[BVRBandit]

allisyia, on 13 March 2010 - 10:35 AM, said:

I always applaud honesty, and I'm pleased that you are taking the time to post here to let us know what's going on, but I would have respected you more if you had said less about Dave Allen and the details of his departure. I personally don't think I needed to know that you had fired him, and why; it makes me feel party to something which isn't my business, and also leaves me feeling curious as to his side of events. (Plus, being the softie I am, I feel very sorry for him just now).

People get fired all the time. Heck, you know how many people got fired last week? Have you been reading up on the Infinity Ward fiasco? So just because someone defines "depart" and "fired" you're so caught up about it?

The fact that you remain focused on the Dave Allen issue - which wasn't even the bulk of my missive - long after we've all moved on, just ends up you making a big deal about it.

What I posted was crystal clear and not open to any sort of misinterpretation. I stand by it as was originally posted. You don't have to like it and thats not my problem, nor is it my goal to cater to everyone's personal feelings. We're all unique individuals and whoever thinks they're the better person, just needs to get out more.

I wasn't looking for respect when I posted my missive. My goal was to communicate how we got here and where we're going. My primary goal in the Dave Allen bit was to make it crystal clear that this wasn't going to be another Artifact mishap.

If you want his side of the story, then go look for him and ask him. But my guess is that the first time he posts "his side" of the story anywhere - and QOL posts an official response, it will throw a LOT more light how we got here, what he has and continues to do etc. I for one am desperately hoping that he makes that mistake because what he did and how he brought this company to the brink is a lesson that - now repeated twice in his career - should be in Game Development 101 text books. If you noticed, I'm not doing interviews, making a big deal about this, posting on my blog etc. I am posting to the community because these are the people I care about. In fact, we have been involved with QOL since Nov 2009 and nobody knew about it because this was never my gig and taking the spotlight was not something that I had envisioned doing. I'm only now in the forefront of this because things went horribly wrong and steps needed to be taken in order to save a multi-million dollar investment that a number of people have poured their hearts, lives and money into.

So, I think you should focus on how you think Alganon could be better and what exactly you can contribute to it, rather than wasting time on debating the merits of my decision because that's not going to get you anywhere. If you feel so bad for Dave, send him a bouquet of Roses and a box of chocolates.

[Kamaile]

Allysia, you've ALWAYS been one of the MOST politically correct posters here, and have always been thoughtful in your responses and level headed. You're always trying to spare people's feelings and are extremely articulate. There are bound to be times when posts are read incorrectly and yours was. I do understand why, though, because I read it that way too the first time, but knowing you, I read it again giving you the benefit of the doubt, and it was as you had intended in my mind, so don't worry about your articulation skills. You haz them.

Secondly, I agree with you wholeheartedly on the manner in which Mr. Smart divulged Mr. Allen's departure. It didn't raise my respect level for our current leader (which started at zero to begin with, as he hasn't earned any of my respect yet) at all, as much as a very diplomatic "Mr. Allen has left his position at the helm and I've taken over, and will try do to all I can to fix these existing problems and bring a different perspective to this wonderful game as I can..." sort of statement would have done.

You keep on posting. I respect your point of view and even if I may not be as much of a softie as you are sometimes, I still think maintaining a level of business-like decorum is in order. The Devs and other reps of Alganon have always been very much that way, and for that, I applaud them. When they were able to post, or when they had to respond to some of our EXTREME criticism, they ALWAYS did it in a calm, diplomatic, patient way, and always maintained their cool, and I don't remember any of them EVER making any sort of derogatory statement regarding any member of the company. That alone earned my respect. We were always extended that courtesy here too, even when we were very unforgiving at times in our posts.

Anyway, that's just MHO.

[Kamaile]

BVRBandit, on 13 March 2010 - 09:02 AM, said:

You don't have to like it and thats not my problem, nor is it my goal to cater to everyone's personal feelings. We're all unique individuals and whoever thinks they're the better person, just needs to get out more.

