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TIME TO LAY DOWN SOME FUCKING FACTS.
1. WILLARD NETWORKS IS NOT A SERIOUS RP SERVER. IT IS DARKRP MASQUERADING AS SOMETHING SERIOUS.
2. MANAGEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY IS APATHETIC AT BEST. THEY DO NOT TAKE ON ANY FEEDBACK WITHOUT EXTRAORDINARY EXTERNAL PRESSURE.
3. GMOD IS A BAD MEDIUM FOR GOOD RP, AND MOST OF THE PLAYERS HERE DO NOT KNOW HOW TO RP PROPERLY.
4. THE MAP IS NOT THE PROBLEM. THE VENDORS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM.
THE PROBLEM IS YOU.
1. WILLARD NETWORKS IS NOT A SERIOUS RP SERVER. IT IS DARKRP MASQUERADING AS SOMETHING SERIOUS.
2. MANAGEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY IS APATHETIC AT BEST. THEY DO NOT TAKE ON ANY FEEDBACK WITHOUT EXTRAORDINARY EXTERNAL PRESSURE.
3. GMOD IS A BAD MEDIUM FOR GOOD RP, AND MOST OF THE PLAYERS HERE DO NOT KNOW HOW TO RP PROPERLY.
4. THE MAP IS NOT THE PROBLEM. THE VENDORS ARE NOT THE PROBLEM.
THE PROBLEM IS YOU.
Clickbaity schizo introduction over, hello. For those unaware, I'm Sachi, ex-mentor, ex-admin, and all around cool person (do not fact check this.)
As some of you might be aware from there being one of these types of posts every few weeks, there is a lot of discontent around the state of the server. This will be yet another addition to that, except with some actually non-shit opinions for you all to consider.
So, with all of us on the same page on what this is, let's begin with the obvious question: "Why server bad????"
Well, with an obvious question, comes a few more not-so-obvious questions.
"What do you mean by bad?"
"When exploring why, do we look at absolute root causes, or simply what we can affect?"
"To what standard are we holding the server in order to call it 'bad'?"
By tackling these not-so-obvious questions, the answer to the obvious question can become clear, so here are the answers.
What do you mean by bad?
I mean that the server is boring/not worth the time requirement/not up to standard.
It's common sentiment that the server currently appears to have little going for it in terms of engagement. On the rebel side, the civilian side, and the combine side, all, there are plentiful issues that players wish to see addressed, and no small number of ways how players want them addressed. More oppression, less oppression, more loot, less loot, more faction freedom, more faction oversight, so on and so forth ad infinitum.
When exploring why, do we look at absolute root causes, or simply what we can affect?
Trick question! Look at both! Identifying the absolute root causes helps to differentiate which that simply is, and which that can be changed. And looking at what we can affect allows us to see to what degree change can be made. So look at both, dumbass.
To what standard are we holding the server in order to call it 'bad'?
The exact standard the server seeks to hold itself to. Specifically, what it advertises in the "New arrivals" section of the forums. After all, that's likely what a prospective player is going to draw their expectations from the most. If the community can't even do that, then what really is the point of trying?
So, with those answered, let's answer the big one: Why server bad?
The community. You included.
That's really the simplest, shortest answer for it. And yes, you are included in this, doesn't matter if you're reading this as a developer, as an admin, as a mentor, regular player, CT, faction lead, rebel, combine, citizen, God-King Atle himself, whatever. You are included in this, as I am too.
Now, to fully explain this reasoning, we have to step back again. What is it about the community that makes the server bad? For starters, let's look at what would make it good, according to the criteria I said above.
"Discover the fresh Half-Life 2 Roleplay (HL2RP) server, featuring an overhauled combat system, gameplay and UI, forming a unique experience." - Okay, so we want the experience to be unique. That's certainly doable, and a good server would have this nailed. I will admit, WN is certainly unique.
"Our unique skill system offers a brand-new look on player progression unlike anything seen before. Freedom is key, and we allow you to play the character you truly want to be." - So, a good server will prioritize player freedom, and ensure people can play the characters they want to play? Alongside a unique look at progression, of course.
"Indulge in our unique lore, fun features and interesting mechanics and bring your character to life in our HL2RP!" - Unique, fun, interesting. All hallmarks of a good server, naturally.
From this, we can get a basic image of what a good WN is supposed to look like. A unique departure from the norm of HL2RP servers, with mechanics designed to facilitate player freedom and engagement, and an evidently engaged team dedicated to bring this about.
Right...
Now, let's look at the WN we have, from the perspective of me, the only objectively correct person in the community.
Majority apathetic/inactive staff and management, who are more concerned about appearances then proper moderation and development of the community? Check.
