Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
A Novel Role-Playing Game
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The Local Tavern
NancyHelen wrote: "Reva wrote: "NancyHelen, I took a quick peek and if you reassign books to up your sword, you only need one 500 page, three 600 page, two 700 page and one 800 page books to get your sword to level 8..."Until you claim the exp pts or claim the completed quest, the books aren't locked in and can be shuffled around. Let me know when you're ready and I'll post the books.
Kelly wrote: "RebeccaS wrote: "Ugh I'm so tempted by the 2 exp per book, but I desperately need to upgrade my sword couple times and am trying to focus on getting those long books done."Could always try for th..."
Smart!! Didn't see that part (was reading on my phone last night). Looks like all the high exp letters are taken, next time I'll have to be faster!
I'll work on my sword for now, but also keep a look out to see if any of my books fit that I'm willing to part with.
For Zuzana:66 civets dead
Status: 7 / 26 Completed
✓. A: Reva: The Ambassador's Daughter by Pam Jenoff 336 pages Read: 24/ 6 /2015 Fiction DONE!
B: Kelly ?
✓. C: Mary: Child They Didn't Expect (The)- Yvonne Lindsay - 6/24 DONE!
D: Nancy: 26 June
E: Kate - 7/4
✓. F: Angel: Forgiving Thayne by J.R. Loveless Read: 06/25/15
G: Zee 27 June
H. REVA 28/6/2015
I: Cathy 7/1
✓. J: Reva: Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach 112 pages Read: 25/ 6 /2015 (1970) DONE
K: Tea - next week
L: Teresa 7/1
M: Cathy M. - Melt by Cari Quinn - by 6/28
N: Sara - Numero zero by Umberto Eco - 28 June hopefully
O: Kate - 7/1
✓. P: Catherine 25 Jun Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts DONE
Q: Catherine ?27/28 Jun
R: Cathy M. - Ricochet by Krista & Becca Ritchie - by 6/28
✓ S: Tea - The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber - 26.06.15
T: Mary: Two To Tangle - Leslie Kelly 6/28
U:
V: Cathy 6/26 or 6/27
W: Tea ?
X: Zuzana 6/30
✓. Y: Mary 6/26 Yours To Seduce - Karen Anders DONE
Z: Teresa 7/1
As key days for finishing Treatments are obviously Sundays, do you think we can possibly manage to kill all 100 civets by next Sunday, Reva?
Zuzana wrote: "As key days for finishing Treatments are obviously Sundays, do you think we can possibly manage to kill all 100 civets by next Sunday, Reva?"44 civets = less than a week
Second one likely to finish the same time.
Personally, I really, really hope we never have team challenges again lol Like...ever. Kind of defeats the purpose of having a single player game when you then have things that you either HAVE to participate in with other people...or sit out but then feel guilty you aren't helping other people, even though you signed up for this game especially because you could do it all on your own. And by you I mean me obviously. Or if they are team challenges they should be something that doesn't affect people the way this one does. Punishing smaller players while giving major xp boosts to players who really don't need it. That logic doesn't really make any sense to me.
Well, Cait, I really tried to persuade the mods to limit the plague to "advanced" players. But only Reva backed me up.Since this (the plague) is something I and other players have no control over I just try to enjoy these team challenges and participate where I can.
That's why I think the plague/team challenges in general are a bad idea. Because it wouldn't have been fair to the advanced players either. Like you shouldn't have to sacrifice your books and your time to get back something you already earned, that's insane. And now you're carrying the brunt of the weight to earn it back for everyone else as well. I'm aware none of you have control over it, I wasn't blaming you or any of the other players. But if we're sitting here sharing opinions, I'm still going to say I disagree with the whole thing and I hope it doesn't happen again. I'm sure that carries no weight with anyone but there you have it.
^^^^^^This so much.^^^^^^^(@ message 3112)
The part I love about this is that you can play how you want and do what you want, and skip what you don't want. That's why I started it in the first place. I liked the whole sort of...choose your own adventure vibe, and like any RPG everyone approaches them differently.
Choosing *not* to assist though does make me feel like a heel, and it shouldn't. Not that it changes my decision to ignore the plague until it's gone.
Plus the logic of the whole thing is just really convoluted. It's doing the opposite of all the things I've seen the mods say they want.
I try not to read more about it, but then I will look at one thing or another and it just seems to get even more off the rails.
Though mods are mods and I'm not, but yeah...I think there's more dissenters than will speak up. I also really, really hope that if there is a group quest in the future it's truly OPTIONAL and does not just automatically affect everyone.
I suspect that The mods didn't have Time to do the market, new Midas quests, an d a July updat so they threw the plague in to keep us occupied.
I guess I would have preferred them to just be like WE HAVE LIVES, PEOPLE! OCCUPY YOURSELVES FOR A MONTH! lol I get that. I have kids/went on vacation, I know how busy this time of year is. I would have been totally fine with a month of no updates. Give everyone a chance to catch up on quests or for people who are done with quests to stock up on books to sell or use later. Like... There's nothing wrong with downtime/giving players the ability to actually play the game. Instead of putting us even farther behind for something that wasn't even a part of the advertised game structure.
