So this is a little hard to write, but after 3 years newbie mixes is in bad shape. For those of you who might not know I have been putting on newbie mixes with he help of people like Kevin, Shdwpuppet, Stochastic and many others over the years, but sadly many of those people are stepping away or have totally stepped away from the game, myself included. So with that said I am looking for some opinions and some help in the matter of keeping newbie mixes alive and running for the future players.
Over the past 3 years we have had close to 3000 people come and check out newbie mixes with the hope of learning how to play the game at a higher level. Many of the current open players and more then a few of the current IM players have came through the mixes, hell even some players that are invite now started with these mixes. These mixes are something that I see as a very important part of our community and our game, it is something that I would like to keep alive for as long as possible even if I step away.
Now what do I need from you? Truthfully I am looking for some people to come in and hopefully take the project onto their backs and move forward with it. As I have said many of the current admin staff are moving away from the game and because of this the mixes are suffering. We haven't had any real mixes in the better part of a month if not more, but I do know that there are still many people that are interested in playing, as I get asked 3 or 4 times a week if they will be on or not. I am specifically looking for some higher level players (top open or IM+) that have good knowledge of the game that would be interested in taking over and keeping the mixes going. If you are interested either add me to talk or post in the thread. On top of that I am also asking for a community effort to get coaches into the mixes. Getting coaches was always a tough thing to do but with people talking about how the game is dead and such, the lower end of players that still wants to play could really use your help and shows that TF2 still has some legs left yet.
I am also just looking for the general feeling from the community regarding mixes. If I cannot find the players to run it, is it something that you think matters any more or will it be ok if it dies out?
As for the people that have talked to me about getting things back (you know who you are) you will hear more about what is going on after ESA.
If they do end up dying I just want to give a shoutout to all of the people that have helped me keep these running over the years.
KevinIsPwn
Dr.Shdwpuppet
Shdsteel
Stochastic
Mr.Perfect (Valkrie)
Alosec
Kace
Pie_hero
Big thanks to these guys for helping run everything and a massive thanks to all the coaches that we have gotten as well, what you do helps more then you know.
If I forgot anyone I am sorry but just know that I thank every single person that has helped with these. There is not any other community out there like ours and things like newbie mixes show that in spades.
Edit: What a sad note to get my 4th nerd star on...
So this is a little hard to write, but after 3 years newbie mixes is in bad shape. For those of you who might not know I have been putting on newbie mixes with he help of people like Kevin, Shdwpuppet, Stochastic and many others over the years, but sadly many of those people are stepping away or have totally stepped away from the game, myself included. So with that said I am looking for some opinions and some help in the matter of keeping newbie mixes alive and running for the future players.
Over the past 3 years we have had close to 3000 people come and check out newbie mixes with the hope of learning how to play the game at a higher level. Many of the current open players and more then a few of the current IM players have came through the mixes, hell even some players that are invite now started with these mixes. These mixes are something that I see as a very important part of our community and our game, it is something that I would like to keep alive for as long as possible even if I step away.
Now what do I need from you? Truthfully I am looking for some people to come in and hopefully take the project onto their backs and move forward with it. As I have said many of the current admin staff are moving away from the game and because of this the mixes are suffering. We haven't had any real mixes in the better part of a month if not more, but I do know that there are still many people that are interested in playing, as I get asked 3 or 4 times a week if they will be on or not. I am specifically looking for some higher level players (top open or IM+) that have good knowledge of the game that would be interested in taking over and keeping the mixes going. If you are interested either add me to talk or post in the thread. On top of that I am also asking for a community effort to get coaches into the mixes. Getting coaches was always a tough thing to do but with people talking about how the game is dead and such, the lower end of players that still wants to play could really use your help and shows that TF2 still has some legs left yet.
I am also just looking for the general feeling from the community regarding mixes. If I cannot find the players to run it, is it something that you think matters any more or will it be ok if it dies out?
As for the people that have talked to me about getting things back (you know who you are) you will hear more about what is going on after ESA.
If they do end up dying I just want to give a shoutout to all of the people that have helped me keep these running over the years.
KevinIsPwn
Dr.Shdwpuppet
Shdsteel
Stochastic
Mr.Perfect (Valkrie)
Alosec
Kace
Pie_hero
Big thanks to these guys for helping run everything and a massive thanks to all the coaches that we have gotten as well, what you do helps more then you know.
