Thank you for your interest in my campaign to be part of CSM 6. It is my intention to work diligently, effectively, and tirelessly to bring the concerns of the player base to the CSM, to CCP, and back to the players.

The following is a user submitted request for my stand on a topic important to them. I have given thought to the topic and formulated my opinion, but it’s just that; my opinion. Nothing more. There is no guarantee the opinion expressed herein will ever see the light of day.

My platform isn’t one of issues, but rather one of integrity, tenacity, and the willingness to hold the CSM and CCP accountable to the players that support everything we do. I will not push my own agenda, unless it coincides with what the majority of the player base wants for a given topic.

Never start a fight you can win. #RocTheVote

QUESTION: Thanks for your post about monetizing the API, even though I disagree with it. I’m more interested in learning about your thoughts outside of profit. What do you think of the API in its current state, and where do you think it should go from here?

As I’ve mentioned previously, I think that CCP giving us a free and extensive API to play with is one of the most innovative things they have done for our community. They were certainly ahead of the times doing this.

I also believe that developers should profit from their efforts, but that was covered in the other post. Onto API discussion!

Security

CCP recently announced that they are switching from HTTP to HTTPS. It’s a small and simple thing, but I think it’s one of the most forward thinking moves they have made regarding the API, and I certainly hope they follow through. We all know internet spaceships is serious business, and protecting our valuable character information should be a high priority. One time use keys would also be a practical option for enhancing security as well, as several corporations/alliances use the API for character validation on recruitment applications.

It would also be fantastic if the API offered OAuth support.

Another key aspect of information security is monitoring. I strongly feel there should be an automated intrusion system that notifies a player if their API is accessed in a suspect way. Currently, players need to login to their EVE account, view the list of IP addresses they have authorized their key to, and try to remember which is which. Many players have a difficult enough time figuring out how to use their API key in the first place, let alone trying to sort out IP address usage. This needs to be simplified for an easier user experience.

Cleanliness

I’m just joking around with this subtitle, and won’t go into the details of SOAP vs REST, etc, because the bottom line is I don’t care. As long as the API works, and is easy to access, it doesn’t matter to me what paradigm CCP chooses to go with. My opinion.

Customization

CCP also recently announced an API initiative that will allow players to customize what information is made available to a given request. I think this is brilliant, as currently with only Limited and Full API key options, it’s almost all or nothing. Having multiple keys, that I have customized for the various apps I use, will go a long ways towards my first point about security.

But these are the knowns. What about the unknowns? What is lacking in the API? What enhancements would I like to see made? What agenda will I push regarding the API?

I want to take a moment to reiterate my stance on the API from a high level. I don’t believe that any usage of the API should be made a critical part of EVE Online. What that means is that you shouldn’t be forced to use any third party developer application in order to have a full EVE Online experience.

To me, API development is meant to enhance game play, not replace it in any way, shape or form.

Enhancements

So what are the main issues players have with the API, including myself?

Communication

CCP, though they are getting better, still needs to have more consistent community interaction in regards to the API. I probably didn’t need to put the API part, as I believe CCP just needs to have more consistent community interaction overall, but I feel this is a particularly important distinction. Even though there are only a handful of third party application developers, the majority of EVE players make use of the EVE API in some way, so the API should be viewed by CCP as an important and ongoing topic.

To that end, CCP also needs to have their support staff recognize that although API petitions do not directly affect ingame play, they should be treated with the same seriousness of any other petition, and respond accordingly, giving their full attention to the petition.

Consistency

As it stands, there is an inconsistency to API access. Eve Gate boasts features not available in the current API, and since site scraping is a violation of the EULA, it is a frustrating experience for developers. On the one hand I can understand why CCP wants to have CCP only features, but the API is about the community, as is Eve Gate. A single toolset should be mandated. Empower the community with the same rich toolset used by CCP, and they will be surprised and impressed with the quality the community produces.

Missing in Action

POS module setup, silo fill levels, gun ammo fill levels, location and nearest anchored moon, Planetary Interaction information, Contracts, Jump Clone information, Character implant information, employment history, etc, etc. There are a great many things missing from the EVE API that developers have been requesting for a long time now without any real forward movement on CCP’s end.

I understand the API team is a small one at CCP, but still, consistent communication goes a long way with the community.

I could go on about Killmail API issues, parameters for minimize returning results for large data sets, write access via EVE Mail, etc, etc, but I won’t.

