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This is what happens when the staff has a meeting... -DJ Sith - Jan 12 10:38am

Howdy all. We had another long and... exciting... meeting today! Here's what we discussed:

  • We are quite aware of how we've become more the 'Trials Academy' as of late. Students arent attending enough class and the JATs are hounded with trial requests whenever they join the servers. This was not the intention of the creation of the ranking/trialing system, so we're placing some restrictions on trials...

    a) JAT's are encouraged to only hold trials during trial classes, but if they feel like giving trials whenever they can do so. If a JAT is not wearing his JAT tag he should be considered off duty and not giving trials.

    b) To counteract the whole "enrolling in class and not attending" and "rushing to trial" phenomenons we're adding a point system to the users database. A user will get one point for every class attended. A student will lose a point if they enroll in a class but can't make it. If they have a good excuse (not "I fergot" or "your class sux0rz") then no point will be deducted. Classes like roleplay and tour classes won't have points added to them. We're going to require 5 points before you can submit a Learner trial, 12 for Journeyman, and 20 for Jedi Knight. All the folks with trials in progress will automatically get the necessary points to take all these. Those without trials in progress will get the points they would get if they just passed their trial (with a little leeway added by the JACs in special cases).

    We hate adding extra hierarchy into the Academy, but we need to stay focus on what we set out to do, and that wasn't to spend all our time on trials.

    I should have this written into the website by tomorrow night.

  • We discussed evidence handling. If you're going to submit a screenshot of someone doing bad get an open console with a log of what theyre saying in your screenshot. The validity of a shot taken of a guy sabering another guy is highly dubious.

  • Avalon is now our lead trainer and cHoSeN-oNe is a permanent Council member. Hurrah!

  • My DSL company is going out of business next month. Once I get regular residential DSL I won't be able to host a server. Tell your friends the Jedi Academy needs servers! The problem is residential DSL and cable won't meet our bnadwidth needs. Any help with leads to cheap (and preferably free) game servers, bandwidth, colo hosting, anything would be greatly appreciated.

  • We've heard your complaints about v2 of the map and are working our mapboy to get them fixed. Expect another smaller version of the map sometime. I can't give an ETA on it though. Viva le FPS!

  • The portion of the Knight trial where you have the option to fight an empowered JAT is bieng replaced with a "protection" test. 1 JAT trialing the knight is going to try and kill another of the JAT's, and it is the Knight hopeful's task to defend that JAT. Sounds cool, eh? Many thanks to our Jedi Lore scholar Ulic Belouve for that one! Oh yeah it was his idea for the point system too. He rules. :)


That's the long and the short of it. A few students observed the meeting to see what goes on behind the curtains. A log of the meeting is here. Read it if you have a few hours to kill and like reading VERY dry and boring stuff. :) Anyhow, I'm turning in for the evening. Good night all and keep training!

Two quick notes from massadoobie...

If you can't take classes, and therefore can't get "promoted", IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. Seriously, the points were added to encourage people to take classes, which is the point of this entire site. If you're not able to get promoted, does that mean you still can't have fun? NO. I apologize to those of you who really can't take classes because of time differences, we're working on that issue... but if you're going to complain about the points because it means you can't get promoted, you should find other things to worry about, promotions don't matter in the long run, they're just "goals", not "requirements"

On another note, Silent Whisper has moved on to bigger and better things (aka she got a scholarship to college and doesn't have time or access for the JA). We wish her the best of luck and have a funny feeling she'll drop in every once in a while. She didn't want a post dedicated to her departure, but I feel that she did so much for us, it deserves to be mentioned (plus this post talks about a lot of other stuff :))

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Comments
Jan 12 2003 06:17pm

Rahn del Sol
 - Student
 Rahn del Sol

I think I've taken one class since I started here, and according to DJ, I'm in the "first 100 members" group :P

I've also only taken one trial test. I passed the written for the J-man trial, but just haven't felt the need to bug a JAT to get the ball rolling on the ingame trial.

Rank means nothing to me. Rank does not equal respect here...that's something earned by your actions, not by a tag you wear.

I'm here because I like the casual environment, I like being able to practice my jedi skills, and I like being able to help other people learn their way around the game.
_______________
http://steamcommunity.com/id/citizen059

Jan 12 2003 04:55pm

Rob_Keller
 - Ex-Student

ok...one small question....If I passed my Jman exam...do I still need the points to go for the trial??? I've been trying to get it done 'cuz I attended lots of classes...:) Anyways...I do think it is a better system with the points 'cuz this way...we can know how much work people put into gainning the rank. I mean, this way, no freeloaers....:D Anyways...at my girlfriend's house and needed alot of convincing to even post here so...Adios Doos and talk to ya all Later

May the Force be with you but...
If you only knew the power of the Dark Side

P.S. JJ 4 Ever :cool:
_______________
My ally is the Dark Side. And an extremely powerful ally it is.