Eh...I'm plenty occupied. If they needed time or to pause for a month, I don't think people would have rioted in the streets. They have a wide range of tasks and quests out there for us and a couple potions to let us go back and do any that were missed, and if there are 1 or 2 people who have already done everything? There's TV, movies, actual RPGs, books can be put in the tote, I have been told that the outside world is nice (pretty sure that's lies though)...
LOL - I stirred the pot! I was really upset at first. It totally derailed all my plans, but having to adjust them was challenging and fun it its own way and I am getting great xp from the team challenges (granted, I am a higher level player) one of the things I love about this challenge is that it is our own game that we play with others (by way of the tavern), and this just added an extra dimension. That's not to say I won't be ecstatic to have my hard earned Horse and rabbit back!!BTW, I totally agree this was unfair to lower level players and those who had just earned their animals. They should have had a pass on the whole thing.
I understand. I disagreed with the plague as well and I was very vocal about it. BTW I never thought you were blaming other players, Cait. You don't like team challenges and just stated your reasons. It's perfectly fine.To be fair to the mods, I think that with Treatment 2 (the Alphabet challenge) they found a way for everybody to participate and don't feel like they're wasting their books or HPs. There is compensation for sacrificing one or two of your books - you get XP for them (3 or 2 XPs for 1 book - which is a very good ratio, better than in most of other quests).
Treatment 1 has been a miss for me because it favoures too much people with high level weapons. Yeah, I'm one of them, but still I'd like the game to be more fair.
I hear you, Zuzana. I do think Treatment 2 is better than the first one. My main problem stems from Kelly's claim all along that it was her goal to ensure it would be impossible to finish all the quests. For me, all I really play this for is the quests. I don't have high level weapons, I'm not even up to killing trolls yet. So even without things like a team challenge being thrown in the way, I'm scrambling to keep up. Now I have to take books from there and use them for this, and while yes, I'm getting xp, I would be further behind on things that have an expiration date.It's frustrating feeling like you are participating in something that seems like it's being designed for your failure.
Cait wrote: "That's why I think the plague/team challenges in general are a bad idea. Because it wouldn't have been fair to the advanced players either. Like you shouldn't have to sacrifice your books and your ..."I thought that the individual treatments that were published when this whole thing started were totally outrageous and that was the main reason everybody was so upset. Just go back and look at what you need to do to cure your horse or your bunny. THAT would have been major wasting of time and books. At least in the team challenge you get XPs.
Teresa wrote: "LOL - I stirred the pot! I was really upset at first. It totally derailed all my plans, but having to adjust them was challenging and fun it its own way and I am getting great xp from the team chal..."That's where I think making it Optional would have been a good move. Like...you can choose to have gone on this trip with Tea and Kelly...and follow the plague on your animals and the cure.
Or stay in the relative safety of your village.
That way the opportunity (and xp to be earned in that way) is there for those who want it, without penalizing those who prefer playing a different, more solitary game.
I might be level 6 and a few XP away from level 7, but I enjoy being a mild-mannered villager who occasionally goes out and helps fairies and wizards and such. ;) haha.
I read them at the time and was upset with that idea as well. However, I would have just sat all of them out and waited until it was over. No big deal. With the ones they have now, I feel like I HAVE to participate even though it's almost guaranteed useless for me as I only have one pet, because if I don't I'm not "helping the team". That's what I meant by being forced to participate due to guilt. That shouldn't be a part of a single player game.
Re quests: I made my peace with not finishing all the quests. I don't read tons of books so very early on I decided to read very carefuly through every new update, pick only 2-3 quests and ignore the rest. Otherwise I would go crazy. :)
Lol That's probably a better way to go about it! I'd like to do that but my brain is just like NOPE.I'm very list orientated. So I feel compelled to look at the quests as a list and work my way down, checking them off as I go. The idea of completely skipping some or not finishing them before they expire literally makes my skin crawl.
Cait wrote: "I read them at the time and was upset with that idea as well. However, I would have just sat all of them out and waited until it was over. No big deal. With the ones they have now, I feel like I HA..."Do you remember, we all got pretty much upset at first. Then we calmed down after we all agreed on ignoring the plague altogether. And just when that happened the mods decided to take that option away - because anyway you look at it some people have to participate in the team challenges or the plague won't go away and the caravan won't ever come back.
I don't think that Kelly and Tea did it on purpose but the timing kind of sucked. ;)
Zuzana wrote: "Re quests: I made my peace with not finishing all the quests. I don't read tons of books so very early on I decided to read very carefuly through every new update, pick only 2-3 quests and ignore t..."I do the same. Some things/quests I just don't want to do...even if I do read tons of books. XD
LOL. Captain Morgan, I'm sure if I read tons of books I would feel compelled to finish all the quests. But that way madness lies. ;)
I agree with you Cait. I am way more interested in the quests than my sword and the monsters. I also want to finish all of them and it completely stresses me out that quests are expiring. This plague thing is stressing me out because I wanted to do some quests (and used a gift card for one) but I feel pressured to up my sword now so I cans help people out.I know it's not the end of the world and I've figured it out, I just wanted to let you know that I feel your pain!! I really liked going at my own pace.
