Archive: 33 posts

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There are too many people joining this site that are unwilling to reciprocate their feedback and participate in threads with others before getting feedback of their own. Conversely, I've noticed that it's difficult for some other new members who aren't selective or stingy with their replies to get feedback without replying to a hundred different threads. People... if you're going to join this site, participate. Don't be snooty or snobby, and don't only reply to threads by people you already know. Don't just post your level and wait for feedback. If you're a creator, check out other peoples work and give them the same respect that you would want for yourself. There's also the idea, projects and objects areas that can be a great service and inspiration to improving the quality of your work and a perfect environment for brainstorming new techniques and concepts, as well as giving someone incentive to make the most of something they're starting to work on. You can also get familiar just by lounging and making small talk in the other forums. Don't be shy. To our vets, I know there's only so much time to play and surf the site, but don't assume that everyone is coming and going in a flash or that a new person's level has nothing good to offer and isn't worth playing and critiquing. Offer someone feedback and a welcome, even if they haven't gotten around yet to at least give them one chance. I refer people here all the time, and expect them to find a better avenue for accolades and critiques. It's getting old trying to explain to people that they have to be really patient and wait 2 to 3 months to get some feedback and recognition. If a person joins and they aren't given a reason to stay, or any inkling that there is light at the end of tunnel to see that this is the home for LBP players and creators... then they're probably not going to keep trying for long. Remember as well, when you give someone feedback, always give them the pros and cons, be firmly objective in ways they can improve, but don't be afraid to shower someone with praise if you had a great time in their level or found it to be amazing. Keep in mind the limitations of the create mode as a tool, don't lower your standards, but don't expect the impossible and don't expect perfection as there is no such thing. One would also do well to realize that not everyone had the game during beta or at launch, and can't be expected to make their first level into a beautiful and flawless masterpiece of epic proportions. LBP is a wonderful place to have fun and express yourself, and this community forum reflects and extends the attributes of this wonderful venue we all have. If you plan on sticking with LBP for the long run, well into the future, then let's keep this place just as friendly and as worthwhile as the game itself.

2009-02-04 16:38:00 Author: Unknown User

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Fantastic post! I myself am fairly new around here and it's only been the past few weeks that I have had time to attempt to be an active and contributing member. My experience so far has been great! Only a few days ago, I posted my first F4F in the Levels area of the forum. Either my level description isn't appealing enough or what they say about timing is true, as I noticed yesterday when I visited the thread that in only a few days since writing it my post has moved to the third page with no responses. The thread is inundated with levels right now, which is a good thing because it at least shows people are creating and there is plenty of new user content to check out. I'm okay with not getting responses as I myself have been far too busy since posting there to be able to go online, check out some of the other members' levels, and give my feedback. After thinking about why I have not received F4F last night, I had come to the conclusion that I myself need to participate and get my my own ball rolling if I expect others to do the same. I can not simply sit back and wait for someone to take interest in my levels if I do not first do the same. I will have some time this weekend and will do just that. Again... GREAT POST!!

2009-02-04 20:44:00 Author: Rustbukkit Posts: 1737

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Couldn't have put it better myself NinjaMicWZ. Simply superb. I understand that some people won't want to be always looking at levels, but they don't have to. It's nice though, just to go on the Level Showcase and choose one level at random to play, per day. I am fairly new (joined sort of mid january) and as such I'm not entirley sure who's who so I give all levels an equal chance, everyone should be like that. I'm not saying I'm perfect because I am not specific enough (I tend to play a level and not give feedback until an hour or two later) but I'm waffling now, great post.

