Hulkageddon - Second Helping...

Hulk Smash Rocks

You know I said I sit on the fence?  Last post was almost a fall from grace but I've had some time to think.  By definition since those who partake in the event enjoy it - were anyone to seek to stop them doing it then that activity could also constitute 'griefing' if you stick to the term as outlined in the previous post.  So, at risk of being so labelled I felt a need to step back and consider...

It was a little rash of me to liken New Eden to real life.  When all is said and done Eve is a game and it's there to be enjoyed.  Rather than chelp (Yorkshire speak for moan) and whine about Hulkageddon there is more fun to be had I think in considering ways to circumvent it and perhaps adapt to survive and experience the satisfaction of seeing your would be assassins popped by Sergei of Concord (credit to Lost in Eve).  At the end of the day the loss of a ship has no real impact.  At worst it means you'll need to spend a little time on the rocks to replace it if the Isk isn't already in your bank.  There are also other things you can do with your time whilst not mining such as mission running, trading or merely socialising.   Meanwhile there is a large following of the event with great support and dedicated organisation which really boosts interest in the game and the enjoyment to be had out of it for many players - I now think that this can't be a bad thing.  In fact I think it's great to see people willing to put themselves out to organise the thing.  Kudos.  I'll work out something to do whilst it's on I'm sure.  Who knows - in a few years I may have the skills to try and counter it a little - now, that would be fun :)

----

So - I also mentioned that I'd look at what I've got in the training queues of my pilots.  I'm working on a back story for the three - hell I've been playing RPGs since I was but young so you can't expect me not to at least touch my forelock to roleplay even if it doesn't feature too much in my playstyle at present - Zraltori is the older brother of a strict Amarr family. Hard work ethic and religious dedication led him to an industrial path.  His brother Jahkin tries to match up with his success but is less worried about detouring from his religious background and the younger sibling Adoniram could well go off the rails at any time - in fact don't be surprised if he ends up joining a pirate corp at some point - he's a troublesome one that!

Zraltori - is currently training Mining Director 5.  Following this will be Warfare Link Spec 5 which together will take care of about the next month.  After that I'm taking a 'pvp' break and looking at getting into an Inty for ILN fleet work and a bit of variety.

Jahkin is currently being trained as a mission runner - mainly for standings at present as he's also my refiner - he's into his battleship but now learning how to use it.  It's a but like me getting into a rally car.  I could drive it with no problem but could I really DRIVE it?  nope.

Adoniram is training Amarr Indy 5 then will get into his freighter.  I'm going to use him for runs of minerals to Hek to start with.  I'm not sure though - looking at him I can't help but think I risk him going off the rails at some point!

As always Haxxi is working overtime to keep me on track - although I STILL insist on mixing my tanks! (I'll learn).

----

Lastly - anyone else pleased they moved 'Dock' from the bottom of the menu?  I know I am :o)

Fly safe friends!



A Considered Response... Hulkageddon.

Hulkageddon seems to be getting a few pilots a little heated under the jump suit (disclaimer - not all pilots wear jumps suits - merely those stuck in the 1970s).  I've kept quiet really as I'm constantly aware of my 'noobness' but I've been giving some thought to the ideas.

'Griefer' - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griefer

Now, I know this initial gambit will probably inflame some and I need to make it clear that I can see both sides to this particular facet of Eve.  It's probably a background in law which means I rarely come off the fence.  Each coin has two sides. 

So, that said... 'Griefers'...  I know Wikipedia is NOT an academic be all and end all but I thought perhaps it offers a good starting point.  The definition above (just to avoid the need for you to check it if you're stuck for time) includes:- 'Any methods of reversing another player's progress' and, 'Saying or doing something just to irritate, upset or otherwise harass someone.'  I would suggest that, as a miner who 'minds' his own business in High Sec - Hulkageddon ticks both of those boxes and so could be defined as 'Griefing' if we accept the definition and descriptors.

SO now I go to Wictionary - again I know not a hallowed source of academic knowledge but hey... the definition of 'Griefer' is gven as,

1. (online gaming) One who griefs: a player who plays a game primarily to reduce other players’ enjoyment of it.

So, again, as a miner does Hulkageddon reduce your enjoyment of the game?  If so then those who gank you in space could be described as 'Griefers'.

One view then - the actions of the Gankers in their pursuit of pleasure reduce the enjoyment of the law abiding miner by forcing them to potentially give up what they enjoy for the duration of the event.  This effectively reduces or reverses their progress and, it could be argued, exponentially reduces their enjoyment of their gaming time.  Thus, you are griefing them.  No two ways about it.

