PRIMUS Database 2014 Questionnaire
The following page is for archive purposes.
Those who wish to respond but don't have a PDb account may respond on the dedicated topics found on both the official Champions Online forums or the Champions Online Roleplayers forums.
1. Do you use or browse PRIMUS Database?
2. If so, how often do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? If not, what reason contributed to this?
3. What is your general impression of PRIMUS Database?
4. Do you have any suggestions that you believe may improve the PRIMUS Database experience?
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity?
- Yes.
- No.
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily?
- Yes.
- No.
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this.
- It seems like a popularity contest.
- It seems like the same people hog the votes.
- It seems like if someone doesn't win, there will be votes for them until they do.
- It seems like no one makes the effort to find lesser-known pages.
- It seems like PRIMUS Database caters specifically to roleplayers.
- (Other)
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
- Showcasing the examples of content that can be found on the PRIMUS Database.
- Highlighting the best of what the PRIMUS Database has to offer.
- Making sure that a variety of characters and players from across the game community are represented.
- The community being able to participate in the decision-making process in some way.
- A fair voting or nomination system.
- (Other)
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month?
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider? (Keep in mind that the suggestions below are examples based on brainstorming and feedback, and are not indicative of any current plans.)
- Increasing the amount of features per month.
- Limiting/preventing nominations through consecutive months.
- Abolishing the monthly vote and implementing a running tally of suggested pages.
- (Other)
Responses
Question 1. Do you use or browse PRIMUS Database?
Yup.
Question 2. If so, how often do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? If not, what reason contributed to this?
Once per month is enough.
Question 3. What is your general impression of PRIMUS Database?
Sufficient. Useful.
Question 4. - 10.
Indifferent. Can't care enough to have opinion.
User:Mee_da_CThunist 20:04, 6 July 2014
1. Do you use or browse PRIMUS Database?
- I used to, now I don't.
2. If so, how often do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? If not, what reason contributed to this?
- Used to visit daily. Many reasons - It's useless as a tool if nobody looks at your profile (which is sadly my case - I know what my character's history and powers are so why would I need to make a page stating as such if not for the benefit of those who'd RP with me). Even with the templates, the pages still look bland and visually unappealing. Most of the characters I encounter have outdated or are not present on the PDB. In short, it lost its usefulness to me a long time ago.
3. What is your general impression of PRIMUS Database?
- Great idea. Poor execution. Enforces the "popularity contest" portion of RP that often happens in online environments which, let's face it, didn't need enforcing.
4. Do you have any suggestions that you believe may improve the PRIMUS Database experience?
- Not much I'm afraid except maybe improving the Random Page "randomness" - When I was on the PDB daily, I'd often distract myself by clicking random page and the same people always showed up. The goal of that exercise was to discover new characters, so when the same characters always ended up showing up (and with the amount of pages on the PDB I sincerely doubt I viewed even 10% with this method), that greatly diminished my enjoyment of the PDB.
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity?
- No.
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily?
- Don't know.
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this.
- Too much emphasis is placed on page looks rather than page content when I last did check it out. This may have changed.
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
- Showcasing the examples of content that can be found on the PRIMUS Database.
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month?
- I did not actively seek out the rules for Theme Month therefore I cannot comment on them.
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider? (Keep in mind that the suggestions below are examples based on brainstorming and feedback, and are not indicative of any current plans.)
- Due to my disinterest in this feature I will not be giving a suggestion for it.
1. I use it to monitor my page for any mistakes in spelling or adding new content and search from time to time to gain inspiration from other people's characters. (Ex. Atlantis-themed heroes or vigilantes)
2. I rarely browse the PRIMUS Database, but I contribute mainly to showcase my characters and their stories.
3. My impression is that its amazing to have a website where you can showcase how your character evolved over the years and show the feats or accomplishments they received ever since donning their colorful spandex
4. Sadly no. I believe the page is perfect as is.
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity?
- No.
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily?
- Yes.
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this.
- It seems like no one makes the effort to find lesser-known pages.
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
- Making sure that a variety of characters and players from across the game community are represented.
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month?
