You know what I'm finding very annoying, and maybe I'm alone in this, but people keep addressing their thread titles at the staff, James in particular becasue he's such a frequent poster.
This really bugs me though, like they don't have anything better to do, the fact that they answer questions and talk to us on these boards is fantastic, and I really appreciate it, but people have to stop expecting their questions to be answered by staff almost instantaneously. Somebody actually complained when a question didn't get answered over the weekend!
It's great that the staff are so open and friendly, but stop treating them like your own personal Q&A! James Jacobs, for example is the Editor-in-Chief, not Answer-Dispenser for someone who is reviled by asking for lucid advice from the community.
/rant
Sorry, and again maybe I'm alone in this, but it's very annoying.
+1.
It comes off as needy, and it implies a reliance on the "official" rulings of the Paizo staff. There's no need for this, and I would like it to stop.
This behavior devalues the responses of the myriad players and GMs who populate this board and take their own time to help others out and answer questions. The community is 90% of the value I get out of these products, and though I love the Paizo staff I don't value their opinions much more than the other posters. Taken as individuals, they have valuable things to say, but I wouldn't solicit direct responses.
I have wanted to start a thread like this before, but I was worried I would be directly insulting individuals who do this. Now that you have brought it up, I'll take this opportunity to ask these people collectively to stop.
Please stop. Treat this like any internet forum, and if you happen to value a staff response and you get one, do a happy dance. But please stop soliciting direct responses, and take a moment to recognize some of the awesome, intelligent, informed peers who step up to help you with your issues.
If I recall correctly James actually said he didn't mind it if someone address something specifically to him and in that same post provided his e-mail address if it was a question someone didn't want to publicly ask.
If I recall correctly James actually said he didn't mind it if someone address something specifically to him and in that same post provided his e-mail address if it was a question someone didn't want to publicly ask.
For me, it isn't about any potential annoyance to the staff themselves. It just seems spoiled to imply "I don't want an answer from anyone but this person" — especially since in most cases the community is able to provide a valid answer much faster than the staff. There are exceptions to be sure, but I would rather not see people name dropping the staff in posts unless it is truly pertinent to a single staff member.
Could be just me. I share the OP's irritation, it doesn't mean it should become a forum rule or anything. Just good manners!
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I can see the point. However, on the other hand, I've seen no griping by the PTB.
On other boards, there have been set prefixes to stick in thread titles (WOOF!) specifically to attract the learned worthies.
I suspect that James is more than capable of dealing out a grammatically exacting tongue-lashing upon anyone who becomes too demanding. Also, would a n00b know that the rest of the community is so knowledgeable and helpful?
Hmm, torn on this one.
I agree with the posts that are like, "Thanks for the answer but I was wanting so and so instead of your thoughts." Those rub me wrong as well.
I'd say it's very bad etiquette on these boards. It also encourages obnoxiously long thread titles. You just have to toss your question out there, be patient, and hope for the best. I'd add it's rare to not get informed answers around here.
I'm actually confused as to why most of the questions are going to Jacobs, when it's pretty clear (IMO) that they should be addressed to Bulmahn.
It is interesting what one person finds very annoying, another barely even notices. If someone directs their question to one individual, they are likely not going to get as many responses as they might if they left it open. They screw themselves.
Speaking of which…
The worst thing is that they're cutting into my Chief time.
If I recall correctly James actually said he didn't mind it if someone address something specifically to him and in that same post provided his e-mail address if it was a question someone didn't want to publicly ask.
Oh great! Because I have something to ask.... on behalf on my cousin. He was changing and had this pathfinder miniatures standing upright on the floor, and he slipped on a revenge of the kobold king adventure lying on the floor and he fell and.... it was a million-to-one-shot, I tell you!
Chief Technical Officer
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I'm actually confused as to why most of the questions are going to Jacobs, when it's pretty clear (IMO) that they should be addressed to Bulmahn.
