Even more story ideas

[Barloke]

I do agree that a writing team shouldn't be two big (three is a pretty good number that at least you'd get a pretty even vote) I would however suggest a suggestion box of sorts just to get some ideas out. For me though alot of aspects of AB worked for me . They used youtube for their "cinematics" they had their own websites where some main characters could converse with you as well as some of the invented characters and they had rsi counterparts (although it was hard being intimidated by a level 10 character while you're 50).

Pros and Cons to the situation and this is just my opinion based on to what I have read so far from this thread is that.

PRO- Unlike Algorithim Black there are resources available to make new characters (RSI's) that won't start off as a low level and may actually come with some special abilities. That would help with the visiual imagery i think.

CON- Unlike WB any character made or one of the main characters used (Like the Merv , Oracle, Morpheus, etc) is going to be handled by volunteers and like everyone is implying this could open a whole new can of worms if it's done wrong such as identities and plots leaked plus favoritism comes to mind.

PRO - If we have special events (say once every two months on the safe side ) those events would have to be well thought out and planned. AB for all the problems it was having the storyline wasn't half bad. If the story is well thought out and DOES plan for contingencies in the plot and is loose enough to handle the unexpected it should be a pretty cool event.

CON- Again it's like we are our worst enemy when it comes to this stuff. The more people involved with making the event (and although it makes the job easier) the more chance that something goes wrong with the identities of the actors or the storyline plot getting leaked out.

The only solution i can see for now (and again this is my opinion) is to start small. If we start out with three writers , great , but let them have control of the main characters (and any main characters they want to make up) use whatever resources they have to get us aware of the story and where we are in the event. Like for instance it could be something as simple as one sentence in the forums or even contacting one player or a small group to go somewhere (of course we all are going to blab to the world who we saw and what we were doing, lets be honest folks but that's the point).

Later if the writers need more help with characters they could screen applicants but my humble suggestion would be this... If you are to control a main character or one invented by the writers that's it. If you have characters on MXO they are going to die. Like if i wanted to be Flood i would have to kill off Barloke.

Another thing that would come to mind is if you are a known Merv for example , you would have access to only the characters and storyline from the other two orgs. (So me again for example could only play from the Zion or Machine standpoint).

It isn't a perfect solution but I think it would reduce the risk of anyone blabbing the storyline out or screwing it up for anyone else. Plus if you have these stipulations up front at least you know who is real serious about playing a main character and yeah its a little harsh but probably necesary.