XyZspineZyX
09-12-2003, 06:03 AM
It's a shame, but most of the sites that fly U.S. junk, that are linked to IL-2 have all kinds of fancy web crap and graphics; but very little real information on what a new member can expect. Many of the sites don't even have a contact e-mail address. I can't speak for all new recruits, but if the three lost sheep are any indication, here's a few things site managers can do to improve enlistment...
1) Accurately report membership and currently active members. I would define an active member as someone who flies with the group at a scheduled group time at least once a week. Don't worry if you only have a few members! A lot of people don't want a big group. They feel like they'd be lost in a crowd.
2) What are the duties of the new recruit? Spell it out exactly. If you're like real uptight about protocol or points or the "yes sir" thing, say so! No biggy! Lots of people like it that way! If you are a loose gaggle of friends, say so! If you are somewhere in between, say so! The beauty of it is there will be something for everyone!!!
3) What settings do you usually fly under? I know it varies, but give a general feel. Again, there will be something for everyone!
4) What buckets and bricks do you fly? Again, that something for everyone thing comes to mind again so there is no wrong answer!
5) What days and times does your group fly together? Again, no wrong answer! And a note... I'm an American and proud to be an American. However, if a person from overseas can handle the regular flight times, (many work second or third shift) don't throw them the lame time zone crap! We all know it's just a cover for prejudice!
6) Does your group fly other flight sims? Again, no wrong answer.
7) Don't delete posts by members who say something negative about your group. Wear it like a "red badge of courage"! What is this, propaganda?! When I go to a site that has no dissenting voice I wonder what concentration camp I just landed in!
8) On the home page, have a nice, big link to something like, "information for possible recruits". A new person is not familiar with the quirks of your site!
9) Explain what gear you require. Are you a cable only group? Don't be lame and say we prefer cable. Of course we all prefer high speed, that doesn't need to be said. But if it's an important technical point to your group, say so! Don't be talking sideways on the issues at hand. Do you require Track IR or a high end computer? For you LOMAC fans, clue the recruit in that they are going to need a high end computer.
10) Does your group mostly dogfight or coop or campaign or what? Hey! Here comes that no wrong answer thing again (I bet they're tired of hearing it!)
In general, the European sites have the U.S. sites beat all to hell on all these points. No wonder why their ranks swell while the majority of U.S. themed squads remain the domain of a tyrant or two who have administrative privileges at the site in question. Please don't whine about better German gear or whatnot! Every crate has its strong points and weak points. In general, the European sites were easier to navigate (even if I didn't understand the language!) and honestly reported their requirements to potential recruits!
The opinions expressed are those of Luckyboy. He didn't have time to consult the other lost sheep before posting!
Luckyboy = senior hydraulic landing gear designer for the P-11
Message Edited on 09/12/0306:19AM by LuckyBoy1
1) Accurately report membership and currently active members. I would define an active member as someone who flies with the group at a scheduled group time at least once a week. Don't worry if you only have a few members! A lot of people don't want a big group. They feel like they'd be lost in a crowd.
2) What are the duties of the new recruit? Spell it out exactly. If you're like real uptight about protocol or points or the "yes sir" thing, say so! No biggy! Lots of people like it that way! If you are a loose gaggle of friends, say so! If you are somewhere in between, say so! The beauty of it is there will be something for everyone!!!
3) What settings do you usually fly under? I know it varies, but give a general feel. Again, there will be something for everyone!
4) What buckets and bricks do you fly? Again, that something for everyone thing comes to mind again so there is no wrong answer!
5) What days and times does your group fly together? Again, no wrong answer! And a note... I'm an American and proud to be an American. However, if a person from overseas can handle the regular flight times, (many work second or third shift) don't throw them the lame time zone crap! We all know it's just a cover for prejudice!
6) Does your group fly other flight sims? Again, no wrong answer.
7) Don't delete posts by members who say something negative about your group. Wear it like a "red badge of courage"! What is this, propaganda?! When I go to a site that has no dissenting voice I wonder what concentration camp I just landed in!
8) On the home page, have a nice, big link to something like, "information for possible recruits". A new person is not familiar with the quirks of your site!
9) Explain what gear you require. Are you a cable only group? Don't be lame and say we prefer cable. Of course we all prefer high speed, that doesn't need to be said. But if it's an important technical point to your group, say so! Don't be talking sideways on the issues at hand. Do you require Track IR or a high end computer? For you LOMAC fans, clue the recruit in that they are going to need a high end computer.
10) Does your group mostly dogfight or coop or campaign or what? Hey! Here comes that no wrong answer thing again (I bet they're tired of hearing it!)
In general, the European sites have the U.S. sites beat all to hell on all these points. No wonder why their ranks swell while the majority of U.S. themed squads remain the domain of a tyrant or two who have administrative privileges at the site in question. Please don't whine about better German gear or whatnot! Every crate has its strong points and weak points. In general, the European sites were easier to navigate (even if I didn't understand the language!) and honestly reported their requirements to potential recruits!
The opinions expressed are those of Luckyboy. He didn't have time to consult the other lost sheep before posting!
Luckyboy = senior hydraulic landing gear designer for the P-11
Message Edited on 09/12/0306:19AM by LuckyBoy1