I am trying to wrap my head around all of this discussion.
I don't know numbers and I am not going to talk about the computer wiz stuff. I just don't get it.
I am going to put this out there as an average guy that loves flight simulators and was shy to start in AH. It is difficult to grasp things in the game if you jump right into the lion's den. Even if you spend a few days in the TA, what do you really get out of it that will help you when you arrive in the MA?
I have a little confession to make. I started dabbling in DCS in the last few months. It is incredibly difficult to start flying there. Even things like starting a plane. Setting comms. Setting NAV. Managing weapons systems. Managing the on board computers. It takes a heck of a lot of time. Then you have to buy planes that you like. Buy maps. Buy "campaigns" for single off line play. The only way I learned to fly the Huey and Harrier was thru Training Videos on YouTube.
My point in the DCS mention is that there are more players out there that don't care about the "instant action". Many prefer the FSO style and special events style environments in which planning, training / rehearsing, then conducting the missions. Week in and week out. There is a unique realism to DCS that I haven't seen anywhere. I feel that is our target audience. The person that is okay with the $15 a month. Use of ALL plane types. In DCS you must have a good gaming system. These people exist. I literally sunk about $200 into what I have now in DCS. I still have 2 more maps to purchase so I can operate with the squadron I am flying with there. People even go to such extremes that the custom make parts of the cockpit on their desktop with functioning buttons. Its crazy.
HiTech offers the ability to fly anything you want. You don't have to purchase specific planes. You don't have to purchase maps. And if you stay with it long enough and get to know us, get a squad invite if you're a fit and they tend to train you and even get you involved in the other things we do outside the MA.
So here is the point of my post. With regard to the players that come in for 30 minutes then walk away. If you search AH3 in YouTube, there are some cool videos. Not much in the way of an organized training branch. I feel that we should start a YouTube channel with instructional stuff. Things like setting up and mapping buttons. Add more links to the website that you can click on and print that shows you what the default set up buttons represent. The <dot> commands. Essentially, boost the training team. As done before, set up clinics on a specific day and time of the week in which a trainer works with new players for 3 hours per clinic.
Since I got my new computer I've been stepping up my time online. Whether here or DCS. I spend a LOT of time on YouTube for DCS right now.
I am trying to lock on filming and making video again. I haven't really dove in too hard just yet but I would like to perhaps work toward making some training videos for new players. If this means joining the training team, so be it. I am not that good of a dog fighter. I am good at level bombing and doing CAS type missions. I think in the beginning, we need to really get some videos up on the very basics of AcesHigh and consolidate it to a Training Channel for AH3 in YouTube. We can grow it from there. I feel that it would poise more players checking it out to stay longer if they have an easy and clear method of learning from YouTube.
I'll look into it this coming week and see if I can come up with a vid or two on "getting started". Take it from there.
Also would be cool to put up missions in their entirety of an operation in special events or FSO. AvA. I recently got into watching some full length missions in DCS. Some over 3 hours long. Start up, to launching, refueling, attacking, and RTB to landing. We could be doing that also.
I'll see what I can do to help. At least on the training front. I already volunteer my time and have dedicated my existence in this game to FSO.
AKSlpKnT
(SlipKnoT)
