Jimson

[Dichotomy]

'Yep, sure wish we could figure out what would consistently make that happen.'

looks, to me anyway, that you're headed in the right direction.  The only thing the AVA really 'needs' right now are a few dedicated people to populate the arena on a regular basis.  *shrug* I'm always going to be a bit sub par but, as I said, my current schedule is to ensure that I log on and put at least an hour or so in the AVA on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  If I miss a night during the week I'll try to make it up on a concurrent night.  Little comfort as that is tonight I logged on and was all by myself.  Started deacking 21 to see if anybody would poke their heads in and, sure enough, after my first sortie I got plugged.  Granted all I saw in there were three to begin with but it's not a bad start. 

Don't know if the culture has changed since I was a semi regular but, and correct me if I'm wrong, vulching, ho's, ganging a 1 v 1, going over the top with smack talk, etc, are somewhat frowned upon? I'm currently flying by the old ways I knew and to my detriment.  The positive side is I'm seeing some of the old guys I loved flying with and against.  Not exactly 'rules' but the culture of this particular arena.   

[Puma44]

Couldn't agree with you more.  Jappa and I are big advocates of AVA and go in every time we fly.  A couple of days ago, I flew four sorties in a 110 on an airfield, took down all the ack, ord, fuel,and still no uppers. So, I worked on the barracks.  Somewhere along the way got the radar also.  Still no players even with all those candles lit up.

The AVA culture is definitely different than the MAs.  Although recently, there's been an increase in HO fans.  Overall, the AVA is a consistently fun experience. Looking forward to more flying with you regulars.

Check Six! 

[jimson]

Kind of a catch 22, we want to bring more people in but that will also bring more "less than gentlemanly" behavior.

I just avoid the HO's and such and don't worry if others don't, although there have been times I accidently hoed someone in the heat of battle when I couldn't quickly determine what direction he was flying LOL.

If we can increase the population, just look at the hoers, gangers and vulchers as priority targets.

[Puma44]

Understood.  It's been my occasional observation that when the numbers are up fairly high, the "less than gentlemanly" behavior creeps in a bit.  Still, it's good when there are lots more players in the arena.

I'm the same way about HOs and can neutralize the attempt most of the time. Not much skill involved in driving straight at the other guys spinner.  Although, in modern aerial combat, "shoot 'em in the face" is a frequently preferred shot and eliminates the possibility of the opponent converting the six.  Ah, but, I digress.

Good idea, priority targets.