Crazy Maps And Dice?

[Luxurious]

I have decided to stop making maps. I've taken the Brazil, Charleston and Iron Curtain offline. I'm going to take a break from cc. The foundry is dead anyway. Optimus, Incandenza, edbeard, mibi and all the other contributors - Thanks guys.

RjBeals, I don't think we've ever messaged before, but I've heard enough about your AMAZING maps from my husband (Optimus) that I feel like this announcement is a major blow to me. Thanks for the work you've done.

[spiesr]

Why did Middle Earth get pulled? Did the Tolkien estate threaten action? I can see the overall "Risk" concept being an issue, especially since Hasbro has released an electron version, but Middle Earth??

Some years back Hasbro made a middle earth risk game.

[UncleBossy]

watch out guys the gestapo is clamping down... I just got this pm from the SS Hall monitor for telling the truth:


Hey
Sent at: Wed Oct 15, 2008 2:02 am
From: The Fuzzy Pengui
To: UncleBossy

I would suggest not pushing it. Just right there you've flamed multiple times, trolled, and typed in all caps...all 3 forum no-no's. You might be upset right now, and I can understand that (truth be told I'm upset that the maps were changed), but it's something we all have to live with...it doesn't become a free-for-all.

The fact is the server crashed, regardless of what you think you know....you don't. You can feel like you do if it makes you feel better, but that doesn't change the part where the server actually did crash.

So, like I said..don't push it. Try to be constructive instead of destructive, please

--TFP

They crashed the server in prep for this and will not admit it. I get threatened for bringing it up. Off to the chambers for me... I dont care im done with the site anyway... watch those premiums drop.

[spiesr]

[*] CC should make an attempt to win this issue in the courts.

How? Hasbro has more money better lawyers and doesn't need to win they just need to drag it out until lack's money runs out or he gives in.

[Ditocoaf]

watch out guys the gestapo is clamping down... I just got this pm from the SS Hall monitor for telling the truth:


Hey
Sent at: Wed Oct 15, 2008 2:02 am
From: The Fuzzy Pengui
To: UncleBossy

I would suggest not pushing it. Just right there you've flamed multiple times, trolled, and typed in all caps...all 3 forum no-no's. You might be upset right now, and I can understand that (truth be told I'm upset that the maps were changed), but it's something we all have to live with...it doesn't become a free-for-all.

The fact is the server crashed, regardless of what you think you know....you don't. You can feel like you do if it makes you feel better, but that doesn't change the part where the server actually did crash.

So, like I said..don't push it. Try to be constructive instead of destructive, please

--TFP

They crashed the server in prep for this and will not admit it. I get threatened for bringing it up. Off to the chambers for me... I dont care im done with the site anyway... watch those premiums drop.

Unclebossy, you just destroyed your own credibility by acting so overdramatic, then posting something by Fuzzy Pengui sounding reasonable and fair.

[delahoc]

I just figured it out!
They are tired of someone else making money off of what is nearly identical to a game they won. They made a legal move. Lack a doesn't want to go to court. It doesn't matter weather or not they would win. The site must be made more different from risk so that wont happen.

Good to see you've finally caught up (at least part way) with the rest of us.

Nevertheless, my point remains - there was nothing in the changes that were made that Hasbro can lay claim to. The only possible claim is in the gameplay - and that remains in all of the other maps as is.

[OlJock99]

CC should make an attempt to win this issue in the courts.

AH, to be 16 and clueless again...

[UncleBossy]

watch out guys the gestapo is clamping down... I just got this pm from the SS Hall monitor for telling the truth:


Hey
Sent at: Wed Oct 15, 2008 2:02 am
From: The Fuzzy Pengui
To: UncleBossy

I would suggest not pushing it. Just right there you've flamed multiple times, trolled, and typed in all caps...all 3 forum no-no's. You might be upset right now, and I can understand that (truth be told I'm upset that the maps were changed), but it's something we all have to live with...it doesn't become a free-for-all.

The fact is the server crashed, regardless of what you think you know....you don't. You can feel like you do if it makes you feel better, but that doesn't change the part where the server actually did crash.

So, like I said..don't push it. Try to be constructive instead of destructive, please

--TFP

They crashed the server in prep for this and will not admit it. I get threatened for bringing it up. Off to the chambers for me... I dont care im done with the site anyway... watch those premiums drop.

Unclebossy, you just destroyed your own credibility by acting so overdramatic, then posting something by Fuzzy Pengui sounding reasonable and fair.

threatening someone for doing something many others who had less relevant things to say have done multiple times in this report is both unfair and unreasonable.

[Ditocoaf]

I just thought of something... If CC keeps growing, eventually it might become something that deserves its own reputation, separate from Risk. So this move is probably for the best anyway, in the long run.

[The Neon Peon]

I just figured it out!
They are tired of someone else making money off of what is nearly identical to a game they won. They made a legal move. Lack a doesn't want to go to court. It doesn't matter weather or not they would win. The site must be made more different from risk so that wont happen.

