http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=17005115&postcount=4
Shawn
LFR Global Admin
Maybe the forms were lost??
I think this is just ridiculous!!!! There really should be ZERO questions on this and all of the information should have been entered already..I am not sure what the process is or where the failure is but this is absurd. I undertsand that this is probably not a very highly funded organization as RPGA is free to participants but just sit down and make people enter the information if it needs to be entered by a manual process.
Maybe the forms were lost??
The forms weren't lost.
The database conversion that was sprung upon RPGA HQ at GenCon made it impossible for us to do data entry at the show as we'd have liked.
The forms were packed up and shipped back to WotC.
Unfortunately, the database changes still made it impossible to do data entry of the size required by a job the size of GenCon for quite some time.
This is further complicated (I suspect) by a good number of people not understanding how to format their newly adjusted RPGA numbers (even with printed directions handed to many GMs to help explain things at the table).
Only recently were the needed tools added to allow the start of data entry (the option to save data entry in-progress).
Now the forms have to be gone through, with numbers translated, formatted, guessed at, etc. New players (of which there were MANY judging by the new player forms I saw) have to be entered as part of this process.
It's also not a task that can be easily shared by multiple people, so there's likely one unfortunate soul stuck with the entire job.
Is it frustrating? ABOSLUTELY - as someone who was working RPGA HQ at GenCon, I can assure you there were few people more frustrated than us. However, due to the problems on the backend it isn't as simple as "just do it".
Now that the pieces are finally all coming together, it should start to get done in the next couple weeks I'm hoping.
Shawn
LFR Global Admin
Now the forms have to be gone through, with numbers translated, formatted, guessed at, etc. New players (of which there were MANY judging by the new player forms I saw) have to be entered as part of this process.
I guess its frustrating from my view point since this is exactly what I do for a living (development of reporting systems with an emphasis on data quality). Its hard to imagine this data wasn't entered already into an electronic format which then can be ready for editing if necessary.
Once the database issue was resolved a very simple bulk load could be done...
I am praying RPGA is not making a poor soul navigate through the same interface we do in the DCI web page....
This is further complicated (I suspect) by a good number of people not understanding how to format their newly adjusted RPGA numbers (even with printed directions handed to many GMs to help explain things at the table).
I agree that this was probably a big factor for both players and GMs. I played in three games at GenCon, and only one of the GMs mentioned (let alone explained) the new format for those of us with old numbers. During the last game, I asked the GM to clarify the formatting for me, and he looked like he didn't know what I was talking about.
I guess its frustrating from my view point since this is exactly what I do for a living (development of reporting systems with an emphasis on data quality). Its hard to imagine this data wasn't entered already into an electronic format which then can be ready for editing if necessary.
Once the database issue was resolved a very simple bulk load could be done...
I am praying RPGA is not making a poor soul navigate through the same interface we do in the DCI web page....
I *guarantee* you that that's exactly what that poor soul is having to do. I can also guarantee you that the data haven't been "entered already into an electronic format" -- I'm 99% sure that it's still a big stack of table tracking sheets.
LOL
So the cut off is in just a few days... is there ANY official status on the GenCon results? Is the deadline going to be pushed back?
http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=17008727&postcount=6
Shawn
Beaver
So then the GenCon results will NOT be in this mailing since the cut off is tomorrow? Not trying to beat anyone up.. just trying to understand...
Beaver
If they aren't, but progress is being made in a reasonable amount of time, it wouldn't be unlikely for them to push the cutoff back a few days to let GenCon get into the system.
I am the RPGA event coordinator for Strategion, Gateway 2008 in Los Angeles. This convention ran during August 29 - Sept 1st.
It has been 1.5 months, and I still haven't been able to report the data for my successfully. In fact, I don't imagine I will be done for another month, at least. We had 105 LFR tables, some 40+ LG tables, and 1 star wars table.
The problem with my tardy entry is, essentially, speed.
The new implementation of their reporting server loads fairly slowly all tables reported so far in an event each time a new game, player, gm, or cert are added to the event.
