So a couple days ago, I got word from KevinIsPwn about Muselk imminently pushing Comp. TF2 and with that, NA 6v6 Newbie Mixes. Kevin immediately knew the numbers his video would bring (I personally had no idea who he was lol), I really didn't understand. Regardless, we now have over 300 new signups in the newbie mix group. With this in mind, we started to think of ways to improve the drafting/ playing experience both to improve mixes in general and to smooth things out with huge player numbers.
A few "beta" changes have been made in the way newbie mixes will be run. Depending on how they work out, and the sustainability of our impending large player numbers, the changes may or may not stay.
1) The first change is the mumble layout and overall drafting system. Previously, all newbies, admins, and coaches chilled in the same linked tree. I've added a second linked tree (as of this writing) and I plan to add more tonight when I'm not busy. Essentially, this means multiple drafting "areas". The idea is right now, one or two admins will have their own drafting zone they have control over, and newbies can pick between drafting zones to add to based on their preference. In theory, multiple zones will alleviate some issues when 50+ newbies scream to be picked in one area. 400 slots / ~30 newbies per channel = ~12-14 drafting zones. We'll see how this works out and develop the idea further.
To add to this, if you are free this Friday night and would like to spend some time drafting games, we would really really really appreciate the help. Add me, tell me you wanna help with drafting, and I'll get you set up with your own drafting area where you have the perms to drag nerds around. (A word: you will literally only have the power to drag nerds in your drafting zone. If you think you're gonna get quick admin from this and troll around, you won't.)
2) The second change is a change to the way we get coaches. If you show up randomly to coach, SWEET! We need you. You're super. But not a lot of people do this. A large number of our coaches comes as a result of what I like to call "coach-begging". If you're on my friends list, chances are you know what this is. A new system I've been pushing around in my head is "team-sponsoring". Basically, the idea is that ESEA teams pick newbie mixes nights to "sponsor", and as many of the players as are interested from that ESEA team come out and coach a few mixes that night.
The major problem with coaching is that (unless you really like teaching), it's just not fun to do. Some reasons why:
Some newbies show up to play, and ignore your advice (IF THIS HAPPENS PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE WILL TALK TO THEM)
You have no friends to coach with. Most coaches fly solo vs 5-6 newbies, and after just a little while this can be excruciating. Especially if you're having to say the same things over and over again (an idea is in the works to prevent this, too)
I'm hoping this team sponsoring/ coaching thing will help with that. For future mixes, we will try to work with existing Invite/IM/high open teams in organizing nights for specific teams to come coach together. IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU OR YOUR TEAM WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP WE WILL NEED SERIOUS HELP THIS FRIDAY NIGHT. (Also just contact me in general if you're interested in coaching and I'll invite you to the coaching group.)
So yeah, that's about it.
TL;DR: more ares to be picked for games, and the idea for sponsoring nights in newbie mixes.
I know the sponsoring thing is confusing, and I probably didn't explain the idea fully well in this post, so please ask me here if you have any questions.
(sort of) post mix edit: shoutout to all who showed up to coach. it was a big help. thank you to all persons who drafted and administrated in any way possible. thank you to Sideshow for forcing me to switch the coaches lounge token twice. thank you to tragicservers.com for providing an obscene amount of servers for the event, and huge thank you to all the players who showed up to play. I hope y'all learned something. also shoutout to myself for not actually implementing any of the changes talked about in this post for this week. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So a couple days ago, I got word from KevinIsPwn about Muselk imminently pushing Comp. TF2 and with that, NA 6v6 Newbie Mixes. Kevin immediately knew the numbers his video would bring (I personally had no idea who he was lol), I really didn't understand. Regardless, we now have over 300 new signups in the newbie mix group. With this in mind, we started to think of ways to improve the drafting/ playing experience both to improve mixes in general and to smooth things out with huge player numbers.
A few "beta" changes have been made in the way newbie mixes will be run. Depending on how they work out, and the sustainability of our impending large player numbers, the changes may or may not stay.