Jan 12 2003 04:44pm

Icco
 - Student
 Icco

i have to admit i have a very bad record of signing up for a class(wich happens very unoften) and then forgetting to show up. though i know im not the only one, sorry.
_______________
"this is Icco. Icco is old. Icco is lost. Icco is cool, but Icco doesn't know what the meaning of 'macrophageal sex'." - Vaughn
/Icco


Jan 12 2003 04:33pm

Arcuss
 - Student
 Arcuss


Keep in mind that the point system was arrived at because of the fact that people were not attending classes, and focusing on just climbing the ranks as quickly as possible.

The Academy was started as a place to train people which is why they have classes. The ranks were just added to try and bring some fun to the experience, and give people goals to strive for. Unfortunately the ranks had the opposite effect, and it became a race to trial instead of train.

As I suggested before perhaps extra points can be awarded to students that help JATs with the newer and slower learners. That way you can retake classes and still get something out of them, as well as help out both JATs and other students. In this way the classes don't really become redundant, because by helping the JATs you learn what it is like to try and teach other people.

As far as the Padawan thing goes, that is really between a Padawan and his Master as it is not required by the Academy, and not everyone has the opportunity to be a Padawan. I don't feel that should have any bearing on the points system.

Just my opinions if you agree, good. If you disagree, good.

-Arcuss



Jan 12 2003 04:31pm

Bubu
 - Hubbub
 Bubu

well from what i heard from JATs and JACs, there soon will be more JATs... and with more JATs, more classes. Also, I heard you will get points for other things, like helping others outside of class and just generally being a good guy :)
_______________
make install -not war

Jan 12 2003 04:26pm

Kit Fisto [JAP]
 - Ex-Student
 Kit Fisto [JAP]

My question is...
Is there any place on the site where I can see How many point I have ?? I think that would be great.
I really want to know. And what about people who train everyday with their private master ??
:cool::cool::cool:

Jan 12 2003 04:24pm

Eternal_Silence
 - Ex-Student
 Eternal_Silence

Maybe a solution to the time zone differences is to specifically train representatives of different time zones to become JATs. Then the people in their time zones will be able to attend classes

Jan 12 2003 03:48pm

Kalheka
 - Student
 Kalheka

Perhaps you Jak's and Jat's that like to teach could give points on an individual basis outside of classes?

That may defeat the point of what your trying to do with classes, but it seems to me like the point system takes away advancement from us padawans in a way too.

If the only way to accrue points is in class, then a padawan who gets individual attention has to take a redundant class to gain points.

I posted this before I read Dice's comment, I'm saying the same thing :D
_______________
Death is only the beginning.

This comment was edited by Kalheka on Jan 12 2003 03:49pm.

Jan 12 2003 02:55pm

Dicemaster
 - Student
 Dicemaster

ok i don't know if this was said, but i think that points should be givin for private tutoring as well as classes. This would work out for the people that can't take classes. I say this because i personally have never taken a class, but still have progressed a long ways. I learned everything in private tutoring. Well theres my two bits that i always have
-Dice
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Dicemaster

Jan 12 2003 02:32pm

JAcen LW Solo
 - Retired
 JAcen LW Solo

Hello folks.

Conserning the matter of ppl allerady envolved on the knight selection process , the same rules for learner or J-Man migration are also applyed.

Meaning, when dj changes de system on the web page you will get the minimum points for knight added automatically.

Regarding the class schedulles. Whel as you know we have 3 European JAT's, and 3 European JAK's at the moment. And i think the only reason why classes are so late is because ppl wouldnt show up for the early ones. Thats what appened with mine.

I started by setting my classes for 9 PM GMT and no one showed their face (no euro guys and it was too early for the americans). So I started setting them to 11 PM GMT, this way both euro and USA folks could attend it. Belive me I would ratter do them earlyer, I do have to get up early for work the next day eheh. The same probably applies to the other trainers.

I also think that a lot of ppl have the time offset incorrectly setted on their profile. so they get the class schedulles wrong.

Also if a JAT cant make the class usually there is a JAK ready to replace him.


SaltyDJ, you really should call the idea stupid just because it isn't pratical for you. I mean If i had just entered the Academy I would be the same situation as you. I wouldnt be able to attend many classes. Now if you complaint abaut not having classes at for your time then you are right. I think there are a lot more of Euro folks then a few months ago so classes at euro times are needed. But dont worry I'm quite sure that teh council is working on that.
Oh , eheh, get your country in your profile. We cant just guess the students nationality :).

Now seriusly guys, get your profiles filled with some of the most usefull info. If you dont want to say your real name thats ok, but nationality and stuff like that are most helpfull to understand yuor problems and studing solutions.

- Jace
_______________
"Though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I shall fear no evil .For I am the baddest mofo in the valley"

Jan 12 2003 02:03pm

Arcuss
 - Student
 Arcuss

I like the points idea myself. In fact I want to start at initiate and do it all over. That would be better than waiting around for my Knighthood potential to be noticed. Maybe DJ could just keep my rank but start my points at zero.

