Time for an update!

Started by Kaleidoscope, Dec 22, 2018, 10:43 AM

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Kaleidoscope

Greetings everyone!

I have been using RMS for many years to find servers, information and even advertise my own projects as well. Through out the years i have come up with a few things that i think many of you will agree on. Lets cut right to the main aspects:

Website Look and feel - This website while having nostalgic properties is outdated and could use a nice revamp with its layout. I understand that there are little to no competitors so we don't need to try as hard to be the BEST but what does that say about us? I think we should always stay on top of these things to maintain our spot at the top. Plus the visuals here aren't as pleasing on the eye as they once where in 2006.

Hiring new staff - Over the past decade i have seen many people who would play excellent candidates for moderators and content managers. I don't really know who is behind the scenes but i know we still have a happy new year news post from 2016 on the front page....So this is one of two things: yC you either forgot to post a new one for the next year or just didn't care to anymore. (this is not a flame of any sort). I think i have seen maybe 2 active forum moderators who actually labeled. Ive seen benefits from labeling your staff so it directs traffic different suggestions and complaints. Look how RA is set up, they have a hierarchy that works beautifully, everyone is clearly labeled as to what they do and they seem to have a higher rate of productivity.

Updating the server rates filter - This is something that is personal to me. Now that ive started developing ive been conflicted with the way the rates are labeled on this website and how limiting it is. So lets look at low rates: 1x - 25x, this is 25 integers ONLY, the range here is very limited seeing as we have surpassed so many different limits from when this was first established. I think its time to reevaluate the gaps and RE-establish some more suitable range.

Ive never understood why high rates have this gap from 150x allllll the way to 10000x, an almost 8000 range difference. I think the biggest issue is the mid - high rate transitions. I believe that have more than enough room to increase the gap for mid rate servers to list instead of keeping it and a mere 125 range. This limits servers that want to consider them selves mid rates and SHOULD be mid rates for having like 500x. Just food for thought, i would love to hear some other peoples thoughts on this too.

Just a reminder this is not flaming or complaining, just making suggestions that i think are very much needed.
Snarky comments and defensive macho man crap is not welcome.
This is a discussion for veteran RO players and server owners alike.

/lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv /lv



literalwho

Quote from: Kaleidoscope on Dec 22, 2018, 10:43 AM
Website Look and feel - This website while having nostalgic properties is outdated and could use a nice revamp with its layout. I understand that there are little to no competitors so we don't need to try as hard to be the BEST but what does that say about us? I think we should always stay on top of these things to maintain our spot at the top. Plus the visuals here aren't as pleasing on the eye as they once where in 2006.
The nostalgia is the biggest bonus factor here considering the game is pretty much built on that these days and survives merely on the nostalgia factor. While I do agree that the visuals could use a bit of polish and shining, the website design is otherwise functional, gets the job done and isn't bloated up to the whazoo with javascript. Seasonal changes and some improvement of the visuals would be nice, but otherwise I'm pretty certain heavy changes would just push people away.

Quote from: Kaleidoscope on Dec 22, 2018, 10:43 AM
Hiring new staff - Over the past decade i have seen many people who would play excellent candidates for moderators and content managers. I don't really know who is behind the scenes but i know we still have a happy new year news post from 2016 on the front page....So this is one of two things: yC you either forgot to post a new one for the next year or just didn't care to anymore. (this is not a flame of any sort). I think i have seen maybe 2 active forum moderators who actually labeled. Ive seen benefits from labeling your staff so it directs traffic different suggestions and complaints. Look how RA is set up, they have a hierarchy that works beautifully, everyone is clearly labeled as to what they do and they seem to have a higher rate of productivity.
The lack of moderation is not an issue on these boards, not sure why you'd need to squeeze more moderators and staff in here.

Quote from: Kaleidoscope on Dec 22, 2018, 10:43 AM
[So lets look at low rates: 1x - 25x, this is 25 integers ONLY, the range here is very limited seeing as we have surpassed so many different limits from when this was first established. I think its time to reevaluate the gaps and RE-establish some more suitable range.
Low rates should be knocked down to 1x - 15x or 1x - 20x in all reality, as the majority of the servers pump out EXP boosts and 20x ~ 25x itself already is in no way or form "low" unless you're going for level 99 by smashing porings and porings only. Not to mention that the majority of the 25x servers in the listing are usually higher by boosting overall rates, giving extreme methods of gaining EXP really fast or just flat out give you the extra rates on a new character trough items of some sort.

Lai

Don't FIX, if not BROKEN!

Thank you, close this topic plx <3

Kaleidoscope

Quote from: literalwho on Dec 22, 2018, 01:08 PM
The nostalgia is the biggest bonus factor here considering the game is pretty much built on that these days and survives merely on the nostalgia factor. While I do agree that the visuals could use a bit of polish and shining, the website design is otherwise functional, gets the job done and isn't bloated up to the whazoo with javascript. Seasonal changes and some improvement of the visuals would be nice, but otherwise I'm pretty certain heavy changes would just push people away.