2009-02-04 20:57:00 Author: Coxy224 Posts: 2645

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Really great post Ninja, here are some thoughts of my own. I mentioned this in the "My thoughts on..." thread but I will mentione it here again. If you are joining this site to clique together with a couple of other people you know and your only goal is to bump eachothers thread then here is some advice: grow up. I really can't understand this attitude, especially when there are some of us who do our best to make new members feel welcome by posting feedback on their fresh threads that are otherwise largely ignored. If you don't really want to be a part of this community the feel free to create your own website where you can all clique together in an insulated world. To our vets, I know there's only so much time to play and surf the site, but don't assume that everyone is coming and going in a flash or that a new person's level has nothing good to offer and isn't worth playing and critiquing. Offer someone feedback and a welcome, even if they haven't gotten around yet to at least give them one chance. I have been saying this since forever and try my best to give new members a chance. However there is a reoccuring tendency I have observerd which is for a new member to stay active while their level is still fresh and then disappear shortly thereafter. Sometimes they will pop again a few months down the line to promote a new level but that's about it. Now, I understand we all want max exposure for our levels but that is still no excuse to use this site for selfish gain. If you lable your thread as F4F then at the very least comment on those people's levels who have comented on yours. There is also nothing wrong with being honest. In other words, if you are simply here to promote your level then say so, at least we know where you stand (personally that will not prevent me from checking out your lvl and hearting if it's great but I probably won't be leaving you feedback. There are too many great/active members of this community that are more deserving of that.) I am also surprised at the amount of people who have disappeared from the forums after their levels have been Spotlighted. It's like now that they have achieved a Spotlight they have no more use for the site. The key word in Community Spotlight is community so if your level is spotlighted because it is a nice piece of work and because you are truly a part of this community then it really isn't cool if you disappear shortly thereafter. In fact, it's like a kick in the face to those who are Spotlighting. A couple of words on the Level Showcase. For me this is the most important part of the forums and in a perfect world everyone would be posting here regularly. We bought LBP to play, create, share and if the game did not exist then neither would this site. I have also observed that some people only post in the Level Showcase when they have a new level but otherwise ignore it entirely. Not a very good attitude to have imo. Remember as well, when you give someone feedback, always give them the pros and cons, be firmly objective in ways they can improve, but don't be afraid to shower someone with praise if you had a great time in their level or found it to be amazing. Objective is the key word here. You don't have to love the person you are leaving feedback for but be fair about it and don't let any "personal feelings" get in the way of your critique. I know this is difficult for many people to do but try it, you will probably feel better about yourself. And yes, don' be afraid to shower others with praise, I do it all the time. It really just let's the person know how much you really enjoyed the creation and motivates them to continue creating. Well, those are some of my thoughts. I am curious to see what others think. Thanks for creating such a great thread Ninja.

2009-02-04 23:49:00 Author: OCK Posts: 1536

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This is a great thread! I've been pondering this subject for several weeks now. For a while I was taking every single level from newbies on the showcase that had no replies and I was giving a good objective review for every single one of them. Unfortunately, I started realizing in the last few days that this is an impossible schedule to keep, so I've been picking 2 a day at most (I also have crew responsibilities so I HAVE to make sure I play some of the higher-profile levels also). But this is hampered by people sending me private messages when they've done the improvements wanting me to look at their level again. Obviously there couldn't be anything official, but it would be great if members had little goals - pick just 1 or 2 a day or a week to review from someone you don't recognize. I did this and ended up reviewing some great levels, AND those people ended up being really productive members - specifically Samson107. He's an intelligent author who probably would have gotten frustrated if no one looked at his levels (and he ALSO took a lot of the pressure off me by also getting to some of the newer showcase threads). When you give attention to new authors: You end up growing the community. The community creates better games for LBP as a whole Better levels and interest mean more LBP sales More sales means Sony has more interest and this environment sticks around for a while.

2009-02-05 00:26:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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Yeah, I don't always find time to get to every thread, because I'm always in create mode... but I tend to resolve at least one day on the weekend to play through a bunch of peoples levels and catch up. I tend to do my feedback as I play, which makes the level take upwards of an hour sometimes depending on how much I have to say and on the level itself. It may seem like alot of responsibility to take time out to do this, but hey... if I expect people to do it for me, and just go "oh hey, I should play his level and give him feedback", then it's only fair that I adopt the same mentality. I may not always be able to get to your level right away, even if I'm planning on playing it, but rest assured that I will and when I do I'll give you a very in depth and at-length opinion. Sometimes I wish the showcase forum didn't cycle through so quickly. One thing I've tried to do lately is to pick one person's thread, check that level out, and proceed to play all their levels. That way I get it out of the way in one go and can just search their threads, reply with my thoughts, and scratch that big chunk off the list. Once you've caught up on their backlog, you have an easier time keeping up on whatever new project they release, and also have a keener sense of where they've been as a creator, how they've evolved, what defines their style, and what direction they're heading in.

