[Clever feedback thread title]

[Harmonic]

There's one thing I gotta point out, that's... sort of been on my mind with you, Rig. You get down on yourself -waaaay- too much. To the point where I almost worry about how things are affecting you, because it almost comes off as a sort of depression. You were talking in Grak's thread about what a "Bad person" you've become, or something similar, in how you treat people. Funny thing is, coming from someone with the reputation as being a harsh GM (Talking about myself in the past, here!) you've been dang good to everyone here. There are a few times where I've been in awe and amazement at your patience with people, really.

Don't be so down on yourself, man. I understand the stress of CoTH, but don't second-guess everything you are doing, or you'll just end up driving yourself crazy. Not once have I gotten a vibe from you that I'd call elitist or "bully-ish", I always thought of you as a fair and nice person, much like Loxmardin.

I'm sure you've had to draw a hard line with -some- people before. This does -not, not, NOT- make you a bad person! Contrary to popular belief, sunshine and kittens do not magically spawn every morning to wake up the world and make it swell with happiness.. some people need to be told "no" or that they need to do something differently or face consequences. It's part of life, and part of here.

So, to sum it up, have self-confidence in the job you do. Take pride in your work. Don't think you're a jerk---because you are not, sir.

[Grakor456]

Don't be hard on yourself, Rigley. You may say you're cynical and all that, but you show great restraint in keeping that reigned in and not letting it show. That counts for a lot, in the end.

You're, quite simply, the best GM we've ever had when it comes to building things, and definitely one of, if not the, best event runners. You really go under-appreciated around these parts, and that's a crying shame. I don't think most know just how much you do for the server.

You're my bud.

[Rigley]

For some reason those last three words meant a lot to me, even though I already knew it.

[Aphetoros]

I'll bite, Wriggles!

Here we go again.


There’s a heavy sentiment around my area, geared towards people my age who like to talk about politics. In short it reads ‘if you didn’t vote, don’t cry about it’. I used to actually have some issue with that for a reason I can’t recall by now, but as I’ve grown up I’ve come to be pretty in-line with the message that they’re gunning for in it.

If you don’t try and change something, don’t complain about it.

See, I don’t think I’m an unreasonable person. I’ve never penalized anyone for saying anything negative about me— only explained the ground I take my stand on, and concede where it is needed. I do not attempt to ban people for criticizing me, nor do I attempt to suspend them or place any other punitive measure on them. I don’t even know of any instances where I have held any resentment, save those who feel the need to splice a valid point with profanities and bile. So I just don’t get it. Is everything fine? Evidently not if I have to keep receiving my complaints second-hand.

Allow me to reiterate. I consider myself many things— I am not a mind reader. I am also not perfect. I –cannot- know the best solution to everything. I –cannot- realize that one person prefers one style of event over another if it is not said. Silence is not an easily interpreted response. I cannot tell if it is meant to be taken as neutrality, or silent acceptance, silent condemnation or a simple lack of caring. And as of late I’ve come to begrudgingly accept that not everyone is vocal with their praise, or their issues.


However.

You’ve got an issue with something I do? Very well. That's fine. But if you feel the need to stir a discussion about it and berate my work with others? Why? What does that change? What does that accomplish? How are you expecting anything to approve if all of the criticism happens behind closed doors? If you've got an issue then -try and improve it-. Make your point, because I am not a brick wall. I have changed my methods before based on critique. I have taken matters into consideration, if nothing else. Never have I received a complaint and ignored it.

I do not make my events and wish for them to be bad. I do not build to offend or antagonize. I do not make posts and interact with others in order to make enemies, nor do I enter any of these activities with that purpose. I do them because I believe what I do is good. I believe that, unless told otherwise, I am doing the best that I can manage for a situation and for the server in general. I do not half-bake my efforts. I do not commit to a job with the intention of slacking off. And unless someone tells me otherwise, I can do nothing more than assume that I am doing my job well.

So do you disagree? Then by all means, share with me why. Talk to me upfront and forward instead of bickering about it to your friends. Because if you want to make me angry that’s how. Nothing is more infuriating and insulting to me than someone who will not back up their own words.


I’m Rigley. And I’m depressed.

So, I see why you're upset and I know that it's probably people like myself that you're upset with, and so I'm going to post here!

