SH Facebook Page [Archive]

GKane

12-02-2009, 04:45 AM

We have recently created an official Facebook page for Silent Hunter.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/.../199499913912?ref=ts (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Silent-Hunter-Official-Page/199499913912?ref=ts)

For now, you will be able to see the screenshots and videos that have been released so far. The page will be updated with more content, including some exclusive Facebook action at the beginning of next year!

We invite everybody that likes Silent Hunter to become a fan.

Reply for the complaints regarding the Silent Hunter Facebook page:

So far all the assets that are on the Silent Hunter Facebook page have been posted first on our forums (see the newest update from 4th December), our website, SubSim website or other external media. So, for the moment, the Facebook page has been simply used to duplicate, and why not, make a compilation, of all the assets that have been released so far.

Indeed, we do have in plan an exclusive Facebook action. However, even for this action we will post any new content on our forums first, so the guys that don’t have a Facebook account won’t be missing on anything.

GK

Maverick_U2007

12-04-2009, 08:31 AM

<span class="ev_code_YELLOW">Comment deleted.</span>

I cannot understand where this is all going, why Facebook????, what about those who choose not to use it???? According to your post it would now appear that they will lose out because they will not see the 'exclusive content' that will be posted there.

Sorry ubisoft but you are 'seriously' losing the plot here.

THIS is you official Silent Hunter 5 site and EVERYTHING that is new and exclusive should appear here first, not on some social networking site.

There has a lot been going on here on these forums in recent weeks, the loss of Moderators for 'dubious reasons', exclusive content appearing elsewhere before it appears here, posts from the Devs appearing on other websites before they appear here and in my opinion it is not for the good of the Silent Hunter ubisoft Community.

When you release Silent Hunter 5, there will, as always, be issues and you will be looking at some of the forum members here to assist them deal with their issues as has been done in the past.

Continue the way you are going and there will be none of those people left!!!!!!!!!!!. Other websites that are dedicated to the Silent Hunter series are now looking a lot better prosepct that the forum that you lot appear to want here.

Ubisoft Forum managers and those that make ridiculous decisions like 'facebook' need to take a long hard look at whether they are in the right jobs.

<span class="ev_code_YELLOW">Comments deleted</span>

"Facebook for uptodate info"...What a joke!!!!

Maverick

tambor198

12-04-2009, 08:46 AM

<span class="ev_code_yellow">@Maverick Please check your PMs</span>

tuddley3

12-04-2009, 11:32 AM

Here we go again about how the "Official Silent Hunter Forums" is not good enough for everyone. I own my own Silent Hunter forum, and I would still prefer the news about any upcoming SH release to come HERE first.

This is like Pizza Hut making pizzas, but delivering them to the Spacestation, and the Astronauts tell everyone else down on earth what the pizza will taste like once they send them back to Pizza Hut so you can pick up your order. I think it would be better to go to Pizza Hut and just get the pizza directly from the source.

Otherwise, you might as well just close these forums and send all your tech questions to Subsim and BtS. Those forums lately have more respect than Ubisoft does anymore. Lots of people want me and KLCarroll to return as moderators here, but the way things have gone in the last month, I don't think I would come back even if I got paid.

Happy Holidays,
Tudds

socko2009

12-04-2009, 12:10 PM

http://i949.photobucket.com/albums/ad334/sockmeister/SockodiscussesUBI.jpg

Maverick_U2007

12-04-2009, 12:16 PM

Well Ubisoft you don't seem to learn from your past errors and exclusive content on Facebook is an error....big time.

I have just viewed your FACEBOOK page for HAWX, another of your titles. Yes you have lots of fans.....

However in 11 months those fans have made no more than a total of 80 posts and posted 3 pictures and 1 video.

The first post there broke your cardinal forum rule of No swearing.

To sum up, the Facebook page for HAWX is a waste of space...

So you are creating a facebook page for the Silent Hunter 5 release, why???, you are going to post exclusive content there, why?????

Your real 'fanbase' for that release WILL be the Official Silent Hunter ubisoft Forum. Half the people who sign up for Facebook sites are only interested in the fact that they will get more friends for their 'social network'.

You are making a serious error and others could think like me, that we are being treated as second class when you choose to post 'Exclusive content' at a micky mouse social networking site as opposed to here, the Official site for Silent Hunter, where it SHOULD be.

Maverick

Pacific_Ace

12-04-2009, 12:21 PM

including some exclusive Facebook action at the beginning of next year
Ohhh, is there gonna be nudidity?
Tell us, once you're done completely alienating all the forum users (I say completely because so far its only mostly) will there be someone at Facebook to provide help when SH5 comes out in a couple months and its buggy as all hell?
Or perhaps at that time when half the world is screaming at you because they bought the game and discovered that official UBI support is non existent and theres no one left here that both knows anything and gives a crap you may very well come to regret letting certain people take a huge dump on the mods and forum users over here. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif

jimbuna

12-04-2009, 12:52 PM

I'm not sure I believe what is being proposed here http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1817/thinkbigsw1yo4.gif

WhiteKnight77

12-04-2009, 04:14 PM

When I first read this, I was disheartened, but then I thought, typical Ubi. You could give Ubi a shovel to dig themselves out of a hole, but even then, they would mess that up.

Some of us have been around these forums for a long time and have watched a steady decline in how Ubi operates and with the revelation that Ubi's earnings were down 52% over the last fiscal year, it is of no surprise to many fans of Ubi's games.

