[ElvenBane]

Chat is not the reason for declining population. Chat is just a tool, it's the attitude of some people that needs fixing. Disabling it by default seems counter productive, since I see new players ask valid questions there every day. It's not just a channel of unwanted bickering and whining, it's actually very useful channel of getting into the game mechanics if you are new to the play style or even the game itself.

So you're saying instead of disabling the tool that allows these obnoxious people abuse, lets fix their attitude and personality? That is by far way harder to control than to fix the underlying problem. It might be counter productive due to the declining playerbase but it will populate britain more. The other problem is that GMs need to be more active not only by answering pages but hosting more events that are not 1v1 or pvp. Make some fun events for the pvmers, for the rpers and some for pvpers or some team ones that all can enjoy. I see some GMs and they are just on to answer pages, trying to correct people on public chat with their gm or their player char causing more heated discussions. When they feel like they will throw in a supplied 1v1, where we already have an automated 1v1.

I am not saying the staff doesn't do work and I dont appreciate them but maybe throw in a monster bash here and there. It's just a simple xmlspawner with monsters, change the str and hits and a matter of activating them. I'm sure lots of people would enjoy the change. Maybe have someone write a RP story where they can impersonate some evil sinister and take over the lands where people have to do simple quests or whatever to defeat him. Create a maze with teles or anything.

I give huge thumbs up to Loki who is concentrating on the new pvp changes. (although its taking quite a while to implement - i heard it's coming in this sunday) But we're losing players and I think the new pvp changes will help stabilize the population at least. I like the idea of better AR has resistences against FS etc. That would create more demand for higher AR and put the crafters to use because right now no one wears anything higher than ice and wouldn't bother buying off player vendors. So we lost a huge population of tradesmen already.

I really think just envolvement from the staff would have a way better impact on the shard. I know you guys have irl situations and jobs and families etc I understand but just a bit of effort to show the shard you guys care about the players would be very appreciated. A lot of talk about updating the main site, why not just get someone who can be a webmaster and post some weekly news. They don't have to be a GM or anything but someone who enjoys doing it and is socially acceptable on this shard.

Sorry I really don't mean to come off as some player who is trying to change the ways of the shard it's just the few things I have noticed while playing here for two months.
I love this place and wish to see it grow and become the best shard ever. I just hope you guys can see it too and would put forth the effort, both staff and players.

-eb