Housecleaning for RPGA General - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Housecleaning for RPGA General

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
WolfStar76
Aug 26, 2008 15:33:20 So, I'm thinking that now that we're sending requests for numbers to [email]dci@wizards.com[/email] that it's time the "How to REALLY get an RPGA number" thread be retired.

It's gotten to be a long line of posts, and the information within has (very recently) gone stale on us. I'd like to put a new post up in its place, most likely an FAQ for basic issues (getting a membership, what the RPGA is, what campaigns exist, how to order events, etc).

I'm looking to you guys to see what kind of information you feel should be compiled into an FAQ in general, and if there are any strong objections to retiring (close and unsticky) the existing thread.

I'm also debating the (current) usefulness of the Chat Logs sticky. The chat logs were great, but the newest of them were from January talking about DDXP, I don't think they really encompass what's going on at this time. (And it reminds me - does Chris still DO the chats? I should really know this. . . )

Let me know what you guys think.
#2
litz
Aug 26, 2008 15:39:58 As a new member who can't activate my membership (which technically makes me a non-member) I support this. Archive the old stuff for the memories, post the new accurate info, lock it so it cannot be derailed or contrary info given, and sticky it for newbs like me to find.
#3
Magicstar1
Aug 26, 2008 16:47:49 A faq seems like a good start. Especially with the new campaign launching lots of people have small questions that we can easily compile in a faq.

Most important would be to separate the faq in a section for new players. Main topics:
What is the RPGA
What does the RPGA do
Cool I like it, how can I get involved
How do I get a number
What kind a campaigns does the RPGA offer

And a part for players already involved:
How do I go about organizing a small convention or gameday
What special programs does the RPGA have (Delve, etc)

Just throwing down ideas. I'd be willing to help out with some of the writing if you want. Drop me a PM.
#4
bblythe
Aug 26, 2008 17:05:16 Great suggestion! Wizards customer service is kind of weak, and I was referred to the message board. It would be nice to have a thread that gives you the basics for

1. How to start a group without going to a con.
2. How to get your first adventures.
3. Tips, tricks and bureaucratic loop holes to help get the process rolling.
(Also a reminder that the community is courteous and responsive)

There is really no online support for this stuff from Wizards. Some downloaded packets, and outdated FAQ stuff is all I could really find. Its kind of unfortunate that the fan club for Dungeons and Dragons, which probably generates a lot of money for Wizards, is being somewhat neglected.

When their customer service referred me hear, I really didn't expect to get much of a response. Boy was I wrong! I think a good reminder that there people here who know whats up and want to help would also be good there as well.

Thanks for playing,
:§Ben
#5
WolfStar76
Aug 26, 2008 17:16:58 Alright, seems like the FAQ idea is a winner.

I'm thinking about starting a thread and reserving the first 2-3 posts therein for different "sections"

My goal would be to have a format like the following:

RPGA General
What is the RPGA?
How do I join?
Why can't I login with my RPGA number anymore?

Current Campaigns
What is Living Forgotten Realms?
Are published modules part of LFR?
Who do I contact about writing a module?
What is Dawn of Defiance?

Organizing Events
How do I become a DM?
How do I get new membership cards?
How do I order a module?
Can I be a GM at GenCon?

It might need a little more organization, but that's a decent framework. My plan would be to list questions, then give their answers in a spoiler block to keep the FAQ a little less daunting. IE:

What is the RPGA?
Show
The RPGA is the role-play arm of WotC's Organized Play group, we pretend to swing swords and kill things, just like you do at home, only we do it more gooder!
#6
chezcaliente
Aug 26, 2008 21:02:18 This looks good. My only extra suggestion would be a "suggestions for how to find a game as a player" section that gives a few websites or threads that players can use to find RPGA games.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 WolfStar76 Aug 26, 2008 15:33:20	So, I'm thinking that now that we're sending requests for numbers to [email]dci@wizards.com[/email] that it's time the "How to REALLY get an RPGA number" thread be retired. It's gotten to be a long line of posts, and the information within has (very recently) gone stale on us. I'd like to put a new post up in its place, most likely an FAQ for basic issues (getting a membership, what the RPGA is, what campaigns exist, how to order events, etc). I'm looking to you guys to see what kind of information you feel should be compiled into an FAQ in general, and if there are any strong objections to retiring (close and unsticky) the existing thread. I'm also debating the (current) usefulness of the Chat Logs sticky. The chat logs were great, but the newest of them were from January talking about DDXP, I don't think they really encompass what's going on at this time. (And it reminds me - does Chris still DO the chats? I should really know this. . . ) Let me know what you guys think.
#2 litz Aug 26, 2008 15:39:58	As a new member who can't activate my membership (which technically makes me a non-member) I support this. Archive the old stuff for the memories, post the new accurate info, lock it so it cannot be derailed or contrary info given, and sticky it for newbs like me to find.
#3 Magicstar1 Aug 26, 2008 16:47:49	A faq seems like a good start. Especially with the new campaign launching lots of people have small questions that we can easily compile in a faq. Most important would be to separate the faq in a section for new players. Main topics: What is the RPGA What does the RPGA do Cool I like it, how can I get involved How do I get a number What kind a campaigns does the RPGA offer And a part for players already involved: How do I go about organizing a small convention or gameday What special programs does the RPGA have (Delve, etc) Just throwing down ideas. I'd be willing to help out with some of the writing if you want. Drop me a PM.
#4 bblythe Aug 26, 2008 17:05:16	Great suggestion! Wizards customer service is kind of weak, and I was referred to the message board. It would be nice to have a thread that gives you the basics for 1. How to start a group without going to a con. 2. How to get your first adventures. 3. Tips, tricks and bureaucratic loop holes to help get the process rolling. (Also a reminder that the community is courteous and responsive) There is really no online support for this stuff from Wizards. Some downloaded packets, and outdated FAQ stuff is all I could really find. Its kind of unfortunate that the fan club for Dungeons and Dragons, which probably generates a lot of money for Wizards, is being somewhat neglected. When their customer service referred me hear, I really didn't expect to get much of a response. Boy was I wrong! I think a good reminder that there people here who know whats up and want to help would also be good there as well. Thanks for playing, :§Ben
#5 WolfStar76 Aug 26, 2008 17:16:58	Alright, seems like the FAQ idea is a winner. I'm thinking about starting a thread and reserving the first 2-3 posts therein for different "sections" My goal would be to have a format like the following: RPGA General What is the RPGA? How do I join? Why can't I login with my RPGA number anymore? Current Campaigns What is Living Forgotten Realms? Are published modules part of LFR? Who do I contact about writing a module? What is Dawn of Defiance? Organizing Events How do I become a DM? How do I get new membership cards? How do I order a module? Can I be a GM at GenCon? It might need a little more organization, but that's a decent framework. My plan would be to list questions, then give their answers in a spoiler block to keep the FAQ a little less daunting. IE: What is the RPGA? Show The RPGA is the role-play arm of WotC's Organized Play group, we pretend to swing swords and kill things, just like you do at home, only we do it more gooder!
#6 chezcaliente Aug 26, 2008 21:02:18	This looks good. My only extra suggestion would be a "suggestions for how to find a game as a player" section that gives a few websites or threads that players can use to find RPGA games.