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Some members seem to think that I should forewarn you guys of upcoming changes. Unfortunately, this is highly impractical and serves no useful purpose.For example, consider Dave's 10 new maps. Say each map contains about 5 new connection, which is a good average. That's about 50 new connections! Do you really expect me to post a message saying "Guys, these are the 50 new connections that I'm about to impplement. Please, let me know if this will impact you negatively" Never! That is absurd! Also, consider the fact that even I don't know the impact of all the connection changes until I do them. In addition, such a warning (If anyone would read and study it) would result in a text responses (i.e. complaints) of connections that are graphical in nature. And what happens when the number of members climbs from 20 to hundreds? As I said before, the proper time to suggest changes/improvements is AFTER the maps have been posted. Nothing is carved in stone and errors in prototypicality can be fixed. Understand that the system is a work in progress and may take several years to be fully realized.For these reasons I can not and will not provide any notice of impending changes. I do not feel obliged to do so. On the contrary, it is your responsibility as a player to study the changes and, assuming they are prototypical, to adjust your routing as necessary.In conclusion, this is not a matter of disrespecting members by making changes. It is simply a matter of practicality.KingJPW
Which translated, Ladies & Gentlemen, into English from BS by the Plain English Society*, simply means "I've had your money now go forth & multipy".I will also continue to enjoy playing the game. *Don't know if you have it in America but this Society does actually exist in GB. It is committed to translating verbose forms, windy texts, etc. into plain English.
Funny, I was aware of the impact of Dave's maps before any of them were even posted (still waiting for the rest), but I guess that is because I understand real railroad operations and I respond to emails promptly.Though you might not be able to provide notice of impending changes, maybe you should feel obliged to provide friendly customer service.Paul
Paul Metzger CP Rail System (D&H) "Courtesy keeps customers"
Guys,I think part of the 'problem' here is that with YD, I wear many hats. a) Firstly, I do play this game. As a player you are free to criticize me. If I route a train wrong or 'overlook' simple instructions, then let me have it. But, I can give as good as I take. b) I am the treasurer. When it comes to handling membership fees, I try my best to be professional and handle each member with respect, courtesy and generosity.c) As the system administrator and 'guardian of maps', I am above reproach. No whining about this map or that connection is appeciated or tolerated. Request for changes must be made politely and in a good spirit. The map system is a long term work in progress and anyone who cannot understand that can kiss my &*^.d) And as the creator of the game, I have a vision of how I want this community to develop and grow. I am not shy about letting any member know that they are out of line, or that they are playing the game in a manner that it was not designed to be played. Umm, like posting the Q540 to 'anyone' with no instructions and expecting a newbie (or the king) to know what to do with it. And finally remember that this is a membership based club. You did not purchase the software or maps. Your membership gives you the right to play online with other people. People who, in my opinion, cause more pain than joy to the community may find their membership renewel denied. (and that should require no translation from the BS society) KingJPWPS: Anyone who thinks the radio chat is useless should have their head examined. It was not added for idle chit-chat, such as the wheather or current events. It was added to provide better communicaiton among players for routing and exchanging trains, as well as developing operating patterns, as well as knowing who is online.
I was the one who said that the chat was useless, but I would like to take back that comment. It is not useless, but has been used to great benefit. The problem I had with it was that it was done instead of posting ALL of Dave's maps, which caused problems.I will reserve comment on the rest of your post for another time.
Paul Metzger CP Rail System (D&H) "Courtesy keeps customers"
With all due respect to Dave, Paul and Jim because I like all you guys,Once again I feel obligated to suggest that Jim hand off the duties to others if he feels like he can't accomplish all of them. There is no doubt that what he is doing is very time consuming, I can barely handle playing the game myself sometimes so I understand where he is coming front. We are all willing to help if called upon, just say the word.Jim, I think its only going to get tougher to deal with everything when the new members start rolling in, when did you say you were going to place an ad again?Chris Lee Train Artisan