Early on, this means a few seconds load time between elements. However,
at table, say 80+, this means 30 seconds - minute between each new data element.
Now lets do some math:
1 game + 6 people + 12 certs + 1 gm = 20 elements --> 15 minutes (assume 45 second load time).
Alright, now 150 tables x 15 minutes = 2250 minutes = 38 hours
38 hours of data entry, for 36 hours of convention game time.
OK, this is a bit rough for one person (like myself) with a full time career and busy weekends.
There IS a option to hide tables/sessions on a browser, which seems like it should speed things (and does, a bit), but I have experienced data loss when using that feature (reset character choices, primarily)
However (and this is where it gets fun) I actually did fully enter data for all my LFR games (ordered separately from the LG games), hit submit... AND... (drumroll)
... failed submission. Data not transmitted. Morevover, about 1/4 of the slot elements empty or reset. Yes, that's 10 hours down the drain with one click of a button.
OK, I'm patient. Re-enter data... but about half-way through this about a third of slots lost/reset.
Fairly frustrated at this point, I call WOTC/RPGA headquarters and e-mail their Databasing manager, listing the problems I've had.
A few days of conversation, and they say they'll work on it.
Two days later, I check the reporting site, and all my data is gone.
30 more hours, down the drain.
Hell, I'm patient. I'll sit through another 38 hours of my precious time and re-enter the data.
But I'm sure not planning on running any more RPGA events in the Los Angeles area. Not if it means this level of headache for something that used to be simple, like data entry.
Jacob
(by the way, if you went to Strategicon, just be patient. It'll be done in, oh, another month or so...)
(P.S. Lets just not talk about my frustration BEFORE the save option was added)
Kithran
Still, it's still a matter of lots of time for no reward. This system is just... slow. I have no monetary reward for this time, since this work is entirely unpaid for me (I don't have a stake in the Strategicon convention, just generating raw business for them, not that they make a profit.). There is no intellectual reward, since there are no longer convention only adventures (and no opportunity to write them, unless non-RPGA endorsed). To have this added burden of hours of data entry added to the normal expenses and time commitment involved in helping to organize a convention is too much. So *shrug* no more for me, thank you very much!
08-10-1737739 - Gen Con 2008 Thursday #2
GC2808IN - Gen Con Indy 2008 - Friday
Judging by the player count (43 and 73 respectively) for these saction #'s, it looks like they are getting the events entered, just in smaller pieces.
Question time! Are GenCon games (both played and DM'd) still worth double Rewards Points? Mine seem to indicate 4 points each at the moment.
Thanks
I must've entered my RPGA number 3 or 4 different ways on the reporting sheets at GenCon. I hope they get all that sorted out.
Results are still being entered as of now. We've hired a contractor to input them, and he's been working for the better part of the last week. We are not doing a final data pull for the Rewards mailing until he's done with Gen Con Indy.
Out of curiosity, will there be a post when it's finished so we can confirm if events are missing? If not, I can just wait to check until my cards and minis arrive...
Since I'm seeing in other posts that events are being entered for Gen Con now. I was hoping that my online account may be active even if no events were reported for that RPGA# yet. Is there a particular order the data was being entered into the database? For example: new memberships from Gen Con before Gen Con event results, or Gen Con event results before new memberships. That would probably make the difference between which password to use and when a possible email might be sent.
Kithran
Either way, it'd be nice for a weekly status update on the progress considering it's been nearly 3 months since the Con.I am wondering how we are going to "fix" the misreported sessions. e.g. I now have 2 new "Default Characters" when I only played 1 character and that was in the system as on the second day after the "merge from hell"...
File an appeal
Just think this needs some review.
