[NoOne]

during game creation, i make multiple templates along the way. each noting what i've done along the way.

"0 - game settings"
"1 - add leagues & league structure modified"
"2 - mil setup 1 - structure"
"3 - mil setup 2 - settings"
...
you can delete these after the fact (..\data\world templates).. i typically keep just the final template. but, if you always use the same settings, this saves time when creating future league.. then go straight to editting structure or adding leagues etc.

easy to step back and re-start while saving time.

plus, after game creation of course use backups.. you can rename them like the templates above (in explorer, not in game)... then, make a "full backup" again for the next 'step'.

(if you don't do "full back" or "copy all files"-- i forget the syntax on screen; it's just a checkbox option -- after renaming or moving existing backup, you will only get an incremental backup. players and stats ar efine, but messages and transaction type stuff will only be since last time you clicked a normal "backup")

i'll usually name these by the year occasionally... typically if i make a change, and not just randomly. so i have a backup from before the change as well as the ability to backup while i play with the change. once i verify no problems, i'll delete the extra backup directories.

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as far as playing the game...

-understand aging.. avoid it's negative effects. don't make the same mistakes RL gm's make while pandering to fans... fans are incontrevertably dumb as a whole, lol. they cause stupid contracts like miguel cabreera signed until 43 y.o. at 30+M/year ... WTF?!?! the verlander deal was terrible too. lucky they unloaded him.. truly.

-be ruthless and don't get attached to players.

-understand what overspending is per player stats and draw a hard line in the sand of what you can and cannot afford per results given by that player. let some other gm overspend and damage their clubs probabilty of successful seasons for multiple years... just dumb.

-spend all that you can each year -- not necessarily on players... after you ahve 25man roster + depth, make sure to max out your scouting / development / IAFA spending budgets (iafa - the just 2nd amatuers).

- learn from mistakes... accept when a perception is wrong or detrimental to your win/loss columns. try something different based on why it failed so miserably.

-stick to concepts with tangible cause/effect and not magic, hopes, or personal wishes. you cannot put lipstick on a pig and expect results to change. be reasonable.