[b]1)[/b] The first change is the mumble layout and overall drafting system. Previously, all newbies, admins, and coaches chilled in the same linked tree. I've added a second linked tree (as of this writing) and I plan to add more tonight when I'm not busy. Essentially, this means multiple drafting "areas". The idea is right now, one or two admins will have their own drafting zone they have control over, and newbies can pick between drafting zones to add to based on their preference. In theory, multiple zones will alleviate some issues when 50+ newbies scream to be picked in one area. 400 slots / ~30 newbies per channel = ~12-14 drafting zones. We'll see how this works out and develop the idea further.
[u]To add to this, if you are free this Friday night and would like to spend some time drafting games, we would really really really appreciate the help[/u]. Add me, tell me you wanna help with drafting, and I'll get you set up with your own drafting area where you have the perms to drag nerds around. (A word: you will literally only have the power to drag nerds in your drafting zone. If you think you're gonna get quick admin from this and troll around, you won't.)
[b]2)[/b] The second change is a change to the way we get coaches. If you show up randomly to coach, SWEET! We need you. You're super. But not a lot of people do this. A large number of our coaches comes as a result of what I like to call "coach-begging". If you're on my friends list, chances are you know what this is. A new system I've been pushing around in my head is "team-sponsoring". Basically, the idea is that ESEA teams pick newbie mixes nights to "sponsor", and as many of the players as are interested from that ESEA team come out and coach a few mixes that night.
The major problem with coaching is that (unless you really like teaching), it's just not fun to do. Some reasons why:
[list]
Some newbies show up to play, and ignore your advice (IF THIS HAPPENS PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE WILL TALK TO THEM)
You have no friends to coach with. Most coaches fly solo vs 5-6 newbies, and after just a little while this can be excruciating. Especially if you're having to say the same things over and over again (an idea is in the works to prevent this, too)
[/list]
I'm hoping this team sponsoring/ coaching thing will help with that. For future mixes, we will try to work with existing Invite/IM/high open teams in organizing nights for specific teams to come coach together. [u][b]IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU OR YOUR TEAM WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP WE WILL NEED SERIOUS HELP THIS FRIDAY NIGHT.[/b][/u] (Also just contact me in general if you're interested in coaching and I'll invite you to the coaching group.)
So yeah, that's about it.
TL;DR: more ares to be picked for games, and the idea for sponsoring nights in newbie mixes.
I know the sponsoring thing is confusing, and I probably didn't explain the idea fully well in this post, so please ask me here if you have any questions.
[b](sort of) post mix edit[/b]: shoutout to all who showed up to coach. it was a big help. thank you to all persons who drafted and administrated in any way possible. thank you to Sideshow for forcing me to switch the coaches lounge token twice. thank you to tragicservers.com for providing an obscene amount of servers for the event, and huge thank you to all the players who showed up to play. I hope y'all learned something. also shoutout to myself for not actually implementing any of the changes talked about in this post for this week. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
does sponsoring mean up to 6 people will be coaching one team?
does sponsoring mean up to 6 people will be coaching one team?
I would be Interested in coaching, I can probably bring a few people along with me to help as well.
I would be Interested in coaching, I can probably bring a few people along with me to help as well.
parkdoes sponsoring mean up to 6 people will be coaching one team?
I'd assume no. Maybe 2 coaches per team of newbies to lighten the burden / intimidation of going in alone but six would be silly and a waste. He's just trying to get more people to show up to coach by recruiting whole teams.
Also I'll try to make it but I won't be in till late so don't let them die early.
[quote=park]does sponsoring mean up to 6 people will be coaching one team?[/quote]
I'd assume no. Maybe 2 coaches per team of newbies to lighten the burden / intimidation of going in alone but six would be silly and a waste. He's just trying to get more people to show up to coach by recruiting whole teams.
Also I'll try to make it but I won't be in till late so don't let them die early.