With the decisions to stop supporting games after 6 month (it sure seems that way) to adding more insulation (forum managers) between the company and gamers, releasing buggy games to deciding to put game info on a social networking site shows why the last years losses have happened to an extent. When will the higher ups learn that they need to interact directly with those who buy their games? Moreso, will they ever learn?

tuddley3

12-04-2009, 04:51 PM

Originally posted by WhiteKnight77:
When will the higher ups learn that they need to interact directly with those who buy their games? Moreso, will they ever learn?

As soon as they decide to read the forums themselves instead of relying on Forum Managers to inform them, which seems almost never (Speaking from experience). No wonder this place has turned into a ghost town. Maybe I should apply for Forum Manager so we can get things done, instead of fiddling our thumbs. Then, and only then, will they learn.

pacific_breeze

12-05-2009, 04:31 AM

Ok .. I don't want to jump into the debate but since GKane has let us know about the new pictures and video (posted on 4 December) in the facebook through this very thread, I just checked it out and they are awesome!! http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/25.gif

I really like the water effect on the camera lense view when it gets the rain drops and also how the water fades on the (same) camera lense http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif love it big time!! I really hope those effects are in game mode. The whole environment including the water look so real .. so cool.

I saw the picture of explosion fire and that is so cool .. I hope UBI will post more video when the ship is actually exploding .. I want to see the cool fire element http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I don't think you need to have an account to watch the video or see the pictures. UBI has set up the public viewing. Well the game doesn't need privacy anyway ... http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Pacific_Ace

12-05-2009, 05:41 AM

I just came across a rather illuminating quote by UBI CEO Yves Guillemot. He states in their 3rd quarter earnings statement that "However, as some of our games did not meet the required quality levels to achieve their full potential they need more sales promotions than anticipated." http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blink.gif

Three thoughts come to mind.
#1 They have no problem at all sending crap out the door. Well we kinda already knew that huh?
#2 Once they've sent crap out the door, they would rather pay more money to sell you their crap than spend it on fixing the crap you just bought from them.
#3 Here now we have Facebook, which cost them money to set up. Marketing money. Logically speaking one can assume that they already know SH5 is crap and are acting accordingly.

WhiteKnight77

12-05-2009, 07:06 AM

Originally posted by tuddley3:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by WhiteKnight77:
When will the higher ups learn that they need to interact directly with those who buy their games? Moreso, will they ever learn?

As soon as they decide to read the forums themselves instead of relying on Forum Managers to inform them, which seems almost never (Speaking from experience). No wonder this place has turned into a ghost town. Maybe I should apply for Forum Manager so we can get things done, instead of fiddling our thumbs. Then, and only then, will they learn. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is what I was referring to when I said an extra layer of insulation. Years ago, it was the community managers that interacted with us on the forums. The game developers also interacted on the forums. That time has passed unfortunately. Ubi then decided to create 2 more jobs, expressly for interacting with customers on the forums, the community developer and the forum developer, but in actuallity, they both just serve to push the customer away from the people the gamers wish to interact with.

Last year with the release of Far Cry 2, Kimi, the community developer for Ghost Recon, became the CD for FC2, from Raleigh North Carolina. I like her, but how can she really interact with the devs for FC2 in Montreal when she is 1500 miles south? This is the mindset of Ubi and as a former moderator, you should know this.

Last year when I challenged Ms-Kleaneasy to arrange for the Creative Director of Ubi to come to the forums to answer questions, she responded that it was impossible for him to do so due to the size of the company. To that kind of response, I say BS as if a Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, CEO/founders of larger companies, can take time out of their busy schedules to interact with the press or other entities at a convention, then certainly, a Ubi represtative could so on their own forums with little or no hastle of having to do anything other than type.

WhiteKnight77

12-05-2009, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by Pacific_Ace:
I just came across a rather illuminating quote by UBI CEO Yves Guillemot. He states in their 3rd quarter earnings statement that "However, as some of our games did not meet the required quality levels to achieve their full potential they need more sales promotions than anticipated." http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blink.gif

Three thoughts come to mind.
#1 They have no problem at all sending crap out the door. Well we kinda already knew that huh?
#2 Once they've sent crap out the door, they would rather pay more money to sell you their crap than spend it on fixing the crap you just bought from them.
#3 Here now we have Facebook, which cost them money to set up. Marketing money. Logically speaking one can assume that they already know SH5 is crap and are acting accordingly.

This was talked about last year and was one of those bang your head against the wall moments. The promotions were to package an under performing game with a game that is selling well. Ubi game fans really raked him over the coals for that on these very forums. Still, coupled with the loss of 52% of revenue from the last year, he hasn't awakened and smelled the coffee. Maybe once he loses another 52% of sales will he.

Ubi is really a contradiction of terms. They want to create games that the mainstream gamer wants to play, but fail at that and have some of their best (my opinion) business with niche market games. The unfortunate part is the lack of support for all games.

socko2009

12-05-2009, 08:56 AM

@WhiteKnight77;

You make some very accurate observations: ....Particularly when you remark about "extra layers of insulation" being added by UBI.

Between the "extra insulation" between the Customer and the “UBI People” that matter, …..and the creation of "Read Only" venues like this new Facebook site, ...I begin to suspect that we are seeing an calculated effort on UBI's part to phase out their forums in favor of more "Marketing Friendly" information outlets. (….And, of course, ones that do not burden them with negative feedback when a product “doesn’t measure up”!)

S.

tuddley3

12-05-2009, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by Pacific_Ace:
I just came across a rather illuminating quote by UBI CEO Yves Guillemot. He states in their 3rd quarter earnings statement that "However, as some of our games did not meet the required quality levels to achieve their full potential they need more sales promotions than anticipated."

