Schedules/Conflicts

[Jeff]

I'm back home now...but I'm tired as all heck. I'll post in the morning.

[Jeff]

I'm having internet connection problems today. But I still hope to post (a nice big one) later today.

[Jeff]

Hey, guys. I realize it's a holiday weekend, but if you're going to disappear for 3+ days, I'd really appreciate you letting the rest of us know. Thanks.

[Brian]

I know that weekends are family time. It is for me also. But I must admit to a bit of frustration when there are these long delays without any word on when we will start back up again. If this is going to be a Monday through Friday only post schedule, maybe we all should come out and agree to it.

I'm just trying to get all our expectations on the same page.

[Ken]

Same thoughts here. I'm pretty busy with family stuff over the weekend, but my hopes and expectations have been that everyone will be able to post at least once over the weekend, especially if we're in the middle of combat. Obviously, things pop up. but if so, please say so. Thanks.

[Dave W.]

I check several times this weekend... I don't know if I'd call it frustration so much as disappointment.

Of course with the amount of work I had to put in from home this weekend, I suppose it wasn't a great imposition to check...

[Darren]

I've been so sad.

[Mike]

A lot's popped up.

I'm doing the best I can, guys.

If it's that much of a problem, let me know and I'll withdraw from the game for awhile.

[Brian]

Mike, please don't misunderstand me. All I wanted was some clarification so I knew what to expect. Real life has to come before anything else. And I know how life can throw some nasty curve balls at you.

[Jeff]

Personally, I'm at a loss. Adding and dropping characters from a game is not lightly done, and I'm more than a little weary of it. And I don't like glossing over anything just to make it easy. I care about the story.

So I'll just do whatever my players need. A slower game? 2 or 3 posts from each player a week? Whatever. This game was never going to win any races.

I guess it goes back to what Brian said first. It's about expectations. If this game is a chore for anyone, and is moving too fast, and you'd prefer to post only a few times a week, then we all need to agree that's what will happen. And then we each stick to it, barring emergencies.

[Mike]

Generally, I try to post at least once a day during the week, and at least once during the weekend. I don't always get a chance to do that, but I generally stick to it. And when I've been able to announce any sort of delay or absence, I do.

This past weekend involved a lot of unplanned and unannounced crap. So I didn't have time to come here and post a heads-up. Honestly, I had a little more on my mind than DE. My apologies to anyone who kept checking in; if I'd had the time and the presence of mind to post notification of a delay, I would've.

Do I want to take a leave from DE? No. I like the game a lot, and thought I was doing a reasonably good job of posting in a decent, timely fashion. It's just that getting back this morning and reading the posts here really threw me for a loop. That's all.

[Jeff]

Okay. Well, when Joe posts again I'll try and get things going again.

[Joe]

I agree 1000% with Mike...and that's all I am going to say on this subject.

[Jeff]

Mike, Joe: No one's asking you put DE first in your lives. That you think I'm/we're asking that....frankly, sucks. Life comes first, yes. Who's ever said otherwise?

But I do wonder why it's so much to stop in (just to stop in, not even to make an in-game post), or even to send off a single email to me, if only to say "Rough weekend. I won't be able to post for X days."

You think we won't understand?

Not asking you to put the game first; only to give a single, pitiful thought to a handful of people who foolishly keep checking in to see if you're back. Is this game that low? Really?

I don't understand. It seems to be a chore to come here.

[Jeff]

I think the easiest solution, to move forward, is this:

Please tell me what your expectation and preference is. How would you like the game to run? What sort of pace? Don't be passive about this, please just say how you would like it to go.

[Joe]

Jeff, my friend, I think you are over-exaggerating the situation. I don't think either Mike or I ever said that it was a chore to come here (and I know for a FACT that I've said the exact opposite to you several times). However, if we DON'T show up, it isn't because we're sitting at the computer plotting ways to not tell you we're around...it's because we aren't near a computer or that plans were sudden and we didn't have a chance or that there were internet connections that were hinky at best.

If anyone should think of DE as a chore, I would think that would be you, considering the amount of work you have to put in to keep this game going and the number of characters to juggle and the real life scenarios that pop up all over the place. I think I can speak for Mike, and probably all of us who participate at DE, that we deeply appreciate the time and effort you put into this ALL THE TIME.

