Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Changeup on June 09, 2011, 01:40:21 PM
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Community,
In an effort to attract new players, how about this:
Any new player referral (as noted somewhere on the initial registration form using the referring player's OID)
that results in a subscription beyond the two week trial, the referring player receives 2 months free and 1000 perks evenly distributed through their players account. Commissions to be paid at the newb's 6 month, paid, anniversary.
Discuss amongst yourselves....
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That's too much. Just give them some perks and be done.
EDIT: You DO recall the thread just recently discussing the affiliates program, right?
http://www.hitechcreations.com/HiTech-Creations/Affiliates/affiliate-why-art.html
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Community,
In an effort to attract new players, how about this:
Any new player referral (as noted somewhere on the initial registration form using the referring player's OID)
that results in a subscription beyond the two week trial, the referring player receives 2 months free and 1000 perks evenly distributed through their players account. Commissions to be paid at the newb's 6 month, paid, anniversary.
Discuss amongst yourselves....
I agree with krusty, 500 perks would be best.
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I agree with krusty, 500 perks would be best.
I am curious as to how each of you arrived at "too much". I believe perks are free for HTC to give and 6 months of paid subscription is 90 bucks. HTC gives 30 back to the referring player, netting 60 minus admin costs to set the player up in the billing system (I don't know how much that would be but it cannot be much since 2 week trials are done)
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to much, perks are a better idea.
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umm no :)
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umm no :)
Umm, why?
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The same reason all the others have given until now. It's not reasonable to expect HTC to give up that much
revenue. After all, we already get the benefit of new players, they shouldn't have to bribe us to do it as well.
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The same reason all the
others have given until now. It's not reasonable to expect HTC to give up that much
revenue. After all, we already get the benefit of new players, they shouldn't have to bribe us to do it as well.
Rhino,
The others have given no reasons which is why I asked. The single best advertising is a referral, period. Which is a higher cost ratio, a one-time, 30 dollar payout or running the TV ad? As of late, HTC has not had great success with status quo word-of-mouth or advertising, hence the lower subscription rate and threads on how to keep 2 weekers. Also, what is more effective, you or I selling the gameplay to a friend or them watching an ad on TV?
Furthermore, who wouldn't spend 15 or 30 to make 60 and consider this....they would really be giving 15 or 30 back to a player they clearly already have a relationship with and that equals very little risk with potential for a long-term revenue stream.
If 100 players world wide refer 1 player each that is 9000 in ADDITIONAL revenue....with a 3000 credit. Add that to the new players you say HTC already gets and I think it's easy to see how fundamentally unsound your answer is.
Furthermore...the idea has a built in retention feature....if you bring someone into the game, are you going to personally help them? Of course you will and that will help them stay with the game long enough to get past the initial frustrations.
V/r
Changeup
Bribe? Please sir....that smacks of reaching for something to type.
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giving away $30 from an unknown quantity, completely unreasonable to ask for that.
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giving away $30 from an unknown quantity, completely unreasonable to ask for that.
Someone that stays 6 months is unknown? That is ridiculous. Again....spend 30 to make 60? You DO get that part right?
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what i'm getting is people want something for nothing.
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what i'm getting is people want something for nothing.
Then clearly you don't understand basic math...I bet you get that and delivering new players is not something-for-nothing....but that too, is basic math
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Ok, I recruit people to play this game already because:
#1. It's a fantastic game and I want to share the fun I have found.
#2. The more players the merrier so I am actually making the game better for me.
#3. It's the right thing to do when you believe some responsiblility to make the game better rests upon those who play.
#4. The History that may be learned about WW2 through this game and where this game may lead you to find out more about WW2 I believe is invaluable.
HTC does not need to give me anything, and if he does want to give me something a little public message board announcement monthly on who recruited whom would be just wonderful.
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Zoney,
Correct... I agree but that isn't working real well. I'm only saying maybe we'd all try a bit harder you know?
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you only pay $15 a month, there isn't a big enough player base to give away two months for free. if we paid $30 then $5 off for a couple would be reasonable.
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you only pay $15 a month, there isn't a big enough player base to give away two months for free. if we paid $30 then $5 off for a couple would be reasonable.