Another thing they could do, is extend their uber tight release deadline to say maybe June or July so they can have time to beta test and release SH5 like a fully completed Console Game (I've never purchased a console game that needed 4 or 5 patches to work on my Playstation, why do they treat PC Games differently). Promotions have nothing to do with the WIP product, because promotions cost money which they should use towards paying the devs. Promote the product after it's release date and put aside some of that income for future projects. And like I said above, loosen the deadlines to give the devs time to breath and not rush production.

But maybe I'm wrong since I don't have a business degree, but rather you common sense instead.

WhiteKnight77

12-05-2009, 04:33 PM

Originally posted by tuddley3:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Pacific_Ace:
I just came across a rather illuminating quote by UBI CEO Yves Guillemot. He states in their 3rd quarter earnings statement that "However, as some of our games did not meet the required quality levels to achieve their full potential they need more sales promotions than anticipated."

Another thing they could do, is extend their uber tight release deadline to say maybe June or July so they can have time to beta test and release SH5 like a fully completed Console Game (I've never purchased a console game that needed 4 or 5 patches to work on my Playstation, why do they treat PC Games differently). Promotions have nothing to do with the WIP product, because promotions cost money which they should use towards paying the devs. Promote the product after it's release date and put aside some of that income for future projects. And like I said above, loosen the deadlines to give the devs time to breath and not rush production.

But maybe I'm wrong since I don't have a business degree, but rather you common sense instead. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nowadays, you install a PS3 game to a hard drive and there are patches for them, which download automatically the first time you try to play the game. Add that to hardware updates (for both the X360 and the PS3) and now you have driver updates. Whomever said that console gaming is easier nowadays is not facing the facts.

Pacific_Ace

12-05-2009, 05:54 PM

Ubi game fans really raked him over the coals for that on these very forums. Still, coupled with the loss of 52% of revenue from the last year
What is your source for this? I cant find anything that says they aren't breaking their own year over year sales figures.

WhiteKnight77

12-05-2009, 08:29 PM

Sorry, but it was actually 50.8% compared to the previous year and it can be found in the Ubi Quarterly Finacial Report (http://www.mediafire.com/?zwm5n2kv5zf) ending June 30th.

Wolferz

12-06-2009, 05:23 AM

Facebook???? Insanity personified. That, or they're trying to go cheap on us. Again!

It shouldn't be long before this IP sinks into the depths of oblivion. Blowing ballast after passing rated test depth will prove a futile effort to keep things floating. Things like the bottom line.

Game info without feedback is just ludicrous so, quit pussyfooting around and go ahead and show us the door. Nevermind, I know my way outta here.
http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Tsk tsk what a shame.

tuddley3

12-06-2009, 02:44 PM

I like the way they waste no time in offering us feedback in this thread as well. Their fan base is growing by the minute.

WhiteKnight77

12-07-2009, 07:32 AM

There is a thread that is over 130 pages in the R6 forums called UBI-to-consumer BIDIRECTIONAL communication! with 136239 views the the only Ubi representative that responded was a forum manager. Ubi does not know how to interact and keep customers.

socko2009

12-07-2009, 12:32 PM

Ubi does not know how to interact and keep customers.

....Or perhaps they're not interested in maintaining a relationship with their established customers; ....as they tend to be far too critical of product shortcomings!

It’s much easier to make a sale to an inexperienced 14 year old who is easily dazzled with flashy graphics and is unfamiliar with the past “track record”!

S.

AAJackson

12-07-2009, 06:01 PM

Originally posted by WhiteKnight77:
Ubi does not know how to interact and keep customers.
As long as people still remain here in the forums and continue to buy their products, there is no need to! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

GKane

12-08-2009, 01:24 AM

See the update on the first post.

GK

Maverick_U2007

12-08-2009, 01:38 AM

Originally posted by GKane:
We have recently created an official Facebook page for Silent Hunter.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/.../199499913912?ref=ts (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Silent-Hunter-Official-Page/199499913912?ref=ts)

For now, you will be able to see the screenshots and videos that have been released so far. The page will be updated with more content, including some exclusive Facebook action at the beginning of next year!

We invite everybody that likes Silent Hunter to become a fan.

<span class="ev_code_YELLOW"> Reply for the complaints regarding the Silent Hunter Facebook page:

So far all the assets that are on the Silent Hunter Facebook page have been posted first on our forums (see the newest update from 4th December), our website, SubSim website or other external media. So, for the moment, the Facebook page has been simply used to duplicate, and why not, make a compilation, of all the assets that have been released so far.

Indeed, we do have in plan an exclusive Facebook action. However, even for this action we will post any new content on our forums first, so the guys that don’t have a Facebook account won’t be missing on anything.</span>

GK

Ok, GKANE, your comment of "Indeed, we do have in plan an exclusive Facebook action. However, even for this action we will post any new content on our forums first....etc" is very welcome indeed. It actually 'flies in the face' of your original post but at least now we are assured that ALL of the new CONTENT/ASSETS with regards to Silent Hunter V will appear here first in the OFFICIAL Silent Hunter V site. Thankyou for clearing this up.

Maverick http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif

GertFroebe_neu

12-08-2009, 02:35 AM

I do not like facebook or things that are like facebook. That is the reason why I will get my info on the game here in the Forum. Don't get me wrong, I do not care if Ubi goes to facebook or not, but I just wont use this "social networking".

Is that facebook way the reason for never really filling the main Sh5-website with info?

