How to handle multiplayer league requests
 

So far, I only know of three multiplayer leagues (FOFL,CFL and IHOF), but I'm sure there are others waiting in the wings. I'd like to see FOFC act as a "warehouse" for folks interested in multiplayer leagues, but I'm not sure the best way to implement this. I'd love to hear your ideas.

--Ben

Ben -

The way OOTPD does it seems to work well. They have a sub-forum for on-line leagues where folks can go to get things started. Once leagues are formed they are usually set up on their own web space.

Since Jim won't be providing web space for leagues (like OOTPD does) maybe FOFC could take the sub-forum one step further and allow for additional sub-forums for established leagues...

My opinion, as someone who doesn't participate in multiplayer leagues, is that we should have a sticky in this forum that directs people to a separate forum for discussion of multiplayer issues, including finding open leagues, etc.

No stickies!!!!

Seriously - if the mods just make a habit of moving on-line league stuff to the proper forum, posters will get the message.

What is wrong with stickies? I think, as the general forum, this is where people should and will come for info. rather than tens of "where do I go for this?" threads, a couple of stickies at the top (or maybe even one that tackles all issues and directs people on where to go for each) will take care of that problem.

I agree to a point with Subby. I try to minimize the use of stickies whenever possible. (Obviously, I've seen the importance of stickying three threads today though....) Right now (with limited feedback so far), I'm thinking the new FAQ thread would be the only "permanent" sticky, and it would contain a link to a multiplayer clearing house forum. I'm curious to hear more opinions though.

Go to the OOTPD forums and you will see what I mean...they have a ridiculous number of stickies all of the time...

Did you happen to see the hockey thread?

I like the idea of one main sticky thread for visitors.

I also like the idea of a forum for multiplayer.

I think that one area in which the mods will need to tread carefully is how much involvement they want in coordinating multiplayer stuff.

On the one hand, if the mods have no supervision over the multiplayer league forum, then it could get filled with broken links to lots of half-started leagues that never got off the ground. That could frustrate people coming to the forum looking for multiplayer leagues and end up being less than useful.

On the other hand, the more involvement that the moderators have trying to make sure that links to leagues are current, helpful, etc. then (1) the more work it is for the mods, and (2) the more it may appear that FOFC is somehow endorsing or representing certain leagues. For example, I can foresee a secinaro in which you end up pointing to a league and then that league's commish is accused of cheating (or something) and people bitch to you that you should take that league off FOFC, and then the commish of that league bitches to you that you should not take if off FOFC, and you really don't need or want those kinds of headaches.

I don't really have an answer to the perfect balance to strike, but I think that it is an issue that you should consider.

Just links to leagues would be nice.
I, as a user of this forum for years, knew of only one league, the CFL, and that one filled.

Any way that FOFC could help inform those like me looking for a league to join would be great.

I think we should add another forum topic called "League Finder" or "League Matchmaking" or "Multiplayer Matchmaking" or something like it. Then, everyone who is looking to join, or people who are looking for players can go there without filling up the General Discussion forum.

Just my $.02.

I vote to keep it simple and manageable - just another forum called FOF2004 Multiplayer Leagues. Specific leagues can have its own sub-forum but in time, that will be irrelevant as each mature league will have its own website.

Hmm.

I have an idea regarding dealing with this well. Details to come when I get home from work tonight.

This sounds right to me.

And then?

Oh, wait, CW never finishes up a project that he starts... :p

OK guys. Thanks for the feedback. I've added the multiplayer matchmaking forum.