I mentioned the other side of the coin...

I've seen it written that the event acts as a purge on botters.  Speaking as a miner there is clearly great value in this.  The consequent reduction in such activity would inevitably lead to a scarceness of resources and an associated rise in price - a good thing for all us rock chewers! 

In addition it has been said that Eve is a 'sandbox' so 'anything goes'.  Yep.  Most definitely Eve is just that but so is society.  If, God forbid, I come home tonight and find that my house has been burgled and my computer stolen do I think,' Hey, you know, no problem life's a sandbox the guy that did this has just as much right to burgle my house and steal my computer as I have to go out to work to earn the money to buy it in the first place.'  OR do I think, 'That's just not right, this behaviour has no place in a just society.'  Personally I'd go for the latter.  Life and Eve is not black and white.  As I am on the staff now at Eve Uni and I do need to point out that these views are my own and are not associated with the Corp at all of which who's rules and SOPs I am happy to be bound, but, yes in my view those who partake in Hulkageddon shouldn't try to present it as anything other than what it is.  An open season on people who they consider to be lesser than them in some way as they're not partaking in PvP.  That seems to be like discrimination... now don't get me started on that! :) and as such reflects the dark side of society.  Fun to them, not to me.  My final point is - we have as much right to be angry about your actions as you feel you have to take them.  Don't then deride them as 'tears' - it's more justifiable chagrin.  Don't minimise it in your embarrassment.  (Oops - I think I just fell off the fence!)

So this got me thinking - I've got some Isk in the bank and I can't be the only one.  Clearly I could not be involved in this in anyway but, just say some rich industrialists got together to speak with Noir or another effective Merc corp.  Is it justice to set them on the organisers and participants or does that make us as bad as them?  Discuss.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next post - what's in your training queues - and why?



Oh and PS - this is the new Jahkin, a slightly less Thuggish looking industrialist than his younger brother (I hope!)

New role.

I was promoted to Mining Manager for the Uni yesterday.  I was delighted with the news and am really looking forward to getting stuck in to some fleets.  My first few weeks I think will be taken up with getting to grips with the admin in the role as well as some stock taking - then Hulkageddon hits (you won't catch me crying about that - sniff).  After that it will be all systems go!

I'd like to thank the Uni for the faith they've shown in me as well as all those who I've really enjoyed flying with up to now.  The new role is a real responsibility and I'm looking forward to the challenges I know that it will bring.

This week may see a shortage of visibility and postings though as RL work intrudes - roll on the weekend.

Just as an aside I am now on Twitter and the #Tweetfleet - you can find me at...

@BreakinRocks

Hulkageddon 4

Picked up from HelicityBoson on Twitter it would appear that dates are perhaps being set for this year's event.
19-28 Feb is mentioned.

I'm still wondering on how to try and vex the plans of the barge hunters but to be honest, this year, I don't think my skills are up to anything useful so I may be forced to sit it out.  That said I still haven't discounted the idea of hiring some mercs to take out the organisers :)

Anyways - since we're all doing it - below is the last in the series of new 'mugshots'.  This is Adoniram Bo'az.  The younger and more 'gnarly' brother of Jahkin and Zraltori.  He's heading for a freighter and will be my trader so I wanted to go for a look that said - 'That's my best price.  Take it or leave it.'

I actually think I've also got, 'and I'll pod you and steal it back as soon as you undock' but that wasn't intentional :)

Mining Operation 20 Jan

No matter how often I set up mining fleets I never get tired of the fun to be had.

It's something you love, hate or tolerate in order to get a bit of Isk.  For me the mining fleet is a true expression of the reasons a number of us play MMOs.  Social interaction, a bit of fun, all coupled with a shared purpose.  That shared purpose usually nets us around 6 mil for a couple of hours.  Not millionaires Rodney but it's fun getting it and we don't hurt a soul - well, apart from the odd Angel who happens upon us in the belts.

So - imagine my surprise when I read the latest entry on Paul Clavet's Blog - 'My Loot, Your Tears' - http://www.mylootyourtears.com/  It would appear he's offering a Plex to anyone who can take out three Hulks - and this so close to the 'shut down' month of Feb this year when Hulkageddon runs.

So - I'm wondering... what if we fought back?  What if we miners took our destinies in our hands and rigged and fitted for battle?  After all, we just need to stay alive long enough for Concord to PoP the pilots who consider taking on a mining barge is fun.  Or what if we clubbed together to put a price on the pirate's head?  Or even considered putting a few quid into hiring a decent Merc corp to take care of the 'funsters'.

