails might be sent out to accounts to ask for submissions on the CBGuide, or Contests. Some people might find this a little annoying, but it would probably help me.
*What do you think of the look of the site? Well, I love the Tavern on the front page, and the main page in general. But I think maybe the Forums tab could use some tweaking. I don't know if this would be possible but it would be more visually appealing to me to have the forums tab open to a list of the forums, instead of sub-forums. Example:
1. Forums Tab
A. Campaign Creation
B. Community Projects
C. Everything Else (For Now)
You could click A, B, or C, and then be directed to that forum's subforums, maybe saying which topic is most recent in each subforum? This is all purely visual, and would probably take more work than it's worth, but that's just my thought.[/list]
Like LC, spoiled because of size:
[spoiler]
QuoteWhat is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
What is the most unique feature of this site?[/quote]What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?[/quote]What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?[/quote]How have you benefited the site since you became a member?[/quote]How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?[/quote]If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?[/quote]Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?[/quote]As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?[/quote]As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?[/quote]Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?[/quote]Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?[/quote]If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?[/quote]Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?[/quote]Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?[/quote]Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?[/quote]Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?[/quote]Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?[/quote]If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?[/quote]What do you think of the look of the site?
QuoteI like it. It's highly intuitive and easy to use, and the color scheme is interesting without being eye-bleeding. (Orange and blue sights drive me crazy, as do any with a black background)[/spoiler]
Quote from: Ishmayl*What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
The friendly community. Arguments here are kept civil, the atmosphere is friendly.
Quote from: Ishmayl*What is the most unique feature of this site?
The Tavern
Quote from: Ishmayl*What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
I think Xathan's random think tank conversations.
Quote from: Ishmayl*What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
What is this creature.
Quote from: Ishmayl*How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
I started and got help on a setting I never knew I wanted to make. I originally came here strictly to play in Raelifin's PbP.
Quote from: Ishmayl*How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
Showcase = Once maybe twice.
The Guide = Never on my own only as part of helping someone else.
Cebegia = Too Numerous to count. I am still watching Cebegia, so if anyone has something they want to ask or discuss. I'm still here for it.
Quote from: Ishmayl*Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
Yes... but ElDo would never review the article. It's not my fault!(except for some of the Showcases those were my fault)
Quote from: Ishmayl*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
35% (That may be high too, I don't like asking for help, but I have)
Quote from: Ishmayl*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
45%
The rest are silly posts, Cebegia or helping people with bbcode.
Quote from: Ishmayl*Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
Plotstorming: No, I'm not much of a writer.
Cartographer's Guild: Quite a few times, but never resgistered.
Quote from: Ishmayl*Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
Once, but that was to ask about a race and it's balance (something that was only partially answered here)
Quote from: Ishmayl*If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?
Termites (or so I've heard)
Quote from: Ishmayl*If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
Daily floggings and keelhaulings.
Quote from: Ishmayl*If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
I duhnno
Quote from: Ishmayl*Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
Ideas aren't really hitting nowadays, so no.
Quote from: Ishmayl*Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
No, but I don't start many threads.
Quote from: Ishmayl*Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
Nope
Quote from: Ishmayl*Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
Nope
Quote from: Ishmayl*Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
Nope
Quote from: Ishmayl*If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
I duhnno
Quote from: Ishmayl*What do you think of the look of the site?
I like it. It's simple.
What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?I love the community. Everyone here is very friendly, and the joking atmosphere is something that I've not been able to find on other forums. The fact that I can expect intelligent, thoughtful critique, rather than 'omg 3lves should PNZ!!!one11!' is a nice plus too.
*
What is the most unique feature of this site?I'm gonna have to say the tags, to be honest. I haven't found anything near as cool as the tag setup we've got here, especially the table and class lists.
*
What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?Oh jeez... too many to recall.
*
How have you benefited from the site since you became a member?Steal... er... BORROWING others ideas and adapting them to my setting, as well as being able to have a public place to store my setting without worrying about theft *cough* WIZARDS *cough*
*
How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?I've written articles for the guide (need to finish them, actually), and won every contest I've participated in.
*
If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?The contests were fun, and the guide allowed me to keep my writing muscles keen over the summer.
*
Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?Border Patrol, part 5.
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?<10%, I don't solicit aid for my setting that often; most of my posts are to build on my setting, not ask for help with it.
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?10-30%, Like Jharviss, I really am not sure.
*Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?The cartographer's guild occasionally, but only for how-to guides or for reference.
*Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?UGH. Go CABBAGES!
*If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?N/A
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?nothing. I'd add more!
*Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?Not really. But then again, I don't start many threads.
*Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?Nope.
*Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?Nope. The longest I've been away was three weeks, becuase I had no computer access.
*Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?Nope.
*If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?The Settings. I almost wish there was... I'd describe it like a lazy susan of settings, that I could browse through and pluck out when I wanted to reveiw them.
*What do you think of the look of the site?Bloody sweet! I'm a little bit disillusioned at the recent posts block, becuase I hardly ever use anything else to navigate the forums![/list]
One comment on the contests. I've decided not to enter another contest here until I receive the prize for the last one that I won. The prizes are, for me, a large motivation, and since I haven't gotten the other one, who's to know if I'll get the new one, should I win?
