288 réponses à ce sujet

[T41rdEye]

lol, smooth CP. Ya got me.

[Meltemph]

Chris Priestly wrote...

I was in 3 other meetings, so have been away from BSN (lots to catch up on post 8 week vacation).

Answering questions:
1 - My PMs were shut off during my vacation. It is now reactivated by the web team .

2 - Discussion of the Indoctrination theory is moved to Groups. We did with the the character/romance forum as well and it has worked well for those people who want to discuss their preferred topics. This is how discussion on the Indoctrination theory will work.

3 - Some people were banned a few hours ago for deliberately spamming the forums and deliberately disregarding the instruction to use groups to discuss the IT. We do not enjoy temporarily banning people, but if they break the rules, they are met with the same results that any person who breaks the rules.

4 - Discussing topics that involve indoctrination is fine. HOWEVER simply calling the thread a different title and turning into an IT thread is not ok. If that happens, the thread will be closed and directed to use Groups.

5 - This thread would have been closed earlier, but I was on vacation for the past 8 weeks. It has nothing to do with any upcoming DLC or timing.

6 - Closing this thread does not validate or invalidate the Indoctrination Theory. As both Jessica and I have said many times, we will never (as far as I know) ever confirm or deny wether the IT is real or not as that is up to the individual playing the game to determine for themself. I personally have some playthroughs where the IT theory is impossible. I also have playthroughs where it could very well be valid.

Any more questions?

This is confusing... So instead of relegating the discussion of IT or anything revolving aroudn the ingame content of the game, to groups, why not just stop megathreads and make the topics actually stay ontopic instead?  Wouldnt that do more then "post in groups"?  Not to mention, I'm not sure how romances and a theory about an ending to a game is the same thing.

No megathreads and staying on topic, I would think, would have a hell of a lot more effect on making sure topics dont stray from their intended purpse, yet also allow discusions of ingame events, and ones interpritation of those events.

[TheRealJayDee]

Chris Priestly wrote...

Any more questions?

Can you elaborate on how a decision such as this (forcing the discussion about a popular theory that was more or less endorsed by BW folks into some kind of forum ghetto) is made - who comes up with such an idea, who is involved in discussing it, who has the final say etc?

Also why do you have that many vacation days and I don't?

[dreamgazer]

MegaSovereign wrote...

You can't delay popping that IT bubble forever, Bioware. When ME4 comes out you'll inevitably destroy many people's interpretation of the ending events. And then you'll get more flak for misleading statements.

I doubt they can delay popping the "no canon ending" bubble that long, either.

[Chris Priestly]

The IT thread was closed specifically (as opposed to the other theory threads) because it was a huge discussion by a small number of people who were very passionate about that specific topic. They were a group of people very involved with the topic with few new people joining the discussion. This is the very definition of a group and what the groups section is for, such as the Talimancers or Save Thane or similar. The other theories are not nearly as involved.

While I am sorry that some people are unhappy with this choice, it will stand. My mistake is not closing it now, it is not having closed it after a hundred pages in teh first iteration of the thread before it became entrenched.

And I see the complaints of "censorship". Censorship is not being allowed to talk about it period. Making you talk about it in the place designed for it to be talked about is not censorship. And to anyone who thinks that I or BioWare or whatever don't want negative things said about the game here on the BSN... really? Are you that new here? We allow for a MASSIVE amount of criticism of our products here because we feel that, when presented in a way that we can learn from ("I don't like the game. Here is why...") rather than rants ("This game sucks!" Why? "Cuz it does!") is valuable. Try walking into a McDonalds and standing in the lobby and saying to all to hear how the Big Mac is bad food and no one should buy it and see how long until the cops come.

Modifié par Chris Priestly, 07 janvier 2013 - 11:19 .

[GreyLycanTrope]

MegaSovereign wrote...

You can't delay popping that IT bubble forever, Bioware. When ME4 comes out you'll inevitably destroy many people's interpretation of the ending events. And then you'll get more flak for misleading statements.

