Start thinking about ideas using the exchange...

[robbalvey]

Hey guys -

 

As we are now getting closer to having all the tracks moved over into the exchange it's time to start thinking about ways to promote the feature.

 

Obviously the exchange, on it's own, works as a place for members to post their tracks, rank them, etc.

 

But getting members to be active in a new feature can sometimes be a challenge. I would love nothing more than for this to be the most active feature of it's kind on the internet. And how we get there will be entirely up to the ideas we can come up with to promote it and make it exciting.

 

I am already going to implement a "points" system where we will give people points for uploading, downloading, and ranking tracks, and with a certain amount of points they will get a coupon good for one Digital DVD Download in the TPR store. I'm hoping that will be a good incentive to increase activity.

 

But we'll need another ideas:

 

- Contests

- Tie-ins with TPR's Facebook and Twitter

- Getting people to promote the exchange on their Facebook and Twitter accounts

- Bag O Crap giveaways

 

Anything else you guys can think of. Please do not be afraid to shout out an idea. Some of the most crazy stuff has actually turned into a good plan, heck, the idea of an exchange happening in the first place was just something that was shouted out, and while it took a while to get it going...it's here!

 

Post your ideas!

 

--Robb

[QueerRudie]

Hey-

 

I did start thinking about this a few days back- and perhaps a feature for the future-

 

Right now, we've got categories for NL, RCT/2/3, etc. How about a section that could make it easier to place files for contests?

 

As far as contests go, I'd like my first to be a March Madness sort of contests: Basically, No Custom Scenery RCT2 vs. Custom Scenery RCT2- in levels all the way down to a 'championship' game level.

 

As for promoting the exchange: That's where we're going to have to be innovative. I know that once it's setup, we need to remind people to post there- and perhaps have an ability to link from the exchange to the Games forum- that way we (in theory, mind you) should not have to chase down files that get posted in the forum- and can generate more traffic for the Exchange-

 

Confidentially, though, I think NE has started to really anger people with their systems of rating things; we might be able to draw traffic off of them- and use the TPR exchange as a more neutral place for the most part.

 

As for using Facebook/Twitter/etc. Announcing contests, programs and such are a good way of doing things. I've seen more good stuff from TPR's postings than anything else so far. YouTube might also be a place to put up the 'winning' game entries for NL projects (I.E. a POV).

 

For now, my .02 worth- but I'm always thinking (perhaps TOO much) about what to do next-

 

R.D.

[A.J.]

Doing a March Madness-style challenge would be sort of a challenge - it would be difficult to keep players interested for the whole duration. Also, we have to keep in mind that not everyone on the forum plays RCT2.

 

Farfetched idea - redesign the splash page to incorporate a section for the game exchange?

[djbrcace1234]

Contest don't always work, (I'm sure Mcjaco can vouch on this.) but the problem is this game exchange host many types of games, unlike most Databases. The issue with contest is you have players that play certain games. (I only play RCT, but own RCT, and RCT.) I like the point system idea, as it really motivates the players.

 

 

I have one idea, but it would be a time waister for most of us, but if people want to release anything on this site, perhaps we upload the parks for them, and make some sort of logo, or something nice for them in return for posting their work. Much Like New element does for their releases.

 

I mean, if I was given recognition and a cool logo for what I built, I would work harder. Though, the issue would then would be to have people with Photoshop abilities..

 

In return this stops the flame battle that NE has with TPR's RCT2 members for posting "crappy" submissions, and all our other game users have something to have as well.

Edited February 8, 2011 by djbrcace1234

[robbalvey]

I do like the idea of using the exchange to host a contest. I think with the system we have in place, it would be easy to add a "type" to be "Contest Name X" so that everyone when they upload their file, they use that to identify their submissions, and then when the contest is over, we simple change all the "Contest Name X" types to either "track" or "park", etc, or whatever actual type they fall into.

 

Really, I just want people to get in the habit of uploading their track to the exchange, rather than to the forum. Much like people upload their video to CoasterTube instead of directly to the forum now.

 

I don't have a problem at all with people uploading to the exchange, and then starting a forum topic about their track with a link. In fact, I'd encourage that.

 

What exactly is NE and how is their rating system bad? I only ask because I'm not familiar with it.

 

As far as using Facebook or Twitter to promote, we could do some things like "Post 10 of your best tracks to your Facebook or Twitter to win a bag of crap" and then that gets people posting links to the exchange on their FB pages. I also would like at least once a week for our Facebook and Twitter page to post a "Featured Track/Park" from the Game Exchange. Eric can read this forum so when the exchange goes live we can start a thread here and post for him some of the higher ranked tracks on our FB page. Could be another way to get people to rank tracks. If we tell them "Only 5 star ranked tracks will be featured on our FB" more people may want to rank tracks to get them featured.