Now, get me not wrong.  If it were a mission to rid systems of botters I'd jump into my combat ships and take a few out myself with a smile on my face.  But we're talking about preventing those of us who enjoy mining from partaking in our pass time for around a month.  All I'm wondering about is what we could do to return the favour.

So, come on industrialists - who would consider it good sport to set some wolves on the wolves? The Bear fights back!

On another note - I saw a tweet from our CEO Kelduum Revaan which suggests he's considering running for CSM in this year's election.  Now, I've only been a member of E-Uni since September but I've already seen how much this corp helps pilots both new and old.  Kelduum heads up that organisation and keeps it ticking to enable the good works to continue.  Yes, without doubts it's a team effort but every team needs a leader to set direction and maintain momentum.  I say 'yes' to this proposed candidacy and hope that my voice is not alone in support of Kelduum should he decide to run for office.

Hmm - not sure?

During a mining op tonight I promised to put up a larger pic of my alt Jahkin Bo'az.  I need a view on whether he appears somewhat lopsided OR if he has a laconic grin coupled with a Sean Connery eyebrow thing going on.... again, any views please? (to avoid any confusion I was aiming for the latter - not the former).

OOps I did it again...

Ok - you know I said I wanted a more friendly look.

It's fair to say I didn't achieve it.

What I appear to have hit upon is another wealthy looking slightly mafiosi looking 'Don' figure.  I'm not sure if the muses are trying to tell me something - perhaps I should quit mining and head on to lowsec for trial by fire and seek what is clearly my true destiny as a leader of organised crime!!

Anyway - here it is...

I'd be really and truly grateful for some comments - as you'll see if you follow Twitter CCP_Hammer has just let us all know that we'll get a 'free' go at this.  That's to say that if you think you've made a mess we'll all have a chance to rectify any mistakes - just one chance then it's final - until no doubt they CCP introduce micro-transaction remodels in the future.

So - please - let me know - what do you think?

Bah!

Well - I had really hoped to be able to post a 'before' and 'after' on the new avatar creator.  However, it's looking like a 3-4 hour download so - for now...

Before

So you can see - a melancholy looking religious fanatic. 

Perhaps sometime later this week I will finally get the chance to unveil the 'new' me!

Until then - fly safe.

o7

----------------------



On another note - I'm now on Twitter - @BreakinRocks

I'll be twittering shortly... I already do according to family...

Plastic Surgery Scheduled for 18 January 2011



So it's set in stone (ish) - we'll get the chance to mess with the outside of our heads and not just the inside following the deployment on 18 January.

I for one am really looking forward to setting myself a new image. 

As I've hinted at before I'm not altogether happy with the portrait I currently have - it's just not me. 

At this time though I can't help but start to speculate on the use of the new avatars when Incarna finally lands later this year.  I played WoW for a year and have memories of players 'hanging out' in places like Stormwind and Dalaran.  Will Jita turn into such a place?  Will folks stop flying to concentrate instead on their Neocom 'Facebook' (TM)?

If they're miners then good luck to them - more rocks for me :)

Initially I was concerned that this may mean that Eve would lose that 'difference' which led me to abandon WoW and move to New Eden but now I'm curious to see how it develops.  As Jade on 'Lost in Eve' mentioned in one episode Eve appears to be a community made up of many societies.  The move to Incarna may add to the depth and variety of these societies and enmesh even more players in the social side of the game which really makes it for me.  Of course the solo players will still be there - lurking at the back of the bar with a soda :)

Any thoughts?

Eve Blog Banter #24 - Who are you?

  Welcome to the twenty-fourth installment of the EVE Blog Banter, the monthly EVE Online blogging extravaganza created by CrazyKinux. The EVE Blog Banter involves an enthusiastic group of gaming bloggers, a common topic within the realm of EVE Online, and a week or so to post articles pertaining to the said topic. The resulting articles can either be short or quite extensive, either funny or dead serious, but are always a great fun to read! Any questions about the EVE Blog Banter should be directed to crazykinux@gmail.com. Check for other EVE Blog Banter articles at the bottom of this post!

This month's Banter topic comes to us from the ever helpful Eelis Kiy, capsuleer behind the "Where the frack is my ship" blog. She asks: How does your real life personality compare to who you are as a character in EVE? Does a good leader of people in the real world make a good leader of pilots in game? Or vice-versa? Do your real-life skills help you with the roles you fulfill in your corporation or alliance? Or do you behave completely differently? Does the anonymity of the Internet allow you to thrive on the tears of others in New Eden whilst you work as a good Samaritan away from your keyboard? Or are you as mean outside of your pod as you are inside it? Have experiences in EVE Online affected your behavior, skills or attitudes outside of the game?

