Are we a Community anymore?

doodirock

Shared on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:03

I recently recieved a PM from an old friend saying that the site has really gone down hill in the past year or so. There was talk of some old school members of the site who quitely left becuase they felt 2old2play was no longer a community. They sited issues with clans becoming much to insolated, not enough community events, and that all 2old2play did was ask for money from them.

Now I could be crazy, but to me I think the opposite. The community has grown quite large and many clans now live within the 2old2play area. In the recent months we have had 4 contests, the GoW Microsoft playdate, the MML Halo League, and cross clan tournaments for both GoW and CoD. Blogs are updated regularly and the community still responds in full force to our members in need.

So I guess my question to all of you is, what do you think? Is this just the old school members pulling out the "back in the day" talk that almost all communities recieve? Or is it possible that 2old2play just sucks now. I guess the reason I ask is becuase I have always run 2old2play becuase I love the community. I play games with many of you on a daily basis, I read blogs, I search the forums, I sit in site chat, and I watch the front page news. I have never really looked at 2o2p as a job and I certainly havent' made a living off of it. However if the community that we all worked so hard to create no longer cares, what am I to do? If the community feels like we only ask for money, how should I pay for it?

Again I don't personally agree with much of this, however if I have learned anything about people while running this great site, it is that perception is EVERYTHING. It doesn't matter what is true, right, or fact. It only matters what others believe. Each an every issue within the site can be summed up with miscommincation, disbelief, and double talk. Oddly enough 9 times out of 10 most of these problems could be fixed with a beer and a hand shake. Alas this can't and generally won't happen without a LAN or something truely personal to bring members together.

In any case I would like to here from all of you in your own words. Is the work me and the countless others do all for nothing? Are we fighting an uphill battle of pissed of people and poor perception? I look forward to your comments.

doodi

doodirock's blog
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Comments

Submitted by rumbagod on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:15

i love this place and have no issue with being a part of the scc. the blogs, the rants, the wtf's, the podcast it's all great stuff to me

Submitted by ekattan on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:17

Many members just post in the Clan forums. Many events are just clan exclusive. So there is some truth to that isolation remark.

Submitted by DeltaT on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:18

Back in the day everyone probably only played 1 or 2 games, We divide as do our interests I don't think that takes away from 202p, just gives it more diversity

Submitted by Codemunkee on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:26

I've been back and forth to this site, but only because yeah, I do feel that it's insular as far as clans go. It did bother me, but now not so much. The way I see it, you make your own friends or groups, and you'll work it out no matter where they post. The money part, well, that's just not true. I've seen plenty of times where the site cash goal has not been met and it still refreshes each month.

Submitted by bunsen27 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:27

Yes, it has changed from back in the H2 days, but so has the number of games we all play. Which is good, but creates some issues in it's own right. Some people move on from games rather quickly whereas others tend to stay rooted in one place. I know I'm personally struggling with trying to play everything I want to in my limited gaming time. I like that we have clans that focus mainly on a specific game or genre of game because it enables new people to get assimilated into the clan system easier. I also like the smaller more intimate clans comprised of long time friends. it's nice to have both available. I feel that most clans are very strong internally, but the general clan to clan relations could maybe use a boost. I know Antiquity, Fossil, PCP, and 2Old2Shoot have been doing some informal mixers for COD, Frontlines, TF2, BF:BC, and soon BF1943. I know even within a clan it can be challenging to get a majority of members behind a game night schedule, though it did seem to work well for the site with racing Mon and COD Thur? Check my rambling ass long post in the Overlords lounge for more details.

Submitted by J-Cat on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:27

I think there are a lot of things at play here... but anytime someone says that they are feeling isolated, ya gotta listen, think, digest, then maybe act... depending if you agree. Look someoen saying that the site isn't what it used to be is absolutly 100% true. It can't be! It shouldn't be... Its 4 years old now... if it looked the same then as it does now... that would be a problem. I have more thoughts on this. PM sent. The will here is strong... it's actually a good sign you are hearing about this, rather than people jsut up and leaving...

