The Good The Bad & The Indifferent

[Mike McCreery]

I for one am glad you have come back to this addiction ;]

[Lecivius]

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

I for one am glad you have come back to this addiction ;]

And shared your game with the rest of us [:)]

[Canoerebel]

And a tip of the cap to John and all you Japanese players. As best I can tell it takes alot of moxie to sit in your seat. Handling the economy, the immense need to achieve early, and the awareness that ever single tick of the clock is working against you is pretty daunting stuff. Thanks, guys, for making it possible for us Allied DNA folks to have opponents.

[dave sindel]

ORIGINAL: Lecivius

ORIGINAL: Wargmr

I for one am glad you have come back to this addiction ;]

And shared your game with the rest of us [:)]

+1

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

But I wonder if he is making his mark as a wildly aggressive player who often throws his opponents into consternation early on at the expense of his ability to sustain the war effort. If so, then his ability as a player is justifiably called into question. If his early successes are at the expense of the ships, supply, and fuel necessary to successfully defend the Empire in '44 and '45, then the kudos he gets and the Banzais! he yells in May '42 may not be justified.

I agree wholeheartedly with this statement. I'd love to get your game into tracker on the Japanese side and have a look around. [;)]

Second, there's been the interesting discussion in here about the impact Sumatra had in this game. Here's how it had the greatest impact. When I realized that the jig was up in Sumatra in January '43, I cast about for some way to take advantage of John's need to focus there. I found the gaping hole in his defenses in NoPac. Because I had played John before, and because I knew he was involved in three games with precious little time to do his homework and attend to messy details like defense in depth, I knew it was almost certain that the holes were genuine. So I spent four months of game time shifting the entire Allied army and navy from the Indian Ocean to San Francisco and Seattle. And I felt pretty sure that the Allied suprise attack in NoPac would prompt a frantic response by John that would allow me to then invade in CenPac. Beyond that, I couldn't see for certain. If you remember, I figured the next invasion would be Amchitka. 5th Indian was in Prince Rupert for many months fully prepped for that op, but it ended up in Morotai 56% prepped.

Had I been playing certain other players - hypothetically, let's say it was Nemo and that somehow I managed to configure that massed landing in Sumatra - the situation would have been totally differnt. When I realized that Sumatra was a losing battle and cast around for some other place to invade, one of two things would have happened: (1) I would have found obvious indications that NoPac was defended in depth, or (2) NoPac would have been clearly undefended but I would have figured that Nemo had orchestrated just such a deception to suck me in.

So what happened in this game happened precisely because John and I have been frequent opponents. I knew there was a good chance that Sumatra would work out in favor of the Allies. I wouldn't have known that against many other players.

Your knowledge of his style has informed everything you've done, and it's working. You're always very good at shifting to take advantage of what your opponent gives. In my only Allied game against GreyJoy, sadly unfinished and suspended in late 43, I remember thinking of an entire strategy of how I wanted to play, but in the game I began to realize what he was neglecting, or letting me have, and I took more than he would have thought much more quickly than I'd planned to do it in my original designs.

This game is so much about psychology, and reading your opponent's style, quirks and tendencies.

I have said all along I hope this goes into 45, but if he opts out, there will be plenty of takers to continue the game.

My question is, would you want to do that given your lpay being so directed at his style?

[Canoerebel]

Hopefully John recovers his enthusiasm and we motor deep into '44 or '45. But if he doesn't, in theory I'd have no problem having a good and experienced player take over for him. But whether I would do that, I dunno. This game consumes me to much. It is a vortex of immense proportions. For those of you who have the gift of moderation, I envy you. I don't. I can't. No matter what it isn't possible. So if John were to fly a white flag, I'd take a bit of time to gather my thoughts, get a little separation from the exhaustion and stimulation that comes from playing the game, and then try to make a reasoned decision of whether I can afford to play this game.

Best.
Game.
Ever.

[BillBrown]

How can you not play this game?

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: BillBrown

How can you not play this game?

[:D]

When I'm in it I love it and it sits in the back of my mind from waking until sleep. When I take a break, it's not so hard, and it slips away from my thinking. It is a tough one, because life has a lot to offer, but this game centers my mind in a way nothing has since my competitive days in front of a chessboard. It's a bit hard to get other stuff done though when I've got it going! [;)]

[Canoerebel]

That's exactly how I feel, Eric.

And beyond that, this game has been unique in my experience in that there's never been a doldrums or quiet spell. I haven't been able to sleep. We resumed on 1/3/1943 and there hasn't been a single turn where the two sides weren't in close contact with big things happening. In real life, we resumed the game around December 15, 2015. I haven't had a good night's sleep since then. There have been occasional nights where I've gotten an hour or two. That's on me. I am not well disciplined in this regard. But the tension and excitement have been intoxicating.