I wasn't looking for respect when I posted my missive.

Maybe another goal could be keeping your loyal player base around instead of nailing them to a fence because they don't agree with the way you posted something.

[Warwench]

Or maybe you guys should get off the mans lawn and let him do his job, which is (contrary to what I read on here) making a game. It's making money for the investors.

I was involved in Beta, and posted a bunch of feed back both on the forums, and in game in an attempt to try and help what i considered was going to be a train wreck. I realized that is never going to work. I'm not a developer of this game. So rather than wail and gnash my teeth on the forums, I went about my way. I relogged in yesterday, and nothing has changed since Mid November when I was last on. The game still has an awful long way to go. It has much potential though.

When I saw the recent post, and especially the great change in direction, I re-engaged. I guess my question is this. You guys state your re-doing the UI to get away from this WoW Clone crap that went on.. but are you going to take it further than that? The WoW Clone crap goes much deeper than that... to the point that entire pieces of game mechanics, skill tree's and class mechanics, not to mention world textures are rip offs. Not only are they ripoffs, but in a lot of cases, they are rip offs of broken mechanics (yes anger/rage I am looking at you).

I hope you guys don't just make this change in direction skin deep. There is a lot to like about this game. It won't be a world beater, but it could be that game you go play when your tired of playing your main MMO. It has much potential.

Btw, the "entitlement" vibe some of you long time posters have going on is amusing. Incase you missed the memo, this isn't about you as individuals.

[BVRBandit]

Kamaile, on 13 March 2010 - 11:15 AM, said:

Maybe another goal could be keeping your loyal player base around instead of nailing them to a fence because they don't agree with the way you posted something.

Well if you consider my response to be nailing someone to a fence, well then maybe we should close the thread before someone really gets hurt and God forbid I end up hurting someone's feelings.

I simply don't have the time or patience for petty bickering when there is so much work to be done. This is not a schoolyard where there's shoving and pushing to gain the upperhand or set someone off. If someone posts something worth responding to, as long as they post it without inference of harm or as an attack, their opinions should count. He posted his opinion, I posted mine. And your erstwhile comment is exactly how this sort of thing can spiral out of control because all it does is add fuel to sparks. Please don't do that.

But you know what, there is a reason why companies communicate via press releases and mouth pieces.

As I said before, I don't expect everyone to agree with me, but I think we're all just going to focus on what needs to get done and just release information if and when necessary. As for me, I've already said my piece; so lets move on.

[BVRBandit]

Kamaile, on 13 March 2010 - 11:45 AM, said:

My "erstwhile response" was one I had begun typing before you even posted, and was directed at Allysia, not at you. It only came after yours only because I hit my "Add Reply" button after you had posted and I had no idea you had said what you did to her until after I had replied. I'm not a thread flamer. It was not my intention to piss you off and generate a response directed at me because that's how I get off. I was just trying to make Allysia feel better and let her know that she's not alone in her feelings.

I have no doubt you can make a game. Good luck and more power to you in that endeavor.

Period. Now I've said MY peace.

I'm sorry, but that makes no sense to me. Perhaps I'm missing something here.

You posted to a quote in that other person's post. That comment which you made was in direct response to what I had posted and was quoted (by you) as such.

So I don't see any disconnect here and the context flow is perfectly preserved. Here, let me break it down.

1. I posted

2. That person posted a response to what I posted

3. You responded to that person by excerpting a quote from what I had posted to them.

4. I responded to your post which contained my originally excerpted text.

5. So, ergo, you were responding to my post, regardless of the fact that your comment was to that person and not to me, hence the excerpt.

6. Thus my response was born and directed at your post - which I excerpted - in order to preserve the context flow.

Crystal clear I think.

