2014

I'm on board with you McC ... you have a way of laying it out that fits and makes sense, for me anyway. I don't post much, and if I do at all, it's here at EP, because it's like home for me and where I'm the most comfortable. I appreciate how accepting and involved the staff and community are, no matter what you want to get off your mind, as long as you do it without breaking the very few rules they have.

I don't write for EU anymore for many reasons, and will reveal those reasons in content at my new MindStar9.com website that I have been preparing for release (most likely on the 13th), but the site will not be about EU. It will be a rather different kind of writing, but I have reserved a tab for my Virtual Adventures which I will continue to enjoy despite the frustrations, and also a tab for Personal Opinions, which will most likely be the major revealing content when it comes to my association with PE/EU.

Otherwise, the bulk of the site content will be quite different from what this community has been used to, and I hope that there will be value shared in one way or another. However, in keeping with the theme of McC's thread, I can say that there will be plenty to read that does relate to PE/EU and forum environments, as well as MA and PPs from an almost 9 year veteran of this universe.

I've seen and experienced plenty from many perspectives, and I have plenty to say about it.

Carry on McC ... I for one deeply appreciate what you share, and the enormous amount of detail that you have provided us with that is so relevant toward understanding how much things have changed, and how certain things remain the same, but ... also how history continues to repeat itself.

Thank You

 

What a second? When were you ever positive? But it would be great to hear if in 2014 you took a break and stopped posting for a while.

 

With all due respect OZ, I hope McC doesn't stop posting, because he's like our Smithsonian of PE/EU, and he brings the information with conviction and truth. It's not whining, but sharing ... not a dream of what we wanted, but of what actually existed, and how over time "the vision" that had immense potential dissipated into grinding events and missions without a cohesive story, or a level of much needed balance.

I'll be doing a great deal of reflecting myself at my new website now and then, but I respect and appreciate players like McC and others who lived the past in all its glory and can clearly distinguish the path less traveled with the one that has become so fragmented and disjointed.

I'm not saying it's all bad, because I don't think that, and still enjoy my adventures now and then despite the increasing challenges that never seem to go away or get fixed. It just seems that stuff is thrown into our universe without much rhyme or reason, other than a means for making revenue without adding additional elements that would make it so much more interesting and exciting.

I'll stop here and reserve my opinions about many things PE/EU for the Personal Opinions section of my new website. Some will appreciate it, some won't, but it will all be truth as I have lived and experienced it from both the outside and inside.

In the meantime, nothing personal OZ, just another perspective about someone who often gets accused of whining or complaining when in fact he's sharing as what I would term an historian, because he brings truth to what he brings to light that some (especially new players) may not be aware of, or have forgotten.

Whether he's a fan of my work over the years is irrelevant, I'm a fan of his.

May he continue to share his perspective.

 

I second that with all my heart!

I share your thoughts about PE/EU McCormick. Though I have other intentions. My biggest fear is that they will destroy it one day. It is so fragile! But hey! It's my homeland. They shouldn't destroy it!

I don't care much about all this mission rumpus. Two days ago I saddled my horse (my beloved Imperium Spec Lancer from Cyrene - my flying cabriolet) and made a tour that took the whole day: From North Space Base at Eudoria to New Switzerland's TP at Amethera, including some extra rounds to have a look for interesting spots I didn't visit for ages. I mean: it is still possible to do what you want. That was the feature I found most important from my very first day at Calypso.

 

I too liked his writings a lot and I as well hope that he doesn't stop..all I said was that he just needed to take a break and come back with a fresh mind and not be so negative about the game all the time. The past is the past and is gone..live for the future.

 

Just tell us noobs whenever McCormick has been negative! I really don't understand your post.

 

I can appreciate your point of view, and perhaps it may appear as though everything McC posts comes from a negative attitude about the game, but I clearly understand why when there was so much hope and looking forward to what we all expected our future was proposed to be.

We enjoyed the game, we treasured the time spent with friends, as well as the bang for the buck we were able to appreciate. The history of Calypso and the continuing storyline had an alluring appeal to it that kept us far more involved and working together at times toward an end goal, along with less negativity, even though there were things that weren't so perfect or workable.

I know that it's probably difficult for those who haven't been around as long as we have, or who haven't experienced the magic and the excitement of the past that made so much more sense, so I can absolutely appreciate why some veterans are called whiners and complainers who bring seemingly more negativity than not. We've seen and experienced it all from the beginning, so have a solid basis to draw from.

All one needs to do is check the history of posting at forums, and especially PCF, which used to be the original Entropia Forum. There is enormous content that historically over the years depicts the timeline of the evolution of PE/EU, and you will find that people love the game, but they don't like the direction the developers are taking it based on how it began. It's evident that there are more people than you think who truly appreciate the potential of this game, and why they voice their opinions as openly as they do at times. We want the developers and the game to succeed, but an agenda is already in place.

I've taken several breaks from the game, and barely sign into EU anymore, but I still love the concept, and I still enjoy my adventures when exploring, but I no longer "play" the game since about 6 years ago. I have a great computer system, but the game is not efficiently optimized, there seems to be no quality control, and I know far too much about what doesn't benefit this game or its participants to support it in the way I have for so many years, so ...

