Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Power User"...
Power Pwn: This DARPA-funded power strip will hack your network | ZDNet:
'via Blog this'
Friday, July 27, 2012
Black Hat hacker gains access to 4 million hotel rooms with Arduino microcontroller | ExtremeTech
Scary stuff. I always thought those hotel card locks were secure.
Black Hat hacker gains access to 4 million hotel rooms with Arduino microcontroller | ExtremeTech:
'via Blog this'
Black Hat hacker gains access to 4 million hotel rooms with Arduino microcontroller | ExtremeTech:
'via Blog this'
Friday, July 20, 2012
Prayer for the victims of the Aurora massacre
In case you hadn't heard yet, during the midnight
showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" in a metroplex in Aurora, Colorado, a man cut
loose with guns in a crowded theatre. At least 15 people were killed, 50
wounded, and some of them were just kids.
This is every bit as sick, twisted, and evil as anything we've ever seen in movies and comics, but this is real. One more senseless atrocity in a world of atrocities. The irony behind the venue of this attack is not lost on me and I'm sure it's not coincidental. I'm not blaming the film itself, mind you. But I have a sinking feeling that the person behind this decided that if he couldn't be the hero, he'd take the role of villain.
I'm praying for the victims and the survivors of this attack. My heart goes out to them. I am also heartsick over the darkness and moral decay in our society that breeds this kind of thing. No hero or politician can save us from it, but there's no question that we need saving. I'm praying for the spirit of healing, of consolation, of courage, and of conviction over our nation.
This is every bit as sick, twisted, and evil as anything we've ever seen in movies and comics, but this is real. One more senseless atrocity in a world of atrocities. The irony behind the venue of this attack is not lost on me and I'm sure it's not coincidental. I'm not blaming the film itself, mind you. But I have a sinking feeling that the person behind this decided that if he couldn't be the hero, he'd take the role of villain.
I'm praying for the victims and the survivors of this attack. My heart goes out to them. I am also heartsick over the darkness and moral decay in our society that breeds this kind of thing. No hero or politician can save us from it, but there's no question that we need saving. I'm praying for the spirit of healing, of consolation, of courage, and of conviction over our nation.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Girl Genius - What Are The Odds?
Who needs a matchmaker when you've got a bookie...
http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120718
http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120718
Friday, July 13, 2012
Star Trek Online: An Open Invitation
I'm writing to let you know that the new Fleet Advancement system is up and running at Star Trek Online.
The system is designed to reward teaming up as a fleet and contributing toward the building of a Starbase that provides additional benefits, including new endgame-level starships.
If you're not in a fleet, or maybe not even playing Star Trek Online, now is a good time to get in and join Federation Reborn. The game is Free-To-Play and you lose nothing but time downloading the game client. Unlike some other F2P games, STO is not level-restricted and it is possible to get "endgame" ships and gear without paying a dime. Federation Reborn is a "casual" fleet... there are no requirements to join, we don't enforce contributions, and you can play your way when you want to play.
If you play any other Perfect World games, you can use your existing account to join. If you previously had a Cryptic account, you should consider converting it to a Perfect World account. Also, the new Account Guard system will require you to register the computer on which you play in order to prevent account fraud.
I'd like to encourage Federation Reborn fleet members to participate. Some of the missions will require 5-man teams to complete and some of them require that the team is in the same fleet. Once we get things figured out with Season 6, I'd like to start setting up fleet events... so we know ahead of time when people will be available.
I'd also like to encourage you to check in on our forums occasionally so you can participate in planning for fleet activities. If you have questions about how fleet advancement works, ask your question in the Federation Reborn forums and I'll do my best to answer them or get an answer.
http://z15.invisionfree.com/Federation_Reborn
If you're in another fleet, I'd like to let you know that Federation Reborn is going to be looking to form alliances with other fleets. I can't speak for everyone, but I'll be happy to help your fleet man up for the 20 person Starbase Defense scenarios, to the best of my availability. You can let us know on the Federation Reborn forums when you're planning an event.
The system is designed to reward teaming up as a fleet and contributing toward the building of a Starbase that provides additional benefits, including new endgame-level starships.
