NEWS Save Stratics Campaign Discussion Thread

[Lord Nabin]

I will repost my thoughts and observations, though Kirthag will proclaim them as "conspiracy theory". While Stratics is still live in its current condition, you can google search and see for yourself on each of these points.

• Ron Bron bought this site with he goal of re-vitalizing it and monetizing it.
  
• Stratics had an "official" endorsement from EA / UO when he acquired it and enjoyed a cozy and free flowing relationship with the devs of this game, whether Broadsword or EA for years.
• Within weeks of Ron Bron buying the site, this relationship died, in part I would speculate - due to the fact that he let the site go dark for many days (DAYS, A WEEK, REALLY DUDE?) during a "return to brit" campaign.
  
• Once this relationship was lost, there were half hearted attempts to re-establish this relationship that never came to fruition.
• At this point - if Ron Bron realized what he had (and what he had lost - the official endorsement, the connection to the devs and company) was gone, he could have realized his goal of monetizing the site through the introduction and endorsement of RMT, and would have had nothing to lose. By doing this, he could have monetized (as was his stated goal in the beginning) the site even though it would have been at the detriment of the community in some peoples opinions.
  
• None of this occurred and Ron Bron's "free hosting" ran out in September.
• Within 50 days of his free hosting going away, Ron Bron is selling the site, and evidently did not confer with the community or "senior volunteers" before doing so - causing the mad rush to raise 10.5k via guerrilla methods to try to save it.

Thanks all, if you want to send a check to me, PM me for instructions.

I'm fine with you saying .

"I'm making my own bid for the site"

If you're not we are done with the old drama friend and trying, as a community, to move forward so we don't have to deal with it again.

Time to put your $$$$ where your heart is.

If your heart is in community then you know where your $$$$$ should go at any best gift. Even if it's $1

Clearly you want to make a difference my old friend now is your chance

 

[Tina Small]

I can't in good conscience put any money into a bid to acquire Stratics while there is still a good possibility that Broadsword will start up their own forum. It becomes more obvious by the day that a lot of people who are not part of the development team hired by the game's publisher to keep it running are doing everything they can to make money off UO in their own little (or not so little) niche capacity. I think that such efforts have driven a lot of what has happened with UO over the years and frankly I'm past the point of seeing any value in supporting any of it. If Broadsword starts up forums, great. I realize it'll probably be pretty bare bones. But I know there won't be someone behind it who isn't directly working on UO for the paying customers who is scheming how they are going to make a profit from it, whether it's in dollars and cents or as a way to puff up their resume.

 

[Captn Norrington]

But I know there won't be someone behind it who isn't directly working on UO for the paying customers who is scheming how they are going to make a profit from it, whether it's in dollars and cents or as a way to puff up their resume.

If the fundraiser succeeds and we win the auction, I can guarantee not a single person on Stratics Staff will be making even one dollar from this website. All of the sites profits will be returned to the site for maintenance costs, licenses, new plug-ins and any other stuff that would benefit the community here. None of us have any interest in making a profit from Stratics, we are doing it solely to keep the website in the hands of the community where it belongs.

Your concern about people making money because of UO is completely understandable, but that is not our goal for this website. Our only goal is to keep this community around as long as possible.

As for the puffing up a resume part, I'm not sure about the others, but writing "moderator on fansite for really old game you probably haven't heard of" Isn't going to be doing my resume a whole lot of good hehe

 

[Kirthag]

As for the puffing up a resume part, I'm not sure about the others, but writing "moderator on fansite for really old game you probably haven't heard of" Isn't going to be doing my resume a whole lot of good hehe [BCOLOR=rgb(239, 239, 239)][/BCOLOR]

I can personally vouch for this. Volunteer experience really only applies if you are looking for a volunteer position. Even as VP of Publishing or Publisher doesn't help the resume much (and yes, I know this for a fact). Aye, there was a time that Stratics was a "career path in gaming" - but that only really helps within the Gaming Industry. In other industries - it means diddly.

Learning via Stratics is awesome, but hiring managers don't really consider stuff like this as being valid experience.

@Tina Small - helping the "senior staff board" with their campaign is probably the best way to keep Stratics away from those who "want to profit" off of UO. Even if Broadsword makes their own forums, Stratics forums will still have a place.

People keep forgetting that Stratics is not just forums - it is the guides, the really in depth guides and tools and statistics that have been put together since the very beginning that makes Stratics what it is. Forums are meh... Content is King. Too bad the main domain points to the forums (never should have). It is what it is.

 

[Lord Frodo]

I can't in good conscience put any money into a bid to acquire Stratics while there is still a good possibility that Broadsword will start up their own forum.