Submitted by FireWtr96 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:29

Doodi, Dont't let the words of 1 lame ass discourage you. 2o2p Saved online gaming for me. I was done with it then i found 2o2p. Like many others we found a haven away from all the stuff that is XbL and made friends in the process. We all really appreciate your hard work..... its hard to belive i have almost been a member here for 4 years. Crazy 4 years yea Clans are in their own forums........ duh thats why we have clan forums. Keep it up, 2old2play is going to do nothing but continue to grow and flourish. tell whoever Said that, F1R3 said he is a Lame ASS and if he doesnt like our community to not let the door hit him on his way out

Submitted by madwoman on Mon, 06/15/2009 - 09:34

I know, I know - late the show here! :) Doodi - this is site is the "shiz-nit". Is that what all the young'uns say nowadays? I'm still rather new here, but this site has def made me open more than I ever would have thought possible online. When I started I was in one clan - I mostly stayed there exclusively. Now I'm in three and love them all!!!! :) I still mostly troll those clan forums but I think that has to do with limited time. It takes time to build relationships just within a clan so trying to keep up on the whole site and hang the family - well its tough sometimes. Yes, the mixers and community stuff would be great to get people meet and hang out but with such a large following not everyone is on the same page as far as games. I'd say this site can only go up. Why would you have gained so many members if it wasn't awesome???!!! Seriously! With so many people its like anything else in the world - you can't make everyone happy. I think the LAN is a great way for peeps to meet. I hope to make it to one eventually but if I don't - I've still gained some very awesome close friends here. You're doing a great job! Keep it up!

Submitted by Saithme on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:30

Slow isn't bad. Easier to keep up with everything. -- DreadPirateEddy

Submitted by Lbsutke on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:33

change is part of life. If this site was not the hawtness it is, it would have died(like others that thought they could do a better or equal job, only to fail). Is the site different then the way it use to be...Yes. Is it someplace

Submitted by NorthernPlato on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:34

2o2p is far from worthless as a community. I can see how someone that was a part of 2o2p when Halo2 was the main game we played would feel that it's stopped being a community, though the issue is less with 2o2p and more with the way xboxlive, ps3's Home and whatever the hell the Wii uses to handle friends lists. The limitations of those systems, and the insular nature of the clan system here certainly make it easy to only be active in the clan and not in the larger community. It takes effort to be a member in the overall community, and it's far easier just to belong to a clan. I've had similar issues whenever I put aside WoW long enough to try a game on XBL. It'd be difficult for me to just pickup a game on a whim, come home and toss the game in, jump onto Live and expect to find someone from 2o2p to game with. If I take the time to post in the general forum, state my interest in some invites for games, I believe that I'd quickly find someone from 2o2p to game with. The limitation is the crappy-ass systems MS, Sony and Nintendo use to assist communities. The effort is on our part, and maybe we should look to alternatives to clan and push ourselves back into the general forums and game forums.

Submitted by Drost on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:36

2o2p used to be a village. Now it's a metropolis with suburbs. it would be silly to think it could function the same way. simple as that.

Submitted by Caesar on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:36

here is my take, i think the community is great overall, i am lucky cause i get to see a lot of stuff done by the P&W group that just inspires people to do stuff, Leagues are spreading to other games which never happened before. I think the hangup with a original member is this ( and im an original to) , i think back when 2o2p was small it was easier to connect to a smaller group, and to be honest you get used to that, but as time goes on, people move away from one game to another and the site grows and all of the sudden they are feeling lost in the shuffle. I make new friends every day here, ive made more good friends that i call on a reguler basis withn the past 3 yrs. you have to be able to grow and get yourself out their to keep making new friends as old ones move on to other games or with life in general. I have never in all the time ive known you which goes all the way back to GG days, to ask for money, you never complain you just keep going. doodi as always i think the site is headed in the right direction, your work and work of the admins and p&w and all the bloggers and posters make this place what it is. if 2o2p wasnt a good place to hang then the membership wouldnt increase by leaps and bounds every yr. i hate typing lol

Submitted by transman on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:41

as j-cat once said "fuck 'em, fuck 'em right in the mouth". you should know by now that you will never please everyone. don't let one person or one "group" of people tell you what you are doing wrong, let the masses tell you what you are doing right. if you are unsure why don't you post a poll on the main page and see what the response is. i bet that it's 99% positive.

Submitted by Flapjaxx on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:51

I've been around almost 3 years now, and although I can see a small change, I don't think it is a downhill change. As DeltaT said, the more games there are, the more widely spaced the community is- it doesn't make it "less" of a community- it makes it a more accepting one that doesn't care if you play WOW or Halo or GH3. As far as clans, I see them as a community INSIDE a bigger community. I can't see how anyone could think that having an active 60-person group isn't a community in itself- which wouldn't have been possible if 2o2p wasn't here and in the bigger picture.

