Feedback, Questions, and Suggestions Thread

[Ho-Oh]

Agreed entirely with jpp (yes, I finally decided to post).

I remember when I asked a member who would later mod OT to "remake" the neverending counting game. He did so, but in the form of "the count to infinity". This thread rose to popularity under a new name, and initially, there was rule breaking, drama, disagreements everywhere and yes, the thread had a bad reputation as a whole. Thanks to the introduction of the other counting social threads in OT, TCTI's bad reputation has wore off. However, as a result, people don't post in TCTI as much, the original counting thread, and instead prefer other threads which don't have a vast history. Also, guess what? When people think of OT, they think of TCTI, I know I do. In the past it was TOA vs TCTI, but TOA seems to get less attention now - or at least, I never see it mentioned anywhere, which I think is due to the other social threads. What I'm saying is, go back to OT's roots, back to the original stickied counting thread. DLTMS0 didn't need to ever be stickied, even if it was popular. In my view, TCTI earnt its spot there, DLTMS0 hasn't as of yet.

So yeah, I'm on the side of "leave TCTI as the only sticky", but if DLTMS0's going to stay, don't sticky any more threads. Most of that wasn't relevant, but hey, it's always good to show history behind one of OT's longest running threads and pretty much one of the most successful.

On another note, one time when I posted on an alt, I aimed to post in DLTMS0. About an hour later I realised I posted in WOFZ. Both threads being exactly the same - Tara/Roswell being the only posters, so I couldn't tell the difference. To a member (which are the main occupants of OT), the two are the same. That is all.

 

[donavannj]

Merging into one social thread is kinda...selfish. There are people who have preferred likes and dislikes, like I prefer WOFZ over DLTMSA or TCTI.

Solution to fix your dislike AND boost activity in the section: Plan "invasions" from each counting thread into another thread in the section, preferably into other counting games first so people can see just how foolish they've been in choosing one counting thread over another (seriously, there isn't a whole lot of difference in the counting games).

It's in my master plan to return TOA to dominance.

*just came back to chime in with that*

 

[mishy.]

There are still way too many sides to this. I have ventured to all three, and... as you can say, part of the reason why you can't see one thread from the other. The most I can do is stay neutral, and post ideas that you members can do, so Netto and I can make a decision.

1. For those of you who oppose the merging of the counting threads, show that the three are different. I'm not too sure how it can be accomplished since all of them are 'Counting/Chatting games', but if it can be shown that they are different, then the first problem with the three of 'em can be rolled over.

2. For those of you who want only one: try to encourage those who seems to stick to only one thread that the other two aren't so bad. Perhaps do what Don said and "invade" another counting thread. This can be done with yourself, or with other "regulars" from the thread you usually post in (ex: WOFZ "Regulars" go and "invade" TCTI).

3. Everyone: To stop being biased towards a thread. The main problem is them being the same. However, these are a lot of biased opinions in the matter, because one has stuck with a game so long. So for everyone, unless Netto and I can finally make a well... final decision, I encourage everyone to try to post out of their "comfort zone". Perhaps that can help establish differences in the three threads, or perhaps even show that we don't need three counting threads here in OT. Instead, we can join together as a community and all chat in one thread.

 

[Aquacorde]

Just popping in to say that although I rarely post in any counting threads, and even though TCTI tends to give off an air of superiority, that I would advocate for it being the only counting thread. If it were the only one, I feel that regulars of other counting games would end up posting there, and everything would sort of merge together and do the same things they always have. In my browsing of DLMSA and WOFZ, I rarely see anyone saying "Oh no, we're back at zero", the conversation just goes on. There doesn't seem to be a point to the game anymore. At least with TCTI, I personally would feel as if something is happening when more numbers get posted.

Also, on the subject of "invasions"... Nightclubbers seem to have taken to invading counting games once in awhile. When there is an interesting subject at hand, anyway. XD

 

[Ho-Oh]

In my browsing of DLMSA and WOFZ, I rarely see anyone saying "Oh no, we're back at zero", the conversation just goes on. There doesn't seem to be a point to the game anymore. At least with TCTI, I personally would feel as if something is happening when more numbers get posted.

