Feedback Time!
Tomorrow will be the end of the second month of our starting Fortress: Ameritrash, and we'd like to take the time to get an idea how we're doing, what you'd like to see improved, and most importantly, who is reading us.
Here are some things we'd like to know:
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
2. What do you think of the content so far?
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for checking us out every day. We really appreciate it, and the comments section on each blog has been filled with top-notch discussion on both sides of the fence--it may get heated sometimes, but it's always reasonable, and I've honestly learned quite a few things just from reading feedback from our viewers.
Next week I hope to have something really exciting lined up, so make sure to keep checking us out at Fortress: Ameritrash.
40 comments:
I really like the way it's going. As far as updates go, sometimes it can run a bit dry between new posts. If it were possible to post up at least something every day that would be cool.
Session reports and reviews are really what get me interested in games. I do enjoy the overviews too, but I get more of a feel for what I'm getting into from a session or review, so I'd like to see more of those.
Interviews... I have to admit that for some reason I find interviews rather tedious to read, pretty much anywhere. I don't know why, I just tend to skip over them. I love interviews on podcasts though. Odd.
I'm currently in a nice rotation of Dungeonquest, Talisman and Battlelore, and just last night I had my first game of Fury of Dracula (GW version) which was an absolute blast, so that's going into the regular group. looking forward to the Talisman reprint, the Titan reprint (which will probably come out before I get to snag one off evilbay), Starcraft, and finally anything and everything Battlelore. I don't keep much of a radar for new games to be honest - I just tend to rely on what people are getting excited about.
Keep up the good work everyone!
1. Once every picosecond, failing that whenever someone has something interesting to say. I suppose you could hold something back if two (or more) of you have something ready the same day, but is it worth worring about clumping?
2. Pretty damn good. Good solid articles with the occasional surreal humour piece for a change. You have a good blend of styles.
3. I can't imagine anyone answering no to this (other than evilanonymous).
4. If it's like Block Mania, hell yes!
5. Zzzzzzzzzz
6. Deblog it! The previously mentioned move to a website will be good. You're on a learning curve now and that will continue. With the website I'm sure you'll think of new things to add. Basically, I'd be surprised if there weren't improvements for quite a while. Don't worry, you're all doing a great job!
7. Not really playing much at the moment. Can't say I look forward, it's more spot something of interest, check it out and decide to buy or not. I have a wish list of OOP stuff, does that count?
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
Once daily is perfect
2. What do you think of the content so far?
Really enjoying the unique perspectives and odd humor
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
The odd review mix in here and there is fine.
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
If done humorously, or have an interesting slant. Nothing worse than a bland session report
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities? not really
6. What can we do to improve our blog? I'd love to see you guys make it a more of a full blown online magazine. This format lends itself to the one and done, where as, once a new article is up, the others become irrelevant.
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most? a bit of this.. a bit of that
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
--Every other day is good as long as the posts maintain their current quality and length. They provide a lot of opinions and material for folks to comment on. That's a nice model. If you could get the schedule down for MWF with weekend gues stars or something you'd be golden. The schedule can matter--look at the dedication folks have to http://penny-arcade.com/ as an example.
2. What do you think of the content so far?
--Noted above--the content is lengthy and excellent on the whole.
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
--Not more than, say, two every three weeks. And, please review some old games. I can get 800,000 reviews of whatever-the-fuck came out last month at BGG.
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
--No opinion, really.
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
--Make them entertaining, please. BGWS suckfests are not desied. (Was he wearing a kilt in that PowerGrid interview because he wanted to wear a pretty dress?)
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
--Less comment-hate. Keep it short and funny. Don't feed trolls.
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
--I alternate between AH and random Euros, Lost Cities, etc. I need to convince my wife to play Nexus Ops, dammit. The game group I jus joined is going to play a horse racing game next week. Jesus wept.
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
No more than once a day. That way the discussion in the comments section has time to run its course before everyone moves on to the next article. MWF or once a day would be perfect.
2. What do you think of the content so far?
It has improved dramatically in the past week or two. My favorite articles include the Crusader Rex and Dragon Dice reviews (discussions of games we might have missed) and Asymmetry = Value (deconstructing mechanisms rather than just listing them)
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
OK, as long as (a) they aren't 90% on how to play the game, and (b) a good number of them are devoted to older games we should look into. Both of which have been done well here so far.
