Brad or Neal,
Any news or thoughts on Redscape's future? I'm not sure if there is a strategy in place to revitalize the site or if you're acting as caretakers for the time being. I am certainly not critical of the latter, if that's what it is, - absolutely 100% better than no Redscape at all.
If it is a caretaker situation right now (that's my guess), what will it take for a real renewal?
Redscape has advantages in one area: PBEM. The forums are fantastic (some design issues aside) and are perfect for the format - posting of turns, public comments and interaction, the ability to look in on games you're not playing, and I'm sure some other things I haven't thought of. I think with some cleaning up - the red has got to go - we could generate a bit more traffic. It will never be like it was a decade ago but, like all things tech-based, we shouldn't try to return to the past. More Diplomacy variants, yes, but maybe a home for other games that work well in the format. Christine's GoT, Civ, Kingmaker - there's tons of stuff that lends itself well to the format with lots of aids for GM's. Go to
Vassal and look at all the games that are supported - incredible.
Time is rather scarce for me but I'm going to try and learn how to use the Vassal engine (I'm a tech nincompoop) and offer a different game. Which one, I don't know yet, but I'll try.
I suppose one other thing we need is someone who knows how to code these forums. We certainly miss Chad's ability to do so (with his one misfire being on the design side) but somebody else must be out there with a passion for Diplomacy and the skills we need. Yes, money can buy the coding but I know the revenue is simply not there.
FYI - this whole train of thought arose due to the difficulty of finding a player replacement in Dip. Mission. Very frustrating. Fortunately, Freeman stepped up as a stopgap and for that, I am very thankful.
Thanks for listening and please don't take this as criticism of any sort. Without you fellas, there would be no Redscape, and you have my utmost gratitude for what you have done.