If you're not in a fleet, or maybe not even playing Star Trek Online, now is a good time to get in and join Federation Reborn. The game is Free-To-Play and you lose nothing but time downloading the game client. Unlike some other F2P games, STO is not level-restricted and it is possible to get "endgame" ships and gear without paying a dime. Federation Reborn is a "casual" fleet... there are no requirements to join, we don't enforce contributions, and you can play your way when you want to play.
If you play any other Perfect World games, you can use your existing account to join. If you previously had a Cryptic account, you should consider converting it to a Perfect World account. Also, the new Account Guard system will require you to register the computer on which you play in order to prevent account fraud.
I'd like to encourage Federation Reborn fleet members to participate. Some of the missions will require 5-man teams to complete and some of them require that the team is in the same fleet. Once we get things figured out with Season 6, I'd like to start setting up fleet events... so we know ahead of time when people will be available.
I'd also like to encourage you to check in on our forums occasionally so you can participate in planning for fleet activities. If you have questions about how fleet advancement works, ask your question in the Federation Reborn forums and I'll do my best to answer them or get an answer.
http://z15.invisionfree.com/Federation_Reborn
If you're in another fleet, I'd like to let you know that Federation Reborn is going to be looking to form alliances with other fleets. I can't speak for everyone, but I'll be happy to help your fleet man up for the 20 person Starbase Defense scenarios, to the best of my availability. You can let us know on the Federation Reborn forums when you're planning an event.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Star Trek Online: Season 6: Under Siege!
Star Trek Online, Season 6 has been released today!
This new update adds a lot of things...
Colony Invasion: A 5-man ground mission to fight off an invasion and protect (or capture) the colonists. Level 50.
No-Win Scenario: A 5-man space mission to fight off waves of attackers and protect a transport. Level 50
Tholian Invasion: 11 new missions against the Tholians on a Y Class Demon world; EV suits are mandatory (unless you like bursting into flame)! Some missions can be completed solo, others will require a 5-man team to complete. Level 50
Fleet Advancement System: Now fleets can build their own Starbases, complete with shipyards and more, provision a Fleet Store, and obtain special Fleet versions of their favorite ships. (Note that this is a long-term process; not everything is immediately available)
Starbase Fleet Defense: 20-man multiphase mission to defend your Starbase (or someone else's).
Starbase Blockade: Defend incoming freighters from enemy starships attacking them.
Fleet Alerts: Defend your Fleet's Starbase from an enemy invasion.
Starbase Incursion: 5-man ground mission to defend your Fleet Starbase against enemy boarding parties.
Also includes Foundry updates, C-Point to Zen conversion, Leadership Transfer, and more.
Announcement:
http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showpost.php?p=4733591&postcount=739
Release Notes:
http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showpost.php?p=4733581&postcount=1
This new update adds a lot of things...
Colony Invasion: A 5-man ground mission to fight off an invasion and protect (or capture) the colonists. Level 50.
No-Win Scenario: A 5-man space mission to fight off waves of attackers and protect a transport. Level 50
Tholian Invasion: 11 new missions against the Tholians on a Y Class Demon world; EV suits are mandatory (unless you like bursting into flame)! Some missions can be completed solo, others will require a 5-man team to complete. Level 50
Fleet Advancement System: Now fleets can build their own Starbases, complete with shipyards and more, provision a Fleet Store, and obtain special Fleet versions of their favorite ships. (Note that this is a long-term process; not everything is immediately available)
Starbase Fleet Defense: 20-man multiphase mission to defend your Starbase (or someone else's).
Starbase Blockade: Defend incoming freighters from enemy starships attacking them.
Fleet Alerts: Defend your Fleet's Starbase from an enemy invasion.
Starbase Incursion: 5-man ground mission to defend your Fleet Starbase against enemy boarding parties.
Also includes Foundry updates, C-Point to Zen conversion, Leadership Transfer, and more.
Announcement:
http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showpost.php?p=4733591&postcount=739
Release Notes:
http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showpost.php?p=4733581&postcount=1
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Netflix: Real Entertainment Value
Ah, Netflix...
