Greetings fellow practitioners of the darker arts of Telon. The powers that be over at the Vanguard Players Site released a news article or two in the last couple days that deserved a bit of a reply. Let's start off with this:
"Article on Vanguard Players called Introduction to PhAtHoM
Hey all!
My name is Thom Terrazas and I just recently joined the Vanguard Team in full capacity. I haven't played Vanguard as much as I should but I am about to change that and this is where you come into play if you don't mind helping a newbie out?
I've usually chosen the path of a Paladin in previous games and have played a few levels of various characters on Vanguard so far but I haven't made up my mind on which to play solely. I'm thinking about going back to my roots to start a new Paladin again but thought I would check with the community about what you thought would be the best character to play and why?
I like the melee action but sometimes it seems a bit laboring and boring (without all the bells and whistles of a caster) and I have started to lean more towards versatility, like say with a Druid. So what's the most powerful class to play? and/or a better question, what is the most fun to play? ...and do you have any tips on that type of character with complimentary crafting skills?
Thanks in advance for the insight and see you in game!
Thom Terrazas
Project Manager
Sony Online Entertainment"
Hrmm.... my inner cynic can not help but pick this apart... can ... not... resist...temptation...too..great...arrgh!! Why fight it I know... here we go:
How to introduce yourself as the new project Manager:
Step 1: Establish credibility - Reassure all parties involved that you are knowledgable in the project's subject matter and able to jump right in and get things on the right track!
"I haven't played Vanguard as much as I should... "
Haven't played it as much as you should, yet you are going to run a project and in essence control the flow and fun of the game with your seal of approval.
Step 2: Show a broad range of knowledge - Ensure that people are aware of your diverse knowledge as it relates to the project. Make sure they see how you have approached the project from various angles and that you are capable of seeing multiple sides of an issue.
"I'm thinking about going back to my roots to start a new Paladin again... "
Go for what you know! no need to understand how the other classes perceive the game hehe. I am guessing those goody goody Palys will be getting buffed soon hehe.
Step 3: Show that you are ready to focus on what is important - Let those involved see how you are immediately leaping into the project to fix what needs fixing and get things on the right track. Establish goals and deadlines as able.
"thought I would check with the community about what you thought would be the best character to play and why?... "
Okay, I guess you actually playing the game some and getting a clue what the problems are would be nice. Although, giving an idea of what you are in fact MANAGING and what the immediate plans are as well as priorities are would be a pretty good idea.
Step 4: Reinforce the overall goal of the project - Ensure that all parties involved see that you are focused on making the project stay true to its original concept... The fun massively MMO game that Sigil had envisioned (Go Brad!)
"So what's the most powerful class to play? and/or a better question, what is the most fun to play?... "
Well now, why is the more important question not the first one to roll off those typing fingers? Most powerful seemed fairly important hehe. Or perhaps he knows more about the game than we may initially think and he already realizes that fun is hard to find currently so he went straight to the powerful. And besides, just run the stats on server population and note which class has the highest percentage of people playing it, ta-da! there ya go, most powerful hehe. See! I didn't say Death Clerics! bwahaha!
Step 5: Ensure that communication is key - Make sure that all team members understand the importance of clear communication channels. Nothing worse than a project effort being led with poor communication between the project members and the project manager..
"Thanks in advance for the insight ... "
Well Thom, why I think you would benefit greatly from my insight, it would be a tad easier to dispense such insight to you IF you gave a method of posting it or emailing it to you. Why would you post something like this asking for player feedback yet not give them a channel by which to respond via. I know, I know.. you are being a nitpick y necromancer Lifebane! But these things need be said now and then to keep us all honest and well, pop a clue in for those in need of one!
Bugger.. I had meant to also reply a bit to the "Double EXP on test" news item as well, but fortunately for them, they have fixed the problems already so I am unable to poke any fun at it. bleh. Suffice it to say that Proofreading is not optional when posting things on a corporate website.
Good luck PhAtHoM and enjoy the Paladin (Did I neglect to mention the lack of professionalism with being introduced by a handle rather than your actual name and title?!)
Lifebane
vgnecro.com