Quote from: Ishmayl*What is the most unique feature of this site?
*What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?[/quote]*How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?[/quote]*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?[/quote]*Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?[/quote]*If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?[/quote]*If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?[/quote]*Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?[/quote]*Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?[/quote]*Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?[/quote]*Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?[/quote]*Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?[/quote]*If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?[/quote]*What do you think of the look of the site?[/quote]
It's a good look, I think.
Am about to leave on busniess, but here is a quick version
What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
[/b]
I enjoy 'being around' other creative people with a simialr passion. Also, for me, it allows me to get into a retro mindset, when gaming was allowed to matter in my life.
What is the most unique feature of this site?
[/b]
See above. he amount of creativiety that shows up sometimes is another. The give and take that those with a clue contribute with is another unique feature.
What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
[/b]
If I ever wondered if being head of the Opal Circle of Doom made you insane, now I know. I cannot dissect that kind of data, and data-acquisition is in my job description. I can only say that when CeBeGia was in full swing, and we had maybe 10 people weighing in on the Alcan empire...now, that was cool.
Shouts out to Tybalt and LC for some very inspired conversation.
How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
[/b]
I am richer in many ways for my time here. No BS. My setting and myself both.
How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
[/b]
As before, CeBeGia was my main contribution. I still have a few pages of notes and ideas about saint worship and the Alcan Empire, and have taken the time to commit thread necromancy twice on that particular line of conversation.
Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
[/b]
Nyet.
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
[/b]
if you mean how often do I post for myself on my own threads, 25-30%
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
[/b]
60-70% of the posts i make are trying to be helpful, and are made on other people's setting threads, if that is what you are asking. Though I do commit thread murder often...
Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
[/b]
The CartographersGuild I enjoy.
Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
[/b]
Please. Cabbage is my world.
If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?
[/b]
n/a
If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
[/b]
This si difficult. I don't want to tell people to police anything, because of how cool and low-key things are. But communities like this need something more of a contract.
Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
[/b] That somewhat desribes my relaunch of Celtricia.
Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
[/b]
Never. The people and the Council have been nothing but top-notch.
Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
[/b]
Work takes me way for days, but not any longer. I'll be gone in about an hour.
Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
[/b]
Never.
If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
[/b]
I think that the moves yuo are making to improve the hosting capabilities cover this.
What do you think of the look of the site?
[/b]
I'm not a visual person. But I like the layout a lot.
What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?The people.
The least important: threads about new, setting-neutral game systems. There's nothing wrong with them, per se, and asking the community its thoughts on this or that new rule is a worthy endeavor. But after the umpteenth "here's
my game system" thread, I'm starting to get the impression that the whole goal of campaign-building is sometimes lost in the crowd.
(The previous paragraph is meant to be commentary on a long-standing trend, not a specific member or thread.)
Likewise, I think PbP and forum games should have their own separate list of recent posts. PbP is important to the concept of campaign-building, forum games less so, but both frequently generate more recent posts than other content. This gives PbP and forum games the potential to regularly bump non-PbP, non-forum-game content off the main page.
What is the most unique feature of this site?The links to cabbage.net. Though the wikifarm has serious potential.
What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?That's a tough one; possibly Theme Wars.
What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?Does my old Recycle Bin thread count as an event? I really enjoyed building a community world for the CBG from fragments offered by nearly a dozen contributors, and I'm pretty sure Cebexia got further along in development than CeBeGia did.
How have you benefited from the site since you became a member?It's been a great sounding board, and helps me figure out when I'm on the right track during the development of an idea.
How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature? How did you contribute?I worked on the first few issues of the Guide, and I plan on helping out with the new Setting Showcase.
If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?Quote from: EclipseThe wiki. I don't understand why more people don't use it, because it has so much potential...
Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way, and then never followed through?[/b]
I intended to write a 10-level adventure path for the CBG a while back, but haven't yet found the time to finish it. Not to mention the fact that 4e is looming on the horizon, threatening to render anything I develop today completely obsolete.
Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?I've stopped by the Cartographer's Guild once or twice, but generally lack the mapping skills to contribute. I haven't yet stopped by Plot Storming because I don't generally need help developing plotlines. I would be more likely to visit other Alliance sites if there were links somewhere showcasing specific, interesting threads on those other sites.
What ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?If not for the whole wiki copyleft issue, I'd say someone should use the CBG wiki to create an encyclopedia detailing the features of various CBG campaign settings. For example, hyperlinked "Races of the CBG" wiki pages, each detailing a different race from a setting posted at the CBG. The entries would be in a standardized format, and would allow readers to compare and contrast elements of various campaign settings.
What site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?The calendar doesn't seem to see enough use to warrant its inclusion on the main page.
Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site?The only two times I can remember threads being removed, I supported the decision all the way. (One thread contained inappropriate sexual content. The other was promoting a real-world political movement. Each had the potential to create headaches for the CBG admins.) The language used in explaining why those threads were removed might have been a bit more conciliatory towards the authors, but the decision to remove each of those threads was, in my opinion, a reasonable one.
If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?The "Vote for the CBG" button could be in a more prominent location, I suppose.