You see, I was in the Solidarity rally on one of my characters, and while talking with someone about matters of lore (in /w) they asked if I was bored, as they. I agreed, because...

Firstly, the event looked spectacular. The work you did on spawning and building and decorating was literally fantastic, and I know how difficult such things are with this core. To continue, I agreed because despite all of this... I wasn't pulled into the RP between the NPCs, there. I'm not quite sure why, but I kept trying to pay attention and it kept getting drawn away. Eventually, I was pulled away due to real-life matters. However, I do not believe it was the event itself that was boring, I just think perhaps you might need to have a hook. For some reason, like I've said, I wasn't pulled into the story of the rally, and I'm not sure how but it needed a method of keeping me, as a reader and RPer, actively reading and involved.

Perhaps tensions could have been built in some way, or a hostile protester? I realize you mentioned that wasn't what the event was about... but I honestly couldn't tell you what even happened as I... don't really remember that much. And know that no one expects you to know the best solution to everything. We appreciate your efforts to make this server better, and you're doing everything you can and pouring your heart into something you're not paid for! Don't be upset, please, Rigley. If you have further questions on what I've posted here I will attempt to reply at earliest convenience (real life is eating me right now) and if I've offended you in any way please let me know, because it is not intentional. I'm sorry for not just telling you in the first place.

[flammos200]

'Ere comes Flammie. Brace yours-elves.

Let's start with the beginning. We joined Coff at about a month from each-other and I think the first time I RP-ed with you was when you had Hastings in the (Dark)Silver Slayers, helping out Roove help out the Coalition, later on going to encounter you when you were palling around with Drakus on Rigley around Goldshire, where the Pride had formed. Those were the days, huh? You were nice, and quite the humble individual. I liked the character concepts you came up with, and the little joint guide you had with Drak.

Moving on, there's quite the span of time in which you became a GM in which I encountered you sporadically. I suspect you were one of those that helped spawn that Wintergrasp event for the Oathkeepers, since Rigley was the only Human helping out, and I specifically remember asking for NPC battles in Ratchet Arena. God, I loved those. I miss them so much. That place was a blast...

Even further along the restarts, I've witnessed the awesome Draenei vs T-Rex fight you decided to put up in Gurubashi, and the numerous spawned locations you've made. From 'hidden' ones like the one Duraza requested to be made in Scarlet Enclave, that had a portal but that never was added to the portal menu, that I ended up using as a Noble House Estate, to more visible things like Mimiron's Anchorage(which I am sad was underused), to Hearthglen, the numerous houses on the Eastern Kingdoms that now have doors, beautifying Gurubashi, the Isle of Conquest, the Alliance and Horde Airships, and heck, Nexi told me you had a hand in the Catacombs. I've been to most places you've made. I've seen your handiwork, and I have to say, I am impressed.

You're incredible at world-building, and I honestly can't get enough of it. I love the little things, like you not putting NPCs behind counters to allow for PC shopkeepers, and I love the big things, like your inclination to use that spinny, tall fountain with elf girls that shoot water.

There's a lot of content you put out there, to be honest, and all of it is of very high quality. From what I've seen, you've tried adapting to what people ask you to make, and that just goes to show how awesome you are. Sure, you do end up getting flak for it, criticism and that dreadful feeling that somehow, the things you've put together will eventually remain deserted, but don't beat yourself up for it. It's not -your problem-. You made the area. It's not your job to advertise nor your obligation for it to be popular. Please do not be upset(I know that's hard. It's all right..) when things like that happen.

Just... try not looking at who the people asking you to make things are. Like, when you helped out with Hearthglen, I'm sure at one point you went "Yeah. Everyone can use this. It'll help everyone out." or the houses in Tirisfal "Yeah. Forsaken can use this. It'll help with Tirisfal RP!" - my point is, so long as it helps even a couple of people, you should feel free to do it. Create, for that is the purpose of a mind.

I've also been reading your IC threads. I like what I see, though I'm reminded of Book-Characters vs RP-Characters. What I mean is, some characters simply end up portrayed and understood better when they're in writing, such as a book or IC post, or written, non-interactive storyline. Whereas other characters work best when they have people to bounce off, and lots of interaction in a short amount of time. Most of those in your IC threads end up looking a lot like the first sort, slower to act and react, perhaps out of shyness or a calculating personality(a certain priestess and a certain scientist come to mind). I wonder sometimes if it's not a little difficult to portray them in 'full-bloom' when out in the open.