2009-02-05 01:26:00 Author: Unknown User

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I'm feeling quite inspired right now to actually go play some levels for a change... this thread is turning out to be a good morale booster.

2009-02-05 02:28:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Great Post mate. Everything you said was true in everyway! Good Job on setting the foot down and putting the word out

2009-02-05 02:55:00 Author: Snrm Posts: 6419

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Yea mate you said it, I think everyone here agrees with you so well done mate xD

2009-02-05 03:46:00 Author: Thee-Flash Posts: 3154

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Heh, good point. I don't want to dampen the mood but I just don't have much time to play other peoples levels. The creating eats up most of my limited (full-time job, buying a house) free time. I do however try to contribute to the forum by posting in the forums, mostly plopping out ideas/solutions left and right. I should try to play a bit more I guess . The showcase forum does move fast though.

2009-02-05 07:49:00 Author: Wyth Posts: 263

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Heh, good point. I don't want to dampen the mood but I just don't have much time to play other peoples levels. The creating eats up most of my limited (full-time job, buying a house) free time. I do however try to contribute to the forum by posting in the forums, mostly plopping out ideas/solutions left and right. I should try to play a bit more I guess . The showcase forum does move fast though. Well there are people such as myself who are married AND have children so imagine how reduced our time to play is compared to yours lol. Throw in a full-time job and doing lots creating of our own and there really is not time for much else. However, we stilll somehow find the time to leave extensive feedback for other people because that is the single most important thing for all creators, getting feedback that will help improve their levels. So while I appreciate your situation it really isn't an excuse The Level Showcase is the single most important section of these forums imo.

2009-02-05 07:57:00 Author: OCK Posts: 1536

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Well, that's offcourse true, I'm possibly not in the worst situation I can totally see that. It's just that my preference is to create an hour or two a day and that, complete with other things, just doesn't leave time to play. But just as I said, I might want to start skipping a create session every few days to play a bunch (and leave the aforementioned feedback) .

2009-02-05 10:13:00 Author: Wyth Posts: 263

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When I'm really involved in a project, it's pretty much all I do when I get on LBP, and don't really get to play anything til it's done... or til I temporarily run out of creative juice. That's when you see me turning down invites for a month or so lol ...I haven't been doing much lately other than creating machines, and single object, or stand alone set pieces for later use though, so it's been easier for me to just browse and play. If I ever forget to play someone's level, don't hesitate to send me a message, or even if you just want me to check something out, hit me up on LBP. Sometimes I just plain forget, or lose track of what I have and haven't played. I've been meaning to play your level in particular for weeks, Wyth, and I actually will right now.

2009-02-05 11:06:00 Author: Unknown User

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When I'm really involved in a project, it's pretty much all I do when I get on LBP, and don't really get to play anything til it's done... or til I temporarily run out of creative juice. That's when you see me turning down invites for a month or so lol ...I haven't been doing much lately other than creating machines, and single object, or stand alone set pieces for later use though, so it's been easier for me to just browse and play. If I ever forget to play someone's level, don't hesitate to send me a message, or even if you just want me to check something out, hit me up on LBP. Sometimes I just plain forget, or lose track of what I have and haven't played. I've been meaning to play your level in particular for weeks, Wyth, and I actually will right now. Haha, I know how it is the point is: my projects take 1-2 months.... so a bit of a better balance would be good (bit more play, bit less create). It should benefit my creativity too. Great that you'll try my level. Be sure to post in my showcase thread, be critical, I can take it. I'll stop hijacking this thread now

2009-02-05 11:12:00 Author: Wyth Posts: 263

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I will That's one thing too... it definitely helps fuel the creative fire to stay in the mix. A creative environment fosters more creativity. On top of that, if you don't keep up on what other people are doing, and ee how the bar keeps raising, you will quickly fall behind the curve with quality, styles and techniques. "Why didn't I think of that?" is a great feeling.

