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Bam Stroker
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
278
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Posted - 2015.01.16 02:27:37 -
[1] - Quote
Hey guys, my name is Bam Stroker and I want to represent all of you on CSM X.
TL;DR (I think these go better at the top than the bottom) - 6 year Eve vet, organiser of EVE Down Under, does a weekly live internet radio show about Eve, helped to build the AUTZ into an active community that punches well above its weight, mastermind behind evemeet.com, EVE Bet marketing duder, foamy-mouthed crazy about getting Eve nerds together to foster relationships and generate content, friends with literally everyone. (Yes, even you.) IGÇÖm seeking a seat on the CSM to use that platform however I can to empower other community builders and special interest groups. Community, community, community! Also: community.
I rolled my first character in 2004 and spent several years in a cycle of unsubbing and resubbing a few times a year until Eve finally GÇ£clickedGÇ¥ for me 2009. IGÇÖve been playing pretty much daily ever since.
Since then my in-game journey has taken me from mining and mission running in hisec, to small-gang PvP in Syndicate and living in low-end WHs to my current home as a line member of an AUTZ corporation in Pandemic Legion flying in sov.
But itGÇÖs the things IGÇÖve done and am passionate about when IGÇÖm not actually undocked which are why IGÇÖm putting myself forward as a candidate for CSM, because as much as I love this stupid game about internet spaceships the thing that really engages me are the people that I share it with.
By now the role of the CSM and our understanding of it has matured beyond the early days of it naively being treated like some kind of fantastical wish-granting factory: i.e. "if you vote for me I'll make CCP do X". We now all better understand the CSMGÇÖs role as a stakeholder in the development process and its limitations. That said, it's reasonable to expect that each candidate brings their own particular priorities to the CSM and I'm no exception:
With apologies to James Carville: GÇ£ItGÇÖs the community, stupid.GÇ¥
MY PLATFORM
The engagement and interconnectedness of the community is as important to the long term health of Eve as the resist profile of an IHUB, addressing AFK cloaking or the distance a capital ship can jump.
In-game special interest groups (or as IGÇÖll call them: GÇ£societiesGÇ¥) are entities that come together around a particular activity, interest, language, location or external social platform. These are things like NPSI communities, Incursion communities, lore and RPing groups, players from the same city or timezone, forums, Twitter etc.
These societies have a tremendous impact on the game. They generate content for players to exploit, whether those players are members of the society in question or or just third parties that encounter those groups out in space. Beyond in-game content, these societies foster and maintain relationships that keep players engaged and logging in which feeds back into the generation of content.
Societies are also a boon to the retention of new players, providing many of them with a place to get assistance or mentoring and expose them to the wide variety of experiences that Eve has to offer which they simply donGÇÖt find out about from the tutorials. *IF* new players know they even exist or how to find them, that is.
The biggest problems facing these societies (or would-be societies) right now are a lack of robust administration tools and a complete lack of discoverability within the client.
Meanwhile, real-life player gatherings are an extension of these in-game societies into the real world and they are an enormous amount of fun and incredibly powerful in solidifying bonds between players. As someone who has either organised or supported countless player gatherings ranging from small pub meetups to major, multi-day events IGÇÖm acutely aware of the challenges faced by people trying to get an endeavor like that off the ground.
Community often gets overlooked in CSM campaigns though because the burning issues that many players are seeking attention for relate to high-profile, single issue mechanics or balance problems (eg. fixing sov, Ishtars).
The CSM shouldnGÇÖt be so myopic though. Although those other issues are important, remember that CSM X will have 14 members. Even if you donGÇÖt get out of bed to vote thereGÇÖll still be predictable mix of representatives from nullsec, lowsec, hisec and WHs as well as a couple with special interests like the new player experience or third-party tools.
But I need your support to bring a dedicated community focus to the council. IGÇÖll put community first and will look at matters brought before the CSM through the prism of how the community will be affected and advocate for anything practical that will improve the experience of community builders like myself, which in turn will benefit Eve players at large.