Confusing, buggy systems, with dev work dedicated to creating more of these systems instead of refining the ones we have? Check.
Poor foundational design leading to a majority of players having big gear-fear, refusing to engage in any conflict, and in turn killing any engaging non-staff created events? Check.
Extreme grind for any kind of progression towards major factions, gating higher positions behind braindead number go up instead of quality of RP? Check.
Lax quality control, allowing for downright minging to be not only allowed, but captured and posted to discord in a "lol so funi" moment? Check.
Let's be honest here, it's quite evident to see just how far WN Reality has deviated from WN Expectation. It's no surprise people aren't particularly enjoying it, but how does the blame fall to the community for these issues?
For one, the quality of RP cannot be dictated from down-on-high. It is your responsibility, as it is for everyone, to quality control themselves on the server. If your average /me goes like "/me I would shoot at the combine office because he hates him." Then the fault of the server's quality being low lies with you and everyone who plays like you, and it is then your responsibility to fix that. Don't think because you're better then the hyperbolic example I placed before that you are not beholden to this, either. Everybody can improve their writing. Even professional authors can improve, and it's by improving yourself that you do your part to improve the server.
For two, every player must create as much as they consume. RP is a non-zero-sum game, meaning the more people that create RP, the better it will be for everyone. This doesn't require you to be 100% on the ball at all times, but if all you do is AFK for workshifts and the ration timer, and complain there is nothing to do, then the blame lies with you and everyone who plays like you. Of course, if you are limited in the stories you can tell, then there may be other issues, but if you simply refuse to be proactive about RP and just sit around with your thumb in your ass waiting for people to interact with your character who is "totally really deep and cool once you get to know them", then you are the problem.
For three, it is every single member of the community's responsibility to be proactive and passionate about improving the server. Be the change you want to see. I feel I have some authority in posting this thread as I actually have tried to work for change, both in a public capacity (running events, expeditions, and creating RP on non-event chars) and a private one (working with staff behind the scenes, discussing better reform, etc). To those of you who complain, and expect others to fix the issues in your stead, you and everyone like you is part of the problem. Stop contributing to the "discussion", start contributing to the solution. Create RP, facilitate others, be a god damn team player.
Naturally, there are other issues that stem out of the general "Why server bad?" question, that can be addressed independently of the larger whole. To compartmentalize the issues discovered in answering the big question, and to work through those flaws one at a time presents itself as the optimal method to get it done without getting bogged down. So what, pray tell, are the most pressing issues that need to be fixed in the community? Well, whilst the matter of prioritization is partially subjective, I feel these few are the ones that should be addressed foremost:
Management Apathy
Simple enough, really. Purge inactive staff. Purge inactive management. Get people on the helm who want to be there. It's almost shocking how the most elementary part of a good management team is missed. Seriously, get rid of the dead weight, or the active people will leave (quite a few already have).
Quality Control
Death to shitters. I am being completely unironic. If you are mingey, if your /me's are god awful, if you purposefully shitpost IC and OOC for "wacky discord screenshot moments", you should be removed from the community.
This is an effort on both the staff and player's part. If something is fucking stupid, but amusing, don't support it. Players, don't screencap the wacky moments, because it reinforces and encourages that type of play. Staff, ensure it is moderated quickly. Seriously guys, if you just committed to playing better, and encouraging others to play better, things would improve.
Foundational Design Reforms, IC and OOC.
There are many inefficiencies within the server. Factions need reworking again and again, the atmosphere is too dark, then too light, then too dark again. WN tries to strike a balance between every single players wants and wishes all at once without any idea of what it should be. Fucking knock it off. Pick a vision, pick an idea, one that works, and fucking stick to it. Willard Networks has no identity aside from constantly bouncing all over the place trying to cater to everyone all at once, and such an effort is doomed to failure. Learn to say "no".
This isn't just a management thing, either. Players need to learn to quit fucking whining any time their character gets a toe stub. We do not need rebel complaint thread no. 5102 because you were touching dicks with all your rebel gear when a sweep happened. We do not need combine complaint thread when a meticulously planned ambush goes off without a hitch. Grow the fuck up. It's all make-believe anyway.
In Conclusion
There, the only good complaint thread ever made is done. You are welcome. If you have criticism, stick it up your ass. (Or down below in the reply box where criticism goes.)
No, I do not actually expect shit to change, the issues here are very institutionalized and it would take a serious shake-up of the existing management team to provoke such a change.
Remember, stay in drugs and don't do school or some shit, I'm gonna go play FFXIV.
PS. NW on top /)
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R; i agree and disagree with a few things. Why did you play in the first place and why complain if you dont want to see a change?
