Editing Newsletter/Winter 2006 (section)

== Top 10 Questions ==

''Top Questions for any member to answer''
Top Ten things you never knew about.

=== Q1 ===
'''''Who do you think is the most unusual character currently in play and why?'''''

[[Herbalsheila|Sheila's]] characters are always an eye opener, I really enjoying reading the detail that she puts into them - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

Definitely. I had never heard of the Horta until I read about her character. --[[User:VulcanTrekkie45|VulcanTrekkie45]]

First & foremost, the Horta. When I first saw that a player was going to be bringing to life such an unusual character from TOS, I wasn`t sure what to make of it or how it could be done. I do think Sheila has done an excellent job in it`s realization though. - [[User:dolphin20pl1|Alan Reading]]

Well, obviously Sheila's Horta, but, when I first joined Freedom, there used to be a lot more unusual characters about. I seem to recall some sort of unisex character that was played by Al Muir, if I recall. The character bio picture kind of freaked me out. And also, there is a lot of alternative characters in the Freedom universe, I think Jeremy's Lee character has about three different versions of himself running around. I will say this though (and I may be saying too much) when Sheila's application came through the mailer with the Horta character, and she started posting in the forums, I told more than one person in private conversations that I thought this would be some kind of nutter, and I didn't think it could be pulled off, but since Sheila is still here and people don't complain about you, I can only assume that she has. Way to go, Sheila! -- [[User:KevinSchram|Kevin Schram]]

=== Q2 ===
'''''Why is it that more people on Star Trek Freedom do not access the STF Wikipedia?'''''

Time is a factor and their connection as well, if you have dial up internet, you don't want to waste too much time waiting for the pages to load when you want to be getting on checking your mail and going to the main site to check something out. This gets worse if you are paying as you go or have a limited account. Also, does everyone know how to use the wiki and do they all know what it can do? Send a NRPG to your ship and let them all know how to use the wiki... do it now! - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

I think part of the problem is that the Wiki tends to be redundant to some of our folk. For example, the ‘News from the Front’ section here might also be covered the Forum boards, under their ship’s thread. The main site has a place for both character and player bios… perhaps many have already said all they care to about themselves and their characters there, and thus see no need to repeat themselves on the Wiki. Indeed, the Wiki allows us to include much greater detail… but perhaps the majority don’t want to go into greater detail than they already have on the site bios, the Forum already provides us with a place to share our art, interesting links, jokes, and in general, each other’s online company. 

Articles on races, technologies, and other Star Trek-related issues of that kind might suffer from the same difficulty. We already have a database on the site… perhaps it could indeed use some updating, but it’s there. And websites like Memory Alpha, etc, already exist with extensive, well-written articles on all manner of Trek stuff. 

Thus, I would say that if we want more of our folk to visit the Wiki, then it needs a good ‘hook’ or two… cool stuff that can’t be found somewhere else in a shorter, easier-to-find form. Any ideas? -[[GrannyGM]]

I agree. There is a lot of time that is consumed in doing the wiki articles. It took me a few months to do my first article completely. -- [[User:VulcanTrekkie45|VulcanTrekkie45]]

* I think I was the one of the first users (if not the first) to really dig my teeth into the wiki. I think Spencer from the Paladin had started one article and Anthony had made a few placeholder pages. In those early days, I tried to promote the Wiki everywhere I could, specially the Star Trek Freedom chat room, and no body really seemed to care as much has I did. Everybody seems to be pressed for time these days, and I think, like it was said above, a lot of the information on the Wiki is redundant. Plus, back then, the Wiki syntax was really confusing to mostly everybody. I think it'll get more and more popular. I even suggested to a few people that we should even make placeholder pages for important characters where the player is too busy to make a page for them. -- [[User:KevinSchram|Kevin Schram]]

=== Q3 ===
'''''What do you think is the best part of Star Trek Freedom and why?'''''

The community of players from around the world, with so many different people, cultures and races, somehow, we've all come together to this website and game to write about Star Trek fiction - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

THe fact that it unites people from around the world because we all have something in common with each other. It's invigorating to see that there can exist unity in such a divided world. --[[User:VulcanTrekkie45|VulcanTrekkie45]]

Yeah, what he just said... Lol  [[User:dolphin20pl1|Alan Reading]]

=== Q4 ===
'''''What would you like to see in the Newsletter each time around?'''''

More articles about the players of the game, interests and so on - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

I especially like the questionnaire. The fleet reports are interesting as well. -- [[User:VulcanTrekkie45|VulcanTrekkie45]]

Just about everyone has there own areas of expertise. It might be nice to see articles written by people who are very knowledgable about certain areas. I know we have folks who are engineering guru's, some who are weapons experts and some who are very knowledgeble on certain races and civilizations. These could make some great featured articles on a periodical basis. -Ken

=== Q5 ===
'''''Are you happy with the major domo mailer system for Star Trek Freedom?'''''