Submitted by goodolplumber on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:53

My 2 cents worth is that 2o2p can't please everyone, not everyone is going see what site has come from.Being a Halo 2 clan site with its original members of 100 to growing to over 17,000 members and growing every day! The question to ask is "Who is 2old2play?" I'm 2old2play what about you.

Submitted by Caesar on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:55

I'm 2old2play!!!!!!!!

Submitted by DEEP_NNN on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 15:55

I'm not surprised to read you received comments like that doodi. I don't agree with them in principle but there might be a little truth here and there. The forums are considerably quieter than they were in the hot headed beginnings of the site. I sort of miss that but it was a nasty roller coaster to be on too. This place is a little duller than before but I'm more comfortable with it. I wish I could devote more time to the front page stuff but I'm almost totally taken up with Halo just like when got started. I still appreciate this site and call it home. I don't need all of those other social sites that some people like to spread their time over. If this site were to fold I'd be "very" disappointed. As for the money issue. You have never been the problem for me. It's always been your enthusiastic supporters. I don't blame them for their enthusiasm. You and the other Admins have given a ton to the community and they are trying to help you. I'm trying to be a worthy citizen in the community you guys keep running smoothly.

Submitted by Automan21k on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 16:02

I may have only been active here for a year, but I have seen a slight decline...many have to do with having to cut internet for money reason, or just on overall depressed state due to the econemy...I admit I am not really active in the site forums, and my blog went from 10 a week to 3-4 a week. has the site changed in that year?....yes....is it a bad change?....maybe....will it get better? ...absolutly.

Submitted by Blue_Stiehl on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 16:03

I agree with Drost. How many people here know everyone in thier city, school zone or even block. Over time, everything changes and not everyone is going to like the changes. I believe the 360 and PS3 have caused a lot of change. I have seen it in my clans as well as the site. Life is all about adapting. I have been here almost 4 years and am an SCC member. A big THANK YOU to everyone that makes this site what it is: Admins, Moderators, Writers, Bloggers and, last but not least, my fellow members.

Submitted by happ on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 16:03

This site saved online gaming for me, as well. I've only been here a few months, so I can't speak for the past, but in the present, the site has helped me to connect with some great gaming buddies. I understand the desire to keep things small so that you "know everybody", but that's just life, things change and this site will likely continue to grow for as long as it's available. As far as the clans go, it's just easier to get with the people that play your game(s). I don't see that as a negative, either. In short, keep doing what you're doing. It's your barbecue and it tastes good. :)

Submitted by FireWtr96 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 16:16

The site is a very different place then it used to be. The halo group was Huge and very active and everyone knew everyone etc etc etc....... but way back when there really wasnt the other 100 games out there that kick ass now so we only naturally grew into a huge community that plays a variety of different games. i still miss the small community we used to be sometimes but the site has definately grown into something kick ass!!!!!!!!!! Again the Guy is a LAME ASS........... doors that way

Submitted by TheDastard on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 16:29

I don't spend any time on the forums and have only done minimal gaming (although Durty still hasn't accepted my friends request). The blogs have slowed and so has site chat, but I don't think it has to do with a lack of community. People are busy. Jobs are tight. The economy sucks. And I think it is affecting people's ability to hang out here. I don't blog as much because I just don't have time. As to the community, yeah, there are a few douchebags in some of the new people, but most quiet down pretty quick. There is still a lot of support here when people need it or when people have something to celebrate.

Submitted by SPARHAWK25 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 16:30

I have probably become more invloved in other areas of the site, but 90% of my posts are still in the clan realm. As Flap said, it's a community within a community. I have many people I game with outside my clan, and that was not my personal case a couple years ago. I would be gaming much, much less if it were not for the people on this site.

Submitted by Agonizing_Gas on Mon, 06/15/2009 - 17:29

I was incredibly active on here when I first joined, and I think I plain wore myself out. I visit a lot, check the forums, etc. A lot of the names have changed, but I still think the site, and more importantly, the site's purpose, are still a necessity and a blessing.

Submitted by metalian on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 16:54

I may spend most of my forum time between my two clans but 202p is my first and favorite online community! Shit, I'm on Facebook only because of clan mates!