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
I've never been a big session report fan; always has a you-had-to-be-there feel to me. The exception is when the report shows an interesting strategy, possible brokenness to the game, etc.
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
No. More interested in what industry people have done/are doing than what they have to say, I guess.
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
As others have said:
a. Full website, so we can share files and more easily go back to older stuff
b. Less us-against-them
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
My most recent purchase was Rommel in the Desert. I'm also playing a lot of Lord of the Rings Online lately. My interest in Tide of Iron has cooled, so there's nothing on the horizon I'm stoked about. I recently found the free pdfs on the Classic Battletech website, so I'm thinking about scratching that itch again.
1. One post a day with the resulting commentary is about perfect.
2. The variety of content is good -- each team member has his or her own distinct voice and approach to the work of the site.
3. More reviews of obscure in-print AT games (like Dragon Dice) and vintage AT games (like Wrasslin') would be good.
4. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the "session report" genre -- unless a gaming session is described within a larger, more interesting context, like Barnes' "Theme and Meaning" piece the other day. In other words, no BGG-style session reports -- they're as dull as listening to someone repeat the plot of a movie he/she just watched.
5. I think this site already has plenty of "personalities," thank you very much.
6. Personally, I think the anonymous/fake name contributors are a waste of space (and oxygen, but that's another matter).
7. Last few games played: FASA's Circus Imperium, Gloria Mundi, Siege of the Citadel. In the queue: Doom: the Boardgame, Dune.
1. I'd like updates as often as you can do it without lowering the quality. Your posts are excellent, and I wouldn't want their quality to decline. If you have a bunch of things done at the same time, you might want to spread them out, so that its a more even pace over the week. Posting on weekdays is more important than posting on weekends.
2. The content so far is excellent. I find it the best board game content on the internet. Love both the more serious and the humourous posts. Keep them both.
3. I'd like to see more of everything on the site. I do like the longer more general articles best, however. Like the "Quacks like a Duck series" (I"d like to see a part IV of that on a different set of games. Maybe concentrating on borderline cases.)of Thrower's recent player elimination piece. But reviews are good to.
One idea: I understand everyone owns their own Geek material. You could rework some of the highlights of your old material and post it here potentially. For instance, a reworked version of Ken's review of WotR might be good. (That review got me to buy the game) Or Barnes' review of The War on Terror. You coud say how they hold up, and it might generate interesting discussion.
4. Session reports are good if they are entertaining. But there is nothing worse than a boaring session report. No we played this and Robartin scored four, but Barnes scored five. If you can make them fun, then by all means. I liked the Atlanta session report, because everyone got to make fun of Ken turning down Dune.
5. I don't know about interviews. I suggest you try some. If you get fifteen posts don't do it again. If you get 60 then it was a success. Written interviews are tricky, but I don't think there's any harm in you experimenting.
6. I agree that the Fortress would be best as a website. But I guess you are working on that. That's the main thing
I have a few very minor minor beefs.
First, sometimes when someone comes in who doesn't share our views we (especially, actually, the nonmember posters) can be too harsh. We need more people challenging us, so it would be good if people like Scott from Vancouver are made to feel as welcome as possible. But please keep up the flaming of people like Anonymous. That's also part of the entertainment.
If you can get him, (I know you probably don't know who he is) bring back Professor Euro. Every site needs an archenemy and he was perfect. Maybe you should cut him on the Dragon Dice kick back money.
Sometimes the hostility to Euros gets a bit tedious. I like it when you review Euros from an Ameritrash perspective. I play Euros, but find it hard to figure out what I would like. If you like them, I probably will. Then I don't have to buy TtR.
But don't change too much. As a Database the Geek is the best. In ALL other respects this is the best place on board games: Good discussion, interesting ideas, funny. Otherwise I have to read Geeklists about Goofus and Gallant as the height of insight and humour.
7. Games I'm playing: This is my Euro phase, such as it is. I've only really been playing them since Christmas. No temptation to sell my copy of Fortress America, though. Otherwise, a lot of War of the Ring.
I'm looking forward to Tannhauser most, and the Titan reprint. Otherwise, mostly acquiring older games I missed.
But my main point is that this is the best place on games, so don't change it too much.
