» by Propagandroid June 4th, 2008 at 9:16 pm » Comments (2)

I got this funny email from someone today and thought I’d share it:

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Hey there Propagandroid,

I thought you might like to know that Gleemax has apparently resurrected the old custom of the press gang, except instead of pressing sailors into duty on ships they’re pressing Gleemax users into duty as “forum leads.” I had no clue I was a forum lead, but apparently I’ve been one since January! You’d think they could have told me! Here’s the Private Message I got when I logged in the other day:

“Due to the extremely high number of Forum Leads currently unware of their FL status, I am contacting every listed FL who does not have a public display in their profile that they recognize this status. I apologize if you receive this message and know of your status, but I feel it is important to let everyone know of their position.

If you do not how you became an FL, it is most likely because someone nominated you when new FL’s were still being recruited. This process has since been stopped, so no more ne FL’s are being put in place.

You, in particular, are the FL for the following areas:
EDITED TO PROTECT OUR HERO

If you would like more information on the topic, please feel free to PM me with any questions.”

Imagine my surprise to find out I was some sort of community leader, who had the nerve to not publicly declare my status. How about Wizards privately informing me of my status first! This line is particularly hilarious:

but I feel it is important to let everyone know of their position.

…

The other great part is that when I actually asked questions about my status and duties, the reply I received was dismissive and short.

Lastly, hmmmm…I wonder what my duties are, let’s take a look at the “handbook” (which is actually just a forum post that admits it’s barely cursory much less comprehensive):

Forum leads are regular community members that have no additional access or powers than anyone else. They can make suggestions like other community members. Forum leads are not held to any higher standards than other community members. For all intents and purposes, they are the same as everyone else, except that they tend to be more involved in the community. (although there are plenty of great community leaders who have never been involved in the FL or VCL programs)

So, I’m a regular community member, with no additional powers or responsibilities…it even says I’m the same as everyone else! Good lord, what have they done without me ‘lo these many months?! The most ironic part is that I didn’t realize I was a forum lead because I hadn’t logged in for weeks…talk about more involved in the community!

So, uhhh, yeah…if anyone’s had any problems in my forum…sorry about that. I hereby dub anyone in my forums to have the same power and authority as I do to handle any situation that may arise. God, this is better than knighting!

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Well, I’d like to say I’m surprised, but given WotC’s track record with electronic products and community software, I’m not. Gleemax was supposed to be this amazing revolution for the online hobby game community, but so far it’s just trundling along belching steam and pollution, uncontrolled and destroying everything in its path.

Let’s just hope DDI isn’t under the control and direction of the same team that’s in charge of Gleemax.

» by Propagandroid May 19th, 2008 at 2:49 pm » Comments (2)

Crisis averted! Many people thought Wizards of the Coast was going to skip Gencon this year, because they hadn’t submitted any events by the time the event schedule went public.

According to Flames Rising, Wizards of the Coast will continue its sponsorship of Gencon this year!

Whew!

» by Propagandroid May 9th, 2008 at 10:20 pm » Comments (0)

If you haven’t seen me on Gleemax Games, that’s probably because you haven’t registered yet, because I’ve been playing the hell out of Guillotine, Vegas Showdown, Robo Rally, and Acquire. So what are you waiting for? Get over there and challenge me to a game.

» by Propagandroid May 5th, 2008 at 10:36 pm » Comments (0)

Yep, you heard me right, Gleemax Games opened its doors today. I had hoped to have an update on the wiki project and first round of contests, but there was a rogue game of Nuclear War that had to be stopped outside the dome. So instead, I’m going to suggest you go over and give Gleemax Games a shot. I’ve already registered, and you’ll likely find me there playing Acquire, so if you see me online gimme a shout and we’ll get a game in!

In fact, if you loyal readers haven’t ever played Acquire, it’s about time you did. It’s the granddaddy of all these fancy Eurogames that are all the rage with the kids these days. If you’re not sure how to play, leave a comment or look for me online…I’m programmed to teach!

The game list is:

• Magic: the Gathering Online (this seems to just take you to the original website, so I think it’s just advertising)
• Axis and Allies
• RoboRally (a classic Richard Garfield game whose recent reprint is beautiful, but lacks character)
• Acquire
• Vegas Showdown
• Desktop Tower Defense
• Guillotine

Of those, I recommend RoboRally, Acquire, and Vegas Showdown.

It is in Alpha still, but it says that “for a limited time, all Gleemax Games are free to play,” which seems to confirm my earlier statement that Gleemax will indeed be a pay site in the future (near, far, how can you tell with WotC?). The interface is a bit wonky, with multiple popups and Java apps appearing and disappearing all over the place, but the games I’ve played have a pretty smooth interface and the AI’s weren’t half bad. I’m not sure how easy it would be to learn a game on there, but knowing these games as well as I do it was easy to play. And certainly better than playing on VASSAL or Brettspielwelt.