I don't blame McC, Mastermesh, and many others who voice their opinions honestly, or bring news about certain things that we should be aware of, which I don't see as being negative, but rather bringing to light the truth about the evolution of the game, its participants, and especially its developers.

I've been vocal over the years about many topics pertaining to our universe, but I'm about to unleash a website where my Personal Opinions about many things will surface. I've done enough talking about it, so now that I have a full tank of gas, I'll be doing more than a test drive.

I respect your opinion OZ, and appreciate your perspective from your own personal and subjective experiences as it relates to our universe, as well as how sometimes it may seem like constant negativity, but something has to fuel those who are intelligent and able to evaluate and analyze the dynamics of our universe based on their understanding of how it works.

We're not all blind nor fooled for long my friend, but I wanted to thank you for your contributions. Whatever your relationship is with EU or the developers, I hope your experiences are genuinely beneficial, and that they meet your expectations.

I could have done so much more to support and promote this universe, but the heart and the spirit of what it was, or what it could have evolved into is just not there anymore, so I'm not inspired. My work in support of MindArk and Planet Partners was always positive based on my articles, interviews, profiles, and other offerings, but I'm no longer available.

Talk and promises are cheap, and the going rate is hot air.

Sometimes belief and hope are not a game plan.

PS ... I love my Lancer too, and I love to fly around with Obie (he has a Lancer) and just explore, but even that is becoming a bit of a pain because of the lag. We find our moments though, my Wizard is quite creative.

 

See this just it..we have a few here who are just rambling on and on about what could be or could have been and more what was which well, sorry, was about the same as it is now. The point here is that as you all seem to only want to write about the past as if there is no more game around, a lot are here in the present.

So just give it a rest..if you can't live in the present then maybe it's time for a break as well. The past will never come back and spending hours typing about it and dreaming up new websites many may never be interested in due to the negative side to it..well..sorry..not sure what I can say to help you feel a bit better so I'll just end it here.

Remember, your posts are the ones that are hurting the game the most..

 

It's a talk about missing a wide potential ... there is no damn fucking online game out there comparable to EU. Not many like or even know it. PE was a unique game with charisma. MA didn't and doesn't use that potential. THAT'S the point.

 

The past was definitely not about the same as it is now, far from it. There are good things about the game (presently), but if you at least make an effort to try to understand why there are those who speak and write about the past and make comparisons, maybe ... just maybe you'll get what it's been turned into and away from.

Why do you think that there is so much negativity at PCF, and why so many are complaining about so many things related to the game? There are supporters and those who continue to hope for a better future, and for EU to have a better reputation than it does in the MMO world, but why don't you think it does? These are not rhetorical questions, I would like answers.

My bet is that over the years many people have been lured to the game in one way or another, and I use the word lured because that's what it seems to be ... get paid to hunt monsters, there are ads and press releases about big pay-outs, or people making huge real estate purchases in the game, or play and make money ... but it doesn't take long for many to realize that this type of scenario basically applies to those who are big spenders with deep pockets, and not your average player who finds themselves struggling because they want the best gear to play with the big boys and girls.

There are more than a few of us documenting the important things, as well as remembering how things were and what they could have been. I would like for you (or anyone for that matter) to tell me how you see the game today, and what you think the future holds, but take into account everything that a large portion of the community is complaining about at PCF and elsewhere, because that has merit.

On the brighter side ... I'm glad that there are more beginning activities for new players, and that some planet partners are giving them a chance to make their way. I'm glad for the dedicated Mentors who put forth honest effort to help others, and aren't in it for their own benefit. I'm glad that despite the real game dynamic screw-ups and long-term UN-fixed bugs and glitches that truly make playing the game frustrating, that some can still see past it and somehow enjoy themselves.

And for the record ... word of mouth by those who have played this game over the years and have discovered the truth is what hurts the game the most. I don't post at game sites where advertisements or press releases are published, and anything I published as a writer for PE/EU, MA or PPs has always been positive from a professional writing perspective in support of the game, but ...

My journey as a writer in this game offered me a rather privileged avatar life behind the scenes where the education was not only interesting, but revealing, and confirmed so many things I only had opinions about based on game-play experiences and hearsay. However, this is what I'm going to do ...

I have always written constructively and truthfully, and my new website isn't all about EU whatsoever, but a different kind of writing that I've always wanted to focus on, and now can because my life isn't consumed with writing about EU. I continue to have virtual adventures with my guy and will periodically write about those, but I also have a Personal Opinions section where it could be about anything, including EU.

What I will do is not continue to post what you deem negative content, but will not stop responding to something that catches my interest to the point of having something to add, whether it's supporting an opinion or presenting a different perspective, which I don't do that often.