If I only watched clean romantic comedies with my wife after the kids are in bed, it would be a bargain.
If it did nothing else but kept the kids relatively quiet watching cartoons for an hour a day, it would be well worth the price and then some.
If I only used it to watch Mythbusters and Smash Labs with my four boys in a celebration of the male bonding powers of large explosions, the value would be amazing.
If I did nothing but work my way through every Star Trek episode since The Next Generation aired, it would be worth a sizeable chunk of my yearly entertainment budget and an enormous savings over buying all of the DVD sets.
Put them all together... and I get more bang for my buck than a lightning strike at a fireworks factory.
If I only watched clean romantic comedies with my wife after the kids are in bed, it would be a bargain.
If it did nothing else but kept the kids relatively quiet watching cartoons for an hour a day, it would be well worth the price and then some.
If I only used it to watch Mythbusters and Smash Labs with my four boys in a celebration of the male bonding powers of large explosions, the value would be amazing.
If I did nothing but work my way through every Star Trek episode since The Next Generation aired, it would be worth a sizeable chunk of my yearly entertainment budget and an enormous savings over buying all of the DVD sets.
Put them all together... and I get more bang for my buck than a lightning strike at a fireworks factory.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Seven Reasons Why The Klingon Empire Will Survive
Not a week goes by that I don't read some doom and gloom about the Klingon Empire faction in Star Trek Online. Cryptic has been very candid that the KDF side is underpopulated and not as profitable, so they spend less time creating content for the Klingon faction.
On the other hand, they did spend time developing KDF Starbases and KDF Fleet Ships for Season 6, and they spent time adding new ship materials and costume options for the 900-Day Veteran Rewards. It's not fair to say that they have stopped adding new things for the KDF entirely.
I know that Cryptic has not totally abandoned the Klingon Defense Force, and I believe that the Empire will survive. Here are seven reasons why:
1. Klingon Fans - While they may be outnumbered by the Federation, Klingon fans are very passionate about their devotion. Klingon cosplay outfits (including makeup) are amazing compared to the relatively easy makeup and dull-looking Starfleet costumes. They even have their own language!
2. Klingon Culture - The history of the Klingons goes all the way back to the original series and they've been around in most of the different series and movies one way or the other. Starting with The Wrath of Khan, a lot of creativity went into creating a cultural backdrop for the Klingon Empire and there's still room for more. As such, Klingons are one of the most interesting races ever introduced into Star Trek.
3. Orions and Gorn - These two major subcultures of the Klingon Empire have a long history in Star Trek. Even more than the Klingons, they have a lot of room for development and to tell new stories about them.
4. Klingon Ships - The Devs admit that they enjoy creating new KDF ships, even if they can't focus on them. They look "wicked cool" and they have a lot more freedom to interpret that look than they do with Starfleet ships. Frankly, KDF ships have some of the best abilities in the game.
5. PvP - We all know that the KDF were intended to have a heavy focus on PvP play and that PvP has been something of a mess and underdeveloped for a long time. But, Season 6 will begin to introduce new PvP code that Cryptic can build on. Cryptic knows they need a diverse gaming experience and that PvP is a part of that. Revitalized PvP will also have its' effect on the KDF.
6. Alternative Gameplay - Once you've levelled through the Starfleet content a few times, the game can start to feel kind of dull. Having the KDF around gives players something else to do for awhile without actually leaving STO. Eventually, Cryptic will have to add more KDF-specific content. Just because they can't focus on it right now doesn't mean they won't ever do more.
7. The Foundry - KDF fans + Foundry authors = More to do + Interesting storylines. Cryptic might not be able to focus on KDF content right now, but there's nothing stopping KDF fans from rolling their own in the Foundry. The Foundry is also getting more enhancements in Season 6 and I can't wait to see what possibilities open up.
I admit that I am not as active a Klingon fan as I am on the Federation side, but I can still appreciate that the game is richer than it would be if they were merely two-dimensional, computer-controlled "monsters". I too look forward to more KDF content and I believe it will come in time.
Qapla'!
On the other hand, they did spend time developing KDF Starbases and KDF Fleet Ships for Season 6, and they spent time adding new ship materials and costume options for the 900-Day Veteran Rewards. It's not fair to say that they have stopped adding new things for the KDF entirely.
