TNT Q&A Collection & Discussion (+ NT Editorial)

[Ian Wolf-Park]

I find this question interesting

Hello Scrappy *hands giant pizza* I was just wondering if there was a maximum amount of people that can collaborate on an article for The Neopian Times. Would four people writing together be okay? ~madiwoo
Wow. This is amazing my oh my this cheesy goodness!!!! Hm, so I hate to put an end to collaboration because team work makes the dream work butttt I think I have a limit of 3 collaborators! Also, if that was different than before, oh well! That's my rule and I'm Queen so what I say goes

So, Scrappy does confirm that that max amount of collaborators have increased (previously, it used to be one)

[Carolyn]

Does that mean author 1 + 2 people? If so... huh. That could make things rather interesting to keep track of, haha.

[Jae]

Another interesting thing I took away:

Hi Scrappy! So, after nearly a month of advertising, I won September's Caption Contest! As happy as I am, I was a little let down when my month's work awarded me with a Quintilc, which sells for about 800np (womp womp). I totally understand the fun of having your prize random chosen from a pool, but maybe you guys could update that list a little bit to remove the items at least under 5k? It would make that month of work a lot more rewarding, literally!

Thanks for this reminder! I couldn't agree with you more! I will definitely update those by the time the next prizes roll around

doctortomoe you might be getting your wish for the prize pool to FINALLY be updated Hopefully this means she puts in the new Paint Brushes as well.

[doctortomoe]

Oct 13, 2017 18:50:41 GMT -5 Jae said:

Another interesting thing I took away:

Hi Scrappy! So, after nearly a month of advertising, I won September's Caption Contest! As happy as I am, I was a little let down when my month's work awarded me with a Quintilc, which sells for about 800np (womp womp). I totally understand the fun of having your prize random chosen from a pool, but maybe you guys could update that list a little bit to remove the items at least under 5k? It would make that month of work a lot more rewarding, literally!

Thanks for this reminder! I couldn't agree with you more! I will definitely update those by the time the next prizes roll around

doctortomoe you might be getting your wish for the prize pool to FINALLY be updated Hopefully this means she puts in the new Paint Brushes as well.

Finally, haha.

Though considering I missed out on CC, STC, and PC again this week, I might not ever see the updates haha.

[Ian Wolf-Park]

Oct 13, 2017 18:48:23 GMT -5 Carolyn said:

Does that mean author 1 + 2 people? If so... huh. That could make things rather interesting to keep track of, haha.

That's probably what Scrappy meant

[Duke Pikachu]

After posting an update on the Official Neopets Team Message Boards:

Hello Fellow Neopians! Scrappy here!

I'm here to level with you guys and let you know what's the deal here! As you may have noticed, Fyora is a little slow in assembling her troops to respond to the events at the Faerie Festival. Believe me, Scrappy (and the rest of TNT) wants the battle to begin more than anyone!!

However, due to happenings in the TNT offices (the acquiring previously mentioned), priorities had to shift slightly. Don't get me wrong, it is a GREAT thing! We have so much excitement happening here and there are soooo many things in the works for you guys! But sadly, that took us slightly off schedule.

So, Fyora is waiting on our word, which I promise you is coming! Then, the battle will begin! I understand any and all frustration due to the delay but in the long run I think it will be worth it! So, remain the wonderfully patient Neopians that you are, keep training and you will be rewarded

Stay cool, my friends!
-Scrappy

P.S. Don't forget to go check out Haunted Hijinks

A board was made to point this out and Scrappy took some time to answer questions! So here's the next round of Scrappy's Q&A:

PLOT:

User: seems like there won't be any puzzles at all
Scrappy: Who said that?
U: I just took the heavy focus on battle battle battle to mean it would be more like the Obelisk War "plot". No puzzles but a lot of battling. SO should we be training our brains as well as pets?
S: Hmmmm, I see. Well, I would do a FULL training session. But that's just me...

Herdy: Scrappy, can you clarify if that means the plot has been delayed beyond November? Or if its just saying that that's the reason why October's updates have been as they are?
S: No, it is simply a message to keep people in the loop, as I know there have been a lot of frustrations that not much progress has happened. This is why.
H: Thanks Scrappy, that clarification will avoid a lot of panic.
S: You're welcome for the clarifications, let me know if there are any other questions I can answer

U: So, I know you probably can't answer this because it's a broader question, but will we see a return of the Darkest Faerie anytime in the future? Even if she isn't linked to this plot in particular?
S: Hm, its safe to say that at some point, in some lifetime, in the rest of Neopia's time....the Darkest Faerie will return. I assume.

