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LordPsycho
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 Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 6:30 am Post subject: Idea |
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I'm not sure about any of the other styles, but for me things have been slow. People just don't feel motivated to go up ranks. So I propose offering an incentive. My thought is to offer either a set cash reward for each rank you acquire, or you get a usable item that can only be obtained in this way
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3kul
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| Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 7:33 am Post subject: |
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I agree with you on this DP - the Mantis style might have the most members, but nobody's approached me in ages for any advancements.
Cash incentives aren't a bad idea, and I like the sound of exclusive items... Though are you suggesting that we just do one of those or both?
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HisLordship
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| Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 9:11 am Post subject: |
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Same with me: turnover has been slow.
Cash rewards are promising.
As well, read this post I made to Intyalle recently in the efforts to coerce her to my fold.
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| Intyalle wrote: |
You asked me to PM you. Here is that PM.
What would be this almighty "more" to which you refer? |
Almighty? No, I would not commit the sin of shrift. I may be arrogant, but I would not hcallenge the will of the gods.
I would rather be omniscient, know things. IPSA SCIENTIA POTESTAS EST, as they say.
You wish to become a fox? The wiki has this to say on them. Of course, there is more than this. Prove yourself, and the rank of a master roleplayer can open itself unto you.
Masters of RP have certain ... artistic license in what we're allowed to do. Break and enter, know unknowable things, defy the gods (or should I say mods?) Paired with moderator powers, that makes us very powerful persons indeed.
With enough training and/or experience, you, too may find yourself a place of power here. I cannot promise this to you: I am not the absolute ruler here. But with patience, intelligence, and careful preparation, it would not be unreasonable to see a certain blossoming of talent.
Please, let me know what you think. If you desire to become a fox, let me know within seven night's time.
May the Moons illuiminate your path in the darkness. |
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If I were I as wise, as many have said
I wouldn't eat mice, I'd be in my bed.
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So mice be aware... I'm not all that wise.
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Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici
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EnDSchultz
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| Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 10:15 am Post subject: |
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I've always wished I could speak like that, M'Lord. Alas, I am far too blunt and plain for that sort of talk.
I agree, this is a problem. I don't think I've had a single request to join, or for advancement since my initial recruitment drive nearly four months ago. Incentive is part of the problem, but what about knowledge? Could we take a poll, and figure out just how many people actually know about the Belt System and how it works? And, before making any changes, we should ask the general population what would incite them to use the system. After all, we're trying to figure out what would encourage them to advance, not what we think would encourage them to advance. |
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Goron40
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| Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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| 3kul wrote: |
I agree with you on this DP - the Mantis style might have the most members, but nobody's approached me in ages for any advancements.
Cash incentives aren't a bad idea, and I like the sound of exclusive items... Though are you suggesting that we just do one of those or both? |
Hate to barge in, but 3kul, the requirments for the brown belt are QUITE high. It requires a DOZEN RPs using one's exclusive weapon for advancement to the brown belt. I've been working on that one requirement for almost half a year.
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Danikat
Green Fox (Mod)
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| Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 3:06 pm Post subject: |
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Sorry to butt in when I'm not a Sensi, but as the individual in charge of yellow and red belt aquisition I feel this discussion applies to me as well.
Things have been quite slow on this front as well, very few people have requested new belts or shown an interest in training. I think one reason could possibly be a lack of self-confidence as a few people have told me they simply weren't sure they fufilled the requirements. Which is also what has kept me back from applying for my green Fox belt.
In all cases I wouldn't suggest changing the requirements as I feel the yellow and red belt requirements cover the basics of RP well, frankly anyone who genuinely doesn't fufill them simply doesn't deserve a belt.
And the Fox style was always one I expected to be more challenging to earn, which may be part of the reason I wanted to go for it. Its hard to produce clear examples of activities people aren't supposed to be aware of (although its actually the requirement to have interacted with another Fox in an RP that had me most stuck as HLS and I never seem to be in the same place at the same time in RPs.)
