What I find interesting is how we speak about the concept of "live". Avani, could you please define in your opinion what you believe "live" means to you. It is very possible that it means something completely different to someone else and perhaps ultimately those who matter, the devs. So what is LIVE? Lest I forget what I perhaps did not already know. I played "live" once before for this game. And like you I have played "live" in many other games. I have even played Alpha and BETA in other games. "Live" is somewhat subjective and ultimately it will come down to a larger consensus of the devs when that point comes to deciding when the game has reached a state of "live".
Let's next talk about necessary. When does a wipe become necessary? Probably when the devs can no longer implements changes they need to move the game closer to the ultimate goal of "live". Is this really what necessary means? One could argue it is not really an issue of when it is necessary but rather a balancing of the difficulty of implementation vs toleration by players to continue to test or the time is might take to test higher levels? That might be my view of necessary. But it doesn't sound like it means that at all. From Krp's last post it would seem that it is an issue of fairness to those that begin the game when it goes live. You talk about not placing "getting to "live" ahead of leveling". It doesn't sound to me like that is even at issue here. Or maybe you should direct your comment of "dont worry about the feelings of people who are not putting the game first" to elsewhere because if that were the issue maybe we would not even be discussing wipes.
I also believe the devs are somewhat more sensitive than you to their player base. Although it does seem strange to put those that will be joining in live above those that are playing now. If they just hand a handful of people, you included, left playing at the end of the day because there was going to be a wipe every month I don't think they would progress very fast toward their vision of "live". So there is a balancing that must occur. History has already shown that wipe = lost players. If the devs came on and did a monthly reminder that there will be a wipe sometime in the future I would predict that the number of testers would decrease.
Unlike Avani I didn't come on here to belittle people who wanted to express their feeling of disagreement with wipes. I wanted to put forth my opinion so that it might be heard. I have never forgotten that the devs give up their time and lives to put this on for free and it is insulting at even the suggestion of that being the case. I have a considerable amount of respect and admiration for everyone who continues to work on this project. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, money, perseverance, and frankly kindness to do what these people have done and continue to do. This is exactly why they continue to respond to comments such as mine with an explanation rather than belittlement and smiley faces. It is also why they continue to listen to concerns and weigh them when making their decisions. This is also why sometimes it is even more frustrating when things such as the MH/WH fiasco occurs. Which would make a bigger impression on you: Someone you know who is out to screw you over trying to screw you over or someone you hold in high esteem trying to screw you over? (This is just an analogy I am in no way implying the devs are out to screw anyone over.)
Anyways thanks for listening and for everything else you guys continue to do. I/we do appreciate it although I/we may continue to disagree on things.
I wish I knew before I began playing wipes were the way of the future. I might have waited until live or done far few trade runs.
