Proper TF2 Server Growth and Etiquette
Posted: September 10th, 2011, 1:14 pm
I think one of the things that most inspired me to write this post is reading some facts about other communities and how much they've experienced growth in game and on their forums since the F2P update. Communities like Drunken Brawl have added nearly 50% of their original population in the last few weeks.
So maybe it's time for a refresher on what we need to be doing to ensure Badwater is always here for those who want to play it, any time of day. It's also time for a reminder on what we can be doing to see our internal community grow, and see the ATG tag spread further and further.
Keep in mind when you're going to read this that I'm really not trying to chastise anyone; I've slipped up a lot too, and haven't brought as many faces to the forums as I should have.
One of the hugest things that originally brought me to ATG was how much of a family we all seemed to be. After switching from XFG, I was able to play with ATG during the glory days. If you missed out on those times, I really feel sorry for you. Those were some of the most fun hours I've ever had playing video games. I'm sure I knew pretendica, jane doe, and bioghost all before they knew me. And that was what kept me coming back: A constantly growing friendship between new people and seasoned veterans.
So I want to ask you this, how many people who aren't ATG registered users do you have fun with on a daily basis? How many do you say, wow that guy did something really cool, or strike up a conversation with someone? I know I experience this at least once a day in Badwater. Yet I've failed to invite most/all of them to the forums, where I can expand upon our friendship and possibly bring someone into the community as a regular and as a contributor.
Is it that difficult for us to say, "Hey is this your first time playing here?" or "Man, you're pretty good." and follow it up by asking them to visit or forums, and make sure they come back to the server and that you enjoyed playing with them.
The last little bit I want to touch on is Server Etiquette. I think we all struggle with this and we probably do some small things that we don't even notice that potentially hurt the duration the server is full/running.
First thing I want to touch on is this, if you're in a badwater server and it's not ours and you're with SEVERAL ATG regulars, PLEASE try and start OUR badwater instead. I know we all want to play a full game, but a 10 minute sacrifice could mean a full server for the rest of the day. Just ask the people you see in the server if they'd like to start badwater with you, and send out PMs. It's not too difficult.
Next, and something that's very subtle is this: If you're a good player, and you constantly support your team, chances are most of the people in the server will know who you are. Even first timers may recognize that you are doing work. This leads me to two very important points. A. If you're going to have to leave the server in a shortly, make sure you try and disconnect at an opportune time. Try to quit when the teams are relatively balanced, and losing you won't cause a massive rage quit and server failure. and B. Ask on admin/friends chat if any other admins/friends are leaving at the same time. If you can stagger your disconnects, the server will look more appealing to new joiners, as they'll see a more consistent 22/24 or 21/24 then 16/24 because of quits.
I'm really trying to be sincere here, and I'm sure there's many things I missed. But if you want this community to last for as long as I do, I'm sure you'll not only follow what I said, but think of more things too.
Here's to the long life of our community. We're over 2 years old. There's something to be said for that.
So maybe it's time for a refresher on what we need to be doing to ensure Badwater is always here for those who want to play it, any time of day. It's also time for a reminder on what we can be doing to see our internal community grow, and see the ATG tag spread further and further.
Keep in mind when you're going to read this that I'm really not trying to chastise anyone; I've slipped up a lot too, and haven't brought as many faces to the forums as I should have.
One of the hugest things that originally brought me to ATG was how much of a family we all seemed to be. After switching from XFG, I was able to play with ATG during the glory days. If you missed out on those times, I really feel sorry for you. Those were some of the most fun hours I've ever had playing video games. I'm sure I knew pretendica, jane doe, and bioghost all before they knew me. And that was what kept me coming back: A constantly growing friendship between new people and seasoned veterans.
So I want to ask you this, how many people who aren't ATG registered users do you have fun with on a daily basis? How many do you say, wow that guy did something really cool, or strike up a conversation with someone? I know I experience this at least once a day in Badwater. Yet I've failed to invite most/all of them to the forums, where I can expand upon our friendship and possibly bring someone into the community as a regular and as a contributor.
Is it that difficult for us to say, "Hey is this your first time playing here?" or "Man, you're pretty good." and follow it up by asking them to visit or forums, and make sure they come back to the server and that you enjoyed playing with them.
The last little bit I want to touch on is Server Etiquette. I think we all struggle with this and we probably do some small things that we don't even notice that potentially hurt the duration the server is full/running.
First thing I want to touch on is this, if you're in a badwater server and it's not ours and you're with SEVERAL ATG regulars, PLEASE try and start OUR badwater instead. I know we all want to play a full game, but a 10 minute sacrifice could mean a full server for the rest of the day. Just ask the people you see in the server if they'd like to start badwater with you, and send out PMs. It's not too difficult.
Next, and something that's very subtle is this: If you're a good player, and you constantly support your team, chances are most of the people in the server will know who you are. Even first timers may recognize that you are doing work. This leads me to two very important points. A. If you're going to have to leave the server in a shortly, make sure you try and disconnect at an opportune time. Try to quit when the teams are relatively balanced, and losing you won't cause a massive rage quit and server failure. and B. Ask on admin/friends chat if any other admins/friends are leaving at the same time. If you can stagger your disconnects, the server will look more appealing to new joiners, as they'll see a more consistent 22/24 or 21/24 then 16/24 because of quits.
I'm really trying to be sincere here, and I'm sure there's many things I missed. But if you want this community to last for as long as I do, I'm sure you'll not only follow what I said, but think of more things too.
Here's to the long life of our community. We're over 2 years old. There's something to be said for that.