CingularDuality

That smilie is pretty damn funny... I like it.

Anyway, it sure sounds like you're blaming Wolfie personally for an empty CS server. I don't know what else to tell you. Fill the server, and I'll be right next to you, nagging Wolf for not supporting you all... As it stands right now, I see Wolf putting as much time into the server as the server deserves.

Just my personal opinion.

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TacticalGamer TX LAN/BBQ Veteran:

Overlag

the server itself doesnt need changing, its the problem with the people here now...how can we get more cs players into TG (read: $$$$) if none of the PCS guys play? How can new CS players coming here, get into the PCS style if no PCS players play? tbh cs here isnt PCS as it used to be.

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From Adam Webb

Benny_

2 cents

CS is no more here, which is a shame, there are a lot of the old regs here whom I'm sure would enjoy a remenisce.

Nobody is digging at Wolf, I think what Adam is suggesting is that it isn't conducive to a full server to have an admin that doesn't play. Nobody is detracting from the hard work in the past you have done Wolf. Secondly Cing is right enough, how do you admin an empty server.

What I don't understand is how Meathook is full every night of the week, without fail. Has an active competetive team with too many members, so we cannot get enough matches. TCS/PCS did work here so what happened. It can't have been the European players keeping it alive can it?

At midnight tonight, there were 14 people on Meathook, who would have come over to N42 with me, but there was a custom map on, perhaps Adam is right in that that is the starting point.
It's no good us Euros starting a regular slot because of the time difference, I'd sure like to play with all the old faces again, but not so much that I'm gonna spend 5 weeks organising and posting and arguing in these forums.

A thread that stays on topic. Vote a date, stick your name down.

It wasn't that long ago there was deadmen vs. n42 matches, they worked it was a laugh, but there appears to be no passion for the game from the US side. Fair enough you have all moved on, but there is a lot of CS'rs out there still, so why don't they play on TG? You tell me?

CingularDuality

Good points have been brought up.

It's inarguable that CounterStrike is the most popular online game by far... Almost eight times as popular as BF:1942 according to GameSpy.

So, perhaps TG is missing out on something... Perhaps something needs to be done about this. The question is: What do we need to do?

I think that removing the custom maps until we get regular players again is a good idea. Actively recruiting in various forums (aghlcs, anyone?) probably wouldn't hurt. What else can we do?

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TacticalGamer TX LAN/BBQ Veteran:

Overlag

another problem might be because the server starts with a T, so its at the bottom of everyone's server lists

Wolfie, when was the last time someone joined the server? (a pubbie, not a reg)

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From Adam Webb

DeRanger

Ahhh, now we have a good lather worked-up for some CS tonight...

Overlag

err you want to pop on?

i cant get on friends again tonight.......stupid fuking steam

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From Adam Webb

Sadako

I have some ideas for you.

1. Standard maps. This have already been brought up but I think it is of priority to get the server going. If any custom maps should be played it needs to be maps that are VERY wide spread e.g. cs_rio. It is very important to select maps with care from the standard maps. cs_siege is a map for example that very easily can get out of hand and imho should be avoided for that reason. Another idea is to keep the rotation short (about 8-12 maps) and with maps people enjoy to play.

2. Ease up on the rules. Yes you read it correctly. To attract players to play on the server you need to build up a player base. We all know that many of the old timers doesn't play hence we need new players to come in. If the only rule was "stick to the objective and play as a team" and that was stated in the MOTD I think it would be enough. Sure there will always be some rotten eggs but at least the server will have players on and gameplay will evolve. Too many rules scare ppl away.

3. Install a language checker on the server that censors the worst language. As TG is a mature community it is important to get that across. A language checker will ease some of the admin duty.

4. Install a tw/tk checker as well. This will scare some of the bad eggs away but also show that we don't take any **** actions on the server. Also a release for the admins.

5. Appoint a new CS admin. No offence Wolfie, but new blood is needed. You have been responsible for a long time and as you yourself stated have limited time to give it 24/7 attention. 24/7 attention is what is needed to get this show on the road though.

6. Recruiting. Start at the good spots with advertisment i.e. CoFR, CGA, 12K, dMw etc that allready have a similar attitude toward CS. By doing this you will attract the right type of people and word will get around.

7. Focus on getting games going on weekends. More Europe based ppl will be able to join up then.


This is how I see it at least.

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-=[dMw]=-Sadako

www.deadmen.co.uk
Dead Men Walking - Tactical Counter-Strike

CingularDuality

Good points, thanks Sadako!