I know that Cryptic has not totally abandoned the Klingon Defense Force, and I believe that the Empire will survive. Here are seven reasons why:
1. Klingon Fans - While they may be outnumbered by the Federation, Klingon fans are very passionate about their devotion. Klingon cosplay outfits (including makeup) are amazing compared to the relatively easy makeup and dull-looking Starfleet costumes. They even have their own language!
2. Klingon Culture - The history of the Klingons goes all the way back to the original series and they've been around in most of the different series and movies one way or the other. Starting with The Wrath of Khan, a lot of creativity went into creating a cultural backdrop for the Klingon Empire and there's still room for more. As such, Klingons are one of the most interesting races ever introduced into Star Trek.
3. Orions and Gorn - These two major subcultures of the Klingon Empire have a long history in Star Trek. Even more than the Klingons, they have a lot of room for development and to tell new stories about them.
4. Klingon Ships - The Devs admit that they enjoy creating new KDF ships, even if they can't focus on them. They look "wicked cool" and they have a lot more freedom to interpret that look than they do with Starfleet ships. Frankly, KDF ships have some of the best abilities in the game.
5. PvP - We all know that the KDF were intended to have a heavy focus on PvP play and that PvP has been something of a mess and underdeveloped for a long time. But, Season 6 will begin to introduce new PvP code that Cryptic can build on. Cryptic knows they need a diverse gaming experience and that PvP is a part of that. Revitalized PvP will also have its' effect on the KDF.
6. Alternative Gameplay - Once you've levelled through the Starfleet content a few times, the game can start to feel kind of dull. Having the KDF around gives players something else to do for awhile without actually leaving STO. Eventually, Cryptic will have to add more KDF-specific content. Just because they can't focus on it right now doesn't mean they won't ever do more.
7. The Foundry - KDF fans + Foundry authors = More to do + Interesting storylines. Cryptic might not be able to focus on KDF content right now, but there's nothing stopping KDF fans from rolling their own in the Foundry. The Foundry is also getting more enhancements in Season 6 and I can't wait to see what possibilities open up.
I admit that I am not as active a Klingon fan as I am on the Federation side, but I can still appreciate that the game is richer than it would be if they were merely two-dimensional, computer-controlled "monsters". I too look forward to more KDF content and I believe it will come in time.
Qapla'!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Star Trek Online started a new Featured Episode series based on a Deep Space Nine storyline this past Saturday. It deals with a Dominion fleet that comes through the wormhole and captures DS-9.
This first episode, "Second Wave", begins with a diplomatic mission involving a cross-faction conference about uniting against the Borg threat.
Yeah, I know, sounds a bit boring, but it's surprisingly fun. Hey, they needed an excuse to get you to DS-9!
This episode has everything. There are four different short diplomatic missions (three of which are optional), there are three optional Duty Officer assignments, ground AND space combat, a bunch of cutscenes, lots of voice-overs, and it moves along fast enough that it doesn't seem too grind-y.
The combat missions are challenging. I don't have tricked out builds, and both my Brigadier General (Science) and my Vice Admiral (Science) each had to respawn in both the ground and space missions. Ordinarily I don't have problems in PvE missions of Normal difficulty and I don't have top-of-the-line gear. Don't go in thinking this is a cakewalk. The Jem'Hadar can take down your shields in nothing flat and your health/hull will follow soon afterward.
All in all, a fun episode and a great kick-off for a new series.
This first episode, "Second Wave", begins with a diplomatic mission involving a cross-faction conference about uniting against the Borg threat.
Yeah, I know, sounds a bit boring, but it's surprisingly fun. Hey, they needed an excuse to get you to DS-9!
This episode has everything. There are four different short diplomatic missions (three of which are optional), there are three optional Duty Officer assignments, ground AND space combat, a bunch of cutscenes, lots of voice-overs, and it moves along fast enough that it doesn't seem too grind-y.