Benkparkdoes sponsoring mean up to 6 people will be coaching one team?
I'd assume no. Maybe 2 coaches per team of newbies to lighten the burden / intimidation of going in alone but six would be silly and a waste. He's just trying to get more people to show up to coach by recruiting whole teams.
Yep, really this. I'm thinking when a team picks up a night, they'll probably send 2-4 players and coach ~2 per team. I've got some ideas/ suggestions for coaches on how this would play out, but really they could do it however they'd like.
My thinking is 2 coaches per team, with one coach watching the combo (or playing med in it) and one coach watching the flank. The coach in the combo would maincall and provide the brunt of the feedback, while the coach watching the flank would be a bit quieter and more generally watch play for feedback and criticism after the game.
PwnuI would be Interested in coaching, I can probably bring a few people along with me to help as well.
Hit me up on Steam and let's talk.
eXtineStart time?
9 PM EST
http://steamcommunity.com/groups/na6v6newbiemix
[quote=Benk][quote=park]does sponsoring mean up to 6 people will be coaching one team?[/quote]
I'd assume no. Maybe 2 coaches per team of newbies to lighten the burden / intimidation of going in alone but six would be silly and a waste. He's just trying to get more people to show up to coach by recruiting whole teams.
[/quote]
Yep, really this. I'm thinking when a team picks up a night, they'll probably send 2-4 players and coach ~2 per team. I've got some ideas/ suggestions for coaches on how this would play out, but really they could do it however they'd like.
My thinking is 2 coaches per team, with one coach watching the combo (or playing med in it) and one coach watching the flank. The coach in the combo would maincall and provide the brunt of the feedback, while the coach watching the flank would be a bit quieter and more generally watch play for feedback and criticism after the game.
[quote=Pwnu]I would be Interested in coaching, I can probably bring a few people along with me to help as well.[/quote]
Hit me up on Steam and let's talk.
[quote=eXtine]Start time?[/quote]
9 PM EST
http://steamcommunity.com/groups/na6v6newbiemix
my roommate plays in these i think, if im not doing anything ill help
https://steamcommunity.com/id/mattrod
my roommate plays in these i think, if im not doing anything ill help
https://steamcommunity.com/id/mattrod
I'm not the nerd dragger this game needs, but I'm the nerd dragger this game deserves
Sorry I just had to say that. Sign me up to coach. I've also donated a server to Kevin because just having 4 servers isn't gunna work.
I'm not the nerd dragger this game needs, but I'm the nerd dragger this game deserves
Sorry I just had to say that. Sign me up to coach. I've also donated a server to Kevin because just having 4 servers isn't gunna work.
I've been getting home later than usual Friday's lately, but I'll try to get on as close as I can to 9 this week to help. I can draft or coach. Not sure how many/if any folks from the team is free on Friday nights but I love the idea of the team sponsorships for coaching.
I really like the idea of having combo and flank coaches- as long as we have enough to keep them going!
I've been getting home later than usual Friday's lately, but I'll try to get on as close as I can to 9 this week to help. I can draft or coach. Not sure how many/if any folks from the team is free on Friday nights but I love the idea of the team sponsorships for coaching.
I really like the idea of having combo and flank coaches- as long as we have enough to keep them going!
How short are you on coaches? I could do a draft or two and maybe speak with a few new medic players. I hope you can find someone better than me but if you can't I'll step up.
How short are you on coaches? I could do a draft or two and maybe speak with a few new medic players. I hope you can find someone better than me but if you can't I'll step up.
plinkoI've been getting home later than usual Friday's lately, but I'll try to get on as close as I can to 9 this week to help. I can draft or coach. Not sure how many/if any folks from the team is free on Friday nights but I love the idea of the team sponsorships for coaching.
I really like the idea of having combo and flank coaches- as long as we have enough to keep them going!
Awesome! Looking forward to seeing you around again man.
radiumHow short are you on coaches? I could do a draft or two and maybe speak with a few new medic players. I hope you can find someone better than me but if you can't I'll step up.