I agree 100%, nothing major needs to change but some more effort being put forth in updating small details would be very much appreciated, am i wrong?

Quote from: literalwho on Dec 22, 2018, 01:08 PM
The lack of moderation is not an issue on these boards, not sure why you'd need to squeeze more moderators and staff in here.

Let me rephrase this: Hiring new staff and clogging isnt what i meant, just labeling people for what they do. How much harm can that do?

Quote from: literalwho on Dec 22, 2018, 01:08 PMLow rates should be knocked down to 1x - 15x or 1x - 20x in all reality, as the majority of the servers pump out EXP boosts and 20x ~ 25x itself already is in no way or form "low" unless you're going for level 99 by smashing porings and porings only. Not to mention that the majority of the 25x servers in the listing are usually higher by boosting overall rates, giving extreme methods of gaining EXP really fast or just flat out give you the extra rates on a new character trough items of some sort.

So this is something that is really personal to the developer, while the BASE exp rates may be small that doesn't in turn consider it to be a LOW rate server. This is putting a strict label on projects and how they advertise their server. We are evolving and discovering things and creating new experiences for the player. I don't think the same rules apply anymore. The word LOW doesn't depict just hardcore level grinding and official like features. I 100% think we should broaden this number since its one of the main ways people filter their searches.

Quote from: Lai on Dec 22, 2018, 02:33 PM
Don't FIX, if not BROKEN!

Thank you, close this topic plx <3

Lai, its not fixing, its updating. Just like all other things in life, we build on them. PERFECT EXAMPLE: why do we update our servers features? Upgrade website layouts? This is not a matter of something being BROKEN, but merely outdated. Ragnarok online private servers are ever expanding their play styles and uniqueness, i think its time to re evaluate the times and consider opening the ranges for server rates or brainstorm new listings since we are no longer just limited to experience ranges.

I would like to hear your reasoning on this for discussion purpose.

Xarale

Firstly, I'll start with this -

Quote from: Lai on Dec 22, 2018, 02:33 PM
Don't FIX, if not BROKEN!

Thank you, close this topic plx <3
Whilst I somewhat agree with not fixing what is not broken, I see no reason to close the topic.  This is a discussion thread after all and one that does not violate any of our guidelines, so I am not sure why you feel it should be closed.

Moving on..

Quote from: Kaleidoscope on Dec 22, 2018, 10:43 AM
Website Look and feel - This website while having nostalgic properties is outdated and could use a nice revamp with its layout. I understand that there are little to no competitors so we don't need to try as hard to be the BEST but what does that say about us? I think we should always stay on top of these things to maintain our spot at the top. Plus the visuals here aren't as pleasing on the eye as they once where in 2006.
Whilst a revamp would be nice for the overall website, I feel that it is fine the way it is.  It gets the job done and I would not want to risk things possibly getting broken in a revamp.  That is just my opinion though, maybe yC will agree with you~

Quote from: Kaleidoscope on Dec 22, 2018, 10:43 AM
Hiring new staff - Over the past decade i have seen many people who would play excellent candidates for moderators and content managers. I don't really know who is behind the scenes but i know we still have a happy new year news post from 2016 on the front page....So this is one of two things: yC you either forgot to post a new one for the next year or just didn't care to anymore. (this is not a flame of any sort). I think i have seen maybe 2 active forum moderators who actually labeled. Ive seen benefits from labeling your staff so it directs traffic different suggestions and complaints. Look how RA is set up, they have a hierarchy that works beautifully, everyone is clearly labeled as to what they do and they seem to have a higher rate of productivity.
We definitely do not need to hire any more staff.  The community sees much less traffic these days than it once did, and as a result there is barely any moderation required these days.  If forum activity levels shot up dramatically in the future, then I would agree to this.
Regarding the RMS Staff labelling, it is pretty much just myself (head mod) and yC (admin).  That is pretty much the entire staff roster.  I myself have been a bit busy over the last couple of months so there have been some days where I have not been online, but I am usually sneaking around like a ninja in the background most of the time. ;>

Quote from: Kaleidoscope on Dec 22, 2018, 10:43 AM
Updating the server rates filter - This is something that is personal to me. Now that ive started developing ive been conflicted with the way the rates are labeled on this website and how limiting it is. So lets look at low rates: 1x - 25x, this is 25 integers ONLY, the range here is very limited seeing as we have surpassed so many different limits from when this was first established. I think its time to reevaluate the gaps and RE-establish some more suitable range.
I am a little unsure of what you mean here, though that might be because I am super tired right now as I write this!  From my own point of view, servers generally fit into our four rate categories with no issues.  Could you possibly provide an example of what how you would change it to showcase your point?

Cheers, and Happy Holidays!

-X.

Kaleidoscope

Quote from: Xarale on Dec 22, 2018, 08:06 PM
Firstly, I'll start with this -
Whilst I somewhat agree with not fixing what is not broken, I see no reason to close the topic.  This is a discussion thread after all and one that does not violate any of our guidelines, so I am not sure why you feel it should be closed.