So - where to begin.

After the first few days I wanted to be a pirate - I really did.  I even started a Mim alt to begin the training.  It's just that I couldn't do it.  I flew into low sec - there were some targets I could have locked but just couldn't bring myself to do it.  So, I flew back - reloaded Zral and stumbled down the path of a miner who is genuinely keen to share what little he knows with others.  Shooting at rocks seems 'right' somehow where shooting at other players who may not have done me any wrong seems a little 'wrong'.  Now I need to point out here that this does NOT mean that I have an issue with people who do those things.  One of the great things about Eve is that it can and does reflect real life.  People make their living in different ways but we were all young once - we share a common heritage and the only issue may be that a one point our paths diverged to bring us to where we are now.

How does this compare with real life?  Well, my job involves helping people so my role as an Assistant Mining Manager fits in there.  Why do I feel so at home in Eve Uni?  Well, I have an interest in study and have recently completed a second degree.  It feels like home being in Uni :)  It just feels right.  In real life I REALLY cannot understand people who drop litter and in Eve I HAVE to salvage or destroy my wrecks. 

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that I really did try to play something that I wasn't.  I really wanted to tread a different path.  But, try as I might, I just couldn't do it.  Zral is pretty much me - boring eh?  Who knows - in time maybe I'll break those bonds with personal propriety and head into lowsec to lock up someone for profit.  At the moment I sincerely doubt it though.

How about you?

You learn something new...

Following on from Memoocan's post on 'Progression's Horizon' (see links).

A useful little gem of information was imparted to me in a recent class.

If you are in a hurry to warp to somewhere - you know, you're likely to be at one third hull and sweating.  You right click on space and the cursor just won't stay on where you need to be and you end up warping out of the frying pan into the fire?

If you right click on space then left click on where you want to be whilst holding down <ctrl> then the item stays selected and isn't affected by your 'I'm about to die' shakes.  This works as you select different options in the menu if you keep <ctrl> depressed.

A useful bit of information which has subsequently made my life somewhat easier.

More money can't be a bad thing...



The New Player Guide



For those who haven't picked up on this.  A new guide is about to be published in a free PDF form.  (Credit to Crazykinux for his posting.) - link below.

http://www.crazykinux.com/2011/01/ultimate-guide-to-eve-online-isk-guide.html

In short the guys have been working for many months to bring together a definitive guide for the new player.  As a member of Eve Uni this sounds like a great idea to me.  Something to read in those first few days and hours to compliment the Eve Uni Wiki cannot be a bad thing and will only help to keep people in the game who may otherwise have given up on the 'K2' style learning curve.

Credit to the guys who have produced the guide and I wish them well with the printed premium version which will be available from the Eve store later this year.

If you're interested in getting hold of a copy of the guide head over to the Eon Site and check out the latest news on the publication.  Again credit to Laci and Mermalior for taking the time to complete this labour of love and to Eon for publishing what looks like a great companion to the game.

http://www.EONmagazine.net

Lost In Eve - Season 3 - New Episode is out.

http://www.lostineve.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=284

Get it from your usual favourite source - I can't over state how good this podcast is. 

IMHO Highly Recommended.

At War - 'Wait for my Signal - then unleash Hell!'

We're at war again.  Although I should point out that this time things are slightly different - please see the latest post of Azmodeus Valar in the blog 'Insanity by Increments' for a great outline of circumstances.  That said - I was interested in outlining my views around the reverse of circumstances - when we find ourselves Wardec'd and why someone may wish to place us in that position...

It seems to happen with irregular monotony (work that out).

A few personal thoughts... 

I'm not sure why anyone would wish to declare war on a voluntary institution dedicated to assisting new players to Eve.  Surely all of the player base is advantaged by larger player numbers?  If new players see that more experienced pilots like targeting new players are they likely to stay?  That said, if it IS a griefing tool then, as such,  it's worthless.  Standard Wartime Operating Procedure means that no mining or missioning is permitted which may be a consideration for those who Declare war - perhaps they think it's fun to curtail others enjoyment of the game?  BUT students are able to drop corp for the duration of the war with no negative effect and then rejoin following hostilities so, no gain there for the grief squad as anyone who wants to can continue to mine or mission under an NPC corp.