U: If the plot includes a PLOT aka a story then I'm fine with waiting a while.
S: It does indeed include a story...I can't give you an exact ETA but it isn't too much longer! A year, maybe 2 tops.
U: Honestly. I'm not ok with several years. Several months yes. Years no. For one thing I'm sick of the purple site theme.
S: Really? That seems a little impatient if you ask me... just kidding...it will be soon!!

U: BUT I HAVE THIS SOLVED THIS BEFORE IT STARTS. KAIA IS ACTUALLY XANDRA'S STUDENT AND WILL FINALLY DESTROY FYORA!
S: I love the theory, but sadly I cannot confirm that as accurate or false.

Beauty Contests Rules:

U: Are there any plans to gather the rules for other parts of the site (BC especially) on to one comprehensive easy-to-access on-site page or is that still just a rumor?
S: As for the BC, I would like to get that written down somewhere comprehensive soon!

Key Quest:

U: Hi! Any news on keyquest?
S: I'm making a filter for the "K" word...

Rarity 101+ Stamps Re-release:

U: Hey, Scrappy, you should stop by the Stamp Addicts Anonymous board on Charter - we sometimes discuss ideas for bringing back some of the super ultra rare r101+ stamps back into the economy and we'd love for you to hear them!
S: I will try to stop over when I have a minute

Challenger's HP Increases:

U: I know you've mentioned it's (Challenger's HP increases) not in your plans but I'm hoping that we could change your minds.
S: Honestly, you might be able to change my mind but it won't happen right now.

SUMMARY & OPINIONS:
1. Hinted there will be plot steps/puzzles of some kind. Still, battles are emphasized.
2. So the reason story progress has been slow is because the acquisition has shifted around priorities. The plot is still on schedule for November.
3. Very vaguely hinted Darkest Faerie isn't involved with this plot. She should count herself lucky, though watch Kaia probably defeate her off screen or something.
4. There is a more extended story with the plot. But does it come with a comic?
5. Cannot confirm Kaia is Xandra's student wanting to destroy Fyora. Since she didn't say it wasn't IT MUST BE TRUE!!1! #XandraWasRight
6. New Beauty Contest rules planned to be written down. Hopefully it's more helpful than the new site rules turned out.
7. Key Quest looks/still is/remains to be dead. *sigh* Though part of me wants Scrappy to actually filter the word "KeyQuest" with something else like "Altador Cup" or "Advent Calendar", aka something they always bring back.
8. Maybe looking up ways to bring back 101+ stamps. Here's my quick list: Sloth Auctions, Charity Corner, rare restock at Igloo Garage Sale & Almost Abandoned Attic, maybe add certain ones to the prize pools of the Neopet Contests (and make a prize pool for getting published in any non-special NT). All these ideas also extend to 101+ non-stamp items too, though baby steps.
9. HP Increases are still low priority and isn't likely to be changed. Is stealing also a complex problem, my Heavy Robes are rotting in my SDB?

[Ian Wolf-Park]

This week's editorial was late. She also visited the Neoboards yesterday, with a part of the conversation on Jellyneo.

With the Neoboard appearance, she confirmed that KeyQuest is dead, for the time being.

[Allison]

Darn it. I was hoping she'd answer my question about a panda-looking Vandagyre (via paintbrush. Perhaps spotted?) as that was maybe going to influence my decision on what to get as my next pet, but I think I'm going to go with the Vandagyre anyway.

[Duke Pikachu]

Here's the next batch of Scrappy's Q&A! First, credit to Jellyneo for organizing most of these. I went through the board myself to see if there were any missing posts that might have been important. So without further or do:

S: First and foremost. This is the reason I don't like discussing issues on boards. There are 20 posts before I can answer one and it's impossible to answer everything.
S: I have had PLENTY of open conversations, that one board was for ideas and yes was meant to be positive. There are different times for different situations. Just because I claimed that one board to be positive does not mean that is how all must be.
U: Answer what you can....?

To be fair, a majority of those 20 posts are all saying relatively the same thing so it's not like it's 20 different ideas and questions are being thrown at you with some expectation.
S: Well, I want to clear up as many issues as I can right now. So please, I would love to hear honest concerned/questions.

U: Kind of wondering why so many things on this site are broken and not fixed but yet NC items are pushed out almost daily.. Sorry a bit confused here.
S: Simple answer to that question, they require different resources. We cannot do everything at once but we are working on it.