As for myself, so far I only have some of the regional adventures I played at Gen Con showing up in my character history, but none of the core adventures I played in are there yet. I only gained online access to my account yesterday (after sending a second email to customer services about still not having access to my RPGA account I received at Gen Con. The squeaky wheel got the grease, I guess :D ) I'm hoping that the remaining events are added soon. I have also been hoping that a regular data entry progress update would be provided by the RPGA since the database conversion caused such a disruption in the posted processing times. I think this fairly small act would prevent a lot of unnecessary customer service requests.
I don't believe there has been a status update with regard to "completion" of Gen Con event reporting beyond one a couple weeks ago that stated a contractor was currently entering the data. Some people I've seen on this message board have claimed to have had all their Gen Con 08 events entered, but I don't believe this to be universally true.
As for myself, so far I only have some of the regional adventures I played at Gen Con showing up in my character history, but none of the core adventures I played in are there yet. I only gained online access to my account yesterday (after sending a second email to customer services about still not having access to my RPGA account I received at Gen Con. The squeaky wheel got the grease, I guess :D ) I'm hoping that the remaining events are added soon. I have also been hoping that a regular data entry progress update would be provided by the RPGA since the database conversion caused such a disruption in the posted processing times. I think this fairly small act would prevent a lot of unnecessary customer service requests.
I'll ask Solice to prod Chris Tulach on how GenCon Data Entry goes and see if she can get him to post (or at least give her an official statement that she can relay back to us).
I understand she rules through fear, so if anyone know's Chris' particular kryptonite, let her know.
I am wondering how we are going to "fix" the misreported sessions. e.g. I now have 2 new "Default Characters" when I only played 1 character and that was in the system as on the second day after the "merge from hell"...
These all have to be reported to DCI by each player. From the reporting end, there is nothing we can do with the current system to handle situations where the player has not maintained their characters. When a player has maintained their PCs (logging into the RPGA site and under My Characters), the reporter can take the time to select the right number corresponding to the tracking sheet entry. If the player has not maintained the data, the only option is to assign a new character and this creates problems for the player.
The system could be better if it allowed the manual assignment of a number instead of just a new character for these cases. But, with the system as we have it there is no such option.
Having just finished helping on PAX and spending an unbelievable number of DAYS reporting and working hard to make results as accurate as possible, there are a number of improvements needed to the system. There are also a lot of things judges and players can do, as I noted in another post. I am sure Gen Con is an even bigger and tougher challenge, as it happened a weekend earlier and the system changed mid-con and before people knew that old RPGA sign-up cards would not be valid. We will just have to be patient for the entry, I suppose. (I have only 1 of my 4 games showing up).
Teos
If so, it's not being reported/counted as such.
If this has changed from what the "D&D Rewards" section says, can this be noted somewhere?
Thanks!
Mis-reporting aside, does GenCon still count as "x2" for reward points?
If so, it's not being reported/counted as such.
If this has changed from what the "D&D Rewards" section says, can this be noted somewhere?
Thanks!
I've added this to my earlier request to Solice for info to extract from Chris. I think it was something I'd sent up the chain before, but no answers have been forthcoming.
We’re still in the process of finishing results entry for Gen Con Indy. It will be done soon. We have no ETA yet. However, we are not pulling D&D Rewards until after the Gen Con Indy entry is complete, so all Gen Con reporting will count towards their rewards for this cycle.
I checked with the powers that be on this, here is what I know so far:
We’re still in the process of finishing results entry for Gen Con Indy. It will be done soon. We have no ETA yet. However, we are not pulling D&D Rewards until after the Gen Con Indy entry is complete, so all Gen Con reporting will count towards their rewards for this cycle.
Thanks, Solice!
Even though it was my thought that Gencon was x2 (if so mine are also showing incorrect credited amounts for those showing up) I doubt they will correct it before the mailing. It would mean not only do they have to finish reporting but have to go back to all those already complete and correct them. I just don't see that happening.
Yes, thanks.
Even though it was my thought that Gencon was x2 (if so mine are also showing incorrect credited amounts for those showing up) I doubt they will correct it before the mailing. It would mean not only do they have to finish reporting but have to go back to all those already complete and correct them. I just don't see that happening.