Sir...HTC would give up nothing until the 6 months have expired. The additional revenue gained during that time then pays for the rebate to the referer.
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While on the two week trial new players have unlimted choice of rides with no perk cost at all. Now how to deal with shades?
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While on the two week trial new players have unlimted choice of rides with no perk cost at all. Now how to deal with shades?
Ahh, great question. The 6 month minimum timeframe ensures that a shade account would have to be paid for before the referer gets his rebate...Score HTC $60 - Shade account $30
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Community,
In an effort to attract new players, how about this:
Any new player referral (as noted somewhere on the initial registration form using the referring player's OID)
that results in a subscription beyond the two week trial, the referring player receives 2 months free and 1000 perks evenly distributed through their players account. Commissions to be paid at the newb's 6 month, paid, anniversary.
Discuss amongst yourselves....
Personally i think its admirable of you thinking of ways to help generate customers for HTC. While I dont agree this is the solution [giving away revenue] No one should fault you for trying. <S> Changeup
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While on the two week trial new players have unlimted choice of rides with no perk cost at all. Now how to deal with shades?
Whats wrong with a shade account as long as it isn't used to pad your score? :lol If your that concerned about subscriptions you could have 2 accounts instead of trying to haggle a deal :neener: :rofl
Personally I don't get this whole the ships sinking thing? Every few months its like a few threads start about the state of the game then customers pitch in with their 2 cents on how to 'save' HTC all very well meaning of course but the fact is HTC own this game and me and you are customers.
IMO the biggest problem HTC will always have is their customers and keeping everyone happy when someone has to die in game for a customer to be happy :lol
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Personally i think its admirable of you thinking of ways to help generate customers for HTC. While I dont agree this is the solution [giving away revenue] No one should fault you for trying. <S> Changeup
Ty sir..... :salute
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Whats wrong with a shade account as long as it isn't used to pad your score? :lol If your that concerned about subscriptions you could have 2 accounts instead of trying to haggle a deal :neener: :rofl
Personally I don't get this whole the ships sinking thing? Every few months its like a few threads start about the state of the game then customers pitch in with their 2 cents on how to 'save' HTC all very well meaning of course but the fact is HTC own this game and me and you are customers.
IMO the biggest problem HTC will always have is their customers and keeping everyone happy when someone has to die in game for a customer to be happy :lol
Just offering an idea to generate more revenue... Btw, I don't think the ship is sinking....I think the ship needs more sailors.
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Community,
In an effort to attract new players, how about this:
Any new player referral (as noted somewhere on the initial registration form using the referring player's OID)
that results in a subscription beyond the two week trial, the referring player receives 2 months free and 1000 perks evenly distributed through their players account. Commissions to be paid at the newb's 6 month, paid, anniversary.
Discuss amongst yourselves....
Your pretty free with giving away HTC's money aren't you? Don't you think that this is something THEY should look at and maybe decide what to do. I think you might just be stepping over the line a bit by trying to run their company for them After "Warbirds" they are VERY protective of their company.
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Good post.
Just perks
In my case...enough perks to drive a Tiger around for an entire month.....with Kevlar armor resistant to bomb****s :neener:
<S>
Mano
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Your pretty free with giving away HTC's money aren't you? Don't you think that this is something THEY should look at and maybe decide what to do. I think you might just be stepping over the line a bit by trying to run their company for them After "Warbirds" they are VERY protective of their company.
Yes Fugitive...this is the beginning of a hostile takeover attempt....a devious referral program aimed at bleeding HTC so dry they will have to sell out to ME! MUHaHa...it's idea to increase subscriptions, aid retention, and drive revenue and now they have it to look at or poo poo. Either way, it ain't up to you and I'm quite certain Skuzzy isn't bashful...if and idea is crossing the line I'm pretty sure he would let me know.
What are your ideas? Lol
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MMO's very often offer established players free play and other in game goodies to help recruitment. The old "Recruit a Friend" thing. HTC does not me to tell them that.
I think it's a good idea.
Maybe the 2 months free play is a bit too much. 1 month is reasonable I think.