To me, you've been a pretty swell guy. You've never turned down my(albeit few) requests, and indirectly, you've helped with a lot of my RP. For that, I thank you very much, 'n I'll have to say: Cheer up! For after all is said and done, you will enter Bearhalla! Where the bears may live, forever!

[Rigley]

To me, you've been a pretty swell guy. You've never turned down my(albeit few) requests, and indirectly, you've helped with a lot of my RP. For that, I thank you very much, 'n I'll have to say: Cheer up! For after all is said and done, you will enter Bearhalla! Where the bears may live, forever!

Ooooh. Oh god. Whenever someone reminds me about that I laugh so hard.

One of my most enjoyable events. Just because of that. :B

In short; thank you, though.

On the note about characters in writing vs characters in RP, I will say that I have felt this way before. In fact I seem to have difficulty in general in RPing Hastings elsewhere -at all-, save events. Then again I'm having difficulty RPing period at the moment, so that isn't saying much.

I feel like it varies, I suppose. Because in a way I'm quite fine with the way Endling has turned out (that being that more of the character is visible OOC than IC; more expression through writing and less through her actual interactions, even thought that might not sound ideal to most), but on the other side of things I have characters like Bilial or Hastings who just... don't really work for me when I throw them out into the server proper. Perhaps it was a flaw in that I developed more about them in writing rather than in-game first off, and thus just don't know how to play them off that well. I don't know, but I suppose before I even bother with trying to correct this I need to just RP in general more.

You see, I was in the Solidarity rally on one of my characters, and while talking with someone about matters of lore (in /w) they asked if I was bored, as they. I agreed, because...

As not to quote the entire post I'll just use that bit. The thing is, I did try to spice things up as best as could be done-- There was an angry dissenter, as you mentioned. The whole point of the rally though was to kinda give a foundation rather than just something thrown into an IC post-- since in that way it seems more... tangible, in a way? It seemed stronger than beginning the event chain with another news article, in short.

I can see why people felt that it was boring; I just dislike how the argument was phrased to me (something along the lines of 'this is just GMs RPing with one another with NPCs'), which I didn't really enjoy because...

Well, it wasn't RP. And I kinda get peeved when people try to act like I RP on NPCs for my own kicks. Because really I don't-- at least, not in the same way I would a character. It hits particularly close to home since I commonly do complain that I don't play my characters much-- that sometimes people have asked me to puppet an NPC over actually roleplaying with my characters, something which has happened a good handful of times to me in the past.

It just kinda feels like a slap in the face. And indeed, it was a bit angering when I found out that the complaint given to me was made by someone in a call with me at the time, listening in on the conversation. I will not lie and say I did not overreact then, as I did say some berating things regarding the opinion prior to leaving the call-- I would blame this on a particularly stressful day though, and while that doesn't absolve what I said hopefully an apology will as well. What can I say? Sometimes I just snap. I just hope that most of the time I do manage to control my temper.

I won't lie in that I was also extremely bitter over the idea that this was going to color the rest of the event chain for people, when in reality the rally was nothing like what the other events are meant to be-- I was kinda reinforced on this due to the meager turnout today, and I won't lie and say that I'm not already having second thoughts just on that concept alone. I suppose it feels a bit like I've blown the entire thing by trying to do something new for an opener.

[CappnRob]

Rigs, given I was at the first Solidarity event, I think you shouldn't even give these complainers a penny of your thoughts, cuz they clearly just mad and didn't even know what was going on. DEM HATERS DEY GONNA HATE.

You are totally rightm it made the setup feel more real than just an IC post. More tangible. More like "this is a thing that is going down". And that is by and large why I am loving Solidarity. The opening event was awesome. Lameos gonna be lame if they can't appreciate some social dissonance RP and gotta thrive off the BLOOD OF DEAD MOB NPCs all the time. I loved having the crowd PCs talk during the first event. INTERACTION with a changing world, not just DICE ROLLLLLLS.

TL DR SOLIDARITY IS AWESOME I WILL GO TO ALL THE EVENTS.

And I am legit exited to see how it'll end because its one of those things I KNOW is going to end in tragedy, I just don't know HOW or WHY and its got me guessing oh man.

[Aphetoros]

You see, I was in the Solidarity rally on one of my characters, and while talking with someone about matters of lore (in /w) they asked if I was bored, as they. I agreed, because...