[GorillaPelt]

I for one appreciate the honesty and bluntness. I hate how companies typically give their customers the run-around about what is going on behind the scenes. If David Allen was fired, I want to know that he was fired. It tells me that some of the poor decisions he was making were not in line with what the investors and other leaders expected or wanted. That's important to know. It's not like Derek made disparaging personal remarks about him. He only commented on the business situation.

The corporate climate is usually so secretive. We all expect a fluff statement. "David decided to move to other things," etc. etc. That's the kind of bull you normally get from companies. First of all, it's a lie. Second of all, it's unfair to the customers who have invested time and money in the company. We ought to know the truth of what happened.

I can understand feeling sorry for David because he got fired, but why would you feel sorry for him because Derek was honest enough to tell us about it? Why should that be privileged information? It had direct bearing on the future of the game, and don't we deserve to know that?

[gandrel]

BVRBandit, on 13 March 2010 - 09:02 AM, said:

People get fired all the time. Heck, you know how many people got fired last week? Have you been reading up on the Infinity Ward fiasco? So just because someone defines "depart" and "fired" you're so caught up about it?

The fact that you remain focused on the Dave Allen issue - which wasn't even the bulk of my missive - long after we've all moved on, just ends up you making a big deal about it.

What I posted was crystal clear and not open to any sort of misinterpretation. I stand by it as was originally posted. You don't have to like it and thats not my problem, nor is it my goal to cater to everyone's personal feelings. We're all unique individuals and whoever thinks they're the better person, just needs to get out more.

I wasn't looking for respect when I posted my missive. My goal was to communicate how we got here and where we're going. My primary goal in the Dave Allen bit was to make it crystal clear that this wasn't going to be another Artifact mishap.

If you want his side of the story, then go look for him and ask him. But my guess is that the first time he posts "his side" of the story anywhere - and QOL posts an official response, it will throw a LOT more light how we got here, what he has and continues to do etc. I for one am desperately hoping that he makes that mistake because what he did and how he brought this company to the brink is a lesson that - now repeated twice in his career - should be in Game Development 101 text books. If you noticed, I'm not doing interviews, making a big deal about this, posting on my blog etc. I am posting to the community because these are the people I care about. In fact, we have been involved with QOL since Nov 2009 and nobody knew about it because this was never my gig and taking the spotlight was not something that I had envisioned doing. I'm only now in the forefront of this because things went horribly wrong and steps needed to be taken in order to save a multi-million dollar investment that a number of people have poured their hearts, lives and money into.

So, I think you should focus on how you think Alganon could be better and what exactly you can contribute to it, rather than wasting time on debating the merits of my decision because that's not going to get you anywhere. If you feel so bad for Dave, send him a bouquet of Roses and a box of chocolates.

Mr. Smart,
I write this to you with the hope you understand what I am saying and not read between the lines as if I'm being rude or anything, not my intent! First off, I'm personally glad you were more than forward on tell us about David and the others in there actions with and towards the company. Personally I care more about the game than that but, it was a breath of fresh air to hear what is taking place and someone is doing something about it. Though, when anyone on this form may disagree with you or may not like what you have to say, please don't feel the need to respond if not necessary. Those comments could only further hurt Qol and the goal they are now trying to reach with this game. Not many ppl play this game as is, and I'd like to keep the few we have. You are a forward person,that pleases me much right now with the current sate of the game but, you are kinda the new face of the game that some are going to look for all their questions to be answered in the future,and mite not do so if they feel they are going to get a sharp comeback. So, it mite be just a good idea to tells what you need to say and move on? Its great to have you on board and giving a helping hand in this dire need of ours to have a good time online. Best of Luck for you and Qol!

Just my opinion, prob not worth a lot.

[BVRBandit]

gandrel, on 13 March 2010 - 12:04 PM, said:

Mr. Smart,
I write this to you with the hope you understand what I am saying and not read between the lines as if I'm being rude or anything, not my intent!
Just my opinion, prob not worth a lot.