We are usually pretty short. I believe it's been better recently than in the past, but I/ other admins still hit up our friends list a lot to beg. And sure! It'd be great to have you around.
[quote=plinko]I've been getting home later than usual Friday's lately, but I'll try to get on as close as I can to 9 this week to help. I can draft or coach. Not sure how many/if any folks from the team is free on Friday nights but I love the idea of the team sponsorships for coaching.
I really like the idea of having combo and flank coaches- as long as we have enough to keep them going![/quote]
Awesome! Looking forward to seeing you around again man.
[quote=radium]How short are you on coaches? I could do a draft or two and maybe speak with a few new medic players. I hope you can find someone better than me but if you can't I'll step up.[/quote]
We are usually pretty short. I believe it's been better recently than in the past, but I/ other admins still hit up our friends list a lot to beg. And sure! It'd be great to have you around.
I might be able to help with drafting from 9 - 10/10:30 EST if you're still in need of click 'n dragging people. I've played mixes on and off, but generally know how picking goes if it's still done the same.
I might be able to help with drafting from 9 - 10/10:30 EST if you're still in need of click 'n dragging people. I've played mixes on and off, but generally know how picking goes if it's still done the same.
I've been out of the game for a bit, but I'll be free this friday night if you need additional help Alosec. I could definitely help some fresh players with medic basics.
I've been out of the game for a bit, but I'll be free this friday night if you need additional help Alosec. I could definitely help some fresh players with medic basics.
I should be able to help with drafting throughout the night. If there aren't enough coaches I don't mind helping, but I haven't coached a newbie mix in a long time.
I should be able to help with drafting throughout the night. If there aren't enough coaches I don't mind helping, but I haven't coached a newbie mix in a long time.
alosec[...] I'll get you set up with your own drafting area where you have the perms to drag nerds around. [...]
This sounds fun :3 sadly cant do anything to help since im european
[quote=alosec]
[...] I'll get you set up with your own drafting area where you have the perms to drag nerds around. [...] [/quote]
This sounds fun :3 sadly cant do anything to help since im european
I've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D
edit: plug. Check out http://tragicservers.com/ for your next game, voice or virtual private server.
I've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D
edit: plug. Check out [url=http://tragicservers.com/]http://tragicservers.com/[/url] for your next game, voice or virtual private server.
tragicI've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D
ur the best
[quote=tragic]I've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D[/quote]
ur the best
tragicI've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D
FANTASTIC news. We've already had several times since the winter where there were numbers for 4 mixes. I'm sure that demand will skyrocket.
[quote=tragic]I've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D[/quote]
FANTASTIC news. We've already had several times since the winter where there were numbers for 4 mixes. I'm sure that demand will skyrocket.
tragicI've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D
s/o to tragic for providing the community with free stuff and offering a discount code on tragic servers
[quote=tragic]I've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D[/quote]
s/o to tragic for providing the community with free stuff and offering a discount code on tragic servers
tragicI've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D
you are a god
[quote=tragic]I've beefed up the Newbie Mix Mumble and will be providing more servers. :D[/quote]
you are a god
When I coach newbie mixes often it takes over 20 minutes to get each mix started. I know going over rollouts and calls is important, especially for very new players, but we should really concentrate on maximizing game time. After each mix a lot of the time the best advice I can give is just to play more and let it come naturally. I have a hard time telling them that game time is important when it takes so long to get each mix started. Newbies should be given the opportunity to play as many mixes as they can. PLEASE speed up the starting process. If someone isn't there or is having problems and we have subs, then move onto a sub. If they are having problems they can play the next one.
When I coach newbie mixes often it takes over 20 minutes to get each mix started. I know going over rollouts and calls is important, especially for very new players, but we should really concentrate on maximizing game time. After each mix a lot of the time the best advice I can give is just to play more and let it come naturally. I have a hard time telling them that game time is important when it takes so long to get each mix started. Newbies should be given the opportunity to play as many mixes as they can. PLEASE speed up the starting process. If someone isn't there or is having problems and we have subs, then move onto a sub. If they are having problems they can play the next one.