I want more of these societies to emerge, grow and thrive so that more players - whether youGÇÖre actually involved in a society or not - can benefit from the friendships and content that they provide. If you see the value in that too then I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming election.
AUTZ best TZ
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Bam Stroker
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
278
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Posted - 2015.01.16 02:27:58 -
[2] - Quote
WHY IGÇÖM RUNNING NOW
I had previously considered running for both CSM 8 and 9. In the end I deferred and decided that I wouldnGÇÖt put my hand up until I felt like I had something to offer the CSM that nobody else could. I hadnGÇÖt intended to run this year either, but then Mangala Solaris messed that up.
I had read many of the things heGÇÖd posted calling for support for special interest groups in Eve and I spoke to him at length about it at EVE Vegas. Mang and I shared many common ideas and concerns for community support and it seemed to me he was the guy to carry it forward in the CSM. I could rest easy.
But when I found out he wouldnGÇÖt be seeking re-election for CSM I knew that I wouldnGÇÖt be able to just relax and let someone else take care of all the work - I had to put my hand up if I wanted to see this important agenda advanced to CCP and so here I am.
WHAT IGÇÖLL BRING TO THE CSM
In real life I work in subnational government, specifically GÇ£non-media communicationsGÇ¥. Note the GÇ£non-GÇ¥ part before media - IGÇÖm not a spin doctor; my job is to articulate and disseminate information to a large body of people and efficiently process the feedback. IGÇÖm also used to working in small teams that require frequent and clear internal communication. I can think of few IRL jobs that would have as much relevance to a body like the CSM.
In addition to my IRL skill set, my involvement with EVE Down Under has put me in regular contact with CCP. I have established relationships with many of the developers and already have an respectable understanding of the structure and culture of the company. I have also followed the CSM closely for several years and I donGÇÖt expect it to be some kind of special snowflake social club. In fact I anticipate there will a great deal of frustration that accompanies the role, but IGÇÖm prepared for that and will do my utmost to deal with everyone involved - CCP, other members of the council and the players - with grace and respect.
EVE consumes a lot of my free time and I actually like it that way. IGÇÖve kept up a constant pace for the last couple of years organising EVE Down Under, handling our social media, attending player gatherings, doing a weekly internet radio show, playing the game itself and working on numerous side projects. People can vote for me with confidence that IGÇÖm not going to give up and go afk or burn out since if that were going to happen it would have already happened well before now.
Any organisation I've been involved with has been left better off than when I found it. I have a thick skin, play well with others and there's no task - no matter how small or mundane - that I'm too proud to put time and effort into. I will be a hard working, accessible and reliable member of the CSM - qualities I have already demonstrated many times through the myriad other projects I've been involved with in Eve.
SOME THINGS IGÇÖVE DONE
EVE Down Under - organiser of what was the largest player-run gathering in the world last year. The EVE Down Under Show - a weekly live internet radio show about Eve with an AUTZ twist. EVE Meet - a site to connect people with local player gatherings in their area. EVE Bet - marketing and promotions guy. ItGÇÖs been my pleasure to provide hundreds of billions in ships, PLEX and ISK vouchers to numerous NPSI communities, blogs, podcasts and news sites and to shower nerds with swag at player gatherings around the world.
Appearances on EVE TV and (wow) actual TV: EVE Vegas 2014 - in which I talk a lot about my feelings about community and player gatherings. The o7 Show Ep 1 - promoting EVE Down Under. EVE Fanfest 2014 - promoting EVE Down Under and the AUTZ. ABC TVGÇÖs Good Game - includes some clips of me talking about the community during a story they ran on B-R. I also spearheaded the effort to get the program to do a feature story on Eve.
IN CONCLUSION
Storytime: I was at a player gathering in Melbourne late last year. It was a big event with about 40 people in attendance and I got talking to a player who I hadnGÇÖt met before. During the the course of our conversation he told me that a few weeks earlier he had cancelled his subs and was just running down the clock because his corp had gone afk and heGÇÖd grown bored. By chance he found out about the meetup while browsing the Eve-O forums and decided he might as well come along.
