I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

Originally posted by Tigasnake
I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

if devs are more out then working on the game, that means or they told then to slow down all development or they are not willing to work that hard on the game again, in both cases that is not good for the game

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Tigasnake
I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

if devs are more out then working on the game, that means or they told then to slow down all development or they are not willing to work that hard on the game again, in both cases that is not good for the game

Just goes to show that the Devs are damned if they do not post and damned if they do post....

 

You do know devs get 'downtime' breaks and stuff, maybe they are doing this on their own time with blessing of the Producer? or maybe they have done their bit for the next update and are waiting for something, so instead of sitting around doing nothing they decide to reach out to the community...

 

In my Job i find time to do my work AND reach out to our online community in company mandated forums

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Tigasnake
I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

if devs are more out then working on the game, that means or they told then to slow down all development or they are not willing to work that hard on the game again, in both cases that is not good for the game

Not really. People have this thing called breaks that they go on during the workday. If anything it shows a confidence in their developers, since generally companies will have a few people who are trusted to speak with the community and everyone else is told to shut up so they don't say something stupid.

Originally posted by Omali

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Tigasnake
I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

if devs are more out then working on the game, that means or they told then to slow down all development or they are not willing to work that hard on the game again, in both cases that is not good for the game

Not really. People have this thing called breaks that they go on during the workday. If anything it shows a confidence in their developers, since generally companies will have a few people who are trusted to speak with the community and everyone else is told to shut up so they don't say something stupid.

yeah because if I was working I would use my breaks/free times to post things in a forum about my work......

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Omali

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Tigasnake
I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

if devs are more out then working on the game, that means or they told then to slow down all development or they are not willing to work that hard on the game again, in both cases that is not good for the game

Not really. People have this thing called breaks that they go on during the workday. If anything it shows a confidence in their developers, since generally companies will have a few people who are trusted to speak with the community and everyone else is told to shut up so they don't say something stupid.

yeah because if I was working I would use my breaks/free times to post things in a forum about my work......

Not my fault if you don't enjoy your job. I know a good deal of game developers, and those that like what they do are excited to talk about the game and what's going on or being worked on whenever they have an opportunity.

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Omali

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Tigasnake
I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

if devs are more out then working on the game, that means or they told then to slow down all development or they are not willing to work that hard on the game again, in both cases that is not good for the game

Not really. People have this thing called breaks that they go on during the workday. If anything it shows a confidence in their developers, since generally companies will have a few people who are trusted to speak with the community and everyone else is told to shut up so they don't say something stupid.

yeah because if I was working I would use my breaks/free times to post things in a forum about my work......

If my next pay check counted on it I sure the hell would. Going home telling your family "I had to work through a break today posting in a forum,  while sipping my coffee" is much easier than saying "we have to eat rice and beans until I find another job".

""If my next pay check counted on it I sure the hell would. Going home telling your family "I had to work through a break today posting in a forum, while sipping my coffee" is much easier than saying "we have to eat rice and beans until I find another job".""
^this... And
""Not my fault if you don't enjoy your job. I know a good deal of game developers, and those that like what they do are excited to talk about the game and what's going on or being worked on whenever they have an opportunity.""
^this, in spades

Originally posted by Omali

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Omali

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Tigasnake
I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

if devs are more out then working on the game, that means or they told then to slow down all development or they are not willing to work that hard on the game again, in both cases that is not good for the game

Not really. People have this thing called breaks that they go on during the workday. If anything it shows a confidence in their developers, since generally companies will have a few people who are trusted to speak with the community and everyone else is told to shut up so they don't say something stupid.

yeah because if I was working I would use my breaks/free times to post things in a forum about my work......

Not my fault if you don't enjoy your job. I know a good deal of game developers, and those that like what they do are excited to talk about the game and what's going on or being worked on whenever they have an opportunity.

 Just had to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGS2tKQhdhY

Originally posted by Obidom

Originally posted by alkarionlog

Originally posted by Tigasnake
I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

if devs are more out then working on the game, that means or they told then to slow down all development or they are not willing to work that hard on the game again, in both cases that is not good for the game

Just goes to show that the Devs are damned if they do not post and damned if they do post....