I believe "Theme Month" is a perfect addition to Page of the Month and rules that were given. Totally off-topic but, You can have Theme Month one month and the regular Page of the Month another. Its a better way for lesser-known players to get their pages showcased instead of having the same people nominated every month because their pages have amazing art work. "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words" I know but some pages are more flooded with art rather then a story. To be honest it gets "boring" to see the same players getting one of their characters nominated every month when there are others out their who have fairly good stories and histories and never get nominated to say the least.
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider? (Keep in mind that the suggestions below are examples based on brainstorming and feedback, and are not indicative of any current plans.)
- (Other)
1. I actively browse the PRIMUS Database website, and manage several of my original-character's pages.
2. I enjoy learning about other people and their creativity. I think it's a treat to read a new story or learn something new.
3. I think that the website is impressive and an amazing way to draw a community together.
4. As of now? No.
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity?
- Yes.
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily?
- No.
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this.
- I think that it was a popularity contest for a long time. Not that that wasn't expected, as most contests are. However, it became obvious when it was used as such and pulled out a lot of the fun in voting.
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
- I think it is a way to measure success and to help draw attention to pages, as well as inspiring creativity in others.
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month?
(Reserved for another date)
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider? (Keep in mind that the suggestions below are examples based on brainstorming and feedback, and are not indicative of any current plans.)
- (Other)
1. Do you use or browse PRIMUS Database?
- Yes.
2. If so, how often do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? If not, what reason contributed to this?
- Quite often. Almost every day if not every day.
3. What is your general impression of PRIMUS Database?
- I love it. A great way to share your characters and see others creations. So many unique designs and stories.
4. Do you have any suggestions that you believe may improve the PRIMUS Database experience?
- I do have two. 1: Random page button. As a person who is curious to see others work, I use the random page button to seek out one to read. Sadly it is not all that random that I get the same page multiple times in a short few clicks. There are how many pages on the PDb and how many times have I had the same page pop up multiple times within a minute of spamming the Random button? 2: Will be discussed below on Page of the Month.
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity?
- Yes
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily?
- No. (Maybe)
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this.
- I believe it is a popularity contest more or less. Many a times are the same people being voted over and over and rarely are any new comers are introduced. It seems to be only those who have the best graphics or the longest story that would win every time.
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
- Making sure that a variety of characters and players from across the game community are represented.
(I choose this for the fact there are many pages out there that are yet to be known. I believe as a suggestion to add to #4 above: The admins of the PDb or a selected few higher ups (even the community as a whole )choose a set number of pages and be put up for nominations. Choose between 5 or 10 pages for either a Page of the Month, or a Character of the Month, or Member of the Month, either way so that those who have yet to be noticed, get noticed. (as it is you are doing with this months Theme Month contest)
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month?
- This is the kind of voting I enjoy. Everyone picks a nominee. No repeats at all so the list can grow large. And let the mods and admins be the judges to determined the winner.
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider? (Keep in mind that the suggestions below are examples based on brainstorming and feedback, and are not indicative of any current plans.)
- I would pick all the above to what is suggested to this question as I have been mentioning in the previous questions answered. Just a way to get those noticed among the community. To add: Themed Month is a nice change and the rules make it more appealing to how each contest voting should occur.
1. Occasionally. 2. A few times per month or so. Depends on my Game ADD. 3. A small place for Roleplayers to showcase their favorite toons.
4. A face lift. (i.e. more appealing design.) I agree that the Random Page button is not RNG enough. Other than that, it depends on what the goal for the site is or what image mods and admins want to project.
5. Sometimes. 6. You mean Popularity Contest of the Month?
7. There are several things that effect people giving a crap about Page of the Month. First off, it was a popularity contest. Second, when an "outsider" manages to get their page nominated, they have stiff competition from the BFF club. This is a huge turn off to the average user and they are more likely to go "F this", forever ignoring this part. Maybe even ignoring all of Primus DB due to it. If you want to draw in new blood, they can't come to the site seeing the same guilds or their friends constantly winning PotM. It's the first thing they see and impacts what they are going to think of the site.