2009-02-05 11:21:00 Author: Unknown User

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I totally agree! I'm inspired... there was this level I played last night... My next level is going to be an Indiana Jones-style level which uses dropping rocks as a mechanism to throw players up in the air. I am probably also going to throw in kind of a "grab the idol" sub-plot to move things forward (although I may not let the player actually HAVE the idol.... I may have it crushed some way... I may need to play some other levels a little more to figure this out.) or a level that features dinosaurs... (I don't know why this is a girl either)

2009-02-05 16:20:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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[QUOTE=CCubbage;141260]I totally agree! I'm inspired... there was this level I played last night... My next level is going to be an Indiana Jones-style level which uses dropping rocks as a mechanism to throw players up in the air. I am probably also going to throw in kind of a "grab the idol" sub-plot to move things forward [QUOTE] Was the level you played "Jack McSetback and the Spiky stone of doom"? Because if not, you should go and play it - sounds just what you want to do....

2009-02-05 16:45:00 Author: Coxy224 Posts: 2645

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Could be... hmmm..... (notice the wink - usually a sign someone is kidding)

2009-02-05 17:13:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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This is a good thread and hopefully it will make people that come on here all the time step up to the plate and add a little back to this wonderful site. I have for ages just come on here for news and a bit of fun in the SPAM CAN or to talk to friends via messages. I was speaking to some people the other day and saying I'm am gonna try and put back to the site and actually play some levels to maybe help others out I really NEVER play levels and only ever create stuff and like With was saying, I think I need to make an effort to take some time away from create and play some levels. I really only get to come on my PS3 from about 10PM every night usually (due to my missus a kid hogging the tv ) and I'm sooooooo addicted to this game and that's why I come on here most of the time to get my LBP fix when I'm not able to be on my PS3 (that's why I never get any sleep as I stay up most nights till the early hours playing LBP and then get up for work I will try and do my bit from now on and I started yesterday by playing OCK's 218 as he keeps pestering me to play it (lol only joking dude) and left him some feedback last night

2009-02-05 18:10:00 Author: dorien Posts: 2767

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Wow, all of the other forums I joined, I slowly start getting more and more inactive. This is the only forum that actually tries to get people to be more active. The other forums just don't have the time to care.

2009-02-05 20:55:00 Author: Sackdragon Posts: 427

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We're smarter than they are.

2009-02-05 20:56:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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This thread inspired me to create for 1.5 hour yesterday and after that I've played some levels from the showcase section for half an hour. Had great fun. I'm off to comment on the levels right now . I really like the Idea of a Indiana Jones type level with a lot of rock-related traps. Fake rewarding a player with an idol that is later crushed is also a complete stroke of genius CCubbage! You a professional writer?

2009-02-06 09:28:00 Author: Wyth Posts: 263

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Wow, all of the other forums I joined, I slowly start getting more and more inactive. This is the only forum that actually tries to get people to be more active. The other forums just don't have the time to care. We all LOVE you xD *Sackdragon starts to go inactive*

2009-02-06 09:29:00 Author: Thee-Flash Posts: 3154

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This thread inspired me to create for 1.5 hour yesterday and after that I've played some levels from the showcase section for half an hour. Had great fun. I'm off to comment on the levels right now . I really like the Idea of a Indiana Jones type level with a lot of rock-related traps. Fake rewarding a player with an idol that is later crushed is also a complete stroke of genius CCubbage! You a professional writer? I was inspired. I was thinking of calling it "Fred McThatDidntWorkWell and the Pointy Pebble of Destiny"

2009-02-06 13:15:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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I was inspired. I was thinking of calling it "Fred McThatDidntWorkWell and the Pointy Pebble of Destiny" Great name, I have a level that you might use some ideas from, let me just set it to copyable.... . (Seriously, should I do that? I've got 100.000 plays or will it be stolen anyway?) Getting off topic here, sooo could we say a 1:4 play:create ratio would be a good balance? Create 2 hours, play half an hour? This might be nice for creation inspiration and feedbacking people. (don't read too much in above post, trying to get back ontopic)

2009-02-06 13:26:00 Author: Wyth Posts: 263

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Great name, I have a level that you might use some ideas from, let me just set it to copyable.... . (Seriously, should I do that? I've got 100.000 plays or will it be stolen anyway?) Getting off topic here, sooo could we say a 1:4 play:create ratio would be a good balance? Create 2 hours, play half an hour? This might be nice for creation inspiration and feedbacking people. (don't read too much in above post, trying to get back ontopic) DON'T SET IT TO COPYABLE - I've seen a bunch of pre-teens with amazing levels they renamed just to get the creator trophy. I would be heart-broken if this happened to this level! Back on topic: I don't personally set a schedule, but I try to pick at least 1 each night that is getting NO attention without any biases toward how active the member is - and 1 more that is from an active member (I actually scan down several pages to make sure 2 days later a level wasn't completely missed). I know this doesn't sound like much, but I sit down and take notes during the entire level and try to provide the best feedback I can, so that's about all I have time for. If I have some time and don't feel like creating, I will get inspired and just start blasting through a bunch of them. There are quite a few members here. If everyone just did a little all would be taken care of.