The number of members which E-Uni has means that most of the time we outnumber our enemies 100-1.  We cover most of the world's timezones so can usually field a decent number of that advantage.  Contrary to popular belief rather than being confined to station the players who remain in Uni are baying to be released in fleet to confront those who have declared war.  Yes we are inexperienced and fly T1 Frigates for the most part but where one Piranha would take a week to eat a cow a shoal can do it in seconds.

Easy kills?  Nope - refer to point one about mission and mining craft being grounded.  You won't get easy kills to boost your board.  Also, let's face it - if anyone sees that your kills and efficiency are being buoyed up by E-Uni ships and pods are they likely to be impressed?  You took out a 2 month old player in a T1 Frig -<applause> - I'm not sure this proves your effectiveness as a pirate / merc corp (delete as appropriate).

In any event - despite it perhaps being a tad inconvenient on the most part what war DOES offer is variety.  You will know by now that I am a miner at heart and enjoy nothing more that staring at walls of Plagio as they slowly crumble down.  That said we all enjoy a change and, in times of war, I am a tea boy for the Ivy League Navy (ILN).  That is to say I'm on the bottom rung of the ladder but keen to learn.  When the call to arms comes I too will fleet up in my T1 Frigate.  Keen to get a point on the enemy of my friend.  I'm working on skills that may one day perhaps even make me good at it.

So, whilst I can't quite understand why anyone would wish to wardec the Uni.  I cast aside my confusion, draw on my fashionable Oakley's of targeting +1 and say - 'here we go again...'

Avatar Creator - The Masks of Zraltori

Over the last few days I've read posts on the blogs of both Memoocan and Laria Raven amongst others about the avatar creator which is currently live on the test server and which we can expect to hit Tranquility some time this month.  I have to say that up to now I've not been especially excited by the prospect of a 'facelift' but having read the aforementioned posts I'm beginning to get interested.

I carry a certain amount of regret about the portrait I finally chose to Zral'.  Four months on and I don't feel that it accurately reflects the persona which has developed in game for the character.  The portrait says brooding and secretive megamind (well I think so anyway :)).  The persona however is somewhat different.  In hindsight I'd have gone for a more open and friendly design.  Well, thanks to CCP I don't have to rue the decision and live with it.  This isn't real life after all!  So now I'll be able to break open the scalpel and take advantage of a second chance.

I don't access the test server so will happily wait until the facility becomes available on Tranq.  When it does I will make sure to take a reasonable time to design something which I feel reflects what Zral' has become in the short time he's been piloting in New Eden.  I wonder if 'L' plates are a costume option?

Mining Operations

My first dual Orca mining operation was a daunting prospect.  I was under no illusion.   I knew very little, had no real boost and lacked the ability to haul the profits... so - why did I do it?

I did it because I wanted to help. I was keen to assist those mining in cruisers to make it into barges and those in barges to make it into Exhumers.  I know how expensive the skill books are let alone the ships!

In addition I also relished the opportunity to learn from my fellow students.  Within a few minutes of the op going live we had around 14 Unistas mining and, no pressure, I was responsible for the fleet.  I'd flown in a couple of Ivy League Navy fleets and been very impressed indeed by the discipline and organisation.  This was different though.  I wanted an open mic really - to allow for everyone to socialise and chat about the ins and outs of mining, mining yields and the noble art of refining.  The first thing I had to be sure of was that we had rocks to mine.  I'd scouted the belts earlier and now made the trip in my Orca - luckily the rocks were still there ready to be harvested.

So - with the belts bookmarked for Orca warp in points, off we went.  Once we were on the belt and mining lasers lit up it was my job to ensure that not only was all the ore secured but also transported back to the station.   This op was the first time I'd taken responsibility for boosting and hauling myself.  The miners made really good progress on the ore and my time was taken up with monitoring the Boost Orca hold and moving ore between that and the hauling Orca to ensure that the miners were able to continue to deposit their ore.  On top of that I was having to tractor in the cans of those who were too far away to drop directly into the Orca.  When I thought I was getting on top of it I then noticed several cans out in space which needed to be tractored in.  Being a new experience I felt like a duck out of water and I don't think I looked up from the screen for the duration of the Op!  That said, I managed to ensure that all the mined ore was conveyed back to the station and refined.  Thanks to Xolani1990 for that.

The operation went on for over two hours.  On completion, and following refining, I used an Orca to haul the resulting minerals to Hek.  I had previously been unable to do this due to lack of skills.  I have to say that the difference between selling in Aldrat and Hek was actually quite considerable and will ensure that in the future I will always move the minerals to the trade hub to get the best price for the miners. 

