Setting a Standard

[eldawg51]

The following is a entry I'm submitting for Sept. Enjoy.

Setting a Standard

The game so many have played and loved over the past 15 years, Battlefield and now Tankpit, has become a point of controversy lately.  The negativity spawning from tournament and normal map play has drastically increased in recent months.  I will credit this occurrence to the small player base the game has drawn and a few bad apples.  It seems what people do “wrong” or “unethical” has become the focal point of most players’ topic of discussion, thereby slowly eroding the community’s motivation and demeanor.  The thought occurred to me that something must change in order for the game and the community to grow.  As a gaming community, we have the capacity to give Tankpit longevity and bring in new blood, but our focus has to change from openly criticizing players and running newbies and veterans out with every post on the Tankpit Bulletin Board and forum.   The community must begin to focus more on what players do well instead of forming witch hunts to run players out of the game.  

So how do we do this?  The answer is simple; we must point out what people do correctly and edify that player for it.  At times players need to be tactfully corrected and guided to get better.  More importantly, edifying what players do well will create a vacuum for the community to follow that example.  Of course, a standard must be set to have a basis for comparison and players will be judged by this standard.  When that standard is met the player should be recognized for it.  If someone does not quite play up to these standards, it is not an opportunity to bash them, but to encourage that player to keep trying his best.  Keep in mind this will be such a high standard that no one might reach, but could be a goal for every player.  I will cover recognizable qualities both on and off the playing field.  

There are players who will constantly judge how you play, watch your every move and base their play from what they see. Most players will make sure they are on top of their game when it is active however, true character shows when nobody is watching.  Questions you should ask yourself when you are playing (even when it is with a friend of the opposite color), am I fighting this player to get a kill, or am I soft-playing?  Soft-playing or ‘fake fighting’ means when he is low on fuel and you could make it hard for him to survive, you stop shooting and only go for the points or what Tankpit now calls, experience.  We have all participated in ‘fake-fighting’, so this is not to slander any one particular person, but to play in the true spirit of the game you should never play favorites and always make it harder for your opponent.  They should not mind because it will make them better.

If someone offers you a free kill do you take it?  Do you ask for free kills?  Again, almost every single player I know is guilty, so this is not singling out any individual, but to have integrity means to never distribute, ask for or take free kills (with the exception of perhaps a sword party).  Turning away from free kills is easier said than done, especially when you are not being watched.  When you pass on these opportunities you will feel a lot better about your game in the long run, and you will be looked upon with great respect.

Do you fight no matter what the odds?  Do you push yourself to be better than what you were yesterday?  Players who strive for greatness realize that what they accomplished yesterday does not matter.  Character and integrity are built day by day, and a reputation that takes 15 years to build can be soiled in an instant.  Players who consistently fight every single raid whenever or wherever it comes to them deserve to be recognized for their persistent efforts.   Notable players such as Amnesty, ELEGANCE and BRAVERY representing the Art of War, Aliens are Coming, Nameless, wardog and several others personify persistence in the raid taking arena.   If faced with the choice of fighting or running and quitting, ask yourself, “What would those players do?”  

Do you play tournaments for yourself to show off your individual skills or do you have planned help from a friend to let you shoot him, give you an equipment or ranking kill?   Tournament play has by far become the largest point of controversy.  The legitimacy of almost every cup comes into question because of the enormous amount of players who affect the outcome by distributing free kills in the late stages of tournaments.   Nearly every player who has won a cup is guilty of receiving and taking a die-down at one point in time.  The rise in recent criticism of tournament victories has given this writer the motivation to do something about his own personal tournament play, and that is to turn down any free kills, and if one is given to me then I will quit the tournament, regardless of position.  At the moment of truth, what is more important; solidifying a cup or the integrity of the game and your reputation?   If you care about setting an example and how you are viewed, then you have to consider how it looks to the rest of the field when you give or receive a blatant free ranking kill.   To reiterate, this is an extremely high standard, and by no means to condemn anyone.   If that were the case, every player except for two or three would be exiled from the game.  We all make mistakes, but only a fool refuses to learn from them.

How do you present yourself outside of the playing field?  Do you help new players or ridicule them for not being as experienced as you?  Are you humble or does your e-ego rear its ugly head every chance it gets?  Good sportsmanship is always a positive aspect in any game; Tankpit is no exception.  Treating others fairly and helping them out when they have questions or when they want to learn should be a trait all veterans should acquire.  Bringing new players to the game, showing them the ropes, building them up when they try their best and being an example for them to follow are acts that will move this community and this game forward.  

Once again, the standard set for how to play and how to act on the Board is very high, as it should be.  After all, being a great player should be a position only few can reach, but a stature that players have a desire to work for each time they log on to play or post a message.  This type of dedication to excellence is rare, and hopefully that will change over time.  I will leave you with this; if a hundred players were to follow you and play how you play and act how you act, what would you change?  Would the game be better or worse if there were 100 of you around?  Some people do not like the idea of being looked at as an example, but nonetheless, it happens naturally in this game.  I challenge each and every person who reads this article to actually think about how you act and what you do on the field.   Maybe you would change nothing about yourself and that is fantastic.  Perhaps this article is not for you, but if you have a desire to be great you should definitely be self-analyzing and asking questions.  Just remember, the journey to greatness is not about the destination, but the perpetual growth you will experience along the way.  The challenges you meet and some of the defeats you face will form your character and will teach you more than your victories ever will.  Do not get discouraged if you do not reach your goals, but take solace in the fact that you when working towards these standards, you are only making yourself better.  Good luck and see you on the fields!