We've actually had some private discussion about toning down some of our hostility in the forums. Some of that was holdovers from the whole BGG meltdown...we've come to realize that you (anyone reading this) are not our enemies, no one is "defending" themselves here, and even those who disagree with us deserve to be treated with respect.
I think that's why you've seen a bit more civility in the comments sections as of late--and as a result of this we're seeing excellent counterpoints, just like those posted by "Scott From Vancouver". I found his viewpoints helpful and articulate.
Anyway, thanks for the great feedback so far! We'll definitely be reading this stuff and hopefully incorporating it into the content you'll be seeing from here on out.
Yes- all feedback appreciated, it helps us to know what you guys get the most out of.
For my part (as an interested party), I'm not interested in session reports whatsoever- I could really care less about the particulars of how a game went, I'm more interested in how you feel about it. I like new content all the time, so I don't have a problem with 2-3 posts a day- as long as the quality is consistent. As for the hostility, if you give your name and make good comments- welcome, even if you completely disagree with us and tear us to shreds. A big handshake to Scott from Vancouver for coming on here and making some really intelligent observations and challenging us with his viewpoints. We may call bullshit on you, but we love to hear what you have to say and part of the fun here is getting alternative viewpoints and reacting to them.
I have an interview in the works with Mike Miller (Shellhead). I was really interested in what he said about his game getting mangled at the hands of a Euro-crazed publisher and I thought he might have some insight not only on game design and the alteration of his game, but also on how theme and mechanics work together in his design. If you guys like it, maybe we'll try another. I've been thinking about getting my pal Richard Launius (ARKHAM HORROR) to talk with me about adventure games and narrative storytelling through game mechanics. He's got some really great insight on the matter and I think you guys would be interested. But I'm with y'all...nobody wants to read a boring interview.
I'm proud to be a part of this team and I'm enjoying the hell out of posting and participating here. I believe that some of my peers here are doing the best writing in gaming I've ever seen and my hope is that one day people will look back on what we're doing here and say "_that_ was significant". My idea of F:AT is that it's a place that you guys can come to get a _different_ opinion about games and experience a different approach to the hobby than what has become common and also to have hearty, lively discussion about them as well as the diverse subjects surrounding the hobby and also to have a good laugh and just enjoy yourselves.
Regarding the session reports, I'm thinking if there are any they might do well to be along the lines of Steve Weeks' style. I don't want to use the term creative writing because that's a bit wanky, but flavoursome, humourous SRs that not only entertain but also give us an idea of what the game is like to play would be great.
And Michael - I just came home from shopping with Arkham Horror in my bag. Spooky.
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
I feel that once a day is absolutely fine. Although a day break between posts wouldn’t hurt, either. I find that most of the discussions of the posts last for days and that’s good.
2. What do you think of the content so far?
The content is absolutely brilliant. It’s concise, cohesive, and articulate. I cannot think of anything else to say than, “keep it up!”
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
Yes, but I would rather see something akin to “This one of the better games everyone’s not playing.” Reviews of in print/re-print are great, but I have a soft spot for OOP/esoteric games that no one’s bothering to play.
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
Granted, I like writing out session reports, but if I am not familiar with the game, then there’s one quick way to turn me off a game that I have never played, but would probably like if I did: writing a boring session report. I could do without them. Reviews are more important in my book.
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
Yes, but I could also live without them.
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
As the many other voices have previously stated, I would like to see this more of a website or online magazine than a blog. Due to its very nature as of now, it has the “out of sight, out of mind” problem with it.
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
Dragonstar Rising. Domain – The Warlock’s Challenge. Dragon Dice. In other news, I’m working on a DIY project: Building a 3-D for the game The Hunt.
As for games, I’m looking forward to: Mutant Chronicles CMG, Titan reprint, Cas$h & Gun$, Tannhauser.
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
Once a day is fantastic, but the more, the better. Speaking as a lapsed (x3) blogger, however, I know it's not realistic to expect a constant stream of content.
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2. What do you think of the content so far?
It's excellent. Most of the articles are of high quality and offer interesting and varied perspectives on gaming. And let's not forget the comments; you've attracted quite a knowledgeable readership who aren't afraid to put their opinions out there.
If I had one gripe, it's that I'd like to see less "BGG vs. us" type stuff. And I think you've defined AT games well enough to carry on to discussing the games themselves.