He went on to tell me that heGÇÖd just met some guys from a corp that sounded fun and was going to go home, resub and apply to their corp. His story was one of the main inspirations that spurred me to create evemeet.net to enhance the discoverability of IRL player gatherings.
In some respects the community also functions as a kind of lifeboat providing that extra incentive to encourage people to st...
AUTZ best TZ
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Bam Stroker
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
278
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Posted - 2015.01.16 02:28:44 -
[3] - Quote
Reserved.
AUTZ best TZ
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Jayne Fillon
536
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Posted - 2015.01.16 02:32:03 -
[4] - Quote
Well THIS came out of left field! Either that or I'm completely oblivious.
Hopefully you weren't inspired by this tweet.
Either way, welcome to the rat race, I'm going to actually go back and read your OP now.
Can't shoot blues if you don't have any. Long Live NPSI.
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Sion Kumitomo
GoonWaffe Goonswarm Federation
279
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Posted - 2015.01.16 02:39:52 -
[5] - Quote
Fully 100% endorsed.
He's a community builder, he's thoughtful, and he's dashingly handsome. A gentlemen, a scholar, and the institution of the CSM would be lucky to have him.
Even if all his dial-in video on conference calls would be upside-down.
On twitter @siggonK
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Sarah Nahrnid
Association of Commonwealth Enterprises Nulli Secunda
41
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Posted - 2015.01.16 02:42:10 -
[6] - Quote
+1 AUTZ BEST TZ |
Siobhan MacLeary
Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters Ocularis Inferno
191
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Posted - 2015.01.16 02:58:20 -
[7] - Quote
Definitely got a spot on my ballot. The social aspect of EVE is what keeps people coming back, and the more tools we have to enrich and expand that, the better.
GÇ£Point out to me a person who has been harmed by an AFK cloaker and I will point out a person who has no business playing this game.GÇ¥ - CCP Soundwave
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Bam Stroker
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
282
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Posted - 2015.01.16 03:00:57 -
[8] - Quote
Jayne Fillon wrote:Edit: I read your OP, and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. A HUGE +1 from me. Huge. +2 even.
That being said, I do have a question for you:
With this announcement, you become the third member of Pandemic Legion to seek election to CSMX. Can you give us any insight on what you think about this, and how it will affect you? Are you running as an official candidate for PL?
First of all thanks for your endorsement, it means a lot. I know you and I in some regards are competing for a similar type of voter so it's particularly selfless of you to give it.
And yes I'm now the third member of PL to campaign for CSM but I am by no means running as a PL candidate (official or otherwise). I haven't discussed my plans to run with Manny, Xander or anyone in PL leadership. Within PL itself I'm not what you'd regard as a well known personality anyway.
That's not to say I wouldn't welcome the support of anyone in PL who wanted to give it by way of endorsement or votes, but for me to present myself to PL and say "I'm your guy." would be a conceit, because the priorities that big bloc sov candidates usually carry forward are quite different from mine.
AUTZ best TZ
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Sugar Kyle
Snuff Box Snuffed Out
937
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Posted - 2015.01.16 03:01:34 -
[9] - Quote
I am delighted to see Bam running. He pulled me aside to chat at Eve Vegas about the CSM and what he can do and bring to the table. His seriousness in making the decision was commendable and his dedication, passion, and energy for Eve the game and Eve the community are inspiring.
Member of CSM9 - CSM9 Weekly Updates
Running for CSMX - ReElect Sugar Kyle
Low Sec Lifestyle - An Eve Blog
@Sugar_Kyle
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Sir Substance
GoonWaffe Goonswarm Federation
657
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Posted - 2015.01.16 03:16:58 -
[10] - Quote
Bam was member #2 of the Adelaide Crew some time circa 2009, to date he has been a core member in building two eve communities, Adelaide Crew and Eve Down Under, from absolutely buttfuck nothing into active and open cross-coalition and cross-gameplay groups with strong communication channels and regular meetups. To date, no one has been bottled in the face.
11/10 would buy a beer at fanfest.
Was recently involved in saving a budgerigars life.