Submitted by FadeIntoBlack on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 17:14

Probably was a couple of people used to being big fish in a small pond, and now they are small fish in a big pond...some people like being big fish. If anything, the actual "community" and the organized events are WAYYY more evolved and active than they ever were. If the sense of community that is meant is one of few people so everyone knows everyone, well, there is just no getting around that without limiting who can join, and that would be dumb. People sticking to their own forums and not posting outside has always been the case here. I wish more people would come out and post with us, but many people are just more quiet or only post on those things that they really have some input on. Some will just always be more active. I think that asking the community for a little scratch the keep the lights on is absolutely fair. Its not like a subscription, and I rarely see anyone actually "asking" for it. It's got a little spot on the home page, and if someone puts a mention in their blog its just as a friendly reminder, since so many people probably just have their clan forum bookmarked and not the home page. Weirdly enough, I dont play xbox with hardly anyone on here anymore, and I still think the community is fine. My clan/your clan really isnt even a gaming clan anymore, and we do just fine. :)

Submitted by Snuphy on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 17:21

I don’t know about the past. But I agree with Drost’s analogy, Kahi Lee is hot. And he’s spot on with the village/metropolis thing too. I do know that right now, my gaming life at 41 is filled with more fun and giggles than ever. That fun extends beyond playing on XBL with folks I’ve connected with here, folks that make up 90% of my FL. I’m also spending way more time on this website than is likely healthy for either my personal or professional wellbeing. And If I’m not in front of a PC, my head is constantly filled with possible responses to forum topics or blogs, ideas for my next blog, or ways to work a reference to my penis into my next article. If I have an issue with hardware, software, a game level, my neighbor, my pubic hair, my plumbing? No problem. I know someone here has both the knowledge and willingness to help regardless of what clan they belong to, which game is their favorite, or how long I've belonged to this site. The fact that they understand my gaming “issues” is a pretty cool bonus. My perception of this place is that it is fucking awesome. Thank you Doodi for making it that way.

Submitted by Lusetti67 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 17:27

Keep doing what you are doing. Fuck Drama....Im so tired of the drama. Grown ups acting like 20yr old girls ... Fickle as a pickle .. I havent fired up my xbox in more than a month but I always come back here every day or two to see what is going on.

Submitted by jcotter13 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 17:36

If it weren't for 2o2p, I wouldn't be gaming online. Period!! With as many members as we have here now, it's not surprising to se people breaking off into more "niche" groups. I Feel that you guys do a great job with bringing folks together.Things don't have qute the "small" feel that they used to, But It also offers so much more than it used to. If you can't find good frinds &have a good time here, then somethings wrong with you.

Submitted by Durty on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 17:45

Dastard~(although Durty still hasn't accepted my friends request) You sent it to the wrong one then :P I'd love to have you on my FL. :) --- I love 2o2p, and the change isn't bad per say, things are just different than they used to be, obviously. Going from 100 people to 16,000 is a huge change....and things won't and can't be the same after a growth like that. People just have to understand and accept it. :)

Submitted by hilskie on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 17:51

I think the worst thing about this site is how quick people are to call names. I know I'm not in elementary school, and we certainly aren't on the playground...but at least this person went to Doodi instead of blasting the site all over the community. We've all seen blasting, and it just ain't pretty, nor is it mature. I love this place...I love that I can join clans and play games, and meet new people all the time. I love that video games aren't the only thing that unite us as members...we have so many examples of that...the Pwnathon being just one of them. I think that there is definitely room for all of us in the site to do a little more to make this place a little bit cooler. I agree with DEEP...the enthusiasts are great...but sometimes annoying. I would love to go to the LAN, for a minute there I thought I was going to be able to...but with a new job, and training...It's just not going to work this year. So, quit shoving it down my throat. :) I am thankful to all the people who have made this place such a refuge. There's too many to name

Submitted by Maxxie on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 17:56

As someone that is actually shy (well...in certain ways) I was surprised by how warm and welcoming most people I've "met" here behave. And the fact that it is sincere is cool. I see this as a very organic community. In my experience people and groups do get insular over time as familiarity breeds comfort. I tend not to take this personally because there are others who try no to allow themselves to be only part of one group and like inviting and meeting new friends. A social community has a mix of all sorts of attitudes, interests and desires for connectivity with others, which causes some people to naturally fall in together. I believe overall that is a healthy thing.

Submitted by pearly_54 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 18:03

I don't know how I could say anything more than has already been said, but i luv this place. And, i do think of it as a place. I have sooo many friends on this site, many I have never met, some i have, and some I really luv. I look forward to the lan just so I can meet some more of my friends, and make new ones. Doodi, you rock!

Submitted by ATC_1982 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 18:23

Thank you Doodi for a great 2 years of my adult life :)

Submitted by FreynApThyr on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 18:26

100 people in the room. 99 of them like you and one is trying to piss in your Cheerios. Who does doodi pay attention to? The Cheerios pisser. Stop your moaning asslick this site always sucked.