Tina do you remember when UO did have their own forums? I do and our Forum account and UO Account where one and the same and if you got a BAN on the Forums you also got a BAN on UO. Basically every UO player had a forum account whether they used it or not and they also had accounts on other forums such as UOStratics because there was a great need for it. Seeing players getting banned from UO just because they disagreed with a UO Staff member was total BS and no you did not have to be disrespectful either just disagree. If we lose Stratics and all the info on it we will lose a lot of valued information and lets be honest if it wasn't for @Petra Fyde UO's Wiki would still be a piece of crap, ty petra. IMHO UO has absolutely zero clue how to run a forum much less the people in would require to maintain it. I can not afford to donate but I fully support the effort the Stratics Staff is doing to try to keep Stratics in UO Players hands and I have a sneaking suspicion that JC will be lending a huge hand in Stratics. this is just my oppinion people and I have NO, NADA, ZILCH insider info on this, just a gut feeling.

 

[Tamais]

Kirthag is so right that stratics is more than the fourms. Where else can you read about the shard em events, compare notes on new stuff that comes out, help answer questions and offer suggestions to problems. I love writing about the events, making guides, and even better...learning from all of you. The only payment I want is to help the community, the same goes for all the staff.

 

[JC the Builder]

Learning via Stratics is awesome, but hiring managers don't really consider stuff like this as being valid experience.

It depends on how you frame it. "Volunteer for an internet video game" won't look good. "Managed a community of 25,000 user accounts" will look much better.

 

[Elenni]

It depends on how you frame it. "Volunteer for an internet video game" won't look good. "Managed a community of 25,000 user accounts" will look much better.

I have to agree with Kirthag on her points, although you are absolutely correct that you can phrase or spin it on the resume. But once you're in the interview the detailed questions will be asked. As a hiring manager, I never gave much emphasis to such things...there's so much room for interpretation and aggrandizement. I usually interpreted it to mean "this is what I did when I was between jobs and needed to do something to keep myself from going nuts..." unless it was followed by "increased revenue of a community-focused website by XX%; implemented SEO practices that increased search engine rankings from xx to xx," etc.

And, as an applicant, I usually assumed that's how the hiring manager interpreted it on my resume as well.

 

[kelmo]

Have any of you pondered where we go if Stratics disappears? Would we all go to the same place? Would everyone bother to migrate? Face book? Twitter? ICQ?

I have known some of ya for well over a decade. I was there when EA UO discussion forum was closed. I knew when that was going to happen and like the sick weasel I am I took that day off just to watch it happen.

It got pretty ugly there at the end. There was a shining moment I remember for the last few moments that forum was there. Everyone thought it would be funny to be one the last ever screen shot of page 1 of the forum. (I think I made it)

There was a very popular/hated forum member named Peaches. A very sweet lady. She made her farewell post to all the people she kept in contact with... Many of us vowed to bump that post incessantly to keep it on page 1. I know we did that.

Stratics is still very important to me for reasons I do not feel I need to explain. I lost sleep during the awful attacks Stratics would occasionally get from a disgruntled member. Crazy Joe was the original dumb ass to sign me on to Stratics. They were running out of folks willing to moderate Siege. (yeah I know... I killed Siege forums) The moment I volunteered the two folks moderating Siege quit. True story. There is an old staff forum out there that will support that story.

I reckon many of you know what this community is worth to me as a dollar amount. I wish I could do more. Right now in the middle of this is where the small donations will count the most. I just know this because I am smart. I am committed to keeping this community together.

*chuckles* This sounds like one of those heart breaking charity commercials we all see this time of year. I do know now is when small gains matter.

 

[old gypsy]

Well, Kelmo, for me it's Stratics or nowhere. I don't do Facebook, Twitter, or ICQ. I'm an antique unwilling to migrate to any of them. Not that there's anything particularly wrong with them. I simply don't want to.

 

[MalagAste]

Well considering I have vowed over and over that I will NEVER use Facebook or Twitter... My guess is I'll be on ICQ/Trillian as always. For those that care they know my ICQ generally. Honestly isn't a big secret.

But to lose the forums will be a huge hole in my time. I suppose I'll find something else to fill it. But that's barely the tip of the iceberg. I like UOGuide but it just doesn't have everything I need... Stratics has always had most everything I need when it comes to finding information about things like Monsters, items and gameplay. If I can't find the answer here generally someone here does know. Losing Stratics will mean losing that link and all the information and assistance that comes with it. Now if I were a well to do person I'd just bid on it myself. But since I have been a single parent for many years I can say that funds are not something I have... besides I invest quite a bit of my "fun" money in the game. So hoping things go good. Waiting to do my part till I get paid or at least see what my check is going to be before I commit any cash toward this effort.

 

[Zuckuss]

Yep, what we are trying to accomplish here is maintaining the community indefinitely, without being sold again a year or two down the road. This campaign is not for the staff. It's for you. We just want Stratics to exist alongside UO... forever. That's what this fundraiser is for. We are merely stewards to you, the community. Regardless of what happens, this experience has been one like no other and will be remembered for the rest of my days. The support we have received in regards to this goal has been tremendous. I thank and applaud you all.