 

It's this kind of synergy between the features of TPR, our social networking sites, and our members social networking pages that can help promote. The more we can figure out ways for other people to want to post about their tracks on their Facebook, Twitter, even other websites or blogs, the more traffic the exchange will get.

 

I also want to make sure we are posting "featured tracks" to the front page of TPR. That's a task I would like mcjaco to make sure happens once the exchange goes live.

 

As far as putting the exchange on the front page of TPR, like a link or something, I will do that at some point in the near future, probably much like CoasterTube where we have it open for a while, see how it's going, and then I'll add the link. But regular front page updates about 5-star tracks will be a huge help.

 

--Robb

[A.J.]

I for one enjoyed RollerCoasterPro's setup - having separate spotlights for parks and tracks.

 

We could take the [insert number here] highest-rated files (if files had the same rating, we would look at how many rates the files had) from each category, and choose one from each category to spotlight - probably monthly. They could be featured on the splash page with several other links - one to the game exchange itself, one to a page with information on the spotlight, etc etc.

 

This would encourage players to do their best and get noticed.

[mcjaco]

Contest don't always work, (I'm sure Mcjaco can vouch on this.) but the problem is this game exchange host many types of games, unlike most Databases. The issue with contest is you have players that play certain games. (I only play RCT, but own RCT, and RCT.) I like the point system idea, as it really motivates the players.

 

Poorly run contests don't work. My gripe with contests run by members, is that they often lose interest in hosting them, or they're so poorly planned, that the whole thing falls apart within days. TPR hosted contests would have to be very structured and well thought out. Or Robb will spank us all.

 

I also want to make sure we are posting "featured tracks" to the front page of TPR. That's a task I would like mcjaco to make sure happens once the exchange goes live.

 

I think this would help. I've seen a a huge upswing in "guests" viewing the Forum since the Beta was announced. Now we just need them to take the bait and join up.

[QueerRudie]

I also want to make sure we are posting "featured tracks" to the front page of TPR. That's a task I would like mcjaco to make sure happens once the exchange goes live.

 

I for one enjoyed RollerCoasterPro's setup - having separate spotlights for parks and tracks.

 

I like this idea- The idea of getting people interested by/via Social Media has worked very well for other places. The idea of putting a 'Spotlight' on a RCT/2/3 or NL track/park/player each month could really drive some traffic out there, and get people into the forum AND the exchange.

 

Ex: "This month, we feature our TPR RCT2 player _______________ ' and then link them to the park/person/game on the exchange. Thus, flow-through to the exchange, more publioity for the forum and potentially people uploading more files.

 

The ratings system could be used there to partially determine who could be the 'spotlight' of the month- but we have to be careful with it as well. I've noticed at other sites (NL comes to mind, as did a few other now 'defunct' sites) there could be a level of cruelty and bitterness over how the ratings are done. In some cases, there were jerks who'd score perfectly good parks low, and awful parks higher- and thus with the right number of 'nos' to yesses' were able to manipulate the system towards their favor. While I don't think initially we'll have a problem with that (Considering most TPR members are pretty decent people), there is a possibility this could sprout roots here- and that's something that makes me a bit nervous.

 

Structuring the contests right is a good thing. The TPR "Monthy MIcros" is something I've watched for a bit now, and it is starting to generate some buzz. A monthy contest would almost have to be a must I think- and it needs to be something that people will enjoy playing, won't become too repetitive, and is easy enough that we can get a lot more people involved in it. As I've been doing the file transfers, I've read a few of the contest in the past, and very few of them were completed- as Robb (and MCJaco) has said, they often were poorly planned, or so complicated Einstein would have had issues figuring them out.

 

Another .02 from me-

 

R.D.

[djbrcace1234]

 

What exactly is NE and how is their rating system bad? I only ask because I'm not familiar with it.

 

 

--Robb

 

 

NE is New element, a RCT fan site. Members submit their park to a panel and they are judge accordingly. The issue with this is their work is superior, and they don't like submissions that don't meet standards.

 

The cool thing with that is if the park makes a certain level of excellence, they make a logo for the park, and they also include a writeup, like this one, for example: http://www.nedesigns.com/index.php?showtopic=22957&park_id=1571

 

I do like the idea of the spotlight files as I know a few people here can make a good impression.

[QueerRudie]

NE is New element, a RCT fan site. Members submit their park to a panel and they are judge accordingly. The issue with this is their work is superior, and they don't like submissions that don't meet standards.

 

And this is where I have to say that sometimes their idea of 'superior' isn't quite in line with reality- and in some cases, the average level of people playing RCT/RCT2/RCT3.