SO BE IT.

[shepskisaac]

Chris Priestly wrote...

Sorry, can't comment on upcoming DLC except to say there is more coming and you'll have to wait a while to learn about what it is.

Nooooo don't do this to us!

*image removed per Site Rule #6*

Modifié par Selene Moonsong, 07 janvier 2013 - 11:49 .

[Iakus]

MegaSovereign wrote...

You can't delay popping that IT bubble forever, Bioware. When ME4 comes out you'll inevitably destroy many people's interpretation of the ending events. And then you'll get more flak for misleading statements.

And if we were denied a reunion because of IT, only to have IT debunked later...

[dreamgazer]

iakus wrote...

MegaSovereign wrote...

You can't delay popping that IT bubble forever, Bioware. When ME4 comes out you'll inevitably destroy many people's interpretation of the ending events. And then you'll get more flak for misleading statements.

And if we were denied a reunion because of IT, only to have IT debunked later...

Eh, I think you can blame the blue and green options for that one, and BioWare not wanting to tip the scales towards the red one.

[draconian139]

Edit:Fail.  Meant to post elsewhere.

Modifié par draconian139, 07 janvier 2013 - 11:25 .

[Meltemph]

The IT thread was closed specifically (as opposed to the other theory threads) because it was a huge discussion by a small number of people who were very passionate about that specific topic. They were a group of people very involved with the topic with few new people joining the discussion. This is the very definition of a group and what the groups section is for, such as the Talimancers or Save Thane or similar. The other theories are not nearly as involved.

Hey, when it comes to closing megathreads I am 100% behind it, but I don't see why bringing up the discussion purposely as a new topic is the same as trying to create a megathread. Also, I dont think censorship matters really, it is BW's forum they/you can do anything you want. My only point is, the way it was presented with the closing of the megathread was, that no topics regarding the IT theory can be created in the spoiler section of the game.

Since the IT theory requires a fairly large look at the content of the game, I'm not sure why that would be the case. I would wager the reason taht the megathread became what you are describing is becuase almost all megathreads become like that.

In the words of EvilLore: "Megathreads... stifle discussion, create insular echo chamber chat rooms, and prevent the dissemination of information to the vast majority of people who read the site."

I think something as simple as no megathreads(even if you just relegate it to a certain subject, like the IT) would fix the problem you are describing.

Modifié par Meltemph, 07 janvier 2013 - 11:33 .

[ategio]

Chris Priestly wrote...

I was in 3 other meetings, so have been away from BSN (lots to catch up on post 8 week vacation).

Answering questions:
1 - My PMs were shut off during my vacation. It is now reactivated by the web team .

2 - Discussion of the Indoctrination theory is moved to Groups. We did with the the character/romance forum as well and it has worked well for those people who want to discuss their preferred topics. This is how discussion on the Indoctrination theory will work.

3 - Some people were banned a few hours ago for deliberately spamming the forums and deliberately disregarding the instruction to use groups to discuss the IT. We do not enjoy temporarily banning people, but if they break the rules, they are met with the same results that any person who breaks the rules.

4 - Discussing topics that involve indoctrination is fine. HOWEVER simply calling the thread a different title and turning into an IT thread is not ok. If that happens, the thread will be closed and directed to use Groups.

5 - This thread would have been closed earlier, but I was on vacation for the past 8 weeks. It has nothing to do with any upcoming DLC or timing.

6 - Closing this thread does not validate or invalidate the Indoctrination Theory. As both Jessica and I have said many times, we will never (as far as I know) ever confirm or deny wether the IT is real or not as that is up to the individual playing the game to determine for themself. I personally have some playthroughs where the IT theory is impossible. I also have playthroughs where it could very well be valid.

Any more questions?