Cheers
Marc

WhiteKnight77

12-08-2009, 08:55 AM

I just found another bang your head on the wall moment from Ubi (I really want to call them a different name that rhymes). The US SH5 website (http://silent-hunter.us.ubi.com/silent-hunter-5/) has a nice static pic in a frame with buttons to the forum and a button to register while the UK SH5 website (http://silent-hunter.uk.ubi.com/silent-hunter-5/) has a video along with the buttons. Come Ubi, get it together, dump the portal garbage and give all gamers the same website for games. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif

RockinRobbins

12-08-2009, 09:19 AM

Ubi forums were always a poor second in quality anyway. If the whole shooting match moves to Facebook nothing is lost. Realizing that Ubi has no conception of the inappropriateness of the drink coaster model of simulation production and similarly are clueless about who their customers are and what their needs are, I can always get my information and help players at Subsim (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/index.php) , where my individuality is respected and players are united in their adult perspective on the games.

This is just like Yahoo! "I know, let's admit we're completely incompetent at search and sell out the whole operation to Microsoft! That will ensure the success of Yahoo." Committing suidide is the way to prosperity! If you can't succeed, just surrender. By giving up on your players and trying to recruit 14 year-olds to play a "boring adult game," Ubi reveals staggering stupidity.

It's time for another company who understands the market to eat your lunch, Ubi. Ubi is an aging dinosaur, fit only to become tasty steaks for another company focused on its customers and offering quality products. I just added another six months before I consider purchasing SH5. I urge others to do the same.

ms-kleaneasy

12-08-2009, 09:27 AM

Ok guys let’s keep this thread to discussion on the Facebook page, which after all is what it’s about http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

We read your concerns, looked into it and GKane has as a result clarified how it will work, hopefully that eases anyone’s concerns about media being released there instead of here but if you have any remaining concerns please do ask and we'll do what we can to sort things http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/25.gif

WhiteKnight77

12-08-2009, 09:42 AM

Why not use the Ubi paid for websites instead of Facebook for screenshots and videos? Why not make just one website intead of two and post the same content on it?

ms-kleaneasy

12-08-2009, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by WhiteKnight77:
Why not use the Ubi paid for websites instead of Facebook for screenshots and videos? Why not make just one website intead of two and post the same content on it?

With regard to media as Gkane already clarified it will be released on both facebook and here. Not everyone uses the official forums so this method allows them to get the media out to more people, I understand why everyone was upset on thinking it would be on facebook only (I use facebook but didn't like that idea) but not really sure why using both would be viewed a bad thing.

Re: the portals, all countries have their own portals and each office within those locations is responsible for updating the sites. How they do that can and do vary but the shared language between the UK and US does mean the differences between those two sites are more notable.

Why they don’t use one single site, well I'm not really sure but there's no doubt a reason and you can chose which site you use by bookmarking I'm sure?

RockinRobbins

12-08-2009, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by ms-kleaneasy:
Why they don’t use one single site, well I'm not really sure but there's no doubt a reason and you can chose which site you use by bookmarking I'm sure?

Subsim (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/index.php)http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/RockinRobbins13/smileys/roflmao2.gif

ms-kleaneasy

12-08-2009, 10:03 AM

I was refering to the portals http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

socko2009

12-08-2009, 10:16 AM

@RockinRobbins;

There are quite a few people here who put a lot of effort into this community: ....If your function here has degenerated to gloating over the demise of these forums, and hawking another site; ....Well, ...then don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out! http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif

S.

RockinRobbins

12-08-2009, 11:24 AM

Originally posted by socko2009:
@RockinRobbins;

There are quite a few people here who put a lot of effort into this community: ....If your function here has degenerated to gloating over the demise of these forums, and hawking another site; ....Well, ...then don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out! http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/51.gif

S.

Sorry, she opened the door and I couldn't resist. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-very-happy.gif A perfect straight line like that is a rare and wonderful thing! Surely someone else would have done it with less style.

Characterizing the serious part of my response as gloating is a typically and tragically misplaced reaction. Just as K-Mart was steamrollered by Wal-Mart, just as Wal-Mart was booted out of Germany by Aldi, losing billions of dollars, just as Ma Bell and the monster megabanks have maneuvered themselves into obsolescence, in the short run, the public loses when a company becomes a dinosaur and must be replaced. All the effort and years of former dedication are wasted when such a company gets so large that messages take years to get from the tail to the walnut sized brain. In the short run that is a tragedy, not to be gloated about. In the long run, it clears the deck for better companies to try their hand at realizing that their focus needs to be on the customers' needs.

Promotion is a poor substitute for quality and it serves in the end only to build customer resentment and hastens the demise of the dinosaurs. The landscape is littered with the dead bodies of haughty corporations who have forgotten that legitimate income comes from meeting and respecting customers' needs, not treating them as foolish victims.

Dinosaur companies have forgotten how they became successful to begin with. They forget that the question is not whether the Customers' (customer is spelled with a capital "C.") needs will be met. The only question is who will do it. Those companies who forget that immutable law will be replaced.

Characterizing that opinion (which is true) as "gloating" is shallow and dismissive. It serves only to illuminate the truth of my opinion. In contrast, mskleaneasy understood my post perfectly and responded with perfect pitch and good humor (humour from her! http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif) .

tuddley3

12-08-2009, 11:27 AM

Originally posted by ms-kleaneasy:
Not everyone uses the official forums

Then I guess there is no reason to keep them. Maybe I could work a deal with the marketing dept to use my website as the official Silent Hunter Headquarters for news, information, and technical help. Instead of Ubi paying for multiple forums, they could pay our bills and let us handle the rest. Sort of a franchise. This would also eliminate micro-management. We could also finally say goodbye to the very unreliable EVE software.

