Wiki: Is there too much info?

[Tynian]

People don't bother to check if anything's there, they can just see what items pop in an area and locate them. If they're not there, then why explore? This is especially true when a map of the zone is made for them - then there's really no reason to go there.

Those that like to explore will explore.

Those who only venture out to get choice gear will continue to do so.

In either event, I guess I'm not on board with the idea that the information on the wiki detracts from that.

[soloban]

My $0.02....I've put in WAY TOO much for the maps to be taken down. I say keep em. Most of my maps do not include items or mobs that I come across. Furthermore, I try to avoid giving out too many tips on how to get into locked rooms. If there is a map that the Gods feel has too much, I would be happy to remove the offending info and repost, though folks could look at prior versions . I do how ever map out when I find annoying things such as no exit rooms, 1hp rooms, choke/gag, etc... The other issue that folks have touched on is the fact that you actually have to put in some sort of effort to get said item. I.e. popping the WWP item that pops on the Great Dhole, Kalena, etc, or the Bone Spirals in Living Lands.

From a RP perspective, wouldn't this kind of information get handed down as written lore, oral tradition, or urban legend anyhow?

[soloban]

I am of the personal opinion that it does not. I know so much that is not even in the Wiki. For example, no one has even touched spell effects or side effects. I'd be curious to see someone start tackling that. I also know I've forgotten alot of history that has happened on TFC. Things that I would have loved to reflect back on from time to time, but it was not able to be captured, or if it was, it's on a hard drive lost long ago. People can proactively record what they believe to be memorable now as well. I would be curious to know exactly what people find 'too much'? Limited location? Who has what items? etc?

Just throwing out thoughts here... perhaps the FLI's could quest their bored followers or initiates with looking into these tasks, or the God+ could pose quests with a modest prize:

Here are some wiki-type ideas (some kind of out there...)
1. Location of all Dragons in the realm
2. Location/List of all Arch-Mobs in realm
3. Listing of all the bars in the realm and unique drinks (instead of a Great Race, how about a Great Bar Hop?)
4. Write a history for one of the areas on the MUD. I've mapped a bunch of zones and wondered about the history of the zone. (Plantation?, Shrines?, Molotov?, I could go on...)
5. Statistical analysis of bad recalls. I.e. how do your mv's, your effective level, etc... affect probability of a bad recall
6. Potency of spells, i.e. if invis is cast by a level 20 mage, how low of a detect invis or TS can see said mage?, what effect does pumping have?

[Cordir]

That's the sort of quest I used to give out regularly, Soloban. For example: All the stops Nevyn makes. The wares sold by 30 shopkeepers of the North Continent, ditto for the South continent, mob mastery targets from the timeline, etc. I've just been wary of posting them because I'm an imm. Stuff that is documented that it's by a mortal - like some of the maps made for Triat Mastery Quests - I'm comfortable posting, but a text file has no providence to prove it was mortal-made.

[Vale]

I agree with Whoz completely about the wiki. Knowing that the Head of Onyxia pops on Onyxia doesn't do a lot for you. Likewise, knowing that the crown of blue fire pops in Candlespyre doesn't do much for you either.

And on a related note, I think what he said could be taken even a step further. That is, I would request Tynian consider posting more information publicly on how all stats work. Most popular games do this in order to provide the same information to new players that older players have learned. By posting these details publicly, it would close the gap between the older players and the newer players/casual players. I think the learning curve of TFC is quite steep enough as it is, and this would go a long way to flattening it out.

[Anduin]

Knowing what pops there DOES stop you from bothering to explore and find out yourself. Tough zone: I wonder what goodies it has. Oh wait, I do know... ok, I'm not gonna bother checking it out. 1. I know what they do, and 2. I KNOW they're not popping.

[Tynian]

is, I would request Tynian consider posting more information publicly on how all stats work. Most popular games do this in order to provide the same information to new players that older players have learned. By posting these details publicly, it would close the gap between the older players and the newer players/casual players. I think the learning curve of TFC is quite steep enough as it is, and this would go a long way to flattening it out.

The players can do that.

[wish]

Pretty much by definition, motivations are subjective.

Anduin, for YOU, knowing where items are normally found, combined with your belief that the items are probably already taken, is a disincentive to going out and exploring. You are not required to look at the wiki, and I would recommend that you don't so your fun is not spoiled. The vast majority of folks who have posted to this forum do not share your motivations. I can unequivocally say for myself that none of the information on the Wiki has decreased my desire to explore or learn about the areas on the mud. Just the opposite, in fact. I look at the item list and the maps and I say "Hey! I want to got there!" The Wiki, for me, is like a TFC National Geographic and it has brought a new excitement to the realm.

There are those that want to go on vacation with no plans, and little information about the destination. They want to head out into the bush, come what may. You are the trail blazers and discoverers, and you are the rarity. Fine, more power to ya. Most, however, want to read a bit about the destination first, hence the popularity of things like road maps and Fodor's travel guides.

[ink]

I have popped some leveling gear for newbies that I otherwise would not have thought to grab. Thanks, Wiki!

[Drizzt]

I'm inclined to agree with the "keep the Wiki" posts. Information would be passed from mortal to mortal, either through whispered conversations in the back of taverns, or cartographers looking to make some money on some unsuspecting rube-err..customer. I might be a little upset if brand new zones were installed with wikimaps and info on there within the hour..but as it is, most of the information is years, and I mean YEARS old. A lot of it is still wrong, and a lot of it is only one person's info. Mortals are flawed. Therefore, why would it matter? Having information about a place and exploring/mapping it for yourself are two very different things.

I would say, though, that area-related posts never get "fixed" by the god+ staff. This would defeat the purpose.

[Cordir]

<Derail> Drizzt, it is *AWESOME* to see you posting! Hope to catch you on mud, soon! </derail>

[soloban]

...I might be a little upset if brand new zones were installed with wikimaps and info on there within the hour.

Might take two hours... one to find it and one to map it. j/k

[Jashon]

The only reason to not like the information is to keep it away from some people.

I say keep it, it's great. Agree with comments above.