See, there is where you are wrong I actually kno quite a few 3D moddelers that are also excelent programers...so your statement is and not very realistic.
To give you some examples...the guys that are making Star trek excalibur...they started alone...now the have some guys dedicated to moddeling...but they did the moddeling work at the beginning and some of their moddels put STO's to shame and still did all the programing for their costum engine...then there are the guys that are building that starwar total conversion for freelancer...the guys that started it...were moddelers and programers... so you see...if a bunch of "amateurs" have these skill...why wont the so called professionals have them too?
You are citing examples that are the exception, not the norm. Your example of designers doing programming is missing the point. Sure they can do it, but having a lead programmer doing that work for you is going to drastically improve the results. I'm positive Cryptic, and honestly the devs too, want to see the best work possible given to us.
What both of your examples have in common is they aren't doing it to make a living, they are doing it for fun. I can't comment on Excalibur, but I bet if the Star Wars mod for Freelancer gets delayed due to personal commitments, it's not going to cost some company millions in lost profits and probably someone's job.
There are lots of multi-talented rock star designers / programmers out there (I know many). But for every one of them, their are hundreds of resources who are exceptionally good in one field while capable of working on others. The best teams are built around that second group, building teams that utilize individual strengths, not relying on teams of mavericks and rock stars. Nearly every expert on the subject, including CEO's from top company's around the world, agrees with that statement. Don't believe me? Google "High Performance Teams" and see for yourself.
Kobayashi Maru
Join Date: Sept 2008
"Holographic tissue paper for the holographic runny nose. Don't give them to patients." - The Doctor
I don't see it as a Catch-22. I see it as an opportunity for the KDF fan-base to prove their support for their Faction. So let me ask you this: how many of the 21 KDF ships in the C-Store do you own?
Over the last 2.5 years I've managed to purchase all 30 of the Fed ships in the C-Store. I don't love all of those ships. I bought them to support the game.
As I said in another thread, the only way the KDF are going to make an impact on Cryptic is if they do so financially in the C-Store. Instead of dropping 200,000 Dilithium on a Fleetbase bar upgrade a KDF player should convert that Dilithium to Zen and buy an additional KDF ship from the C-Store.
Cryptic knows how many Borts were sold in comparison to Oddys. The KDF players need to make themselves bigger buyers then just 1 out of 5 players. Try and shoot for 2 out of 5. Does that mean you'll buy a ship you don't love sometimes? Sure, but the only thing Cryptic really notices is bottom line. So prove you're willing to buy things and Cryptic will take notice.
There's that. However, it's a rather small niche of people who buy things they don't want (or need) to buy. Supporting something is one thing, but supporting it "the wrong way" isn't exactly desirable in effect - it skews the picture of what's actually wanted and what's not - ergo, we end up with more of the unneeded clutter instead of something actually entertaining or desired.
Well, the question is whether "full" can be "far less than equal."
If the answer is yes, get ready for more factions. If the answer is "no," then the factions need to be merged down to "The Alpha Quadrant Alliance" spearheaded by the Federation but with everybody else chipping in to help the Federation out for most of their content.
If the KDF was merged with the Federation, most of the KDF fan base would just leave in protest. We don't want to play as the Double Standard Federation, we want to play the path of the Warrior.
I have Federation characters and KDF characters and I don't want my KDF characters part of the Federation, that's what my Federation characters are for.
I don't see it as a Catch-22. I see it as an opportunity for the KDF fan-base to prove their support for their Faction. So let me ask you this: how many of the 21 KDF ships in the C-Store do you own?
Over the last 2.5 years I've managed to purchase all 30 of the Fed ships in the C-Store. I don't love all of those ships. I bought them to support the game.
As I said in another thread, the only way the KDF are going to make an impact on Cryptic is if they do so financially in the C-Store. Instead of dropping 200,000 Dilithium on a Fleetbase bar upgrade a KDF player should convert that Dilithium to Zen and buy an additional KDF ship from the C-Store.