Perhaps HTC likes the player numbers around where they are at right now? Who needs to recruit?
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Yes Fugitive...this is the beginning of a hostile takeover attempt....a devious referral program aimed at bleeding HTC so dry they will have to sell out to ME! MUHaHa...it's idea to increase subscriptions, aid retention, and drive revenue and now they have it to look at or poo poo. Either way, it ain't up to you.
What are your ideas? Lol
Here's a really wild idea, I know it may be a bit over the head of most, but try and follow me on this......
wait for it...................
Do the same thing for FREE!
Ya, like I don't know, tell your friends about it. Make a T-shirt with some WWII stuff on if and wear it at an air show, ya know the things you'd do if you "might" get a free months subscription out of it :rolleyes:
It's HTC's company and he's done a pretty good job for almost 11 years now, I think they might be able to handle it, but hey if you want to help, make up one of the "sandwhichboard" type sign that says "ASK ME ABOUT ACES HIGH!" and walk around your town with it. :aok
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MMO's very often offer established players free play and other in game goodies to help recruitment. The old "Recruit a Friend" thing.
I think it's a good idea.
Maybe the 2 months free play is a bit too much. 1 month is reasonable I think.
That's great too! That makes the return for HTC even higher. TY Sir :salute
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Fugitive
Knock yourself out bro with the t shirt idea...because the un-incentivized program currently in place is kicking bellybutton isn't it? How many t shirts did you have made?
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Fugitive What are your ideas? Lol
He has none. Fugitive has always been more free with what other players should be doing tho. Nothing like getting slammed because you love the Game, love the company behind it, love the genre, etc. :rolleyes:
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my idea is:
put up a big pink spitfire billboard on some busy intersection with some hot blonde chick saying come ride me for FREE!
one off cost and its bound to attract some male interest. :D
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my idea is:
put up a big pink spitfire billboard on some busy intersection with some hot blonde chick saying come ride me for FREE!
one off cost and its bound to attract some male interest. :D
I do like that Bruv! Can she wear one of Fugitive's t shirts?
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Fugitive
Knock yourself out bro with the t shirt idea...because the un-incentivized program currently in place is kicking bellybutton isn't it? How many t shirts did you have made?
You do realize that a lot of people have hit some hard times. People are more interested in eating than they are playing games. I don't know what your situation is like, but I know many people that have been out of work for over a year (I did 8 months myself).
When :pray the economy picks up THAT would be the time to push for more advertizing and incentive programs. But again, it is neither YOUR place, nor MINE to try and run HTC. Do a few searches of post by Hitech. It won't be hard to find some that he has slapped down PAYING customers for stepping over the line when it comes to HIS business. Even tho they "mean well" and are only "trying to help" it isn't there place. That seems to be the part your having trouble with.
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Actually, him taking the time to come up with an idea, good or bad, agree or disagree, does a heck of alot more for the community then comming in here and blasting him apart.How in the name of all thats holy can someone fault him for doing that?
He has no control over HTCs business dealings, business model or anythng else HTC oriented. Hes just trying to find a way to support a business and a product in which he finds great enjoyment.
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You do realize that a lot of people have hit some hard times. People are more interested in eating than they are playing games. I don't know what your situation is like, but I know many people that have been out of work for over a year (I did 8 months myself).
When :pray the economy picks up THAT would be the time to push for more advertizing and incentive programs. But again, it is neither YOUR place, nor MINE to try and run HTC. Do a few searches of post by Hitech. It won't be hard to find some that he has slapped down PAYING customers for stepping over the line when it comes to HIS business. Even tho they "mean well" and are only "trying to help" it isn't there place. That seems to be the part your having trouble with.
The part YOU aren't getting is it's an idea. You talk like you have a deeply personal relationship with him. If you do, great, if you don't, please allow him to evaluate it and again....I'm quite certain HITech will slap me down if he has an issue with it. You seem to have his ear, give him a call and tell him Changeup is spending all of his company's money on a referral program.
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Actually, him taking the time to come up with an idea, good or bad, agree or disagree, does a heck of alot more for the community then comming in here and blasting him apart.How in the name of all thats holy can someone fault him for doing that?