8. To be the standard that other pages should strive for. A showcase of style and story. Both the content and how it looks are equally important. Not just a pretty page with tropes, sections on every guild member's page, or a ton of commissioned artwork. I mean actual content pertaining to the character's page written by the author.
9. I like that there will be less bandwagon vote-a-thons. There will be less chatter as a page only needs one vote and that's all. Last month I found five pages I would have suggested, but all of them were already up. It doesn't encourage the social aspect for voting, but should mean less abuse of the popularity system.
If you are trying to change the perception of BFF Club winners, you have an uphill battle.
10. My answer depends on what the goals for the site are. My impression is that this is a site for roleplayers, but it seems like it is meant to be for storytellers. These are not always the same people. I'm not much of a roleplayer, but I do love writing stories. In fact, I have hardly ever RPed at all and pretty much only by request. I also like web design, even if MediaWiki makes me want to stab it at times with it's restrictions and fussiness. What are the goals for this site and who are the user supposed to be?
1. Often
2. Daily. Reason is because I enjoy and love browsing pages that have decent stories and character designs
3. Its a wonderful place that has a lot of potential to be a fan-made wiki for all their fictional, original characters
4. Don't allow the same people to win month after month. This gets annoying to less known players like myself. Its unfair that one page wins PotM and they will barely have a story and will just have commissioned artwork
5. Not really. I rarely get nominated for pages like Red-Arachnid (Brian Smith) which I worked on for 2 years and don't at least get a nomination, nope just the same people who get their page done in a about a month or hell even a few weeks and slap in some art to tie it all together.
6. Sadly no.
7. Its just a big popularity contest. Its unfair to people who don't rely on a bunch of art to get nominated for PotM. Sterga does a good job in mentioning this herself, it makes no sense for "outsiders" to get nominated and then have their chances for winning swiped from them because someone has way cooler content and is a well known player in the Champions Online community. Lesser-known players should get their due and finally win for PotM instead of people voting for the same people over and over until they finally do win. Eventually this is gonna give PRIMUS the look of being rigged and cause people to no longer care for PotM since the same people seem to win every year or month.
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
Showcasing lesser-known players so that it doesn't seem like PotM is rigged and always having people vote for the same people over and over and over.
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month? My impressions were that it got players like Magic Girl exposure and chances at winning. Theme of the Month is a perfect way to balance out the same people always winning for Page of the Month.
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider? (Keep in mind that the suggestions below are examples based on brainstorming and feedback, and are not indicative of any current plans.)
- (Other)
1. Do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? Both.
2. If so, how often do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? If not, what reason contributed to this? Browsing: About two or three times a week, sometimes more often. Using: Whenever I have the time and focus to work on my pages.
3. What is your general impression of PRIMUS Database? It’s a nice and good way to provide additional background for characters and organizations in one place, which makes it easier to find them, if needed. And it’s a good place to let one’s creativity and ideas for these things flow.
4. Do you have any suggestions that you believe may improve the PRIMUS Database experience? Not at this moment.
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity? Yes.
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily?
- No
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this.
- As stated before, too often the same pages are being nominated and for a long time it did boil down to ‘who’s most popular’.
With the new voting system, the latter may be remedied, but as for the former… I think the idea of improving the Random Page function and maybe providing a link to a list of pages might be a good start, just to give people an idea of the possibilities and choices they have here.
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
- Making sure that a variety of characters and players from across the game community are represented.
- Showcasing the examples of content that can be found on the PRIMUS Database.
- A fair voting or nomination system.
Yeah, basically these three points in that order. As stated before, we see too often the same pages/nominations. That should change. And PotM should highlight the possibilities the PDB offers to people for their characters, groups and organizations.
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month? I do like them. It’s a step to correct some of the issues already pointed out and will hopefully lead to a more balanced choice and view of pages and reduce the amount of repetitions.
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider?
(Keep in mind that the suggestions below are examples based on brainstorming and feedback, and are not indicative of any current plans.)
Mostly something to just highlight the pages that exist, giving people an overview of what they can choose from. Maybe a page or two sorted by category (e.g. start with a link to the Character Type category and let people go from there or something like that) not to overwhelm people right away.