What do you think of the look of the site?It could use some random graphics or artwork to liven things up. Maybe showcase an artist from another site on a monthly basis, displaying a professional-quality work of fantasy art on our main page in exchange for a blurb about the artist and a link to his gallery.
Granted, I'm not likely the "target audience" of the questionnaire, but here I go:
[spoiler]What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
Originally, it was the concept. The fact that worldbuilders were gathering and attempting to discuss the craft, albeit amidst Adam West jokes and the occasional foray into confused philosophy. It evolved into an obsession, and my setting(s) became far less important than the atmosphere. Hell, I wasn't really helping very many people with their settings, I was just hanging around and cracking jokes. I'm like the annoying guy making wisecracks in the back of the movie theater that you can't help but like.
What is the most unique feature of this site?
As far as site features, I'd have to say the--- well, actually, I'd better keep that under my hat, as it's 2.0.
What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
Seraphine Harmonium and I playing Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, respectively. I can't even remember what we were arguing about, but it was a classic.
What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
All the ones I thought up.
How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
How have I benefited the site? I think I occasionally say something that makes somebody think or laugh or at least have to stop and reread. My job is to perplex and titillate. Really, I just like the word titillate.
How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
I came up with a couple of the ideas, or at least help develop them, but my actual participation has been restricted to management (*cough*delegating authority*cough*).
If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?
Since I've never done a lot of work associated with the features, I'd say it's because I'm mostly lazy. Mostly.
Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
It's like you wrote this question with me in mind. :(
;)
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
0.1%.
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
0.001%.
Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
I lurk at CG once in a while. Plotstorming, I always mean to go... But I can't remember my daggum password. (See above: laziness)
Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
Psssssshhhh. Nobody else would tolerate my big bowl of crazy.
If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?
Assorted fruit baskets. Yum.
If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
First thing I'd do as part of the Opal Council would be to kick that Elven Doritos guy off. Assuming that was in my jurisdiction. What a bum!
If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
Elven Doritos' account is a site feature, right? Ban him.
Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
Yes. And then we did it. :D
Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
Remember that thread about who would win in a fight, Prince or Vegeta? And everyone voted Jar Jar? That hurt.
Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
Only that ElDo guy.
Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
I couldn't live for more than a week without at least lurking around the Tavern. I would die from the withdrawal, seriously. I should go to CBGAnon.
(Kids, alcoholism and other addictions are serious diseases, and if you think a friend or family member may be afflicted, don't come to me for advice.)
Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
Yeah, whoever decided to promote that ElDo guy over me...
The multiple personality shtick isn't funny any more, is it?
If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
Eh, beats me.
What do you think of the look of the site?
It needs more cow bell.[/spoiler]
Quote from: Elven DoritosWhat do you think of the look of the site?
It needs more cow bell.
[spoiler=I do what I can to help](http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7699/cowbellrc9ec5.jpg)[/spoiler]
Quote from: Elven DoritosWhat do you think of the look of the site?
It needs more cow bell.
more cowbell[/i].
EDIT: Does ElDo derailing this thread by mentioning More Cowbell count as a moderator stepping in when he shouldn't?
I'll answer the full suite of questions later, but right now I'll just say a bit. I think the site could use a little more color, and I'm still really interested in seeing a big CBG chat. However, maybe now that we've got a little alliance going with a couple other sites, we could have one chat for all three combined?
Not to derail this thread further, but I, also, have a fever. My doctor prescribed more cowbell, but the pharmacy told me that it was not covered by my health insurance, and since I was on a 100 millimoo dose, I couldn't afford it. I went back, and he lowered my dosage to 50 millimoos of more cowbell, which is helping somewhat. Still, insurance companies should clearly cover more cowbell, since thousands of Americans who live below the poverty every year have a fever, and more cowbell is the only prescription offered that can offer a cure. In the elderly and children, this "cowbell fever" is often fatal without the proper dosage of more cowbell. Please, write to your senator, and tell him to support the more cowbell law, so that congress can pass the controversial "Bovine Noisemaker" bill to force insurance companies to cover the prescription of more cowbell. Think of the children. Think of cowbell.
Side effects of cowbell include chewing of cud, obesiety, the desire to moo, and rednecks attempting to tip you over while you sleep standing up.
Quote from: SovietTrollI'll answer the full suite of questions later, but right now I'll just say a bit. I think the site could use a little more color, and I'm still really interested in seeing a big CBG chat. However, maybe now that we've got a little alliance going with a couple other sites, we could have one chat for all three combined?
To get back on topic, I actually like the muted tones of the CBG, whick make it easier and less headache inducing to read.
What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?The average level of intelligence of the regular members is compliant with my standards. It's a productive environment which appears to have the capability to nurture some creative skills. Notably the ones that can synergize with my god complex.
*
What is the most unique feature of this site?This site is dedicated to the creation of settings for co-operative story telling games. And while Gleemax.com has a section for it, the average intelligence of gleemaxians (and the average WotC member) discourages me to the point of depression and loss.
Also, the custom avatar and tittle was totally new to me, being used to the "family friendly" avatars of WotC.
*
What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?30147
*
How have you benefited from the site since you became a member?A little. I'm really stuck in my own world, but outside influences it.