1.-
2. I really dont see it working out too well in the romance groups. Groups are somewhat confusing in their layout and harder to find for People browsing the BSN. This makes new Input rare and cuts away from the dynamic in the forums.
3./4. You did go on a little bit of a rampage there. Some threads were not even IT related but closed for spam.
5. Who´s getting 8 weeks vacation? lucky you
6. I´m interested. What playthrough makes IT impossible?

[TheRealJayDee]

Chris Priestly wrote...

Try walking into a McDonalds and standing in the lobby and saying to all to hear how the Big Mac is bad food and no one should buy it and see how long until the cops come.

If I had more energy I would try to counter this with some snarky analogy about what might happen if McDonalds would announce and advertise a great new burger and when people actually buy and eat it they find out it doesn't contain the ingredients advertised and gives them an upset stomach... but I don't have that energy right now.

[T41rdEye]

Do you understand the concept of "lurkers" Chris? Just look at the number of page views. The IT following is not anywhere near as small as you are making it out to be. I really hope BW is not as out of touch with their fanbase as you seem to be.

Your post is a classic example of what I was saying before. At some point IT will need clarified for ME to continue.

[MegaSovereign]

TheRealJayDee wrote...

Chris Priestly wrote...

Try walking into a McDonalds and standing in the lobby and saying to all to hear how the Big Mac is bad food and no one should buy it and see how long until the cops come.

If I had more energy I would try to counter this with some snarky analogy about what might happen if McDonalds would announce and advertise a great new burger and when people actually buy and eat it they find out it doesn't contain the ingredients advertised and gives them an upset stomach... but I don't have that energy right now.

Maybe you should eat a Big Mac for energy.

Wait a second...That's some sneaky product placement Chris....

[hukbum]

ategio wrote...

Chris Priestly wrote...

6 - I personally have some playthroughs where the IT theory is impossible.

6. I´m interested. What playthrough makes IT impossible?

Same here. Would be nice to know.

[Iakus]

TheRealJayDee wrote...

Chris Priestly wrote...

Try walking into a McDonalds and standing in the lobby and saying to all to hear how the Big Mac is bad food and no one should buy it and see how long until the cops come.

If I had more energy I would try to counter this with some snarky analogy about what might happen if McDonalds would announce and advertise a great new burger and when people actually buy and eat it they find out it doesn't contain the ingredients advertised and gives them an upset stomach... but I don't have that energy right now.

Could you include a comparisson to being given ketchup packets when you complain, as a "gift"? 

[demersel]

hukbum wrote...

ategio wrote...

Chris Priestly wrote...

6 - I personally have some playthroughs where the IT theory is impossible.

6. I´m interested. What playthrough makes IT impossible?

Same here. Would be nice to know.

The ones where he would pick Synthesis or Control or Refuse (DUH)

[Iakus]

Chris Priestly wrote...

The IT thread was closed specifically (as opposed to the other theory threads) because it was a huge discussion by a small number of people who were very passionate about that specific topic. They were a group of people very involved with the topic with few new people joining the discussion. This is the very definition of a group and what the groups section is for, such as the Talimancers or Save Thane or similar. The other theories are not nearly as involved.

How do I phrase this most tactfully?

What's the minimum number of posters needed in a given amoun of time for it to be considered a "real topic"?

[Selene Moonsong]

Chris already said not to revisit this topic and that it was best served in a Group rather than the forums.

[Chris Priestly]

Me1mN0t wrote...

Do you understand the concept of "lurkers" Chris? Just look at the number of page views. The IT following is not anywhere near as small as you are making it out to be. I really hope BW is not as out of touch with their fanbase as you seem to be.

Your post is a classic example of what I was saying before. At some point IT will need clarified for ME to continue.

Yep, I know exactly how many unique accounts post AND/OR just read the IT thread.

As to whether IT is ever confirmed, I may be, but it does not have to be. I am not a writer or anything, but since we have already said that the next ME game will not be a Commander Shepard game, I don't see why it would need to be addressed. It could take place before the ME series. It could take place at the same time as the ME series with different characters living a different aspect of the known series. It could take place in a completely new part of the galaxy with a completely different threat, character, aliens, etc. Etc. Etc. Etc.