I have to admit to being a little annoyed in the cases where I'm called out but the question really isn't for me. (Ok, maybe "annoyed" isn't the right word, but it doesn't make me happy that I'm specifically being asked to help and I can't.)
Evil Lincoln nailed it on the head!
I have to admit to being a little annoyed in the cases where I'm called out but the question really isn't for me. (Ok, maybe "annoyed" isn't the right word, but it doesn't make me happy that I'm specifically being asked to help and I can't.)
ur fail nose know boundz!!!1!!shift+1
I'm actually confused as to why most of the questions are going to Jacobs, when it's pretty clear (IMO) that they should be addressed to Bulmahn.I have to admit to being a little annoyed in the cases where I'm called out but the question really isn't for me. (Ok, maybe "annoyed" isn't the right word, but it doesn't make me happy that I'm specifically being asked to help and I can't.)
I can see how that would be annoying, and that's another reason I think its a bad trend adressing threads at people specifically.
If you are the one always being called out, I can see where one would be annoyed. But to get worked up over something that does not concern you?
If you are the one always being called out, I can see where one would be annoyed. But to get worked up over something that does not concern you?
I'm not frothing at the mouth. Is it okay to suggest that it might be good forum etiquette not to post like that? I'm not gonna punch someone in the face if they fart in public, but it's good that everyone is clear on the public nuisance involved.
I'm actually confused as to why most of the questions are going to Jacobs, when it's pretty clear (IMO) that they should be addressed to Bulmahn.I have to admit to being a little annoyed in the cases where I'm called out but the question really isn't for me. (Ok, maybe "annoyed" isn't the right word, but it doesn't make me happy that I'm specifically being asked to help and I can't.)
Part of the problem might be that Mr. Average Board Poster has no freaking clue who does what or why. All they really want is an official answer and they vaguely recall hearing the name "Vic Wertz" or "James Jacobs" because they saw them respond to some other post somewhere. These people probably mean no harm, they just don't know who is who and I don't think its reasonable to expect them to know the Paizo org chart before they ask a question. Perhaps it would be better if there was a general thread or section that was named "Ask the Important Dudes" and then the only questions that went there would be people who ONLY want a response form a Paizo person.
Meh. Just a thought.
How dare you. That's the sort of comment that gets someone on an enemies list.
Enemies list? I don't have an enemies list. Where can I get one? How much are they? Maybe I should Craft one...
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You know what I'm finding very annoying, and maybe I'm alone in this, but people keep addressing their thread titles at the staff, James in particular becasue he's such a frequent poster.
This really bugs me though, like they don't have anything better to do, the fact that they answer questions and talk to us on these boards is fantastic, and I really appreciate it, but people have to stop expecting their questions to be answered by staff almost instantaneously. Somebody actually complained when a question didn't get answered over the weekend!
It's great that the staff are so open and friendly, but stop treating them like your own personal Q&A! James Jacobs, for example is the Editor-in-Chief, not Answer-Dispenser for someone who is reviled by asking for lucid advice from the community.
/rant
Sorry, and again maybe I'm alone in this, but it's very annoying.
I actually appreciate this just because I know how dedicated Sean is to his fans and I like that a lot about him. It isn't very kind for people to get literally upset that Paizo staff do not answer every single question on the message boards. Especially during the weekends or after Paizo hours (that of which Sean does here at home quite often).
We actually play-tested for nearly 11 hours on Saturday. No joke! These people are dedicated to their company. It was a blast for us but still they are very busy and I appreciate the fact that someone spoke up for them. I would hate to see anything get started as far as name-calling or feuds on here, but I myself appreciate the thoughts. :o)
Just a little note though, I personally don't see the Paizo Staff minding if individuals are specifically asking for James or etc because that actually is quite a compliment. But, getting aggravated at the staff for not paying attention to the message boards during their time off is a little much. Everyone needs a little time off from work...even in a dream-job--like working for an awesome company like Paizo.