The combat missions are challenging. I don't have tricked out builds, and both my Brigadier General (Science) and my Vice Admiral (Science) each had to respawn in both the ground and space missions. Ordinarily I don't have problems in PvE missions of Normal difficulty and I don't have top-of-the-line gear. Don't go in thinking this is a cakewalk. The Jem'Hadar can take down your shields in nothing flat and your health/hull will follow soon afterward.
All in all, a fun episode and a great kick-off for a new series.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Star Trek Online Offering Free Odyssey Class Cruiser
I just wanted to report that Cryptic is planning to offer a FREE Enterprise-F Odyssey class cruiser during the 2nd Year Anniversary Celebration (Feb 2 thru Feb 6).
This is the winning concept from the fan design contest and is officially sanctioned by CBS as the next ship to bear the Enterprise name. It is reputed to be the largest starship ever built by Starfleet.
Link: http://www.startrekonline.com/node/2839
Completing a shakedown cruise mission gives the player the right to claim it upon reaching Vice Admiral rank. Apparently you must be at least level 5 to do the mission, so if you haven't started playing Star Trek Online now is the time to get going.
You do not need to be a VA to earn it, you just can't claim it until you reach VA rank.
Requires: Vice Admiral rank (level 50)
Known (not final) stats:
Weapons: 4 Fore, 4 Aft
Device Slots: 4
Console Upgrades: 2 Tactical, 4 Engineering, 3 Science
Bridge Officer Stations: 1 Lieutenant Tactical, 1 Commander Engineering, 1 Lieutenant Science, 1 Ensign Universal, 1 Lieutenant Commander Universal
Hull Strength: 42,000
Maximum Warp: 9.996
Turn Rate: 6
Impulse Modifier: 0.15
Shield Modifier: 1.15
+10 Power to Shields, +10 Power to Auxiliary
Likewise, for those who are able to play as Klingons, a new Klingon flagship will also be released at the same time and in a similar fashion.
This is the winning concept from the fan design contest and is officially sanctioned by CBS as the next ship to bear the Enterprise name. It is reputed to be the largest starship ever built by Starfleet.
Link: http://www.startrekonline.com/node/2839
Completing a shakedown cruise mission gives the player the right to claim it upon reaching Vice Admiral rank. Apparently you must be at least level 5 to do the mission, so if you haven't started playing Star Trek Online now is the time to get going.
You do not need to be a VA to earn it, you just can't claim it until you reach VA rank.
Requires: Vice Admiral rank (level 50)
Known (not final) stats:
Weapons: 4 Fore, 4 Aft
Device Slots: 4
Console Upgrades: 2 Tactical, 4 Engineering, 3 Science
Bridge Officer Stations: 1 Lieutenant Tactical, 1 Commander Engineering, 1 Lieutenant Science, 1 Ensign Universal, 1 Lieutenant Commander Universal
Hull Strength: 42,000
Maximum Warp: 9.996
Turn Rate: 6
Impulse Modifier: 0.15
Shield Modifier: 1.15
+10 Power to Shields, +10 Power to Auxiliary
Likewise, for those who are able to play as Klingons, a new Klingon flagship will also be released at the same time and in a similar fashion.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Reactivated!
I recently reactivated my commission in Starfleet and I am back in Star Trek Online!
My reading of the forums suggested that the game was in a relatively stable and enjoyable state, so I reactivated my subscription before F2P launch to check it out and get prepared. (Also, insuring that I would have priority access when F2P launched...)
Free-To-Play is now live, and I am having fun playing around with the Duty Officer system mostly. Vice Admiral G'eek is now stationed at Earth Spacedock/Starfleet Academy to assist new captains and to recruit new members for the Federation Reborn fleet. I just created a new Engineering captain so that I can team up with and help new players and re-learn the game from the ground up.
Make no mistake... Cryptic still needs to earn my money. I will pay a subscription fee only when it suits me to do so, and I'm not going to continuously pump money into the C-Store. But for now, I'm liking the changes to the game and I'm ready to play.
Go Boldly!
My reading of the forums suggested that the game was in a relatively stable and enjoyable state, so I reactivated my subscription before F2P launch to check it out and get prepared. (Also, insuring that I would have priority access when F2P launched...)