JELLYNEO: Regarding the quality of the plot so far, and this week's editorial:
S: I understand you guys are upset about the plot not being here yet. You guys can think what you want about it, but the fact of the matter is we are trying very hard (not just me, every single TNTer) to get it going and make it great! There's no reason I can give you that will satisfy everyone but we want it to go out just as much as you guys! We sincerely apologize for the long wait.

The editorial? Yes, I had to deal with some things and I didn't want Neopian Times to release late but it wasn't a "the editorials cancelled" it was a it will be posted later, and now it is. Again, very sorry for that delay as well!

Honestly any other issues please neomail me and lets chat!
J: Regarding when the plot may begin (but let's take with a grain of salt!):
S: Alright, first. I'm going to be honest here - we are not going to give you a play by play of our office and what we do. I'm sorry but I'd probably get in trouble. The plot will probably begin in about a week or two.
S: Guys a roadmap is not going to happen. I'm being honest, you can be mad at it but its just not.

Updates I can do though!

J: Regarding why there has been a delay (shifting priorities due to the NetDragon acquisition):
S: I totally understand that but I also did talk about the delay. I'm sorry if it hasn't been daily updates but I mentioned there was a priority shift when the acquiring happened that pushed some things back.

We are working as hard and as fast as we can. I do also try to be very open and honest with you guys! If you have issues, you can always come to me. (Unless they are a support issue).
J: Regarding the acquisition of NetDragon, and whether it is good news or bad news for Neopets:
S: GOOD NEWS!!! Guys seriously, if you believe nothing else at least believe this..it was good news!

However, these things take TIME! I know that is the worst word to hear but even getting resources take time. Nothing happens over night and I know to you guys it has been forever but since the acquisition and all that it actually hasn't been that long.

J: Regarding the return of Key Quest:
S: KeyQuest...come on? Guys, Key Quest is a VERY difficult fix. Maybe one day we can fix it but it won't happen right now. I'm sorry to tell you that!
J: And a later post, after asking for more details on Key Quest:
S: How much more detail can I give you? The coding behind it is a mess and thats just how it is..

J: Regarding the discontinuation of Flash and what that means for customisation and games:
S: Yes of course we are planning to change NP before Flash has more issues! That is a HUGE prject (think about all the items) but we are looking into every solution.

J: Regarding a possible, upcoming Random Contest:
U: will you let us make avatars and you(TNT) choose which to implement?
S: Actually, I think I want to make that as a Random Contest!

U: Also, because I know Herdy wants to know, what has been going on with the BTY lately? The challengers names often don't make snese, or are very, very low effort. This week the whole combination of name, image and blurb was a mess. And a few of the scores have been a bit out of hand.
S: With the BTY. Wow, sorry I didn't realize (Jade is new guys) I will go over them and work on that with her though! Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

U: I'd also like to bring your attention to all the spelling and grammatical errors that riddle the news lately. It's a big part of the site, surely it deserves a proof-read, a second pair of eyes, before going up?
S: Ah I'm not the news person! But I will let them know to double check!!

J: And finally, on her way out:
S: Okay guys Scrappys gotta go! Final note, I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

I'll be back on tomorrow for anyone who wants to chat but you guys are all amazing and your opinions are warranted and welcome!

-Scrappy

PS Sorry for any snarkiness (kinda)

Finally, after reading all this I decided to send Scrappy (via the nt_editor account) this neomail:

*Gives Happy Negg* Hey, read you had quite the impromptu Q & A yesterday. I just want to say to you and the rest of TNT that, no matter what some users say, we are all rooting for you to succeed! We're eagerly awaiting for the plot you have planned and excited to see what you'll have in store for us! A lot of users are just nervous about what's been happening. However that's just because we care about what happens and, most of all, want what's done with Neopets to be successful! And if TNT ever wants to discuss something Neopets related they aren't sure about that us users can answer I suggest contacting either Jellyneo or the Neopian Times Writer Forum. The staff on both sites are doing their best to keep users calm and upbeat! I know we complain a lot, especially on the Neoboards, but we are on your side. I hope you're feeling better and this didn't put a sour impression about the entire user base. We want Neopets to not only be a fun site to play but also a fun site for the staff to work on!

Later today or tomorrow I'll read through this and the Editorial and post my opinion on things.

[Allison]

I guess I don't get why people are complaining why the plot hasn't started when t hey told us it would be sometime in November. They didn't even say beginning of November. Just "some time" in November. And well... it's not November yet. I've always just seen the dialogue on the Faerie Festival Page as a bonus "prequel" with no expectations as to when/if we will get more.

