ARN is dead and zoids is hanging on the last brittle branch.

[Tetsuo Ishikawa]

What should come next, how can we proceed from here. I don't want to revive ARN I want to rip up what remains of it's rotting stump and plant a new vibrant life giving thing. Since the folks here at zoids have been the only constant foundation in ARN's run I come to you all for help. This is a chance to start fresh and build a community site for those that helped to support it the most. Zoids of course will be along for the ride, and it could even get overhauled in the process if everyone sees fit to do so.

[Khongol Halasian]

If there is a way to transfer the ZAE data to a new/overhauled site I would be game for it. Personally I like the story permise and would love to see more moderators (who can double as judges yet also carry some of the burden for the admins so they can focus on their RP and admin work while the mods judge and keep the peace on the OOC side).

In a revamp the rule changes can all be done at once and we don't have to Fast Forward and make everyone start over, they would just continue as if nothing changed. In other words, OOC changes would not influence IC (as it should be).


Then again, this is coming from a long-time roleplayer's point of view.

[Ryn Kimora]

I'm sorry, but the constant overhauling of this site is what has driven so many of the old players off of it.  I haven't even updated my zoid from the last overhaul, so I personally think overhauling the site, once again, will cause more problems than it will solve.

[Khongol Halasian]

So, Ryn, in your opinion, what should be done? Something needs to be done to attract more people and keep them.

[Sensurugi Tenshigo]

I think the availability and activity of moderators/judges will take care of that. But I do agree with Ryn that revamps that are very close together can and have agitated older and more experienced members who are used to the other systems. That's not to say zero changes should occur, but we should keep the changes within reason, and no huge ones back to back, I'd say. We're still working out the kinks in the new system (which I will admit, could have and probably should have been done at a faster pace) but I think changing to another new system would just create confusion and when people are confused they get frustrated.

[Tetsuo Ishikawa]

I actually don't think anything about zoids is broken game wise as everyone here seems to enjoy it well enough. What I was referring to was revamping the layout and upgrading the forums, cause what we have now is old and busted.

However this topic was really about what should come next after ARN, since a community site with a broader appeal than just zoids could help draw in new players.

[Khongol Halasian]

Ah, in that light, then I am all for an improved layout. Perhaps something much like GiveUpAlready in structure.

While I LOVE green, the forum almost looks plain. As to additions to Zoids aside from ARN, then I am not sure. However, if we had a public OOC chat area all members can access (much like the VIP room but open to all after being accepted) so people can get to know other team's people OOC. I love the premise of a free-RP section that is "canon" (for the site) and keeping that lightly moderated (so nothing that would alter the "world" would happen). As well as the background story being maintained so when site-wide events happened the results would be reflected so newcomers can know what has happened recently without having to read through countless FQs.

Yes, these are ALOT of work to be added... but like I said add mods to help lighten the load (perhaps appoint a "Historian" to take the Lore and history and rewrite it to include the recent chapters).


That help, Tets?

[Valkyrie]

though how to create a broader range of drawcards than just Zoids? One option (and probably the least liked by some here) would be the creation of updated "modern" or "classic" anime-derived RPG's, things that everyone will have heard of, or more flexible ideas drawing inspiration from the odd show or two

as far as Zoids goes, maybe we need to loosen up the requirements for joining, I realize that its more beneficial to have a team full of the super-elite with the best of everything, but let's face it, not everyone is good straight out of the blocks.

A couple of ideas could be:
1: the organization of an introductory group, call it Zoid's 101 or what have you. Allowing new players who are able to write a coherent sentence with few issues to join the game allowing them to get their feet wet in the kiddie pool before they opt in for the deep end with those of use who are a bit longer in the tooth. Able to RP and battle amongst themselves (or take on someone from a team)

2: Team selection, from within the entry-level pool a player could either ask to join or be recruited for a team so that players can get a feel for the new arrivals and the reverse.

3: The possibility of events, so far in the months I've been here only one teams managed to finish their story event...maybe we need to think about having smaller events that are shorter and promote interaction between players and teams rather than just the members of their own teams.

4: Nanotech Armor, availability restrictions...everyone tends to buy it straight out of the blocks anyway, and at GL and no other weapons theres few zoids capable of defeating the repairing factor with just natural abilities.

5: Possibly new or revamped non-"hero" zoids. Blade Ligers, LZ's, etc...all hero zoids. Maybe a few enhancements for some of the lesser zoids couldn't hurt (nothing too powerful mind you). As far as any new concepts...you've got the whole animal kingdom sitting on its hands.

Those are just some points of note, nothing game breaking, no requirements for rule changes (well...not MUCH anyway), getting people back without having Zoids on TV...that's gonna be hard though

[alex]

I think Valkyrie that the problem with new people is that even some of the ones who put effort into their applications are usually inactive within days. Imagine if we took the trashy applications too...

Tets, what sort of overhaul? Are you looking for a stylistic thing or full on new sites and jazz. It used to be that there was a new site out there every few months. .Hack, FMA, X-men, ToS1,2,3, it was amazing!!! But these days theres just nothing new.... I dont know if we can find newbies if we revamp it, and I think thats the main problem that needs to be assessed.

Oh, and I agree, PLEASE dont change the system again. The current ZAE system still isn't hitch free, id prefer just to get this one smoooth as a babies bum before we tinker with it.

[Sensurugi Tenshigo]

It might be a long shot but could we team up with a few other sites like this one http://www.ninpocho.com/naruto/phpBB2/ It's called ninpocho and it's a Naruto based site, it's got a ridiculous number of active users, they generally have about 20 people online at all times and they've had almost 150 on at one time. That kind of blows us out of the water. Maybe just trying to find some really active sites to form a community with would work. That being said, I'm not quite sure how to best organize that and contact the admins, but most should have their email available on their profile.