He has no control over HTCs business dealings, business model or anythng else HTC oriented. Hes just trying to find a way to support a business and a product in which he finds great enjoyment. Most companies would love to have customers that think this way.
Yes so many businesses LOVE customer input that a vast majority just let their customers run their companies while they just go out a live the rich life.
Suggesting a solution to the populaces on how someone should run his company better is the wrong way to go about it. You want to suggest, suggest away, their email addresses are posted on the company info page. I'm sure they would love to hear from you and will take your suggestion with all the time and effort it is due.
Publicly suggesting that they don't know how to run their company ( because if you have to come up with the idea they couldn't possibly thought of on their own) is a great way to win over support :rolleyes:
HTC got burned before when they did Warbirds, they are smart enough to NOT get burned again. Personally I think your out of line going public with this, but hey that's only my opinion.
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Fugitive....so a referral program designed to increase subscribers is running the company? Either you don't know a lot about running companies or you don't have a lot of experience running a company...which is it because it can't be neither?
I know from experience that 1 marketing idea doesn't constitute running a company. I guess if it's not your idea, its not a good one huh?
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Fugitive....so a referral program designed to increase subscribers is running the company? Either you don't know a lot about running companies or you don't have a lot of experience running a company...which is it because it can't be neither?
No a referral program is good, maybe not at this time, as well as adding another commercial on the History channel, but again not at this time. The bang for your buck in these economic times will be much smaller than if you wait until people have more money to throw around.
The problem is you going PUBLIC with this. Had you made the suggestion to HTC and they they wanted to do it THEY could make an announcement. You didn't even have the grace to start out your "suggestion" with "How about this for an idea....." You took it upon yourself to offer up $15 of HTC's money with asking THEM about it. Even planting the idea is sticking your nose where it doesn't belong.
As you said, if Hitech wants to slap you down thats up to him. I just voiced my opinion your your post was classless and out of place. Either way thats just my opinion.
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No sir...you said that....not meAnd your opinion is worth what I paid for it
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I'm sorry fugi, but in this case, I don't see anywhere where changeup criticized how hitech runs his company. If I missed it, I apologize, but all I have seen is someone posting an idea about how to increase subscriptions in the forums for discussion, no harm done.
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How can you become an affiliate if you do not have a website to advertise on?
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I came to AH after watching the ad on the History Channel.
I can only assume that a different ad with some new footage with some of the optimal graphics, new towns, cities, bases, and better looking aircraft would draw a few thousand more players.
Only the folks at HTC know the numbers. While we can offer ideas and suggestions, let them make the decisions based off their experience and expertise. Few things make me more annoyed than having people who have not ever done what I do for a living tell me how to do it better.
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<edit>
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It is only an idea but I doubt very seriously if HiTech or Pyro or anyone at HTC is insecure enough to believe that someone posting an idea to generate IN or OUT water-testing is a threat to their business or an attempt to tell them how to run their business.
If they have already thought this idea through, hey...I will be the first to admit I'm not smart enough to come up with an orginal idea, but maybe, just maybe some folks might like an opportunity to help HTC, themselves, and new players.
V/r
Changeup
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#4. The History that may be learned about WW2 through this game and where this game may lead you to find out more about WW2 I believe is invaluable.
This is the key thing about the game. Kids do not understand the history of WWII. Yes, there are ppl on the BBS and arenas that pick on you if you do not know anything about WWII. That what scares them away from the game.
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how many people would be having their friends with computers just sign up and say that they were reffered by johnny just for the perks
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how many people would be having their friends with computers just sign up and say that they were reffered by johnny just for the perks
Or even people with multiple computers in there house that sign up just to get them.
:banana: :rock :banana: :rock :banana:
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how many people would be having their friends with computers just sign up and say that they were reffered by johnny just for the perks
They wouldn't get the perks until theyve paid for 6 months
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Or even people with multiple computers in there house that sign up just to get them.