[Herdy]

So no one got the actual November hint from the editorial. The only reason we know what Scrappy meant is because she later clarified it on a single board on the NC chat. If you didn't see that board, or didn't religiously check JN, you would never have known about the November due date.
Then fast forward to a few weeks ago, we get that message in the official TNT board that from the language used heavily implied that the plot would be delayed. Scrappy again later clarified that it wasn't on a single board, but again if you didn't see that board or check JN then you have no idea what's going on.
So some people are, reasonably, I think, a little confused as to what the situation is.

As for if the dialogue should be considered part of the plot - think of it this way. Should you explain the storyline of this plot to someone in 10 years, would you mention the destruction of the Faerie Festival and Kaia using her ability to find the Wraiths? Almost certainly, as its a key bit of setup. The dialogue therefore is part of the plot to all intents and purposes, regardless of a slated start date of November.

[Duke Pikachu]

Plot Date: I'm torn here. On one end, I remember a time when we didn't know a plot was coming. But on the other hand, that was when TNT was running the show. While I appreciate Scrappy hinting the plot was coming, I'm wondering if maybe she shouldn't or rather hinted us towards the Faerie Festival and left it at that. But that was in the past, a lesson learned, what about now? Well, Scrappy said two weeks, so I'll wait two weeks.

Updates: YES! PLEASE! Use the Official TNT Board or bring back the Coming Soon Page. Eitherway tell us someplace what plans your comfortable with telling us are you on the way of doing and maybe where you are. I think you'll calm a lot of users by doing this and showing all that you have on your plate.

KeyQuest: At this point it'll probably just be better to build a new KQ from the ground up. And not on the site, or at least only on the site. KQ would make a pretty good mobile game I think.
But for right now? Well right now the only KQ thing that need to be addressed are those players who have tokens. All I can think of, and this may be consider having paid to get items, until they do something with KQ maybe have it so for each Token you have you can claim a random Key each day. Have it so each token require you to play a certain game and when you send score in that game you'll get a random key (lead would be very common, bronze uncommon, silver rare, and gold super rare). Maybe get AAA involved, like he saw the problems Bree was having so offered a temporary solution to ease the pressure.

New Gal: So sounds like Jade is more than just helping with the Neopian Times. Until Jade is more comfortable with creating new challenger characters for BTY, maybe have her just use established characters? Or maybe allow users to submit their own challenger ideas (TJST would still set the score).

Editorial #803:

Hello Scrappy! I love love love the new extra pet slots; they're a dream come true for me. But I was wondering, with the new scrolling feature we have with our pets on our user lookups and when doing certain activities on the site, if it would be possible to one day allow us to have even more than the 5 maximum pet limit by default for accounts. I know that I and plenty others would adore it if that could be the case!
Hm, I'm hoping that's the plan to implement one day! Obviously, there are some things we would like to do first but we definitely don't plan on stopping here. I just don't have a timeline for you guys yet!

Eh, I think 5 pets per account would be fine for a while now. Neopets aren't Pokemon, the goal isn't to catch them all. Not to mention we aren't getting any more Neopets, just new Colours.

Hey Scrappy! Great to hear about the return of the Random Contest! Any chance there will be a new avatar for it? The previous one was available for 10 years and as a long time player it would be nice to have some new Avatars to work towards.. please?
Honestly, I would absolutely create a new avatar for it but when I suggested that for Caption Contest I got EXTREMELY mixed reactions! Sooo if everyone would be happy with it then absolutely!!

You know, instead of making Avatars for site features that already have one, why not giving other stuff new Avatars? Yeah, new Avatars for Caption Contest and Random Contest would be nice, maybe one that's more common, but still they do have Avatars.

Hey Scrappy! If there was a Writing Faerie, what do you think she'd be like? I can't imagine, except she'd be really awesome.
Oh my I bet she would be absolutely LOVELY! And insightful! And pretty! Ohhh we should talk to Fyora about apointing one!

Um, the Library Faerie...

She runs the Faerie Crosswords...

Oct 28, 2017 16:26:11 GMT -5 Allison said:

Darn it. I was hoping she'd answer my question about a panda-looking Vandagyre (via paintbrush. Perhaps spotted?) as that was maybe going to influence my decision on what to get as my next pet, but I think I'm going to go with the Vandagyre anyway.

How about Shadow Vandayre looking like a panda?

[Allison]

Oct 29, 2017 19:48:55 GMT -5 Duke Pikachu said:

Oct 28, 2017 16:26:11 GMT -5 Allison said:

Darn it. I was hoping she'd answer my question about a panda-looking Vandagyre (via paintbrush. Perhaps spotted?) as that was maybe going to influence my decision on what to get as my next pet, but I think I'm going to go with the Vandagyre anyway.