On that note, we used to have big celebrations and races to get big numbers. We still do, to an extent. And everyone wants to get 99999 of a thread, etc. So yeah, numbers still have importance with TCTI.

As for DLTMS0, ... that's true kinda, but numbers were only mentioned really when it's "0", "-1", "-2" where there were complaints anyway, and most of us (resetters) felt like we weren't really apart of the game and all we did was post 0, rather than actually participate in the counting aspect.

 

[mishy.]

DLTMS0 using to be all about the numbers, until the record got so high that with the influx of mods coming and saying zero, they're almost lost the... will to try to reach a new goal, so to speak? Perhaps with every new version the record is set, that DLTMS0 can have some of it's original 'game' aspect back.

If everyone would post in all the counting threads, then if we do decide to cut down to one of them, there won't be any current problems of 'oh well... this thread scares me' and 'i feel ignored in this thread'.

Being neutral, I don't care what happens. All I want to happen is for more of a unification of the members, in which less members are being ignored. If members weren't being ignored in the first place, then this wouldn't be happening. Other Trivia is now Tales of Symphonia, guys.

 

[Deleted member 143209]

As a once very active member and a continuous lurker of the OT forum, I seen a casual downward spiral in the actual "fun" in this forum. I will come, and I will post my opinion, whether or not it's taken on board, I'm unsure if it will matter. However, this is my experience.

When I frequented OT, I was happy with TCTI and DLTMSA being the two major chat threads. Everyone sort of mingled and members did have a friendly atmosphere despite some being more acquainted with one thread than the other. However, once threads such as WOFZ and The Nightclub (but more so WOFZ) started coming on the scene and more groups of friends all dispersed and no longer was there a congregation in OT, I left. To be honest, I think that two counting threads (ie. the two stickies) should be the only ones in this section.

WOFZ, seems like an amalgamation of the two stickies as it is. I would like to see members all just chat within TCTI and DLTMSA. It might take some getting used to I know, to all be together and to get used to the games, but it will happen in time, you'll all figure out that no one has negative intentions. But I really dislike the segregation, and to be honest, that is the reason I left OT. This thread here is an example, of what it has become. I think some of us have forgotten what it's all about.

It's time to save yourself from the everyday trials and tribulations of your vigorous post day. Welcome to the Other Trivia, where the only posts are ones frantic fun and hilarious hijinks.

Does that resemble the OT of today? Well, it once did. I would advise that all active members of OT strive for a common goal, stop arguing and actually try and pull together and resolve the issues. Starting on limiting the number of counting threads. Deep down you should all know there isn't a need for so many if you guys just swallowed your pride and rather than sticking to the regulars in that one thread; branched out and tried working with one another.

This is not the OT I once loved, and I would really like to see it return.

 

[jigglyppuff8]

It's time to save yourself from the everyday trials and tribulations of your vigorous post day. Welcome to the Other Trivia, where the only posts are ones frantic fun and hilarious hijinks.

Does that resemble the OT of today?

My sentiments exactly, and you bring up good points about old OT, but I'll have to disagree with you on keeping DLTMSA open. You've stated it yourself that you dislike segregation. In hindsight, DLTMSA was the thread that started this whole mess by acting as a "refuge" of sorts for posters who for some reason felt alienated by TCTI but still wanted a place to socialize (guilty). If we were to keep these two threads, I can predict that it'll just be the "TCTI regulars" and the "DLTMSA regulars" like in the pre-WOFZ days.

 

[mishy.]

1. Gavin, I have already mentioned this before, but thank you. So much.

2.

3. Everyone: To stop being biased towards a thread. The main problem is them being the same. However, these are a lot of biased opinions in the matter, because one has stuck with a game so long. So for everyone, unless Netto and I can finally make a well... final decision, I encourage everyone to try to post out of their "comfort zone". Perhaps that can help establish differences in the three threads, or perhaps even show that we don't need three counting threads here in OT. Instead, we can join together as a community and all chat in one thread.

I'm keeping my word on this. If we can do this, then it doesn't matter if we keep the two threads, because everyone will be comfortable no matter where they post. Of course, this isn't a step that can be taken quickly, and will take its time. However, people have already started to do so, and so to say that it shows that it's IS possible. People just have to be willing to do so.

