I've been playing City of Heroes for a few months now and in the past have played Dark Age of Camelot.
In the super group most my characters belong to other members tend to use 'kk' in place of 'ok'. I never asked anyone why they were using that. Maybe it's actually in widespread use in MMORPGs and I've just never run into it before. Anyone know why kk would be used in place of ok? It's the same number of characters so it couldn't be short hand for ok. At least I would imagine not.
Yes, yes, I know; I could ask in game...but the peer group coward I am doesn't allow me to do so even as I find myself using 'kk' since all the cool kids are using it.
Any insight would be appreciated.
On a side note, I have noticed another one being used and wonder if it's used in other games and if it is perhaps an old phrase or something that has recently evolved. Namely, 'bio' as in afk using the head.
All the interesting language and social structures in these games almost makes me want to give up coding and go back to what I originally went to school for many years ago -- anthropology. Probably lots of interesting papers could be done on MMORPG cultures, their customs and language usage.
Thought I'd tack my own recommendations onto this post as I whole heartedly agree with the list the poster gave.
First, I'd like to say that I highly, highly recommend a series by Philip Pullman "His Dark Materials" the first book of which is "The Golden Compass". It's definitely more fantasy than SF, but since you mentioned Tolkien and such I thought it would be a good recommendation. Though this series is not at all Tolkienesque aside from the fact that I found the process of reading this series in my 20's just as magical as I did reading The Lord of the Rings many years earlier. Also, the protaganist is a girl who is (though I hate to use the word) plucky to say the least and grew up in an alternate universe Oxford University. It has everything from wonder, magic and friendship to armored bears. Can't be beat. Waiting impatiently for my own nieces to get a bit older so I can get them the series. Here's the wikipedia entry on the series: The Golden Compass.
Aside from that I strongly agree with previous recommendations such as Mercedes Lackey. Many of her books are great for teenagers in general I believe...and I say that as an old member of her fan club back in the days before the web (should I be embarrassed by that?). Also, Elizabeth Moon is a great writer of both SF and Fantasy. Hey, what other writer do you know who manages to mix horses with SF military?
David Eddings is another writer of fantasy I'd agree with as a strong recommendation. He has both strong male and female characters. I originally read the Belgariad when I was in the early years of that prison they called high school and loved it.
Further on fantasy I'd say The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin (first book is "A Game of Thrones") is something that shouldn't be missed. Though your nieces may hate you when they get to the newest book (#4) and have to wait for the next one to come out. The series is well written, well envisioned, probably more than a dozen strong plot lines and very well developed character. Female and male.
Well that and all the other good recommendations already posted should give you a great help when you do your holiday shopping (and if you haven't read some of these yourself you might want to grab an extra copy here and there...or tell your nieces you want to borrow them).
Very true. I recently found a copy in a game store as well as a dual pack of Fallout 1 and 2. All games that I missed when they came out, but have heard such fantastic things about in Slashdot discussions.
Very much looking forward to playing all three...Whenever I find the time. Just about to make a 1200 mile move and start a new job so we'll see how time works out.
If these games are even half as good as people say they are then they are well worth the few dollars you can legally buy them for now.
Actually, I'm one of the people who ECT did nothing good for. Big waste.
Finally have found something that helps, and it figures it's a drug that was originally FDA approved back in 1960. Don't know why such was never tried, but then the docs tend to be brainwashed by all the goodies and free lunches from the drug reps and so they focus only on the bright new drugs and then jump to ECT when they all fail, or when they believe they need to get results ASAP (like in a hospital and the patient's insurance company is screaming to get him out the door. But then hospitals and insurance are a whole other story).
I've never told anyone to not get ECT, but I've told people my story and told them to really research it as well as they can and to consider it deeply before undergoing it.
For me I've lost a solid two years surrounding the treatment periods and my long term memory stretching back to childhood is kind of like swiss cheese sadly. Also, and very bad I think and probably most Slashdotters would agree, is I lost most of the memories of how to do what I earn my living as -- a programmer. I've had to relearn tons of things. Not fun.
