The Second Grand Campaign: General discussion

[Rafiki]

OK, I haven't seen Andrew send his orders, so I didn't know he was done.

I can't force you to use the mailing-lists I set up, but I'd prefer if you at least cc'ed me on the mails you send among your with the orders, if for no other reason to have some insight into how things are progressing

(This goes for both Union and CSA alike )

[Banks6060]

Can we expect a new turn by today?....(US CENTRAL TIME is currently 12:56pm).

or will it probably be tommorrow....just curious

[Rafiki]

You tell me; as soon as I get the orders from the Union (guessing that Jabber's orders are the ones remaining?), I'll resolve the turn and send out the next turn's .trn-files

[soloswolf]

Thanks. Your efforts are appreciated!

[Banks6060]

You tell me; as soon as I get the orders from the Union (guessing that Jabber's orders are the ones remaining?), I'll resolve the turn and send out the next turn's .trn-files

Sorry....I have no idea with ol' Jabber's up to. I'm excited to see this turn's results though

No rush at all however...like solo said. I appreciate the chance to be a part of it all

[Jabberwock]

I wasn't aware Andrew's orders were done, either.

Our list received the email from fletcher (whichever one of you that is) on Saturday or Sunday, containing a zipped ord file. I discovered it in my spam folder this afternoon, and unzipped it.

When I tried to load it in the game I received the following message.

your password: , set in the Options window, does not match the one saved into the file.

As an occasional security consultant, I have to ask. How does encrypting this file make it safer? The opponent needs the same password to play. They either have the password, or they are not playing the same game. If someone other than the opponent intercepts or receives the file, so what? If someone is afraid that their opponent will create an ord file parser, shouldn't they be more afraid that their opponent would open the turn using the game? What am I missing here?

[Rafiki]

Indeed, there is no reason to use passwords on this. Simply send the updated .ord-file when you have placed your orders, zip'ed or rar'ed normally, without any password.

[Coregonas]

We did had the same problem.

We did the orders with our own password.

So we were in the need to redo turn, and send again to every one.

Normal forgets in the starting...

We should unmark it in the options, then load game.. do orders, save... then you can mark it again for other games.

I prefer to have 2 different games installed.

Also, hotmail did send our files to the "trash", as we were not known to each other. I did not see your first zip until you reported of it in this thread.

[johnnycai]

I wasn't aware Andrew's orders were done, either.

Our list received the email from fletcher (whichever one of you that is) on Saturday or Sunday, containing a zipped ord file. I discovered it in my spam folder this afternoon, and unzipped it.

When I tried to load it in the game I received the following message.

your password: , set in the Options window, does not match the one saved into the file.

As an occasional security consultant, I have to ask. How does encrypting this file make it safer? The opponent needs the same password to play. They either have the password, or they are not playing the same game. If someone other than the opponent intercepts or receives the file, so what? If someone is afraid that their opponent will create an ord file parser, shouldn't they be more afraid that their opponent would open the turn using the game? What am I missing here?

Yes, I have a password assigned for my PBEM games, and forgot to blank it for our game. Will submit to group email later today when I get home.

Sorry for the delay.

[soloswolf]

We're updating to 1.10, right?

[Jabberwock]

USA turn 1 orders sent.

[Rafiki]

Turn processed and the new files have been sent out to players and observer alike

(Since I'm a game moderator newb, please make sure that things are as you expect them )

Note that we will now transition to use the new patch (1.10 to be specific), since it has been officially released.

[Coregonas]

All seems going ok!

[Rafiki]

Indeed

Some "snags" as we get used to how this works and how things should be done were expected; in fact, it is going smoother than I imagined it might have

[soundoff]

I know its probably me being an 'old fart' but avidly following the campaign (and enjoying it) I do wish both Presidents would cut their respective CinC's a wee bit of slack. I can appreciate the frustrations and the difficulties yet cant help but think that whilst it would be acceptable for say Davis to issue an edict like 'Advance your forces into Kentucky ' or for Lincoln to issue an order to CiC east along the lines of..... 'Your efforts must be directed to taking Richmond at the earliest opportunity' etc etc. I'm reading Presidents giving detailed orders/suggestions to CiC's.

I must admit, totally totally understandable, but not what I would have expected. Ah well Apologies in advance for upsetting anyone or any apple carts.

Regards

[soloswolf]

I am sure that it will get to that stage eventually. At this point we are all new to our roles and still trying to feel eachother out.

Plus, as more men are put into the field, it will be harder to micro-manage everything from a writing orders perspective.

An important thing to remember is that all of us are used to running the whole game, and to convert to a smaller role will take us all some time to adjust to.

But it is a lot of fun so far, and we're only on turn two!

