New guys - do we welcome them?

[Wizz]

I understand the old "boys will be boys" attitude of the game. HTC doesn't want to restrict game play in the arenas figuring that the more things "allowed" the more people that will come in. Sure they have some rules, and sure they have a way to report those that don't abide by them, but not everyone knows that, nor do they want to be a tattle tail and use them.

At this point we have a bar scene with drugs being sold openly, knife fights happening all the time, the pool table not only has beer stains and cigarette burns but also has the chalk outline of a dead patron with the associated blood stain. Not a friendly place to hang out except for the "regulars".

Picture the old "Double Deuce"  from the "Road House" movie. Small tie bar with a bad attitude. In comes Patrick Swayze and cleans up the whole mess and the next thing you know it is THE place to hang out with a waiting line out side.

HTC needs to add a few mods and these mods need to a bit stricter. When they see people acting up they can "ask them to leave". If they don't leave or calm down they can be ejected. If they come back and cause trouble they get banded. I know HTC likes having the "flexibility" of very few rules, but there has to be some rules, some control, some consequences to your actions. If not there is chaos and a toxic atmosphere thet will NOT endear this game to anyone.

In the TOS add a few rules. On the message of the day post the rules and consequences. Bring in more MODs to cover the day/night so the odds are very good there is always one on. The community has already proven that it can not control itself, we need baby sitters. Once the arena is back under control the new players coming in will find a better environment and will also behave themselves by following the example of the other players.

this  fugi for President 2016!!!

[Scca]

I understand the old "boys will be boys" attitude of the game. HTC doesn't want to restrict game play in the arenas figuring that the more things "allowed" the more people that will come in. Sure they have some rules, and sure they have a way to report those that don't abide by them, but not everyone knows that, nor do they want to be a tattle tail and use them.

At this point we have a bar scene with drugs being sold openly, knife fights happening all the time, the pool table not only has beer stains and cigarette burns but also has the chalk outline of a dead patron with the associated blood stain. Not a friendly place to hang out except for the "regulars".

Picture the old "Double Deuce"  from the "Road House" movie. Small tie bar with a bad attitude. In comes Patrick Swayze and cleans up the whole mess and the next thing you know it is THE place to hang out with a waiting line out side.

HTC needs to add a few mods and these mods need to a bit stricter. When they see people acting up they can "ask them to leave". If they don't leave or calm down they can be ejected. If they come back and cause trouble they get banded. I know HTC likes having the "flexibility" of very few rules, but there has to be some rules, some control, some consequences to your actions. If not there is chaos and a toxic atmosphere thet will NOT endear this game to anyone.

In the TOS add a few rules. On the message of the day post the rules and consequences. Bring in more MODs to cover the day/night so the odds are very good there is always one on. The community has already proven that it can not control itself, we need baby sitters. Once the arena is back under control the new players coming in will find a better environment and will also behave themselves by following the example of the other players.

The problem is, the (|) head's are paying the bills right now, and there are a lot of them. 

We have the "DA ME!!" griefers. (as if winning in the DA means anything to anyone that is old enough to vote), the ALT-F4 griefers, and the old guard who wouldn't help an old lady across the street much less someone new to the game. 

I have to say that the primary reason for ignorant noobs is the lack of documentation available.  Much of the player created stuff is out dated, and HTC doesn't seem to desire to create it's own.  I spent 2 weeks trying to figure out how the game worked before I started my 2 weeks, and still got yelled at for not doing the right thing.  They didn't try to help correct my mistake, they just berated me for making that mistake.  It wasn't until days later I understood what I did, and I had to figure it out on my own. 

Sorry to say this, but noobs are ignorant because HTC wants it that way.  If he didn't, there would be something more than the most basic information to go by.  <flamesuit on>

[DubiousKB]

Sorry to say this, but noobs are ignorant because HTC wants it that way.  If he didn't, there would be something more than the most basic information to go by.  <flamesuit on>

Flamesuit penetration +1 activated!

My guess right now would be that HTC is more focused on getting the next iteration of the game out so that alot of the discussions had on the forums can be implemented. If I've learned anything on here it's that there's always a big wig watching....   

HTC and co. want the game to succeed as much as we do. Perhaps in the new game there will be a more structured introduction to the game. I envision the Training Area to include briefing room videos and data one could review before ever climbing into a cartoon plane... Heck, it could be player driven media as there are alot of fellas who create excellent resource materials for this environment.

I agree with OP on the point that it has to begin with the players. In a sandbox if even one kid is throwing sand, it will make the sandbox no fun for everyone else. Salute to those players who taught me a thing or two <Knights>

... And a couple of the bad guys taught me a thing or two as well through relatively friendly PM's when I asked: "How'd you do that!?"

[FLS]

Sorry to say this, but noobs are ignorant because HTC wants it that way. 

Silly of them to have a training corps then.

The fact is anybody can find out everything they need to know.

