The line for JCP is a terrible concept

Mcbard · #1 06-02-2011, 01:30 PM

I don't understand the concept behind this line. From what I gather it was originally created because a bunch of casuals were whining that they didn't have a chance at the prod because people who were guilded made sure that their guildies would get a prod before handing the camp off. For some reason this was a problem so a line was put into place so that you only had to show up to have a chance at the prod. The line however has it's own problems. Namely, it is very long. As I type this the next 20 hours worth of prods are spoken for. This means, that you have to have 24 hours of time where you can't play your character but instead have to go sit at a spot and do something else. The caveat being, that according to the current rules of said line, you can't really leave your computer for more than 20 minutes of that 24 hours because if you linkdead for any period of time longer than that you're going to lose your spot and have to start over. Personally, I have zero problem whatsoever actively, non-afk, camping an item for 12 hours or so, possibly longer but that's not how this line works. This camp awards people who have no desire whatsoever to actually play their character so long as they can A) show up when their spawn is due, and B) have a steady enough internet connection to never go link dead while in the line. It's for this reason there are now people farming the item repeatedly, because it involves a grand total of about 10minutes of actual playtime per prod and minimal effort. That's not how camps are supposed to work, and this is the only one I can think of off the top of my head where afk camping is not only allowed, but due to the length of the line and a 4 hour spawn time actually encouraged. I don't understand why this system is allowed?

P.S. Yes I'm partly QQ'ing because although I've spent more time there then everyone else in the line, because I went ld while sleeping while they were afk sleeping not ld I lost my spot and they did not, but I would like to think that camps in EverQuest have never been as easy as show up, go do something else, come back later, profit.

Edit: Since at some point I'm sure a solution would probably be asked for, I would recommend that if an open line was kept in place, there be a rule that you are at your keyboard, not afking 20 hours at a time and that you are able to respond within a reasonable timeframe to a camp check or you lose your spot, just like at every other camp in the game. This way, all the afk campers stop showing up, and it is no longer encouraged given the ruleset.

Mcbard · #2 06-02-2011, 01:44 PM

Also, I wanted to note that this is not supposed to be a completely whiny rant (I probably could have named the thread better) but more of an opening of dialogue between people on how this camp can be changed for the better, and what the current issues with it are, if you feel that there are any!

Tumdumm · #3 06-02-2011, 01:47 PM

i clicked this thinking JCP was JC Pennys

Striiker · #4 06-02-2011, 01:54 PM

Ugh, reminds me of the old days on live with Drelzna and the Jboots.. The line went out the door and onto the stairs.. It certainly helped keep my sanity in that "expansive" room with "calm" wallpaper..

Mardur · #5 06-02-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mcbard [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

That's not how camps are supposed to work, and this is the only one I can think of off the top of my head where afk camping is not only allowed, but due to the length of the line and a 4 hour spawn time actually encouraged. I don't understand why this system is allowed?

Wow, drama queen. The term "afk camping" is usually reserved for, you know, actually killing things while afk. If you really think this is the only spot in the entire game where you're allowed to go afk then... lol.

Before, if you weren't in a particular guild your chance of seeing an entire zone was 0%. Now, everyone has access to the content as long as they put in their time. Considering that's kind of how EverQuest works I'm gonna have a hard time being convinced that this isn't an improvement.

ElanoraBryght · #6 06-02-2011, 02:21 PM

When the camp rules changed from "keep it locked down and pass it to who you want", the only thing the GMs insisted on was that they stop having to waste time sending everyone to timeout over daily squabbles.

The GMs suggested forming a wait line, but in a "do what you want, as long as everyone here is ok with it" manner; it is the players on the camp who have bastardized that suggestion to become "go afk as long as you want, as long as you don't go offline for more than 20 minutes". But the people on the camp are mostly happy with it, and it seems like GM involvement over that camp has been cut to a fraction of what it was.

I've camped it several times. Yes, it sucks that you have to have a stable connection to camp it. But the price to buy the thing is down to 11k now and dropping fast. Instead of spending 20 hours sitting, any player capable of killing things in HS is likely able to spend half that time farming pp to buy one.

Versus · #7 06-02-2011, 02:51 PM

I agree this is weak. Personally, I don't know how it could be fixed, but as of now, you have multiple people in the line repeatedly AFK camping it at work and selling it for profit in EC. People do this elsewhere sure, but at this particular spot, there is nothing dangerous in the area that could kill you (save the Chancellor). At least at other spots, you have the potential of dying to a roamer or another mob that will aggro you while you stand there AFK.

TL;DR: Camp sucks. AFK profit. I can offer no solution. I like the taste of Mcbards tears.

Troy · #8 06-02-2011, 03:28 PM

Why not make it like the old poopsock rules? Sit there in line as long as you like, but if you don't respond to an AFK check in 15 minutes you get bumped to the back of the line. Problem solved.

Mcbard · #9 06-02-2011, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troy [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Why not make it like the old poopsock rules? Sit there in line as long as you like, but if you don't respond to an AFK check in 15 minutes you get bumped to the back of the line. Problem solved.

Ya I like this idea as well. Really anything that prevents people from just hoping in line, afking all day and only coming back when it's their turn.

Mardur: Standing afk somewhere != putting in time imo. That's the problem.. you should have to at least actively be doing something or at least at your keyboard to be able to say that you're camping it.

1. Logging on
2. /say Add me to list pls,
3. /afk for 20 hours,
4. hope you don't go ld/the server stays stable
5. profit

I know when Kunark was launched at all of the other camps you had to actively be clearing mobs with non-afk people in your group to be able to claim it.. something like that should be required at this camp as well is all. People could afk of course, but you couldn't be the only active player while the other 4 were off sleeping or doing something else.

Taryth · #10 06-02-2011, 03:45 PM

Go farm the plat to buy it. Seriously. If it was worth making a whine thread, and thereby getting laughed at and mocked, then it's worth farming the plat to simply buy it.

There's no way to please everyone. The most fair method is the line- nothing can be done for your shitty internet.

Just buy it. It's not 100k.