[ Closed ] Sim Strength Rankings (Page 1 of 14)

Measuring a sim's health is a good idea, I'd say. But maybe we should leave the OOC threads in the sims out of the calculation, since they do not contribute to the in-game posting.

Perhaps we could do dual ranking then? Perhaps the two side-by-side can give us a stronger indication of how healthy a Sim is by examining its OOC versus its IC health statuses?

~Robert

...or we could hold the SL's accountable and have them do SS's of their own sims, though that might set the numbers off a bit though I do know you can schedule to view a page on a specific day which would help keep the numbers fair.

I'm open for whatever though, I abstain from taking sides in this conversation. 

~Robert

I think measuring is a good tool. It provides data but, much like the Nielsen ratings, really is not an accurate measure of the viability of a franchise (Firefly, Pushing Daisies, STAR TREK). It does point directly to where there might be a problem. What that problem is and how to fix it becomes a coordinated task between Government, SLs and members. But it does give an area for us to nudge. I do fear that we tend to over extend ourselves here, myself completely included. There is nothing wrong with closing a sim that is really not being cared for much. Unlike executive types, if there is demand for a closed dim back, it doesn't take much to reopen it. I know it goes against many sentiments, but I think having a minimum of 6 players before opening a sim would help the long term viability.  True two people can have a lovely time Rping with each other indefinitely, but larger vibrant sims grow the club, and are usually more interesting to members and newcomers. If two people want to keep their sim alive that's fine, but if we end up with a whole mess of titles that are not being played it looks cluttered.

Again it should be a decision of the membership currently playing a sim whether it should be shuttered or not. But it should be a conversation brought to the membership if their numbers are lagging. Even the conversation may bring tired sims back to life.

I have to agree with Kevin on all of his points - even the minimum number of players per sim. Six may be a bit too high, though, maybe 4-5 minimum (much to my chagrin, as I think over half of the sims I am in have less than that in them).

-Jason

Sure, go for it - it's a great idea.

Silent

I rarely say no to a volunteer. Please go ahead, Robert.

Meanwhile, one of my favourite points raised so far was Kevin stating that the conversation "should we close this sim" should be had with the players! Oh so true and one which I don't think I'd stated explicitly so far! That really does need to be said and emphasised. My point is that a measure will trigger the conversation. But cold numbers shouldn't close a sim if the people involved are enjoying it. It's not hurting anyone else by being slower, I don't think, and it's also good for us to provide a range of speeds in our sims. I know it's not true of all online roleplayers, but I think some game online chiefly because they don't have the time to commit to real-life tabletop games.

Ash

Shameless link to another live topic, but it may be worth each of us looking up groups in our areas and approaching them with mutual advertising opportunities.

Ash

Considering the origins of the group, that's not much of a surprise! Still, would be nice to get some other genres competing with that...

You want players + GM, or just players?

Just players:
USS Repulse: 3
Wheel of Time: 2
Mass Effect: 5

I'm assuming it's the total number posting?

The Elemental: 8
SGB-2: 5
Triple Zero: 6
The West Star: 7
Middle Earth: The Fourth Age: 6

Ash

One other thing I was waffling on was whether to include the non-active players. They are still players, after all, but they just post infrequently. Were the sims larger, I'd consider setting posting limits, but since they are just barely hanging on as they are, I'd rather not.

Anyway, am I right in assuming you want number of total players (even if they aren't posting), or just actives?