TNT Q&A Collection & Discussion (+ NT Editorial)
Jul 19, 2017 11:24:14 GMT -5
Moni, Breakingchains, and 3 more like this
Post by Duke Pikachu on Jul 19, 2017 11:24:14 GMT -5
With Scrappy holding Question & Answer sessions and randomly posting around the Neoboards I decided maybe we should have one specific location where we should gather them and discuss them. And since Scrappy is the editor the Neopian Times if there's any Editorial Question you want to talk about it can go here too. For this first post I'm going to use it as an introductory post, posting the two Question & Answer sessions there have been so far (I'll discuss my opinions on them in later posts). Note, I did edit them so I may not have included everything Scrappy posted. I also left out people's usernames.
NOTE: A BIG thank you to Scrappy for holding these Q&A sessions as well as being a great NT Editor.
NOTE 2: I'm changing this board to be a general TNT board now that we have Hardtotame doing Q&As!
June 24's Q&A (mostly about Altador Cup XII):
July 18th's Q&A:
So, let's start discuss!
NOTE: A BIG thank you to Scrappy for holding these Q&A sessions as well as being a great NT Editor.
NOTE 2: I'm changing this board to be a general TNT board now that we have Hardtotame doing Q&As!
June 24's Q&A (mostly about Altador Cup XII):
Intro: Scrappy here! I know there's still some questions so ask away!
ALTADOR CUP:
Finals/Standings:
Question: Are the current final round standings indicative of final round scores so far?
Answer: The Standings have remained the same however the current final round brackets are updated daily to show results! Those are only Final Round results though and not indicative of the all around Final Results.
Q: Can MQ make it into the top bracket???
A: So yes can move up/down in the Final Round scores. That does not mean they will remain in that position in the Final Score.
Q: By the standings I assume you mean overall standings. Is the final round brackets you're talking about the final round standings that get updated every 15 minutes or so?
A: The main page standings show the Bracket standings and will therefore change with your bracket but do not reflect the final score.
Q: Can you tell us how the Final Round Scores are being compared to the Round Robin Scores? e.g. do we get a certain number of points in the Finals and these are added to out W/L from the First Round?
A: So the Final Round and Round Robin are weighted against each other. And no I cannot tell you the weights but they each play a part.
Q: Can you give us any kind of insight regarding the massive jumps in the standings in the top bracket in the early hours of the day? it makes sense for things to be more volatile, but VP jumping to 2nd and MD falling to 4th/5th in the earlier hours of the last couple days of competition, when it seems like VP is quite far behind KI/MD/KD?
A: The only things I can tell you about the jumps in brackets is that they are determined based on the results so they will continually be updated. Anyone that does well will move up and vice versa. These are all fairly done, no one will get moved up if they don't deserve to.
Q: Oh I'm silly I haven't slept. I meant the standings page itself, will that change or KD in 1st until the end of finals?
A: So only the brackets will changes. The list of standings from the Round Robin will not change until the end.
Q: Does whether a team won a match in the Finals matter at all? i.e. could a team ever be better off scoring FEWER points in total (but distributing them across the different games in a different way) if it meant you won the match instead of losing it?
A: YES every match matters!!
Q: You said that the way it's calculated at the end would be fair for all. That, to me, means that Maraqua has the ability to rise up. Which is awesome, because as they were in a four-way tie with three people in the top bracket, they completely deserve it. I just want to make sure that it's NOT based on how you do against the team you are playing against. Because if that is the case, Maraqua has an advantage in their bracket, while the three-way-tie teams in the first bracket have a disadvantage.
A: Yes the scoring is fair, guys!! Not allowing anyone to move up wouldn't be fair. Just gonna throw this out there, if you're winning then you probably don't have much to worry about so just do the best you can and win for your team because nothing will help more than that!
Responses To Flagging Questions:
Scrappy: Okay quick message for the flagged users. I have no say in who is flagged/unflagged so don't ask me to unflag you. Yes we are still going through some users but many who were flag were fairly done so. I'm sorry if it upsets you guys but we just want to keep AC fair for everyone.
S: So, no flagging users is not my role. I can tell you anyone that was caught cheating got flagged. I know that it's very frustrating but I really don't have much else to say.
