Some Issues on running this via Forum. Help for any future games umpires

[MJ1]

OK,

I have hit a few snags and had some discussion with the players off line. This might be useful at a later date for other umpires...

From:
Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2014 11:29 AM
To:  
Subject: Re: Updates


Hi Mark,

Sorry for slow response.

I think I have been attaching maps for some players with complex info within their forum threads. I just want to re-evaluate everything as my current system (manual) is poor and I am not following it very well hence getting confused. This does not happen (often) in a game during the day as my memory holds the info and with the help of umpires I have the system pretty much nailed in how to run the game.

However, as mentioned at the start this game it is a bit of an experiment and I am struggling to keep my memory focused on what every one is doing as I have to reload memory after several days (or weeks) of mind getting full up with day to day life.

Then when I do get time it is not quality time and just small slices and errors get compounded.

So when I say I am looking at new systems I mean manual methods and processes to ensure I keep in mind all the info I need to keep turns rolling out.

I think I am going to have a sticky thread at top of each players forum showing current status of units and supplies. This will be like a dashboard to help us all. The problem is I do not know how easy it will be to keep updated and if it gets too time consuming I might struggle. Normally it is down to the players to do this (on games run during shows and I have counters and tokens that are easy methods of control).

Because we are using forum these methods don’t work so I need to find a better way of doing it. I think ultimately if I wanted to do this again Vassal might be a better route but would need some time and effort to set up. (FYI Vassal is free and a cracking way to play board games with friends via the WWW).

Anyway enough of my thoughts lets actually do it...

You will see some changes to your threads as today progresses.

Cheers

Mark


From:
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 2:14 PM
To:  
Subject: Re: Updates

Hi Mark,


A clarification of supplies would be helpful.  As far as maps go...have you been making maps for us?????? I have never seen one other than the originals that you sent.


I think that you probably don't need to invest in any new software.  If you can just add a note to the results of a turn which indicates the current supply status of units that should be enough.


cheers,
Mark



-----Original Message-----
From:
To:
Sent: Mon, Feb 10, 2014 5:18 pm
Subject: Updates


Hi,

I have issued some updates on the results of that turn.

I need to spend some time working out how best to report back the supply status and show units.

This is taking me some time and I hope to get more time on this later this week.

I will update maps for every player and a full unit update to help kick this off again.

Please bear with me and I hope we will hit our stride again once I work out how best to keep you informed of units and supplies.

This is usually very easy on table as I have counters for supply and units and very easy to see and show. But I am trying to do it all via XLS and I have yet to perfect a system I am happy with.

If I have more time at some stage I think I could use Vassal to help all of this but that will take a big investment from me and what with day job and other gaming habits I am finding myself stretched.

Anyway I will get supply updates out to you later this week.

Thxs

Mark

[MJ1]

OK after much research and P*ssing around I have found a way that I am happy of showing you the information in the forums.

I am going to switch to Google docs and their XLS so I can publish for each player their own view.

I have yet to work out how secure this is and if players do crack other players sheets please let me know. I know as we all know one another I can trust you not to peek but it would be good to know if the links can be cracked?

Right now I need to crack on and get this out to all players...

This will take some time...

[MJ1]

This solution is not ultra secure as Google docs publish the XLS view on the web, so if you can guess / find the other players links then you can view the unit status.

Not sure how easy it it to find links so would be interested if anyone does?

Anyway the beauty of google docs is that it embeds nicely into the forum window and once set up all you have to do is update the google doc and the forum view will update (with a bit of delay).

So makes it easier to control and less admin fro umpire in updating 6 different pages. (Mind you bad enough updating 6 google docs!! But better than doing that and then doing 6 more updates!!)

[MJ1]

For players of the game if you have access to a Gmail account I can share the XLS with you so you can print off the screen or have a better look at it.

This was requested by Alex and I have just opened it up for him so the offer should be open for all of you.

The use of Google as a tool for these style of games is becoming very useful...

[Sponsored content]