Now, if we were to keep DLTMSA and TCTI and close WOFZ, may I propose the following suggestions for you members?:
1. Change DLTMSA back to DLTMS0. This way, mods who would like to go with the count can, and mods who want to zero can as well. However, WOFZ will pretty much have to be closed if this happens, as the two games will be even more similar than what they already are.

2. Restart the record. There is such a high record at DLTMSA that it seems that the members have given up on trying to reach it. If we make the goal reachable again, than perhaps the excitement of getting a new record will be brought back to light.

 

[Jordan]

If we're still having this conversation, I'd like to chirp in some quick thoughts. There wasn't such a large controversy surrounding a sort of clique lifestyle in this section a bit more than a year ago, so much of this phenomenon got its footing from some regulars who recently felt insecure and, unknowingly, started more and more new cliques. I don't think that large, overhauling bureaucratic actions like a mass thread closing and more rules are necessary to get people to integrate - just a public service announcement of sort to get the word out will do more than a good enough job, which is exactly what we're seeing here. As someone who've mingled among most of the social groups currently in existence, people are mostly friendly, if a bit hesitant. Some more exposure to other folks will do them well.

As for other things, I'm in favor of having less stickies and instead, adding an index as a few have suggested. Oh, and while I'm at it, can we finally put an end to random thread names? Sure, they're fun for the folks who requested them, but for the most part, users will who are out of the loop will be disinterested (especially new folks to the section). They were quirky and fun when they were first introduced, but now they're only adding to the problem of segregation that OT is plagued with at the moment.

Now, if we were to keep DLTMSA and TCTI and close WOFZ, may I propose the following suggestions for you members?:
1. Change DLTMSA back to DLTMS0. This way, mods who would like to go with the count can, and mods who want to zero can as well. However, WOFZ will pretty much have to be closed if this happens, as the two games will be even more similar than what they already are.

2. Restart the record. There is such a high record at DLTMSA that it seems that the members have given up on trying to reach it. If we make the goal reachable again, than perhaps the excitement of getting a new record will be brought back to light.

I'm open to renaming the thread if need be, though I'm not sure if restarting the record would do any good since a fair number of folks can easily pull out the old record from an archive and it would again serve as a de facto record of DLTMSA.

A note to jigglyppuff8 in case you're reading this and haven't found out yet, I was the one who suggested the idea of using CSS for the rules page. My take on it was that a more visually appealing thread might retain more attention than a bare thread with a block of text, which in turn will increase readership. There's a case against using a specific CSS design because of aesthetic reasons, but to ban CSS from being in the rules definitely? I don't think we have to go that far. As BinaryPeaches stated before, CSS isn't exactly unpopular around this forum, so I don't think it'll be much of an issue...aside from folks who may be overly critical with artistic designs.

Echoing the words of the wise ones, it's just a forum. Go outside and take a breather. Have fun, my beloved Other Trivia!

 

[Deleted member 143209]

but I'll have to disagree with you on keeping DLTMSA open. You've stated it yourself that you dislike segregation. In hindsight, DLTMSA was the thread that started this whole mess by acting as a "refuge" of sorts for posters who for some reason felt alienated by TCTI but still wanted a place to socialize (guilty). If we were to keep these two threads, I can predict that it'll just be the "TCTI regulars" and the "DLTMSA regulars" like in the pre-WOFZ days.

But the groups blended, they always did, everyone got along. But not now. There's no need for this division. It doesn't matter if the two threads have different groups, they're both good games, but do we need another game purely because people don't "fit in" right away? Maybe the regulars should make more of an effort to support new members coming into the threads and should post around in the other threads which have "groups" rather than pointing fingers in every direction other than your own.

It's your own fault. In my opinion, the only two counting threads needed are those stickied, unless something original pops up and isn't just a mirror of those. Which WOFZ is.

It's up to you as members to start coming together. This whole situation couldn't be more immature. Some of you guys just need to think for a second, about what this section is, and what you're arguing for. In my opinion, it's arguing for the sake of it, because you know what? Everyone wants to have an opinion.

Swallow the pride, and start branching out, there is no need for more than 2 counting threads (like the stickied), WOFZ should have been closed on day one. It's as simple as that. Regulars of OT will go to the other chat threads.