The point of this post is to let you know that the API is important to me, and that as part of the CSM, I would make sure it’s constantly brought to the table. As a third party developer, and as a player, the API is an essential part of the community, and as such, should only be progressed.

There are some that have accused me of flipping my position on the API, citing my last post regarding how I would monetize the API as contrary to encouraging the API community, even to the point of saying I am anti-player, but nothing could be further from the truth.

I have always been about community. Check my blog. Ask your friends. The historical facts are there.

Monetizing the API and improving the API are two completely separate topics about the same subject matter. It would be liking asking me how would I improve the recipe for apple pie, then accusing me of being anti-pie when you also ask me how I would go about selling apple pie.

Thank you for your interest in my campaign to be part of CSM 6. It is my intention to work diligently, effectively, and tirelessly to bring the concerns of the player base to the CSM, to CCP, and back to the players.

The following is a user submitted request for my stand on a topic important to them. I have given thought to the topic and formulated my opinion, but it’s just that; my opinion. Nothing more. There is no guarantee the opinion expressed herein will ever see the light of day.

My platform isn’t one of issues, but rather one of integrity, tenacity, and the willingness to hold the CSM and CCP accountable to the players that support everything we do. I will not push my own agenda, unless it coincides with what the majority of the player base wants for a given topic.

Never start a fight you can win. #RocTheVote

QUESTION: What is your stance on monetizing the EVE API? Do you think third party developers should be able to benefit from their efforts? How do you think CCP should enact quality control?

As half of the team that brought you the popular Capsuleer iPhone application, this particular topic is near and dear to my heart. I have had vested interest in this topic for quite some time.

CCP, once again, showed great innovation and community spirit by even offering a public API to their game. Few do. Recently, I’ve been working with the Need for Speed: World API, but it’s incredibly limited. CCP has opened up so much information through the EVE API, and has sporadically enhanced what data has become available as time goes on. Kudos to them on that.

The way I see it, and again, this is my own biased opinion, there are only two real options when it comes to the EVE API

Down with the API

The first solution is for CCP to remove the public aspect of the API altogether. Focus their social efforts internally, create their own mobile app, enhance the functionality of Eve Gate, and be done with it. Period.

Personally, I don’t like this option, but it is viable from a business point of view. By producing their own usages of the API, they easily have full control of their intellectual property, and all profits go directly to them. No fuss. No muss.

Quality Control

The other option for CCP, as I see it, is to develop a system where they monitor/control third party efforts, and let only the best uses of the API have their financial stamp of approval. I’m going to use EON Magazine as an example. EON has complete creative control over their efforts, yet every publish is thoroughly reviewed and approved by CCP. Not a single issue of EON goes to market without the CCP stamp of approval. It’s a good process. It’s also a much easier process when dealing with a tangible, printed product.

The world of digital property is much more complicated. For an iPhone app, CCP would need to setup a business agreement with the third party developer, taking a certain percentage of the profits from the sales of the app. Additionally, Apple also takes a cut off the top. This could result in an EVE Online app not being very profitable for the developers unless they have, let’s say, 60,000+ users. There are those that say this is typical of any competitive business practice; let the cream rise to the top. The dilemma there for CCP is they potentially stand to have a few crappy iPhone apps using their API that if it were up to them wouldn’t have the CCP stamp of approval at all, but then are they showing bias? Would the whining and flames begin? This last statement could be said for any mobile platform or use of the API, not just iPhone.

So there is a fine line for CCP to walk. Developers want freedom to express themselves how they see fit, but at the same time CCP needs to ensure quality control. How can they through their lot in with one development group without alienating others? There’s also the question of longevity. Anyone remember EVE Tracker? For that matter, anyone remember Capsuleer? We all want pay for work, otherwise development can only go so far. And at the end of the day, CCP is a business. They want to profit. Subscriptions to EVE Online = profit.

So how does CCP deal with this situation? One solution presented recently was to create a volunteer body to govern standards of usage for the API. This group would be aimed at nurturing and helping developers work within a pre-defined set of stlye guides in order to bring better quality products to the EVE community. It’s great in concept, but again, there is the question of longevity, not to mention who is qualified to participate as an advisor, and who determines those qualifications? What weight to they have in decisions regarding API development? Any? Do they even work with CCP on this initiative, or try to make a go of it strictly as members of the EVE community?

I think the heart of the issue is that CCP doesn’t have this level of mobile/social experience, and is having a difficult time choosing a path. Who is qualified to make recommendations within their organization? Do they alienate existing developers by restricting usage, or eliminating the API? Do they let anyone create an app for the API, even if it’s a piece of crap? How will that affect perceptions of their intellectual property? Of course, choosing no path means they are letting all options pass them by. Inaction is the worst choice.