 

I can understand somebody going to great lengths to make a park beautiful- or for that matter, any other thing a piece of art. But in all reality, NE's panel has a basic stance of "Oh, well I can make a building perfect. Since you cant, You're crap. Go Away."

 

That is the -LAST- thing I'd like to see here at TPR. I can appreciate the parks where detail is first and foremost. But I'm also one who plays RCT/RCT2/RCT3 in a more simple, refined pattern. For every 'park with ultimate details' we'd showcase, we need to be sure to have a park that's basic- Not a 'crap' park per se, but something that isn't so over the top.

 

R.D.

[A.J.]

New Element is very stringent on the "quality" standards of their submissions.

 

If I were to submit my Lakeshore Boardwalk RCT2 park, which looks like this, they most likely wouldn't even consider it because my park doesn't meet their standards for how well the buildings are designed. Because, in this particular park, I put more emphasis on the atmosphere and attractions of the park than the buildings.

 

A panel of their own "experts" (nerds who religiously play the game in every moment of their spare time (something I used to do)) judge the parks and give them ratings. A park that we would traditionally think is "good", such as my own, would be absolutely slammed by their panel. They're kind of like the private school guys who pick on public school kids because they're not "good enough".

 

They only handle RCT2 parks and tracks, and absolutely nothing else. All sorts of the RCT2 community strive to be at New Element's level (I personally think they can kiss my [censored]) - those who are good enough get praised, and those that aren't get whored.

Edited February 9, 2011 by A.J.

[djbrcace1234]

It's not that Bad over there, but like I said, They have high expectations. And here's something I wrote over there awhile ago when they were talking about a tpr member "stealing" the micor contest idea:

 

The way I see it, It keeps the communities separate though. Although the goal for any community is overall unity, this at least keeps the level of park making equal in these designated separate communities. TPR is more of the game(s) just being played as a game still. Minimal execution, and emphasis on accuracy on rides. Scenery is never really a concern. New Element is all about complete accuracy and phenomenal execution. New element is more of what I would call a constructive art form.

 

Anyways, sorry for bringing up that discussion.

[A.J.]

I guess I'm a wee bit biased.

 

Either way, I think a lot of our contests should be unique challenges and not the typical "build this kind of coaster" that everyone aged 16 and under seems to do these days.

[djbrcace1234]

I'm liking this Showdown contest that Coupon posted. I mean, you could even do that with RCT3 and no limits as well. These team contest seem to motivate the builders more.

[QueerRudie]

I do like some of the challenges and contests I've seen posted as of late- but after going through the forum during the files downloads, so many of them drop into oblivion before they even get started.

 

What might be a good thing to think of for the contests is to come up with ones based around track design (I.E. NL/RCT3) where a given criteria is set beforehand, and let our people come up with their best submissions within a set of guidelines. Custom Scenery vs. non-custom scenery would also be something that has to be addresssed as well- as that seems to be the #1 question in all of the contests.

 

With regards to RCT/RCT2 parks (although I really haven't seen much life to RCT in the past few years) a pre-set park should be created for that- also with specific guidelines and patterns- and the same rule for NCS/CS applying to it.

 

A public voting system might be a good thing- I.E. what's been done in the photoshop contests so far. If we should choose to do a ratings based contest, some sort of judging guidelines would be necessary- to avoid people spiking ratings in favor/against a particular park or design. (I don't know if everybody remembers the fiascos at Ultimate Coaster when it came out -and the intentional ditching of rides due to evil people- but that's something that we need to prevent- )

 

Coupon's contest does look interesting- a lot of people were generated quickly, and as far as I can tell, it's got a good feel to it. I'm keeping my eye on it to see if that method would work on a larger scale (i.e. a TPR-wide type contest).

 

R.D.

[robbalvey]

I had a meeting at Atari today that I thought was very "interesting..." I'm not allowed to say anything more than that! And that doesn't get posted anywhere else that I was even there!

Edited February 9, 2011 by robbalvey

[QueerRudie]

"OHHHHHHHHHHHH FUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEE"

 

R.D.

[A.J.]

Iiiiiiiiiiiiiinteresting.

 

Moving on. I don't even want to begin to speculate.

 

A lot of players (NE or anywhere else) seem to think that you are required to use custom scenery for an RCT3 or even RCT2 park to even remotely look good. While some attempts at making non-CS parks have epically failed (GrabosakiEnterprises ), in the "before time" of RCT3 there were several people out there who could make a park look good, for example shyguy and his Wonder World park.

 

That's why I don't judge my contests based on what scenery is used. I consider how much effort was put into the design as a whole, essentially asking the question, "are you proud of your design?".