Maverick_U2007

12-08-2009, 11:56 AM

Originally posted by tuddley3:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ms-kleaneasy:
Not everyone uses the official forums

Then I guess there is no reason to keep them. Maybe I could work a deal with the marketing dept to use my website as the official Silent Hunter Headquarters for news, information, and technical help. Instead of Ubi paying for multiple forums, they could pay our bills and let us handle the rest. Sort of a franchise. This would also eliminate micro-management. We could also finally say goodbye to the very unreliable EVE software. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

@Tuddley...Interesting idea...but maybe one that won't happen.

@MsKleaneasy..."Not everyone uses the officials forums".

What sparked off my anger/disgust at the original post was the way that it appeared that the Official Forums were to be 'sidelined' in favour of a social networking site knowing that the NEWCOMERS to the Silent Hunter Series ie Silent Hunter 5, WOULD COME to the OFFICIAL forums.

Whether you like it or not you have some VERY VERY intellectual people here, for whom the Silent Hunter Series is a passion. That does not just involve the playing of the game but finding out how the game works, how it can be altered and the 'crux of my whole argument'..how they can pass all that information and knowledge to others who visit these forums.

In March, we think, Silent hunter 5 will be released and lets get it right, again, as with other PC titles, it will be bugged. The people who buy your game will look at the packaging and one name and one name only will stand out..Ubisoft. They won't visit your Facebook, Twitter or other social networking sites, they will come straight to the Ubisoft Silent Hunter Forums, because as any gamer knows..that is where the answers will lie. Yes, you have people who will answer the phones at the ubisoft Technical Support department and they will go through the 'check sheet' that they have in front of them and yes they will be able to answer some of the more simple issues. They will escalate the more serious issues and these will fall into the laaps of the developers. In the meantime the people that will try and keep them interested and maybe provide 'workarounds' will be the forum members here, the very same members that you seem to want to alientate with your vision of 'Exclusive Facebook Content'.

I understand your desire to 'publicise' the upcoming release of silent Hunter 5 to a wider audience, but remember that there are people who have been here on these forums for some considerable time, who, when Ubisoft Technical Support cannot provide answers have provided them themselves at no cost to yourselves, who, with their expertise in Modding have kept the sales of Silent Hunter 3 and Silent Hunter 4 rolling in and last but not least, who unless you seek to further alienate them, WILL be the first people to purchase your new release.

It's therefore, not hard to realise, that when it comes to new, hot off the press information, that the first port of call for that release, should be and always should be the people who have remained faithful to the game, the members of the Official ubisoft silent Hunter Forums.

Will now get off my soapbox and return to Avatar Demo...couple of issues....but got the answers in the Official Avatar Forums at....would you believe it Ubisoft Forums!!!!!!

Maverick

socko2009

12-08-2009, 11:58 AM

Characterizing that opinion (which is true) as "gloating" is shallow and dismissive. It serves only to illuminate the truth of my opinion.

….And basking in your own Luminance while sharing a room with a bunch of Ex-Kmart employees is both tasteless and obtuse.

S.

RockinRobbins

12-08-2009, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by socko2009:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Characterizing that opinion (which is true) as "gloating" is shallow and dismissive. It serves only to illuminate the truth of my opinion.

….And basking in your own Luminance while sharing a room with a bunch of Ex-Kmart employees is both tasteless and obtuse.

S. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have no luminescence. I am illuminated only by your shallow characterization. K-Mart employees, by the way, join me in grieving for a once great company which gained its former position by respecting its customers and then forgot and abandoned the secrets of its own success. The first to suffer were hard-working employees. They were replaced by people who don't care. Now the company is rotten from top to bottom.

Pacific_Ace

12-08-2009, 01:14 PM

Indeed, we do have in plan an exclusive Facebook action. However, even for this action we will post any new content on our forums first, so the guys that don’t have a Facebook account won’t be missing on anything.

I am encouraged by this statement. I must point out that to me it seems a bit contradictory in that I wonder how there can be an exclusive Facebook 'action' (and what is meant by 'action'?) and promise also that anything seen there is presented here first as this would seem to refute the possibility of anything being exclusive to Facebook.

Maverick said
Whether you like it or not you have some VERY VERY intellectual people here, for whom the Silent Hunter Series is a passion. That does not just involve the playing of the game but finding out how the game works, how it can be altered and the 'crux of my whole argument'..how they can pass all that information and knowledge to others who visit these forums.

Well said Mav and add that many of us also are inspired to explore the history that is the basis of these games and pass that along as well. I am quite sure UBI could give a crap about the perpetuation of history in and of itself as that doesn't put food on the table, nevertheless perpetuating the history of the men and women that fought WW2 is critically important because while times change, people do not and history (for better or worse) can be a road map of the future.
In this regard Ubi does great service with these games and these forums are a great arena for reflection, discussion and attempting to call your nemesis an idiot in the most polite and respectful manner possible so as not to incur Tambor's intervention. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-tongue.gif
Which brings me to Socko and RR. Go get a room you silly lovebirds! http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/88.gif

RockinRobbins

12-08-2009, 04:00 PM

Socko's just being cute and lovable.

ms-kleaneasy

12-09-2009, 03:05 AM

RockinRobbins

12-09-2009, 02:19 PM

Well, I certainly would be delighted if a bunch of 14 year-olds picked up SH5 and actually became interested in history. I don't think it will happen, but if it does I'll happily eat my words.

Your average 14 year-old doesn't know the difference between General MacArthur and Colonel Sanders. He can't tell you which came first, World War I or World War II and can't identify the century in which either of them took place.

Anything that has even a little potential to change that must be a good thing. Whether it actually translates to more sales, I'm very skeptical on that point.

Gidgiddoni84

12-11-2009, 10:22 PM

I agree, it seems odd that they are saying that something "exclusive" to facebook will be posted here first. Such doesn't make any sense at all.