I'm bad at effectively answering long surveys, but I can sum up in a few sentences my impressions and suggestions.
First off, I think PDB should be friendly to roleplayers as well as storytellers. other than that I don't see too many issues with it other than I'd like to see the page of the month decided by a RNG between the nominees. I believe this will further improve the One page one vote system you already have implemented.
I can't comment on the random page button, I haven't used it much.
--DaZee (talk) 06:56, 3 July 2014 (MST)
1. Do you use or browse PRIMUS Database?
- I do use Primus Database on a very regular basis, generally for uploading files, stories or editing pages.
2. If so, how often do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? If not, what reason contributed to this?
- I use PDB when I know I need to update something or alter information (usually for clarification purposes). Outside of that, I do enjoy checking my old pages and pages of others. It would be fair to say I visit PDB twice a week.
3. What is your general impression of PRIMUS Database?
- In a similar vein to what others have said, I think it is truly a great idea and I enjoy being able to express my own ideas on a platform like this as well as being able to enjoy the concepts and creations of others. However, the Page of The Month contest is a cause for contention as it has very much so in past months been run by what could be likened to an "inner circle" who all voted for each other. Whether this new system which seems to be in place will usher in a new way of looking at the contest...well that remains to be seen.
4. Do you have any suggestions that you believe may improve the PRIMUS Database experience?
- The following suggestion may not be taken seriously at all, but I'd get rid of "Page of The Month" personally. I think if people want to congratulate people on their pages...that's really what the discussion tab is for/can be used for. Or they can add in their thoughts and complements in the talk section of the user's page. As stated PoTM contest has a history of being a popularity contest. If the new system of choosing pages prevails however, my suggestion is completely void.
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity?
- Yes. (Contradictory I know but if this contest is handled well it would be nice to see a variety of pages.)
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily?
- Not at all. It is based on "how many pictures character X's page has" rather than the actual content of those pages. I am of the opinion that if PoTM was simply an art contest, or meant to be that way, this should be stated from the start and should be renamed: "Picture of the Month". In my own opinion, whilst there is nothing wrong with character art (there are some great pieces on here, including good screenshot usage), it should have substance/information to back it up. I for one like to read pages thoroughly, if I'm just shown a bunch of art with little or no information...it does make me wonder if it's become little more than a platform for showing off art work.
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this.
- As I've previously expressed there is far too much emphasis on visual appeal in comparison to actual solid writing/content. I've seen some really good PDB's loose to others simply because they had art work and the others didn't. I think that's a shame because I know that writing near copious amounts of information takes time.
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
- Does the page have interesting information/content? If they are making use of art work, how well does it fit? Is there enough information on the page for the page to be little more than a gallery of art work? <-- I think those should be considered. Try considering how much thought someone has put into a page.
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month?
- It certainly was interesting to see what happened there. I think one nomination per page may be a step in the right direction...however, this can easily fall prey to popularity contests by having people nominate each other. I am not too sure who the judges are for this contest, but I would hope that they are fair. Only time will tell in that regard.
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider? (Keep in mind that the suggestions below are examples based on brainstorming and feedback, and are not indicative of any current plans.)
- If possible grant users a function which allow them to lock pages or protect them from tampering. With regards PoTM suggestions...I think "Theme Month" should be an every month thing. Not a lot of people bother to nominate since there is no real theme in place so it can become hard to judge what the page of the month should be if people are just voting for others for no apparent reason.
The Theme Month version of PoTM allows for the show casing of other less well known players who have pages and/or aren't part of CORP (or aren't as vocal) and other groups related to this site.
--Mentella 16:46, 4 July 2014 (UTC)1. Do you use or browse PRIMUS Database?
Yep
2. If so, how often do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? If not, what reason contributed to this?
Every time I want to update one of my pages.
3. What is your general impression of PRIMUS Database?
It's a website where I can put pages about my characters up so I can keep track of them and give them real pretty pages in my free time.
4. Do you have any suggestions that you believe may improve the PRIMUS Database experience?
Nope.
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity?
Nope.
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily?
Not really.
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this.