 

[Lythos-]

I like UOGuide but it just doesn't have everything I need... Stratics has always had most everything I need when it comes to finding information about things like Monsters, items and gameplay. If I can't find the answer here generally someone here does know. Losing Stratics will mean losing that link and all the information and assistance that comes with it.

Stratics does not own the information found in relation to game mechanics and playguides of UO. The information is fair game to be copied to any other website. It would have to be worded and skinned differently of course to avoid copyright. I'm actually surprised it hasn't been done yet.

 

[MalagAste]

Stratics does not own the information found in relation to game mechanics and playguides of UO. The information is fair game to be copied to any other website. It would have to be worded and skinned differently of course to avoid copyright. I'm actually surprised it hasn't been done yet.

And what website would that be? Sure it "can" be. But do you really think it will happen? If Stratics is lost... who would know where to go?

 

[Lythos-]

And what website would that be? Sure it "can" be. But do you really think it will happen?

As unstable as Stratics has been, yes I do see it happening at some point before EVERYTHING is lost. Think about it. They're only fighting to save a name when all the information contained here is public.

If Stratics is lost... who would know where to go?

We might be faced with this exact same situation 9 days from now. We're mostly players so word of mouth in game. Google for those returning.

All I'm saying is it could be done without spending $10,000 for a trademarked name.

 

[Elenni]

As unstable as Stratics has been, yes I do see it happening at some point before EVERYTHING is lost. Think about it. They're only fighting to save a name when all the information contained here is public.


We might be faced with this exact same situation 9 days from now. We're mostly players so word of mouth in game. Google for those returning.

All I'm saying is it could be done without spending $10,000 for a trademarked name.

Could, yes. Would...?

If Stratics were completely lost I'm sure many would be pleased to see it resurrected...although who would do all this proposed work, I have to wonder.

Easier to contribute $25 to the effort to save what already exists -- the entity that also retains the legal right to continue to publish the content, perhaps...?

 

[old gypsy]

Could, yes. Would...?

If Stratics were completely lost I'm sure many would be pleased to see it resurrected...although who would do all this proposed work, I have to wonder.

Easier to contribute $25 to the effort to save what already exists -- the entity that also retains the legal right to continue to publish the content, perhaps...?

Spot on!

To those who love Stratics: Times are tough, but even a few dollars is surely possible, and will help the campaign.

 

[Kirthag]

*whistles quietly whilst rocking back and forth in her little corner of the interwebs*

 

[Uriah Heep]

*chuckles* This sounds like one of those heart breaking charity commercials we all see this time of year. I do know now is when small gains matter.

For only 60 cents a day, $18 a month-less than the price of a soda per day... *grins* Next Kelmo will be giving away puppies

 

[Elenni]

For only 60 cents a day, $18 a month-less than the price of a soda per day...

...you could buy Stratics a goat...YES! We have always wanted a goat!! ;-)

 

[Kirthag]

hey.. goats are awesome! they keep rats out of your yard, eat grass so it don't get too tall, gives milk for cheese, will bleat early in the morning to wake your arse up, and quite honestly, is really good eating.

 

[Cymidei]

*nods*

Can someone explain WHY Stratics is up for sale?

 

[Lythos-]

-- the entity that also retains the legal right to continue to publish the content, perhaps...?

Please enlighten me as to where it states Stratics has the sole right to publish all past, present and future gameplay guides for Ultima Online because I find your statement to be completely false.

Anyone can publish their own gameplay guides as long as credit is given to EA for using the Ultima Online name and likeness. Again, if I'm wrong and Stratics has an unknown contract with EA to be the sole publisher then by all means show me.

 

[Podolak]

Please enlighten me as to where it states Stratics has the sole right to publish all past, present and future gameplay guides for Ultima Online because I find your statement to be completely false.

Anyone can publish their own gameplay guides as long as credit is given to EA for using the Ultima Online name and likeness. Again, if I'm wrong and Stratics has an unknown contract with EA to be the sole publisher then by all means show me.

She was referring to the content contributed to Stratics not to all content that exists related to Ultima Online. She also didn't specify sole right, the original contributor can re-publish their work if they so desire. Her point is that Stratics is one party that already has license to the content created here, on Stratics.com and its sub-domains.

 

[Elenni]

Please enlighten me as to where it states Stratics has the sole right to publish all past, present and future gameplay guides for Ultima Online because I find your statement to be completely false.

Anyone can publish their own gameplay guides as long as credit is given to EA for using the Ultima Online name and likeness. Again, if I'm wrong and Stratics has an unknown contract with EA to be the sole publisher then by all means show me.