Cryptic knows how many Borts were sold in comparison to Oddys. The KDF players need to make themselves bigger buyers then just 1 out of 5 players. Try and shoot for 2 out of 5. Does that mean you'll buy a ship you don't love sometimes? Sure, but the only thing Cryptic really notices is bottom line. So prove you're willing to buy things and Cryptic will take notice.
I wouldn't use the Bortas as a comparison, we got the short straw with that one, but really want is new?
I own nearly all of the KDF ships myself, though I don't own the Bortas and I won't be getting the Gorn ships. Most KDF players are actually running out of KDF things to buy, hence why we aren't spending the money as there is not much if anything left to buy. If the supply isn't there the money won't flow in.
It is a catch-22, the only one who can fix that is Cryptic.
New KDF Uniform Pack - Available in C-Store on Thursday!
There is only 1 now (Academy) and the only useful thing in it is the Eyepatch
Actually it's a great uniform I use it (or at least parts of it such as the boots, armour and pads) on most of my Male KDF characters. Though they need to fix the solder pads so you can use the Brawler stance with it without them going through the characters head.
Support the Game by Supporting the KDF, equality and uniqueness for all factions!
Actually if Cryptic wants to keep operating with such a low staff, they need to hire multi-capable people instead of specialists.
Everyone there should be able to code and hunt bugs, the rest are just dead weight when not being used.
That leads to higher marginal and opportunity costs.
Basic economic analysis:
Someone who is multi-capable trades off more and higher opportunity costs when doing anything other than what they are best at.
And even if you get that person on the task STO needs at any given moment, their multi-capable status will lead to them being recruited more by headhunters from other companies, creating a higher cost of retention for Cryptic.
And failure to retain people and need to train replacement hires are probably the biggest expense.
The ideal is probably to hire extreme specialists with as little technical proficiency outside their area as possible (but excellent within their discipline and good teamwork skills) and target people who are easier to retain for non-pay based factors, such as a commitment to the bay area, fandom for the IPs Cryptic controls, personal affiliations/loyalties, and lack of options elsewhere for reasons other than the quality of their work.
That leads to higher marginal and opportunity costs.
Basic economic analysis:
Someone who is multi-capable trades off more and higher opportunity costs when doing anything other than what they are best at.
And even if you get that person on the task STO needs at any given moment, their multi-capable status will lead to them being recruited more by headhunters from other companies, creating a higher cost of retention for Cryptic.
And failure to retain people and need to train replacement hires are probably the biggest expense.
The ideal is probably to hire extreme specialists with as little technical proficiency outside their area as possible (but excellent within their discipline and good teamwork skills) and target people who are easier to retain for non-pay based factors, such as a commitment to the bay area, fandom for the IPs Cryptic controls, personal affiliations/loyalties, and lack of options elsewhere for reasons other than the quality of their work.
...or They could just offer damn good Health Care & Benefits.
I'm not even really a part of the 12 to 18% of the KDF STO players...
But even I realize that Cryptic needs to throw them a bone more often.
Nice suit... Kinda pricey... I'll pass for the time being.
(I'm having too much fun with Minecraft at the moment)
STO Member since February 2009. I Was A Trekkie Before It Was Cool ... Sept. 8th, 1966 ... Not To Mention Before Most Folks Around Here Were Born! Forever a STO Veteran-Minion
Racing uniforms? Really? Racing uniforms? For 550 Zen, no less. Maybe instead of seling these clothes for 550, sell some of the consoles from the P2W ships, those are at least worth something closer to 550 Zen than the spiffy "racing uniforms" are. Whats next, Starfleet Footies???
They already have those in game dude, the wrath of Khan Uniforms man so if you post a picture of a uniform please post one that isnt already in the game
You would think that Cryptic would hire @ least one guy/gal who has a "business" degree.