As not to quote the entire post I'll just use that bit. The thing is, I did try to spice things up as best as could be done-- There was an angry dissenter, as you mentioned. The whole point of the rally though was to kinda give a foundation rather than just something thrown into an IC post-- since in that way it seems more... tangible, in a way? It seemed stronger than beginning the event chain with another news article, in short.

I can see why people felt that it was boring; I just dislike how the argument was phrased to me (something along the lines of 'this is just GMs RPing with one another with NPCs'), which I didn't really enjoy because...

Well, it wasn't RP. And I kinda get peeved when people try to act like I RP on NPCs for my own kicks. Because really I don't-- at least, not in the same way I would a character. It hits particularly close to home since I commonly do complain that I don't play my characters much-- that sometimes people have asked me to puppet an NPC over actually roleplaying with my characters, something which has happened a good handful of times to me in the past.

It just kinda feels like a slap in the face. And indeed, it was a bit angering when I found out that the complaint given to me was made by someone in a call with me at the time, listening in on the conversation. I will not lie and say I did not overreact then, as I did say some berating things regarding the opinion prior to leaving the call-- I would blame this on a particularly stressful day though, and while that doesn't absolve what I said hopefully an apology will as well. What can I say? Sometimes I just snap. I just hope that most of the time I do manage to control my temper.

I won't lie in that I was also extremely bitter over the idea that this was going to color the rest of the event chain for people, when in reality the rally was nothing like what the other events are meant to be-- I was kinda reinforced on this due to the meager turnout today, and I won't lie and say that I'm not already having second thoughts just on that concept alone. I suppose it feels a bit like I've blown the entire thing by trying to do something new for an opener.

Don't worry about blowing the entirety of the event, I was going to come but I wasn't even here (I've been ill and I'm in tech week for a production.) The only reason I didn't say anything in the first place was because of how you got rather angry, and so I was a bit too nervous.

Well, it wasn't RP. And I kinda get peeved when people try to act like I RP on NPCs for my own kicks. Because really I don't-- at least, not in the same way I would a character.

And I personally don't think this is the case. I don't think you do it just for kicks, I was merely saying that for some reason my mind wasn't pulled into the event.

[Wuvvums]

I know you always asked me for opinions, thoughts, and ideas on your events and for feedback, but I always felt like I couldn't articulate the feelings on the matter and couldn't express to you anything more than “I liked it” and “okay,” or “I love you.” To be honest, I really need to think passionately on a topic, and almost become obsessed about it to come up with an idea. It's pretty easy to get into that mood when I have some time away from the computer (like that little shower I just took), and I came up with some thoughts and feelings about you, and about us, as roleplayers.

Aside from you, there were really only about two other roleplayers that could captivate me to want me to come back again and again for roleplay. One of these two people are on the server now. I think you know who they are.

You had a talent I thought was special and rare, and to some extent I think it is. You're a story teller, and I feel like this had always been your thing, even before we met. I don't know if it's a practiced talent or just comes as part of the person, but you have this remarkable ability to think up a world, its people, events and ideas. Basically, when we met you didn't just rp the character, you rp'd the whole dang world and that takes a lot of effort in my book. Sometimes I think that's one of the things that carries over well to when you run events. I also felt like it came with a bit of a price.

This could be just as much my fault but I feel that you have a hard time staying interested in a one on one rp where things are driven by who you are rather than what is going on around you. You seem to develop your characters extremely well through IC posts, once again because it plays off of your story-telling ability, but I can't remember a lot of times we both got into WoW and did something together.

I was beginning to think that some of our pairings were done for the sake of it, and it probably was. This doesn't mean I don't mind making characters for you, but sometimes I feel like the convention is like skip one step and go directly to the relationship being established. Most all of the other rps where I had a relationship on coth were usually random, spur the moment, and it was done while I was developing and enjoying a new character. Some of them weren't even romance; the spontaneous friendship that formed between Hawk and Carana for example was one where the fun was one character playing off the other and finding mundane things fun like fighting, wrestling, or playing around in the jungle.