Emoticon that Describes this Game: [X(]

Emoticon that does not Describe this Game: [>:]

[Capt. Harlock]

Bill sent the combat report, which has an interesting battle between Death Star strike aircraft and an IJ bombardment TF at Sorong near the end.

All those Avengers and you couldn't get a single torpedo hit?? Stern disciplinary measures are in order. . .

[CaptBeefheart]

A guy goes on a two-week vacation and misses a linguistic discussion where he sees his favorite word "defenestrate" mentioned, while witnessing a massive invasion deep into the Conradian, possibly even eldritch, reaches of northern New Guinea and eastern DEI, only to get to the last page and find the game might be over without even one last carrier confrontation. Holy anticlimax, Batman!

I sincerely hope this game continues. Massive kudos to CR and John for providing fantastic entertainment for us armchair admirals.

I've only done a quick dabble in PBEM with this game precisely because I'm worried about it becoming all consuming. There's no need to stay up at night worrying about the AI coming up with dastardly schemes.

By the way, the USS Intrepid is a very worthy vessel to visit if any of you all visit NYC. Although I'm used to free museums in DC, the $26 wasn't too bad considering.

Cheers,
CC

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

I know we Allied players don't like it when we've paid our dues only to have the IJ player suffer a sudden case of "real life is getting in my way." I know that feeling, but I also understand the nature of my opponent. I do not have high hopes for us getting much further into the game.

I read the other side, what there is of it lately, so I see the emotion of both as well as the strategy and tactics.

No one has mentioned what to me is perhaps the most egregious factor in the discussion of quitting. That is John's ejecting another of his three games and its faithful Allied player, who did nothing wrong except to not be John's bestus friend CR. That game got dumped because John, himself, not his evil twin, decided he liked CR more. So, so long, over-a-year-investment-Allied-guy.

His opponent was a gentleman and may get a pick-up opponent, but that's not the point. Adjusting to a new opponent is difficult, let alone the logistics of changing the turn exchange mechanisms, aligning betas, adjusting to new daily schedules or time zones on the other side, etc.

If you can't handle three games, don't friggin' play three games. If you play three games, find the time. Giving up the AAR would be a good start. But do what you said you'd do.

[Mike McCreery]

John just dumped 3 games with 3 great allied players that deserve much more.

I wouldnt play him at this point, I am not sure how many people would...

[Lowpe]

One of the reasons why I like to pick up drop games is that the other player is in for the long haul.

Of course, real life can rear its ugly head at any minute, but still picking up a drop usually makes for a long game.

It is hard to justify John's behavior...just disappointing.

I have been thinking about setting up a game (once my current ones are done, that is![;)]) where both players must finish their turn in one half hour.

Watch the replay, fine no limit. But once over you have one half hour to actually enter the turn. Sure it can be abused by making alternate saves, reviewing the game in depth when you don't have the turn and making lists of orders to execute, but you would still be limited to actually one half hour of active order clicking.

Also, it would be scouts honor, but isn't everything in this game?

It would encourage pausing the replay and looking around at the intel there. Scrolling up and down on the message log for example. So you would be examining the replay a lot closer I think. Plus hard choices would have to be made about where to focus your attention.

Anyhow, just a thought...like playing chess with a timer.

[ny59giants]

I've stayed away from commenting, but as I'm one of the three players mentioned. Even though Dan has known John longer than me, I may know him better just because we talk on a regular basis. I did advise him as a friend and in a mental health counselor manner about trying to do too much long ago. He has a lot on his plate and this summer more than others. I agreed to a hiatus until next month when the two boys go back to school along with his wife. Most of his turns get done when they are not home and before he goes to work (11am) or late at night (midnight or later his time). Besides his family and church (dean/elder), he is a manager at Subway. Anybody that knows anything about running a fast food restaurant knows that the schedule can change without notice. Add in that he decided to spend more time with his family (boys 9 & 12) this summer and you get the slow down in game play. I haven't asked, but I think his wife may have told him his family needs more of his time than AE. I don't think he will quit this game as I believe we will discuss in thoroughly if he comes to that decision along with Dan. I would probably ask him to seek a replacement player for our game (Apr '43) so this one could finish.

[JohnDillworth]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I've stayed away from commenting, but as I'm one of the three players mentioned. Even though Dan has known John longer than me, I may know him better just because we talk on a regular basis. I did advise him as a friend and in a mental health counselor manner about trying to do too much long ago. He has a lot on his plate and this summer more than others. I agreed to a hiatus until next month when the two boys go back to school along with his wife. Most of his turns get done when they are not home and before he goes to work (11am) or late at night (midnight or later his time). Besides his family and church (dean/elder), he is a manager at Subway. Anybody that knows anything about running a fast food restaurant knows that the schedule can change without notice. Add in that he decided to spend more time with his family (boys 9 & 12) this summer and you get the slow down in game play. I haven't asked, but I think his wife may have told him his family needs more of his time than AE. I don't think he will quit this game as I believe we will discuss in thoroughly if he comes to that decision along with Dan. I would probably ask him to seek a replacement player for our game (Apr '43) so this one could finish.

thanks from a view from the high road. Perspective is a wonderful thing. thank you for this

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: Commander Cody

A guy goes on a two-week vacation and misses a linguistic discussion where he sees his favorite word "defenestrate" mentioned, while witnessing a massive invasion deep into the Conradian, possibly even eldritch, reaches of northern New Guinea and eastern DEI, only to get to the last page and find the game might be over without even one last carrier confrontation. Holy anticlimax, Batman!