Having said that, I will repeat myself yet again so you know for an absolute fact exactly how I feel. Coming to DE is a relief from a hard day's work. It's a joy to come in and see these amazing characters interact and do their thing. It's a true gift to have the chance to talk with Darren, Ken, Dave, Mike and you and everyone who has ever taken part in DE (Paul, Marcy, Josh, etc...). Finally, considering I spend my day with killers, drug addicts, lairs, thieves and wife-beaters (not the shirts), the opportunity to slip into Streko's robes is like breathing mountain air after a lifetime in Los Angeles (I have experience in both realms...so trust me on this). You have no idea how important Streko is to my mental well-being. I need him as much as he needs me and, as I've told you, Streko is the best part of me. If I don't show up for a day or two or three, you can bet there is a good reason. And I hope you know that I will tell you the moment I can what's going on. Sometimes, I show up and there is nothing for Streko to do. What then? Complain about nothing to do? No, of course not, because I know and I trust all of these amazing, creative types here at DE will do or say something and we will move forward (or sideways, if you're Ken).

I have faith in your brilliance. I have faith in everyone's brillaince here. This is the greatest place to be every afternoon. This really is the only place I want to be when I get home. If life doesn't allow me once in a while, all I ask is that you have faith that Streko will return as soon as he is able. And if he cannot (never will not), you, my friend, will be the first to know. I hope such an event doesn't happen any time soon. It certainly isn't in my plans.

And to clarify my agreement with Mike. I wasn't agreeing to quit the game because I thought other people were wondering where people were. I was agreeing with THIS post:

Generally, I try to post at least once a day during the week, and at least once during the weekend. I don't always get a chance to do that, but I generally stick to it. And when I've been able to announce any sort of delay or absence, I do.

This past weekend involved a lot of unplanned and unannounced crap. So I didn't have time to come here and post a heads-up. Honestly, I had a little more on my mind than DE. My apologies to anyone who kept checking in; if I'd had the time and the presence of mind to post notification of a delay, I would've.

Do I want to take a leave from DE? No. I like the game a lot, and thought I was doing a reasonably good job of posting in a decent, timely fashion. It's just that getting back this morning and reading the posts here really threw me for a loop. That's all.

Not the one above it where Mike was planning on assassinating all the DE players Agatha Christie style. Or was that just a dream I had?

Now, let's get back to it, shall we?

The bottom line is this, Jeff. Trust us to tell you if we have a problem with the game. Don't assume that we do because of a lack of energized communication. I think we're a pretty honest group of gentle folk here. We'll let you know. And I think the game is stronger now than it ever was...and the players are the best we've had since I've been here. We seem to get along pretty well these days, not just character-wise either, but personally. You've created quite a place here, Jeff!! You know?

[Brian]

Joe wrote:

"It's a true gift to have the chance to talk with Darren, Ken, Dave, Mike and you . . ."

Condign, having felt a surge of abandonment, skulks off into a corner of the room. He sits down, pulls out a coarse whetstone, and proceeds to file off his horns. He then goes on to star in several successful installments of the Hellboy movies. At an Oscar after party, where he is holding his little gold statue (the color matches his eyes!), he was overheard saying: "Screw you, Ron Perlman!"

[Darren]

Did you also notice that Joe said he spends his days in "lairs"? That's pretty cool. He's a real-life dungeon crawler. ;D

[Mike]

I second Joe's thoughts. And I'll leave it at that.

[Jeff]

I second my own thoughts. And I'll leave it at that.

But it sure would good to get a reply from everyone regarding these questions.

[Dave W.]

Jun 2, 2010 10:51:45 GMT -4 Jeff said:

I second my own thoughts. And I'll leave it at that.

But it sure would good to get a reply from everyone regarding these questions.

Actually, by Robert's rules you can't second yourself.

[btw, please read the following in a friendly tone; if it seems accusatory or rude, it's not meant that way.]

But I'll answer the question... I probably shouldn't, I mean this is the first time I've played anything non-face-to-face. My expectations are probably the most flexible because I've never done this before.

So, end disclaimer... begin answer: I'd like a turn a day when possible. I also recognize that that's not always possible. The good Lord knows my life is often a zoo; and can become one at the drop of a hat.

But IMHO, that's not really the issue. I don't mind if we skip a weekend or have to put DE on hold for any number of days. But IMHO, it's not unreasonable if you're going to miss more than a day or two to just drop an email... not even a full-on post.... just one email to Jeff.