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3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
I always love reading reviews, so long as they aren't dry recitations of game mechanics or rulebook content (RPGnet syndrome).
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4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
Session reports are great! Especially when presented in an entertaining and narrative fashion rather than "I collected 30 VPs, Bill got 20. I won."
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5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
No.
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6. What can we do to improve our blog?
As others have said, make it a website! Less about defining what AT is, and more talking about the games themselves!
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7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
I'm solitairing the Alesia scenario from Caesar in Gallia (Ancient Wars series #3), PBEMing GMT's Saratoga, and getting ready to join a PBEM of the old Good Industries chestnut King of Kings (yes, the one with THAT box cover). Also hoping to get a campaign game of Up Front going with a local friend.
1. At least once a day... with that many contributors no reason why you don't already.
2. It is OK at best. Like most blogs.
3. Seeing that you don't have much in the way of content here, yes... also, review games that do not have an in-depth review that can be found elsewhere...
4. If they are interesting or funny.
5. Not really.
6. Get a website. "Blogspot" is hardly a "Fortress". It costs like $2/mo to get a decent host. Do it.
7. Most recent... Friedrich. Looking forward too... Pax Romana.
I agree that most interviews are lame, however I think that this is because most people ask lame questions. Having someone speak to a specific topic, however, can be very interesting. I, for one, look forward to hearing about Mike discuss his experience and his game. I would also be interested in hearing what Richard Launius has to say about adventure and narrative. I read an interview with him once, and just as he started going on those topics, the person asked him a lame, unrelated question and changed the topic.
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
One big article a day is nice. The humor stuff should be added in addition once every day or so.
2. What do you think of the content so far?
Fantastic. All the way around.
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
Definitely. Especially the pictoral review Robmartin did with Dragon Dice. HOT.
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
I keep reading other people saying "if they're not boring." I'd say with AT games and the exciting writing styles displayed here that they'd rock. Dont over do it, but I think they'd fit right in.
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
I'd actually really like this because I feel an interview with Kevin of FFG would be so much different conducted by F:AT than Vasel. The other ones Barnes mentioned sounded very interesting too. Definite addition.
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
All you need to do is convert it to a forum-based site, like everyone else said.
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
Haven't played much recently. Really looking forward to Starcraft. A little Reaver Drop/Seige Mode/Zerg Rush action.
1. I like the rate you are posting things here. I check it out about every two days, and that way I always have something new to read. It would be great of course to have more, but I don't want to sacrifice quality, which is very high, for quantity.
2. Content so far kicks all forms of ass.
3. Yes to more reviews please! I don't know how many euro guys besides me are here, but I would like to see more reviews on games not entirely AT (Such as the Crusader Rex one, which rocked). I would also like a review on Antike/Imperial, see what AT fans think about them.
4. NO SESSION REPORTS. If I wanted to read that kind of crap, I would do it at BGG. I don't, so don't bring it here.
5. Maybe, to interviews, but good luck getting the ones I want to here. I personally would like to see one with Tom V., only because of all of the issues between some of the AT crowd and him.
6. You guys are improving all the time. Nothing for me to suggest.
7. Well, as a euro gamer, what I play probably doesn't matter to a lot of you. Most of my stuff is online. Amun-Re, Reef Encounter, Tichu (I'm addicted), all the basic euro stuff you guys can't stand.
Keep up the good work.
For the most part I agree with the consensus so far. Except I _do_ enjoy interviews from time to time. Getting insight on the behind the scences stuff is interesting to me. I always love to watch director commentaries on movies that I enjoy and the same goes for magazine article interviews. As long as it's not the main content I say, "Bring it!" I'm sure you guys can do it right.
Stuff I've been playing lately: BattleLore, Dragon Dice (thanks, Michael and Rob), and Marvel Heroes
This place needs more boobs.
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
Update it when you you have something to say, don't do updates because you have too.
2. What do you think of the content so far?
I enjoy it, there has been a good balance of reviews and session reports. I would like a feature now and then to highlight an obscure game
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
Highlight the forgotten classics, don't always worry about what is now current
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
Not really, I think you have enough of them. One a week is a good amount, two or three if they are exceptional.
Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
No.
What can we do to improve our blog?
Be yourselves, don't worry about other sites, pay attention to what brings people here (the games).