Everyone's opinion counts, as long as said opinions are well stated, without malice and not flamebait. So thanks for yours.

[Padreic]

We've gone ahead and closed the thread, as I think it's spiraling down into realms it certainly wasn't created for.

Needless to say, there is a lot going on here at QOL, and we'll be sure to keep everyone informed!

[BVRBandit]

OK I am re-opening this thread in order to cut down on clutter. Try to keep it civil please because if you don't, the thread will be locked again, we'll all clam up and that will be the end of that. Trollish posts will be deleted on sight and the offenders banned. No exceptions.

The purpose of this post is to point out that several interviews which go in-depth about what happened, have started to appear. Bear in mind that given the sensitivity of the issue and the legal ramifications, everything you see in my posts and interviews are 100% factual and can be 100% backed up by paperwork and other evidentiary materials.

Derek Smart interview on Zam.

[Warwench]

I'd like more (high level) info on proposed changes Derek. I love the idea of taking the "WoW" out of Alganon and letting it be it's own dog. Any more info you can share?

Also to you, or any of the staff, is it worth sharing a laundry list of issues or are we pretty much set it stone? I see some annoying game mechanics issues and "feel" issues when I play that I think could be tweaked for a better more fun experience.

[BVRBandit]

Good points, but I think that your commentary belongs in a thread specifically targeted at such things, so let me start one and will link to it in a bit

[Chyra]

Was a good read. I appreciate the candor and really have a lot of hope for Alganon's future.

Just a clarification. I'm not always up to date on internet lingo and there was a comment about releasing new content and quests as DLC. Based on googling, I'm assuming DLC means downloadable content. Does that mean free updates? or purchased downloadable content?

[BVRBandit]

Chyra, on 19 March 2010 - 01:08 PM, said:

Just a clarification. I'm not always up to date on internet lingo and there was a comment about releasing new content and quests as DLC. Based on googling, I'm assuming DLC means downloadable content. Does that mean free updates? or purchased downloadable content?

Yes, DLC is downloadable content. And yes it will come in the form of free or micro-transaction items depending on the type.

The idea of using DLC for content is something that I recently came up with and we're still trying to wrap our heads around how best to do it within the pre-existing framework.

Some of the team have made some excellent suggestions which improve on the original suggestion, so we're hopeful that going forward we will find a decent mix of how to do it. But first, we have to finish the game.

The biggest post release push that I have recently approved (and it was based on the posts I keep seeing here) is to completely rip out the pre-existing networking/comms layer that Jason Blood put together. You can't enjoy a game if you keep disconnecting, can't connect or if the server starts to blow chunks under load. And given its state, it is simply not worth fixing because hack + hack = major hack. So we're going to completely reach in, grab it by the throat, rip it out. Whole.

Next up, is a graphics overhaul in various areas.

As I said, there is a plan and it is a good one. But first, we have to finish the game based on what is already there, put it in "maintenance" mode, beef up the marketing etc while we start making all these tech and engine revisions in order to IMPROVE on the experience.

[Warwench]

If the team can deliver even half of what your hinting at, this could be exciting.

Btw, for feedback, your world graphics are pretty nice. It could use a little texture revamp in some place to be not so wowish.. but as a whole the world is rather pretty and pretty well put together.

the characters though need some serious help. Given the choice though between a game with bland ugly characters that worked well and was interesting and fun to play, and something like Aion with sexy characters and game play that blows chunks after level 20.. i'll take bland with a chance of sprucing up in the future. it's far easier to implement a little extra polish on characters than fix other things i guess.

nice to hear on the network side. This is all cool news.

[BVRBandit]

There is a new interview up on MMORPG GATE

[Warwench]

Good Article. Yet more pieces to the puzzle. Fascinating stuff.

[BVRBandit]

There is a new interview up on Massively.

[Jaede6]

"I'm scared. I'm very scared. Can you hold me? Fine. How about a hug then?"

/hug