Once the minerals are sold it's the Fleet Commander's (FC's) responsibility to distribute the profits in accordance with time spent on the operation.  To ensure this was done equitably I use Genn's mining spreadsheet.  This works out from the total amounts made how much each miner or hauler is owed based on the time they spent on the mining operation.  I then distribute those profits using the Eve contacts and Evemail system.  When this is done my work is over and I can plan the next operation. 

Some have suggested in the past that this job (FC) warrants a greater share of the profits but my own personal belief is that the satisfaction for performing this role is drawn not from Isk but from knowing that you are helping others to make it in their chosen profession.  The money that they are making is helping them into their barges and exhumers and, once they have them, then they too will help those who follow them to do the same.

It's fair to say that I was really worried to start with that I'd be able to handle running an operation at all.  I still consider myself new to the game and I really did appreciate the help I was given by those more experienced in the career.  I was never made to feel 'small' but I was offered advice and help whilst engaged in the operation which contributed to its success.  Again this is testament to the nature and camaraderie of the Uni.

So, minerals being sold I was able then to send out the cash.  The moral of the story being - If I can do it - so can anyone :o)  Sometimes you need to risk something to prove something to yourself and managing the fleet successfully was a real confidence boost.  I was very happy to have been able to help.  I have learned a lot from all the operations that I've run.  None of them have been perfect.  The nature of Eve though is that each time they become better.  Be that through more advanced skills or experience alone.
The operation on 6 Jan was made even more interesting by the appearance of a former War Target in the asteroid field.  Despite laying out a jet can he appeared unwilling to show any aggression and we were allowed to warp from the field at the end of the operation without incident.

Thanks to all those who came along - I look forward to many repeats.

So - we are now arrived at where I am now.  I am an Assistant Mining Manager in the Uni.  As such it's my responsibility - and honour - to arrange mining operations for the University Students to assist us all in making some Iskies to further our plans.  I love it.  What I learn from my friends on the rocks really assists me in my game and, I hope, they also enjoy the operations we run together.

Now that I've covered my background in Eve to some degree it's my intention to begin to concentrate on events and updates in the game as they happen and to give a miner's eye view on the world of New Eden as it appears to me.  I hope that my observations are of interest...

Freshers Week... a beer and beyond...

The rush of excitement when you're called for your interview is like I imagine it must be to win the lottery (I don't get out much!)  and after a few questions and checks (which I can't go into for corp security reasons) you're either accepted or politely requested to seek a home elsewhere.

Thankfully I was welcomed into the hallowed halls and handed my prospectus.  In some respects it's a bit like arriving at Hogwarts (yes yes I've already admitted I should get out more).  You've sailed the river of the queue and made it to the other side where you see a little bit more of the iceberg that is E-Uni.  In the spirit of the Corp you're not left hanging following enrolment.  It would be easy to say 'well done you're in' and then leave you to it but with the welcome of many other students ringing in your ears your Neocom flashes and a wealth of information begins to be shared.  None of this is particularly sensitive and can be discussed.  You're provided with links to the Uni Wiki which is publicly available but also other channel details and advice on how to attend classes.  The calendar is also public and on this you can see an outline of planned lectures.

Attending classes is very easy indeed and it's really pertinent here to offer my grateful thanks to all those teachers who, like the recruiting officers, give their own game time freely to help other students by putting on classes in subjects which interest them.  There are all sorts of things from 'Tackling 101' to 'Mining Boss 101' - if you can think of it then there's probably a class on it.  Lessons are on Teamspeak but there is always an option to ask questions for clarity and some very useful discussions can also fall out of this interactivity.

It was during one of these classes - A Hauling 101 I think when I was trying to work out how to move the minerals I'd had refined to Hek without it taking a week in my Bestower - that I heard about the Uni mentor scheme.  This is an initiative whereby new students (or old!) are paired up with a more experienced member on a shared time zone and interest basis.  When I heard about this I immediately applied.  I was still struggling to a degree with several parts of the game and was willing to try anything that may help me get my head straight on these areas.

Within a matter of days I was introduced to my mentor, Haxxi, by the scheme manager.  Haxxi made contact a short time later and to be fair I'm sure that without him I wouldn't be at the stage I'm at now.  With the patience of a saint he's explained to me the ins and outs of mining yield - that involved me doing some maths which I've avoided for years! - and also the uses of Eve-Fitting Tool to help me to be sure that I won't be able to fit the best modules because my skills are so damn poor instead of buying them first and then finding out which had been the case up until then.  Any questions I've had he's managed to answer and when I persist in mixing shield and armour tank he doesn't give up!  I think they've just made him assistant mentor scheme manager and I like to think that in some way that's in recognition for the extremely tough job he's had, and continues to have, with me.