Edited February 9, 2011 by A.J.

[mcjaco]

Well, if they do anything, please, please, please, make the dang thing compatible with most PCs.

 

I think the staying power of the franchise is evident in the amount of websites and forums still operating just for RCT/RCT2.

[robbalvey]

The PC market is dead.

[QueerRudie]

The PC market is dead.

 

I just spent a small mint on a new laptop to be called D.O.A.... WAAAAAHHHHHHHHH

 

(And as much as I like the idea of Wii... not so good with some of the games)

 

BTB:

A lot of players (NE or anywhere else) seem to think that you are required to use custom scenery for an RCT3 or even RCT2 park to even remotely look good. While some attempts at making non-CS parks have epically failed (GrabosakiEnterprises ), in the "before time" of RCT3 there were several people out there who could make a park look good, for example shyguy and his Wonder World park.

 

That's why I don't judge my contests based on what scenery is used. I consider how much effort was put into the design as a whole, essentially asking the question, "are you proud of your design?".

 

Exactly- and I couldn't agree more. If anything, we, the game forum mods etc. need to create a 'test' contest concept- I.E. put our ideas into one big pile, and sort it out to make a working concept- and then see what we need to tweak, remove, add to make it a sound, user-friendly and most importanlty, TPR-Friendly contest. I've seen quite a few good ideas bantered about over the past few days in here.

 

I do like the idea of doing split CS/noCS for the RCT games contests- and judging them accordingly from there. That way, we don't end up with a bias towards one or the other, and those who use CS can show off their skills. In addition, we might consider using the 'voting' systems to open up the contest for viewing by the whole group- not just the Games Forum people.

 

Robb- Would it be feasble (sp... I've not had my coffee this morning) to post a contest like that on the FP? And then tie it into Facebook, etc?- That might be able to make a more visible approach to the contests- and drive traffic as well.

 

R.D.

[robbalvey]

^ Absolutely. Once the exchange goes live for real, I'll pretty much implement the same rules in here as i do with the TPR ASSistants and TPR Special Projects group, and that is....

 

Elissa and myself are so busy at the moment with trips, DVDs, and other TPR related stuff that it's impossible for us to "approve" all the ideas that some of our moderators come up with. We give people a lot of free reign to carry out their own ideas, run with them, and make them work. If you have an idea, it will live or die with the effort you put into it. If it's a success, you'll get lots of greatness points from us, if it fails, well, we don't like failure....

 

So make sure whatever it is you want to put out there is well thought out and you give it 100% of your time and effort.

 

Come up with ideas on your own, make them happen, and run with it. You'll only get slapped down if it doesn't work. But no one is really stopping you from trying.

 

As for all the "new guys" here, I'd say use Matt as a good reality check to run things through, and also use him as your link to the Front Page and Facebook.

 

The other TPR ASSistants all have access to this page, so Matt can alert them if someone like Eric needs to keep tabs on this forum for Facebook updates, Scott for Twitter, etc, etc....

 

Just make sure you keep good communications in this forum with what you're planning on doing. I like good communication, great successes, and I'm sure everyone that is reading this post has the ability to to both!

 

--Robb

[A.J.]

I've got a proposal for contests.

 

To quickly and easily sort out what entries were in which contests, I've come up with a system -

 

When players would submit an entry for public or private judging, they would put a prefix (such as [RCT2-BOB] for my bobsled contest) before their design's title on the game exchange. We could put an index as a sticky on the Games forum so that players wishing to view contest entries can do so quickly and easily.

 

Which brings me to another item - contest promotion. Many of our players create their own contests. Wouldn't forum traffic jump if the creators of those contests had their contests put on TPR's front page? They could send a private message to one of our moderators to approve their contest, and their contest could be like, "TPR Official" or something.

Edited February 9, 2011 by A.J.

[robbalvey]

^ I only want to put something on the front page that is 100% proven and someone isn't going to bail on it half-way through a contest. If we know for certain that someone will run a contest, and not let it flounder or fail, then I'd be willing to have Matt put it on the front page.

[mcjaco]

Quite honestly, I'd only stick to TPR sanctioned RCT/NL etc contests being Front Page material. With the majority of the posters within the Game Thread falling between 13-18, most of them never complete the contest, let alone come up with really well hashed out ones.

 

Once the Game Exchange goes live, we can add a "Contest" sub category, to easily differentiate entries.

 

That being said, are there any other subcatergories you think we need? I am going to add "Patches/Trainers" as one option.

 

The PC market is dead.

 

Not surprised. I'm always rather taken aback by how little game software is on the shelves today. I miss the days of walking into an Egghead store, and spending an hour looking at titles.