Whenever some Z-Store item is released for Feds....there are always dozens of people posting that they "have money" and want KDF stuff. How hard would it be to put together a UniPack with Gorn/Nausican/Lev items? A new ship or two. And what I want: a special KDF shuttlecraft.
Ever since Dan Stahl came back, it has been all about "the money". It appears from the forums that some "KDF Love" would be a huge money-maker for (I'm)perfect World - but I guess the Empire's money isn't as good as the Federation's?
So where is the KDF bundle pack for RAIDING uniforms? You know, that pirate motif bundle pack that covers the up to date fashion world of the Raiding members of the KDF and House Uniform options.
Where is it? I'm seeing loads of options for the feds but hardly a glimmer for the KDF?
Did the marketing guys forget this game has One and Half factions?
So where is the KDF bundle pack for RAIDING uniforms? You know, that pirate motif bundle pack that covers the up to date fashion world of the Raiding members of the KDF and House Uniform options.
Where is it? I'm seeing loads of options for the feds but hardly a glimmer for the KDF?
Did the marketing guys forget this game has One and Half factions?
+1
You should listen to this guy i play and enjoy the game and i am good at this game because of him.
Ever since Dan Stahl came back, it has been all about "the money". It appears from the forums that some "KDF Love" would be a huge money-maker for (I'm)perfect World - but I guess the Empire's money isn't as good as the Federation's?
From what I've seen, it looks like Cryptic has tried on several occasions but each time it fails to make a significant profit. The last thread I followed on the matter pointed out the sales of Bortas vs Odyssey greatly favored Feds.
It may not be a matter of KDF not being generous with their purchases. Its probably more to do with overall population being too small to support C-store items, thus more Fed money to throw around than KDF.
Kobayashi Maru
Join Date: Sept 2008
"Holographic tissue paper for the holographic runny nose. Don't give them to patients." - The Doctor
The Bortas didn't sell because the Bortas sucks. After about 7 months of straight Escort/Raptor flying; I got bored and dug out the "free" versions of Oddy and Bortas for my toons. I ending up buying the Tact Oddy for my Fed toons, but determined the Bortas to be a large piece of Space Junk.
Most of the KDF players are "Role Players"; if they give them the option of buying extra costumes to customize their toons, they will sell.
From what I've seen, it looks like Cryptic has tried on several occasions but each time it fails to make a significant profit. The last thread I followed on the matter pointed out the sales of Bortas vs Odyssey greatly favored Feds.
It may not be a matter of KDF not being generous with their purchases. Its probably more to do with overall population being too small to support C-store items, thus more Fed money to throw around than KDF.
I would think its purely the number and not the unwillingness of KDF fans to spend money.
Considering we are 18% of the playerbase, who would ever silly enough to think we could out buy the feds in numbers?
I'm curiuos how many of the KDF players bought the BortasQu' overall. We may have less in comparison to the feds but may have had high numbers within our on playerbase.
I bought bortasQu bundle and i gotta say that bortas Sci with 4x tac console and SA is not junk at all.
I run it with phased polarons and leech console and it does some serious dmg over time.
I have taken apart federation fleets of 6-7 ppl alone with that ship and you say its space junk ok......
Anyway we KDF have been doing more with less and thats a fact.
If you think my bortasq is junk i dare you to challenge me in game.
Also its up to you to make it a good ship just buy it and PM me so i give you my build.
I would buy more KDF stuff but the company seems it doesnt care for KDF anymore and this is just so wrong i bought things ONLY for my KDF and if i play this game i play it ONLY with KDF.
Now let KDF die and you loose this 20% of total population we are.
I bought bortasQu bundle and i gotta say that bortas Sci...... is not junk at all.
At ease, General. My apologies to you House.
What I should have said is: my experience with the "free" Bortas (pre S6) was strickly STFs.