*
How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?I don't recall exactly, but I believe I stated an opinion and added several ideas somewhere in the CeBeGia area back when it was first started.
*
If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?Most of that kind of stuff requires programming, or something. I was thinking of signing up for the new Showcase review, but thought Ishmayl would remember my blunder I will mention next, and say "no."
*
Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?I once offered Ishmayl a new graphic to act as the CBG's new Logo. After several hours of drawing crap, I became traumatized and forgot about it 'till Ishmayl smote me. This was back around when I got an evil redhead from Luminous Crayon as my avatar. (I called her Kitty.)
I have submitted an entry to one contest. And got no votes. Not even mine.
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?Other than being the original poster? Maybe ten posts at most...
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?Um...
*breaks down and cries*
I'm sorry. *sniff* I stopped looking at other people's campaign settings when they got really big. *hic* I was afraid of drowning...
*Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?No. I really didn't care much for the cartography lessons, and I haven't developed enough curiosity to wonder over to the story maker's site.
*Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?I use WotC to say stuff like "Hey I've got stuff going on." but they don't get the goods due to their "We own everything you post." clause. The Gaming Den has mirror threads of some of my current projects, Like PkMn SAME (http://bb.bbboy.net/thegamingden-viewthread?forum=6&thread=140) and Battles of the Star Angels and Space Devils (http://bb.bbboy.net/thegamingden-viewthread?forum=6&thread=161). They are a little more mechanically observant over there, as is demonstrated by the recent posts in my mech game thread.
*If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?N/A
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?None of them.
*Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?Yep. My thread for Battles of the Star Angels and Space Devils (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?39727) here on the CBG has had many views (probably from lurkers or net-bots) but no responses. It's a freaking Evangelion inspired game for crying out loud! How can you not dig it?
*Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?Just the general frustration mentioned in the last question.
*Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?Yes, but that was due to a personal problem. Will not discuss.
*Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?No.
*If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?Setting Reviews: Make that a primary feature. Specifically the review swapping game, as I was going to submit to it when I got a regular Setting, as oppose to the random one-shots I've been doing recently.
*What do you think of the look of the site?It very easy to get around, and the colour scheme is easy on the eyes. The Table tag is a little unwieldy though, and the "Class" button is really unnecessary.
Seriously. Not every one plays D&D or even the same D&D as the one that button works with.[/list]
*What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
It's the only place I know of that is so focused on my favorite art form. Likewise, I enjoy the variety of works to read and review. On top of this, I love the creative atmosphere and focus on criticism (I love criticism). ON TOP OF THIS the CBG is a great community full of people who have roughly similar tastes, and I love the chatter of like minds.
*What is the most unique feature of this site?
The focus on worlds/settings & the number and variety of good worlds/settings.
*What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
Theme wars.
*What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
Hmmm... Review badge mania? I liked the island contest.
*How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
The site or the guild? I think I've contributed to the guild by:
Reviewing many settings.
Being active in discussing interesting and useful things (Theme wars).
Helping members with making maps, posts or badges.
Adding my works to the horde.
Writing a number of articles for the CBGuide.
Editing the guide.
Referring members to the site.
*How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
I reviewed a decent number of showcase settings, I think. It was a while back, though, so not sure there.
I've been involved with the guide from the get-go, and have contributed and participated many times there.
*Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
My recent absences from the Guide aside, I've wanted to participate in contests a lot, but I don't think I've actually submitted anything.
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
0%
*As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
35% (Maybe higher)
*Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
Occasionally. I read the PlotStorming contests now and again, and I've browsed Cartographers when I'm map-making.
*Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
No.
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
Chat? I dono.
I guess I feel a bit constrained by the PG-13 CoC, and would like a way to tag threads as "Mature Themed" to bypass this without offending others. (For instance, George R. R. Martin's Westeros is graphic, gritty and is filled with very human themes, including sex and violence. Westeros is one of my favorite settings ever, and I feel sad to think that it wouldn't be postable here.)
*If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
Can't think of anything.
*Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
No.
*Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
I rarely start threads, but I've seen this happen with other people's threads plenty.
*Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
Mad? Never.
*Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
Yes, though I make it a point to still check the site while I'm on hiatus and never make it a big deal.
*Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
No.
*If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
The collection of settings into lists and groups to make the variety of works more accessible and less likely to die just from drifting off the first page.
*What do you think of the look of the site?
I've always liked it. I just switched to Ubuntu though, and (due to reduced resolution) I find the front page a bit cluttered. Perhaps CBG 2.0 could allow me customize the front page?
Quote from: RaelifinI guess I feel a bit constrained by the PG-13 CoC, and would like a way to tag threads as "Mature Themed" to bypass this without offending others. (For instance, George R. R. Martin's Westeros is graphic, gritty and is filled with very human themes, including sex and violence. Westeros is one of my favorite settings ever, and I feel sad to think that it wouldn't be postable here.)
I agree with some of these assertions, and disagree with others.
There are all sorts of themes and events that can be described either in very tame ways or in very graphic (and often disturbing) ways. We all have settings that contain violence (or the capacity for it), and we have the choice to present them at levels appropriate for various different audiences. It's totally possible to discuss Roose Bolton's interrogation techniques, or the quirky romantic relationships of Targaryens and Lannisters, without bringing up the kind of detail that would be inappropriate.