Another great thing about E-Uni is that it can be all things to all people.  For miners like myself it offers a really friendly team spirit to mining ops where we can get together and chip rocks whilst swapping advice and stories.  If one day you wake up and fancy the odd PvP experience then, as a member of E-Uni, you can also enroll in the Ivy League Navy.  The navy runs ops at all times and offers various trips to different locations all with the intent of shooting people instead of rocks.  I have taken advantage of the recruiting call to the Navy and I'm sure some subsequent posts will cover my experiences within its ranks.

Now a member of the Uni and having decided that Mining was what I really wanted to make my niche in New Eden I was interested in how I could get onto some mining operations.  Within the Wiki it's made clear that whatever you fly you can join the ops and its a straight profit split based on your time spent mining (or hauling).  There were however no ops appearing on the Forum which meant I couldn't plan my time in Eve and although there were plenty of ad hoc ops they never seemed to be at the right time for me.  So, what to do?  Well, on the forums I saw that Uni was advertising for Assistant Mining Managers.  Despite being new to the Corp and the game I thought it made perfect sense for me to have a look at that post.  All I wanted to do was mine.  I'd set up my skill queues to fly an Orca with boosts and that's no fun, or use, alone!  I thought that if I was going to be mining anyway then I may as well run the ops for others who may want to join in.  To that end I contacted the mining management and was very lucky indeed to be accepted into the role of an Assistant Mining Manager.  I then realised I didn't know how to run a fleet...

No panic - I looked up the Fleet 101 class and listened to the recording.  That gave me the information around which skills I'd need to look at in order to pass on the boosts - 'Leadership Five' and Wing Command - the list of needed skills just kept getting longer but I was now at the point in the game when putting a three week skill into the queue no longer felt like a kid waiting for Christmas on Boxing Day.

On the day of my first operation I took to the field in two Retrievers and a Bestower (a big mistake).  I quickly discovered that you can't run the op AND three toons.  My miner toons just sat there for the most part with lasers off whilst I shot back and forth with the hauler.  I didn't understand how people could mine so fast!  The saving grace was that there were no boosts as my skills weren't up there yet so I didn't have to worry about me having people dancing round the hierarchy like drunken square dancers trying to get those green ticks on the boost (like I still do now!)  Another error was not noting down a name correctly - again my mentor came to the rescue by introducing me to chat logs and the day was saved.

My next post will cover a mining operation we had on 5 Jan in Aldrat.  It was interesting for me as it was the first time I'd tried to run as booster and sole hauler.  Some interesting lessons picked up along the way and great fun as always.

Until then, Fly safe o7

The 'Q'

No, not the inter-dimensional foil of the USS Enterprise, but the first thing that applicants to Eve University encounter.  During my time in the queue it was interesting to see the comments from some of those waiting with me.  They varied from the fatalistic to the downright frantic.  I think it was hard perhaps for some to see the point behind the wait or indeed the length of it.  In this post I'll try to put my spin on why I think that the wait is necessary.
One thing I have discovered in my first weeks and months in Eve is that it's a game which rewards patience.  I have no issue with WoW.  I played and enjoyed it for over a year before changing to Eve in September.  WoW seemed to me to offer instant gratification above the levels offered by Eve.  In saying this please don't get me wrong.  I know it's easily possible to train a few skills to 3 within a few days and be having a blast in Eve without an issue but the strategy and body of the game really begin to come into their own as you specialise and begin to forge a path towards your chosen goal and tick of the skills necessary to make you really good at what you have decided to do with your 'life in Eve'.  And there's the rub.  What you decide to do is up to you and, if you don't really know what there is out there, it's difficult sometimes to make an educated choice.  To assist you there is nothing to beat a group of dedicated and interested players who want to help you be all that you can be.  This relationship is along the lines of teacher and student.  It's a relationship which demands trust and so, as a student of the university, I want to know that all those who I work with and those who teach me, have been subject to as stringent a selection process as is possible.  This knowledge leads to a greater openness perhaps than if it were common place simply to click on 'apply to join' and be straight in.