S: Another shoutout to all those flagged users out there: There are still people getting unflagged so just hold out a little longer! Also, people that are flagged will earn the rank of the time they were flagged. So they will be able to get prizes from the Prize Shop.
S: We will unflag people as soon as we can but things are crazy hectic so bare with us, folks.
Q: Maybe next year as a warning instead of flagging them outright.. putting them in the "penalty box" for a set period. Something similar to warning/silenced.
A: I like the penalty box idea...i'll bring it up to the team!!
General:
Q: Can you disclose the exact formula used to calculate daily scores? If all players knew how they worked, wouldn't it prevent cheaters from abusing the system because legit players will know how to maximise efficiency and maximise their scores?
A: Sorry, I cannot tell you guys the exact formula used because then you'd all know exactly who will win and its more fun to wait until the end
Q: And yeah quality v quantity, is it just participation that really counts?
A: No it is not just participation. Obviously, the wins/losses matter as well!
Q: Who is your favourite altador cup team & altador cup player
A: Fav Team: Roo Island; Fav Player: Scrappy, obviously.
Q: There are Ideas to introduce to the AC a new nation team?, like Neopia Central?
A: I can listen to ideas for next year but no guarantees!!
Q: I have looked for this and haven't seen any one talking about it, but I have 2 scores for the AC Staff tourney and should have three? I never got the last scores?
A: Also you needed to make a team each round to get scores for the Staff Tournament. So that could be a reason you only got two.
SITE RULES:
Q: Scrappy, I know this question isn't AC related, but any idea when an updated Rules page will be made? I think it's something the site really needs.
A: So we are working on a full and complete rule book which we are going to get you guys as soon as we can so everything we be stated much more openly and clearly.
KEY QUEST:
Q: have to ask.. what about KeyQuest.. *runs and hides in a corner*
A: I literally just laughed that's so funny. I am working on some things I will have further answers to the future of Key Quest in a little bit. Just be a littleeee more patient please!
PLOT:
Q: There will be a new plot soon?
A: Yup there's a new plot coming...
Q: So when Scrappy says "plot" does she just mean a unique non-annual event? Or does she mean this is gonna be a plot in the way that smaller events are not plots?
A: When I say plot I mean plot. I can't give you details because I'm really not sure if I'm allowed and don't want to get in trouble but come on guys. What would a plot be if we couldn't fight off some bad guys?
GENERAL:
Q: if we have ideas to improve the site, what's the best way to get them to you/the team? Should we neomail you, write into the Editorial, or send in a ticket?
A: Neomailing me or editorial will definitely get your ideas heard. So, either one of those is probably best!
Q: Will username changes ever be implemented? I realize I could make a new account, but I don't want to lose the history that comes with this one.
A: About the usernames getting implemented question, I have heard about this a couple of times so I can look into it to see if there's anything we can do but that's about the best I can give you right now.
Q: I've always wondered, does editorial questions that don't get answered still have a chance of getting sent to the team?
What is the best way to send in ideas for things? Can articles about ideas be published in the NT?
A: Yes, all editorial questions get seen and taken into consideration even if I can't answer them!
Articles idea are ok (tentative okay), they should definitely be kept more positive than negative though.
Q: I was having a discussion with some people and we all decided we'd all love more pet slots. Thought about making an article about the ways that could award slots it because that could really help out the site.
A: Just a heads up, the pet slot idea is well known! I love it too and will work on that!
ALTADOR CUP:
Finals/Standings:
Question: Are the current final round standings indicative of final round scores so far?
Answer: The Standings have remained the same however the current final round brackets are updated daily to show results! Those are only Final Round results though and not indicative of the all around Final Results.
Q: Can MQ make it into the top bracket???
A: So yes can move up/down in the Final Round scores. That does not mean they will remain in that position in the Final Score.
Q: By the standings I assume you mean overall standings. Is the final round brackets you're talking about the final round standings that get updated every 15 minutes or so?
A: The main page standings show the Bracket standings and will therefore change with your bracket but do not reflect the final score.
Q: Can you tell us how the Final Round Scores are being compared to the Round Robin Scores? e.g. do we get a certain number of points in the Finals and these are added to out W/L from the First Round?