I could not get the hang if flying the damn thing. I couldn't get there fast enough, once I got there I couldn't stop the thing. I never got to the point of messing with a "build". My issue was based strictly on manueverability. And with that I feel that the Oddy has an advantage.
I am honestly a Klingon lover (my ex-wife had the temperment of Ursa)
I wish that Cryptic would give me some more content so that I would not get bored playing my KDF toons. If they do; maybe I'll get a chance to give that old Bortas another shake....
I would think its purely the number and not the unwillingness of KDF fans to spend money.
Considering we are 18% of the playerbase, who would ever silly enough to think we could out buy the feds in numbers?
I'm curiuos how many of the KDF players bought the BortasQu' overall. We may have less in comparison to the feds but may have had high numbers within our on playerbase.
I also think that the "free" Bortas left a bad taste in the mouth of many Klingons who were looking for a hammer but ended up with an anvil. Unless youre slow STF'ng, cannon type weapons are nearly pointless on the ship, and the fact that the Gal-X runs rings around it doesn't help much either. All that Zen to pony up for the full set is a lot to ask after demo'ing the freebie model.
Comments
You are citing examples that are the exception, not the norm. Your example of designers doing programming is missing the point. Sure they can do it, but having a lead programmer doing that work for you is going to drastically improve the results. I'm positive Cryptic, and honestly the devs too, want to see the best work possible given to us.
What both of your examples have in common is they aren't doing it to make a living, they are doing it for fun. I can't comment on Excalibur, but I bet if the Star Wars mod for Freelancer gets delayed due to personal commitments, it's not going to cost some company millions in lost profits and probably someone's job.
There are lots of multi-talented rock star designers / programmers out there (I know many). But for every one of them, their are hundreds of resources who are exceptionally good in one field while capable of working on others. The best teams are built around that second group, building teams that utilize individual strengths, not relying on teams of mavericks and rock stars. Nearly every expert on the subject, including CEO's from top company's around the world, agrees with that statement. Don't believe me? Google "High Performance Teams" and see for yourself.
Join Date: Sept 2008
"Holographic tissue paper for the holographic runny nose. Don't give them to patients." - The Doctor
New KDF Uniform Pack - Available in C-Store on Thursday!
There is only 1 now (Academy) and the only useful thing in it is the Eyepatch
There's that. However, it's a rather small niche of people who buy things they don't want (or need) to buy. Supporting something is one thing, but supporting it "the wrong way" isn't exactly desirable in effect - it skews the picture of what's actually wanted and what's not - ergo, we end up with more of the unneeded clutter instead of something actually entertaining or desired.
If the KDF was merged with the Federation, most of the KDF fan base would just leave in protest. We don't want to play as the Double Standard Federation, we want to play the path of the Warrior.
I have Federation characters and KDF characters and I don't want my KDF characters part of the Federation, that's what my Federation characters are for.
I wouldn't use the Bortas as a comparison, we got the short straw with that one, but really want is new?
I own nearly all of the KDF ships myself, though I don't own the Bortas and I won't be getting the Gorn ships. Most KDF players are actually running out of KDF things to buy, hence why we aren't spending the money as there is not much if anything left to buy. If the supply isn't there the money won't flow in.
It is a catch-22, the only one who can fix that is Cryptic.
Actually it's a great uniform I use it (or at least parts of it such as the boots, armour and pads) on most of my Male KDF characters. Though they need to fix the solder pads so you can use the Brawler stance with it without them going through the characters head.
Everyone there should be able to code and hunt bugs, the rest are just dead weight when not being used.
That leads to higher marginal and opportunity costs.
Basic economic analysis:
Someone who is multi-capable trades off more and higher opportunity costs when doing anything other than what they are best at.
And even if you get that person on the task STO needs at any given moment, their multi-capable status will lead to them being recruited more by headhunters from other companies, creating a higher cost of retention for Cryptic.
And failure to retain people and need to train replacement hires are probably the biggest expense.