On the other hand I have known a couple people who had the treatment and for them it was like throwing up the blinds on a dark room to let the sun in. Others, like myself, had no relief of smyptoms but still paid in memory loss.
I honestly don't know how prevalent long term memory loss is for patients in general. I was only warned of losing memories from the period of treatment as short term memory is affected and thus no long term memories are formed. Well, few at least. I do recall bits from those two years, but mainly the memories are snap shots having no relation to one another.
I was originally told my lost long term memories would return shortly. Then it would be weeks. Then several weeks. Then months...And now the doc really doesn't want to discuss it. I figure they are probably gone. Weird thing is I don't know the true extent. You don't realize you are missing a memory until someone mentions something from the past but you have no recollection of what they are talking about. Or, sometimes it's just the realization that something is familiar but you can't pin it down. Like knowing you saw a movie, but not being able to recall the plot for the life of you.
Personally speaking, I've also had related problems with cognition. I fear I'm not as sharp as I once was. And I have a very odd inability now to visualize objects in three dimensions and rotate them. Not a real big deal I guess, but recently a two minute job replacing the wiper blades on my vehicle took 20 minutes b/c I couldn't visualize how things needed to be moved and fitted. That was frustrating.
Yes, I know what you're talking about with that pin trick. Lobotomy with a hat pin up the nose or through the eye socket. That sounds like something nightmares would be made of.
And, I hadn't thought of it like that, but I can see where watching the whole twitching foot thing while the rest of the patient's body is inert would be kind of creepy.
Actually, just wanted to point out that ECT isn't anything horrifying or disturbing to watch these days.
The patient is put under general anthesia and given a muscle relaxant so when the seizure occurs they aren't hurt. Usually a cuff is put on one ankle so the medical staff can see when the seizure takes place.
There is no pain to remember.
I had it done many, too many times (but that is a different post). Worst physical effect I ever had was a light headache after the fact. There is no memory of the procedure. My last memory was the nice nurse putting the oxygen mask over my mouth and nose and everything going fuzzy. Next memory is coming to in the recovery room and usually being hungry and thirsty since you fast before the procedure due to the anthesia.
No one who I knew having the procedure done as well ever reported any other physical effects.
Of course, whether it works for the patient and the side effects of memory loss are another story.
When I saw this headline on the main page I was quite excited thinking it was going to lead to an announcement of a Shadowrun MMO finally.
I really wish one would come around. I loved the pen & paper game. I ran a campaign for years and years, but sadly that ended several years ago and I haven't been able to find or start a new campaign as I live far from my players now.
I don't know if an MMO would completely slack my thirst to play Shadowrun again. Probably now, as the MMO's I've played while fun weren't the same as a good pen and paper game. Still, it would be very, very nice.
I don't think I'd be that into a Shadowrun FPS. While it might be a bit of fun it will be missing so much of the game...Not to mention completely lacking in any social factor.
The post's author passed on some interesting information that was entirely pertainant to the discussion. And did so without any negativity or attack of anyone. How is this a troll?
I hear you. Long ago I ran a TW:2000 campaign that ran about a year and a half. I ignored so many of the rules. All the looking things up and making so many dice rolls for every little thing got in the way of the story. Not that my players didn't enjoy throwing the bones, but I kept it to dramatic moments like combat and death defying leaps and such.
I did much the same when I ran a Shadowrun campaign for many years. The decker is off looking for information...rather than have her roll for every little thing we just did some rolling to see what she found and some rolling to bypass ICE (nasty intruder destroying programs). In combat there would be dice rolling and for dramatic moments like leaping from a flaming vehicle, but otherwise we just winged it. I can't understand rolling some dice to see if a player managed to sweet talk some info out of the Don's niece or if they found that rare item in the market. Rules that get in the way of the story or destroy the flow during a climatic scene should be disregarded.
At least that's how I like it, and my players as well.
Ah, PBEMs. Yeah, they work best when the story is everything. Only been involved in one though. An Amber campaign. I swear I don't think I've ever worked harder on a character's background than I did for that game.
