- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Posted by: Demerzel
I would have to concur with how Foman worded it -- it's essentially twofold.
Firstly, and probably more pressingly, is that Bungie wants feedback on Matchmaking from people whom they know are playing the game. Secondly, requiring a linked Gamertag cuts down on the probability that someone will use alternate accounts to post on that forum, a problem which was particularly bad there.
If you were to ask whether or not I favored implementing a system whereby only linked users will be able to post in any forum? I would certainly agree that that would be silly. After all, you don't need a Gamertag to play Halos 1, 2 or 3, Halo PC or any of the classic Bungie games. However, you do need a Gamertag to play Halos 2 and 3 online, and since Optimatch is dedicated to online Matchmaking discussion, it is now restricted.
Ok, fine....
Here's how I see it.....
First, the forum Moderator should have used some courtesy and moved the post to the correct forum, then PM'd Remember Orion letting him know the error of his ways. That would have been the professional way to handle it. Also, the Mod should have replied to his PM regarding the thread as well (which Remember Orion claims he did not).
Secondly, if Bungie wants a forum specifically designed to solicit feedback about Optimatch, then it should state so in that particular forums' rules. For reference, here are the rules:
1. Optimatch Forum is to function as a direct line of communication from the fans to Bungie Studios. As such, posters will be expected to post and communicate like adults, that includes well-written, well-thought out posts using correct grammar and punctuation.
2. Subject lines for posts will include the complete topic to be discussed. Posts that are vague and/or cryptic in an attempt to get people to click through will be deleted and posters actioned against. Your subject is what we will see first and should serve as a thesis statement to your post. "So, Bungie..." is a pristine example of how not to post.
3. Any violation of these rules or rules of other sub-forums at Optimatch will result in bans that may include permanent removal of posting abilities. Bans will be a minimum of 14 days.
4. Arguments and heated discussions are acceptable, but the moment statements decrying or championing an opinion of someone else based on their relative skill/EXP level as the legs of their argumentative chair enter the discussion, the poster who brought said statements in will be removed.
5. Personal attacks will not be tolerated in any fashion. We don't care to read them and if we do, expect a dismissal.
6. Polls have minimal use in Optimatch. We're looking for constructive, well-thought out posts, not "click here if you want X map, gun, version of Cortana" to return.
Notice that nowhere does it say it is a forum used to solicit feedback about Optimatch; it is a forum designed for community members to discuss Optimatch, with Bungie, and among themselves. At least, that's what it seems to me; after all, ALL forums are meant for the use of the members to discuss topics of interest. On just about EVERY other forum site I've ever visited, the Mods are good about enforcing the rules, as well as moving topics to the proper forum should a member inadvertently post in the wrong forum. Getting a "warning" for posting in the wrong forum seems unprofessional to me. Also, note #6 regarding polls; then go look at the current number of polls in that forum; maybe the Mods should start doing their job. And for that matter, the forums' function is as a "direct line of communication from the fans to Bungie Studios...". Hmmmm......fans, not current players; not registered users with a GT; just fans (of the game).
So, if a member can't post in the correct forum due to GT link issues, or other "technical difficulties", where do they post? I would expect that they would post in the "General" forum, which on here is the Underground. That's what Remember Orion did. I don't see that he really did anything wrong.
Also, on the subject of requiring a GT link to your profile in order to post in the Optimatch forum: what about people that play H2 or H3 but (for some temporary reason) don't have an active GT? Does their opinion not count? They can't be allowed to discuss Optimatch? Or, what about former players that quit playing the game and no longer have a GT? They have no voice either? They may have excellent feedback based on their previous experiences.
Maybe I'm just on a different planet.
I will say this: both H2 and H3 suffer from serious issues related to the online gaming experience that could have been addressed during (or even after) development; such as stand-by-ing, leveling up, numerous glitches, host advantage, and a physics engine that is unrealistic, at best. Honestly, IMO, the online gaming experience for these games isn't all that great because of all these issues.
There's my 2 cents. I'd better go get my flamesuit now.....or be prepared to get banned for my opinion.
[Edited on 02.09.2008 4:55 PM PST]