[craz07]

I always take the time to help a new guy out, I don't know why, I guess cuz it was always offered to me so I figure it's just the way we do things.  In fact I enjoy helpin noobs out a lot, makes me think back to the first time I started playing the game and all the excitement and mystery surrounding it then...

[Scca]

Silly of them to have a training corps then.

The fact is anybody can find out everything they need to know.

Even finding out there IS a training corp isn't easy for a new person. IMHO

[Wiley]

Silly of them to have a training corps then.

The fact is anybody can find out everything they need to know.

Yep, but they have to dig for it.  The info's available if you know the BBS and/or happen to find the right person at the right time.  That's not the point.

It could be made a lot easier for people to find the info they need.  Virtually nobody plays a game just because the newbie tutorials were incredibly well done.  Plenty of people leave games because they couldn't easily figure out what to do.

I make it a point to answer direct questions when I notice them.  It doesn't take much time out of your day and the person gets what they need.

Wiley.

[PJ_Godzilla]

lol.  what new players?

Exactly. The chance would be a fine thing.

[Lusche]

The fact is anybody can find out everything they need to know.

In theory yes, but it's quite unpractical. The HELP & FAQ pages are doing not a particularly good job in presenting information. Not very good structured, stuff is missing or sometimes outdated. On the trainer homepage there's outdated info as well (which I tried to get corrected years ago, to no avail).

When I was a noob, it took me quite some determination to find the correct info for many basics. Not much has changed with that.

[Lusche]

Oh, and please; When in the MA, don't tell the new guys "Go to the TA". I still read that regularly. If you send them to the TA, go with them, as for the most time there ain't anybody there at all.
If you can't do that yourself, explain them how to contact the trainer corps and where the HELP & TRAINING forum is located. Questions posted there usually get answered rather quickly.

[waystin2]

Oh, and please; When in the MA, don't tell the new guys "Go to the TA". I still read that regularly. If you send them to the TA, go with them, as for the most time there ain't anybody there at all.
If you can't do that yourself, explain them how to contact the trainer corps and where the HELP & TRAINING forum is located. Questions posted there usually get answered rather quickly.

Very true Snail.

[FLS]

Even finding out there IS a training corp isn't easy for a new person. IMHO

Every time you enter the training arena there is a message telling you how to request training.

In theory yes, but it's quite unpractical. The HELP & FAQ pages are doing not a particularly good job in presenting information. Not very good structured, stuff is missing or sometimes outdated. On the trainer homepage there's outdated info as well (which I tried to get corrected years ago, to no avail).

When I was a noob, it took me quite some determination to find the correct info for many basics. Not much has changed with that.

All you have to do is ask. Most new people don't ask, the ones that do get answers.

People who choose to look for themselves will find the information is being updated. What they need to get started is there.

[Hetzer7]

I think Rooks are pretty decent with new people; I always try to throw them a wtg when they land kills and answer basic questions in chat, etc.

[SPKmes]

I myself try to help new guys. And if I am on another side I will  check the roster  for a  like minded person to try and help them. This is in part because I had the pleasure of helpful guidance when I first started...i think though it also comes down to the fact I was willing and wanting to be helped as I knew I knew nothing about the game even though I had played other flight type games...so I believe it is a double edged sword really... all the writes ups in the word mean jack if there is no intention  of wanting to read (everyone learns by you tube don't you know)...unfortunately most of the new type of player IMO falls into a I know I know gamer and they are now the teacher types so...they are actually teaching wrong from the outset..

[Zoney]

Try helping them before they ask.  You folks that have played here awhile, you can tell immediately when someone is struggling.  PM them, be nice, but tell them they look like they could use some help.  Many new players will not ask, they are embarrassed, they are trying to play it cool, but you know they need help.

I can tell on the first pass when I am attacking bombers that someone is new.  Many new guys get frustrated with being shot down in fighters and will transition to bombers.  I believe it is because at least they have a feeling of accomplishment dropping bombs before they are shot down.  Many times in fighters, just lasting a bit longer than the last fight isn't enough for that feeling of accomplishment. 

Anyway, on the first pass on their buffs I see them struggling.  I've got their name because I just killed one of their AI's, and I slow it down a bit.  I get back into position to attack but I hang there a bit and PM them.  "Hey buddy, I'm Zoney, I just shot down your buff and wanted to know you need to lead me a bit more when you fire, your firing behind me".  "I'm going to attack again, from your High 1:00 this time, just off to your right".  Start firing when the range says 1000 and leave the trigger down, fire in front of my plane and let me fly into the bullet stream".

The response I get from this is overwhelmingly positive.  Yes I kill the second AI, but then, I PM them again..."hey buddy, I'm breaking off so you have a chance to land that last aircraft, good luck <S>"

You can be aggressively nice to new people, don't ask if they want help, just start helping them and as Snailman said earlier, don't suggest they go to the TA, take them to the TA and help them.