[megaGOD]

[TeD-BuNdY]

[lefty]

tl:dr

In summary eldog says: the problem isn't the bad apples, it's all the cry babies who sit around and make them the focal point. Duh?



Read a bit more, disagree with so much that I can't even be bothered coming up with a real response.

Here's lefty's version.

Free java game gets created.

People may play if they choose and do whatever the fuck they want. If that means 'upholding the integrity' or whatever the fuck, refusing die downs, whatever makes you feel good, go right ahead. 99% of the problem is players get told 'this is right, that is wrong.' In reality the only difference is the preference of the player telling them so. I also get the most slanderous texts bashing players from people like knock knock. I thought he was a team leader and all about the improvement of the game? But the best he can offer when there's a player he disagrees with is to spread rumors, lies, and slander them? You all need to learn to shut the fuck up, lower your head and beast some hours. Doing whatever the hell you want. It's a game and if you don't enjoy playing it then what's the point. Ignore all of eldawg's points. Enter the map and do whatever the hell you want. In most cases it eventually leads to taking raids anyway. Why force people who aren't ready yet. Assholes.

[Jake]

The following is a entry I'm submitting for Sept. Enjoy.

-snip-

Make those paragraphs with line-breaks, dude!

[eldawg51]

The following is a entry I'm submitting for Sept. Enjoy.

-snip-

Make those paragraphs with line-breaks, dude!

My bad. It was 1.5 spaced when I sent it on word. Fixed.

[eldawg51]

tl:dr

In summary eldog says: the problem isn't the bad apples, it's all the cry babies who sit around and make them the focal point. Duh?



Read a bit more, disagree with so much that I can't even be bothered coming up with a real response.

Here's lefty's version.

Free java game gets created.

People may play if they choose and do whatever the fuck they want. If that means 'upholding the integrity' or whatever the fuck, refusing die downs, whatever makes you feel good, go right ahead. 99% of the problem is players get told 'this is right, that is wrong.' In reality the only difference is the preference of the player telling them so. I also get the most slanderous texts bashing players from people like knock knock. I thought he was a team leader and all about the improvement of the game? But the best he can offer when there's a player he disagrees with is to spread rumors, lies, and slander them? You all need to learn to shut the fuck up, lower your head and beast some hours. Doing whatever the hell you want. It's a game and if you don't enjoy playing it then what's the point. Ignore all of eldawg's points. Enter the map and do whatever the hell you want. In most cases it eventually leads to taking raids anyway. Why force people who aren't ready yet. Assholes.

I never said people have to do anything unless they care about what the community as a whole thinks about their game play and what the general consensus is. If you're not going to take the time to read it then 'maybe it's not for you.' Maybe if you'd read the last paragraph you wouldn't seem so angry about my entry and making rude comments filled with derogatory remarks. Yes, it's all my opinion and how I try to play, and you come out calling me an asshole. Strike a nerve? Why do you think I posted it here and not on the TPBB for David and kayrad to read?

[lefty]

It's nothing personal eldawg, you are sorta like a preacher I guess. I just feel that typically players need minimal guidance. And they are usually given more attention than necessary. Then it's typically a lot of flaming before anything constructive gets said. When all they needed in the first place was like a one liner. "enter the map, find fuel and equipment, fight other players, do as you wish." Then maybe small pointers 'memorize where you found good equipment, keep track of which areas have been used recently.' I genuinely feel like 95% of the 'advice' handed out is pointless and doesn't help the player become better.

[eldawg51]

It's nothing personal eldawg, you are sorta like a preacher I guess.

You're not the first person to tell me that.

For what it's worth, when it comes to newbs, I agree with you. I wouldn't expect a guy who started playing yesterday to read that and go, yeah you're right, I need to do everything you said. I considered my audience who are the 35-50 semi active players on this forum that may (or may not) enjoy a sample of my thought process, and made the entry pretty strong because most of us have been around for 8+ years. I think someone of that caliber like yourself or some others who have been around a while may enjoy an article about leadership and being an example, striving for excellence. I've come to find out it's how I approach most things in life, as I am appalled at the things I've done half-heartedly. Maybe some people are fine with themselves and how they play. I am not one of those people, I always think I can get better in some area of my game and life. Just expressing my thoughts and opinions, nothing taken personally.

I don't expect everyone to agree with me either. If they did the forum would be boring.

[Kalamiti]

Wall of text crits you for over 9000 brain damage.

You scroll down.

[eldawg51]

Wall of text crits you for over 9000 brain damage.

You scroll down.

Lol what?

[Kalamiti]

Wall of text crits you for over 9000 brain damage.