The beatings will continue until posting improves. -Magnus Cortex
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HAMBER BOGAN
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
55
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Posted - 2015.01.16 03:59:17 -
[11] - Quote
Ive known Bam for about 3 years now since he piped up in the Australian eve community and was a MASSIVE help running EVE Down Under and, next to RDNx, is one of the key guys who has made the EVE Down Under community into what it is today. There is no better person that I have met in my 6 years of playing EVE that I would love to see in the CSM than Bam.
Best Bogan
EVE Down Under - Australian EVE Community
www.evedownunder.com
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Alruan Shadowborn
InterSun Freelance SONS of BANE
26
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Posted - 2015.01.16 04:13:20 -
[12] - Quote
I've only been playing since 2013, but in that time, there have been few people I have heard spoken of with respect to the extent Bam is.
He was just plotting his move from the corp I am in to Sov when I joined, but to this day he is spoken of with respect within our corp, and even within Syndicate as a whole.
The work he puts in to connecting and building the AUTZ community is characteristic of the person behind the character, and I feel he would be an asset to both CCP and the CSM should he be successful in achieving CSM 10. |
LYGIA
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
50
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Posted - 2015.01.16 04:17:14 -
[13] - Quote
+1!!! |
Marlona Sky
Burning Napalm Northern Coalition.
5864
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Posted - 2015.01.16 04:26:50 -
[14] - Quote
You have my vote!
The Paradox
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Mynxee
The Retreat
45
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Posted - 2015.01.16 04:40:27 -
[15] - Quote
Well THAT was quite a good OP! You've earned yourself a high-ish spot on my slate!
======
Lost in space somewhere, probably playing poker for ISK at EOH Poker or scouting for EvE-Scout in Thera.
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Kryptyk
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
6
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Posted - 2015.01.16 04:57:28 -
[16] - Quote
Big +1 to this man who works tirelessly for the AUTZ as a whole and not just his corporation/alliance. Would represent Aussies proud on the CSM.
Check us out at EVE Bet to bet ISK on your favorite sports!
http://www.eve-bet.com/
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Renton Brax
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
36
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Posted - 2015.01.16 04:58:31 -
[17] - Quote
Hello, some of you might remember me from such OG events such as EDU 2015 where I, along side by good friend Dark Razer, gave a sterling presentation on leadership in Eve using as many double entendre as possible.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Bam for a while now and this is not unexpected, but welcomed.
He introduced himself at the first meet I went to in Adelaide, where a few weird blokes met at a pub in midday, suddenly were best mates and ended up sharing oysters kilpatrick late into the night. Since then I've known him to be a paragon of the AUTZ community.
The reasons he is getting my vote:
- He spends a considerable amount of time already organizing events for players, both in game and out.
- He strives to bring CCP into reach of the common player, giving advice, passing concerns and where possible sharing contacts.
- He always takes time out to talk to new players.
- He understands the issues coming out of almost every aspect of the game. He isn't an expert but he has put in the effort to know enough to understand when people are annoyed or glad.
- Finally, he doesn't care what corp / alliance / sec / style / affiliation / age / experience you have. To him any player is worth listening to and addressing their concerns.
He has my full support in this election.
#Bam4CSM
Renton Brax
edit: so it did't sound like I was pleasuring Bam. |
DON't SHOOTMEPLZ
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
59
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Posted - 2015.01.16 05:05:45 -
[18] - Quote
Huge +1,
he is all about the community. I believe he did or attempted to attend casual EVE meets around Australia, If you know the geographical size of Australa, that is no easy feet. (I know he attended the last Brisbane EVE meet)
He has put a lot of work into the Australian EVE community, not only helping host/improve on the EVE downunder event that is held Annually alongside of http://evewho.com/pilot/nGR+RDNx. also helped launch http://www.evemeet.net/ to assist with the community being notified by nearby EVE meets.
Will not let anyone down. |
nGR RDNx
Beta Crucis Endeavour.
62
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Posted - 2015.01.16 05:16:31 -
[19] - Quote
I have worked closely with Bam on various project and definitely a big +1 from me.