And Martin's prose is more graphic than his world is. There are some chapters in ASoIaF that I wouldn't quote on this forum, but I can't think of any aspects of Westeros that would be un-discussable here (just some that might have to be discussed cautiously. Maybe.) I would love the hecks out of a Westeros discussion thread, because I think the setting (and the books) are awesome and amazing. If you like, I would
lourve a Westeros thread, and we could enthusiastically discuss it in ways that comply with the CBG's Code of Conduct.
I mean, Westeros is gritty and savage, but it ain't no Oversexed Leather-Clad Vampire Biker Vixens Gone Wild, either.
Quote from: Lminous CyaonOversexed Leather-Clad Vampire Biker Vixens Gone Wild
Move over White Wolf! There's a new vampire RPG in town!
Quote from: Lminous CyaonQuote from: RaelifinI guess I feel a bit constrained by the PG-13 CoC, and would like a way to tag threads as "Mature Themed" to bypass this without offending others. (For instance, George R. R. Martin's Westeros is graphic, gritty and is filled with very human themes, including sex and violence. Westeros is one of my favorite settings ever, and I feel sad to think that it wouldn't be postable here.)
I agree with some of these assertions, and disagree with others.
There are all sorts of themes and events that can be described either in very tame ways or in very graphic (and often disturbing) ways. We all have settings that contain violence (or the capacity for it), and we have the choice to present them at levels appropriate for various different audiences. It's totally possible to discuss Roose Bolton's interrogation techniques, or the quirky romantic relationships of Targaryens and Lannisters, without bringing up the kind of detail that would be inappropriate.
And Martin's prose is more graphic than his world is. There are some chapters in ASoIaF that I wouldn't quote on this forum, but I can't think of any aspects of Westeros that would be un-discussable here (just some that might have to be discussed cautiously. Maybe.) I would love the hecks out of a Westeros discussion thread, because I think the setting (and the books) are awesome and amazing. If you like, I would lourve a Westeros thread, and we could enthusiastically discuss it in ways that comply with the CBG's Code of Conduct.
I mean, Westeros is gritty and savage, but it ain't no Oversexed Leather-Clad Vampire Biker Vixens Gone Wild, either.
Alright. I don't want to make a Westeros thread (you can do it, but I have an English paper due tomorrow). I am going to agree that it's fully possible to discuss his stuff without breaking CoC, and it would be fully possible to give a depiction of the world without breaking CoC, but one of the most amazing things about Westeros is how it
feels, and I think that when it comes to presenting the whole of the setting, the emotional impact of the horrors of the world cannot be easily shown in the environment we try to protect here. For example, the writer* might write about Moletown (near the wall), but understanding what Moletown means for the Night's Watch (in an emotional way) is damn hard to do and stay family friendly. (But yes, most of the mature stuff is in the prose. I don't disagree.)
* - I use "writer" because we're not talking about George himself coming here, we're talking about settings that have like themes.
I don't have much time right now (or ever, it seems these days) but I'll try to give a short reply since I think I might be in the target audience here.
I've loved this site since we first started back on Ishy's shadowfell site. I originally joined the guild because I was working on my campaign setting and could use the help (those were also the days that I actually reviewed others' settings occasionally), but almost immediately after the creation of the forums I switched to goofing around in the Dragon's Den and the Meta-section. I just really like the people that post here regularly. I like the silly Tavern-conversations, the absurd Dragon's Den threads (the cabbage-conversations, the World War IV threads, etc.), as well as the deeper threads on gaming theory, worldbuilding theory and philosophy in general (Philosophy in the Den, Theme Wars, teh various How and Why do you X threads, etc.). These threads and conversations, because of the people that participate in them and the way they write about these topics, are the reasons I've kept coming back here semi-regularly for nearly two years now.
Recently, I've been drifting away from the site. This has nothing to do with any particular shortcoming of the site (frankly, I'm not sure I could name any). It's just that I'm trying to combine two Bachelor's studies with being on the board and various commitees of an association, and I'm also trying to have a social life alongside these things. All in all, the CBG is far from a top priority anymore (well, it never was, but it's steadily declining in priority) and the little internet time I get is used to respond to emails. In short: it's not you, it's me. ;)
Now, I promised to do at least one more interview for the Guide, and this promise I will keep, though it's already taking much longer than expected. However, I probably won't be seen here much anymore for at least the duration of this semester, and I have little reason to believe the situation will be different after that. So, I hope to be seeing more of you guys again in the future, but I can't guarantee anything.
Túrin
This thread touches upon my own insecurity about the site: I founded the guild, and time after time I find my participation lacking. Perhaps this self inventory will help me gather my thoughts and reasons; I am determined to be a viable contributer around here, not only with my own settings but for others.
# What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
The people and the security. The maturity level amongst people here is higher than on WotC, and everyone is devoted to the art of campaign creation. As for security, I'm sure many of us have had issues with WotC's new rule about taking material; I know that "Keep on the Shadowfell" has several elements that make Ishy uncomfortable, and the more I read about Eberron the more I laugh and look at my own setting as it was posted on WotC (Not sure if there are any direct thefts, it's just amusing to me at this point). We don't have to worry about that here.