Essentially I think a lot of newer members view belt ranks as similar to being a mod or admin - its something a lot of people are in awe of and instead of viewing it as something special but something they can look forward to achieving in the near future they tend to assume its out of their league and don't bother trying.
Of course this could just be a minority, but thats the impression I've gotten from the few who haven't actually tried for a belt but have talked to me about it.
On another vaugely related note I think it could help to re-write the post in the information section giving details on the diffrent styles. This is something thats bothered me for a while, I think its just a bit of a mess and makes the whole thing seem more complaicated than it really is.
I'd suggest changing the post to something like this:
| Quote: |
The Blackstar Dojo represents RP skill through a series of ranks or 'belts' (similar to those awarded in martial arts), in order from lowest to highest they are: White, Yellow, Red, Green, Blue, Brown and Black.
You cannot skip directly through the belts, instead you must wait a pre-determined time between achieving one belt and applying for your next one, as explained below (you're welcome to spend longer if you wish, this is simply a minimum timescale):
White - none
White to Yellow - 1 week
Yellow to Red - 2 weeks
Red to Green - 4 weeks
Green to Blue - 6 weeks
Blue to Brown - 8 weeks
Brown to Black - 12 weeks
This waiting time should be used to work on the requirements for the next belt which are as follows:
White Belt -
Automatically granted to all new RP'ers.
Yellow Belt -
Has participated in at least 1 RP.
Demonstrates basic RP ettiquette.
Can spell reasonably well and understands basic grammar.
Understands what Powerplaying is, and that it is not acceptable.
Has at least one character, with a basic profile posted in the Hall of Records (does not have to be detailed or lengthy)
Red Belt -
Has participated in at least 3 RPs, with TEN posts or more each.
Has a solid grasp of spelling and grammar.
Refrains from Powerplaying.
Has the ability to write posts which make sense.
Has a complete Character description in the Hall of Records.
Demonstrates respect for their fellow players.
--- At this time you need to choose a path from one of those described below, each of which is designed to represent a particular style of role-playing. You do not need to match the description perfectly, but choosing the one closest to your own style will make it easier to fufill the requirements for new belts. ---
Tiger Style Specialty: Magic/Special Powers
Sensi: The Sensi (Dark Psycho)
Tiger style members have plenty of fantastic abilities at their disposal, and know how to use them to their best advantage. Often found in the forefront of a conflict, they are adepts of magic or supernatural phenomena. Direct and head on is the preferred approach to problem solving for a Tiger.
Green Belt = Has partaken in one major RP campaign with a medal awarded for such, has dueled with two other Tiger class warriors (green belt or higher). Does not powerplay when using their abilities. Ever.
Blue Belt = Has created at least 1 RP with five or more participants, and has added another character (of any style) to their repertoire. Also should have developed a rough stage of unique abilities..
Brown Belt = Has helped out in at least one training thread, and have assisted a peer in achieving at least Green Belt (of any class). Has participated in 15 RP threads and has the recommendation of at least one other Brown Tiger Belt Dojodian (or higher). Should also have a very clear description of exact and unique abilities for their main character. The highest belt one can gain without being a Master of the Tiger style.
Black Belt = Symbol of a Master Tiger Warrior. Must have a one on one battle with the Current Tiger Sensei and be judged worthy based on that battle. Should also have a very clear and trademarked styling based on their characters ability, and show a proficiency in battle using a variety of all the abilities in combination with more traditional combat moves.
Mantis Style Specialty: Weaponry/technology
Sensi: 3kul
Mantis style members most often choose weapony to get the job done, and like their Tiger style cousins, avidly seek opportunities to test their mettle in conflict. Where Tigers tend towards the mystical arts, Mantis leans to the Technological instead.
Green Belt = Has partaken in one major RP campaign with a medal awarded for such, has dueled with at least one other Mantis class warrior (green belt or higher) all whilst showing proficiency in at least one variety of weaponry. Obviously powerplaying should not be an issue.