A: So the Final Round and Round Robin are weighted against each other. And no I cannot tell you the weights but they each play a part.
Q: Can you give us any kind of insight regarding the massive jumps in the standings in the top bracket in the early hours of the day? it makes sense for things to be more volatile, but VP jumping to 2nd and MD falling to 4th/5th in the earlier hours of the last couple days of competition, when it seems like VP is quite far behind KI/MD/KD?
A: The only things I can tell you about the jumps in brackets is that they are determined based on the results so they will continually be updated. Anyone that does well will move up and vice versa. These are all fairly done, no one will get moved up if they don't deserve to.
Q: Oh I'm silly I haven't slept. I meant the standings page itself, will that change or KD in 1st until the end of finals?
A: So only the brackets will changes. The list of standings from the Round Robin will not change until the end.
Q: Does whether a team won a match in the Finals matter at all? i.e. could a team ever be better off scoring FEWER points in total (but distributing them across the different games in a different way) if it meant you won the match instead of losing it?
A: YES every match matters!!
Q: You said that the way it's calculated at the end would be fair for all. That, to me, means that Maraqua has the ability to rise up. Which is awesome, because as they were in a four-way tie with three people in the top bracket, they completely deserve it. I just want to make sure that it's NOT based on how you do against the team you are playing against. Because if that is the case, Maraqua has an advantage in their bracket, while the three-way-tie teams in the first bracket have a disadvantage.
A: Yes the scoring is fair, guys!! Not allowing anyone to move up wouldn't be fair. Just gonna throw this out there, if you're winning then you probably don't have much to worry about so just do the best you can and win for your team because nothing will help more than that!
Responses To Flagging Questions:
Scrappy: Okay quick message for the flagged users. I have no say in who is flagged/unflagged so don't ask me to unflag you. Yes we are still going through some users but many who were flag were fairly done so. I'm sorry if it upsets you guys but we just want to keep AC fair for everyone.
S: So, no flagging users is not my role. I can tell you anyone that was caught cheating got flagged. I know that it's very frustrating but I really don't have much else to say.
S: Another shoutout to all those flagged users out there: There are still people getting unflagged so just hold out a little longer! Also, people that are flagged will earn the rank of the time they were flagged. So they will be able to get prizes from the Prize Shop.
S: We will unflag people as soon as we can but things are crazy hectic so bare with us, folks.
Q: Maybe next year as a warning instead of flagging them outright.. putting them in the "penalty box" for a set period. Something similar to warning/silenced.
A: I like the penalty box idea...i'll bring it up to the team!!
General:
Q: Can you disclose the exact formula used to calculate daily scores? If all players knew how they worked, wouldn't it prevent cheaters from abusing the system because legit players will know how to maximise efficiency and maximise their scores?
A: Sorry, I cannot tell you guys the exact formula used because then you'd all know exactly who will win and its more fun to wait until the end
Q: And yeah quality v quantity, is it just participation that really counts?
A: No it is not just participation. Obviously, the wins/losses matter as well!
Q: Who is your favourite altador cup team & altador cup player
A: Fav Team: Roo Island; Fav Player: Scrappy, obviously.
Q: There are Ideas to introduce to the AC a new nation team?, like Neopia Central?
A: I can listen to ideas for next year but no guarantees!!
Q: I have looked for this and haven't seen any one talking about it, but I have 2 scores for the AC Staff tourney and should have three? I never got the last scores?
A: Also you needed to make a team each round to get scores for the Staff Tournament. So that could be a reason you only got two.
SITE RULES:
Q: Scrappy, I know this question isn't AC related, but any idea when an updated Rules page will be made? I think it's something the site really needs.
A: So we are working on a full and complete rule book which we are going to get you guys as soon as we can so everything we be stated much more openly and clearly.
KEY QUEST:
Q: have to ask.. what about KeyQuest.. *runs and hides in a corner*
A: I literally just laughed that's so funny. I am working on some things I will have further answers to the future of Key Quest in a little bit. Just be a littleeee more patient please!
PLOT:
Q: There will be a new plot soon?
A: Yup there's a new plot coming...