His tireless energy and infectious enthusiasm, along with his keenness to provide sensible / meaningful feedback to CCP, makes him an ideal candidate for CSM
RD
EVE Down Under - www.evedownunder.com - AUTZ = Best TZ
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Seraph IX Basarab
Hades Effect
516
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Posted - 2015.01.16 06:44:49 -
[20] - Quote
As someone that enjoyed devoting a good amount of his time helping develop and promote NPSI i'm glad to see someone on the ballot that can champion similar concepts. An NSPI candidate with an actual platform is both refreshing and unique.
+1
Hades Effect
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Otto Bismarck
Reikoku Pandemic Legion
12
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Posted - 2015.01.16 07:57:27 -
[21] - Quote
Bam Stroker is the most bro-y bro that I know. Last year he travelled to pretty much every major meet in Australia just so he could meet more nerdz. Tirelessly helping out with EDU and being that guy who will be like "Yep I can do that!". As the official host of the Eve Down Under show, +1 Bam Stroker.
However I also have a questio for you.
Although evemeet.net is amazing, how do you think that we can further engage players to build the communities/friendships and increase player retention?
It is much easier, in my mind to get two vets who have shot at each other forever into a RL meet, than it is to get a 2 week newbie to rock up to something out of game with people they haven't met...
Anyway Bam Stoker +1 |
sidicious reign
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
10
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Posted - 2015.01.16 08:30:04 -
[22] - Quote
Bam's a great chap, worked stupidly hard during EDU 2014 while the rest of his corp were getting drunk around him. That's some dedication.
+1
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Gil Gerard
Deep Core Mining Inc. Caldari State
0
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Posted - 2015.01.16 09:07:45 -
[23] - Quote
Not that my opinion is worth much in the scheme of things, but ive known Bam for the best part of 20 years. I still quite fondly recall the excitement I felt when he first showed me Eve. I couldn't get home fast enough to sign up.
While I haven't devoted as much time or energy to the game as Bam, I think it is fair to say there are few that have. We live in different states now, but that doesn't mean much in the internet of things. We recently arranged for a group of us to attend PAX AU together. It was something of a reunion of sorts, half a dozen long time friends from all corners of he country celebrating nerdhood together.
It took about five minutes for Bam to ditch us all for an Eve meet. That's how committed he is to the game and the community.
This isn't to say he ditched us completely of course, there were many ensuing shenanigans. We didn't mind his eve fervor - that's just Bam, a top bloke who's never let us down, and wont let you down either. |
Inceptor
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
4
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Posted - 2015.01.16 09:29:27 -
[24] - Quote
More than four years ago, I began playing eve. Fast forward 12-18 months, and I joined the same corp as one BAM STROKER. He mentored me in all aspects of internet space vessels. He showed me all the aspects this game has to offer, and showed just how immersive and amazing eve can be. Because of the PEOPLE that you fly with. The COMMUNITY. I have forever held him in the highest of regards, and would even call him friend, after drinking many, many beers with this fine gentleman. I can only reiterate those statements already made; This man is one of a kind. Enthusiastic, passionate, hard working, well spoken, intelligent, easy going... the list goes on.
He is the man that all of you WANT AND NEED on CSM. He is the man that will do his OWN PERSONAL BEST in everything he strives for, and then TRY AND ACHIEVE MORE. He is the man that YOU ALL NEED TO VOTE #1 FOR.
Bam Stroker. Your most important CSM Vote. |
shaun2tal
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
6
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Posted - 2015.01.16 13:50:48 -
[25] - Quote
+1
Bam is a good man and does alot for the autz community.
#Bam4CSM |
Asayanami Dei
Adhocracy Incorporated Adhocracy
1256
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Posted - 2015.01.16 15:23:38 -
[26] - Quote
Yey for community! \o/
Bam has my vote for sure.