The ideal is probably to hire extreme specialists with as little technical proficiency outside their area as possible (but excellent within their discipline and good teamwork skills) and target people who are easier to retain for non-pay based factors, such as a commitment to the bay area, fandom for the IPs Cryptic controls, personal affiliations/loyalties, and lack of options elsewhere for reasons other than the quality of their work.
...or They could just offer damn good Health Care & Benefits.
I'm not even really a part of the 12 to 18% of the KDF STO players...
But even I realize that Cryptic needs to throw them a bone more often.
Nice suit... Kinda pricey... I'll pass for the time being.
(I'm having too much fun with Minecraft at the moment)
I Was A Trekkie Before It Was Cool ... Sept. 8th, 1966 ... Not To Mention Before Most Folks Around Here Were Born!
Forever a STO Veteran-Minion
to answer your question they already have these in game
Whenever some Z-Store item is released for Feds....there are always dozens of people posting that they "have money" and want KDF stuff. How hard would it be to put together a UniPack with Gorn/Nausican/Lev items? A new ship or two. And what I want: a special KDF shuttlecraft.
Ever since Dan Stahl came back, it has been all about "the money". It appears from the forums that some "KDF Love" would be a huge money-maker for (I'm)perfect World - but I guess the Empire's money isn't as good as the Federation's?
Where is it? I'm seeing loads of options for the feds but hardly a glimmer for the KDF?
Did the marketing guys forget this game has One and Half factions?
R.I.P
+1
You should listen to this guy i play and enjoy the game and i am good at this game because of him.
From what I've seen, it looks like Cryptic has tried on several occasions but each time it fails to make a significant profit. The last thread I followed on the matter pointed out the sales of Bortas vs Odyssey greatly favored Feds.
It may not be a matter of KDF not being generous with their purchases. Its probably more to do with overall population being too small to support C-store items, thus more Fed money to throw around than KDF.
Join Date: Sept 2008
"Holographic tissue paper for the holographic runny nose. Don't give them to patients." - The Doctor
Most of the KDF players are "Role Players"; if they give them the option of buying extra costumes to customize their toons, they will sell.
I would think its purely the number and not the unwillingness of KDF fans to spend money.
Considering we are 18% of the playerbase, who would ever silly enough to think we could out buy the feds in numbers?
I'm curiuos how many of the KDF players bought the BortasQu' overall. We may have less in comparison to the feds but may have had high numbers within our on playerbase.
R.I.P
I run it with phased polarons and leech console and it does some serious dmg over time.
I have taken apart federation fleets of 6-7 ppl alone with that ship and you say its space junk ok......
Anyway we KDF have been doing more with less and thats a fact.
If you think my bortasq is junk i dare you to challenge me in game.
Also its up to you to make it a good ship just buy it and PM me so i give you my build.
I would buy more KDF stuff but the company seems it doesnt care for KDF anymore and this is just so wrong i bought things ONLY for my KDF and if i play this game i play it ONLY with KDF.
Now let KDF die and you loose this 20% of total population we are.
At ease, General. My apologies to you House.
What I should have said is: my experience with the "free" Bortas (pre S6) was strickly STFs.
I could not get the hang if flying the damn thing. I couldn't get there fast enough, once I got there I couldn't stop the thing. I never got to the point of messing with a "build". My issue was based strictly on manueverability. And with that I feel that the Oddy has an advantage.
I am honestly a Klingon lover (my ex-wife had the temperment of Ursa)
I wish that Cryptic would give me some more content so that I would not get bored playing my KDF toons. If they do; maybe I'll get a chance to give that old Bortas another shake....
I also think that the "free" Bortas left a bad taste in the mouth of many Klingons who were looking for a hammer but ended up with an anvil. Unless youre slow STF'ng, cannon type weapons are nearly pointless on the ship, and the fact that the Gal-X runs rings around it doesn't help much either. All that Zen to pony up for the full set is a lot to ask after demo'ing the freebie model.