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TacticalGamer TX LAN/BBQ Veteran:

Wolfie

Thing is, there are not many rules on the server

Here are the rules listed in the MOTD
1) Defend the Objectives
2) Observe the boundaries
3) FF is on
4) Show respect to others
5) No spamming
6) 1 man boosting only
7) No spawn rushing
8) Admins are the law
9) Treat hostages as people

Follow Team/Objectives/Self at all times

I could see dropping 2 and 6 easily, maybe even dropping 5; but the other rules are what makes the CS server TG material. Removing 1, 7, and 9 would just make it another pub server. Is it worth removing the TG from the TG CS server just to attract more people? Especially if those people are not TG material?

As soon as someone steps forward and wants to do this, I would be more than willing to hand over the reigns as Game Officer for CS. However, to this point, it has mostly been just people critisizing the admins for the server being inactive and nobody has really jumped up and said, hey guys I want to help and willing to do anything, what can I do?

And no, no offense was taken. I am realistic and know that I can not give the server 24/7 of my time. And I know my heart is not into running the server anymore.

Sadako

Good. I think we are being creative now and I hope more will help out. I do not want to remove the TG from the server name. If I may suggest the following MOTD.

1) Show respect to others
2) Defend and complete the Objectives
3) Treat hostages as people
4) Admins are the law
5) No spamming and remember FF is on!
6) Have a good time!

What do you think?

Regarding maps I think there are some sure picks: dust2, aztec, inferno, train, office, nuke, survivor
Maps that could be considered as well are: italy, militia, cbble, piranesi, dust and vertigo
Maps to be avoided: prodigy, assault, siege, backalley, 747, the "as" maps

My division of the maps are based on popularity, how the gameplay would be, how much admining effort would have to be put in, and level of team oriented play needed. If we go for all but the avoided we will have 13 maps which is a good start.

I don't know who would be suitable for the admin role but I suspect more than one admin will be needed. Maybe splitting it up between a few to ease the burden? I see that cingular, overlag, Benny and dead are still active in the cs forums from the old school N42 players. Any of you guys interested in helping out? Any other takers?

I think that the key is to get some games going and getting the players to realise they should make an effort to complete the objective but not being extremely strict about it. Boundaries is something that I think we will have to let got for the time being.

Keep suggestions coming.

Cheers,

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-=[dMw]=-Sadako

www.deadmen.co.uk
Dead Men Walking - Tactical Counter-Strike

Overlag

i wont be allowed, Deranger would get my vote......

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From Adam Webb

Benny_

As it stands currently I am happy to help out, I owe my CS to N42 and therfore want to give back. The caveat is that to me deadmen comes first, but the hours difference makes that possble.

To be perfectly honest I think that deadmen and TG are mutually condusive to the future of CS. We can help eachother out. There are enough players, we need to pimp tactical CS as an option across both sides of the pond

RandomGuy

This is the mystery: the server has been (from the point of view of an outsider) just another server for a long time now, but we don't get the connection traffic of any other plain-old CS servers (including those with custom maps).

I know when I'm looking for a random pub game (not just CS) I typically sort by ping and then find a server that is near-full (unless its a crazy server with too many player slots) and not currently on a de_dust type map. I'm sure most people have similar procedures, leading to a server having a certain momentum (players attract players but empty servers attract nobody).

It's not a simple problem to solve because there is no feedback if changes are made to the server. It's good to see some suggestions in the above posts. One suggestion I haven't seen yet (correct if wrong) is to put bots on the server in order to sucker players in. I'm not a fan of bots in on-line multiplayer, but it might work.

dead

Yeah, I'm still active, but always forget to check the forums. But... I'm not admin material... (though I thank you for the vote of confidence - ya gotta know a few more commands than I do)

It's interesting... when I get on, I check my favorites first (oddly, europe seems to win most of the time). In the main area, I sort by number of players; 3 or 4 max. Reason? If a server is full - it's probably a nasty pub with spawn rushing. 3 or 4 lets me make a difference, and show what i can do.

Anyway... let's get TG active again! I always check; if someone is there, I go there FIRST, almost every night (when I'm home). Sundays are very good for me; Fridays next best.

Something I like about the dMw rules: let's face it - which of you, if any, actually read the splash screen??? *NOBODY* - and you know it. The occasional flash across the screen on dMw is a good reminder - something *you* can't eliminate by clicking fast.

Keep the rules short & simple (yes, the TG rules are accurate; but I lost interest after reading the first 3, not because I already know them, but because... i'm not gonna read them on the splash!

Sorry for the rambling. I miss the TG players.

Off to Atlanta for 2 days....