imdog wrote:


Gents, I just stumbled across this thread but notice it's over a week old. As someone who just found this site earlier this year and enjoys it, I have some feedback that I hope will provide some perspective (from the "newbie") that you will find helpful. I personally learned of BM about 25 years ago when I played the board game and loved it. One day I just impulsively googled "online blue max) and VIOLA... I was like... why didn't i think of this sooner. Anyway, my first impression of the site (adaptation of the game) was very positive, and in fact I emailed the webmaster telling them so and after only a couple of weeks I sent in some money. My first experience literally moments after joining was being offered a challenge game by Aces-High. First thing I did was look at his stats, and realized that I was being challenged by a top ace. Because I've got some boardgame experience, and like challenges, I went for it, and though I lost, I felt like I did give him a run for his money. Shortly afterward, I was challenged by Ksnake, but after losing to Aces High, and realizing that Ksnake was also a top ace, I decided to pass on the invite until I could elevate myself to something more than "machine gun fodder". I did this not knowing that the intention was to "foster newbies", and realize now (after reading the posts) that if I had accepted the game I would have probably received some valuable mentorship. For me personally, figuring out the subtle differences between the boardgames and the online adaptation took some time and a number of games. A few of you were good about offering advice or answering questions when I posted them during a game, but then again... many people are quiet and don't chat much with other players, especially the new ones. It's true that I avoided the leagues as a new player. Also, when I joined earlier this year.. there were A LOT more single games being listed, and those seem to have dropped off sharply in the last few months (as has been repeatedly stated).

So here is some humble advice based on my personal experience (only my opinion, and yours may differ) and I offer it with the utmost respect for everyone here:

1 - The idea of training games is a good one. More importantly... you may want training games not to count toward someone's statistics (both teacher and student)... that way a "newbie" won't be under the impression that a super-ace is challenging him to a duel within minutes of signing up, so that they can inflate their stats. Now I know this isn't the case (now that I've gotten acquainted with the site), and some of the people on it, but it's possible to send that message to new players if they don't know the challenge is a "welcome" and offer of "mentorship". Training games should be "mulligans" for new players until they feel confident. Not having these count toward statistics removes incentives for predation, (or the risk of it being perceived that way). It gives someone a chance to "get their bearings" without someone benefiting at their expense. You could also pair up with an ace and a newbie on each side in a 4 player game. Just some thoughts...

2 - I also agree with TXWard's earlier post that people (myself included) don't have as much time to play as we used to. In this economy many of us have to work harder for less, and it's the small luxuries (blue max online) that suffers. So I would recommend "lowering expectations" when it comes to what constitutes an "active player".

3 - Consider adding a separate section in the rules that deal only with how the online adaptation of the game may differ from the boardgame. (I think the rules deal with this, but it's spread out... but I could be wrong)

4 - one thing I notice was that when I was new, VERY few players would chat... it's really going to sound obvious to the point of being ridiculous, but if you want to encourage new players, then talk to them... say hello, if you haven't seen them before... chat them up during a game... if you see them make a great move say so... some of you do this... so I'm not trying to make those of you who already do this feel unappreciated, however, not very many do.

5 - to swell the ranks, maybe you could find a way of putting some ads for this website in local game shops. I'm not sure if this is problematic due to copyright, or conflict of interest, but it stands to reason, that if people try this online and like it, they will probably run out and buy the game from the same shop where they found out about this site.

6 - I think someone's idea of having different tournaments for different levels of players ("cadet' and "active duty") or whatever is a good one.

7 - the campaigns (as many of you have stated) are sorely missed, and a great part of the game (developing a player/pilot/character). more importantly it provides incentive for someone to spend time playing this game and trying to improve. If we can't have campaigns (due to technical resources required) then some other way to create incentive to advance would be good. (leagues of different level/status, tournaments etc.)

8- Put up a "medals corner" on the home page for BM that shows Best New Player, or Most improved Player for each week or something like that... along with of course the top honors to the vets.

9 - I may be wrong but I don't think many people use the email on this website, so when new people email others, and they don't get a reply... well it could be misinterpreted. Also, when I read posts, and see that many of you are on first name basis, then the question is... if people don't use email on the website, or chat during the games, then how the heck did everyone get to know each others names?

Anyway, this isn't intended to be judgmental or critical, just helpful... so I hope it's perceived as such. Also, I know that many of these ideas have probably already been mentioned at some point... but here it is... like it or not... one "newbies" perspective.