Attacks and counter-attacks!

[MarkShot]

Did you ever arrive at a party late (like a PC game), but then realize you are very lucky because you just found something really cool and you didn't actually miss it afterall? In fact, it is still there with numerous versions, tons of content, good manuals, old strategy guides floating around, etc...

I came upon Harpoon from being exposed to CAW/CCAW. Carriers at War (2007 rewrite) and Complete Carriers at War (old DOS anthology). CAW/CCAW are okay, but it lacks a certain depth that serious grogs look for in their games. However, after checking out Harpoon, I see that it is perhaps the most complete modern naval warfare experience beyond the tactical products offered by Sonalysts: Sub Command and Dangerous Waters.

So, I have been making progress slowly with Harpoon and I am really glad that I found it or that it found me.

I am a late comer to the party. However, there is one problem with this party. The center of the floor is empty and there is one group of guys in the back of the room huddled; another group of guys huddled in another corner ...

I cannot tell you what a let down this is to me when the music sounded so great from out on the street! I thought this party would be as alive and full of energy as the forums are over at www.subsim.com. The SH3 forum is extremely active years after SH3 was released. Newbies are continuously showing up and veterans are showing folks the tricks of how to stalk convoys, avoid detection, perform manual TDC etc...

But no not the Harpoon community. The Cold War never died here. It lives with factions clinging to various code bases, release versions, and databases. It kills my excitement as a new player (and I am sure it is not just me). I have had the chance to virtually meet some of you who are at the very core of the different camps. All of you of have been very kind to me and helped me with ignorant questions and trying to get started with the game. I have yet to meet anyone mean or hostile to me as a noob (there are game communities that can be very tough on noobs). So, despite being at each others throats, I think you are generous and fine people who give your time graciously to share your hobby with me.

Well, I just wanted to say to you folks standing in your different corners that given your outstanding understanding and experience with the game, you have tremendous opportunities to excite new customers and grow the community of players (all code bases, versions, and databases). I want to tell you quite honestly that you turn people off with the bitter and caustic attacks and counter-attacks. On the other hand, when you reach out to new customers, you do more than any well written tutorial can to share the depth, breadth, strategy, and suspense that this game can offer.

I know I am repeating myself. But if you can feud on every thread which is opened, then I can also say how much more you and this game could be. All the pieces are there already for substantial growth and you old timers have the tools and knowledge to make it happen.

Have a good weekend.