Moving on..
Whilst a revamp would be nice for the overall website, I feel that it is fine the way it is.  It gets the job done and I would not want to risk things possibly getting broken in a revamp.  That is just my opinion though, maybe yC will agree with you~
We definitely do not need to hire any more staff.  The community sees much less traffic these days than it once did, and as a result there is barely any moderation required these days.  If forum activity levels shot up dramatically in the future, then I would agree to this.
Regarding the RMS Staff labelling, it is pretty much just myself (head mod) and yC (admin).  That is pretty much the entire staff roster.  I myself have been a bit busy over the last couple of months so there have been some days where I have not been online, but I am usually sneaking around like a ninja in the background most of the time. ;>
I am a little unsure of what you mean here, though that might be because I am super tired right now as I write this!  From my own point of view, servers generally fit into our four rate categories with no issues.  Could you possibly provide an example of what how you would change it to showcase your point?

Cheers, and Happy Holidays!

-X.

As for the Update of the rate categories, this may be considered personal but i think there may be others that agree once their eyes open up to it. Forewarning i have had a few glasses of wine so this may be a little jumbled.

A prime example would be a project i am working with, our rates fluctuate from 500-2k but most players who are looking for a high rate server are looking for something a little higher. The majority of the community that seeks higher rates doesnt want something that is on the lower end of the spectrum. Seeing as my rates surpass the required value to list in Mid rate where i would get a lot more attention ( from minimal data collection this is just an assumption), i feel cheated to have to compete with high rate servers that already have established populations and dont want something lower. Where are my options though?

We all have to admit that this site is HIGHLY competitive and we are all looking to be #1 and get the most players to play but its hard to do that when we have to mold our creativity to this sites standards seeing as it is pretty much a monopoly for server seeking players. I would suggest that there be more sections to post into such as: Pvp server / WOE servers / Hunting servers / Grinders / Renewal / Pre Re. This would allow another wave of capital for server owners. I may actually be able to dominate the number #1 spot in another category making it easier for my server to found and more likely to be recommended, this will also reduce the amount of server attacks. ( Something as server owners have all been a victim of)... There are so many reasons and maybe too many to really type out. If anyone would like to voice chat and hold an actual discussion via discord you can PM me for my TAG!

Happy holidays to all!

Thanks for tuning in :)


Bue

Quote from: Kaleidoscope on Dec 22, 2018, 10:43 AM
Just a reminder this is not flaming or complaining, just making suggestions that i think are very much needed.
Snarky comments and defensive macho man crap is not welcome.
This is a discussion for veteran RO players and server owners alike.

You should post your suggestions here.

And you should be more specific about what you think the new website should look like and how the server rate filter should be implemented. This makes it look like you actually put some thought into the suggestions instead of thinking up stuff for someone else to do and figure out.


Kaleidoscope

Quote from: Bue on Dec 22, 2018, 08:55 PM
This makes it look like you actually put some thought into the suggestions instead of thinking up stuff for someone else to do and figure out.


This comment felt super backhanded and undermining. I don't know if that was intentional but its the way its coming out.

I would like to have more of a discussion on this topic, and i am more than willing to give fully constructed ideas and have already in some remote way have voiced them. If there is a team of people who can actually make this happen i would love to contribute 100% all ways in which this could happen and even help with the web development behind it if needed. I understand that since i don't have any footprint of seniority here that my voice will get looked at like some random guy just b****. But if you are genuinely reading my post and have reason to disagree then post it. That's what discussions ( arguments are all about ). I have one side of an opinion and i would love to hear other points of view but i would like to be heard versus shrugged off. If that requires me to fully type a new system schematics i will have one done by tomorrow evening for yall to see and comment on.

I think my idea is solid and while many veteran server owners may not agree since they are at the top of the food chain...there are some underdogs that will surely see my point of view.

Whilst that one idea is mainly for sake of new and upcoming servers, the other suggestions are for the general population. Anywho, I will have a full idea typed for you all by the evening tomorrow.


Cheers Guys and Gals

Bue

#8
It is because you didn't really make any suggestions. You just decided that its "Time for an update!" and the magical RMS fairies should get to work ASAP.

If you have ever done any web development, then you will know that it isn't as simple as picking out a new theme from web releases for your fluxcp.

And it is none of your business who should be on staff or how many people should be on staff.

I am not being an a **** because you're an upstart trying to make it big in the private server game. It is because your post read like a yelp review.

Kaleidoscope

Bue, I have sent you a PM to handle this confrontation privately and respectfully.

Boreas

How about https for the website to get rid of the browser warnings when visiting the front page. https://letsencrypt.org/ is free after all. Thanks.

Kaleidoscope

Quote from: Boreas on Dec 28, 2018, 06:30 AM
How about https for the website to get rid of the browser warnings when visiting the front page. https://letsencrypt.org/ is free after all. Thanks.

That's an excellent idea too!! :)