 

You do know devs get 'downtime' breaks and stuff, maybe they are doing this on their own time with blessing of the Producer? or maybe they have done their bit for the next update and are waiting for something, so instead of sitting around doing nothing they decide to reach out to the community...

 

In my Job i find time to do my work AND reach out to our online community in company mandated forums

Agreed. That is why employees in Japan are more efficient than in other countries, because they dont work as robots. They have enough breaks and free time at work to get their minds and body in place to keep being productive at work. Not being  sleepy and bored employees being inefficient thoughout the day

If anything I would have flushed the in-game moderators down the toilet, because they are the ones creating striffe by delaying or cancelling tickets constantly.  "Ah it's friday and I still have 200 tickets to deal with." "Oh, just delete them and lets get a beer." "OK."

 

Sadly, the forum moderators / CM's are the most publically visable people at EA's BioWare, with exception to occasional interviews with people in charge .. at least those who do live interviews, not scripted ones (rare to have a one-on-one live interview - but when you have Jeff Hickman or Gabe Amatangelo, they make a lot of regretable comments).

 

The past CM's did their jobs well, they got overloaded with EA BS and slowed down their responses.  Responses which need EA approval, especially needed on their part if something goes wrong.  Before their firing, some comments were said, specifically one which dealt with exactly how microtransactions would work in the future, like gambling packs.  Could that be a reason for at least one of them?

 

So rather than EA saying they will work on customer interaction, they just canned very knowledgeable people and replaced them.  Typical corporate behavior.  The new people will falter too, as EA gives them more responsibilities.  Communication will go down, and .. TADA !  a 4th community manager.

 

EA thinks progress is new people all the time.  A shame, great company in the 80s.  They keep fixing up the fortress walls, but the inside is deteriorating and filthy.

Originally posted by Karteli

EA thinks progress is new people all the time.  A shame, great company in the 80s.  They keep fixing up the fortress walls, but the inside is deteriorating and filthy.

  Last I checked Courtney Woods, and Amber Green have been with the company since launch.  I'm not sure when Eric was hired, but we know he was a great community member before Bioware.

They are listening and even posting lots of answers. They have given a good few bits of information today. The planetary comms now have a 50 limit and I was worried about my excess above the 50 and what would happen to them. They gave me an answer , you will be allowed , when 2.0 goes live , to store an extra 50 on top of the 50 , so a total of 100 planetary comms per character.

Also the reputation armors will be able to be worn by level 10's instead of level 45's , in a future patch , the golden gree armor will also have a minimum of level 10 requirement and will be removed from the CM , returning in the future. My guess is that the "legend of the gree" title which is "perfect gold bisector " might have something to do with it.  Also the Gree event will return sooner than we think , my guess is when the first players are legend , well that's a week Tuesday so maybe a week later. 

They are going to announce some good information next week too.

Cheers,

BadOrb.

TThey're trying to sell their crap expansion....duh??

Originally posted by Tigasnake
I have to admit.  I'm extremely impressed with the recent forum activity from Eric, Amber, Courtney, and all the developers.  It's as if EA/Bioware flipped a switch and said "Go outside and socialize!"  Who knows if it lasts.. but we've gotten more dev chatter this past week than we did for months...

Im almost positive its because all the complaints that the forums have gotten out of hand, and to remind people that they still monitor what people say. 

Originally posted by SaintWalker44
TThey're trying to sell their crap expansion....duh??

Doesn't look crap to me.

http://www.swtor.com/info/media/trailers/making-rise-hutt-cartel-part-1-creating-makeb-video

/shrug

Cheers,

BadOrb.

For making it easier :) I am so excited... this is going to be a lot of fun.

http://www.swtor.com/info/media/trailers/making-rise-hutt-cartel-part-1-creating-makeb-video

 

 

Here is all recent devs tracking and it includes new rules for forums posted today :) It looks like they will be more lenient:)

http://www.swtor.com/community/devtracker.php

 

Hey everyone,

As I am sure many of you have noticed, it has been the Community Team's goal to try a new direction in communication. We are aiming to speak with you more, in a more casual way, and with more information.

Some of you may have then wondered "what does this new approach mean for forum rules?" Actually, maybe none of you were asking that, but I am going to answer it anyway. The reason? Because that is going to change a bit as well.

