'Money Money Money, Must be funny...' Of Iskies and Piracy in Space...

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Ok - it's out and you can download it here - http://www.isktheguide.com/

Now having had a quick look there would appear to be a veritable flood of information aimed at stemming your Isk drought.  I'm a new player and will certainly be looking to download a copy onto the old 'e-reader'.

The latest ep of 'Lost in Conversation' is up on the usual sites for download.  The chat this week centred on the views of those present (all bloggers) on new developments in Eve.  Namely what to expect from 'Incarna' and the pros and cons of developing new material when compared to polishing that which is already in the public domain - the Eve we love.  The panel also got to talking about Low and Null Sec space and the similarities and differences between them.  This all got me to thinking about my experience in Eve so far. 

Almost since day one I've been told that PvP 'rocks' and that it's one of the 'mainstays' of the game.  I've been content to fire on rocks safe in the knowledge that that they don't shoot back and I genuinely enjoy the social aspect of mining not to mention the Iskies it generates.  That said I have been interested recently to hear of the adventures of 'Jade' from LiE who has taken up the gauntlet and, for now, abandoned his Orcas for Rifters and his 'roid fields for gate camps.  I've found his tales of piracy most intriguing and it got me to thinking that there may well be something in this PvP hype.  Now I need to make it clear that Zraltori would never consider such nefariousness and both his brothers of course are far too busy to dabble in such things.  There was a need therefore to expand the family which has been done.  Another driver to this was a 'Twitter' convo between myself and Helicity Boson in which it was suggested that 'victim' was a state of mind and how she couldn't understand why people didn't 'do' more with the experience of 'Hulkageddon'.  So, this year I will do something.... and this is the plan...

I shall for part of the period of Miner's Holiday this year do just that - take a break from mining (of course I will continue to fulfill the duties of my role on staff within the Uni - I'm just speaking about the actual act of mining itself)  During this time I shall fly out the newest member of the family into lowsec.  By this time I'm hoping that I can work them up to basic Frig skills with some support (but not a lot!!) So I'll be eggshell thin - but with nothing to lose :-)  I shall use the enforced holiday to experience something new - do something different and see how it goes.  After all, as has been mentioned, Eve is a game and, like life, I now believe, 'Quod Potes Tenta' - Try all that you are able to.

Now I'm not sure if anyone actually reads this but here's my request.  If you are a member of a pirate corp and are in need of cannon fodder then by all means Evemail Zraltori in game and he can put you in touch with his nefarious kin.  After all - I think I'll need all the help I can get!!

As the time approaches I will outline my training and how the first flights go.  I have to say I'm quite excited at the prospect which must mean it's a good thing... or does it?

Fly safe.

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.



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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!)

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.