In defense of Facebook, however, I don't see what the hubbub is about. Facebook is near universal for my demographic (mid twenties), and virtually everyone on a college campus has an account. While certainly a game like SHIV or SHV won't appeal to many (it is a niche game after all), there are quite a few looking for more than just twitch games. Usually those tend to be the ones with the most programming/computer experience.

Having the Facebook takes relatively little time and money compared to what it might gleen: exposure.

I didn't play nor did I even know about the Silent Hunter franchise until I stumbled upon it. I'd seen it on shelves but without having a previous knowledge of it and whether it was any good I would forget about it long before I got home where I could research it. Facebook allows for those few who would like to the game to become a "fan", and give their friends who they think might also enjoy it an invitation that is much easier to follow up on than a casual conversation (which the person might forget).

They send the info to a friend who receives it as a casual invitation, they in turn are already on the computer and so they can investigate it immediately. If they like it they can also pass it along to those that might like it, and so from one fan dozens or even hundreds of new fans who are exactly the type of people we want may be exposed to it.

Personally, while some of the more "mature" http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif members of this forum may think of facebook as something for "pimply 14 year olds", it's an incredibly cheap and easy way for a company to gain exposure while allowing for it's existing fans to selectively target those who would be most likely to become fans themselves (which in turn saves advertisement while increasing revenue).

Given that SHV is a niche product and not expected to be a blockbuster we should be encouraging this type of exposure. The more likely a product is to be profitable the more likely the company is to make it. Since the company would be hard pressed to justify advertising money for SHV as opposed to other projects methods like Facebook are actually very beneficial to us. It's cheap (just paying the time of the person posting on it which is a few minutes at most), and it allows for an increased user base of those most likely to enjoy the product (who in turn also advertise it for free when they become a "fan" of the page).

You guys are acting a bit silly about all this. It's like saying that a tv commercial for an upcoming film is somehow a slap in the face to those who want to see it based upon a in theater preview (and don't even get me started about those who want to see it cause of movie posters!).

Besides, things have gotten along alright with a Silent Hunter III Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/group....693058.1487018652..1 (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9794147925&ref=search&sid=1052693058.1487018652..1)

And a Silent Hunter IV:
http://www.facebook.com/group....693058.1487018652..1 (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31991949166&ref=search&sid=1052693058.1487018652..1)

Maverick_U2007

12-12-2009, 01:58 AM

No problem with Facebook.....just the fact that any exclusive content that is released SHOULD be released on the official Silent hunter Forums.

As for SH3 and SH4 'having gotten along alright' on Facebook, you're having a laugh aren't you!!!!, a total of 8 posts/discussions in the time they have been up and running....that adds more weight to the fact having SH5 on Facebook just panders to the 'social netwroking fraternity' and why should those people have exclusive content when the real supporters of the game exist on the official Forums....the decision WAS so bad that I would rather have seen any exclusive content appearing on Subsim or BTS before Facebook, at least those sites are DEDICATED to the game.

Anyway, the issue no longer exists as GKANE has said that all new content will appear here.

Maverick

Gidgiddoni84

12-12-2009, 02:22 AM

Originally posted by Maverick_U2007:

As for SH3 and SH4 'having gotten along alright' on Facebook, you're having a laugh aren't you!!!!, a total of 8 posts/discussions in the time they have been up and running.

I'm chuckling a bit now, what I meant was that despite the other two games having Facebook pages (albeit unofficial ones form what I see) they didn't cause the downfall of the official forums with acne ridden 14 year olds looking for cheat codes. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif

Maverick_U2007

12-12-2009, 03:49 AM

Originally posted by Gidgiddoni84:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Maverick_U2007:

As for SH3 and SH4 'having gotten along alright' on Facebook, you're having a laugh aren't you!!!!, a total of 8 posts/discussions in the time they have been up and running.

I'm chuckling a bit now, what I meant was that despite the other two games having Facebook pages (albeit unofficial ones form what I see) they didn't cause the downfall of the official forums with acne ridden 14 year olds looking for cheat codes. http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yep, you are right, and they would struggle to bring down the official forums, but the argument is and always will be, should any social networking site be the place for exclusive content??? Obviously not.

I haven't got a problem with Facebook and they do serve a purpose for those that seek to use them but they are not everyone's 'cup of tea'. I had a 'Facebook' page but now choose not to use it as I found it a waste of time and effort, but that is just my opinion. You on the other hand obviously enjoy the 'social networking' that it offers you and I will not criticise you for that.

Have a good holiday season.

Maverick

PS If some acne ridden 14 year old wants to come on the forum and learn about Silent Hunter he will, (unless there is an age restriction), find everything he needs to learn about the Silent Hunter series.

socko2009

12-12-2009, 08:07 AM

You know, ….It’s just possible that we’re all “over-thinking” this whole issue!

UBI has a long established track record of neglecting their own forums: ……And there is no real reason we should expect that to change. (Recent promises notwithstanding.)

I begin to suspect that the whole “Facebook Initiative” is just a sad, pathetic attempt to show a particular demographic segment that UBI is “Really With It”. (….And, of course, nothing could be further from the truth.)

S.

Maverick_U2007

12-12-2009, 08:36 AM

ROFL.....

Well Socko I can honestly say that you didn't mince your words with that one.....

Maverick

tuddley3

12-12-2009, 08:39 AM

Bravo Socko http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/clap.gif http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/11.gif

socko2009

12-13-2009, 01:14 PM

Hmmm....

I had no idea that I was the subject of rumors!

"Bitter"?? ....No.

"Realist"? ....Yes!

Since it is against UBI rules to discuss "Disciplinary Actions", I cannot discuss the circumstances of my leaving the Moderating Staff.