In all fairness, when has it ever been about the games when it comes to these particular ones? You guys, just need to make the morally correct decision and come together, and post together. There is no need for division.

 

[mishy.]

As for other things, I'm in favor of having less stickies and instead, adding an index as a few have suggested. Oh, and while I'm at it, can we finally put an end to random thread names? Sure, they're fun for the folks who requested them, but for the most part, users will who are out of the loop will be disinterested (especially new folks to the section). They were quirky and fun when they were first introduced, but now they're only adding to the problem of segregation that OT is plagued with at the moment.

While it may seem like that, DLTMSA actually had several people arrive to post, because of the recent name. While I do agree that the constant name changing of the title should be tuned down, some name changing can actually do good for the game. So perhaps we can propose an idea as to how to manage it.

I'm open to renaming the thread if need be, though I'm not sure if restarting the record would do any good since a fair number of folks can easily pull out the old record from an archive and it would again serve as a de facto record of DLTMSA.

Stand Alone actually had an idea that can tie in with the restarting of the old record. I don't want to take his idea from him and post it myself, but perhaps we can propose ideas for this as well. Figure out a way to make it so members are more in tuned with the numbers, rather than simply posting them to make it to the 'highest' number possible.

Jordan's first paragraph and Gavin's post are both statements that I agree with. The main point of it being that there is no need for this division. We're one forum. Why are we acting so divided like this? Just because they are different threads, it does not mean that they are different worlds that others cannot travel to. Everyone is able to post wherever they'd like as will. It is our faults in ourselves that were like this. It's time to bring ourselves back together, and we can do that while having more than one chatting thread.

 

[Riku]

To the above three posts, agreement~


As for that suggestion, I figured moving it here wouldn't be such a bad idea. Just haven't had much time today to do it ^^;

I think there could be something to that idea, though. Like, have it [DLTMSA] structured so that once in awhile, (not every month, orz) the rules are swapped. Maybe start out with the Mods choosing a couple of posters at random to reset as well. Then, when the next event rolls around, the previous event's posters with the highest numbers (like, say, the last event made it to 57. The people who got 55, 56, and 57 would be the winners) would get to reset the next event day. Seems like it'd help keep the game on-topic, plus it would somewhat implement the ideas of the original WOFZ (the temporary, 24-hour zombies)

Just a rough idea, but it seems like a pretty decent idea to merge the threads if ya ask me ^^

 

[Guy]

Here are some thoughts from a once-in-a-while OT visitor.

1. Limit the counting threads to the two stickied threads we have now (DLTMSA and TCTI). Both of them are chat / counting threads, and it seems like WOFZ is basically the same thing, so why the need for three? When DLTMS0 was first introduced OT was still doing fine when it came to the members. It actually got some of the TCTI regulars to branch off. I don't think it's needed to limit it to just one counting / chat thread because that isn't fair to everyone.

2. Please do change back DLTMSA to DLTMS0. From a regular member's perspective, it is boring that anytime a staff member posts with or without a number that the count must immediately go back to 1. Going back to its original route where a staff member could decide if they wanted to be naughty or nice might help keep focus to reaching the goals with a better chance rather than keeping members discouraged and just continuing to chat without much concern anymore. And if this makes it anymore similar to WOFZ, then all the more reason to just keep TCTI and DLTMS0 as the only two counting / chat threads available.

As for giving the game back its purpose, that's really up to you guys, the members. But I do think making set goals, changing it back to DLMS0, and people breaking out of their shell and focusing more on the game itself can help. It takes a group effort to make this happen.

3. I don't understand The Nightclub. It's supposed to be a small RP kind of game right? Well, I usually see more chatting, than actual Roleplaying. To be honest, I think this game in particular can use some structure on how it should be played or else it's going to be just another chat thread. Maybe it's just me and I don't get the game, but that's what it seems like. I'd be happy to help build structure in this particular game too and recreate it back to its purpose if I have this right.

...I already have ideas even.

4. I agree with Jordon, if you don't want to stop thread name changes completely, then at least simmer it down a bit. Go back to the original title every so often so new comers actually get to know what it is right off the back. Sometimes when I look at it, even I feel out of the loop because I might have missed the inside joke or something.