I don't think we've had rps devoid of character development but I feel that we've haven't had a lot of rp together that just focuses on that. We've had it done for the sake of doing it like having a little lunch break in Booty Bay and a couple of talks and travels and they were pleasant, but I always had this guilty feeling that I wasn't keeping it interesting, and I always felt like I ran out of ideas. I think if these relationships happened much more naturally they'd be pretty fun and interesting; on a side note I was always thinking of making another gnome if you wanted such a chance~

As a side note I am not sure if I saw you get too involved with your characters in other people's things. I don't really follow every single thing you do but from the sense of it I think Endling is your main but even then she's more staying in the back and out of the way. I don't know how you'd feel if you were to just try and get in there, try some of the crazier things, and maybe play in some of those events rather than be the maker and runner of the event itself. This is entirely up to you.

On the flip side I am not sure if I ever tried to cultivate one on one rp with you and I think I have been distracted and neglectful at times. I don't want to ever take you for granted and I appreciate the things you manage to do and go above and beyond what others would expect out of you. I am always happy to be your co-runner and work together, and I always felt like it was one of those fun teamwork things.

Overall what I would recommend is maybe step aside and try some normal, regular rp on some characters even if you have to role some new ones. I know you have a hard time wanting to do one on one rp and it feels like you depend on a third person just to do our thing, whether it's on coth or skype. You always managed to adapt and make something to do for a roleplay. I don't know if it's a matter of confidence or boredom, but I believe in your ability to bring out the best in even unlikely roleplays if you give it a try. Seeing how we'll be spending a lot of time together in the future, maybe we'll try that as practice. I'm more than happy to write something with you, or play with you on coth.

I am happy to have met and had you as an rp partner. I know if I can't find anyone else, you will be there, and we can always do something fun together. Five years is quite the time to have roleplayed together and I think we've managed to watch each other grow in that time. I could not be happier with whatever we choose to do together.

I hope the feedback helps. For the moment these are the best thoughts I can gather and get down for you, and I want to see something good out of our time together. Some of this should be taken with a grain of salt because I feel like I can be as much a part of the problem and in turn part of the solution. I just hope no matter what you have fun, and you love what you do.

[Rigley]

I suppose I should bump this in light of the end of Solidarity; although it was truncated like most of my event lines I actually did enjoy how things ran. I'd be interested to hear what others think.

[CappnRob]

WHEN ARE WE HAVING A FUNERAL FOR STREET.

[Bingles]

I think, you're fun to RP with. Rigley was escpecially fun to RP with, although it only happened once but I thought it was fun. It's like a hybrid Gnome-Human that Rigley (the character) plays as and I think it was a fun idea. Also, you're a -great- builder! Minecraft too, I think it is something your great at. You have to be one of my favourite GMs, well yes favourite GM. You're very helpful and I think you do an -excellent- job at it.

We have to RP more Rigley when you want to just PM me!


Best regards
-SunThas

[Jonoth]

I have to admit, I was intimidated as all hell taking such a large role in one of your events. There was naturally the fear that the character wouldn't come off right even though you basically laid out his history and personality, and even more intimidating is how easy you make event running seem (seem being the operative word, as it's always a daunting task). But everything came off very smooth, and for an event that spanned so many towns and cities, it never failed to all connect and flow.

It's not often you see an event that really makes people care about the characters involved and the people affected by the outcome. But you've done something with it where after the victory and confetti, people still care about the aftermath, and that is no small accomplishment.

Solidarity was one of the most fun roleplays I've ever taken part in. And I hope that with it comes confidence in doing the events that you enjoy, and the patience to let those events grow even if they start a little slow. It's those labors of love that we put the most into, and that can bring the most out of others.

[Rigley]

Pheeeeeeeeeeew.

ELEMENTAL UNREST IS DONE.

Sloppy? Yes. Erratic? Yes. Scheduled haphazardly? Slightly so.

Fuuuuuuun?

Maybe, hopefully. I'd like to hear what you guys think. I've actually been out of practice with large-scale events as of late, and some of the stuff we did in this chain was new for me. But hopefully the result was enjoyable and not entirely insufferable. It's been exhausting and stressful, but I think the result came out... good.

So... thoughts?

[Cassius]

The events were great overall, the only one I didn't fully get into was the event where we went into the elemental plane of fire while I was on my Inquisitor. Perhaps it was just me but it felt slower paced.

As for the big finale today? I greatly enjoyed it and you did a good job on that one since it felt less "claustrophobic" in comparison to the event we went through before with Magni and Garrosh.

I think that covers up my small bundle of thoughts.