How about Shadow Vandayre looking like a panda?

Well, I'm not sure there would be enough white. I really don't care which paint brush it is. I just would like a panda-looking Vandgyre.

[Mostly Harmless (flufflepuff)]

Oct 29, 2017 20:22:14 GMT -5 Allison said:

Oct 29, 2017 19:48:55 GMT -5 Duke Pikachu said:

How about Shadow Vandayre looking like a panda?

Well, I'm not sure there would be enough white. I really don't care which paint brush it is. I just would like a panda-looking Vandgyre.

PANDAGYRE

...

...

someone with a Vandagyre please get on that for the pet spotlight

maybe hinting at it that they want to be painted these colors and they set out trying to do it themselves

like

"hint hint"





COMPLETELY UNRELATED:

re: all the stuff the users said that was a bit harsh

Thank you for the kind words the ENTIRE NTWF is honestly such an amazing group! You are all so supportive and inspiring I love you guys so much

-Scrappy

<sub>you guys she loves us

*squee*</sub>

[Duke Pikachu]

So the Coming Soon page has been updated! Of the notable:

A Battle Against Darkness:

And this is a new item as far as I can tell. It's url is "http://images.neopets.com/items2/clo_twr_badge.gif". That "TWR" stands out to me. At first I thought it meant "tower" but then I started wondering if it was an abbreviation. "The Wraiths Resurgence"? Anyway guessing either this is a sign-up reward or maybe each part/puzzle/battle wave will have sets of prizes you can win throughout (maybe via an Achievement system?). I can't see them teasing us with a final prize shop item.

EDIT: Badge's name been found on Shop Wiz: "The Wraith Resurgence Participant Badge".

Neopets Birthday Celebration:

If they're advertising it they must have something bigger than usual planned, right? And, yes, that's this year's NC Mall Goodie Bag.

Games Master Challenge Returns

Nothing else much to say. Granted its expected to return but some confirmation never hurt. Though hopefully this year they do their research and don't repeat last year's of resurrecting a dead villain as one of the challengers...

And now some stuff from this week's Editorial:

I use my phone a lot at or around work hours, but it's very clunky using the SSW, and getting my pets on new training programs. Are there plans for making Neopets more friendly for mobile devices?
YES!!! 110% Yes! We know how crowded the homepage and site in general is on a mobile device, which makes it extremely hard to navigate. We are currently in the process of creating a better way to display it so you can get around easier andddd we are pushing for all our new content to be mobile friendly! The customization and pet views will be a bit longer but special events on the site (including Advent Calendar) will be viewable from mobile!

They're working on a mobile version!

Hello! I was wondering if you would please address the Ghoul Catchers app problem? Some users are unable to download or play the game, while others apparently still have access to it. I really miss playing the game, and it seems unfair that some people are still able to play and earn the rewards, while others can't access it at all. There's a lot of uncertainty regarding the game, so I figured I'd be the one to ask: What is the status of the game, and what can we expect in the future? Thank you very much.
Sure! So we understand the issue here, however, we want to make sure when we bring this game back it is working well for everyone and doesn't have some of those issues we saw in the past! So, we are working to fix some of those issues and get you all catching those ghouls again as fast as possible!!

They're planning on fixing up Ghoul Catchers, hopefully this means they'll also update it with more levels and rewards.

Hi, Scrappy! ^^ I was just wondering, what's gonna happen to Flash games? Like, will you have to get rid of them, or will you keep them as they are, or will something be done to make them work without Flash? It would just be so sad if all of these games were gone, especially Faerie Caves II: Fyora's Quest. That game was the reason I joined Neopets 12 years ago, so it has sentimental value to me. If you keep them as they are, what's gonna happen in 2020 when Adobe stops supporting Flash?
Wow, that would be depressing to get rid of them! All these games definitely have senitmental value to a lot of Neopians and we would never want to lose them! We are definitely considering the options but no fear, the games won't be going anywhere! It's more of a question of "whats the best course of action" rather than "should we keep them or not." So I wouldn't worry at all! In fact, we are planning on releasing the first set of mobile-friendly (aka not flash) version of our games in the upcoming months!

So sounds like they're going to convert the games into HTML5 in batches, probably focusing on the popular ones first. Makes sense, would be crazy to expect them to covert all the games at once. Course the issue will be how many can they convert at a time and how often (and would it just be better to make them active as soon as your convert them). Also I wonder if GMC may be affected by this.