What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
The Commands & Coors series (all of them).
Tide of Iron, Winds of Plunder and Asia Engulfed
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
Once a day, considering that you people are prolly very busy. If it was up to me you could update more often.
2. What do you think of the content so far?
I think its very good, interesting way of writing always makes me interested in a game. Often look up on a game after seeing it reviewed or talked aobut here
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
Yes, Certainly.
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
Ofc!
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
Not so much, once ever so often would be nice but i rather hear about games.
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
Make it a full website, have sections with reviews, session reports and articles so that its easier to use.
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
Playing right now is Doom, Wings of War. Looking forward to Tide or Iron.
My feedback PS:
The white text on dark background is a pain for prolonged reading.
Get Michael to interview Aldie.
mr skeletor: c'mon give some proper feedback, I'm sure your opinion would be valued.
mr skeletor: c'mon give some proper feedback, I'm sure your opinion would be valued.
Err, wouldn't that be a conflict of interest?
I agree with almost all of the above, particularly:
Don't update because you have to, update because it is worthy content (as it has been so far in my own experience).
In the current format too many updates compete with each other, a forum based site would help.
Of reviews, session reports, interviews and all other content; bring it on if it is different and interesting. There is no need to reinvent BGG or any other site. I am in strong agreement with the previous posters that have encouraged content on lesser known games. I have a spent a frustrating week trying to track down a copy of Crusader Rex due to your recent post, still toying with making the purchase.
I am currently playing: Arkham Horror, Memoir 44, Battlelore, Paths of Glory, Pax Romana, Fury of Dracula, Hoity Toity, Blue Max and Amun (ohgodnosomebodymakeitstop- pleasefortheloveofgod) Re.
1. I'm happy with the current pace of updates at Fortress: Ameritrash. If the quality stayed high, more would be great.
2. Great.
3. More reviews. The ones that we've seen so far have been outstanding. Not only has there been great detail regarding components, mechanics, theme, etc but also really insightful analysis of who will or won't like the game.
4. Entertaining session reports would be fine.
5. Sure. We've seen Christian Petersen from Fantasy Flight post here, and I'm sure that we would all enjoy an interview with him. It might be interesting to try to get one of the more famous Euro designers here for an interview.
6. It's a great blog. Hopefully F:AT eventually becomes a bigger website with forums and graphics, but the current setup is just fine.
7. Our group absolutely needs to play Arkham Horror and Mall of Horror every time we get together. We would play Fury of Dracula more, except that we often have too many players. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Yellow Sign expansion for Arkham Horror, because I know it will be an instant hit with our group.
I think posts once a day are good.
I think the content as is, is lengthy but good. Once a day posts may mean some shorter posts though.
I'd like to see some news, reviews and session reports thrown in.
I'm currently not playing as much as I'd like. But I'm into Battlelore, Descent, Prophecy, Marvel Heroes.
I'm looking forward to Descent: Road to Legend, Tide of Iron, the Wings of War miniatures, the Conan board game, Starcraft, whatever this World of Warcraft: The Adventure Game is.
This blog has pointed me to games like Buffy the Vampire Slayer (which I recently picked up) and learning more about Titan.
Hi,
I'm not sure if my opinion counts for anything here, but anyway ...
I think the writing quality has been very good, and I like the update frequency. You have a lot of important things to say, and this blog is a fresh perspective on gaming.
On the other hand, I'm really turned off by the negativity, and not only because of the fact that I think it's rude. It's boring. I think it's beneath anyone to defined themselves primarily as what they are not.
Euro-games are a very small part of the world of games. The more you pay attention to them in the form of dissing them and their players, the more you centralize them, and, I'm sorry to say, the more pitiful you seem. I read diss after diss aimed at Eurogames and Eurogamers, and I think "wow, they sure are obsessed about Eurogames, aren't they?"
Ironically, there's no point in this. Forget about what you're not, and concentrate on what you are: good writers with a strong hobby and tons of things to write about. Turn people on to your style of games. Please. It's better for you, and it's more enjoyable to read, at least for me.
Yehuda
Food for thought, yehuda. Your opinions are absolutely valid here, and I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for checking us out.
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
As often as possible without sacrificing content. I check a few times per day and I'm always excited to read a new article.
2. What do you think of the content so far?
Awesome!