Mine are also not showing the Gen Con x2 points. I'm hoping that this will not be a per-person fix and just requires a calculation adjustment that propagates to all rewards members that played at Gen Con.
Edit: I clicked on the "My Events" link and found the events I was in at Gen Con (that were processed, that is. I'm still missing my Saturday and Sunday events.). According to the event links, the Gen Con LFR events I can see are worth 4 points each. The "My Rewards" link presents them being 1 point each. So, at this point, it appears the issue could be a presentation problem on the "My Rewards" page or a data entry problem.
Mine are also not showing the Gen Con x2 points. I'm hoping that this will not be a per-person fix and just requires a calculation adjustment that propagates to all rewards members that played at Gen Con.
I'm hoping that with the missed 2nd mailing, and the month+ delay on this mailing, plus the headaches incurred by the switch to the DCI database in the first place that they simply double the mailing(s). Every pack of 3 cards becomes 6 cards (or at least 5) as a "thank you for being patient".
Yeah, that's right. I dare to dream.
I'm hoping that with the missed 2nd mailing, and the month+ delay on this mailing, plus the headaches incurred by the switch to the DCI database in the first place that they simply double the mailing(s). Every pack of 3 cards becomes 6 cards (or at least 5) as a "thank you for being patient".
Yeah, that's right. I dare to dream.
Well, let's consider:
Because of when I joined the RPGA, I lost out on a few points (9, I think) from my first LG experience, because it took so long for me to get added that that event was outside the range they grandfathered the points for when I was finally able to join the D&D Rewards program.
Because of the time I joined and was able to sign up for D&D Rewards, all I have ever received in the way of rewards is one of the Furious Owlbear repaints. No cards, ever.
The only LFR card I currently have is one of the Spellscarred cards, and that was won at a local con, not received from RPGA HQ or anything like that.
Because the local game day reporting gets a little behind, my first two LFR adventures were still not reported last time I checked. And my participation as a player in WitR was reported twice, once while the reporting was broken (missing anything but the XP/GP reporting), and the second time with the bundle information, for the same character.
I am not sure if the local mid-sized convention's reporting has been done yet, as most of what I played was LG instead of LFR.
I can no longer check the online tracking to see which of the LG mods I have played have been reported, or if the tracking issues I appealed on earlier were ever corrected, so it is hard to make sure that reported mods stay legal if I wind up needing to run something in the interim. Or has the RPGA replay rule been extended into the final months of LG? (If so, I want to see if I can get a table together to run CORS6-02 Pits of Azak Zil for my higher level character... ;) )
I'm hoping that with the missed 2nd mailing, and the month+ delay on this mailing, plus the headaches incurred by the switch to the DCI database in the first place that they simply double the mailing(s). Every pack of 3 cards becomes 6 cards (or at least 5) as a "thank you for being patient".
Yeah, that's right. I dare to dream.
Completely agree...and I think you are already dreaming. Even a couple extra painted mini's from the GM rewards to convince those not GM'ing to consider it. Now I am
I am still not sure of the special either...assume it should be 8 base as you said and the rewards page, which I admit is severely out of date, still shows x2 for the cons.
____
Now that I am part of rewards it makes it less an issue, but there should be 1 change made without issue. When someone signs up for RPGA membership they should simply sign up for rewards as part of the process. When I originally signed up years ago I never realized there was a separate rewards application required.
(Let alone sign up for rewards from multiple areas such as D&D and DDM seperately.)Nothing like playing for years wondering if I must have just never gotten enough points or they did not rollover. LG was great to play but would have been nicer had I gotten some rewards planned or unplanned.
Now all we have to do is see how they handle the points. I have to say in the last two weeks they seemed to have done alot versus the months prior.
I will say that the Rewards program should be an auto-signup instead of something separate but I'm signed up now. I miss out on those GenCon points but I guess it's no biggie...
If I read the Rewards page right, I've got 279 pending Player Reward points, and 66 pending points from judging. Whoa. :D