# What is the most unique feature of this site?
I haven't been to too many such sites, but the hosting system was very unique.
# What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
I haven't gotten to participate in a conversation while it was still young to consider myself a participant.
# What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
I like the idea of the Campaign Setting Showcase.
# How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
I took the first step to get the idea of the community going, but truthfully I haven't done much after that. I want to do more.
# How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
I contributed to the Guide once with my Called Shot system; I didn't get much feedback on it, and I think that is why I haven't felt the need to contribute more. I tried to contribute to CeBeGia, but things were wild so I felt that my voice was being drowned out. I've since tried to contribute to the Guide once more, but life issues kept me from putting the needed time into it.
# If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?
I haven't contributed to the showcase because I haven't felt that my own setting was at a reasonable level of completion to deserve such a pedestal.
# Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
I had offered to co-write a campaign building guide with Ishy, focusing on the Crunch aspects. I felt that I had little to nothing to offer for the first article in the series, and I realized that my own expertise was nearly entirely focused on the direction I wished to take my setting.
# As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
In the past, most of my posts have been of this sort.
# As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
Recently, I've been trying to solely review and help other CBGers, rather than work on my setting.
# Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
I've visited the CartographersGuild several times.
# Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
Not currently.
# If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?
None, though the gamer blogs on Gleemax might prove interesting.
# If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
I don't know; that's why I haven't requested to become a mod. I would like to see CeBeGia return.
# If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
None; I think all of our features are worthwhile.
# Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
No
# Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
Yes, sort of. I started a thread on Elemental Magic that took off for a bit, but it fell apart.
# Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
No; I've only been mad at myself for not having the drive to contribute.
# Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
You're seeing it; I just started posting again yesterday.
# Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
Nope.
# If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
CeBeGia needs a shot in the arm. I'm going to devote much of my time to this.
# What do you think of the look of the site?
I like the look; it's simple and clean.
Hopefully I can offer a relatively different perspective, as a new member and more of a "casual" member, and I sincerely hope that what I write does not offend, and is viewed purely as constructive criticism. Unfortunately I have few answers, but I can post what few things strikes me as "problems" on the site.
What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
Basically the new ideas posted in the design and campaign threads. I like reading the Guide, as it seems filled with quality articles that interest me.
What is the most unique feature of this site?
The amazing scope of the campaigns detailed here and the sheer number of campaigns and ideas.
What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
Honestly, the thread about my "setting"/game was the most interesting to me.
What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
My favorite contest was the Rushon monthly contest. But then again, I've only been around for a few.
How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
I got great feedback on a system/setting that I am looking to refine.
How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
I've contributed to the upcoming Guide so far. I hope to continue writing articles for it and also joining in the contests.
Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
I said I'd compete in the contest, but an article for the Guide took my time. I'd wager that 90% of the "follow-through" issue is time for most people. The other 10% would likely be a dislike of Ishmayl.
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
Probably around 75%.
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
Probably around 20%.
Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
Not yet.
Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
No.
If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
The biggest issue I have is that the site (and by that I mean mostly the content) is daunting and complex. The site itself is very easy to get acclimated to (the shoutbox, forums, CBGuide tab, etc.) and I've had no problems with navigation or understanding what goes where. The Homepage is simply laid out and contains the information I need.
The actual content of the site can be quite intimidating and inaccesible. I've started to try to review a setting and then felt bogged down even trying to find one to start on. Then, when I do start on one, it takes an hour or reading to even get the basics it seems. I think some kind of feature that helps people access the settings would be great. The Showcase is a great idea for identifying worthy settings. And the directory in the forums is a good start to briefing newcomers and casual members, but I still felt lost. I have no specific answer to the problem, but that's a large part of the obstacle to my lack of reviews. I'm overwhelmed. In order to really give input (and this may be a purely personal answer), I need specific questions or portions of a setting that needs to be refined.
If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
I've not seen any unimportant or unuseful features. Of course, I'd prally have ignored them already, so it's a tough question.
Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
Most of the contests seem fluff-centric and I've yet to see a crunch type contest.
Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested? No.
Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile? I don't get angry at internet people.
Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally? N/A.
Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)? No.
If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
It seems that most of the focus or posts are on settings, and not campaigns. I don't think it's the Council's fault or anything, but to me Settings/Systems are more personalized and can't widely be used by anyone. I'd rather content that can be adapted to include in your setting be emphasized a bit more. The CBGuide does a good job of this, but I just don't see that kind of content often enough in the forums for my taste.
The problem is that most of the people who come to this site are already accomplished DMs and have played the game extensively, and they are more interested in unusual concepts/settings rather than mundane. They're more interested (absorbed?) in stuff that is uniquely "theirs". They do a good job on helping you with the stuff that is uniquely "yours", but there's no middle ground. For example, If I wanted to find an interesting NPC/plotline/organization/anything other than a setting that I could insert into my generic campaign, I'd be hard pressed to find one here. The contests and the CBGuide are the closest thing to "usable" information that I've found on the site.
What do you think of the look of the site?
It works for me but then again, I have bad taste.
