It would be easier to make suggestions if we had more information on what sort of content you're looking to implement or want more help on. Is it helpful at all for us to suggest new routes or locos, or do you already have a huge backlog? What have you already looked into and found to be a dead end (access, copyright and licensing issues, etc) Alternately, where have you found success and would like to build on? Are any railways or builders EAGER to work with the community to build content? Are there any geographic areas that could use "boots on the ground?" Pictures? Audio? Research? The community is a huge resource that can be tapped (or be an unwieldy beast at times ;-), but some direction would go a long way so we're not hitting our heads against the wall or being redundant. Oddly enough, I've found that despite it not being multiplayer, it's the community that's really made the game experience 100% better than it would otherwise be.
I have often thought this. There should be a sticky at the top of the board, firstly reminding posters of the LAMP process and that they should consider their suggestions against that. Plus a clear list of what is not going to be on the agenda - we are still seeing frequent posts for steam traction which is no longer being considered, but the only source are posts from Matt buried in other threads. No clear definitive statement. Likewise New York Subway where Matt has mentioned anecdotally about point blank refusal of the operator to allow any sort of access for research. Not to mention the various UK TOC's and FOC's who decline to allow a licence. A clear definitive list, updated as necessary, would assist those posting and prevent normal forum members having to play the bad guy (or unofficial moderator) and gently disappoint the OP's.
I'd also like to know which helps more towards gauging Anticipation; multiple threads on a route all saying much the same, or one big mega thread with lots of contributors. I've always assumed the latter.
I've always assumed it would at least be somewhat efficient to merge same routes or loco suggestions into 1 thread, so that the suggestion threads aren't littered with the same route multiple times. (And very popular ones not in game pinned maybe?)
Don't think that would work well. Unless a thread is constantly replied to, it will eventually be buried in all the other threads. Most likely resulting in a thread on the same topic being made again.
The other big problem with this forum area is the complete lack of any housekeeping by the admins or moderators. Thus as noted above multiple threads on the same topic sometimes even from the same poster. Suggestions such as those for steam traction, US freight, (modern) Great Western could get an official response rather than, as I mentioned earlier, other forum members having to deflate expectations. I know DTG do not want to get into detailed discussions on individual ideas and making promises they can’t keep but a little management rather than the current free for all wouldn’t go amiss.
LAMP is LOVE, your suggestions wont get added or even noticed lets just get on our knees and beg for updates
very good suggestion... once we know what DTG are aiming at in near future, we might offer suggestions that might actually get done