You scroll down.

Lol what?

Just my way of saying I seen how much text there was and didn't care enough to do that much reading. I read the first the first couple paragraphs and said BULLSHIT. A standard of playing is so laughable.

[eldawg51]

Why is that? There are standards of play in every game to which people can judge their skill level based on their peers. Yes most people play for recreation, and that's fine. If you're a competitor, you have fun when you win, and in the case of Tankpit, beast a raid, kill a skilled opponent 4-1 or less, or destroy a tournament.

[Ms_Lucy]

dame el good job ! Allot of effort into this entry. Just curious how many wc have you won with such entries ? Cause I know youv won a few right ?

[eldawg51]

dame el good job ! Allot of effort into this entry. Just curious how many wc have you won with such entries ? Cause I know youv won a few right ?

Thank you, I edited it as best I could. I actually took a few days off from posting on here so I could collect my thoughts after I got the controversial on el. I've won 3 in BF and TP but I've not submitted anything like this before and this is my only submission for this month unless I come up with some killer original idea. I sent them my article plus a link to this thread, so if I win everyone knows this was it.

Are you trying to come up with something? I have four other entries saved, none of them won though and. They wrote me that my winning submission is irretrievable otherwise I would share that.

[Seven]

Eldawg gets a wc for that and an lb. Because the standard will be set and thouse who want to know know the standard need too look no further then the few nominated for a silver sheild.

Ruffian

Silver dots can be nominated by players for players who do an exceptional job displaying the standard. I can think of a few people off the bat cujo wardog knock honor bravery.

[CoolkylemaC21]

I don't no about anyone else. But I voted for you eldawg

[eldawg51]

I don't no about anyone else. But I voted for you eldawg

I can always count on my boy Kylemac. Much respect.

You get that mouse yet?

[knock]

I also get the most slanderous texts bashing players from people like knock knock. I thought he was a team leader and all about the improvement of the game? But the best he can offer when there's a player he disagrees with is to spread rumors, lies, and slander them?.

I have not spread any rumors or lied about you once lefty. I made posts at you a few times but don't really care to anymore. You know yourself how you've played the majority of time here in tankpit...and I don't applaud you for it. Expect me to be a little harder on you, because I knew you as a much better player and know what kind of potential you have. I won't forget the raid you took in rocks one day back in battlefield. It was pretty great to watch another player who spent a lot of time in d6 perform like that.

Hell if you played the way I expected you to you could have made some of my top 10 lists. But you chose not to.

[CoolkylemaC21]

I don't no about anyone else. But I voted for you eldawg

I can always count on my boy Kylemac. Much respect.

You get that mouse yet?

Nah bro I spent every cent on had on furniture for my new apartment. I get paid on the friday coming up. So ill be buying a complete desktoop then. But till then I am stuck using this shitty laptop and touch pad.

But ill be sure to take lots of raids on nowiwon untill then, they won't be good but I kinda want battle honor medal for batty neway.

[wardizzle]

tl;dr

[eldawg51]

Stop playin' wardog, you know you read it. J/k it's long, I know.

[TeD-BuNdY]

This entry is how I won one of my wc in bf

[lefty]

I also get the most slanderous texts bashing players from people like knock knock. I thought he was a team leader and all about the improvement of the game? But the best he can offer when there's a player he disagrees with is to spread rumors, lies, and slander them?.

I have not spread any rumors or lied about you once lefty. I made posts at you a few times but don't really care to anymore. You know yourself how you've played the majority of time here in tankpit...and I don't applaud you for it. Expect me to be a little harder on you, because I knew you as a much better player and know what kind of potential you have. I won't forget the raid you took in rocks one day back in battlefield. It was pretty great to watch another player who spent a lot of time in d6 perform like that.

Hell if you played the way I expected you to you could have made some of my top 10 lists. But you chose not to.

you do knock around the little guys tho eh? Remember trying to get me to turn on BLUNTZ coz I'm one of his only friends in the game? lol..that's low man

[Ms_Lucy]

dame el good job ! Allot of effort into this entry. Just curious how many wc have you won with such entries ? Cause I know youv won a few right ?

Thank you, I edited it as best I could. I actually took a few days off from posting on here so I could collect my thoughts after I got the controversial on el. I've won 3 in BF and TP but I've not submitted anything like this before and this is my only submission for this month unless I come up with some killer original idea. I sent them my article plus a link to this thread, so if I win everyone knows this was it.

Are you trying to come up with something? I have four other entries saved, none of them won though and. They wrote me that my winning submission is irretrievable otherwise I would share that.

Well, iv only won dots throught bf . I have only had one submission for wc on my d3c tank back in bf which i also won. I would love to win a ph and or lb because I never had the oppurtunity nor the right set of skills to manage a solid ph/lb submission . But, iv also noticed this time around my "killer" submission did not win me shit. Iv submitted like this before and it got me 8 dots and a wc . I honestly dont know what tankpit is looking for. Obviously, you have the knowledge for it .


again good job.. very impressive!

[eldawg51]

Thanks man, I really appreciate it. I just hope folks get something out of it.