See you all later!
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I'm actually confused as to why most of the questions are going to Jacobs, when it's pretty clear (IMO) that they should be addressed to Bulmahn.I have to admit to being a little annoyed in the cases where I'm called out but the question really isn't for me. (Ok, maybe "annoyed" isn't the right word, but it doesn't make me happy that I'm specifically being asked to help and I can't.)
Well damnit there goes asking you to mop my floors again.
I'll suggest that "official response requested" is a lot less obnoxious that name dropping, unless you are positive that only one specific person can answer you. Maybe people can use that instead?
Why not post that in the body of the text, instead of the thread title?
Also, I like lemons. ;P
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I have to admit to being a little annoyed in the cases where I'm called out but the question really isn't for me. (Ok, maybe "annoyed" isn't the right word, but it doesn't make me happy that I'm specifically being asked to help and I can't.)
Vic! I need help and advice on how to repair the muffler on my car, it's making teh weird noises. Plz respond... right... now.
k thx bye!
I have to admit to being a little annoyed in the cases where I'm called out but the question really isn't for me. (Ok, maybe "annoyed" isn't the right word, but it doesn't make me happy that I'm specifically being asked to help and I can't.)Vic! I need help and advice on how to repair the muffler on my car, it's making teh weird noises. Plz respond... right... now.
k thx bye!
I can answer that. Take the muffler off. If you don't have a hammer, use a hacksaw.
Vic, I hope it's OK that I answered a question directed at you. Callous Jack, I don't care if you didn't want me to answer it.
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Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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I have to admit to being a little annoyed in the cases where I'm called out but the question really isn't for me. (Ok, maybe "annoyed" isn't the right word, but it doesn't make me happy that I'm specifically being asked to help and I can't.)Vic! I need help and advice on how to repair the muffler on my car, it's making teh weird noises. Plz respond... right... now.
k thx bye!I can answer that. Take the muffler off. If you don't have a hammer, use a hacksaw.
Vic, I hope it's OK that I answered a question directed at you. Callous Jack, I don't care if you didn't want me to answer it.
And cut the brake line. That doesn't really do anything anyway.
And cut the brake line. That doesn't really do anything anyway.I have to admit to being a little annoyed in the cases where I'm called out but the question really isn't for me. (Ok, maybe "annoyed" isn't the right word, but it doesn't make me happy that I'm specifically being asked to help and I can't.)Vic! I need help and advice on how to repair the muffler on my car, it's making teh weird noises. Plz respond... right... now.
k thx bye!I can answer that. Take the muffler off. If you don't have a hammer, use a hacksaw.
Vic, I hope it's OK that I answered a question directed at you. Callous Jack, I don't care if you didn't want me to answer it.
Since this has turned into an advice thread, and your post reminded me of it: Sebastian, let's say, hypothetically, someone cuts their own brake line, but the auto maker didn't have any warnings about cutting the brake line. Assuming that person survives the crash, would they have grounds for a lawsuit?
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Since this has turned into an advice thread, and your post reminded me of it: Sebastian, let's say, hypothetically, someone cuts their own brake line, but the auto maker didn't have any warnings about cutting the brake line. Assuming that person survives the crash, would they have grounds for a lawsuit?
Maybe Vic knows the answer to that too!
Sebastian, being the ambulance chaser he is, will probably say yes.
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Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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Since this has turned into an advice thread, and your post reminded me of it: Sebastian, let's say, hypothetically, someone cuts their own brake line, but the auto maker didn't have any warnings about cutting the brake line. Assuming that person survives the crash, would they have grounds for a lawsuit?
Have you ever looked at a bottle of baby oil? If you do, you will note that it has a warning on it to keep away from children. That is because of a lawsuit.
So, it really depends on what you can convince the jury.