Podolak is correct. And let's not be disingenuous -- you were not talking about creating new gameplay guides from scratch in your suggestion. You were talking about scraping the Stratics content and republishing it on a facscimile website "with the skin changed." That would be infringing on Stratics' as well as on the original authors' rights. You may wish to contact a copyright attorney for advice on these matters, if you are seriously considering such a project.

Personally, despite the work we've been putting into the campaign and the effort that will have to go in to migrating the content back into the main site -- I think the path we're on is a lot more likely to succeed. We hope others agree.

 

[Captn Norrington]

Can someone explain WHY Stratics is up for sale?

The reason is written in the comments section of the auction itself. Here is a link to it, the comments are at the bottom: Stratics.com — Website For Sale on Flippa: 18 year-old gaming site with 30,000 uniques/mo making $300/mo

 

[Cymidei]

So the owner just put it up for auction...without consulting the community/staff etc? That's just sad but a fitting end for Stratics given how it has treated it's senior staff, reporters, and community. Refusal to adapt, embrace changes on the internet, successfully diversify into other games or listen to anyone outside of a tiny circle of advisers has taken a toll and lead to the creation of several equally successful competitor sites.

I served this website for more than 10 years and wrote hundreds of articles and news reports but was very poorly treated by some of the admins. I have been around since the days of Xena Dragon and this saddens me. To think of Stratics becoming a $300 a month website, sad!

Cymidei Fier
Former UO Baja Stratics Newsmanager of 10+ years

 

[Zuckuss]

So the owner just put it up for auction...without consulting the community/staff etc? That's just sad. Oh well a fitting end for Stratics given how it has treated it's senior staff, reporters, and community. Refusal to adapt, embrace changes on the internet, successfully diversify into other games or listen to anyone outside of a tiny circle of advisers has taken a toll. I served this website for more than 10 years and wrote hundreds of articles and news reports but was very poorly treated by some of the admins. I have been around since the days of Xena Dragon and this saddens me. To think of Stratics becoming a $300 a month website, sad!

Cymidei Fier
Former UO Baja Stratics Newsmanager of 10+ years

You want to help us make Stratics great again? We need people like you.

 

[Elenni]

So the owner just put it up for auction...without consulting the community/staff etc? That's just sad. Oh well a fitting end for Stratics given how it has treated it's senior staff, reporters, and community. Refusal to adapt, embrace changes on the internet, successfully diversify into other games or listen to anyone outside of a tiny circle of advisers has taken a toll. I served this website for more than 10 years and wrote hundreds of articles and news reports but was very poorly treated by some of the admins. I have been around since the days of Xena Dragon and this saddens me. To think of Stratics becoming a $300 a month website, sad!

Cymidei Fier
Former UO Baja Stratics Newsmanager of 10+ years

It's really a shame you had a bad experience, Cymidei. Stratics' strength has always been the community and the hard work that dedicated volunteers put into the site. Without it, the site is nothing...it wouldn't exist. Over its 18-year history, each owner has had their own vision and strategy for the site and their own ideas about how it should operate. Some were better than others. No doubt, personalities and objectives clashed as well at times.

These are some of the reasons we've proposed the structure as we have, for moving forward...an attempt to correct past mistakes and put Stratics in the best position it can be in for a successful future. As a community-directed site -- and without the necessity of generating an owner-driven ROI -- the site can return to its roots and focus on the community's needs. Under this plan, the site would also break the endless cycle of changing ownership and direction. With luck and hard work, volunteers and community members could feel comfortable donating their time and efforts to make the site great again.

With the Bring Stratics Home campaign, we really do have a chance to give Stratics a brighter future. We hope folks agree and will help us achieve that vision.

 

[Kirthag]

*squees in delight and waves to Cymidei*
So many old names!

*looks for Pele and her long-owed basket of french fries*

 

[Cymidei]

Alright lets save Stratics! Agreed lets get it back to it's geeky community based roots and get rid of these carpet bag investor types who don't love our game.

 

[kelmo]

Hi Cymidei. I started my Stratics account when EA shut down their UO forum. I said hi and was meet with a pretty angry crowd. Many of Stratics community did not want the huge influx people they did not know. I left Stratics for the most part to join a small online community at Ianstorm.com. That is a whole 'nother story. *chuckles*

A couple of years later, a fairly large group of players started playing on each others shards. It was a real drag for the folks that did not have developed characters on what ever shard was hosting the party. In a forum discussion we discovered almost none of us had any real developed characters on Siege. Some few did... That really helped. They know who they are.

So... here I am. I skipped some stuff. Any how... Hi!

 

[kelmo]

Over half way there!

 

[Elenni]

Over half way there!

Yes we are!! We are in reach...and on that note, please see some breaking news in this post.

 

[Kehleyr]

It would be sad to see it go.