I'm a leaf on the wind, watch how I--THE CAPACITOR IS EMPTY
Youtube: /asayanami
Twitter: @asayanami
The Anthology
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Uskaanax
InterSun Freelance SONS of BANE
4
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Posted - 2015.01.16 22:34:42 -
[27] - Quote
Bam for CSM! |
Trivikticus
Forcas armadas Anti-Social Club
0
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Posted - 2015.01.17 14:31:04 -
[28] - Quote
I've been around for over a decade and I've met no one more passionate about Eve than Bam Stroker. His personable demeanor, enthusiasm and overall helluva good dude vibe drives me crazy at times. The Eve COMMUNITY cannot be represented any better with Bam Stroker on the CSM. |
Bam Stroker
Van Diemen's Demise Pandemic Legion
296
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Posted - 2015.01.17 16:43:58 -
[29] - Quote
Wow, feeling pretty amped by the outpouring of support and kind words. Some even elicited feels I wasn't expecting (Gil and Inceptor). <3
Otto Bismarck wrote:Although evemeet.net is amazing, how do you think that we can further engage players to build the communities/friendships and increase player retention? One of (if not *the*) biggest issues that faces someone who is trying to build a society is discoverability. People can't get involved with these player groups or go to a meetup if they don't know they exist and the instigators have to be very, very pro-active - some might say aggressively so - if they're going to succeed at getting the attention of would-be participants.
An in-game "society bazaar" would be a great start. Similar to the corp search tool in the recruitment tab of the corporatation window. It would serve as a place for people to advertise their society, detail their particular area of interest and other relevant information such as language, timezone etc. Add it to the default icons on the neocom or station services button, too, and direct new players to it as part of the tutorial.
Out-of-game, the Oceanus release last September brought with it two of the most exciting things I've seen added to Eve in years: the new notifications beta and the beta opt-in feature itself. Most people probably didn't get all that hot and sweaty about them but I saw some great potential there:
CCP knows where we all live. They've got our info in their accounts database, their billing system and they see our IP whenever we log in. How amazing would it be if I could notify CCP that I was organising a player gathering and have an in-game notification pushed to all players who lived within, say, 100km of where it was taking place? I think engagement would skyrocket. Make it opt-out rather than opt-in, too.
There are some issues that present themselves, of course: people would find some reason to be mad that they got the notification in the first place but afterwards they can opt-out and not be notified again. There's the potential for people to make troll events and there might even be some legal liabilities that CCP face if something bad goes down at a meetup which they helped promote, even if they didn't organise themselves. They already promote player-run gatherings of course, but maybe there's are different considerations if they move those endorsements in-client. I don't think any of those are truly insurmountable with careful planning and implementation though.
If this all sounds familiar it's because this train of thought is basically what led me to come up with evemeet.net which has been really well received. However nothing would make me happier than if that site became completely redundant because CCP replicated its functionality in the client where it would be SO much more powerful.
Obtaining the dev resources to make things like these would be the biggest challenge I should think, and by now we pretty much all realise that nothing is ever as straight-forward as it seems given Eve's tendency to roadblock progress if project needs to touch on ancient, arcane spaghetti code.
I'm running for CSM X because I want to empower the community builders of New Eden and help make a richer social environment both in and out of game. I'll need your support.
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Glasgow Dunlop
The Dark Space Initiative Scary Wormhole People
243
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Posted - 2015.01.17 18:54:11 -
[30] - Quote
BAM FOR CSM X!
As a player that runs meets, I know how hard it is to get the voice heard.
The time is now right for a Community CSM who represents Community needs and values, yes its all fine and well for Null/WH/Lo/Hi to have there CSM members, what about when you step away from the client?
That last Post Bam, that should be what you try and get done for this time next year, yes it will take time, but nobody puts a road down without making plans and getting around bumps on the way.
Now my meets are at the smaller end of the scale, but its been built on a solid foundation. A good number of players know about the Glasgow eve meets, but there are still a lot that have never herd about. This can be said for every meet, things are getting better, but this is the time were those that like a drink and a chat face to face leave the keyboard behind.
@glasgowdunlop #tweetfleet
TDSIN Recruitment Director : Join 'TDSIN pub'
Glasgow Meet Organiser
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