I know that Eve University is not the only corp to assist new players indeed my first corp tried to help out and I still have a great friend in GamleGamle I made in that corp.  That said though there were only eleven members and we were regularly the only two speaking.  The Uni provides over one thousand members covering all the world's time zones.  There is ALWAYS someone online who wants to help you out and will often go out of their way to do so.  All of those people you can trust because you know they've been as well screened as is possible in New Eden.  There will always be a few that get through who perhaps do not adequately reflect the ethos of the corp or who are intent on doing damage but the nature of the Uni is that they really are the odd ones out and are relatively easy to spot and deal with.

So then, you're in the queue - is it really worth waiting two weeks to get into a corp when there are so many more out there to join that will take you in at the drop of a hat?

My question to you would be 'what do you want from your corp?'  Do you want assistance with the intricacies of the game in your early months given freely by friendly people with a shared interest and no hidden agenda?  if the answer to that is 'yes' then it's most definitely worth the wait.  As I mentioned earlier - Eve is a game which rewards patience and you could do a lot worse than begin learning it in the queue to join E-Uni.

This post wouldn't of course be complete without a big shout out and thank you to the volunteers in E-Uni who use their own game time to interview those of us who apply to join.  Theirs is a role of great responsibility which should not be underestimated.  They're the first officers of the Uni you meet and they present a great face. 

My next post will cover my first few days with the Uni and my introduction to the Mining section.

A Huge Thank you!

Not got much time for the next couple of days due to RL work commitments but I did want to take the time to give a big thank you to Memoocan for the excellent banner work on the Blog.

If you're looking for a forum or Blog signature then you need look no further than 'Mem's' Blog at 'Progression's Horizon' (see links).  I believe there is also a podcast! :o)

Back in a couple of days - 'til then, Fly Safe and crush those rocks! o7

Old Proverb

Being new to the Blogosphere there is a temptation to post each day to maintain a stream of dialogue about your observations on the world.

However I am also a subscriber to the old addage -

"Better to have people think you a fool  than open your mouth and prove them right."

So for today - that will have to do.

My next post will concern my application to and subsequent membership of Eve Uni.  If you haven't looked over their new site yet I'd really recommend it.  It's an excellent source of info and, along with the Uni Wiki, is all you could really ask for as a new player like myself.

o7

:o)

Happy New Year!

I am, as you may know, a first time Blogger.

I feel that has perhaps led to a back to front approach. I thought therefore that perhaps I should dedicate some time to explaining who I am (in game) and a little about how I've come to where I am in the very short time that I've been roaming in New Eden.

Zraltori was 'born' on 15 September 2010. Not long ago. He's my first foot in New Eden having come from WoW. I moved over having decided to try EvE after hearing about it on 'The Instance' - a WoW related Podcast (an excellent one at that!)

What was to be a brief 'look see' turned into something else though when I saw just how intricate and absorbing the world of New Eden is. Something else which attracted me was the seeming intelligence and friendly nature of everyone I met. I initially thought I'd been lucky but to be fair all my subsequent meetings have been with similarly amicable, articulate and welcoming people.

Of course me being me I immediately went on the hunt for EvE related podcasts. I immediately found two which gripped me. A huge shout out to 'Lost in Eve' (LiE) and 'Fly Reckless'. If you've not listened then get over to iTunes and try them out. You won't be disappointed. A 'new' arrival from Blackhuey is 'Srs Bzns' again on iTunes and an excellent show. The information I gained from listening to these guys (who really know their onions) has added exponentially to my enjoyment of the game. I'll go into that later.

So - first day... everyone remember it? I know I do. I felt like the king of the world as I cautiously piloted my Tormentor (Amarr through and through!) into the 'roid field and lit up my Civilian Miner I. Zrrrrp..... Zrrrrp..... Zrrrrp - Ha! I thought, this will make me rich in a flash! Just settling down to fill my woeful cargo space I noticed another ship warp onto the field. It was slightly bigger than me and was labelled 'Hulk'. As I watched, three powerful beams of light crashed into the rocks around me. They didn't blink on and off like mine but shone brilliant as they sliced through the stars. Even then I knew I wanted one. Then, to make matters worse, five mining drones also went to work just as an Orca landed in support. I decided then and there that as soon as I could possibly manage it - that would be me. I was bitten. Yes, that's right, bitten by mining!

So, earlier I mentioned how listening to LiE framed my future? A few weeks after beginning to play I was listening to the show when mention was made of a corp known as 'Eve University'. I decided to look it up. The next post will explain a little about the Uni and how I consider it to be the best thing that could have happened to me in New Eden. The reasons for this are plenty but suffice it to say that, for me, Eve is a social experience and from the off the couple of Corps I'd tried had been less than active. I was tired of a silent chat channel and wanted something different. I got what I was after in spoonfulls...