Blue Belt = Has created at least one RP with five or more participants, and has either created their own unique weapon OR begun developing their own unique style of using an already existant weapon.
Brown Belt = Has helped out in at least one training thread, and have gotten a peer to at least Green Belt (of any class). Has participated in at least a dozen RP threads whilst showing proficiency in either their own unique weapon OR their own unique style of using an already existant weapon, and has the recommendation of at least one other Brown Mantis Belt Dojodian (or higher). The highest belt one can gain without being a Master of the Mantis style.
Black Belt = Symbol of a Master Mantis Warrior. Must have either perfected their own unique weapon OR perfected their own unique style of using an already existing weapon OR be well on the way to perfecting it. They must then prove their abilities in a one on one spar with the Current Mantis Sensei.
Owl Style Specialty: Intelligence, planning
Sensi: EnDSchultz
Owl style members are the masters of foresight and being at the right place at the right time. Similarly to Fox style, they are opportunists, but actually set things in motion to create these opportunities. Solitary, the agenda of an Owl style member is most often known only to themselves.
((Where are the requirements for the Owl style? They're not in the Belt information thread.))
Spider Style Specialty: Creativity, Cooperation
Sensi: Embri
Spider style members are in some ways opposites of Owl style. They are hardly ever found on their own, actively seeking to team up with others of their own persuasion or any who are amicable to teamwork. Spiders weave complex story lines, with a unique talent for drawing in everyone around them. Spider style is well known for coming up with brilliant solutions to their problems that don't involve brute force.
Green Belt = Has partaken in one major RP campaign and received a medal for their participation.
Has made a significant contribution to an Amphitheater story of at least one Spider style member (green belt or higher), demonstrating their art of story weaving, which is at least 5 pages long. Demonstrates the ability to work well with other RPers at all times. Actively seeks to advance stories which they participate in.
Blue Belt = Has created at least one Amphitheater story of their own, which is at least 10 pages long. Has created at least one additional, well developed character which are related to their first character story-wise, who has a full Character Profile in the Hall of Records. Writes clearly and makes very few spelling or grammatical errors.
Brown Belt = Has assisted at least one other Dojodian in achieving their Green Belt or higher. Has participated in at least five RP's with significant story lines and a minimum of 12 pages each. Has the recommendation of at least one other Brown Spider Belt Dojodian (or higher). The highest belt one can gain without being a Master of the Spider style.
Black Belt = Symbol of a Master Spider Storyweaver. Has demonstrated the ability to work with multiple characters in the same story thread. Has at least one additional, well developed character added with a cannon story line to the first two, and a matching Character Profile. Has helped out in at least three training threads, and/or created Amphitheater stories to assist non-Spider style RP'ers with developing a back story for a character. Has written a full length story of at least 10 pages without any assistance, demonstrating story crafting skills beyond par; writing which is almost completely free of spelling and grammar faults, and has an engaging, well thought out and executed plot.
Fox Style Specialty: Guile, Trickery
Sensi: HisLordship
Fox style members are difficult to pin down, much like their totem animal. Known for being witty, cunning and very capable of sizing up any situation, Fox style members are masters of infiltration, true ninjas in every sense. They occasionally exhibit traits of other styles, alluding to their remarkable adaptability.
Green Belt = Has partaken in one major RP campaign, showing an ability to evaluate and infiltrate various parties in a roleplay; received a medal for such participation; has interacted with at least one other Fox in roleplay (green belt or higher).
Blue Belt = Has entered the confidence of at least two opposed parties in a roleplay, maintaining positive relations with both; has performed at least one act of clever , furtive or underhanded circumlocution or manipulation of certain rules and regulations in the Dojo or a specific roleplay group;
Brown Belt = Has been able to distinguish other potential Foxes from out of the Dojo populace and recommend them to the Clan Sensei; has been able to successfully detect/work out the subterfuges/plans of other members of the Clan; Has significantly modified the outcome of a storyline through subtle interference; has proven they can be able “kites†The highest belt one can gain without being a Master of the Fox style.