Ok, done rambling.
-BDZ
Addendum: by the way, if you love your rules and throwing the dice then more power to ya. It's not my cup of tea, but I sure don't look down my nose at you for what you find fun.
Now they seem to specify this practice on their subscription form (from their website):
Your subscription will continue each year at the rate then in effect as long as you wish unless you tell us otherwise. You will receive an annual reminder about 60 days before your credit card is charged or a bill is sent, according to how you initially subscribed. You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on any unmailed copies.
Still pretty cruddy in my opinion. I prefer opt-in to opt-out in a big way.
Also, just re-reading it...This bit "as long as you wish unless you tell us otherwise" seems kind of oddly worded. How do they know what I wish unless I tell them so?
I'll be sticking to my habit of flipping through a copy at the newstand I think.
I think the most important thing you can do to stand head and shoulders above most repair and tech services is to simply communicate.
What does this mean? First, and most importantly, return calls and emails immediately. Nothing worse than not hearing back from your vendor or service for days after leaving multiple messages. Actually, this is really true for almost any business. It seems less and less people can be bothered to return calls.
Secondly, don't treat the client like an idiot, even if he is. Take a little time to explain what you are doing/did/going to do in non-techie speech if necessary. People like to be kept in the loop when they are footing the bill usually, and no one likes to be treated like an idiot. And remember no one is an expert on all subjects in life. Ever deal with a mechanic/plumber/contractor who talked down to you and got angry at your innocent questions?
Thirdly, when you bill, give a rundown on what you did. Not just "fixed the problem" -- $500. People like to know what they've paid for.
Finally, remember the saying (I think it originated in Japan?) that the customer is god. Doesn't mean you need to kiss up. Simply that you should be respectful.
All together, these things will make for happy clients who will use you again and tell others about how you are better than your competitors.
-BDZ
What I was thinking was that the game must connect to their servers during play and perhaps they check to see what serial number is attached to your copy to see if it's a valid copy or whatever.
If remember my long ago anatomy classes correctly I believe there is a main artery off to either side of the 'family jewels'. Wouldn't kill you outright, but you'd be down and would bleed out.
Not that I think your point about snipers preferring the drop 'em dead shot to head or heart is invalid.
I have to agree. I much prefer to play Shadowrun. Also, I think the Shadowrun setting would make for a very interesting show if done right, but then that's always what it comes down to: "if done right."
Sadly, "done right" is a rarity.
Replying to this so late that no one is likely to read it...none-the-less, I completely agree about a Shadowrun MMORPG. I'd be there.
I've never been a player in SR, but I ran a campaign for years with first, then second and briefly third edition rules. Some things were so convoluted it was easier to come up with streamlined house rules to keep the gaming flowing at a nice pace. I hope 4th. edition rules are less cumbersome. I might go seeking players for a new campaign then.
Back in the day when my old gaming group used to do hack n' slash dungeon crawls we would have killed for something as neat as this. But, of course, being a bunch of kids we'd never be able to afford such a setup even if it was available then.
Our DM either just sketched things out as we went along. For a while we had a table top painted with some kind of chalk board paint...
But then we moved beyond the ol' hack n' slash stuff and moved more to the role playing side of things and it wasn't such a problem.
And miniatures? Couldn't afford those on a paper boy salary. Plus, come to think of it the one kid I did know who had lots of those things came down with some kind of brain disorder from sucking on the lead things.
I have no problem with the workers striking. What I do have a problem with is allowing them to picket or whatever on the island. Why were striking and unhappy workers allowed anywhere near the generators.
You'd think they'd have to strike wherever the goverment ferry picked them up. Not on the island.
Slashdot Mirror
I wonder if someone can explain this one to me.
I've been playing City of Heroes for a few months now and in the past have played Dark Age of Camelot.
In the super group most my characters belong to other members tend to use 'kk' in place of 'ok'. I never asked anyone why they were using that. Maybe it's actually in widespread use in MMORPGs and I've just never run into it before. Anyone know why kk would be used in place of ok? It's the same number of characters so it couldn't be short hand for ok. At least I would imagine not.