Submitted by NoGame22 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 18:38

what bubba said fucktard.

Submitted by Jennifer on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 18:59

I think the community is great but it is one of those things that you get out of it what you put into it. If you are an active participant you will have many friends and people who know who you are. If you hide in the corner and expect people to come to you...well they won't. I like the strides the community has made over the years and as far as helping out monetarily I have never had a problem with that. It is summer and things tend to slow down as people make plans and spend time outside. I don't really play online very often anymore but I love knowing if I get a game that I want to play with other old people all it takes is a post and bam you have friends that want to do it too.

Submitted by doodirock on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 19:10

Jen I love you. COME BACK!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Bodaget on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 19:17

"The Dr. said my nose would stop bleeding if I just kept my finger out of there" - Ralph Wigam

Submitted by TDrag27 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 19:30

If you rally thousands of people around an idea, things will evolve in ways that are largely unpredictable and uncontrollable. I think the direction 2o2p has went is positive. That's not to say that there isn't room for improvement. Nothing is perfect. But downhill? That's just bullshit. If people can't adapt, that's on them - not you, the members, the mods, or anyone else.

Submitted by RogueRedneck on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 19:45

The site is perfect. I check this site repeatedly throughout the day, read the blogs, check out the articles, and listen to the podcasts. This site and the friendships I have made because of it has become a huge part of my life and I thank you for that.

Submitted by Armor on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 20:02

Just checking in and there's like umpteen-gazillion posts saying how awesome 2old2play is. Um yeah, Okay... I'm gonna get online now and play some games with my 2o2p com padre's 'cause I think everything is gonna be... OK! :D

Submitted by BCKinetic on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 20:20

Don't you have a toon to min max?

Submitted by takadud1 on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 20:52

I have only been on the site since Feb 09 but I think it is great. I actually had never played xbl until I joined here. I lucked into a great clan. I am happy to support the site. I certainly do not know even a reasonable fraction of folks here, but who can know several 1000 folks? I do not post a lot outside the clan forum. But I see what people write on blogs and other forums, sometimes I comment, sometimes I don't but it certainly is not a boring group and I check the site all the time. I am in only one clan so tend to hang with them because they are great and we play lots of different games. As someone else wrote, being in a tight group tends to keep you there because you are comfortable. For example, I really enjoyed the GOW tourney a while back; and while clan solidarity is cool, it does force a bit of us v them. Maybe there might be a way to do some non-clan affiliated get togethers? Maybe by game with random teams as opposed to clan teams? It would actually be an interesting self-selecting event because only those who wanted to actually meet others would join up and they could do so without having to break thru clan-barriers. Keep up the good work.

Submitted by Gatsu on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 21:03

Ive been a member of the site for a while. And I like how most things are. Sure not everyone is gonna like everything 100%. But thats not a bad thing. doodi - you and smooth have made a safe haven for gamers 25 and up. If it weren't for this site...I wouldn't know any of you guys, or Jolly Roger or my clan....I wouldn't have a Xbox Live account anymore. To me this site is a lot more than just a forum. I know deep-down that if I went to the LAN or met anyone on this site....it'd be like we've known each other for years. You can't say that about other forums. To me this site is family.

Submitted by meemoos on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 21:30

It's just fine Doodi---We had ONE game we all played 4 yrs. ago...now we have alot more choices. it's growing, it's not the same because there's a trillion more people now---All the timmies are growing up! ; )

Submitted by microscent on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 21:37

This site is on of the very few that i regularly visit. I feel at home here, and appreciate all of the information about new games, old games etc. from what i feel are my peers and several friends.

Submitted by JPNor on Fri, 06/12/2009 - 21:57

I've been on and off the last two and a half years but since I've joined, I've NEVER been forced to jump into a game with Timmies - and my friends list is still relatively thin. Regardless of the site content (which I see improving with every new member), the 2old2play community that plays 360 and PS3 are what makes the site worthwhile.

Submitted by BATMANKM on Tue, 06/16/2009 - 11:40

Dude, this house rocks! Its growing up, but it still rocks. I think the village versus a Metropolis analogy made above hits the nail on the head. My life is waaaay crazier now than when i first joined. So I dont post as much, and i dont play online as much. But I come to 2o2p every single day multiple times a day and read and visit and lurk and post. Its my home on line and i hope that it stays that way forever. No matter how it changes with time and growth. :P - BAT