As for the people that feel they can't benefit by taking classes they've already attended. I would like to suggest that they be granted extra points (say 2 instead of 1) for going to classes they have mastered, and helping out the slower learners. This way the JAT can keep the pace he wishes, and the slower learners can have more individualized help away from the main class. This also gives prospective Knights a chance to practice teaching skills.

Just some thoughts from your friendly neighborhood Arcuss. :)

Jan 12 2003 02:00pm

Eclipse DKana
 - Student
 Eclipse DKana

hooray 2 Chosen!!!

Jan 12 2003 01:26pm

Blade_Knight
 - Student
 Blade_Knight

lol, I'm with Nimravus, J-Man 4 life! :)
_______________
-=Brother to Nightcrawler and JediKnight13=-

"I've been told my style is crasy and visually confusing."~Mikel Rider


Jan 12 2003 12:09pm

Lord Exar Kun
 - Student
 Lord Exar Kun

um, didnt see anyone ask what will happen to people who are already half way through thei JAK trial. Will I have to do the protect thingie?

Congrats chosen(though I already did I think)

_______________
-Retired april the 19th 2004

Jan 12 2003 11:48am

Nimravus
 - Student
 Nimravus

Well looks like I will be a J-Man 4 life! :) Unless you guys offer some more advanced classes. Oh well like DJ said in the post you dont need rank to have fun!
_______________
:empire:Nimravus:empire:

Avatar created by Majno


Jan 12 2003 11:21am

Acura Belouve
 - Student
 Acura Belouve

Im kinda of shaky on the new rules i dont totaaly agree with them I mean yes peopel do nag the JAT to death and shoudl only havea trial for a trial class i agree with that but the point system im really against nto everybody can attend classes and this means classes are goign to be very full and what if the JAT or JAC cant make it thats means the entire class is screwed but for the. So i have mixed feelings for the new system:(
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Jan 12 2003 11:19am

Chainer
 - Ex-Student
 Chainer

classes u have already take will not vount towards points correct?
Congrats chosen and good job guys:D

Jan 12 2003 10:14am

Blade_Knight
 - Student
 Blade_Knight

I like the idea of this point system, but so far it's not working in my favor. I've taken almost all the classes on the class list. The ones I haven't taken are either full, or much too late for me to attend. Oh well :(.
_______________
-=Brother to Nightcrawler and JediKnight13=-

"I've been told my style is crasy and visually confusing."~Mikel Rider


Jan 12 2003 07:59am

Rampage
 - Student
 Rampage

How do you know how many points you have? (class thing)

Jan 12 2003 07:53am

Rampage
 - Student
 Rampage

The new trial system rox (i think), it was really needed.
I am scared - is Silent Whisper leaving?:eek: Well, congrats cHoSeN-oNe, u deserve it, but when this happens I almost think that means whispy's leavin us...
And...what will "Lead trainer" mean?

Ugh, over 999 ping at ALL JA servers :( (down to 200-something at a FEW times, for 10-20 sec) a good reason 2 skip Jacen's CTF class? (i think it is):(

Jan 12 2003 07:03am

Halendor
 - Ex-Student
 Halendor

Nice ideas indeed. Perhaps we should go back the old version of the JAmap until v3 is ready. It really is too big and I liked to cosy feeling of the first map.

I think the solution to Salty's problem is to just find more European JATs.

Ulic for president!

This comment was edited by Halendor on Jan 12 2003 07:06am.

Jan 12 2003 05:54am

Bubu
 - Hubbub
 Bubu

you are not selfish. many ppl are in the same situation. let's see what they do about it... ;)
_______________
make install -not war

Jan 12 2003 05:31am

SaltyDJ
 - Ex-Student
 SaltyDJ

Can I be really honest?

I like the ideas in general, but the required points to take trials thing is just stupid, especially for me as MOST of the classes (and I'm talking about exceptions of maybe 1 - 2 a week) take place at time like 3 and 4 in the morning for me. I urge u to come up with another idea, it may be selfish but otherwise my hopes of becoming a knight - trainer are virtually nil. :(

P.S. ur other ideas rock ;)

This comment was edited by SaltyDJ on Jan 12 2003 05:33am.

Jan 12 2003 05:11am

Aeth S'kray
 - Retired
 Aeth S'kray

aah, a good things you decided. point system are really needed, map edit would be cool... but did i miss something about silen whisper? she is only AWAY, she hasnt LEFT us, right?
oh, and why not discuss in your next meeting why we need three JAT ranks if they get JAC anyway ;)
huuray, chosen, congratz :D
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Aeth S'kray *June 2002 +September 2003

Jan 12 2003 04:36am

Bubu
 - Hubbub
 Bubu

well... it's good to see you guys are working hard, really makes me proud to be a part of the JA! :)

one thing though.. the point thing. what about people who cannot attend classes for time zone reasons? those ppl might become really really good by training outside of classes but will never be able to get trials... that's kinda unfair. that would include me but luckily i'm already in the midst of my knight trial.. :)

ohh and also, ulic you really do rule! :D
_______________
make install -not war

This comment was edited by Bubu on Jan 12 2003 04:37am.

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