I checked my enemies list and it still only has Sebastian on it. Would someone be willing to lead an online seminar on how one increases one's enemies list?
Add nicknames and aliases for Sebastian!
I think it's quite understandable for people to direct questions to the staff, or want "official" responses. Yes, lots of other people will respond to the question, and this is good. But here's the thing: some of those people will be well-informed about the subject, and others will only think they are the OP likely has no way of knowing who falls into which group, so his best bet seems like asking the designers, writers, editors, etc.
I fully agree with all those who pointed out that it's not reasonable to expect the staff to drop everything and answer questions within any set period of time; or to expect that every directed question will get a response.
I also agree that if you aren't pretty clear about who does what at Paizo, you shouldn't direct questions to anyone by name.
But do let's have some sympathy for the posters who have no idea who is answering their questions, and which of the fifteen different responses is most nearly correct. I know when I post I'm generally asking about the intent of some rule that doesn't seem clear, or the location of some rule I can't find. I know as GM I can make a ruling for my game, but like any good judge, sometimes I want a Constitutional ruling, which has got to come from someone qualified to speak to that.
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I checked my enemies list and it still only has Sebastian on it. Would someone be willing to lead an online seminar on how one increases one's enemies list?
Easy... Everytime someone asks you a PFRPG Rule question in the Pathfinder Society Forums instead of where it belongs in the PFRPG Rules forums, add them to your enemy list! Your list will grow exponentially by the end of the week!
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Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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I checked my enemies list and it still only has Sebastian on it. Would someone be willing to lead an online seminar on how one increases one's enemies list?
I would, but given that we are enemies, I don't think it would be appropriate for you to attend.
Then again, if you want to attend, I can guarantee there won't be a trap...
I checked my enemies list and it still only has Sebastian on it. Would someone be willing to lead an online seminar on how one increases one's enemies list?
From the sound of it, I can probably give you some pointers :)
(hides)
Would you be mine...
Could you be mine...
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I checked my enemies list and it still only has Sebastian on it. Would someone be willing to lead an online seminar on how one increases one's enemies list?
Do you actually have an enemies list? I checked your profile and I didn't see it. Are you sure you're not just envious of Sebastian and are trying to be more like him......
Would you be mine...
Could you be mine...
Won't you be my neighbor....
and, dude, pass the shrooms
Did someone say shrooms?
I checked my enemies list and it still only has Sebastian on it. Would someone be willing to lead an online seminar on how one increases one's enemies list?Do you actually have an enemies list? I checked your profile and I didn't see it. Are you sure you're not just envious of Sebastian and are trying to be more like him......
Why would I ever do a terrible thing like that?
Explosive runes.
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I checked my enemies list and it still only has Sebastian on it. Would someone be willing to lead an online seminar on how one increases one's enemies list?Do you actually have an enemies list? I checked your profile and I didn't see it. Are you sure you're not just envious of Sebastian and are trying to be more like him......Why would I ever do a terrible thing like that?
** spoiler omitted **
I had to take "Radik Aurel" off my enemies list, because he's the dungeonmaster now.
So, I needed a new one......I think I'll put...."Frosty th' Snowman" so as to.....sneak by that Teter and that Byers guy......mwuh..
mwuha......
mmmmmmwahahahahahaha!!!!!
I checked my enemies list and it still only has Sebastian on it. Would someone be willing to lead an online seminar on how one increases one's enemies list?Do you actually have an enemies list? I checked your profile and I didn't see it. Are you sure you're not just envious of Sebastian and are trying to be more like him......Why would I ever do a terrible thing like that?
** spoiler omitted **
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I checked my enemies list and it still only has Sebastian on it. Would someone be willing to lead an online seminar on how one increases one's enemies list?Do you actually have an enemies list? I checked your profile and I didn't see it. Are you sure you're not just envious of Sebastian and are trying to be more like him......Why would I ever do a terrible thing like that?
** spoiler omitted **
Ouch!