Good to see you've finally caught up (at least part way) with the rest of us.

Nevertheless, my point remains - there was nothing in the changes that were made that Hasbro can lay claim to. The only possible claim is in the gameplay - and that remains in all of the other maps as is.

As was discussed before, LACK DOES NOT WANT TO GO TO COURT, especially over such a petty issue that will still cost him a heck of a lot of money even if he does win. Better to change the site to their wishes rather than give them are better case to work with in case they were serious about copyright infringement.

[brandoncfi]

Why did Middle Earth get pulled? Did the Tolkien estate threaten action? I can see the overall "Risk" concept being an issue, especially since Hasbro has released an electron version, but Middle Earth??

Some years back Hasbro made a middle earth risk game.

they did indeed i own it

[jiminski]

I have decided to stop making maps. I've taken the Brazil, Charleston and Iron Curtain offline. I'm going to take a break from cc. The foundry is dead anyway. Optimus, Incandenza, edbeard, mibi and all the other contributors - Thanks guys.

RjBeals, I don't think we've ever messaged before, but I've heard enough about your AMAZING maps from my husband (Optimus) that I feel like this announcement is a major blow to me. Thanks for the work you've done.

It truly is a blow ! but i understand his action.
And it is a tragedy, RJ is an artist of the highest calibre!

It is a terrible miscalculation on the part of the site not to include us in this so we can help!
to shield us from the truth and drop it on us like it did not matter! I think that perhaps your grief and panic is so great that you removed any compassion from your 'announcement' of this. Our problems are not seen as an issue.
That was not fair and nor was your circumvention of the community.

please come and rally us! don't hide in the back-room cuddling in unnecessary mourning. It is disrespectful of our vested interest in the continuance of this site!

[Snorri1234]

Then again Twill rarely seems to be able to understand the basics of thinking anyway. Let's not take whatever Twill thinks and apply it to general thought.

Regardless of what you and a lot of others posting in here may think, this is still in the forums, so you still have to follow the guidelines

Wait......guidelines???

[spiesr]

Does anyone recognize the sig on the new maps? If we find out who made them it could provide insight, maybe?

[delahoc]

[quote="spiesr"]Does anyone recognize the sig on the new maps? If we find out who made them it could provide insight, maybe?[/quote]

I thought that was Lack?

[UncleBossy]

Does anyone recognize the sig on the new maps? If we find out who made them it could provide insight, maybe?

I believe by this point the one who made said map is in the fetal position somewhere in a trailer in Lack's backyard.

[LinK89]

I get the feeling that this whole thing is gonna blow over soon and the lingo (assault, spoils...) will go back to normal even. They really can't copyright words.

Also, as I mentioned before, the new Classic map may not be fun to play, but it is strategically identical without the old image of the world, which deceives the eyes when you are strategizing. It is obviously not fun to play, but while it is here, people should take advantage of it to learn the true nature of the classic map, like which territories have the most borders, which are harder to control, etc. It is like a blueprint in a way.

[john9blue]

CC should make an attempt to win this issue in the courts.

AH, to be 16 and clueless again...

Is there a lawyer on here or someone at least familiar with the law who can tell us exactly where CC infringed on Hasbro's patents? When I first came here I was somewhat amused as the word "Risk" seemed to be taboo (the front page read something like: "similar in gameplay to a popular world domination game"), and it seems like CC has taken good measures against any kind of infringement. If anything, this site would promote Risk rather than detract from its sales. Now Lack's probably playing it safe with the changes, and hopefully this stuff will be back to normal soon once this is settled (you can't copyright the concept of "cards" or a map of the world... lol).

[magnus_maximus]

Exactly - Lack and others, are you really running a business here? This is a screw up of monumental proportions that has frustrated players and significantly deteriorated the gaming experience. Everyone I talk to and play with is screwed up in their games because suddenly BOB doesn't work, chat is funky, the boards are acting funny, and there's a real suspicion that the dice are screwed up even though it appears they're actually functioning properly on further investigation.

What you have is huge loss of trust for this site and the game board. And your pathetic response has not exactly inspired confidence.

Your current statement on the home page is little more than a simple-minded statement of the obvious. We can TELL the boards and dice and lingo have changed - what we're not sure of is how this is impacting our game play. The appropriate thing to do would be to link from that statement to a page - make it in the Rules or Instructions possibly, that explains in detail what exactly has changed:

• Wording in the Action section of the play and other parts of the game screen
• Appearance of the dice - but not the actual mechanics behind the dice
• Certain maps - the maps formerly known as Middle Earth and Classic - explain your plan for fixing that problem - both short term and long term
• BOB and other plugins are probably not functioning - then point to a link in the forums where you can learn more about their status

Then you should also provide a running update of how the progress is being made to fix these problems. You have a lot of amateur pissed off kiddies who are leaving sophomoric comments, but many of us are grown-ups who respond well to a well written explanation of why you've run into challenges.