Yes, yes, I know; I could ask in game...but the peer group coward I am doesn't allow me to do so even as I find myself using 'kk' since all the cool kids are using it.
Any insight would be appreciated.
On a side note, I have noticed another one being used and wonder if it's used in other games and if it is perhaps an old phrase or something that has recently evolved. Namely, 'bio' as in afk using the head.
All the interesting language and social structures in these games almost makes me want to give up coding and go back to what I originally went to school for many years ago -- anthropology. Probably lots of interesting papers could be done on MMORPG cultures, their customs and language usage.
Thought I'd tack my own recommendations onto this post as I whole heartedly agree with the list the poster gave.
First, I'd like to say that I highly, highly recommend a series by Philip Pullman "His Dark Materials" the first book of which is "The Golden Compass". It's definitely more fantasy than SF, but since you mentioned Tolkien and such I thought it would be a good recommendation. Though this series is not at all Tolkienesque aside from the fact that I found the process of reading this series in my 20's just as magical as I did reading The Lord of the Rings many years earlier. Also, the protaganist is a girl who is (though I hate to use the word) plucky to say the least and grew up in an alternate universe Oxford University. It has everything from wonder, magic and friendship to armored bears. Can't be beat. Waiting impatiently for my own nieces to get a bit older so I can get them the series. Here's the wikipedia entry on the series: The Golden Compass.
Aside from that I strongly agree with previous recommendations such as Mercedes Lackey. Many of her books are great for teenagers in general I believe...and I say that as an old member of her fan club back in the days before the web (should I be embarrassed by that?). Also, Elizabeth Moon is a great writer of both SF and Fantasy. Hey, what other writer do you know who manages to mix horses with SF military?
David Eddings is another writer of fantasy I'd agree with as a strong recommendation. He has both strong male and female characters. I originally read the Belgariad when I was in the early years of that prison they called high school and loved it.
Further on fantasy I'd say The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin (first book is "A Game of Thrones") is something that shouldn't be missed. Though your nieces may hate you when they get to the newest book (#4) and have to wait for the next one to come out. The series is well written, well envisioned, probably more than a dozen strong plot lines and very well developed character. Female and male.
Well that and all the other good recommendations already posted should give you a great help when you do your holiday shopping (and if you haven't read some of these yourself you might want to grab an extra copy here and there...or tell your nieces you want to borrow them).
Enjoy.
-BDZ
Very true. I recently found a copy in a game store as well as a dual pack of Fallout 1 and 2. All games that I missed when they came out, but have heard such fantastic things about in Slashdot discussions.
Very much looking forward to playing all three...Whenever I find the time. Just about to make a 1200 mile move and start a new job so we'll see how time works out.
If these games are even half as good as people say they are then they are well worth the few dollars you can legally buy them for now.
Actually, I'm one of the people who ECT did nothing good for. Big waste.
Finally have found something that helps, and it figures it's a drug that was originally FDA approved back in 1960. Don't know why such was never tried, but then the docs tend to be brainwashed by all the goodies and free lunches from the drug reps and so they focus only on the bright new drugs and then jump to ECT when they all fail, or when they believe they need to get results ASAP (like in a hospital and the patient's insurance company is screaming to get him out the door. But then hospitals and insurance are a whole other story).
I've never told anyone to not get ECT, but I've told people my story and told them to really research it as well as they can and to consider it deeply before undergoing it.
For me I've lost a solid two years surrounding the treatment periods and my long term memory stretching back to childhood is kind of like swiss cheese sadly. Also, and very bad I think and probably most Slashdotters would agree, is I lost most of the memories of how to do what I earn my living as -- a programmer. I've had to relearn tons of things. Not fun.
On the other hand I have known a couple people who had the treatment and for them it was like throwing up the blinds on a dark room to let the sun in. Others, like myself, had no relief of smyptoms but still paid in memory loss.