[fainmaca]

Chris Priestly wrote...

The IT thread was closed specifically (as opposed to the other theory threads) because it was a huge discussion by a small number of people who were very passionate about that specific topic. They were a group of people very involved with the topic with few new people joining the discussion. This is the very definition of a group and what the groups section is for, such as the Talimancers or Save Thane or similar. The other theories are not nearly as involved.

While I am sorry that some people are unhappy with this choice, it will stand. My mistake is not closing it now, it is not having closed it after a hundred pages in teh first iteration of the thread before it became entrenched.

And I see the complaints of "censorship". Censorship is not being allowed to talk about it period. Making you talk about it in the place designed for it to be talked about is not censorship. And to anyone who thinks that I or BioWare or whatever don't want negative things said about the game here on the BSN... really? Are you that new here? We allow for a MASSIVE amount of criticism of our products here because we feel that, when presented in a way that we can learn from ("I don't like the game. Here is why...") rather than rants ("This game sucks!" Why? "Cuz it does!") is valuable. Try walking into a McDonalds and standing in the lobby and saying to all to hear how the Big Mac is bad food and no one should buy it and see how long until the cops come.

Chris: Forcing whole sections of your consumer base to go discuss the parts of your product they actually enjoyed in a secluded place, making them jump over additional hurdles to get to the discussions they want to partake in, isn't going to make this site any healthier. It'll just make the less dedicated people leave. Then you'll be left with a site full of an even denser concentration of 'passionate' fans, along with outside sites dedicated to the discussions now designated taboo on here, filled with people complaining that you didn't want them muckying up your site with the stuff they feel is important to them.

This may not be outright censorship, but it damn well smacks of discouragement of free and open discussion. People liked your characters, but now if they want to express that they get partitioned off into discreet little cliques. all this will breed is division, and its damage done by your own hand.

I may not subscribe to the IT, but I think it wrong to stuff them in the back room, forbidding them from expressing their interpretations openly in front of everyone. Its like telling someone they can't discuss their chosen lifestyle/belief system except with somebody who shares those values.

I don't want to antagonise, but I do believe this course of action to be very misguided and detrimental to your site, the top of a slippery slope as it were. As I said, it may not be censorship, but its pretty much the next thing along the scale.

[Cyberfrog81]

Please have Walters, Gamble or Hudson flat out state

"THE ENDING IS NOT AN INDOCTRINATION ATTEMPT"


If it's high time IT dies, at least have the courtesy to deliver an effective killing blow. These fans truly believe(d) in BioWare's brilliance.

[Senenzon]

Chris Priestly wrote...

Me1mN0t wrote...

Do you understand the concept of "lurkers" Chris? Just look at the number of page views. The IT following is not anywhere near as small as you are making it out to be. I really hope BW is not as out of touch with their fanbase as you seem to be.

Your post is a classic example of what I was saying before. At some point IT will need clarified for ME to continue.

Yep, I know exactly how many unique accounts post AND/OR just read the IT thread.

As to whether IT is ever confirmed, I may be, but it does not have to be. I am not a writer or anything, but since we have already said that the next ME game will not be a Commander Shepard game, I don't see why it would need to be addressed. It could take place before the ME series. It could take place at the same time as the ME series with different characters living a different aspect of the known series. It could take place in a completely new part of the galaxy with a completely different threat, character, aliens, etc. Etc. Etc. Etc.

You just cant stop poking the beehive? 

[lex0r11]

Cyberfrog81 wrote...

Please have Walters, Gamble or Hudson flat out state

"THE ENDING IS NOT AN INDOCTRINATION ATTEMPT"


If it's high time IT dies, at least have the courtesy to deliver an effective killing blow. These fans truly believe(d) in BioWare's brilliance.

Hear, hear.