Yes, given what else is out there, its the best - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

Admittedly, the mailer is great when it works. But it sure was awful when it broke down. I hope that won't happen anymore. -[[herbalsheila]]

I think it works fine, most of the time... Better the devil you know I guess. [[User:dolphin20pl1|Alan Reading]]

I remember once, when I was a wet Ensign on Geneva, the mailers went down, and our 2O/Acting CO, Jeff (now Champlain's CO) personally e-mailed everybody and we all joined this Yahoo! Newsgroup he had set up for emergencies so we could keep posting with the mailers down. It had been set up by him some time in advance, and so I kind had this feeling of 'retreating' into the bomb shelter. Of course, before anybody could post, the mailers were back up. Oh well. :( - [[User:KevinSchram|Kevin Schram]]

=== Q6 ===
'''''What would you like to see more of on the Star Trek Freedom website?'''''

Updated articles. Some of the pages are 6 years old. The database could use a total renovation - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

Definitely. The database is the worst, but I haven't looked there in a while. Maybe we could dump everything in the database into the wiki? Then it would be more easily updated as the game progresses. -- [[User:VulcanTrekkie45|VulcanTrekkie45]]

What about an interview with a member? This was kinda like the Q&A was suppose to do... - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

I agree the database needs help. In fact I have taken it upon myself to start doing a series of technical readouts, specifically on starships as I have a passion for that kind of thing. ~Ken

=== Q7 ===
'''''What is your favorite piece of hand held equipment for your Star Trek Freedom character?'''''

Tricorder, it can do anything! - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

Tricorder, or a phaser. -- [[User:VulcanTrekkie45|VulcanTrekkie45]]

I think those personal PADDs are pretty cool. Maraht carries one with him most of the time. His last poem he was working on, "Ode to Quartz" was on a PADD. But they can also be used to transport files, like a memory stick or jump drive, or they can be used to access starship controls. -[[herbalsheila]]

=== Q8 ===
'''''Which ship/crew is the best in the 52nd Fleet and why?'''''

No chance I am touching that one, they are all great! - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

Why, the [[USS Champlain]], of course! A big, beautiful Galaxy class with a third nacelle… she’s got grace and muscle. Her primary mission of exploration, rather than battle per se, is classic Trek. Her crew is enthusiastic, creative, highly diversified, and expertly led by a strong, involved Captain. Her high posting rate tells the story; first or second in the fleet several months running with no sacrifice of quality, even with a smaller player base than most other ships. Great people, playing interesting characters on a ship that is a direct descendant of legendary Enterprise. What more could one ask? -[[GrannyGM]]

The [[USS Hades]] is the best ship, I think. We have a group of laid back players that are great writers, have a really good sense of humor, and are wonderful story tellers. Captain 'Sally' is the coolest! -[[herbalsheila]]

The [[USS Spectre]] of course, she`s the James Bond of the fleet, stealthy, indefatigable, could even have been equipped by 'Q' himself (the bond one not John De lancie), ok, so she`s a little outgunned but she sure makes up for it in pure mystery & spunk. The crew is a good crew & as for the CO, well I can`t comment on that one cos that would be me - [[User:dolphin20pl1|Alan Reading]]

Why, you ''know'' it's the [[USS Dennison]].  An Indefatigable class ship and a one of a kind, she carries the big guns with multivector assult mode.  *Notices Alan stole my word 'indefatigable.'*  (Don't worry, I'll get you back for that Alan.)  The ship has a great posting crew, always unfolding with great storylines and imagination added to the touch. -Stacey

Oh come now! The [[USS Nimitz]]. It's not about the ship, the firepower or even the technical wizardry. It's all about the crew and the talented people who write for that crew. The characters are complicated, multi-faceted and extremely driven. The posting rates alone are out of this world. The storylines are character driven and the level of drama combined with action leaves you out of breath and wondering what's going to happen next. The Nimitz is a wild ride and the harder you hold on the faster and wilder she goes! ~Ken

I see you've all left THE best till last! The [[USS Boudicca]] IS the best; the best ship, the best missions, the best crew, the best CO ... (OK Jeremy you can stop sitting on me now, I wrote it already!!!) Gotta love the old girl, and she'll have the looks to match now she's getting a whole new image made for her ;) - [[User:Rivers|Liz]]

=== Q9 ===
'''''Do you think the holidays will keep people from posting or will many have more free time to play with time off for the holidays?'''''

They will for me, but its summer over here and I have a lot of time off until the end of January - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

Time will tell, or rather....Time did tell. Lol  [[User:dolphin20pl1|Alan Reading]]

=== Q10 ===
'''''Who do you often end up posting with or replying to on your ship?'''''

I try to post with everyone, esp newer players - [[User:sysop|Anthony]]

I do to, but there will always be those that reply instantly thus ensuring a high post rate with that person, Robbie Gray is generally the one most likely to respond the quickest. [[User:dolphin20pl1|Alan Reading]]

Depending upon the character I play and what ship I'm on would better determine that answer.  Because I have so many and mainly rely on my Captain, I'd say that I try to include everyone in posting.  Like Tony said above, especially the new players. -Stacey

Frank Rogers and David Cherrington are both joys to work with. Al Muir is also a lot of fun to work with but with his responsibilities it's not often that you can work with him on joint posts. ~Ken