unforum

[Rekidk]

[Big_Larry]

Re: The possibilities of your community

[pancito]

Re: The possibilities of your community

[Big_Larry]

Re: The possibilities of your community

[pancito]

Actually I think we were saying the same thing in slightly different ways. Your post just got me thinking about it some more, so I posted. And I agree with the way you put it here. I've been to enough English geek conferences and Department meetings to know how clueless any specialization can become. "They don't read! What's wrong with them?" Ummmm They don't read the books you think they should (or even books)... How about changing the way we deliver content?

[fonograph]

This question about the importance of specialization in ARGs linked to real problems is interesting, so I'll have to ask your forgiveness as I do bit of a non-sequitur and return to the original issue of solo vs. community for a moment.

This is actually something I've struggled with quite a bit. I'm glad the topic's come up because I'm really interested in hearing what you guys think.

The main problem I have whenever I get involved in an ARG is that I feel pretty useless. On a gameplay level, I feel like there's nothing that I could accomplish that the other hundred players couldn't. At any given moment, there's already five people communicating with any given story character, ten people analyzing the latest website, and some super-intelligent puzzle-solving genius cracking the newest code. On a social level, I find it really hard to develop the kind of bonds that others have described -- generally I just feel like another faceless, meaningless alias in the IRC user list. That's the thing about online community -- it's fabulous once you've developed some solid relationships, but until you do it can be wrist-slittingly isolating (in my experience.)

Of course, when I talk like that it sounds like I hate ARGs and I hate playing them, which is the opposite of reality. But for me, these are major issues, and they've been on my mind a lot, so I'd really appreciate some input!

[faeryqueen21]

I totally know how you feel fono. There are tons of times where I feel totally useless in a game. I don't really have a skill set that always makes me useful in games either. I don't let it stop me from playing and being very vocal during a game. I've played games before where the other players thought I was a key member of the group just because I was always posting about updates. My diligence, or lack of a life, meant I was always saying things like, "New blog up" or something like that. As a result players would PM me asking for my thoughts on the latest puzzle. Of course I could not help, but it made me feel great to know that they thought I could.

Just making your presence known on the board will help you feel like part of the game and let people know you are there. If someone solves a puzzle write, "Wow, great job! I never would have thought of that". I'm not saying you should suck up, but there are plenty of reasons to put your two cents in even if you don't think it will help further the game. Someone else may get an idea from something you said.

If there are certain players you respect, play the games they play. There are tons of people whom I follow. If I see someone I like is playing a game, I'll consider playing too. That's a good way to make friends. Play with the same people over and over again and you'll at least develop a professional relationship if not a personal one.

I've also starting hanging out in other parts of uF I didn't used to. Like here! Rather than just sticking to News and Rumors I've started posting my thoughts in Meta, or playing games in Timewasters. It opens you up to a lot of other players you wouldn't normally interact with.

I hope that helps at least a tiny bit!

[EDIT] One other small thing you could do: pick an avatar! Post your favorite movie quote as your signature! Both of these things will tell other players something about you and there just may be someone out there who shares your interests.

[catherwood]

[krystyn]

ha, cather, I did the same thing during the Beast! I would always 'solve' the Shakespeare quotes used to get into Martin's diary by myself, and *then* catch up on the mailing list.

It also seems, correct me if I am wrong, that there's a lot of chaotic fiction out there right now that is a little light on having a rich, complex narrative. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but a design that relies on the strength of smartypantseseses to solve all the technical/code/puzzly mysteries, therefore moving the story forward, tends to be a design that leaves the community unbalanced.

No single player fits neatly into a box, in terms of what they are capable of doing, or what they enjoy - but a game tends to build community when it has pockets of mystery at many different levels, or in many different aspects. The wonder and delight of ARGs is often found in an archeology that feels more organic than not.

[pancito]

@fonograph...
faeryqueen has some really good advice. There are people that I read their posts whether I'm involved in that particular game or not. I tend to go towards games where those people are involved, but not always. If I don't like the vibe or something I do something else. Hurts to Heal is a good example. A lot of people I like and admire are playing that one, but it totally turns me off. I still lurk some though. It took me 150 posts to get my first solve, but I tried to contribute something in those previous 149 posts, even if it was only 'How did you do that?' or 'Good job!'

I'm not big on the social network sites, but I do like the social network here. I consider a lot of the people on this board my friends, even if I don't know their real names, what they do, or whatever. I like the way they think, their senses of humor, etc.

I like the puzzles and trying to see the big picture, but I'm not particularly good at either one. But sometimes just putting in your $.02 can give someone else an idea. I guess what I'm saying is, figure out the people you like, the games you find interesting, whatever, and go ahead and jump in. Most of the people here are more than willing to help out a newb. We've all been there, we're all still learning as the form expands and changes.