I honestly don't know how prevalent long term memory loss is for patients in general. I was only warned of losing memories from the period of treatment as short term memory is affected and thus no long term memories are formed. Well, few at least. I do recall bits from those two years, but mainly the memories are snap shots having no relation to one another.
I was originally told my lost long term memories would return shortly. Then it would be weeks. Then several weeks. Then months...And now the doc really doesn't want to discuss it. I figure they are probably gone. Weird thing is I don't know the true extent. You don't realize you are missing a memory until someone mentions something from the past but you have no recollection of what they are talking about. Or, sometimes it's just the realization that something is familiar but you can't pin it down. Like knowing you saw a movie, but not being able to recall the plot for the life of you.
Personally speaking, I've also had related problems with cognition. I fear I'm not as sharp as I once was. And I have a very odd inability now to visualize objects in three dimensions and rotate them. Not a real big deal I guess, but recently a two minute job replacing the wiper blades on my vehicle took 20 minutes b/c I couldn't visualize how things needed to be moved and fitted. That was frustrating.
Yes, I know what you're talking about with that pin trick. Lobotomy with a hat pin up the nose or through the eye socket. That sounds like something nightmares would be made of.
And, I hadn't thought of it like that, but I can see where watching the whole twitching foot thing while the rest of the patient's body is inert would be kind of creepy.
Actually, just wanted to point out that ECT isn't anything horrifying or disturbing to watch these days.
The patient is put under general anthesia and given a muscle relaxant so when the seizure occurs they aren't hurt. Usually a cuff is put on one ankle so the medical staff can see when the seizure takes place.
There is no pain to remember.
I had it done many, too many times (but that is a different post). Worst physical effect I ever had was a light headache after the fact. There is no memory of the procedure. My last memory was the nice nurse putting the oxygen mask over my mouth and nose and everything going fuzzy. Next memory is coming to in the recovery room and usually being hungry and thirsty since you fast before the procedure due to the anthesia.
No one who I knew having the procedure done as well ever reported any other physical effects.
Of course, whether it works for the patient and the side effects of memory loss are another story.
When I saw this headline on the main page I was quite excited thinking it was going to lead to an announcement of a Shadowrun MMO finally.
I really wish one would come around. I loved the pen & paper game. I ran a campaign for years and years, but sadly that ended several years ago and I haven't been able to find or start a new campaign as I live far from my players now.
I don't know if an MMO would completely slack my thirst to play Shadowrun again. Probably now, as the MMO's I've played while fun weren't the same as a good pen and paper game. Still, it would be very, very nice.
I don't think I'd be that into a Shadowrun FPS. While it might be a bit of fun it will be missing so much of the game...Not to mention completely lacking in any social factor.
Hopefully some day a Shadowrun MMO will be made.
Why was this modded as 'Troll'?
The post's author passed on some interesting information that was entirely pertainant to the discussion. And did so without any negativity or attack of anyone. How is this a troll?
I hope I get to meta-Mod this particular mod.
More money can always buy you more and even more power.
I hear you. Long ago I ran a TW:2000 campaign that ran about a year and a half. I ignored so many of the rules. All the looking things up and making so many dice rolls for every little thing got in the way of the story. Not that my players didn't enjoy throwing the bones, but I kept it to dramatic moments like combat and death defying leaps and such.
I did much the same when I ran a Shadowrun campaign for many years. The decker is off looking for information...rather than have her roll for every little thing we just did some rolling to see what she found and some rolling to bypass ICE (nasty intruder destroying programs). In combat there would be dice rolling and for dramatic moments like leaping from a flaming vehicle, but otherwise we just winged it. I can't understand rolling some dice to see if a player managed to sweet talk some info out of the Don's niece or if they found that rare item in the market. Rules that get in the way of the story or destroy the flow during a climatic scene should be disregarded.
At least that's how I like it, and my players as well.
Ah, PBEMs. Yeah, they work best when the story is everything. Only been involved in one though. An Amber campaign. I swear I don't think I've ever worked harder on a character's background than I did for that game.
Ok, done rambling.