If this issue was brought to the CSM, I would work with the CSM and CCP architecting a solution that works for everyone involved. Again, as half of the team that brought you Capsuleer, I worked for two years with CCP towards this very goal, and most of my documenation and business proposal is still relevant and valid. Maybe the weight of the CSM might make this topic of more importance to them. Maybe it will the EVE API more urgent.

Time will tell.

Thank you for your interest in my campaign to be part of CSM 6. It is my intention to work diligently, effectively, and tirelessly to bring the concerns of the player base to the CSM, to CCP, and back to the players.

The following is a user submitted request for my stand on a topic important to them. I have given thought to the topic and formulated my opinion, but it’s just that; my opinion. Nothing more. There is no guarantee the opinion expressed herein will ever see the light of day.

My platform isn’t one of issues, but rather one of integrity, tenacity, and the willingness to hold the CSM and CCP accountable to the players that support everything we do. I will not push my own agenda, unless it coincides with what the majority of the player base wants for a given topic.

Never start a fight you can win. #RocTheVote

QUESTION: Factional Warfare has over 20,000 active players, and is obviously broken. What are your thoughts on how to improve this game system?

When I first heard about the attack at Malkalen, and the subsequent massing of forces by the Amarr to assault the Minmatar Republic, there was no hesitation on my end; I would serve. And serve I did, bringing the offensive to the Amarr Empire time and again, earning the respect of my fleets as I rose through the ranks to Matar Colonel, the admiration of my people as the face of the war initiative, and the fear of my enemy as they trembled before me in system.

As a player, I eventually retired from Factional Warfare for one simple reason: what was the point?

Factional Warfare was an enticing and interesting idea when it was first introduced. Now it’s stale and pointless.

So what can be done to make this existing aspect of the game more engaging? Ironically, at Fanfest 2009, I had the opportunity to sit with a few of the CCP devs after a round table and pitch what I am about to discuss. It was received with great enthusiasm by the devs, and they were eager to go back to the office and run with it. Somewhere within the depths of CCP, I can only assume factional warfare became a non-priority, as obviously nothing has changed since its inception.

Dynamic Content

My first consideration was something I believe all MMOs fail it: the ability to generate content faster than players can consume it. It’s a problem that has existed for decades. Every new expansion of every MMO results in old players returning, new players signing up, an influx of capital to the production company, then a gradual decrease in subscriptions as players quickly finish the new content that took months/years to develop. It’s a vicious cycle.

What I proposed, and still adhere to, is the idea of a dynamic landscape. After talking with CCP devs and server architects, I know the technology can handle the demand of my idea with little overhead, and minimal effort.

Essentially there would be a dedicated server pool that tracks NPC objectives, in this case, factional warfare. When the idea proves solid, this could be expanded to other NPC factions. Let’s use the Amarr as an example in the table below:

* these are just sample ideas, not actual ideas to pitch

As you can see, there are multiple tiers for objectives. Each tier is dependent on the previous being completed. This results in a more challenging and difficult build up for both the NPCs, and for the players. Each tier has associated benefits, and penalties, depending on whether a player is for, or against, this particular faction. Also note that this strategy can also result in NPC vs NPC, which adds another fun dynamic to the equation.

At any tier, if a NPC faction is defeated, they do not cease to exist. They simply go back to the pool, pick a new objective, pick a new system within their sovereignty, and start again. It should be obvious that if you are an enemy of a faction, you want to defeat them at Tier 1. Of course, players that support that faction want to protect and work with them, enabling their faction to accomplish Tier 5, which has the most perks and benefits for players with good standing within that faction. Better LP rewards, higher level mission agents, better storyline missions, better FW perks, etc, etc.

There are caveats up for discussion within this dynamic content scenario. On the one hand, you’re denying players equal opportunity to content. Well, suck it. EVE does that now. I tried to do the level 1 Epic Missions during my time serving in the Tribal Liberation Force, and while the missions themselves were seemingly easy, trying to accomplish anything within enemy space was nigh impossible.

The other concern, in this example, would be that the 24th Imperial Crusade would blob their Amarr NPCs, almost guaranteeing Tier 5 success. To me, that is part of the challenge, and is a mechanic that also exists in many other areas of EVE, such as gate camping, blob capital fleet battles, etc, etc.