Let us just say that I had the choice of either keeping Socko's account or mine: ...And under the circumstances, Socko's seemed far more appropriate to me!

Socko (AKA KLC)

socko2009

12-13-2009, 02:05 PM

I can understand the choice you made to stay, but not if you don't like it here. That seems counterproductive

That would be the conclusion that one might draw from a speadsheet: ...But this matter is more than just "black and white" data.

I put too much of myself into this community to simply walk away now that I have been told that my services are no longer required.

S.

BTOG46

12-13-2009, 02:43 PM

I suggest you two take it to PM's, and stop derailing this thread please.

Wolfehunter

12-13-2009, 11:04 PM

Facebook is one of the worst sites to be a member of. I would never sign up to that nonsense site.

Too many people I know have been hacked, scammed or breached because of facebook's lack of responsibilities to protect members personal information.

I think this is a big mistake on ubisoft forcing loyal members to get the latest cool info on SH series by registering to Farcebook... ah I mean Facebook my bad... http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/winky.gif

Goodluck Ubi you'll need it.

WH

Gidgiddoni84

12-13-2009, 11:13 PM

Originally posted by Wolfehunter:
Too many people I know have been hacked, scammed or breached because of facebook's lack of responsibilities to protect members personal information.

I've known a few as well, everyone of them willfully ignored the multiple warnings given to them by both facebook and third party sources about how to protect such information, and instead just assumed that everything that they clicked on the internet would be fun a free of worry.

But, that's neither here nor there. It's a good site for what it was made for, keeping in touch with people. I use it strictly for that, and so I have no problems with it.

jongboy13

12-14-2009, 12:44 AM

I agree
I'm waiting for about october for some new screen/video's on the offical site.
But you guys place them on facebook?? http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blink.gif
Not even on your own offical site where the most ppl link to? strange

ms-kleaneasy

12-15-2009, 07:33 AM

Originally posted by jongboy13:
I agree
I'm waiting for about october for some new screen/video's on the offical site.
But you guys place them on facebook?? http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/blink.gif
Not even on your own offical site where the most ppl link to? strange

Please read the entire thread and the edited opening post, all images posted on facebook have already been released here and any new ones will also be posted here http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/25.gif

tuddley3

12-15-2009, 10:51 AM

Lisa, you forgot to mention the exclusive Facebook stuff. I think Ubisoft should have the exclusive stuff. I thought Ubisoft didn't deal with external websites, at least that's what you told me the other day about Subsim.

ms-kleaneasy

12-15-2009, 11:49 AM

Tuddley as you very well know GKane has already clarified the situation, you're insistence in repeating something that’s already been clarified elsewhere has now become tantamount to trolling.

Re subsim, I said managers and moderators cannot take on board issues between members on other sites, that is not the same as releasing information on other sites.

If you insist in pursuing your current trolling pattern you will find yourself on holiday

RockinRobbins

12-15-2009, 11:55 AM

Just a neutral observation here (NEUTRAL??? RR is about as neutral as a thermonuclear device!!) but why don't we just give Ubi a provisional pass on this issue and just see how the position pans out in practice? The water here is all muddy and there is plenty to quibble about, but whether their intentions are clearly communicated or not, they seem pretty sure what they are going to do. You have to understand that they are not entirely free to spill the beans and spoil the novelty of whatever program is coming up. We aren't entitled to know everything ahead of time.

I'm backing off and doing the watchful waiting thing.

If a bunch of pimply-faced 14 year-olds show up here at Ubi Forums, I will cheerfully eat some former words and set about helping them out. I like 14 year-olds, having raised a couple of younguns successfully past that point.

If, as I suspect, we get some 20+ year-old traffic, I'll be delighted and rejoice that Ubi Forums has made a comeback, partly thanks to cross-ties with Facebook.

If it doesn't help, then the only loser is Ubi, who will have wasted the effort. Even if you do everything right, you can't guarantee success. Only failure can be guaranteed by not attempting new things. And what's the downside if they do fail? They just try something else!

So let's put a sock in it (ewwwwwwww!!!! That was a real stinky one) and let 'em do their thing....as if there were any real choices!
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/RockinRobbins13/smileys/hahaha-024.gif

WEBSTER63

12-26-2009, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by RockinRobbins:
K-Mart employees, by the way, join me in grieving for a once great company which gained its former position by respecting its customers and then forgot and abandoned the secrets of its own success. The first to suffer were hard-working employees. They were replaced by people who don't care.

hmmmm, that sounds like whats been happening around here

AbleMaster

12-27-2009, 12:21 PM

These pages are dragging me down, constent bickering on these forums, never thought it would happen here, whats the big deal, who cares about facebook anyway, its just another form of publication, hell forget about it, UBI are creating a further chapter in the great novel of Silent Hunter, i am very happy about this, i remember not too long ago we only dreamed of a silent hunter 5, now here it is, thanks UBI, for keeping the sh series alive, and the upcoming release looks stunning and just what we all asked for. So post wereever you wish to, aslong as i get my hands on sh5 in march thats fine with me. Hopefully the fanbase will grow further and someday we will all be happy that you brought us thus far. Thankyou.

Maverick_U2007

12-27-2009, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by AbleMaster:
These pages are dragging me down, constent bickering on these forums, never thought it would happen here, whats the big deal, who cares about facebook anyway, its just another form of publication, hell forget about it, UBI are creating a further chapter in the great novel of Silent Hunter, i am very happy about this, i remember not too long ago we only dreamed of a silent hunter 5, now here it is, thanks UBI, for keeping the sh series alive, and the upcoming release looks stunning and just what we all asked for. So post wereever you wish to, aslong as i get my hands on sh5 in march thats fine with me. Hopefully the fanbase will grow further and someday we will all be happy that you brought us thus far. Thankyou.