All the empty, pointless attempts at altering or revitalising POTM to stop people from complaining about it do absolutely nothing to quell the roaring egos or pander to the sensitivities of people who typically complain about it. There's not really anything short of shutting it down that would put an end to the controversy surrounding it because, as with all competitions, someone's always going to be bitter about how it's run and who's winning.
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
I don't really know. I feel Page of the Month is an empty, meaningless title which only exists to give the winners ego boosts and the losers something to complain about. Ultimately, Page of the Month doesn't really add anything of value to the database - or at least not anything valuable enough to outweigh all the negativity it brings.
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month?
They essentially make it so it's less a matter of what users think of pages and more a matter of what the admins think of what the users think of pages. Really, it's gone from being a popularity contest to being an anti-popularity contest in which the judges make sure to pick a winner who will bring the least amount of controversy when they win. Right now, there's as much a stigma towards popularity as many would claim there is towards those not from CORP which just about means we're jumping from one bias to another. The idea of picking a winner based on theme, however, is interesting, I guess. Gives it a focus. Less likely to be repeat votes.
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider? (Keep in mind that the suggestions below are examples based on brainstorming and feedback, and are not indicative of any current plans.)
Try not to take any of this too seriously. It's easy to get wrapped up in everything but's happening, but it's important to keep in mind that this is about pretending to be superheroes in a mediocre MMORPG with other people pretending to be superheroes in a mediocre MMORPG. It's no big deal.
--Swixer
1. Do you use or browse PRIMUS Database?
Yes.
2. If so, how often do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? If not, what reason contributed to this?
When I'm editing a page, I browse it almost daily. When I take a break, it cuts down to weekly or even monthly.
3. What is your general impression of PRIMUS Database?
It's like VirtueVerse.net (wiki for the Virtue server in City of Heroes), with less users and less bells and whistles.
4. Do you have any suggestions that you believe may improve the PRIMUS Database experience?
More support for multimedia plug-ins. I've never been able to get any widgets to work. But that was a while ago, and I may be confusing that with my time on the old PDB or VirtueVerse. If so, widget capability with tutorials would be nice.
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity?
Yes.
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily?
Yes.
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this.
N/A
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month?
Showcasing the examples of content that can be found on the PRIMUS Database.
I like the idea of featuring all kinds of pages, including great templates, groups, characters, and even player pages.
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month?
I do not know the new rules, aside from the one-vote rule and the admin's choice. I understand this change, and I'm not sure if it's any better or worse. Still gets decent results, I suppose.
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider?
Abolishing the monthly vote and implementing a running tally of suggested pages.
At first blush this seems like an OK idea. I think VirtueVerse did things the same way, but that's speculation: I really have no idea. :P
--CalamityCain (talk) 21:25, 30 September 2014 (MST)
1. Do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? Yes.
2. If so, how often do you use or browse PRIMUS Database? If not, what reason contributed to this? Daily, anything CO related i am drawn to like an addict
3. What is your general impression of PRIMUS Database? Good.
4. Do you have any suggestions that you believe may improve the PRIMUS Database experience? 1. Aswell as a 'Random Page' can we not make a List of all of characters? it would be nice to find people i know within a huge list instead of have to mash Random Page a million times. (which costs you bandwidth out the wazoo). 2. Embedded Youtube video compatability for those who have story to show in video format (not for PvP videos but in correlation with profile information)
5. Are you interested in the Page of the Month activity? Yes.
6. Do you believe that the Page of the Month (not including the “Theme Month”) is being handled satisfactorily? Dont know.
7. If you think the Page of the Month activity is unsatisfactory, indicate the best reason why you think this. N/A
8. What do you think should be the most important part of the Page of the Month? Allowing everyone to vote and showing transparency. After voting, people should be allowed to see the current results (like a forum poll)
9. As you know, there has been an effort to change the rules of Page of the Month to make it more appealing to the general CO community. What is your impression of the modified rules that were used for Theme Month? I havent been on here long enough to know what has changed in the long term.
10. Other than the modified rules that were tested during the Theme Month, are there any suggestions you would like us to consider? N/A
--SnakeWildlife 17:02, 22 December 2014 (GMT+0)