Q: So when Scrappy says "plot" does she just mean a unique non-annual event? Or does she mean this is gonna be a plot in the way that smaller events are not plots?
A: When I say plot I mean plot. I can't give you details because I'm really not sure if I'm allowed and don't want to get in trouble but come on guys. What would a plot be if we couldn't fight off some bad guys?
GENERAL:
Q: if we have ideas to improve the site, what's the best way to get them to you/the team? Should we neomail you, write into the Editorial, or send in a ticket?
A: Neomailing me or editorial will definitely get your ideas heard. So, either one of those is probably best!
Q: Will username changes ever be implemented? I realize I could make a new account, but I don't want to lose the history that comes with this one.
A: About the usernames getting implemented question, I have heard about this a couple of times so I can look into it to see if there's anything we can do but that's about the best I can give you right now.
Q: I've always wondered, does editorial questions that don't get answered still have a chance of getting sent to the team?
What is the best way to send in ideas for things? Can articles about ideas be published in the NT?
A: Yes, all editorial questions get seen and taken into consideration even if I can't answer them!
Articles idea are ok (tentative okay), they should definitely be kept more positive than negative though.
Q: I was having a discussion with some people and we all decided we'd all love more pet slots. Thought about making an article about the ways that could award slots it because that could really help out the site.
A: Just a heads up, the pet slot idea is well known! I love it too and will work on that!
July 18th's Q&A:
Intro: Scrappy was SUPER busy figuring out some serious stuff for you guys! But take a breather, its coming!!
CAPTION CONTEST:
S: I'm sorry I wasn't aware I had to ask permission before bring Caption Contest back *Scrappy's snarky side coming out* but plenty of people seem to be enjoying it. Also, I'm not sure what you mean by lack of time to enter? You have another two weeks to enter. Also...rules have not changed since previous Caption Contests! I'm simply reinstating a previously retired contest.
S: Well, we released it and put it in the news that day! As for the releasing, we got a few thousand in the first day alone so we thought we would try this instead of releasing a bunch at once. It would allow for more captions to get seen rather than a few at the end. However, since some captions will have more time to be voted on than others I'm not sure that this is how we will keep it.
Q: What about the image that was for the contest before this one? The one that's been the image for a couple years?
A: Yeah, since that was from two years ago we wanted to start fresh
Q: I understand. Are you going to use that image for a future contest, though?
A: We might use it, who knows! And I like that suggestion, it is definitely something we would do in the future. This one was just weird timing since it was in the middle of the month but we really wanted to start in July! But I love that idea for future months!!
Avatar:
S: Also guys I was thinking about a new avatar for the Caption Contest. Would that be crazy?
S: Okay here's what I'm thinking stick with the old one for this contest and then new one for the rest and like someone suggested, the old for every 1000th.
Q: But the next 1000th will be in 2025! 2025!! Do it annual, every 12th is fair!
A: OH I like the annual idea better!!! Great idea!
S: HAHA okay everyone calm down the 1000th was a poor idea! We will stick with annually!!
OTHER COMPETITONS:
Q: Scrappy, seeing as different contests are coming back could the Random Contest come back?
A: I would love to bring back random contest its so fun!
Q: Scrappy, if you're still lurking, is there any chance of the site spotlight coming back for petpages?
A: Eh, not sure about the site spotlight yet.
Q: Scrappy if you could fix the world challenges that would be awesome.
Q: World challenge, does it have a chance of being started back up?
A: Honestly, we've been talking about and looking at so many things we haven't really discussed World Challenges so I don't know about that one.
PLOT:
S: I can't spoil the plot but I can tell you plans haven't changed (well, other than some improvements).
Q: If I may ask, how long has the plot been in development?
A: A longgggg time we've been planning this!
HP INCREASES/BATTLEDOME:
Q: Any chance HP increase will return this plot?
A: The HP increase is something we've looked into but I'm not sure it's the direction we will go in with BD.
Q: Scrappy - I'm going to suggest you might want to clarify. Are you meaning that its just not on the table for this particular plot, or is not on the todo list /at all/ currently?
A: I don't think I can say for sure. That's all I can really say sorry!!
S: Also, I in no way said the increase is coming back. Actually, I think I said the opposite. I can't say its 100% never coming back but right now it's not.