Free-To-Play is now live, and I am having fun playing around with the Duty Officer system mostly. Vice Admiral G'eek is now stationed at Earth Spacedock/Starfleet Academy to assist new captains and to recruit new members for the Federation Reborn fleet. I just created a new Engineering captain so that I can team up with and help new players and re-learn the game from the ground up.
Make no mistake... Cryptic still needs to earn my money. I will pay a subscription fee only when it suits me to do so, and I'm not going to continuously pump money into the C-Store. But for now, I'm liking the changes to the game and I'm ready to play.
Go Boldly!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Star Trek Online Free-To-Play Launch Date
In the latest "Path to F2P Dev Blog", Executive Producer Stephen D'Angelo confirms the launch date for Star Trek Online Free-To-Play: January 17, 2012. As some have pointed out, a little rearrangement of the date makes it 17/01. I needn't point out the significance to long time Trek fans.
He also reveals that the relaunch will be made available on the Holodeck server a month early for subscribers, and that C-Point stipends will also be starting a month early.
But, based on what I'm reading in the forums and past experience with Cryptic, I have to reiterate a prediction I made that it's too soon. Even if they waited until 17/01 to put anything online, there are still too many bugs, too many incomplete systems that exist in a half-baked state. They haven't even had time to make the Space Skills changes and give them time to settle on Tribble yet, as far as I know.
In short, the F2P launch seems likely to cause even more chaos than the Hobus Supernova. Yet another hit to Cryptic's reputation.
I can see where they need to buy themselves some time. They're losing more and more subscribers as time goes on with no new content. For them, it's better to launch an incomplete game (again) than to keep working on it. For players, not so much.
I am going to keep my money in my bank account and wait. I'll try to be there at launch, assuming there are no major game-breaking bugs that haven't been dealt with, but I'll be taking a try before I buy approach.
He also reveals that the relaunch will be made available on the Holodeck server a month early for subscribers, and that C-Point stipends will also be starting a month early.
But, based on what I'm reading in the forums and past experience with Cryptic, I have to reiterate a prediction I made that it's too soon. Even if they waited until 17/01 to put anything online, there are still too many bugs, too many incomplete systems that exist in a half-baked state. They haven't even had time to make the Space Skills changes and give them time to settle on Tribble yet, as far as I know.
In short, the F2P launch seems likely to cause even more chaos than the Hobus Supernova. Yet another hit to Cryptic's reputation.
I can see where they need to buy themselves some time. They're losing more and more subscribers as time goes on with no new content. For them, it's better to launch an incomplete game (again) than to keep working on it. For players, not so much.
I am going to keep my money in my bank account and wait. I'll try to be there at launch, assuming there are no major game-breaking bugs that haven't been dealt with, but I'll be taking a try before I buy approach.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Space Skills Revision
Path to F2P Dev Blog #18
I have read the latest Star Trek Online Dev Blog regarding the Space Skills Revision and I must say that this is one change that I wholeheartedly agree with and I like how these changes are being implemented. Call it NGE, but the skill tree has needed to be changed for a long time now and this looks like the right change to me. As long as they are able to address 99% of the inevitable balance issues before F2P launches, this will be a winner.
I have read the latest Star Trek Online Dev Blog regarding the Space Skills Revision and I must say that this is one change that I wholeheartedly agree with and I like how these changes are being implemented. Call it NGE, but the skill tree has needed to be changed for a long time now and this looks like the right change to me. As long as they are able to address 99% of the inevitable balance issues before F2P launches, this will be a winner.
Friday, November 4, 2011
If This Is Love, I'd Hate To See Hate
This is my response to a post by CaptainGeko.
Source: http://forums.startrekonline.com/showpost.php?p=3844420&postcount=1
I've already posted about Dilithium, so I won't spend a lot of time on that point. Retroactive Dilithium refinement is better than not having it, I suppose, but I'm not sure it's really going to add much QoL to the game for subscribers. You still have to earn it, and the system is still set up to starve the economy artificially.
VA Ship Tokens. Or should I say "token", no "s"? Previously, if you leveled up to VA/LG, you got a VA token for that character. You could buy a VA ship, even if only for that one character. Now, you want it, you buy it. Except that 500 day subscribers can get ONE for free, for ONE character.