Before I explain specifics I want to stress what our goals are for these forums. The forums are meant to be a place where people can come, express their opinions and have constructive discussions without fear of attack or harassment. Please always keep this in mind! Let's talk details:

Where we will be more lenient:

• General "internet" style chatter. In the past we have been pretty harsh about some things, such as calling someone a "troll" or throwing out a "can I have your stuff?". We would remove these types of posts and they could possibly incur a warning or an infraction. In general, we are going to let this slide a bit more, but honestly you shouldn't be doing this in the first place. Just be respectful to each other.
• Things that are usual forum "nonos" like bumping a thread or "necroing" an old post. We are not going to go as crazy actioning these types of things. That doesn't mean we won't just delete them with no notice. Again, don't do them, because if you are being disruptive, it can still lead to actions being taken against your account.
• Posts that are often reported for trolling. These types of posts are not always the most constructive or involve direct feedback, but as long as they remain harmless and in good spirits we will err on the side of leaving them be.

Where we will continue to be very strict:

• Any type of post or thread that is political or religious and this also includes analogies of the same type. I know some folks will not understand why we have this rule in place. The problem is that when you make a comparison which is religious or political in nature, it almost always derails that discussion into a religious or political one, which is something that just serves no purpose here. So please stay away from these types of posts as they will continue to be removed and will almost always include a warning or infraction.
• Threads and responses that are vulgar or sexual in nature.
• Threads where the only subject is another game or is very off-topic. At the end of the day this is still a STAR WARS: The Old Republic forum and so all threads should revolve around our game.
• Callouts of any kind are strictly not permitted. This includes calling out specific players and guilds. To get one step further, even posts that appear to have good intent ("List of known ninja looters!") are still in violation of this rule and are not permitted. We want everyone to feel that the forums are a safe place for them and this type of post only serves to harass other players.
• Intentionally posting false information in the hopes of "stirring up" the community. If it is very clear you have made a post with the intent of lying about facts in order to create disorder, your post will be removed and you will be actioned for it. This type of behavior only serves to incite negative reactions from our forum users.

New Infraction/Warning Structure

With our new policies in place on *what* we will action against, we are also making similar changes to our warning and infraction system. Although we are giving you a bit more freedom in what you can say, if you continually cross those lines you will be actioned appropriately.

In most cases, your first violation will net you a warning. This warning will remind you of what you have done and will act as a friendly reminder to avoid this type of behavior. (For severe violations, a user may skip receiving a warning and go right to an infraction.)

After you have received a warning, if you do something else which violates our forum rules, you will receive an infraction. All infractions are now worth 5 points each and suspensions will work as follows:

5 points - 3 day suspension
10 points - 7 day suspension
15 points - Permanent ban

TLDR: We want to provide the opportunity for all of you to be able to express your opinions, even disagreements, in a way that does not have you in fear of being reprimanded. However, even with this leeway we will not tolerate players making hurtful statements, harassing, or directly attacking each other in a way that is not constructive.

One thing I need to make very clear is that even with this change in forum rules, this does not change any warnings or infractions that you received previously. All of those will still stand and will not be reversed based on the new rules.

I hope that all of this makes sense as I tried to spell it out as clearly as I could.

-eric and the Community Team

 

oh and Gree Event is coming back pretty soon :)

 

Hey everyone!

Although I cannot completely satisfy your request by stating a date that the Gree event will be returning, I do have some information at least. The Gree event will be returning a whole lot sooner than you think (note no ™). Soon in this case, is Game Update 1.7.2!

As part of this I wanted to make you all aware of the fact that along with the Gree Event coming back, the Golden Scalene Armor is going to be removed from the store at the same time, but that armor could always come back at a later date!

As one last teaser, we have some pretty cool information coming next week, so keep your eyes open for that.

-eric

if they really enforce those rules, they might as well shut down their forums

if it is unbiased , they will have to permaban all of the posters in a couple of months

how many threads and posts have they deleted already? and did it improve the game,,or even the forums?

To be honest, it sounds like those new forum rules are to make it easier to police with both automated software (keyword filters) and less trained and less forum moderators. Less staff, less overhead.