S: Don't get me wrong, folks. It's not like we're giving up on BD. We have plans, they just are different than HP increase. Just give it some time!!
GENERAL:
S: Guys, if I haven't answered these questions in the past I'm probably not going to now. Mainly because I don't have a solid answer yet and I would rather wait for more concrete information, ya know?
Q: I just want to thank you for spending part of your evening talking with us here, since it is well after office hours.
A: You're very welcome P.S. Yeah they literally turned the lights off on me! How rude...
S: Yes, if I love a suggestion or question but just can't talk about it in the editorial I often right it down! Trust me, all your questions get heard!!
S: Oh, I check things with other TNTers ALL the time. We're a collaborative bunch
CAPTION CONTEST:
S: I'm sorry I wasn't aware I had to ask permission before bring Caption Contest back *Scrappy's snarky side coming out* but plenty of people seem to be enjoying it. Also, I'm not sure what you mean by lack of time to enter? You have another two weeks to enter. Also...rules have not changed since previous Caption Contests! I'm simply reinstating a previously retired contest.
S: Well, we released it and put it in the news that day! As for the releasing, we got a few thousand in the first day alone so we thought we would try this instead of releasing a bunch at once. It would allow for more captions to get seen rather than a few at the end. However, since some captions will have more time to be voted on than others I'm not sure that this is how we will keep it.
Q: What about the image that was for the contest before this one? The one that's been the image for a couple years?
A: Yeah, since that was from two years ago we wanted to start fresh
Q: I understand. Are you going to use that image for a future contest, though?
A: We might use it, who knows! And I like that suggestion, it is definitely something we would do in the future. This one was just weird timing since it was in the middle of the month but we really wanted to start in July! But I love that idea for future months!!
Avatar:
S: Also guys I was thinking about a new avatar for the Caption Contest. Would that be crazy?
S: Okay here's what I'm thinking stick with the old one for this contest and then new one for the rest and like someone suggested, the old for every 1000th.
Q: But the next 1000th will be in 2025! 2025!! Do it annual, every 12th is fair!
A: OH I like the annual idea better!!! Great idea!
S: HAHA okay everyone calm down the 1000th was a poor idea! We will stick with annually!!
OTHER COMPETITONS:
Q: Scrappy, seeing as different contests are coming back could the Random Contest come back?
A: I would love to bring back random contest its so fun!
Q: Scrappy, if you're still lurking, is there any chance of the site spotlight coming back for petpages?
A: Eh, not sure about the site spotlight yet.
Q: Scrappy if you could fix the world challenges that would be awesome.
Q: World challenge, does it have a chance of being started back up?
A: Honestly, we've been talking about and looking at so many things we haven't really discussed World Challenges so I don't know about that one.
PLOT:
S: I can't spoil the plot but I can tell you plans haven't changed (well, other than some improvements).
Q: If I may ask, how long has the plot been in development?
A: A longgggg time we've been planning this!
HP INCREASES/BATTLEDOME:
Q: Any chance HP increase will return this plot?
A: The HP increase is something we've looked into but I'm not sure it's the direction we will go in with BD.
Q: Scrappy - I'm going to suggest you might want to clarify. Are you meaning that its just not on the table for this particular plot, or is not on the todo list /at all/ currently?
A: I don't think I can say for sure. That's all I can really say
sorry!!S: Also, I in no way said the increase is coming back. Actually, I think I said the opposite. I can't say its 100% never coming back but right now it's not.
S: Don't get me wrong, folks. It's not like we're giving up on BD. We have plans, they just are different than HP increase. Just give it some time!!
GENERAL:
S: Guys, if I haven't answered these questions in the past I'm probably not going to now. Mainly because I don't have a solid answer yet and I would rather wait for more concrete information, ya know?
Q: I just want to thank you for spending part of your evening talking with us here, since it is well after office hours.
A: You're very welcome
P.S. Yeah they literally turned the lights off on me! How rude...S: Yes, if I love a suggestion or question but just can't talk about it in the editorial I often right it down! Trust me, all your questions get heard!!
S: Oh, I check things with other TNTers ALL the time. We're a collaborative bunch
So, let's start discuss!
