Interview With Yankee Legend... NYY #23 interview

[Padreman]

This Dynasty Legend has been a member since 2009, has almost 4,500 post. Due to his writing ability in the Dynasty several members recommended him to me. Here he is NYY #23


When and what version did you start playing OOTP?

I remember reading somewhere a recommendation to try out OOTP5 for free, which only lasted a couple of days because I purchased 6, then 6.5 shortly after since the addiction began.

What's feature of the game you love most?*

I'd have to say customization because being able to create any type of baseball world you want keeps things fresh. With facegen and the logos, uniforms, and caps that so many of the talented mod makers share with us it's pretty easy to get immersed in your own baseball universe.

What's favorite baseball team (any league)?

I was born in Western Massachusetts, about halfway between Boston and New York. My first baseball memories were choosing between the Yankees and Red Sox on TV, and I think I owe my allegiance to the Yankees to Phil Rizzuto, because he was more entertaining to listen to.

How old you?
39

Where are you originally from?

I grew up in a small town in Western Massachusetts before a detour in Florida for college , which lasted 15 years, but I'm back in the Northeast now, living about 30 minutes west of Philadelphia.

Are you a family man?

Yes, I've been married almost 16 years and we have two girls, 13 and 10.

What do you for a living?

I am a Product Manager for a software company.

Besides OOTP do you have any other hobbies or interest?

I like to read, listen to music, and running.

Your known as a dynasty guy, why would recommend that part of the forum for those who don't venture there?

I think that there is a lot of talented writers in the dynasty forum, and there is probably something for everyone. I think it can be a good way to learn about the game, get some inspiration for an idea to try out, or just to read about how other's play the game. You may find yourself getting caught up in rooting for the Louisville Cardinals, Norfolk Cavaliers, or Goodsprings Lucky 38s.

One other plug - I've been gathering nominations for a dynasty Hall of Fame vote and opening up voting on Sunday. Stop by, check out some of the great dynasties from the past, and even cast a vote for your favorites.

What dynasty project you made for OOTP are you most proud off that?

I always like to try out different ideas or ways to play the game. Some work, and some don’t, but I would say the project I was most proud of was my Home Run dynasty. I'd run through history but only focus on the home run, and going through history a few more times with a March Madness type home run derby at the end with everybody who hit 400 home runs in their career. A pretty simple idea, but I think it worked well, and kept me interested for a long time.

If the OOTP team asked you be a consultant what will you change, add or remove for new version of the game?

As a consultant I'd recommend that they put in options to simplify the process for new users. It should be easy to start a basic league, select the league type (current, historical, fictional, greatest teams, fantasy, head to head), mode (GM, Manager) and then start. If they want to play a league with greatest teams show a list of the possible teams, select them and start. If they want to play a fantasy draft give them a list of options (current players, random, all-time greats). If they want to play a current year select majors only, full minors, etc. Let them get to know the game first with stripped down options, and as they become more comfortable they can begin to experiment with customization.

Making the experience better for new customers and growing the fan base would be what I would target.

What other dynasty contributors work do you personally enjoy?

I have a lot of respect for anybody willing to share a dynasty, so I'll name some of my favorites, knowing that I'll probably forget someone. I always enjoy anything that Big Six writes, he's got a way with words that brings things to life. Eugene Church has been writing about Ruthlandia and Tycobbia for over six years. His dedication and commitment to his league is impressive.

Illeracula has a nice fictional league going on. StLee has a Fallout dynasty that I avoided for a long time because I know nothing about Fallout, but I really enjoy now. Hendu Style, Orcin, Painmantle, and Tiger Fan are a couple of others. A couple newer dyasty writers that I've enjoyed so far are from OOTPRealTime, George Bell, and RobToxin.

Is there any other game or show your currently enjoying you would like to let us know?

My gaming is pretty much limited to OOTP, unless you count the occasional iPad games like Words with Friends. I have to say that my latest show addiction is Game of Thrones. I'm behind the times but I read the books at the end of last year and I'm slowly watching the show trying to spread it out until the April premiere.

I've also recently discovered The Wire. I'm only a few episodes in, but I've been very impressed so far.

[themonk]

Originally Posted by Padreman

If the OOTP team asked you be a consultant what will you change, add or remove for new version of the game?

As a consultant I'd recommend that they put in options to simplify the process for new users. It should be easy to start a basic league, select the league type (current, historical, fictional, greatest teams, fantasy, head to head), mode (GM, Manager) and then start. If they want to play a league with greatest teams show a list of the possible teams, select them and start. If they want to play a fantasy draft give them a list of options (current players, random, all-time greats). If they want to play a current year select majors only, full minors, etc. Let them get to know the game first with stripped down options, and as they become more comfortable they can begin to experiment with customization.

Making the experience better for new customers and growing the fan base would be what I would target.

Exactly! As a person who had almost zero knowledge of baseball when I started playing OOTP 5 years ago, I wish this feature was available then.

Admittedly, one of the drawbacks of OOTP is its steep learning curve. A quickstart with stripped down options for beginners with an accompanying written, or, better still, video tutorial will go a long way in easing up the learning process for those playing the game for the first time...

[Padreman]

These Dynasty guys killing it it again. Thanks guys thanks again

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by themonk

Exactly! As a person who had almost zero knowledge of baseball when I started playing OOTP 5 years ago, I wish this feature was available then.

Admittedly, one of the drawbacks of OOTP is its steep learning curve. A quickstart with stripped down options for beginners with an accompanying written, or, better still, video tutorial will go a long way in easing up the learning process for those playing the game for the first time...

Yeah, it seems like the move to Steam would be a good time to help lesson the learning curve to me. Whatever can be done to lessen that learning curve and give people a good experience from the beginning would go a long way to keeping them around, and diving into the more advanced features.