If I forgot anyone I am sorry but just know that I thank every single person that has helped with these. There is not any other community out there like ours and things like newbie mixes show that in spades.
Edit: What a sad note to get my 4th nerd star on...
Sad stuff. Hopefully it can make a comeback if not then it was truly appreciated all the work you guys did for the community.
Sad stuff. Hopefully it can make a comeback if not then it was truly appreciated all the work you guys did for the community.
Well, now that we have matchmaking, only time will tell how the game shapes competitively, and if our game is shaped by it, it won't matter anyways. Now the counterargument is that if mm dies, we will carry on, but new players won't know where to truly start from a competitive standpoint, if they play mm and feel the next step is to tryout UGC or something. Either way, it's hard telling right now whether newbie mixes can die without fuss or are vital to shaping our game, as we are essentially playing a split in the road, where we must see where we go forward next. Whichever path this game takes will answer your question Tino. If I were you, I would personally hand it off to someone, or just stick it out. If the issue is players/coaches, the motivation may simply no longer be there, and it may truly be time to throw in the towel, and carry on.
Either way, I want to see this game take off, and have a lasting future, even if it looks hopeless. Our community has put so much work, it's absolutely incredible. This community has brought the game so far, and just now the developer is somewhat supporting us more closely. To you personally Tino, just know that this has definitely contributed to the success of competitive tf2. Whether it lasts or not, it achieved something great. Newbie mixes improved my game greatly, and I would be sad to see it go, but at the same time Tino, do what makes sense.
Well, now that we have matchmaking, only time will tell how the game shapes competitively, and if our game is shaped by it, it won't matter anyways. Now the counterargument is that if mm dies, we will carry on, but new players won't know where to truly start from a competitive standpoint, if they play mm and feel the next step is to tryout UGC or something. Either way, it's hard telling right now whether newbie mixes can die without fuss or are vital to shaping our game, as we are essentially playing a split in the road, where we must see where we go forward next. Whichever path this game takes will answer your question Tino. If I were you, I would personally hand it off to someone, or just stick it out. If the issue is players/coaches, the motivation may simply no longer be there, and it may truly be time to throw in the towel, and carry on.
Either way, I want to see this game take off, and have a lasting future, even if it looks hopeless. Our community has put so much work, it's absolutely incredible. This community has brought the game so far, and just now the developer is somewhat supporting us more closely. To you personally Tino, just know that this has definitely contributed to the success of competitive tf2. Whether it lasts or not, it achieved something great. Newbie mixes improved my game greatly, and I would be sad to see it go, but at the same time Tino, do what makes sense.
Id still lend a helping hand, but in order for the group to survive it needs a capable leader.
Id still lend a helping hand, but in order for the group to survive it needs a capable leader.
Whether it continues or not, just wanted to give my shoutouts to everybody too. I attended Newbie Mixes every Friday for probably 6-8 months just to help out and keep everyone entertained and it was always lots of fun, and lots of great players have learned there. Love to the boys Tino listed, and him.
Whether it continues or not, just wanted to give my shoutouts to everybody too. I attended Newbie Mixes every Friday for probably 6-8 months just to help out and keep everyone entertained and it was always lots of fun, and lots of great players have learned there. Love to the boys Tino listed, and him.
I actually was part of the s23 newbie mix open team. And that made want to dedicate myself to improve and grow. Hopefully newbie mix won'the die and that s23 wasn't the last season for the newbie mix drive.
I actually was part of the s23 newbie mix open team. And that made want to dedicate myself to improve and grow. Hopefully newbie mix won'the die and that s23 wasn't the last season for the newbie mix drive.
newbie mixes got me in to comp it's sad to see them go.
:'(
newbie mixes got me in to comp it's sad to see them go.
:'(
I might be down to admin possibly, I have to see how leading my IM team goes, and school,and work first.
I might be down to admin possibly, I have to see how leading my IM team goes, and school,and work first.