PCF is the most visited EU-related forum and where the majority of players congregate because it was at one time an all-universe website where many of us contributed an enormous amount of content to build the database that was eventually sold to the then owners of Calypso. Really take a look at the current threads at that site and tell me how much of it is positive and really pro-EU. I did a Self-Requested Deactivation of my account there (and Entropia Forum), and even though I can see everything but can't post, the majority of the threads are buying and selling threads, or complaining about everything that's wrong with game mechanics, or events, or missions, or bugs, or lag, or any number of things that just make the game unplayable or incredibly frustrating for so many ... really, you can't miss it.

There's good stuff too, I know that, but the negative has merit and it is inspired by how the game is developed and delivered to us as players. Some are successful, and I'm relatively sure that it took great effort if not investment, and I'm happy for them, but they are far and few in between and not the average player who basically comes to the game thinking they can make money easily. That can't be disputed because there are plenty of discussions and posts about it at PCF and other EU-related sites.

I'm basically done here, and even though I'm happy for those who have found their way in the universe no matter how much or how little it has cost them, I hope that it's not at the expense of wearing rose-colored glasses just to justify personal choices and debate those who have a valid reason to share their own truth. I really feel for those who have invested tons of money into a business, like a shop, a land area, hangars and space flight, taming, or special or rare or unique equipment that lost value as a result of development choices.

I wish everyone success with their efforts, their beliefs, and their hopes for a better game and better returns. I once was accused of being a fan girl because I would defend MindArk and the game, but I've grown up after an incredible journey that truly opened my eyes.

I also wish for MA to give more respect to the players and the Planet Partners, and become a champion of their efforts, rather than creating road blocks.

There's nothing you need to say OZ to make me feel better, I'm just fine Hon, really. You take care of you and enjoy the game in the way that works for you, and I wish you happiness in doing so. I'm actually doing in real life what I've wanted to do for a long time, and I'm happy, but I love many of my dear friends in this universe and will always remain in contact with them regardless of where this universe goes from here.

Cheers for a great 2014.

 

And I also neglected to say that I really appreciate that talent is plucked from our player base to add to the development of some planets or planetoids (Moon). I like your designs for Monria Jamira, and I also like what Ori and Onciest are doing for Arkadia, and the fact that Dave Dobson was brilliant in nabbing Chris from our player base to be a full-time graphics artist/designer and other things, besides taking Cyrus Chen's place as Community Manager for Arkadia, he does an excellent job.

I'd like to see more talent in our community chosen to make contributions to development.

 

Not so much as negative, but hopeful of things that once was there. Like how it made you look at the game and feel like you really were exploring a distant universe. Everything you did dictated your very survival. The feel of the game is what McC wants back the most. Or at least I believe this is what he wants. :)

 

I think its a difficult one... I woke up this morning and realised I'd been on the PE scene for nearly 10 years now. We are charting new ground here. 10 years ago the scene was kinda new. I don't think anyone had ever been following a game that long cause 20 years ago we hadn't even started with "3D" games as we now know them. Tell me, who was still playing Doom in 2004? No one, that's who.

I guess what I'm getting at is that 10 years ago 3D wasn't as good as it is now but the games were still recognisable/comparable to today.

As newcomers, today's players don't have a chance of understanding what McCormick is on about from the early 2000's so what he posts will always seem negative or whiney or the virtual equivalent of some old guy sitting on a porch in america in a rocking chair smoking a cigarette while nursing a bottle of jack and going on about the good old days.

I don't think anyone should debate what he goes on about. The new people, won't get it - they can't so there is no point in them even trying, the rest of the old crew enjoy the nostalgia and the fact that he has resigned himself to accepting his quiet crusade is how his life will be, He can't drop it, he won't drop it and while ever there is a spark of hope McCormick will still be there, a lone protester with the spirit of the early days and those of us who remember them driving him on.

Long live McCormick and the spirit of early days.

That is all
Wistrel

 

Dear McCormick
I do understand Oztwo's point of view. Every time I look at at your posts I get a certain sadness over me.
Don't get me wrong, I do share your mindset; but it opens some wounds regarding how the past was. At first I see the happiness of the good times we had; but than sets in melancholy about things lost and gone.

I must think of a quote (after some looking, it's from Moira, from the Fallout 3 game:

"It's like... Did you ever try to put a broken piece of glass back together? Even if the pieces fit, you can't make it whole again the way it was. But if you're clever, you can still use the pieces to make other useful things. Maybe even something wonderful, like a mosaic."

And maybe that is what we should do with our community; grab the pieces together and make a whole again. It will never be what it was before, but we can make it something new.

And maybe if we just nag enough, be persistent enough, if we make a story, a background and deliver it to FPC; if we are many and keep asking; if we provide solutions and story and keep hammering it down.
They will listen. And ofcourse they will listen.
We will make something new; both a community and help FPC/MA.
I realised that what they miss is a writer; a real writer, not a designer of levels, a writer of code or FX guy; no they miss someone like Isaac Asimov; someone that can dream up a world, a storyline spanning over great lenghts of time. Maybe one of us can stand up and provide it to them?

The past is a sepia jewel of what once was, and although today feels grey and saturated, we can create what tomorrow will be. As we can stand as one community we will be heard.