:banana: :rock :banana: :rock :banana:
Please read the entire idea before you poke it in the eye
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They wouldn't get the perks until theyve paid for 6 months
oh.
yeah its a pretty good idea i'd say.but what if you get reffered and they decide to quit after 4 or 5 months.so close but no cigar.but 6 months is a good way to implement and make sure people arent 2 weekers just for perks
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oh.
yeah its a pretty good idea i'd say.but what if you get reffered and they decide to quit after 4 or 5 months.so close but no cigar.but 6 months is a good way to implement and make sure people arent 2 weekers just for perks
yes sir....that protects HTC from gooses that try to manipulate the system :salute
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yes sir....that protects HTC from gooses that try to manipulate the system :salute
How can you manipulate the system?
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How can you manipulate the system?
That's my point, set up this way, a player cant
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That's my point, set up this way, a player cant
Your signature is funny. Totally Val Kilmer! AWESOME
But I didn't understand your response. :(
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Your signature is funny. Totally Val Kilmer! AWESOME
But I didn't understand your response. :(
I meant if HTC ever decided to do this type of referral system, it can't be manipulated by shades or multiple computer owners unless they want to pay for multiple subscriptions
Yes....Val's best movie!!
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Copy that sir! :salute
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It is only an idea but I doubt very seriously if HiTech or Pyro or anyone at HTC is insecure enough to believe that someone posting an idea to generate IN or OUT water-testing is a threat to their business or an attempt to tell them how to run their business.
If they have already thought this idea through, hey...I will be the first to admit I'm not smart enough to come up with an orginal idea, but maybe, just maybe some folks might like an opportunity to help HTC, themselves, and new players.
V/r
Changeup
Its well intentioned enough Changeup trouble is it creates the collective effect on the community that some how the games makers are 'grasping at straws?' and has a snowball effect were people chip in their opinion, if left unchallenged the opinions will get more vocal. Theres already a thread inspired by this one, people seeing more of these threads side of side will leave a negative opinion on customers that the game is in trouble or that the makers are inept.
Go read for instance the Warbirds forum, I get a negative impression reading that, and that the game is in trouble some of the ideas by players are straight up ridiculous but it seems the games makers almost there almost encourage it for fear of offending people.
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Rhino,
The others have given no reasons which is why I asked. The single best advertising is a referral, period. Which is a higher cost ratio, a one-time, 30 dollar payout or running the TV ad? As of late, HTC has not had great success with status quo word-of-mouth or advertising, hence the lower subscription rate and threads on how to keep 2 weekers. Also, what is more effective, you or I selling the gameplay to a friend or them watching an ad on TV?
Furthermore, who wouldn't spend 15 or 30 to make 60 and consider this....they would really be giving 15 or 30 back to a player they clearly already have a relationship with and that equals very little risk with potential for a long-term revenue stream.
If 100 players world wide refer 1 player each that is 9000 in ADDITIONAL revenue....with a 3000 credit. Add that to the new players you say HTC already gets and I think it's easy to see how fundamentally unsound your answer is.
Furthermore...the idea has a built in retention feature....if you bring someone into the game, are you going to personally help them? Of course you will and that will help them stay with the game long enough to get past the initial frustrations.
V/r
Changeup
Bribe? Please sir....that smacks of reaching for something to type.
The idea is a sound and proven one Changeup. There may be some issues with folks quitting, and re-signing up under the referal program to get free months. Don't know if that could be controlled, or how many would do it. :salute
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Please read the entire idea before you poke it in the eye
:rofl
If it's more than four words and not in a flashing .gif 90% are going to have trouble with that request.
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Make room for the 2000 lb Gorilla in the room. :noid
A lack of increasing subscriptions may be a recruiting issue.
A decline in current subscriptions is a game issue.
While Aces High has been and continues to be the best game of the genre out there, HTC has done very little to keep the game "fresh" to hold the interest of a lot of the "veterans" of the game. Of the 6-7 of the people that I personally keep in touch with that flew this game, I believe I was the last to cancel my subscription. The one common underlying theme for all of us appears to be lack of interest. While some also cited finances, family, time and equipment, almost all also included the "SSDD" defense as well.