5. When I first came into OT when I first joined it felt like a friendly area, but when I posted a few times in TCTI I actually did feel ignored like Stand Alone mentioned. I get that you guys grow close together in your chats, but if a new member pops in, please welcome them. Fill them in on what's going on...something. You've got to stop being so reserved in your comfort zone, because you're hurting new comers who might actually want to take part in the game, but end up leaving it not too long after because they felt unwelcome or out of the loop.

6. Open your chats and extend to the horizons. Gosh, I can't count how many times you all speak about anime, manga, and things like that in your chats. There is so much in the world to discuss about other than those small variety of topics that always come up. This is both a good way to find further common interests and make new members who aren't into those things feel more welcomed where they can discuss more than just the same old thing. I highly suggest this!

7. OT isn't centered around TCTI or any other counting / chat thread. This is a section made for forum games, and there are many forum games on the lower board that some of you don't even branch off to. Most regulars now just come for the chat threads, rather than the real meaning of this forum. I agree with Gavin that OT lost its meaning. It's time you guys do swallow your pride, come outside of your comfort zone, and play some of the other games. OT's activity isn't going to grow on TCTI, DLTMSA, WOFZ, or the Nightclub alone. Get involved in the other games OT has available. Bring back the meaning to this forum and branch off.

...and regarding the two stickies, if you're a regular of TCTI get out of it for a little. Go into DLTMSA sometimes and the other games. Or if you're a DLTMSA regular, get out of that for a little bit and step into TCTI and the other games OT has to offer. This is one section for you all to enjoy, not two nations standing at the borderline. Get to know one another, because you guys already have one thing in common: You all enjoy coming to OT for some reason.

All of this is much easier said than done, or at least the part about branching off and getting into the other parts of this section more, but if you don't at least try, then nothing is ever going to change here. There will still be cliques, there will still be a divided group of members, and OT will start to become unwelcoming to most new comers.

8. As for stickies, all that's really needed are OT Guidelines, DLTMS0, TCTI, the occasional PPC, and an index of all the current games around the board (I support the making of an index).
​

I will say though that nothing will ever come to an agreement if the arguing doesn't stop. People will continue to be biased to what they favor rather than think of what's actually needed and what isn't needed and in the end, changes to the forum will take longer than it needs to.

Just my thoughts anyway.

 

[mishy.]

Alright, I pretty much agree with you in everything you said, Hiiro. And it looks like everyone else is starting to have the same idea. So here's what I've come up with:

1. Close WOFZ. From the looks of it, everyone is starting to get the fact that WOFZ is a lot like DLTMSA, and well... it is with a few minor differences. It's like having both 'The One Above' and '<^V' here in OT.

2. Change DLTMSA back to DLTMS0. That way, we Mods can have more of a choice whether or not we can count, thus making it more possible to reach a new record, rather than giving up and simply chatting.

3. Limit the name changes. Perhaps set a few days in which the title can change depending on what's going on, but never having the original title seems to confuse a few people, like stated above.

4. (Possibly) Reset the record in DLTMS0. Then perhaps, have something like Stand Alone suggested above (or anything else if anyone else have any ideas) so the game can be more exciting for everyone.

5. Expand the horizons, and not just where you post. Expand the topics in the current threads, so more people are able to join in. Remember guys, this is OT, not the DCC over in OC . If you would like to change the topic in DLTMS0 or TCTI, you can.
5a. With this, everyone else has to be more welcoming. A reason why this has happened was because people were feeling ignored when they tried to enter a conversation. Allow people to join in. Yes, I realized that sometimes they ninja your post, but there is an editing button for a reason.

6. Play more games out of the chatting threads! I've noticed a few people only come along, just to chat in one of the threads such as TCTI, and not go and play any games. Games, such as 'The One Above' and the likes could definitely use more love.
7. Stickies will be as followed: OT Guidelines, Index, DLTMS0, and TCTI, with the occasional PPC.
Any final disagreements to this?

