In Reply to: TAMS VS. PLAYLINK posted by CLEVERMISS on March 28, 2002 at 16:29:48:
I'm just saddened and disappointed. Not that long ago there were many devoted and addicted Blocktionary players searching for a place to play and gather. We went from having no options to several options. While most of the responses have been overwhelmingly positive, the complaints and criticisms often overshadow what should otherwise be a time to celebrate. I have heard complaints against Playlink, against Tams11 and even against the new mailing list I implemented on my site. The answer is so simple. Play where you want, play where you enjoy playing. I don't advocate any one site. I play where I have fun and can relax. When I find a site that I don't enjoy, I simply click the X in the corner of my screen.
Playlink and Tams11 are not competitors. They actually wish each other well. It certainly isn't a matter of "survival", our small group won't make or break any gaming site. The World Wide Web is huge place, with many gaming sites and many players. Comparing the two sites is like comparing apples to oranges. We all came to Tams11 because wordline was a similar game to Blocktionary, but it is NOT blocktionary and Tam never intended it to be. Tam didn't advertise or promote her site. Tams11 and Playlink are NOT going head to head in any way. Life isn't all about competition, at least not for some.
I actually spoke with Clevermiss on the day she created the ladder for wordline. I mentioned the fact that I thought it would be difficult to have ladder play, as the host would always have the advantage against the lag problem. Tam is able to provide a gaming community by allowing each game to be hosted on the computer of the person who sets up the game. Therefore, the host of a game would never lag, but those who joined may experience some. This depends on several issues: The hosts connection type, the grade of their computer, what programs the host has open at the time, etc. I was told by Clevermiss that the ladders were great for those who love to compete and lag was not an issue. I didn't join the ladders as I knew lag WOULD be an issue. I love good competition but Tams site was very new and not ready for ladders. Clevermiss knew the risk so if she felt "screwed" by the problems I can't see how it was anyone else's fault but her own.
The solution is simple. Play where you want. No one is forcing anyone to join or support any one site. Everyone was offered a 30 trial membership at Tams, its a personal decision as to whether you join or not. I agree with Aruda when she says we all have our opinions and are entitled to them, and we will all never agree. But again, it seems so simple to me. Stop complaining and play where you like.