Quote from: IvarI'd rather content that can be adapted to include in your setting be emphasized a bit more. The CBGuide does a good job of this, but I just don't see that kind of content often enough in the forums for my taste.
Having read the above, I vote that we add a forum specifically devoted to setting-neutral content.
Which would basically mean defining the Meta forum in a different way, or am I misreading that entirely?
Overall, I agree with Ivar and Meepo. Perhaps that's bordering on what every other RPG forum does, but having a setting-neutral area would certainly see use. I have a lot of regularly D&D things that could be put anywhere.
Quote from: JharvissPerhaps that's bordering on what every other RPG forum does, but having a setting-neutral area would certainly see use.
I agree that every other rpg forum seems to do tons and tons of setting-neutral crunch (new classes, races, monsters, spells, etc.) but setting-neutral fluff is much rarer. You don't see too many forums generating cities, cultures, and non-rule-intensive stuff to insert in existing campaigns. Maybe that's where we could come in.
Well, when I said a change in color, I didn't really specify. I just find the white and grey or white on black with the light blue links and stuff somewhat hard to read, and think it would be cooler if the background was black or a very dark grey.
Please no black backgrounds with white text. Text should be darker than the background.
EDIT: I'm not trying to be contrary. I just go half-blind every time I read something over at ENWorld, then switch back to a normal website with a non-dark background.
Naw, not white text. White text is just as awful. More like a dark grey or something.
In the long term, black text on a light background is easiest to read (unless the letters are real big, then it's the reverse). At least that's what I've been told by my designer friend based on research, and I tend to agree.
Reading light text on a dark background can be fatiguing for more than very short posts.
I concur. I had a light text on dark background on my site for the longest time, and then I switched over to a black on gray, and it is so much easier to read. It may look less "cool" or what-have-you, but it is certainly easier on the eyes.
# What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
The community here is both tight-nit and inclusive intelligent and human. This is a careful and unique facet that draws my attention more than any technology or contest ever could.
# What is the most unique feature of this site?
The original hosting bundled with forums. Now it would have to be the campaign wikis. But honestly the CBG is quite diffrent than the 'majority
of other forums out there. It's software is rarely seen, especially to the level of customization that we appreciate. And heck I'd say the Tavern is also up there. Four answers for the price of one, how's that?
# What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
Honestly, I haven't become involved in many discussions, but the sheer craziness and stretching of a lot of the discussions here are pretty darn interesting. Right now I'd say that Can We Talk About Magic is a riot.
# What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
I have paid attention to most of the contests, but honestly none of them have captured by imagination.
# How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
I have made a friend. I have received valuable mechanical advice on a prestige class. A handful of crucial questions for the development of a campaign of mine were posed.
# How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
I am in the processes of contributing to CeBeGia, but really I haven't.
# If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?
The internet is a big place. Gaming and creation has a big place in my life. My life has a big place in my life. All together this means that what (substantial) time I do spend participating in community is focused on places where I am inundated with responsibilities. In the future I hope to be able to shift more of my focus towards this community.
# Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
No. Although I have been slow in getting together my piece for CeBeGia.
# As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
30%
# As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
40%
# Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
Yes. I occasionally pop into PlotStorming and have participated in contests there. I frequent the CartographersGuild when I am in a mapping mood.
# Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
This is a nebulous question. For my campaign setting needs I firmly, only use the CBG and my own site Dotradical for asundry notes. I use Dicefreaks, GitP, Planewalker, zompist (a language site), my own site, and I'll admit it WotC for other purposes.
# If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?
None. And this extends to sites I use for other gaming purposes, the CBG is really blows other sites out of the water.
# If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
Community "holidays" or online "conventions" are vogue these days. Possibly expand the number and scope of forums.
# If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
I wouldn't sacrifice any verisimilitude that has grown up. If you are looking for something to get rid of though, the least important to me is probably the polling.
# Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
Certainly. Will I elaborate on it now? No.
# Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
Not the CBG. Believe it or not I'm sort of shy about starting topics unless I'm sure they're relevant.
# Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
Haha. No.
# Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
Nope. But neither have I been fulling involved all of the time.
# Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
Nope.
# If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
# What do you think of the look of the site?
It's pretty...cabbag-ey. Perhaps offer alternate "skins"? That said, I don't find it mind-blowingly offensive and evil ot gaze upon (I'm looking at you Gleemax. Grrrrrr.)
What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
It's the easiset place to find my homebrew world of Tera. It might exist on WotC's boards someplace, but I don't want to scroll bakc through all those pages.
What is the most unique feature of this site?
The community itself.
What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
Probably something in the Dragon's Den, but I couldn't pinpoint a specific thread.
What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
The Tavern contest.
How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
I got some good reviews when I first posted Tera that got me to finish the history.
How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)? How did you contribute?
I entered two contests.
If you have never contributed to a unique CBG feature, is there a particular reason why?
They sounded like cool ideas for contests and things that would really add something to my setting, if I flesshed out an entry.
Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
No.
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
0.01%
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
0.01%
Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
No.
Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)?
No.
If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?
If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
I don't know.
If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
None of them; I'm sure everthing is liked by someone.
Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
I don't know what's already been done before, but I do have a contest idea.
Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
A few times. I'm surprised greybeards & Grognards hasn't done as well here as theu did on ENworld.
Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
No.
Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
Kinda.
Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
No.
If you could pick one thing on the site that should be expanded on and made more important, what would it be?
I don't know.
What do you think of the look of the site?
Very sharp.
What is the most important aspect of this site that keeps you coming back?
The atmosphere, the quality of communication, the general commitment to expression and good ideas, the in-jokes, the mutual respect, the history, the list goes on.
I don't think the CBG is totally unique in that atmosphere. I've seen plenty of other sites with a comparable sense of integrity and camaradery (though not many of them RPG sites), but the CBG is my site. My history. My lads. My white-and-blue. So long as the CBG is the CBG, this is where I'll always come to for my campaign building stuff.
What is the most unique feature of this site?
The intentions of its creator, moderators and members. Ultimately, I think the CBG simply manages to take a bunch of elements I've seen elsewhere and make them truly more than the sum of their parts.
What is the most interesting conversation you've ever had on this site?
Hard to say. There are a lot of good ones, and even more that I never contributed to but thoroughly enjoyed reading.
What has been your favorite contest or event on this site?
None, to be honest. I haven't found any of them truly inspiring, but that's never bugged me. The results have always been worth the read, so I'm not bothered that I was never all that motivated to contribute.
How have you benefited the site since you became a member?
Not much. I hope to remedy that, so that when the CBG usurps D&D as the preeminent RPG name in the public conscious, I can say "I helped disappear the competition."
How many times have you participated in a unique CBG feature (Showcase, the Guide, CeBeGia, etc)?
Nope.
Have you ever said you were going to contribute in some way to the Guide, CeBeGia, or Showcase, and then never followed through?
At least thrice. They were good ideas too.
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is asking for help on your personal campaign setting?
Most of them. I have been a very selfish member of the community by my own standards, let alone those of other CBGers. I endeavour to change that.
As a best guess, what percentage of your posts do you believe is helping other CBGers with their personal campaign setting?
I spend hardly any time assisting other members (although I would spend untold hours giving help to anyone who asked). Truth be told, very few settings ever motivate me to contribute to them.
Do you visit the other Alliance sites (PlotStorming.com, CartographersGuild.com)?
Rarely. I haven't had a lot of use for them yet.
Do you use another site for most of your campaign setting needs (WotC, gleemax, rpgspaces, eruvian, etc)
Nah, baby, you know there ain't anyone for me but you!
If so, what features do those sites have that the CBG doesn't have?
Like I said, I ain't no adulterer.
If you were part of the Opal Council, what ideas would you have for making the site more interesting?
They'd never have me. My heart is impure and my designs corrupt. I could bring nothing but ruin.
If you were part of the Opal Council, what site features would you do away with or just put aside as unimportant?
Everything on the site seems to be of use to someone, so I'd just let it all be.
Have you ever had a contest idea that you wish the CBG would do?
Probably, but none come to mind.
Have you ever had what you thought of as a great conversation starter, and started a new thread only to find no one interested?
Plenty, but I don't hold it against them. Either I didn't convey it right, promote it enthusiastically enough, or they just didn't care for the issue. I operate on the same principle, and there's nothing wrong with it.
Have you ever been really mad at the site, the Opal Council, or the other members of the CBG, in such a way that you didn't come back for awhile?
No. You guys are awesome.
Have you ever gone away from the site for months at a time, then returned to posting normally?
Just did, actually.
Have you ever seen any unfair rulings of any sort on the site (threads being moved or removed, moderators stepping in when they shouldn't, etc)?
Not that I recall. If there ever was, I have confidence that the moderators had the fairest and best intentions at heart.
What do you think of the look of the site?
Sweet. I think it's pretty much perfect as it is.
That list of questions is just vastly too long, so instead of answering it, I'll simply say this....
The reason the CBG is so good, and the reason I keep returning to it (admittedly, not as frequently as I'd like to) is twofold. First, the great chance to read and be inspired by the works of others, and second the feedback you get for your own work.
This answer may seem overly simplistic, but no my mind, it is those two things that are the essence of the site, and those two things which make me love it.
Quote from: PhoenixActually, Ish, I have another idea for the site I'll sound off, and that is allowing CBG settings to become "signature settings" (probably needs a better name).
When a setting (such as Jade Stage or Dystopia) continues to grow, it reaches a kind of critical mass. Everyone that's been around for a while has heard of the setting, even if not everyone has read it.
This would not be for settings in the planning stages, though they could still be undergoing updates and revisions.
Instead of being scattered around the forums, hosting, and so forth, it'd be kind of cool if everything for these sites could be collected into a mini-site.
For example, a link on a side bar for Jade Stage, you could click on. Then you could see all the Jade Stage PbP games, the hosted site, all the threads, collected in one place.
If there were several, the most recently updated setting could get bumped to the top, like the forums work now.
Anyway, this idea is just in the brainstorming stage, but I've often wished that these critical settings could each have their own section and link. Whereas the regular forums would still be for developing/brainstorming settings, as well as everything in Dragons Den, Crossroads, Elements & Design, etc.
This needs to be implemented... work will be pursued....
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