RebeccaS wrote: "I agree with you Cait. I am way more interested in the quests than my sword and the monsters. I also want to finish all of them and it completely stresses me out that quests are expiring. This pla..."All of that, yup. I know it's not the end of the world or anything and I know some people are seeing benefits. It's just personally not what I signed up for and is really stressing me out and making me feel horrible for not doing more with it. So I was just putting out there for the universe that it would be my preference if we never had to do it again lol
My only regret with the timing was I got the rabbit late. still haven't gotten an egg from it I would have preffered a staggered plague hitting the animals having it hit all at once was a bit brutal
Reva wrote: "Now don't throw any rocks at me but, are we going to see July's Update anytime soon?"I started on it but it's not quite ready yet.
BTW. I was planning on having more world events but they won't have anything taken away from individual players so exactly when they get finished shouldn't matter much.
I'd also like to point out that constantly complaining about things is hard on the mods and makes us not want to do anything different. So, it's fine to express your opinion but keep in mind that complaining too much makes us go back to just doing quests each month with nothing else dynamic.
I hardly think I "constantly complain" about things. In fact I don't think I've complained about anything besides the plague at all.But noted. Shutting up. I will be in my own thread if anyone needs me.
Cait wrote: "I hardly think I "constantly complain" about things. In fact I don't think I've complained about anything besides the plague at all.But noted. Shutting up. I will be in my own thread if anyone ne..."
I'm just letting you guys know. Just think of it from our perspective. I know how hard it was for a lot of you to post your stories in the theater. We're putting ourselves out there too every time we post updates.
I just wanted to bring it up after the latest string of complaints. I don't mind people voicing their opinion but just keep our feelings in the back of your mind as well please.
I'm trying very hard to bite my tongue. So I will just say: I note your dislike. I will keep my negative opinions to myself but I hope that the next time you do something dynamic, it's not forced on the whole group with no notice.I'm going to exit the tavern as I have had enough goodreads fights for a few lifetimes.
Kelly wrote: "I'd also like to point out that constantly complaining about things is hard on the mods and makes us not want to do anything different. So, it's fine to express your opinion but keep in mind that c..."Kelly - I think you and Tea are doing an awesome job with this challenge.
I might be in the minority with my opinion, but I thought the idea of a plague was brilliant. I LOVE the unpredictability - this is a RPG after all :)
I hope all the negative comments don't discourage you and Tea from continuing with your plans.
I agree with Margaret. This is my favorite challenge because it is different. I think you do an amazing job!
Sorry, just every aspect of my life right now is someone complaining at me and I'm trying very hard to work on July's quests but I really just want to go hide in my room and sleep.
Kelly wrote: "Sorry, just every aspect of my life right now is someone complaining at me and I'm trying very hard to work on July's quests but I really just want to go hide in my room and sleep."Sending you a virtual (((((hug))))) Kelly x
I think I am going to take an extended leave of absence from this challenge. Just wanted to note it so that Reva could adjust the math for the Civet kills, although the few I would have gotten shouldn't make too, too much difference.Best of luck, adventurers! Hope those animals heal up quick and you slay lots of pesky dragons.
Feel better, Kelly.
Oh, Cait, don't do it. It's just so extreme. You clearly did enjoy the game, you have played it for half a year. This is just one obstacle in your adventure. And in a way you were successful Kelly stated that the common events will be strictly optional from now on.
I agree with Zuzanna It's an extreme reaction. haven't we all enjoyed this very much I know I have I love the diversity The fact that we can opt out of a quest if we want to is also a plusPlease reconsider Cait
Kelly wrote: "I'm just letting you guys know. Just think of it from our perspective. I know how hard it was for a lot of you to post your stories in the theater. We're putting ourselves out there too every time we post updates.I just wanted to bring it up after the latest string of complaints. I don't mind people voicing their opinion but just keep our feelings in the back of your mind as well please. "
Kelly, Tea, I apologize if anything I said made you feel bad. I stated several times that you do a great job with the quests and it still stands - nothing has changed about that. If anything it's marvelous that in a challenge this massive this is the first real controversy. AFTER 6 MONTH PLAYING. It's an achievement in itself.
I also stated above and in case you missed it I think that (with Treatment 2) you found a way to make the team part of the challenge both fun and balanced (slower readers x faster readers). You obviously put a lot of thought to it (I noticed the limit of 1 book per 2 days, extra XPs - great touches IMO.) And I really appreciate it.
As for the negative opinions, I think it's important to let you know if we believe something is not working and why. I think it speaks for itself that people who don't usually participate in discussions feel comfortable in this environ enough to do so. It means that they trust you to listen, note their opinions and keep them in mind for future developments.
I do not comment much, but I was surprised at the strong response about the plague. I can't even imagine doing a day job, taking care of a family, and then wanting to put in all of the work to create and maintain even a small challenge. I have a hard enough time finding the time to participate.This is my favorite challenge of all time. So far my favorite part has been the academy because there are challenges that incorporate other aspects of goodreads. Thank you for all you do.
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BTW We can still hope that no quests expire next month. Kelly said that she would consider it.