-BDZ
Addendum: by the way, if you love your rules and throwing the dice then more power to ya. It's not my cup of tea, but I sure don't look down my nose at you for what you find fun.
Wait. Coffee stains have a positive modifier on charisma!?!
Where the heck is my mug!
Now they seem to specify this practice on their subscription form (from their website):
Your subscription will continue each year at the rate then in effect as long as you wish unless you tell us otherwise. You will receive an annual reminder about 60 days before your credit card is charged or a bill is sent, according to how you initially subscribed. You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on any unmailed copies.
Still pretty cruddy in my opinion. I prefer opt-in to opt-out in a big way.
Also, just re-reading it...This bit "as long as you wish unless you tell us otherwise" seems kind of oddly worded. How do they know what I wish unless I tell them so?
I'll be sticking to my habit of flipping through a copy at the newstand I think.
I think the most important thing you can do to stand head and shoulders above most repair and tech services is to simply communicate. What does this mean? First, and most importantly, return calls and emails immediately. Nothing worse than not hearing back from your vendor or service for days after leaving multiple messages. Actually, this is really true for almost any business. It seems less and less people can be bothered to return calls. Secondly, don't treat the client like an idiot, even if he is. Take a little time to explain what you are doing/did/going to do in non-techie speech if necessary. People like to be kept in the loop when they are footing the bill usually, and no one likes to be treated like an idiot. And remember no one is an expert on all subjects in life. Ever deal with a mechanic/plumber/contractor who talked down to you and got angry at your innocent questions? Thirdly, when you bill, give a rundown on what you did. Not just "fixed the problem" -- $500. People like to know what they've paid for. Finally, remember the saying (I think it originated in Japan?) that the customer is god. Doesn't mean you need to kiss up. Simply that you should be respectful. All together, these things will make for happy clients who will use you again and tell others about how you are better than your competitors. -BDZ
What I was thinking was that the game must connect to their servers during play and perhaps they check to see what serial number is attached to your copy to see if it's a valid copy or whatever.
Just peeked real quick at Bioware's site and one of the requirements to run it was a working internet connection while playing.
If remember my long ago anatomy classes correctly I believe there is a main artery off to either side of the 'family jewels'. Wouldn't kill you outright, but you'd be down and would bleed out. Not that I think your point about snipers preferring the drop 'em dead shot to head or heart is invalid.
Well said. Wish I had some mod points today to push you up as funny.
I have to admit that I try to.
I have to agree. I much prefer to play Shadowrun. Also, I think the Shadowrun setting would make for a very interesting show if done right, but then that's always what it comes down to: "if done right." Sadly, "done right" is a rarity.
Replying to this so late that no one is likely to read it...none-the-less, I completely agree about a Shadowrun MMORPG. I'd be there. I've never been a player in SR, but I ran a campaign for years with first, then second and briefly third edition rules. Some things were so convoluted it was easier to come up with streamlined house rules to keep the gaming flowing at a nice pace. I hope 4th. edition rules are less cumbersome. I might go seeking players for a new campaign then.
Back in the day when my old gaming group used to do hack n' slash dungeon crawls we would have killed for something as neat as this. But, of course, being a bunch of kids we'd never be able to afford such a setup even if it was available then. Our DM either just sketched things out as we went along. For a while we had a table top painted with some kind of chalk board paint... But then we moved beyond the ol' hack n' slash stuff and moved more to the role playing side of things and it wasn't such a problem. And miniatures? Couldn't afford those on a paper boy salary. Plus, come to think of it the one kid I did know who had lots of those things came down with some kind of brain disorder from sucking on the lead things.
I have no problem with the workers striking. What I do have a problem with is allowing them to picket or whatever on the island. Why were striking and unhappy workers allowed anywhere near the generators. You'd think they'd have to strike wherever the goverment ferry picked them up. Not on the island.
Wish I had seen it. Do you, or anyone, know if they ever play it on BBC America? Anyone ever heard the original radio show? -BDZ
Glad I wasn't the only one to think of this right off the bat!