I have a suggestion that might make it easier to run them. Why not have a concentrated "newbie drive" every time before the new season starts, do a bunch of mixes with coaches and other people while publicizing their existence on reddit and elsewhere, run them for a month, encourage the new players to make friends and form their own teams, and then let them run their own low open/newbie pugs during the actual season? We'd need to do it off the back of a big public event like a LAN (the weeks leading up the Rewind, with all of the hype building up around it and the next season right after the LAN ends would be a good time) or a season start. That way coaches and volunteers can know, ok, they're dedicating four Fridays in the off-season to mixes, can't scrim that time with their own team, but it won't disrupt the season.
It won't be a big deal since if someone decides that they're interested in competitive while the season is running, they'd have to wait and maintain interest for months anyways.
We can also come together to make a bunch of videos (ala updated versions of Marxist's class guides/etc) that summarizes competitive as well as everything anyone may need to know about getting started, and putting them somewhere prominent, so that the people who do develop an interest in competitive during the season can watch the guides and join something like faceit or the newbie pugs and not feel completely unprepared.
I would be willing to help out with running the drives in the off-season and I might know a few more people who might also be interested in the organizational stuff.
I have a suggestion that might make it easier to run them. Why not have a concentrated "newbie drive" every time before the new season starts, do a bunch of mixes with coaches and other people while publicizing their existence on reddit and elsewhere, run them for a month, encourage the new players to make friends and form their own teams, and then let them run their own low open/newbie pugs during the actual season? We'd need to do it off the back of a big public event like a LAN (the weeks leading up the Rewind, with all of the hype building up around it and the next season right after the LAN ends would be a good time) or a season start. That way coaches and volunteers can know, ok, they're dedicating four Fridays in the off-season to mixes, can't scrim that time with their own team, but it won't disrupt the season.
It won't be a big deal since if someone decides that they're interested in competitive while the season is running, they'd have to wait and maintain interest for months anyways.
We can also come together to make a bunch of videos (ala updated versions of Marxist's class guides/etc) that summarizes competitive as well as everything anyone may need to know about getting started, and putting them somewhere prominent, so that the people who do develop an interest in competitive during the season can watch the guides and join something like faceit or the newbie pugs and not feel completely unprepared.
I would be willing to help out with running the drives in the off-season and I might know a few more people who might also be interested in the organizational stuff.
The hardest and most frustrating part of Newbie Mix Admin is definitely finding capable, willing coaches. Anyone who has played above high open on my friends list knows the pain of getting bothered every week to come and help. Thank you to everyone who ever donated their time and Friday nights to mentor newbies.
To whoever takes the helm, you have my support and anything you need.
The hardest and most frustrating part of Newbie Mix Admin is definitely finding capable, willing coaches. Anyone who has played above high open on my friends list knows the pain of getting bothered every week to come and help. Thank you to everyone who ever donated their time and Friday nights to mentor newbies.
To whoever takes the helm, you have my support and anything you need.
Tino_I am also just looking for the general feeling from the community regarding mixes. If I cannot find the players to run it, is it something that you think matters any more or will it be ok if it dies out?
As someone who wants to get onto a team and play competitively - hands down NA Newbie Mixes have been the single best resource. I can't thank you and the coaches enough for doing this.
I've read the other resources, watched the videos, etc. Nothing beats a coach giving you advice during/after each round.
Unfortunately I don't have comp experience, but if there's anything re organization/etc I can help with, please let me know.
[quote=Tino_]I am also just looking for the general feeling from the community regarding mixes. If I cannot find the players to run it, is it something that you think matters any more or will it be ok if it dies out?
[/quote]
As someone who wants to get onto a team and play competitively - hands down NA Newbie Mixes have been the single best resource. I can't thank you and the coaches enough for doing this.
I've read the other resources, watched the videos, etc. Nothing beats a coach giving you advice during/after each round.
Unfortunately I don't have comp experience, but if there's anything re organization/etc I can help with, please let me know.
I'd be more than happy to admin for this since I know several players who have part of their competitive career owed to this group. One of my favorite things to see is new players eager to learn the game competitively.
I'd be more than happy to admin for this since I know several players who have part of their competitive career owed to this group. One of my favorite things to see is new players eager to learn the game competitively.
Wow I remember when I started playing newbie mixes and all of the helpful coaches and admin staff that were there that helped push me and get me better at the game. I don't think I can admin because of college and work but I will definitely make a stronger effort to help coach! In my opinion newbie mixes are an integral part of getting people interested in comp and getting better at it, at least it was definitely the driving force for me.