As for the NightClub, TheSmartOne has been trying to make it so it's more roleplay like, than more chatting like. So perhaps, if you'd like, you can run your ideas over by her, Hiiro. :3 I'm sure she would appreciate the help.

if this sounds like a shorter version of Hiiro's post, I'm sorry. He pretty much hit the nail dead on. XD;

 

[Jordan]

While it may seem like that, DLTMSA actually had several people arrive to post, because of the recent name. While I do agree that the constant name changing of the title should be tuned down, some name changing can actually do good for the game. So perhaps we can propose an idea as to how to manage it.

We can't exactly measure the number of people who turned away from posting in DLTMSA/TCTI because of the random titles exactly because we'll never even hear from them, but nonetheless we should take them into consideration when dealing with these random thread titles. I know at least one person had been tricked into thinking DLTMSA was something else and proceeded to discuss the topic of the thread title, never to return after finding out what it actually was.

While I agree with all the people here saying that everyone should expand their posting ranges, I don't think that the folks who used to be afraid to post outside of their comfort zones are completely unjustified and 100% at fault. There have been some instances of people ignoring newcomers and some even treating them as "n00bs" for a lack of a better term, so reprimands shouldn't be exclusive to those who were afraid, but also those who actively promoted segregation in the first place. Luckily, I feel that the anti-n00b attitude had died down a bit from before.

For Hiiro's #2, I never quite understood the stigma that surrounded the idea of a staff member counting. I honestly don't. If it's not fun for everyone, then what's the point of the game? As well, I strongly agree with Hiiro's #6. I can't count how many times I've been turned away from posting simply because the discussions were dominated by the same topic that I'm not interested in all the time. No disagreements on #7 either.

Stand Alone's idea at first appears to be a bit of a stretch in my opinion since a bit of activity would be required from a few people who might have real life time constraints, but it's not nonviable. If we can work around this idea so that a third counting thread wouldn't need to exist, I'm all for it.

Well, this thread was a great idea, whoever came up with it. I've been wanting to voice out/see someone talk about many of these issues for a long time in a public discussion.

 

[mishy.]

It sounds like it's mixed then. Sometimes people come because of the title and stay, while others do not. So I'll be changing DLTMSA back to it's original title, and changing it to DLTMS0 in the process (as it looks like no one disagrees that us mods should have fun to, and by looking at what you're saying). I never really understood it either. Then again, I wasn't around when it changed from DLTMS0 to DLTMSA in the first place... I don't think.

Aye. It's like a mentioned. Not only should people post out of their 'comfort zone' and not only post in the other chatting threads, but in the games as well (Hiiro's #7), people need to be more welcoming to others when they come in and join in the on the topic. That way things such and what is happening now, or what happened in the past so to speak wouldn't happen again. As for the topic, I don't think people understand that they were welcome to change the topic at hand. If people don't ignore others, then changing the topic to something else should be much easier, and much more feasible for those who want to change the topic, so to speak. . . I don't even know if that makes much sense, but hopefully you know what I mean? XD;

/nod. We can always ponder and come up with a good way to make Stand Alone's idea work here. :3

SO, the first thing that will be done is changing DLTMSA to DLTMS0, as Netto and I agree with this, and it doesn't look we we've had any disagreements to this. Then, we'll start working on the others things that will make this place back to how it was in the past: a fun place for everyone.

haha. looks like we have mixed opinions on this thread, but in a way, I'm quite glad as well. Looks likes some things are finally coming out of it.

 

[Netto Azure]

Had to fix the title there a bit. Been irking me for a while lol.

Well reading through the mixed bag of opinions, I'm willing to give a go to the recommendations that people have put forward.

I especially am for the Index Thread idea. People sometimes need a place to learn how the more active threads here work.

Changing DLTMSA (Yes it's easier for me but I can' even remember why it turned into that) back to DLTMS0.

 

[A Pixy]

But, why? ;_;

Oh, and it was changed to DLTMSA as opposed to DLTMS0 because:

[jq]EDIT:Because people like to effing cheat the mod saying a number does not count. It automatically goes back to 0 as he she is a mod or a higher staff member.[/jq]

Shouldn't the original thread creator make the rules?

 

[Aquacorde]

Shouldn't the original thread creator make the rules?

The original thread creator made the rules a while ago, and I would think that the game should evolve with the times, yes?

I support the new rules.