Intelligent Officer AI

Imagine, if you would, facing Lord Elwin. Lord Elwin is a Divine Commodore of the 24th Imperial Crusade. He’s also an NPC. He has survived many Minmatar attacks, and he has learned how they fight, and adjusted his attacks accordingly. He has grown more powerful. His bounty is worth more. He actually plays on the same ranking system we do, entitled to the same perks, rewards and benefits we are entitled to. He is a powerful adversary.

By allowing military Officer NPCs to remember previous engagements against players, we’re adding yet another element of complexity to Factional Warfare. You’re not always going to have the same fleet composition. You’re going to need to be smarter as a Fleet Commander.

Perks

As a Matar Colonel, it is my opinion that I should be a more decorated pilot than a green rookie to the TLF, and I’m not just talking about the rank medal. The table below shows some small incentives for players to remain involved in Factional Warfare:

* these are just sample ideas, not actual ideas to pitch

Again, these are not game changing bonuses, and they are only applied in Factional Warfare fleets, so the overall game still maintains balance (if you can call it that).

Rewards

Currently, there are no exclusive rewards for Factional Warfare. I can use my Loyalty Points to buy a Republic Fleet Firetail, but I can do that without being a part of Factional Warfare.

An added incentive to engage in the war should be the ability to cash in loyalty points for exclusive items. This could be Officer ship types, one time war fleet bonuses, unique implants, any number of things really. See the table below for some sample reward ideas:

* these are just sample ideas, not actual ideas to pitch

Essentially, that’s it. By introducing a dynamic landscape with NPCs that remember players, as well as incentive rewards to participate in the war, CCP would have created a more unique and interesting experiences for the pilots engaged. All the while, there is no unbalancing of those not involved in the war, thus no whining from others that Factional Warfare needs nerfing, though that will inevitably happen with any game system that changes.

So there it was, I was officially on the election ballot. My therapist was going to love hearing about that life adventure.

Like any good politician, I needed supporters, so my campaign staff had already been hard at work filling my calendar with various interviews, appearances, parties, and other events. It was going to be a busy few weeks. I was thankful it was a short time frame before the election. I’d rather have been out fighting the good fight against the Amarr, but we all do what we must.

“I’m telling you, man, those two Gallente babes over there are totally checking you out.” Byron tried to say privately, but still speaking over the loud music at the party. “They all want a piece of the Roc.” He smiled from ear to ear, thinking himself witty. I swear he lived vicariously through me.

I looked towards the two ladies he was referring to, subtly of course, and had to agree, they were definitely hot, and seemingly interested. Who was I to shrug away from two potential voters? I had a responsibility after all.

I casually walked towards the two sexy Gallente capsuleers (the fact that this entire party was filled with capsuleers was more than a little unnerving), grabbing a new drink from the bar as I passed by.

I strode confidently up to them, flashed them my most charming grin, and gave a little nod. “Ladies” I said, forcing my voice a little deeper than usual.

They both smiled to each other, then back to me, their bright eyes giving away far more than they realized. The three of us already knew where this was going to finish, and I had stocked up on good breakfast foods for just such an occasion.

I charmed them, telling jokes, acting nonchalant and semi-interested, waving at passers by, enjoying the spotlight, knowing this evening was all about me. They basked in every minute of it. If it was an act, it was a convincing one, and truth be told, I wouldn’t care the next morning.

The three of us had just finished laughing at my latest witty joke when I finally got around to taking a drink from my glass. I never broke eye contact with these two beautiful specimens. That was my undoing. Had I taken a moment to be more self aware, I might have noticed that the bartender had put a straw in my drink, and as I raised my glass to take a sip, I would’ve noticed the straw going right up my nose, jabbing into the high cartilage.

I yanked the glass from my face, spilling booze on myself, and the ladies, my other hand quickly reaching up to my nose. It hurt like a mother. You wouldn’t think those little plastic straws were sharp at the end, but let me tell you, one up the nose will make your eyes water something fierce.

The two of them jumped back, bumping into others as they tried to avoid being spilled on, the sparkle in their eyes having changed from being a sure thing to a sure loss. I flushed with embarrassment, and bolted for the men’s room to see if my nose was bleeding.

Great start to your campaign, dolt.

I splashed some cold running water over my face, doing my best to look up my nostril to ascertain the damage. There was no blood, which was a good sign, but it still hurt pretty bad. It felt like an old trick I used to fake emotion: essentially I’d yank a few nose hairs out to get the tears flowing; ladies were always more likely to sleep with a sensitive man.