You had to know this was coming - be honest and explain why your response to this crisis (AND IT IS A CRISIS for your business) has been poor and how you plan to make it better. Otherwise, we'll potentially take our business and game play elsewhere. You guys can be replaced and a handful of good coders could replicate the effort with the right incentives. There's a decent business model here but you guys are blowing it right now. We WANT you to succeed.

Thanks.

Well, this sure helped me kill some time this afternoon...

I am surprised at a few things...
1. that the contingency maps for classic and middle earth are so unremittingly crappy, when any of a number of cartographers could have been tacitly approached months or years ago and asked to whip something up in case this happens
2. that the changeover to new maps and terminology wasn't immediately followed by an official announcement from lack, rather than this ad-hoc thread-merging and have-to-search-for-them messages from twill
3. that there was never any real communication with the community before this went down, when a thread soliciting opinions about how to de-hasbro CC (or at least some mention that eventually the site would have to make some changes) would've at least softened the blow
4. that this changeover is the first gameplay-related change to CC in six months (since the classic touch-up in april, and no, medals and ratings don't count)
5. that management never tacitly got in touch with yeti and chip and other scriptwriters to ensure the smooth transition of BOB and CM and such

Suffice it to say that this is a disconcerting turn of events that leads one to wonder just how on top of things Team CC is. The shroud of secrecy, lack of foresight, and pretty poor contingency options don't reflect well on how the site is being run. I suppose the real question is whether lack views this site as a business or a hobby.

And not to get people down even more, but anyone thinking that classic and middle earth will have revamped concepts up and running any time soon hasn't been to the foundry recently. I would predict that we're in for the long haul with the Lucky Charms specials.

[The Neon Peon]

Does anyone recognize the sig on the new maps? If we find out who made them it could provide insight, maybe?

I believe by this point the one who made said map is in the fetal position somewhere in a trailer in Lack's backyard.

Forum ban. Simple as that. Congratulations, you have stepped a long way down that path.

[UncleBossy]

Does anyone recognize the sig on the new maps? If we find out who made them it could provide insight, maybe?

I believe by this point the one who made said map is in the fetal position somewhere in a trailer in Lack's backyard.

Forum ban. Simple as that. Congratulations, you have stepped a long way down that path.

I care... im done with the site. off to the camps the nazis take me.

[lostatlimbo]

I COMPLETELY understand not wanting to go to court over this. I don't imagine CC makes much of a profit and it would be absurd for them to waste tons of money on lawyers, etc.

I COMPLETELY understand changing the maps and maybe some of the terminology, but we're talking about DICE here. Dice were invented 5,000 years ago!!!!

Hell, I'm surprised they didn't change "My Games" to "My Happy Fun Play Time" or something equally ridiculous.

I think "Refresh Map" is a clear infringement as well. How about "Refresh Computer Image Representing Regions"???

I just figured it out!
They are tired of someone else making money off of what is nearly identical to a game they won. They made a legal move. Lack a doesn't want to go to court. It doesn't matter weather or not they would win. The site must be made more different from risk so that wont happen.

Good to see you've finally caught up (at least part way) with the rest of us.

Nevertheless, my point remains - there was nothing in the changes that were made that Hasbro can lay claim to. The only possible claim is in the gameplay - and that remains in all of the other maps as is.

As was discussed before, LACK DOES NOT WANT TO GO TO COURT, especially over such a petty issue that will still cost him a heck of a lot of money even if he does win. Better to change the site to their wishes rather than give them are better case to work with in case they were serious about copyright infringement.

[The Neon Peon]

I don't know. RISK attacking dice are red, and RISK defending dice are white. You can't say that there was not a little bit of copying done there. I seriously doubt that Lack chose those colors randomly. I know it is not much of a claim they have, but, seriously, the new dice look WAY better than the old ones. They fit in with the cc colors too.

[jiminski]

Does anyone recognize the sig on the new maps? If we find out who made them it could provide insight, maybe?

I believe by this point the one who made said map is in the fetal position somewhere in a trailer in Lack's backyard.

Forum ban. Simple as that. Congratulations, you have stepped a long way down that path.

uncle bossy is alright .. he is just voicing the oppinion that it is extraordinary that every time the server crashes.. a couple of days later a fundamental site change is thrust upon us.

anyway we should be pulling together here! But we need leadership and coherent communication on all this too do so.

[UncleBossy]

Does anyone recognize the sig on the new maps? If we find out who made them it could provide insight, maybe?

I believe by this point the one who made said map is in the fetal position somewhere in a trailer in Lack's backyard.

Forum ban. Simple as that. Congratulations, you have stepped a long way down that path.

uncle bossy is alright .. he is just voicing the oppinion that it is extraordinary that every time the the server crashes.. a couple of days later a fundamental site change is thrust upon us.

anyway we should be pulling together here! But we need leadership and coherent communication on all this too do so.

Thats all i am saying. honestly. thank you.