I sincerely hope this game continues. Massive kudos to CR and John for providing fantastic entertainment for us armchair admirals.

I've only done a quick dabble in PBEM with this game precisely because I'm worried about it becoming all consuming. There's no need to stay up at night worrying about the AI coming up with dastardly schemes.

By the way, the USS Intrepid is a very worthy vessel to visit if any of you all visit NYC. Although I'm used to free museums in DC, the $26 wasn't too bad considering.

Cheers,
CC

Yes, the Intrepid is a nice museum ship to visit. I wish more areas of the ship were open to exploration, but it is what it is... the USS Growler right next door is good, too.

[Canoerebel]

John is a good guy in real life: family man, hard worker, civic minded, important member of his community and the AE community.

Inside the game he's a tough beast to cuddle up to. He taunts and seems to take pleasure in it - it's not just innocent or obliviousness (I believe). He has trouble not playing the spoiler for the turn replay (usually by taunting there, too) when he sends emails for a big turn. He is fully engaged when he has the momentum. He stops corresponding and loses interest when things are not going his way.

In September 2013 I was having real life issues that affected my enjoyment of the game, not to mention that I'd gotten my tail in a crack with the invasion of Sumatra about to undergo a severe challenge (it was 1/3/43). My dad was involved in a car wreck. He lingered for two weeks in the hospital. I needed time to sift through things - too much was happening too fast and I wasn't able to process it well. I asked John for a sabbatical to sort through things...and he terminated the game. I think most people are under the impression that I terminated it. I do think I would have ended it after having some time to think about it, but I wish I had been given the time to do so. Yet it was almos a relief that John called it and I benefited from the ensuing two-year sabbatical.

The point being: I made sure to keep John informed of what was going on and didn't just disppear from view. That's what's bugging me right now. I don't mind John taking a sabbatical or dropping off to a turn a day or a week or whatever. But to just disappear leaves me always uncertain, always staring at the computer, always hoping for a turn.

Yesterday morning he sent an email that he was off to work and would attend to his computer issues afterwards. That was the last I heard from him.

Yesterday morning I sent John word that me and my boys are heading to the Appalachian Trail Thursday through Sunday. By the end of this weekend, he'll have had alot of down time between our last turn (a week ago today) and whenever he sends the next turn, whether that be today or Sunday or whenever. Hopefully that helps him recharge his batteries. But his "body language" is very discouraging.

I'd say there's a 50/50 chance the game continues. If it does, I think he'll make things very hard on me.

[ny59giants]

I just spoke with John, so you can expect a phone call Mr Roper. Computer still down. Sounds like not enough RAM or his 5 year old Hard Drive is crashing as it only effects his AE game.

[Mike McCreery]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

I've stayed away from commenting, but as I'm one of the three players mentioned. Even though Dan has known John longer than me, I may know him better just because we talk on a regular basis. I did advise him as a friend and in a mental health counselor manner about trying to do too much long ago. He has a lot on his plate and this summer more than others. I agreed to a hiatus until next month when the two boys go back to school along with his wife. Most of his turns get done when they are not home and before he goes to work (11am) or late at night (midnight or later his time). Besides his family and church (dean/elder), he is a manager at Subway. Anybody that knows anything about running a fast food restaurant knows that the schedule can change without notice. Add in that he decided to spend more time with his family (boys 9 & 12) this summer and you get the slow down in game play. I haven't asked, but I think his wife may have told him his family needs more of his time than AE. I don't think he will quit this game as I believe we will discuss in thoroughly if he comes to that decision along with Dan. I would probably ask him to seek a replacement player for our game (Apr '43) so this one could finish.

He taunts and seems to take pleasure in it - it's not just innocent or obliviousness (I believe).

Lets say that John is a great guy!!!

He took on a game with you and then he decided it would be fun to take on another with Herbie not thinking about the impact that would have on your game. He then takes on another game without considering the effect on both of you.

When things get less fun he puts your game on hold, not thinking about you and then passes herbies game off so he can concentrate on his game with CR not thinking about the impact on Herbie.

Now he is incommunicado with CR clearly not thinking about him.

I think John thinks about John and what is fun for John. Right now other things than WITPAE are fun for John. And that is great, this is a game and thus not high on the priority list in real life. The discussion is not that John is a bad guy. The discussion is about the fact that his actions have been disappointing in the least and he shows a severe lack of empathy for other peoples situations.