Black Belt = Symbol of a True Master. Has several identities, kept secret from all but the Sensei Sensei and Clan Sensei. Has deceived the Fox Sensei into falling into a trap or bluff.
Monkey Style Specialty: Humor
Sensi: Netdroid9
Slapstick, comedy/tragedy, and general all around fun is the name of the game for Monkey style. To the uninformed, they may seem less serious about their role playing arts than some of the other styles, but Monkey style are just as skilled as the rest; they just prefer the lighter side of things.
Green Belt = A green belt must have earned at least one award from a pre-approved RP/competition. These pre-approved RPs and competitions will be humerous in nature. In addition to this, they will require approval from the Monkey Sensei. Powerplaying will not be accepted.
Blue Belt = In order to earn a blue belt, a Monkey-style RPer must have two or more awards from a pre-approved RP/competition and have had at least one nomination in the Quote of the Month competition.
Brown Belt = A brown belt must have apprienticed a fellow roleplayer to at least Green Belt level, or participated in five successful training threads.
Black Belt = In order to earn the Black-belt, a Monkey roleplayer must have won the Quote of the Month award at least once. They must also have either apprenticed a Monkey-style RPer to at least brown-belt level OR gained at least five pre-approved awards OR have one the Quote of the Year award. They must also be approved by the Monkey Sensei.
Chameleon Style Specialty: Adaptability
Sensi: Goliath_Bird_Eater
If the Six styles are spokes of a wheel, Chameleon is the hub in the middle. Those who choose to follow this odd path have a most difficult task ahead of them, for Chameleon's are the most adaptable of all the styles. They posses the ability to RP in at least three distinct style styles, possibly more, with equal ability.
Green Belt = Must be able to roleplay in at least two different styles and meet basic standards of roleplay, but powerplaying will not be tolerated even at this point.
The beginnings/outlines of two characters. No character sheet required.
Must have participated in at least one roleplay, with the beginnings of development of at least one of the characters (visible rather than subtle).
Blue Belt = Must be able to roleplay in at least three different styles, and meet a good standard.
Roleplayer should have two characters, not necessarily linked to one another, of two different styles. Must have character sheets, wherein improvements can be made.
Must have participated in at least two roleplays that have reached at least an additional ten pages since you joined.
Must have competed in the Challenge Arena at least once and won (either by knockout, submission/give-up or points, wherein at least one green belt or above judge has resided).
Brown Belt = Must have helped at least one other Blackstar member reach green belt level of any style.
Must be able to roleplay in at least four styles, two of which to a high standard.
Both characters must have been 'completed' to a satisfactory standard with impressive character sheets.
At least one history must be in the Amphitheatre (either your own, or in conjunction with another).
Must have competed in the Challenge Arena at least twice (either by knockout, or submission, wherein at least two green belt or above judges have resided).
Black Belt = Must be able to roleplay in all styles, four of which to an extremely high standard.
Roleplayer will have four complete characters, all of which will represent a different roleplay style. However, a fifth character will be in development.
Must have started at least one new roleplay, or re-started a previous roleplay and reached at least twenty pages.
Must have proved oneself in the Challenge Arena, and won at least three times (by knockout wherein at least three green belt or above judges have resided).
Must have at least three complete Amphitheatre background stories (not necessarily a full history, could be a major part of your characters life). One of these in conjunction with another. One ongoing character improvement thread either in Amphitheatre or Training Dojo.
How To Request Your Next Belt:
To request a new belt, go to the Stores link and find the Board Store called "The Tribal Pool". You will have to purchase the appropriate Talisman with your for the new belt you want.
Once you have the right Talisman, go to your Items and click on the text that says "Use this Service" beside your Talisman. You will be able to write a message - you MUST include links for ALL the requirements for the new belt if they are post/RP based.