Again, better than nothing, but still pretty weak for shelling out $15 a month in my opinion. An account-wide unlock of one free token for every character, would be more like it. Players can't sell it, they couldn't get more than one VA ship per character without shelling out more money, so why such a draconian limit?
Sure, there are lots of benefits for Gold accounts... just not any that we care about very much. I get that they need to make money... but they're already getting steady cash from subscribers.
This isn't really love. This is more, "We like you... Sort of... It's your money we really love."
More love for Gold members:
If you are a gold member, each time you log in, the system will automatically refine your Dilithium Ore for each day that has passes since you last logged in - up to one week.
The 500 day Veteran reward will now come with a free Vice Admiral ship token (account unlock). This change will be retroactive. If you are a 500 day veteran and already have a character that has earned a Vice Admiral Ship Token, that character will not get another one.
Source: http://forums.startrekonline.com/showpost.php?p=3844420&postcount=1
I've already posted about Dilithium, so I won't spend a lot of time on that point. Retroactive Dilithium refinement is better than not having it, I suppose, but I'm not sure it's really going to add much QoL to the game for subscribers. You still have to earn it, and the system is still set up to starve the economy artificially.
VA Ship Tokens. Or should I say "token", no "s"? Previously, if you leveled up to VA/LG, you got a VA token for that character. You could buy a VA ship, even if only for that one character. Now, you want it, you buy it. Except that 500 day subscribers can get ONE for free, for ONE character.
Again, better than nothing, but still pretty weak for shelling out $15 a month in my opinion. An account-wide unlock of one free token for every character, would be more like it. Players can't sell it, they couldn't get more than one VA ship per character without shelling out more money, so why such a draconian limit?
Sure, there are lots of benefits for Gold accounts... just not any that we care about very much. I get that they need to make money... but they're already getting steady cash from subscribers.
This isn't really love. This is more, "We like you... Sort of... It's your money we really love."
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Star Trek: The Netflix Frontier
I just need to say that I love the fact that Netflix is carrying all of the episodes of every Star Trek TV series.
I'd been working my way through TNG anyhow. Last night while enduring a bout of insomnia I caught the opener for Deep Space Nine. Pseudo-religious babble aside, I'd forgotten how awesome this show was. I'll have to start fitting this in to my limited geek viewing schedule.
I may never have enough time to get through them all, but it's nice to know they're there.
I'd been working my way through TNG anyhow. Last night while enduring a bout of insomnia I caught the opener for Deep Space Nine. Pseudo-religious babble aside, I'd forgotten how awesome this show was. I'll have to start fitting this in to my limited geek viewing schedule.
I may never have enough time to get through them all, but it's nice to know they're there.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Marvel Office
Here's the reason behind the management problems at Marvel Comics:
Coincidence? I think not.
Coincidence? I think not.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Dilithium Dilemma
So... STO's economy revamp is shaping up to be the worst idea Cryptic has ever had, from a player's standpoint. Bear in mind all my information here is second-hand, because I'm still not subbing. (One of the best financial decisions I ever made.)
The idea behind Dilithium is that it is a "time-based currency". In other words, you only get it by investing time in playing the game. Or, eventually, by trading for it with C-Points. All of the good stuff in the game is eventually going to cost either Dilithium or C-Store points. Probably necessary, considering they want players with free accounts to spend money in the C-Store.
The real problem with this idea is that Dilithium costs are way too high, if the forums are to be believed. You have to buy ships with it, you have to buy gear with it, and now you need it for crafting, too. The Dilithium economy is capped with a restriction on how much of it you can refine per day... because while the game awards you with unrefined Dilithium ore, you can only spend the refined stuff.
It seems to me that Dilithium is being set up to be in high demand. Too high, I suspect. I have a feeling that the demand will not only exceed the supply, but that it will "starve" players out of the economy and out of the game. Cryptic will have to adjust it of course, but not before STO's reputation takes yet another hit.
Worse, subscribers who pay their monthly fee appear to get very little respite from the Dilithium demand. They'll have to grind it like everybody else, or they'll be spending their meager stipend of C-Store points on nothing but Dilithium and not enough to do them any real good.
