Matrix Games Forums

Though I had been playing SPWaW for a long time, I had not until recently ventured into designing scenarios.
I would like to thank warmly John Redleg for posting my efforts on the Dirty Dozen and for his encouragements to pursue and for all his valuable comments, hints and sugestions.
One thing that puzzles me and probably all those who design scenarios is the almost non-existing feedback we receive.
Are the downloaded scenarios really played ?
Do players limit themselves to specific designers ?
It would be good to have some feedback : it might certainly help to improve further scenarios.
What do you think ?
Regards from Lorraine, France.

Fradar,
I know exactly what you mean.
I've posted a couple of my first works and asked that if they were downloaded that some type of feedback be given to help correct or improve the scenarios. Outside of a hand few of people (and thanks to Wild Bill, Redleg, WhiteRook, Hellcat, REMF and M4Jess...and others for actually responding) a great many don't post at all.
I'm not sure if they are shy or what? I've seen posts get 300 hits, have 20 downloads but usually get less than ten or so replies over there course of a week or more?!?! That puzzles me to no ends as well Fradar.
Are the vast majority of these people not registered users (it's easy, so if you aren't registered do so and join us!!! ) It's a shame that anyone who posts scenarios and short campaigns doesn't get the support we all could really use.
That's why I have tried to get more involved in matters such as feedback and testing...it's a way to get my input out there as well as say thanks to all the people that spend their time creating new projects to keep us all entertained.
SO THANKS TO ALL YOU DESIGNERS!!! I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB!
There, Is that so hard?
I can't help but believe that the more people that get on board and chime in on what they think, it would only serve to improve the projects we designers (both vets and newbies like me) take on.
OK, enough preaching. Just wanted to POST A RESPONSE!

I think scenario designers must do their best to make a scenario that they like - if they like it, then there will be others who like it also. The hard part verifying how many there are.

The other side of the coin is that not everyone will enjoy or like a scenario that I like and vice-versa. This can be due to a many factors. Nations involved. Difficulty level. Size of the scenario, etc.

After 100 scenarios, I do not remember having heard one way or the other on more than perhaps 15-20 scenarios.

Ditto,

I design for my own enjoyment, after I am happy with the design I send to a couple friends who then playtest the scenario.

Sometimes I hit with a winner, sometimes I dont. I only post the ones with good feedback from playtest.

As far as feedback, I am my worst own enemy! So when I get good feedback, like the Crete series, The Schoolhouse, Lehr at Omaha and more, it makes me feel great!

On the other side I have my faults, Warrior, Redleg, Orzel, and more have asked for help... I need to jump in more and help play-test and give back a little.....

M4- a M4 will try to do better:D

Jess

Welcome to the wonderful world of scenario design! Now you see why it's good to find that invaluable handful of good tester's who can help you find the faults you miss in your own designs. Like all designer's, I've only gotten feedback from "regular" players a couple of times, but I always include my email address in the scenario intro text so they'll have the chance. As was said above, I have to like the scenario before I'll send it out to be tested and eventually posted. The highest praise for me is when other designer's (and my tester's, God bless 'em) compliment my work. So don't worry, people are playing your fights, they're just shy about telling you.

Redleg and Jess,

I understand and agree with what you are both saying....that scenario designing is not like "Made to Order Art"...that it's a creative process from within.
I guess I would just like to see what more people think about subjects that are posted...which doesn't always have to be scenarios or SC's. It could be plain, run of the mill questions.
For example, let use my "scenario poll"....last I saw it had over 400 + hits and just over 50 votes. Even taking away 10+ repeat visits by those of us who did vote and then posted back and forth...( which would account for maybe 150 to 200 of the hits) that would leave over 200 hits that looked in and said nothing. That is a lot of "possible input" that went untapped.
As for "giving back a little", as Jess put it, yeah I think all designers enjoy encouragement and maybe at least a small thank you from time to time. (we all have to admit it makes us feel good inside and even smile a bit to read favorable comments...we are human after all.... )
I've learned over the past month that designing is no easy matter at times...and campaigns, whew, Wild Bill and all the people who do those should be given medals. All these things take time and effort. So that's why every time someone gives me a "gift" for SPWAW I will try to give some sort of reply, if only as a gesture of recognition or to say "hey, thanks for the addition!" (at first I know it's a bit awkward when you're new to the boards...because you think "they don't give a crap about what I think...their posting to other vets/friends.) So while lack of recognition doesn't mean designers will stop designing...I guess all I'm saying it wouldn't hurt.
So in ending....I know it may seem like trolling for pats on the back...but I've always believed that every now and then a pat on the back can go a long way in making people strive to do better...or feel at least appreciated by a community at large for their sharing their talents with the rest of us.
OK, Father Orzel has preached enough again. THANKS FOR LISTENING.

I used to belong to the silent horde. Well, dammit, that is going to change. I’d like to know though; would people prefer to have feedback ‘publicly’ on the board or is private e-mails better?

wulfir,
I, personally, would like it on the forum...but that's just me.
I think it's up to the person posting to mention where they would like feedback posted. A few will list their email address to send information back to, so that would be a hint to us all I guess .
Thanks for jumping into the fray! lol

There was a "rule of thumb" in the Army: "Praise in public, punish in private".

Speaking of praise, I just played a fantastic scenario that I hope you will all be exposed to soon: Nam Dinh, Indochina, 1947. I will not say anything to expose the surprises in this battle. This will be a two-part scenario that I think that those who like infantry battles will really enjoy.

This scenario was created by Fradar, who began this thread.

This scenario is through preliminary testing and is ready for a couple of stalwart players to take to the Beta phase.

Anyone who would like to try this battle, email me at:

artifice@fireserve.net and it will be mailed to you promptly. Please specify "Nam Dinh" in the subject so you get the correct thing. Of course, Fradar will want to know the outcome of the battle so he will know if further adjustments are in order.

Get ready for a wild ride with this one. I am waiting for Part 2.