Wow I remember when I started playing newbie mixes and all of the helpful coaches and admin staff that were there that helped push me and get me better at the game. I don't think I can admin because of college and work but I will definitely make a stronger effort to help coach! In my opinion newbie mixes are an integral part of getting people interested in comp and getting better at it, at least it was definitely the driving force for me.
Newbie mixes is a treasure. When I was frustrated with a season of ugc, tf2center being horrible, and not knowing what to do to improve, I found newbie mixes. The difference it made in my ability to learn 6s was astounding- no other resource came anywhere near teaching me so much about the game, as quickly, and as effectively as newbie mixes.
After two seasons of UGC, not knowing how to actually get onto an open team, newbie mixes was there again. I got placed with an awesome group of teammates, with an excellent mentor, and had a really fun season.
None of this would have likely happened without newbie mixes.
Every time I talk to somebody who wants to get into competitive, I point them to newbie mixes. WITHOUT FAIL, the ones who play in them tell me it was really fun and they are really excited to play more competitive tf2.
There were 11 open teams formed in the most recent newbie mix team drive. That's probably around 50-70 players who played in ESEA that wouldn't have otherwise.
I hope somebody steps up. Save newbie mixes!
Newbie mixes is a treasure. When I was frustrated with a season of ugc, tf2center being horrible, and not knowing what to do to improve, I found newbie mixes. The difference it made in my ability to learn 6s was astounding- no other resource came anywhere near teaching me so much about the game, as quickly, and as effectively as newbie mixes.
After two seasons of UGC, not knowing how to actually get onto an open team, newbie mixes was there again. I got placed with an awesome group of teammates, with an excellent mentor, and had a really fun season.
None of this would have likely happened without newbie mixes.
Every time I talk to somebody who wants to get into competitive, I point them to newbie mixes. WITHOUT FAIL, the ones who play in them tell me it was really fun and they are really excited to play more competitive tf2.
[b]There were 11 open teams formed in the most recent newbie mix team drive.[/b] That's probably around 50-70 players who played in ESEA that wouldn't have otherwise.
I hope somebody steps up. Save newbie mixes!
drshdwpuppetThe hardest and most frustrating part of Newbie Mix Admin is definitely finding capable, willing coaches. Anyone who has played above high open on my friends list knows the pain of getting bothered every week to come and help. Thank you to everyone who ever donated their time and Friday nights to mentor newbies.
To whoever takes the helm, you have my support and anything you need.
This cannot be stressed enough. And especially considering how formal and well organized for what it was before, there is no room for half assing it otherwise it just falls apart.
[quote=drshdwpuppet]The hardest and most frustrating part of Newbie Mix Admin is definitely finding capable, willing coaches. Anyone who has played above high open on my friends list knows the pain of getting bothered every week to come and help. Thank you to everyone who ever donated their time and Friday nights to mentor newbies.
To whoever takes the helm, you have my support and anything you need.[/quote]
This cannot be stressed enough. And especially considering how formal and well organized for what it was before, there is no room for half assing it otherwise it just falls apart.
I remember my first and currently only Newbies Mix (9:00PM EST sucks for me and I actually had to leave in the middle of that game because I thought I had time).
Anyways, as a newbie to competitive TF2 and the game in general, it was really welcoming to have a place where I could just play competitive TF2 and go against other people like me. And before playing, I though it was just a place to play comp TF2, and wouldn't take that long due to 30 minute games.I underestimated the time I I had though, but the time I though I wouldn't have needed were for good reasons.
Mentoring. The coaches helped explain and give advice on things related to 6's while you're waiting for everyone else to get onto the server and get ready. I'm really hoping someone can continue this amazing group.
EDIT: Some spelling
I remember my first and currently only Newbies Mix (9:00PM EST sucks for me and I actually had to leave in the middle of that game because I thought I had time).
Anyways, as a newbie to competitive TF2 and the game in general, it was really welcoming to have a place where I could just play competitive TF2 and go against other people like me. And before playing, I though it was just a place to play comp TF2, and wouldn't take that long due to 30 minute games.I underestimated the time I I had though, but the time I though I wouldn't have needed were for good reasons.
Mentoring. The coaches helped explain and give advice on things related to 6's while you're waiting for everyone else to get onto the server and get ready. I'm really hoping someone can continue this amazing group.
