[b]<opinion>[/b]
This site seems too geared towards existing arctic players, and it seems to me as if it would alienate prospective new players. Even the support area is complete greek to anybody who has never entered the game. It has the format of an FAQ, but looking at it, it could only possibly apply to a newbie who has [i]already[/i] become frustrated with the game. More often than not, i'd assume, finding a new game will precede consulting the support section in their list of things to do.
I also think that most of what is on the main page either needs to be devoted to a smaller subsection, or to an entirely seperate entity within the site. The news might be completely relevant to 95% of the visitors to the site, but it's the 5% who are looking to figure out what arctic really is that matter.
There is no argument that the playerbase has dwindled horribly, or that new players are needed. I'm sure everybody reading this has tried to encourage a mud-foreign friend to try arctic at one point or another. 3 times out of 4, you barely make it past "No no... don't type 'Gnome', type '4'"; or "Type the city name. No, no... you have to say it... put an asterix before what you want to say." before their eyes start to glaze and they decide to "stop, and maybe try it later". (later being never)
[b]</opinion>[/b]
[b]<solution>[/b]
Allow a large portion of the main page, and the entire support section to be tightly moderated Wikis. Everybody has had their own unique struggle in learning to MUD, and I'm absolutely sure that the playerbase would be more than willing to contribute to a newbie-oriented help site, within the confines of arctic's mantra of secrecy.
[b]</solution>[/b]
no, i don't think it will solve the extinction problem
no, i don't see the harm in it
__________________________


have a look at the support pages now.
Look better? anything you would like to see added?
I am quite open to feedback on the ongoing redo of this support area. It is quite hard to see through a new player's eyes after having spent so many years here.
Regards
Funny Idea
Ok, so we've had several forum topics arround new players.
Can we get a link on the site links that says "New Players"
Maybe post the help files on there,
Keep the forum topics the imms find of more appropriate detail and use on there, so they dont file away into the area's of the past and be lost?
Would req to much scripting. A little cut and paste and the new sight could be up in a few hours.
ALso, iF that flew, you could always accept volunteers from the player base who are willing to shepherd arround the news and are willing to list the character on there, possible ther aim, msn, yahoo, IRC, exc to answer questions.
Just a thought.