Here's my suggestion, but I can't tell Cryptic because as a non-subber I am locked out of their forums: Make Dilithium REALLY time-based. Subscribers should get Dilithium just for time logged in, over and above whatever they get actually playing the game. Or even a small amount just for subscription time. If Cryptic does that, I can just about guarantee that they'll not only preserve their existing subscriber base, they'll get others like me to resub.
The idea behind Dilithium is that it is a "time-based currency". In other words, you only get it by investing time in playing the game. Or, eventually, by trading for it with C-Points. All of the good stuff in the game is eventually going to cost either Dilithium or C-Store points. Probably necessary, considering they want players with free accounts to spend money in the C-Store.
The real problem with this idea is that Dilithium costs are way too high, if the forums are to be believed. You have to buy ships with it, you have to buy gear with it, and now you need it for crafting, too. The Dilithium economy is capped with a restriction on how much of it you can refine per day... because while the game awards you with unrefined Dilithium ore, you can only spend the refined stuff.
It seems to me that Dilithium is being set up to be in high demand. Too high, I suspect. I have a feeling that the demand will not only exceed the supply, but that it will "starve" players out of the economy and out of the game. Cryptic will have to adjust it of course, but not before STO's reputation takes yet another hit.
Worse, subscribers who pay their monthly fee appear to get very little respite from the Dilithium demand. They'll have to grind it like everybody else, or they'll be spending their meager stipend of C-Store points on nothing but Dilithium and not enough to do them any real good.
Here's my suggestion, but I can't tell Cryptic because as a non-subber I am locked out of their forums: Make Dilithium REALLY time-based. Subscribers should get Dilithium just for time logged in, over and above whatever they get actually playing the game. Or even a small amount just for subscription time. If Cryptic does that, I can just about guarantee that they'll not only preserve their existing subscriber base, they'll get others like me to resub.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
"O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?" the Marvel Way
Source article: http://www.newsarama.com/comics/hey-thats-my-cape-marvel-deaths-for-sales-110216.html
Go ahead, check it out, then come back. But if you're the impatient type, I'll just give you the main quote:
Once upon a time, this "leak" might have raised my blood pressure. That's certainly the reaction Marvel would like to get. It creates buzz. The fanboys scream, the mainstream media takes note, and sales rise temporarily as the curious and the collectors turn out.
The problem is, the whole "kill off a main character" schtick has been done to... death. It's nearly impossible to care anymore. Everytime a comic book publisher pulls this stunt, it makes it harder to make a splash the next time. Especially when they're meaningless deaths.
"We really killed him/her off," they promise. And sooner or later, when the buzz wears off, they create another media event and bring 'em back.
Frankly, who cares? It's just comics. But it does cause me to wonder about the social impact of turning death into entertainment. The real tragedy is not the death of a fictional character, but the death of our sensitivity to mortality.
Go ahead, check it out, then come back. But if you're the impatient type, I'll just give you the main quote:
David Gabriel, Senior Vice President of Sales at Marvel said, “As a result of the Fantastic Four sales and media coverage, Marvel is going to kill a main character every quarter.” He then made sure to say, “This is not a joke.”The article goes on to mention other media-hype "events" such as the death of Captain America, the death of Johnny Storm, and the death of Peter Parker in the Ultimate universe.
Once upon a time, this "leak" might have raised my blood pressure. That's certainly the reaction Marvel would like to get. It creates buzz. The fanboys scream, the mainstream media takes note, and sales rise temporarily as the curious and the collectors turn out.
The problem is, the whole "kill off a main character" schtick has been done to... death. It's nearly impossible to care anymore. Everytime a comic book publisher pulls this stunt, it makes it harder to make a splash the next time. Especially when they're meaningless deaths.
"We really killed him/her off," they promise. And sooner or later, when the buzz wears off, they create another media event and bring 'em back.
Frankly, who cares? It's just comics. But it does cause me to wonder about the social impact of turning death into entertainment. The real tragedy is not the death of a fictional character, but the death of our sensitivity to mortality.
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