EDIT: Some spelling
I never attended newbie mixes but if it stays alive I would love to.
I never attended newbie mixes but if it stays alive I would love to.
CitricNewbie mixes is a treasure. When I was frustrated with a season of ugc, tf2center being horrible, and not knowing what to do to improve, I found newbie mixes. The difference it made in my ability to learn 6s was astounding- no other resource came anywhere near teaching me so much about the game, as quickly, and as effectively as newbie mixes.
After two seasons of UGC, not knowing how to actually get onto an open team, newbie mixes was there again. I got placed with an awesome group of teammates, with an excellent mentor, and had a really fun season.
None of this would have likely happened without newbie mixes.
Every time I talk to somebody who wants to get into competitive, I point them to newbie mixes. WITHOUT FAIL, the ones who play in them tell me it was really fun and they are really excited to play more competitive tf2.
There were 11 open teams formed in the most recent newbie mix team drive. That's probably around 50-70 players who played in ESEA that wouldn't have otherwise.
I hope somebody steps up. Save newbie mixes!
How many of those teams played more than 6 matches? It seems to me like the newbie mix team drive (not newbie mixes themselves) were artificial growth more than anything.
[quote=Citric]Newbie mixes is a treasure. When I was frustrated with a season of ugc, tf2center being horrible, and not knowing what to do to improve, I found newbie mixes. The difference it made in my ability to learn 6s was astounding- no other resource came anywhere near teaching me so much about the game, as quickly, and as effectively as newbie mixes.
After two seasons of UGC, not knowing how to actually get onto an open team, newbie mixes was there again. I got placed with an awesome group of teammates, with an excellent mentor, and had a really fun season.
None of this would have likely happened without newbie mixes.
Every time I talk to somebody who wants to get into competitive, I point them to newbie mixes. WITHOUT FAIL, the ones who play in them tell me it was really fun and they are really excited to play more competitive tf2.
[b]There were 11 open teams formed in the most recent newbie mix team drive.[/b] That's probably around 50-70 players who played in ESEA that wouldn't have otherwise.
I hope somebody steps up. Save newbie mixes![/quote]
How many of those teams played more than 6 matches? It seems to me like the newbie mix team drive (not newbie mixes themselves) were artificial growth more than anything.
I think the fact that you can see a few people here and in other posts saying that Newbie Mixes were the way they came into the competitive scene shows it can, and does work.
This is also a bump because I view this as an incredibly valuable tool in getting new players comfortable enough to play "in the big leagues"
I think the fact that you can see a few people here and in other posts saying that Newbie Mixes were the way they came into the competitive scene shows it can, and does work.
This is also a bump because I view this as an incredibly valuable tool in getting new players comfortable enough to play "in the big leagues"
saam
How many of those teams played more than 6 matches? It seems to me like the newbie mix team drive (not newbie mixes themselves) were artificial growth more than anything.
I don't think its fair to categorize it as artificial growth, plenty of the players and a few of the teams from the S22 drive were playing again in S23, players that likely wouldn't have been playing esea at all had it not been for the newbie mix drive. Sure, realistically the drive isnt adding 50-60 new players to the scene every season, but its certainly introducing more new players than any other organization or outlet.
[quote=saam]
How many of those teams played more than 6 matches? It seems to me like the newbie mix team drive (not newbie mixes themselves) were artificial growth more than anything.[/quote]
I don't think its fair to categorize it as artificial growth, plenty of the players and a few of the teams from the S22 drive were playing again in S23, players that likely wouldn't have been playing esea at all had it not been for the newbie mix drive. Sure, realistically the drive isnt adding 50-60 new players to the scene every season, but its certainly introducing more new players than any other organization or outlet.
If newbie mixes die, comp dies
If newbie mixes die, comp dies
Just to give a quick update;
I have gotten many people that are looking to help keep these alive. Thanks to everyone who has gotten in contact with me, it looks like the mixes will keep on moving forward with the support we have. I will be contacting everyone in the next day or so to sort everything out and get things set up.
Just to give a quick update;
I have gotten many people that are looking to help keep these alive. Thanks to everyone who has gotten in contact with me, it looks like the mixes will keep on moving forward with the support we have. I will be contacting everyone in the next day or so to sort everything out and get things set up.