I laughed at myself then; Roc Wieler, Hero of the Republic, reduced to tears by a plastic straw.

My stomach interrupted my self-deprecating mockery with a sudden and serious set of uncomfortable churning. It was probably the Amarrian sushi I had been eating by the handful an hour earlier. You’d think I would know better than to trust anything from the Empire.

Holding my stomach, I raced into the nearest stall. It felt as though I couldn’t get my pants off fast enough, and believe me, I was well practiced in the art of quick pants removal. This was definitely going to be a photo finish.

Genetically superior or not, there were sounds and smells escaping me that just shouldn’t be made by immortal man. It took several courtesy flushes, and even more grunting, before I felt like I wasn’t going to pass out.

My brow was sweating. What. The. Hell.

The door to the stall burst open, inwards, smashing into my knees. A large Amarr, with two more behind, attacked. On the up side, the stall prevented more than one assailant at a time. On the down side, I was literally caught with my pants down, and not in any position to effectively defend myself.

I turned my face, trying to roll with the first punch, but his meaty fist connected like a siege cannon. Small white streaks filled my vision, and vertigo set in, threatening to dethrone me. I vomited. A few more hammer fists quickly followed the first attack, knocking my glasses free. It felt as though a few teeth had been set free as well. This was a really bad situation.

My wits returned, a few moments too late, and I fought back like a cornered animal, my instincts causing me to lash out in any way possible. I started pissing everywhere, covering myself, my assailant, the floor. I grabbed at his hair, his ears, my thumb finding purchase in one of his eye sockets, and I squeezed as hard as I could.

He shrieked, backing up, slipping on the urine, falling into his two companions, who let him crash to the floor, focusing their attention on me, pure hatred in their eyes.

One of them, I don’t remember which, leveled a gun at my head, and pulled the trigger.

The last thing I remember thinking before darkness embraced me was “People seriously need to lighten the hell up.”

VOTING IS NOW OPEN: ROC THE VOTE PEOPLE!

I believe in Eve Online. I believe it was once one of the most innovative and trend setting games ever created in the MMO industry. I believe it is still a beautiful and immense environment, with the strongest and most loyal community I have ever encountered within an intellectual property. I believe our game has so much potential for its future. I believe CCP can take it there.

All of my beliefs in this are dependent on one point, and one point alone: listening to the people.

A game succeeds or fails not based on board room meetings, or even how good/bad a game might be; it depends on its audience. A game is only as good as its players.

I could tell you about my ideas for EVE; how I would make factional warfare meaningful, how I would make low sec the single best area of space to live, how they should have tea as a commodity instead of just synthetic coffee. I could share with you the same ideas I shared with the CCP Dev Team last Fanfest, about how to create a dynamic and innovative player driven content system, or how the EVE API could be improved upon, as well as working with CCP to build a model that would allow third party developers to actually monetize their efforts, but I won’t. I won’t overpromise on any of these things.

Do you know why?

Because they are my ideas, and my ideas alone. Don’t get me wrong, if the opportunity arises to introduce my own agenda to help shape and mold EVE Online, I would certainly make the best of that opportunity, but to me, that’s not what CSM should be about.

The CSM is the voice of the people.

In the real world, my voice has been a pain in the arse to many over the last 15 years of my career. I’m a technical lead developer; a business analyst. My job is to work with a client, identify their needs, make a granular list, architect a solution for them, then work with the team that develops and delivers that solution to make sure it stays true to the original vision.

I have no fears of saying no. I have no qualms with showing flaws in logic and providing better alternatives. My entire career has been about qualified communication. I have always brought all of my passion to my work, to my hobbies, to my life.

To me, being on the CSM is no different. Qualifed communication is key. There must be passion. There must be an understanding on many levels of how our game works. I have that.

I’ve also already done business with CCP as the face of Capsuleer. I know much about how they work internally. I know people there; some that like me, others that do not.

Capsuleer had over 60,000 users. I know how to market and nurture a well-built product to success.

I am also all about community. Between this blog, my artwork, my music, and everything else I do, I am immersed in many aspects of EVE Online, and only want the best for our game.

So what are you getting when you vote for Roc Wieler? You’re getting an intelligent, charismatic bulldog that won’t back down from a fight. You’re getting a man that will stand tall and proud, shouldering your requests to the CSM, and then to CCP. You’re getting a cigar smoking, exercise driven ex-Matar Colonel that will fight with his last breath for what he believes in.

Prosper or Perish by the People.

@rocwieler

#RocTheVote

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