It might be worth considering doing a bit more segmentation this time around so folks with some idea how things work are together and true newbies are in separate ones that can spend some time on basics like rollouts and location names if that's what those players need.
Normally we try to draft a mix of experience to balance them and get beginners alongside folks who have a couple ugc seasons. If this is going to be bigger maybe that's not so necessary. It definitely has a lot to do with why so many seem to take forever to start.
It might be worth considering doing a bit more segmentation this time around so folks with some idea how things work are together and true newbies are in separate ones that can spend some time on basics like rollouts and location names if that's what those players need.
Normally we try to draft a mix of experience to balance them and get beginners alongside folks who have a couple ugc seasons. If this is going to be bigger maybe that's not so necessary. It definitely has a lot to do with why so many seem to take forever to start.
That's really good that more people are coming to this game
That's really good that more people are coming to this game
plinkoIt might be worth considering doing a bit more segmentation this time around so folks with some idea how things work are together and true newbies are in separate ones that can spend some time on basics like rollouts and location names if that's what those players need.
Normally we try to draft a mix of experience to balance them and get beginners alongside folks who have a couple ugc seasons. If this is going to be bigger maybe that's not so necessary. It definitely has a lot to do with why so many seem to take forever to start.
this is a great idea and would do a good job of avoiding 10 minute rolls when the teams are blatantly stacked, more fun for everyone. ofc there are some mixes that take 15 minutes to start because 1 person needs to learn rollouts and etc.
i imagine the first few weeks would be hectic because of all the new players of so many differing skill levels though
[quote=plinko]It might be worth considering doing a bit more segmentation this time around so folks with some idea how things work are together and true newbies are in separate ones that can spend some time on basics like rollouts and location names if that's what those players need.
Normally we try to draft a mix of experience to balance them and get beginners alongside folks who have a couple ugc seasons. If this is going to be bigger maybe that's not so necessary. It definitely has a lot to do with why so many seem to take forever to start.[/quote]
this is a great idea and would do a good job of avoiding 10 minute rolls when the teams are blatantly stacked, more fun for everyone. ofc there are some mixes that take 15 minutes to start because 1 person needs to learn rollouts and etc.
i imagine the first few weeks would be hectic because of all the new players of so many differing skill levels though
Hey guys! Mixes starting in ~1 hour, looking forward to having as many players and coaches as possible. Please come if you can coach. Thank you and god bless.
EDIT: A bunch of us are just hanging out in mumble before games start tonight. Come on in if you'd like to chill before coaching some games.
EDIT2: If you wanna coach plz come in right now to talk a bit about what you'll be doing!! TY!!
Hey guys! Mixes starting in ~1 hour, looking forward to having as many players and coaches as possible. Please come if you can coach. Thank you and god bless.
EDIT: A bunch of us are just hanging out in mumble before games start tonight. Come on in if you'd like to chill before coaching some games.
EDIT2: If you wanna coach plz come in right now to talk a bit about what you'll be doing!! TY!!
I'm going to grandstand a bit, but there is no point in someone with mid/high open DM doing a newbie mix. You are ruining the teaching experience for players that don't know how to stop you.
I'm going to grandstand a bit, but there is no point in someone with mid/high open DM doing a newbie mix. You are ruining the teaching experience for players that don't know how to stop you.
yeah, there's always that one guy.
on the bright side there have been 100+ people in mumble pretty much the whole night. :D
yeah, there's always that one guy.
[b]on the bright side[/b] there have been 100+ people in mumble pretty much the whole night. :D
It's almost 6AM, going to bed. Thanks everyone for playing, organising and coaching this event.
It's almost 6AM, going to bed. Thanks everyone for playing, organising and coaching this event.