Side Balancing

[captain1ma]

the idea of the FSO is assigned squads with predicted numbers ranges, showing up and flying assigned aircraft. now part of the problem is its summer and people go on vacation. the other part is people being assigned aircraft they don't like. a third possible but unlikely possibility is that saying its stale and predictable. this is from my perspective only so please don't read into this.

summer time-- people go on vacation, squad numbers get low. ok so the squad shows minimum barely or less.
2 or 3 or more squads do that and now you have a problem. how to fix it? well lets see how about asking a squad to switch sides
the night of the event? oh sure that would work out great. go to the MA and get more players to fill in slots? well id be all for it
but that probably wouldn't work out either. so how do you fix the fact that people go on vacation? good question?

not flying planes they don't like-- sure just don't show up. that works.....in punishing the CIC and everyone else by screwing up
plans and execution of attack or defense. yeah what do you care, you don't like that ride anyway..... well what about the people
depending on you to take the plane? what about fulfilling your part of a bigger plan to make something happen. how unfair.

how to fix it? maybe let groups ask for different rides after the orders come out so the CIC has even more work to do?
switch with another squad to fly their planes and they fly yours? pick one, but not showing up for something you've
committed to, because of a plane vs an actually family event or vacation or something to do.......selfish at best, but
mostly ignorant to the rest of the people that fly planes whether they like it or not.

as far as predictability and that its stale, make it more unpredictable. make it more exciting. try things no one things off.
squads are usually allowed to do their own thing as part of the FSO. so make it someone no one has thought of.
try different things. JG54 is known for tactics no one else will try, ask any of my squad mates! I come up with stuff they think is
goofy and off the wall, but sometimes it works. and when it does I get great satisfaction on how much my squad
not only enjoyed it, but talks about it.

we are in charge of our own destiny's as squads and players. just try to make the best of what you have or what you get.
that's what the FSO is all about. sure there a big picture, but its still all about having fun!

the CM's try to create an environment that requires co-ordination but should still be fun.
many squads enjoy flying together and having fun!
CIC's try to accomplish a goal and if you succeed, its fun!
the common denominator is having fun! remember that. make it FUN!!

there are many people that work very hard to make this enjoyable. from the CM staff to the CIC's to the
guys that just like to participate. <S> to everyone that makes it fun and works hard at making it that way!

ok im done with my rant now. <S>

[oakranger]

The data I have collected over the last nine years dose not support any argument that numbers get low over the summer time.  I see low turnout through out the year.  As far as what the set up is, I will need to look at each event to what the timeline was and numbers ........brain storming on this.  however, no event was consistent with show ups in all three frame but showed hills and valley.

[TWCAxew]

Dawger. it's widely know I do not like you. I don't a poven of your methods.

However I am still sorry to see you leave the game.

Take care 

DutchVII

[ghostdancer]

As pointed out side balancing in frame is not really possible since any squad or players you switch to the other side would then know the attack and defense plan of the side they are now fighting against.

As for CMs, they do what they can after the frame is over. Basically they investigate what happened with squad X, Y, Z not making their commitments to see if it was  a blip or going to be low or a problem for additional frames. Then make a determination if they need to swap a squad to the other side if necessary. It has been done in the past when things got really out of whack. Which is why they really, really, really need accurate info from squads about if they can consistently making their commitment levels (min / max) and if the squad thinks it is going to have issues making their min during the even they need the COs / XOs to tell them so that they can adjust things.

[RufusLeaking]

2 or 3 or more squads do that and now you have a problem.  the fact that people go on vacation? good question?

This is the root of the problem. I was a lone CJ one frame. Not a proud moment, but I flew on as a squadron of one.

not flying planes they don't like-- sure just don't show up. that works.....in punishing the CIC and everyone else by screwing up
plans and execution of attack or defense. yeah what do you care, you don't like that ride anyway..... well what about the people
depending on you to take the plane? what about fulfilling your part of a bigger plan to make something happen. how unfair.

In complete agreement. The FSO experience is greatly enhanced by manning up and flying a dud every few frames.

how to fix it? maybe let groups ask for different rides after the orders come out so the CIC has even more work to do?
switch with another squad to fly their planes and they fly yours?

Changes in the week for the CiC assumes good comm. My own experiences include not being aware I was CiC and having emails go to Junk box. Same issue might occur in negotiations between squads.

Still, I endorse getting as many people in their ride of choice as possible. I also try to spread the dogs around as much as possible, frame to frame.

as far as predictability and that its stale, make it more unpredictable. make it more exciting. try things no one things off.
squads are usually allowed to do their own thing as part of the FSO. so make it someone no one has thought of.
try different things. JG54 is known for tactics no one else will try, ask any of my squad mates! I come up with stuff they think is
goofy and off the wall, but sometimes it works. and when it does I get great satisfaction on how much my squad
not only enjoyed it, but talks about it.

Staleness and predictability are not valid whines. Cancelling one's AH subscription over it? I don't comprehend.

we are in charge of our own destiny's as squads and players. just try to make the best of what you have or what you get.
that's what the FSO is all about. sure there a big picture, but its still all about having fun!

the CM's try to create an environment that requires co-ordination but should still be fun.
many squads enjoy flying together and having fun!
CIC's try to accomplish a goal and if you succeed, its fun!
the common denominator is having fun! remember that. make it FUN!!

there are many people that work very hard to make this enjoyable. from the CM staff to the CIC's to the
guys that just like to participate. <S> to everyone that makes it fun and works hard at making it that way!

Wholeheartedly agree. The fun is a direct result of a few folks substantial effort. 

Thanks to all.

ok im done with my rant now. <S>

Really didn't read it as a rant.

Which is why they really, really, really need accurate info from squads about if they can consistently making their commitment levels (min / max) and if the squad thinks it is going to have issues making their min during the even they need the COs / XOs to tell them so that they can adjust things.

How far in advance would changes have to be made? Especially side changes. Changes within a side would be less problematic.

[JimmyD3]

I guess a "you all will miss me when I'm gone" note has a place in a side balancing thread? 

The intent of the OP was to discuss side balancing when people don't show up. That people don't show because they don't get their favorite planes or assignments is disappointing. I still got nothing on a solution.

One can imagine an arena where squads can get together, fly whatever, choose their mission, their target and their timing at their own discretion, unpredictably. If only there was such an arena. 

hmmm, isn't that the MA?

[Dantoo]

We couldn't get the sides to balance in Combat Challenge last week and everybody is allowed to change sides constantly in that event.
FSO is a bit harder. 

In the past, if there has been a wipeout in frame one, then a squad or two could be moved across for balance.
This isn't always a clear decision to make.
Month before last, frame one, Axis were gone just after the hour. Allies flew round breaking stuff unopposed.
Axis won the frame!

Not always clear what to do.  Gotta sympathise with the CMs.