Would you like a "universe"-like open chat channel?

[iphdrunk]

Since the NPE patch, the universe channel has been extensively used to request help and has allowed new players to ask questions and get the basic of the games faster. Nevertheless, it's use is fairly restricted and policed, and some players have requested a similar channel, more open where generic things can be discussed.

With the possibility of disabling it, would you like that option?

This has of course advantages and drawbacks, to name a few (out of my mind, not biased afaict): it fullfills the needs of socializer players that may enjoy discussing things not strictly Q&A, leaves current Q&A channel (Universe) strictly for that, it can be used for LFT/LFG, although it adds load to servers.

Do you think a similar channel, not limited to Q&A would add value to Ryzom? -- assuming a ·disable· option exists, so disabling the channel would be as current status -- or would you rather create specific channels for LFT/LFG (world-wide, making it easier to form groups), Trading (so it's easier to e.g. request a stack of choice mats, or an armor) and so on?

Comments?

Edit: this was supposed to be a poll, but the validator failed :*)

[ajsuk]

I could take it or leave it really. I'd prolly not use it...

[varelse]

If we didn't already have so many dedicated channels, I'd be quicker to agree we need a truly open "universe chat", and just make a new "Q & A" chat channel dedicated to only that purpose.

Since we do already have so many (universe,region, around, team, guild, faction, /tell) I'd prefer to see the rules relaxed somewhat on the current universe channel, although I must say the guides don't seem to be ruling it with an iron fist right now. People are allowed to ramble, rp, and banter quite a bit. When the guides usually apply brakes it is if people's questions start getting drowned, or if the chat seems to be heading for flames, obscenity, personal abuse or off-topic ranting.

[redneck2]

As long as it's able to be turned off/ignored, I think it's a good idea. Though I still have nightmares about when WoW made the LFG channel global. OH GOD THE SPAM!!!

These are two entirely different communities though, so I doubt we'll have that problem here.

[grimjim]

I think that universal chat can be very welcoming if it's not overly enforced.
The current balance (though it depends on the guides online) is about right but changing its name or adding another channel would work, but adding a channel will crowd things a bit.

[oldmess]

It wouldn't bother me, but I'd leave off almost all of the time. I can't think of a place where it would be useful to me.

If the dev's are in the mood to tackle the issue of chat channels, I'd rather they look at these ideas first:

1. attach/defend channels for OP battles
2. allow faction channel to be used even when we aren't tagged for pvp
3. allow the creation of invite-only channels on the fly. (yes, I know that teams provide some of that, but if I'm teaming and need to have a side conversation with a couple other people, the extra tells are annoying)

[cloudy97]

All official chats need to be monitored, and require more work from the game masters.

But I'd love to make my own custom chat channels. Is it be possible?

[forever]

Eek, not another chat!
Sorry I have trouble keeping up with the chats we have now. Most of the time I have universe chat disabled as it is. I do most of my chatting in Karavan chat, I'm fine with what we have.

[iphdrunk]

Eek, not another chat!(...)

I see why players would not want an excess of (unpoliced) chats, but one honest question, in general terms, if you can disable it with a single click, and keep things "as is" now at least for you, why not?, no need to keep up with it. -- not trolling, but trying to see the drawbacks -- if a player does not want it, why prevent other players from having it, if they want it?

[aardnebb]

I would love to see it, but worry it could get _massively_ spammy as server population grows. Particularly with players on the starter isle "LFG" and "WLTB/WLTS".

Personally I would love to see a "Neutral" chat, to match Kami/Karavan chat