Opponents wanted != Games in progress

[pmiranda]

I've noticed some confusion in this section. Some people are looking for opponents, but some games are already closed an running, but their thread is regularly updated to include latest events.
This is confusing, because one thinks there's a new game being organized, but then notices it has already started and is regularly updated in the "opponents wanted" list.
These 2 kinds of posts should go to different sections, I think.

[aletoledo]

I agree, I thought that was unusual also. the forum doesn't move very fast, so I never said anything.

[MrQuiet]

I usually look at the number of replies in the thread, if its in the double digits then the game has probably started.

-MrQuiet

[Lebatron]

I said the same thing before. Its a shame the forum gets filled with posts the rest of us need not see/read. I believe the forum is for public not private announcements. I had suggested that players resort to using instant messengers or email once their game starts. But that suggestion got a chilly response. I'm not sure why because it has worked great for us PBEM Axis and Allies players for years. Here is what I posted before.

I know you guys want to use the forum so all the players in your game can stay up to date on the turn process. But there is a better way to do this. If you’re in a 4 player game just carbon copy, or create a mailing list of the other 3 players, and email to all the players simultaneously. In this way, each will know when someone just got a turn, and everyone can follow all the comments that are made. It doesn't matter if the save file goes out to everyone. If it’s not their turn they can ignore it. This I think is superior to using a forum to stay in touch. Also consider setting up an instant messenger. Then you can know the second someone sends you an email if you don’t use Outlook Express or something similar.

I say this because most of these posts have just been “I just sent Japan his turn” variety. If you’re going to post about your ongoing game, give us something good to read. The After Action Reports would be a good place to have your running commentaries. It needs it. Read “what happened to AAR?” by Old timer over there. Make the old man happy[:)]

[JanSorensen]

While its not terribly logical I dont see it as a problem. The traffic isnt terribly large either way so nothing gets buried.

[aletoledo]

know you guys want to use the forum so all the players in your game can stay up to date on the turn process. But there is a better way to do this. If you’re in a 4 player game just carbon copy, or create a mailing list of the other 3 players, and email to all the players simultaneously.

using CC is a great idea that I hadn't thought of in my own 4 player games. it probably would even save people the hassle of navigating to the forum to find that its their turn and then going to their email.

[Lebatron]

Exactly. It makes it simpler for everyone. Those in the game will not need to check the forum, and those not in the game will no longer see unnecessary updates on the forum. I think most of us dislike seeing threads getting bumped back up to the top for no good reason.

Carbon copy works fine, but I would suggest you try making a list. Its a form of carbon copy just automated so you only have to select the list and everybody is automatically filled in. Some services have the list feature. I use Yahoo mail. The steps are very easy to make a list. Once you got everybody you want in the list just give it a name. Pick something that will be unique to that particular game if you got more than one running.

[MikeB]

AFter Action reports...during a game...with pictures is good to my mind.
You can even tweak each others efforts or complain about your own. Be mindful
though that enemy intelligence spys might appreciate your up to date commentary.
Commentary 2-3 turns later is suggested to thwart such spys.

Mike B