Firstly if it's dragging you down????.......don't read it!!!

Secondly it was the issue of Exclusive Content on Facebook that was the issue...that has now been sorted and we have been 'promised' all NEW content will appear here. (But we will wait and see won't we!!!)

Maverick

AbleMaster

12-28-2009, 10:13 AM

Well you might i'm not bothered, got better things to do than worry about content, mate.

socko2009

12-28-2009, 04:28 PM

Well you might i'm not bothered, got better things to do than worry about content, mate.

Uhmm...., Err...., You've lost me: .....If your NOT interested in the new "content" that pertains to SH5, .....Why are you here???

S.

SeaWolfU-57

12-29-2009, 02:16 AM

That's a strange question the quote was "Secondly it was the issue of Exclusive Content on Facebook that was the issue"
The Reply was "Well you might I'm not bothered, got better things to do than worry about content, mate. "
Is it that hard to see That AbleMaster Is not interested in what is put on Facebook he is just happy to see Another in the series of silent hunter games being released
And any information that UBI choose to released Via official UBI staff is a great interest to all of us. As he said "These pages are dragging me down, constant bickering on these forums, never thought it would happen here,"
After what has been seen in threads on this forum of late who can blame him and as for the statement posted in a direct reply to him "Firstly if it's dragging you down????.......don't read it!!!" Just about sums up the attitude he is talking about.
Here is a thought for you. how about the small amount of posters who are hell bent on causing trouble on these forums and have no consideration for other members who they are quite prepared to insult at will should not post in the threads.
The reason any of us read threads in these forums is to find out information about the game we love playing or to ask help about any problems we have doing that and if possible help others also.

Maverick_U2007

12-29-2009, 02:30 AM

Originally posted by SeaWolfU-57:
That's a strange question the quote was "Secondly it was the issue of Exclusive Content on Facebook that was the issue"
The Reply was "Well you might I'm not bothered, got better things to do than worry about content, mate. "
Is it that hard to see That AbleMaster Is not interested in what is put on Facebook he is just happy to see Another in the series of silent hunter games being released
And any information that UBI choose to released Via official UBI staff is a great interest to all of us. As he said "These pages are dragging me down, constant bickering on these forums, never thought it would happen here,"
After what has been seen in threads on this forum of late who can blame him and as for the statement posted in a direct reply to him "Firstly if it's dragging you down????.......don't read it!!!" Just about sums up the attitude he is talking about.
Here is a thought for you. how about the small amount of posters who are hell bent on causing trouble on these forums and have no consideration for other members who they are quite prepared to insult at will should not post in the threads.
The reason any of us read threads in these forums is to find out information about the game we love playing or to ask help about any problems we have doing that and if possible help others also.

If there ever was a post whose only purpose was to cause trouble and 'flame'..... it's yours.

Maverick

SeaWolfU-57

12-29-2009, 02:40 AM

No not really just showing another point of view to the one you posted and also agreeing with AbleMasters point of view.

Maverick_U2007

12-29-2009, 02:45 AM

Originally posted by SeaWolfU-57:
No not really just showing another point of view to the one you posted and also agreeing with AbleMasters point of view.

Rubbish, go to your own website, you can cause all the trouble you want there!!!

Maverick

SeaWolfU-57

12-29-2009, 02:50 AM

Thank you for your point of view But I was talking to
the sock if you want to personally attack me do it via PM

Maverick_U2007

12-29-2009, 03:26 AM

Originally posted by SeaWolfU-57:
Thank you for your point of view But I was talking to
the sock if you want to personally attack me do it via PM

Why quote me in your original post then???

I refer you to my orginal reply....

"If there ever was a post whose only purpose was to cause trouble and 'flame'..... it's yours."

Maverick http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

socko2009

12-29-2009, 05:29 AM

Thank you for your point of view But I was talking to
the sock if you want to personally attack me do it via PM

I have to confess that I am puzzled by the same point that Maverick sited: ....If you were talking to "The Sock", then why were the only comments referenced Mavericks???

S.

BTOG46

12-29-2009, 06:33 AM

That's quite enough of the bickering gentlemen, anyone continuing this argument on the forums will be dealt with in my most Bad Tempered Old Git manner....... http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-indifferent.gif

Maverick_U2007

12-29-2009, 07:47 AM

Always wondered what BTOG stood for.
Maverick http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://forums.ubi.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

shouhei00

01-09-2010, 04:17 PM

Join it Good to see so many SH player still waiting for SH5

Mobat69

02-15-2010, 10:49 AM

Facebook has a reputation that I would not want the Silent Hunter series to have.
http://forums.ubi.com/images/smilies/16x16_smiley-indifferent.gif

tuddley3

02-15-2010, 03:54 PM

Unless the group was a fake one, Facebook is going to cost $5 per month starting in June. So now you will have to pay to get information about Silent Hunter. So just like you said shouhei00, their reputation is not the best in the world, and is about to be tarnished even further if they become a premium site.

If Ubisoft would become the actual "Official Source" of information for games they publish, they should tighten the reigns on the developers rules of conduct and make them only post here in the forums. Otherwise, they should look to another game company to sell their product. Maybe the Dev Team should become their own game company, and then they could promote their product any way they wish and see how their fan base goes then. They will then see how loyal their customers are when they start to ignore them and turn to other sources to get their info from.

Ubisoft should be the Headquarters for all games they publish, not a spoke in the hub. Ubisoft after all writes the Dev Teams paychecks.