2009-02-06 13:44:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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Ah I didn't think of it like that, just thought that if I've got enough plays on it, it won't be thought that I've stolen it from someone. Some stupid kid getting the create trophy through me would be bad though.. I won't do it. 2 levels everyday seems more than reasonable, you'll rank up quite a bit of feedbacks like that.

2009-02-06 14:04:00 Author: Wyth Posts: 263

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Ironically enough Gilgamesh's latest blog, "Level Showcase orphans (http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/blog.php?b=257)", talks about a similar issue. I wonder if he was reading this thread when he wrote it or vice versa... At the very least, it sounds like people are discontent and trying to raise the standards of things, which is great in my opinion. Anyway, I know it's hard for me personnally to find time to play other's levels. Moderating the forum as a whole is busy work, and it really can sink as much time as you put into it. I try and stay active playing others work when I can, and when I do I am often inspired in new and amazing ways. As I've said in the project thread, my latest level was inspired by NinjaMicWZ and CCubbage's work. If I had never played their levels, I would never have thought of the concept I'm building. I'm getting ideas from other sources as well. The "Test Your Skill! (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=t=8164)" thread has inspired me to think about catering for people with different difficulty skills and tastes. Keeping on top of contest enteries is inspiring as well. I'd highly recommend LordCanti07's winning entry from the "Set the Scene (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=t=6647)" contest. It has to be seen to be believed, it's really that good. O_o So I guess I don't keep up on every new post that comes out on the Level Showcase thread. I do highly recommend people to play other people's levels though and give some feedback. I don't give feedback as often as I would like, but it's great to be able to play other people's work and give them some encouragement, and also know that there are others out there doing the same.

2009-02-07 06:15:00 Author: Elbee23 Posts: 1280

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I agree 100% with you

2009-02-07 06:27:00 Author: Noremac469 Posts: 143

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SDSeCqoi91I play this while looking at this thread

2009-02-07 07:52:00 Author: Thee-Flash Posts: 3154

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Nice post! Also, just some advice, the Reccomend a Creation forum is an incredibly useful tool for finding good levels, and getting inspiration. 75% of the levels here are very good!!

2009-02-07 07:54:00 Author: dkjestrup Posts: 672

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When I'm really involved in a project, it's pretty much all I do when I get on LBP, and don't really get to play anything til it's done... or til I temporarily run out of creative juice. That's when you see me turning down invites for a month or so lol ...I haven't been doing much lately other than creating machines, and single object, or stand alone set pieces for later use though, so it's been easier for me to just browse and play. If I ever forget to play someone's level, don't hesitate to send me a message, or even if you just want me to check something out, hit me up on LBP. Sometimes I just plain forget, or lose track of what I have and haven't played. I've been meaning to play your level in particular for weeks, Wyth, and I actually will right now. I agree with that top bit. I'd joined onto this board before I built Rave, but while I was actually making the accursed thing, that was about all I did.... I didnt come on here much or take much time to try new levels. I'd started on the bloody thing, and dangit, I was gonna finish it. Lol. And then it was done, and I started actually browsing this board nightly (which is what I usually do for boards I go to). I'd try more levels outta the showcase myself, lol, but Im sorta used to just mashing "quick play" in-game, since I never know what kinda insanity I might get. It can be hilarious. Still though, I've found this to be a really nice community.... others would probably find it so as well, if they'd try and get into it more, rather than just "LOOK AT WHAT I MADE!!!" and then leave.

2009-02-09 08:19:00 Author: Bridget Posts: 334

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You, sir, are a great participant.

2009-02-09 21:45:00 Author: UltraNative Posts: 59

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