Couple of points from me if I may.
1. Whilst I understand the philosophy being adopted here as that of a basic guide, I have to say I find it less than useful. The build, to me, seems sub-optimal across a significant number of areas, and that significantly limits the potential for learning from it. By extension that limitation will naturally apply to others seeking guidance. I think the value in such an approach is far less than a more optimised approach geared for R10 and endgame, where, even if not attainable, valuable learning points can be gleaned. That said, I still applaud the work put in and recognise that some folks will take value from it, though there are also several options that IMO they may do well to avoid.
2. I'm really quite uncomfortable with the notion of anyone asking for a donation on here. It just doesn't sit right in the context of the Forum. I don't believe I've ever seen such before on here either. That's a purely personal reaction and I don't claim to speak for anyone else on the matter. I can see the request is made respectfully and without pressure, but accepting that principle opens the opportunity for other less scrupulous individuals to do similar. I'm not a "Terms Lawyer", and I won't be making any formal complaint in this instance, but I would request you consider editing the OP to remove this. I'm not comfortable with it, and I can understand that others might be triggered by it, though of course YMMV.
Sorry this is generally pretty negative feedback. Not generally something I like doing when someone has made such an obvious effort.
Hi Jack,
Thank you kindly. Your input, and the friendly manner in which you put it forward, are much appreciated. I hope I am able to reciprocate this in my response below:
Ref #1:
> I absolutely get this, and this is indeed one possible direction I could take. It is the direction most builds I come across normally take
> It is not, however, what I plan to do at this point in time, even knowing this might mean my threads won't be as useful to some players as yourself: my sincere apologies for that
> What I want to offer is what I believe is lacking at the moment: a more 'core/achievable' build for the large number of players who are nowhere near the massive achievement of becoming a completionist (not only massive, but potentially unachievable for the many who do not have the amount of free time it takes to become one)
> I am reasonably confident that the more experienced players are likely to know which bonuses to add to these 'core' builds, to get to where they would like to go
> If they don't, I am also am very comfortable with them retrieving info from other builds posted by the many players who put a lot of time and effort calculating R10 min/max numbers and sharing that with the community
> I am always happy to try to help, and have been answering questions via the threads: nobody knows everything, but I have picked up quite a bit from my experience playing since 2006
> Upon testing the waters with the first couple of builds I posted, I noticed a very warm and grateful reaction from a large number of players. My builds might be seen as niche by some, but I still firmly believe they have a place in our game
> DDO is a learning curve: my builds aim to help with a part of that curve. I cannot sincerely see why it would limit the potential for learning. trying and testing, and adapting things to fit people's personal styles and desires is also a part of that curve
> These builds are my personal project, and to be frankly honest, even if nobody likes them, they still give me a lot of personal pleasure and help me re-evaluate decisions as I post them in the forums (while helping others too): it's a win win from my perspective
Ref #2:
> I am sorry that you feel this way, the intention is definitely not to make anyone uncomfortable
> I see this practice in a very large number of online platforms. Though you say it has not been here before, I am fairly certain I have seen this before on people's signatures. Respectfully, I am personally not opposed to it taking place here
> My sincere understanding is that this does not infringe the community rules. If you believe it does, I'd be grateful if you could kindly point me in the direction of where it says that, so I can read it and make sure I abide by it!
> Less scrupulous individuals are everywhere already. I don't believe I will be able to prevent them from doing anything. Neither am I one of them: my advice comes from personal experience and those characters very much exist and get played in reaper 6-10 in Orien. This project is being done with the most genuine and helpful intentions
> I cannot prevent you from reporting anyone who you believe is not acting appropriately or who is making you feel uncomfortable (even if not on purpose). Please don't hesitate to report anything you don't think is right
> Should Cordovan/the moderators request me to remove the donation element, I will be very happy to oblige. I am not here to break rules
> My builds are already fully available to everyone/anyone, and will continue to be so no matter what happens
Your input on any aspects of the builds remains welcome, if you wish to do so, as it helps other players as well.
All the best!