It's just communications. It's just that the whole group should know what to expect. It's not a problem that people couldn't post all weekend; the difficulty is that only half the group knew that.

Anyway, that's just my preference. I'm perfectly willing to adjust my expectations. But that's my answer.

[Joe]

I agree with Dave's post directly above me. Also, my tire blew out on the freeway while I was driving home. Some major damage the rear of my vehicle (which I just put $1200 into...yesterday...to pay off). Needless to say, I am still on hold with the insurance company and I was rescued by one of my housemates who literally came to my assistance. I have to shower and eat dinner and THEN...I will read and post. But, I thought I should let you all know that I am not in a creative frame of mind at the moment, aside from coming up with new and fabulous ways to torture insurance representatives...and another vacation day spent fixing things as opposed to...say...a vacation. BLEH!!!! I say!! BLEH!!!!!

[Dave W.]

Jun 2, 2010 21:38:31 GMT -4 Joe said:

Also, my tire blew out on the freeway while I was driving home. Some major damage the rear of my vehicle (which I just put $1200 into...yesterday...to pay off). Needless to say, I am still on hold with the insurance company ...

Okay, that's a little more crazy than any one person deserves. Huge, heaping piles of sympathy, Joe.

Maybe Jeff can have one of the ghouls be an insurance rep...

[Joe]

Sorry, Brian. I was in the processof venting, so I apologize for skipping you. It was not in any way meant as a slight.

[Brian]

Joe, please, I took no offense whatsoever. That's one of the reasons I put up the funny post. And I thought a little levity wouldn't hurt at this point. I'm very sorry to hear about the blown tire and damage to your car.

As I said in my original post about this--and apparently I wasn't clear enough, so my apologies--my frustration was not with the lack of posts. It was about expectations. I didn't point a finger at anyone and say Shame on you! I merely asked that we all have the same expectation on posts. That's all.

I know how real life can interfere. In the wonderful winter of 2010, both my dad and my 12-year-old nephew were diagnosed with cancer. My parents have now moved in with me so I can help care for my dad, and I spend what little free time I have left with my nephew so my brother and his wife can try to get to work and not risk losing their jobs. So yes, I get "real life."

Personally, I try to post each day. I'm very fortunate to have a job where I can do that. But I don't have the same expectations for others. Circumstances vary. That's why I thought getting those expectations out there could hopefully avoid any frustrations or hurt feelings. Like what we saw happen over the last couple days.

So, I've had my say. And thanks to all of you for making this a wonderful experience. I truly enjoy every moment.

[Jeff]

It's been a crappy year for me, pretty much all of 2009 and 2010 isn't much better. DE has been one good outlet.

Incidentally, I have to report to a jury summons this morning. I'm hoping this won't pan out to eat up too much time, but I don't have time to put together the next combat round before I leave. But with luck, tonight I'll be able to.

[Ken]

Jun 2, 2010 22:22:05 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Maybe Jeff can have one of the ghouls be an insurance rep...

"You're in ghoul hands with CryptState."

"You don't really need both kidneys, do you? Call Liberty Mortis. Our ghoul representative will offer you our One Kidney^TM discount plan, with swift removal of that unwanted organ."

"Like a dead neighbor, State Tomb is THERE! Behind you!"

[Jeff]

Hahah! I would totally prefer ghouls to real attorneys.

Real quick: I'll be in jury duty for a minimum of 2 days. But I can post at night. So...tonight will be the next round.

[Joe]

Next time anyone hears me complain about spending $1600.oo per year on car insurance, kick me. The truck has taken over $2500 in damage thanks to the explosive tire. Add in the car rental price for 8-10 business days for repair work to be completed...and I think the insurance has bought and paid for itself quite well. It is covering all but the $100 deductible. It is paying $30 per day for rental car and they were not only quick and easy to work with, but quite pleasant as well.

I am without a truck for two weeks...but I have a pretty deep blue Chevy Cobalt to take my mind off my woes. Also, my supervisor recommended that I pass my 6-month probationary period, which pleases me to no end. So...life goes on and I am still pretty happy, if not just a tiny bit less filthy rich. Okay....just filthy. I grew up with white trash from Kentucky, whatcha 'spect?

[Ken]

Joe, glad to hear it! I was in an accident four months ago, and I too was very happy for my insurance payments. My deductible is higher than yours (life in Jersey, I guess), but on the flip side, I think my rental car payments were practically nil.