So, if you are applying for a Yellow Belt, you would add a link to the RP you have participated in, and a link to your Character Record. Please don't copy and paste the actual information into the message, just a link to it.
FAILURE TO INCLUDE LINKS WILL RESULT IN YOUR TALISMAN BEING IGNORED AND WASTED.
If you are unsure about what you need to include with your Talisman wish, please contact Embri or your clan Sensei and ask about it. We'd be happy to help.
You do NOT have to include links for requirements such as spelling, grammar, showing respect, avoiding powerplaying, proof of having a medal, etc. The Sensei's should know you well enough that they can make that call. |
This way all the information on a particular style is together, whereas at the moment its spread all over two posts and the descriptions of the styles are one of the last things people find.
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Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to decieve ~ Sir Walter Scott
"There are three kinds of people in this word: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what on earth just happened." |
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EnDSchultz
Black Owl (Mod)
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| Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 4:43 pm Post subject: |
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| Ach, sorry about the requirements. They should be there now. |
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3kul
Black Mantis (Mod)
Green Spider (Mod)
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Posts: 2955
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| Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 4:48 pm Post subject: |
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| Goron40 wrote: |
| Hate to barge in, but 3kul, the requirments for the brown belt are QUITE high. It requires a DOZEN RPs using one's exclusive weapon for advancement to the brown belt. I've been working on that one requirement for almost half a year. |
That's because the Brown Belt is the second highest, it's not meant to be easy. Have you seen the Fox Brown Belt requirements? I doubt that I could ever manage some of what HLS wants there  But I guess a dozen is an awful lot (and then I have to read through them all...) - it includes challenges of course, but I may have to rethink this figure.
Brown belts aside though, I've still got a lot of green belts who aren't asking for blue belts and nobody's asked for a green belt in ages.
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Goron40
Blue Mantis
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| Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 5:08 pm Post subject: |
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Well then the time to upgrade is too short. From how it looks rigt now it's like you expect that in 6 (8?) weeks.
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~Goron~
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[align=center:aaa8839b63]The Fortress Ruins has all items on sale until synthing for the its items is applied. Get your tech while it's cheap!
The Guardians - The Protectors of Balance[/align:aaa8839b63] |
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Embri
Black Spider
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| Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 5:48 pm Post subject: |
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The upgrade times aren't meant to be how long it should take you to achieve the next belt, but the minimum time you have to spend at that level. They do seem to have little meaning after Green, so I suppose the times could be dropped once a member has chosen a style?
One suggestion I had as a motivator was a variable to be added to the payouts of the board - higher belts receiving more earning power.
Example:
White Belt - 0.5
Yellow Belt - 0.7
Red Belt - 0.9
Green Belt - 1.0
Blue Belt - 1.05
Brown Belt - 1.1
Black Belt - 1.15
Basically a 5% bonus for each belt above Green, and less earning power for those who choose to go without choosing a style.
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Danikat
Green Fox (Mod)
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| Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 6:46 am Post subject: |
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Well if this new style abilities sytem is going to be created that could be used as a reward. As you increase in rank you gain new abilities.
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Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to decieve ~ Sir Walter Scott
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Goron40
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| Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 2:33 pm Post subject: |
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I like Danikat's idea, paying our members seems too Felbeastish...
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[align=center:aaa8839b63]The Fortress Ruins has all items on sale until synthing for the its items is applied. Get your tech while it's cheap!
The Guardians - The Protectors of Balance[/align:aaa8839b63] |
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HisLordship
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Embri
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| Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 5:58 pm Post subject: |
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I don't see any issue with having some belts more difficult to achieve than others, especially since Fox isn't one of the "Newer RP'ers stereotypical favorites" aka Magic and Weapons.
*shrugs* it was simply a suggestion.
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EnDSchultz
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| Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 7:50 pm Post subject: |
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| Embri's idea for higher earnings for higher belt ranks does seem to make sense, but some might find it unfair that certain people (such as myself) didn't really have to work for their Black Belt status. So the item rewards seem like a better option. |
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