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Its well intentioned enough Changeup trouble is it creates the collective effect on the community that some how the games makers are 'grasping at straws?' and has a snowball effect were people chip in their opinion, if left unchallenged the opinions will get more vocal. Theres already a thread inspired by this one, people seeing more of these threads side of side will leave a negative opinion on customers that the game is in trouble or that the makers are inept.
Go read for instance the Warbirds forum, I get a negative impression reading that, and that the game is in trouble some of the ideas by players are straight up ridiculous but it seems the games makers almost there almost encourage it for fear of offending people.
Pervert,
While I would agree with your assessment of how my suggestion could be taken, it stands to reason that I'm a player of the game, not a shareholder in HTC. How would a player's idea become a "grasp at straws"? If you're implying that should HTC decide to implement something like this it could be viewed as a "straw grasp", that is myopic...companies implement new marketing tactics everyday to increase business because trying new methods makes strong business sense. Change or die...
I may be wrong but there are two ways to fill arenas....increase subscriptions or increase existing player retention. With regard to retention, JB42 is clearly on to something with regard to the game itself....but why is it that about 40 or so players spend their time arguing about how THEY think the game should be designed to increase FUN and those ideas are not seen as those players telling HTC how to run their business. However, when someone else has an idea of how to increase revenue or new player subscriptions it's suddenly a gross overstep?
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Make room for the 2000 lb Gorilla in the room. :noid
A lack of increasing subscriptions may be a recruiting issue.
A decline in current subscriptions is a game issue.
While Aces High has been and continues to be the best game of the genre out there, HTC has done very little to keep the game "fresh" to hold the interest of a lot of the "veterans" of the game. Of the 6-7 of the people that I personally keep in touch with that flew this game, I believe I was the last to cancel my subscription. The one common underlying theme for all of us appears to be lack of interest. While some also cited finances, family, time and equipment, almost all also included the "SSDD" defense as well.
HT has stated in the past that ppl losing interest in a game is a fact of life and there is nothing that can be done about it. I fear this is the accepted thought related to this issue. As an outsider looking in, it seems to me that they tend to form an opinion on a certain subject and don't revisit it after that. If that is the case, it's a shame in my opinion. Having said that, they do have to be careful about changing too much to maintain the vets interest and end up irritating the majority or making the game too difficult for beginners.
Also, I suspect HTC may consider vets to be bad for gameplay as a whole. The vet that actually helps new players consistently is rare. Most vets pwn the noobs which leads to frustration on their part and makes it difficult for them to get into the game. Not to mention, there are many vets out there that are downright hateful to new players. For this reason, I think HTC may secretly want the vets gone bc afterall, they are a very small percentage of the playerbase that has a mostly negative effect on the other customers. I don't completely subscribe to this thought myself, but it is one of the better explanations that I can contrive that would explain what seems to be a lack of interest in retaining vets.
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prosposal for an advertising video:
http://www.fotgfilms.com/newProjectPages/kc.html
:aok
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HT has stated in the past that ppl losing interest in a game is a fact of life and there is nothing that can be done about it. I fear this is the accepted thought related to this issue. As an outsider looking in, it seems to me that they tend to form an opinion on a certain subject and don't revisit it after that. If that is the case, it's a shame in my opinion. Having said that, they do have to be careful about changing too much to maintain the vets interest and end up irritating the majority or making the game too difficult for beginners.
Also, I suspect HTC may consider vets to be bad for gameplay as a whole. The vet that actually helps new players consistently is rare. Most vets pwn the noobs which leads to frustration on their part and makes it difficult for them to get into the game. Not to mention, there are many vets out there that are downright hateful to new players. For this reason, I think HTC may secretly want the vets gone bc afterall, they are a very small percentage of the playerbase that has a mostly negative effect on the other customers. I don't completely subscribe to this thought myself, but it is one of the better explanations that I can contrive that would explain what seems to be a lack of interest in retaining vets.
+1.... very well put...but if true, very unfortunate also.
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For those of us even know what a Zone base was or knew what it was like to park a Panzer on a railroad track to cut of the train before it resupplied the oil refinery, the game has gone a long way (backwards) to show us the door. However, I don't believe HTC de-evolved the game to lose subscribers, vets or not. I think it's more of the law of unintended consquences.