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
Sure! It was great to read a review of the mummy game - I'd never even heard of it.
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
Yeah, but only reports of especially exciting games. How about a story-oriented report of a Euro game, just to see how bad it comes out? :)
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
Sure, if done well.
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
Don't know.
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
Not playing too much, unfortunately, though I did play a fun game of Dungeonquest last week. I want to get more games going soon, and I recently purchased Fury of Dracula, Robo Rally, Twilight Struggle and Power Grid, all of which I'm looking forward to playing. I was partly inspired by this site to push for gaming with my buddies, and buy a few new games - it's been too long.
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated?
As with the others, keep the quality before the quantity. But because the threads are getting great posts over a few days I'm getting behind !! So perhaps every couple of days ...
2. What do you think of the content so far?
Brilliant.
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
Yes - but in the same vein as the site, objective but with a lot of strong subjective opinion. And games of interest, whether they are a new kid on the block or a something older that someone thinks deserves to be introduced to us (I'm keeping an eye out for a few of the older ones discussed here already).
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
Not as usually done.
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
As mentioned earlier, only if done without arse-licking questions - go in there with an agenda of what you think the site wants to know, and scrap it if any (reasonable) questions go unanswered.
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
The article and discussion format has to stay and be the headline act - anything added to it is fine with me.
Not too worried about the stray comment/broadside fired off at certain dry types, there's more than enough praise and analysis of good euro games to make up for it.
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
I personally have cut back to train sessions (AoS, Crayon, RRT, whatever we want to get out) and light/medium wargames (A&A, FA, War of the Ring, LotR Hex and SW minis) while have still got to get into M-44 (especially with my 8yr old lad) and Wings of War.
In that vein Tide of Iron has us interested.
I like F:AT more and more though I began reading early on. I find myself checking the page more than I thought I would on account of better writing on AT games than there ever was at BGG. Like one BGG forum pointed out: a lot of good content is now missing there and found its home... here. Their loss.
1. How often should there be new articles? Once a day or once every two days is enough for me, but the content needs to remain top-notch. So far most of the articles have been, with a few minor exceptions.
2. Content? Pretty good, especially the humour but also interesting analyses of AT games, comparisons to euros, etc.
3. Need reviews? On occassion, old games, newer offerings, but for me reviews are not the crux of the site.
4. Session reports? Nah. only if they were legendary, with table-flipping an' all that. (session reports I can get elsewhere)
5. Boardgaming personalities? Not for me, had enough of those and weak controversy surrounding them back at BGG. really couldn't care less for soft-ball interviews with insiders about how we all love our hobby. screw that.if you can talk to members of the design team for starcraft - great.
6. Changes? Full website. only way to go. with complete archives right from the orginal tribute to ameritrash list.
7. games played now: Mission red planet, Friedrich, cash n guns, fury of dracula, memoir '44, manila, game of thrones. war of the ring.
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
I usually check in at night, and not every day, so having a few things to read at a time is OK with me.
2. What do you think of the content so far?
I really like it. I have to say that the discussion on BGG has just gotten really boring in the last couple of months (maybe it's always been boring, and the migration of AT content to this site just highlighted it for me). Despite what some might say, the posts here have far more depth and are way more thought provoking.
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
This would be good, but still would like to see the same kind of content we're seeing now, observations about gaming, gaming styles, trends, etc.
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
I don't really care about this kind of stuff, unless it was a really phenomenal session or some major variant was tried that needs to be shared.
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
Not sure on this one, depends on who the "personality" is, and what the interview is about. On occasion, yes, sure.
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
I think it was mentioned that going to a full website was in store. That's probably the biggest thing. Again, the content is great, so that's the thing that is making me come back more than anything else.
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
SCRABBLE! HA! No really, and I don't care if I have to take any crap from anyone on this. My wife and I play this once or twice a week while watching TV. She's the one with the vocabulary, I just try to brute force a win by setting myself up for (or locking her out of) good board position and bonus scoring. I'm really not playing as much AT type stuff as I want to (not even Euro stuff for that matter), and it comes down to just too much other peripheral stuff going on in our lives right now.
Good work on the blog so far, really looking forward to this site becoming bigger and better as time goes on!
mr skeletor: "Err, wouldn't that be a conflict of interest?"
Not in my book. You write a blog but that shouldn't invalidate your opinions. I think all of you are quite capable of being objective. You obviously discuss how you want F:AT to develop amongst yourselves, and I see nothing wrong with you, robartin, or any of the other contributors making public feedback comments. The benefit is, you'll generate more feedback and discussion.
1) Once a day is fine. Let's face it; once a day for a big article is plenty of throughput, since you'd be talking about 365-6 new major articles a year.
2) I like the content, guys. It provides a nice balance to other sites.
3) Hell yeah. I'd also like to echo what was said up above and review some games outside of standard AT fare, like the wargames and euros.
4) To be honest, no. Unless the session report is detailed enough to explain how a game is played (like the old session reports in The General), then don't bother. While I'm guilty of putting out session reports on another site, my thrust has been to examine a game from a kid's standpoint, and not to say "well, my group was playing this game and here's what happened". Avoiding that last trap is hard to do.
5) Depends on the personality involved. Some personalities are fun, others not.
6) Go more towards a full website. Then again, that's where you want to go anyway.
7) A mix of stuff; Battle Cry, Ave Caesar, Settlers, We the People. I'm most looking forward to Hannibal and to the reworking of Blackbeard.
I'm not a constant reader. So I doubt my views are valuable to you. I'll limit myself to your second question.
In the past month or two I've played Advanced Civ, 1830, Revolution, History of the World, Fire & Axe, Kings & Castles, and Nexus Ops.
I suspect a fair number of these games are claimed by the AT movement. So I suppose I ought to identify with y'all more than I do.
But my momma raised me to be a polite boy; and this has continued into my middle-aged life. When I read this site, I feel like I'm privvy to some sort of Frat House party where young men are acting up. I just can't be bothered to be as angry as it seems to be necesarry to join this club.
Once I look past the vulgar language, and the petty smacks at Eurogames, I see some interesting content here. I plan to check in once in a while and do some reading. But I'm a long way from bonding with this site.
But then, do you really care?
But then, do you really care?
Not really. There are plenty of board game sites - and by plenty I mean every other board game related website I can think of - that are friendly, family orientated and sterile for you to enjoy. We may change a few things around here but I very much doubt the 80's nerd sex comedy antics will be one of them, because that is what we enjoy.
Have fun!
But then, do you really care?
Sure. It may get a little rough and tumble here in the comments sections, but it's all in the spirit of fun. And the articles have been pretty damn good so far in my opinion.
Don't be scared off by MrSkeletor's rantings and ravings. I think he's just feeling a little vulnerable right now because we're starting up a big online game of TI3. Stakes are high, my friends, stakes are high.
I'm a little late to this but here goes.
First you need a website.
One article to two is fine but more varied content once a website is available. Artwork etc...
No session reports that read like I was eliminated first and am watching. If there is something really interesting then fine.
Interviews are only good if there is a scoop. I find the "Personality" interviews to be nothing more than a novelty and akin to interviewing the guy in the next office. There needs to be a purpose other than "what are you playing".
Over all this is a good site with interesting reading and commentary. My apologies if my comments are unsettling or offensive but I is what I is and I like the gaming slant over here.
Keep it up.
1. How often would you like to see Fortress: Ameritrash updated? Once a day? Twice a day? Less than that?
Anytime there is quality content. I check here around lunch time every day, so daily is cool
2. What do you think of the content so far?
Excellent, all the contributions are well written and provide a sense of humor often lacking from other sites.
3. Would you like to see more reviews on our site?
Yes, reviews of current games as well as OOP AT gems
4. Would you like to see more session reports here?
When I first got into boardgaming and discovered BGG I used to read these. it didn't take long to realize they are incredibly boring. Short answer = no
5. Would you be interested in reading interviews with boardgaming personalities?
If interesting, yes. The only problem is we are usually concerned with upcoming product and designers are notoriously tight lipped about that
6. What can we do to improve our blog?
Less time bashing Euros. We all know AT games are superior, that is why we are here. To go on about Euros is like preaching to the choir. I would also like a printer friendly function to print an article and the feedback. This allows mne to read the information in out lunchroom.
7. What games are you playing right now? What games are you looking forward to the most?
Heroscape! Looking forward to all new releases of Heroscape expansions. Other than that have been playing games that i can get the family to play: Queen's Necklace, Citadels, and Pitchcar
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