[Jabberwock]

I think we are mainly trying to deal with having only one communications channel to express ourselves, a problem the historical presidents didn't face. We also have to stay in character and not use game terms. That's why I've decided to use three different personas to express myself. Also, there is no military culture or accountability - no CinC will get fired, ... or promoted to Chief of Staff or Military Advisor.

I have a natural tendency to want to teach my method of strategy and operations, but I actually find it works better in an adversarial relationship than a cooperative one. In a regular PBEM, my opponent sees what I do, wonders how I accomplished it, and investigates the parts he thinks would be useful for himself (or just asks). I do the same thing when I see an opponent do something well. In this situation, I don't know my theater commanders particular skills and competencies, and they don't know mine. If I feel I need to say "NO, DON'T DO THAT" or "THAT'S NOT HOW WE PLANNED IT" or just "here's another way to look at it", I had better offer some further explanation or examples. I very much appreciate when my CinCs are actually saying "these are my plans", sometimes with an "is this ok with you?" attached, a consideration I try to give them in return.

The worst manager to deal with is not the one who is a jerk on a regular basis. It is the one who will sit off by him/herself, not knowing what problems their subordinates face or percieve, not letting anyone know what is expected or making up unrealistic expectations with no input, and then blaming anyone but themself when things go wrong. So yes, I am micromanaging right now as much as I feel my CinCs will let me get away with, through the Telegraph Office. No apologies except for hurt feelings.

[soloswolf]

See the yoke these Federals make you live under!

Secede and get a taste of true freedom!

Plus! You get a cool hat --->

AND your own horse! (kinda) ---->

[Jabberwock]

Can I get a hat like that?

[soloswolf]

It's a package deal.

The hat, the horse and... uh ... secession.

It's a great deal! Soon even the Europeans will want in! (I hope...)

[Jabberwock]

Aw, shucks.

[Banks6060]

I know its probably me being an 'old fart' but avidly following the campaign (and enjoying it) I do wish both Presidents would cut their respective CinC's a wee bit of slack. I can appreciate the frustrations and the difficulties yet cant help but think that whilst it would be acceptable for say Davis to issue an edict like 'Advance your forces into Kentucky ' or for Lincoln to issue an order to CiC east along the lines of..... 'Your efforts must be directed to taking Richmond at the earliest opportunity' etc etc. I'm reading Presidents giving detailed orders/suggestions to CiC's.

I must admit, totally totally understandable, but not what I would have expected. Ah well Apologies in advance for upsetting anyone or any apple carts.

Regards

I've noticed it too, but I'm fully confident that it's only because many of the players, I know for the CSA, have neither played against one another, nor with each other and don't know each others' style. It would only be frustrating if somehow it continued into later months of the game, but I know by that time things will have ironed themselves out.

I for one, have overlooked a couple of things and I'm glad that I was reminded of them.

PLUS...I know how hard it would be, taking the role of the president, wanting to get your hands a little more dirty with the military operations than you're allowed to within the boundaries of the role in this campaign. So I can tolerate a little micromanaging.

[johnnycai]

Jabber (Mr. President)-
Your approach is good in my opinion. Keep the suggestions coming and I will continue to question some, refuse others and follow most.

Johnnycai
West CiC

[Coregonas]

Unfortunately, it is going to be difficult to do a perfect simulation... As we are understanding ourselves while playing...

The game is somewhat hard (for both sides) in the very early stages of the war, as early mistakes/misunderstandings... have a great impact on the game.

Im sure once a few turns get running, all of us will coordinate better...

[Lonster]

Unfortunately, it is going to be difficult to do a perfect simulation... As we are understanding ourselves while playing...

The game is somewhat hard (for both sides) in the very early stages of the war, as early mistakes/misunderstandings... have a great impact on the game.

Im sure once a few turns get running, all of us will coordinate better...

....but actually that is why this type of campaign is so great.....not knowing the capabilities of your commanders or president.....different opinions....different styles.

Now you guys get to experience the reality of working in a complicated environment ....to a larger degree than the game usually give us (ie leaders who aren't active).

Mistakes and misunderstanding are going to be made and are part of the whole experience. What fun is there if all sides played with robotic perfection?

Let the chaos, fun, and learning begin.....er......continue

[Jabberwock]

USA turn 2 orders sent.

[Rafiki]

USA turn 2 orders sent.

But not received?

CSA orders are in; I'll resolve the turn when I get yours, Jabber

[Banks6060]

....but actually that is why this type of campaign is so great.....not knowing the capabilities of your commanders or president.....different opinions....different styles.

Now you guys get to experience the reality of working in a complicated environment ....to a larger degree than the game usually give us (ie leaders who aren't active).

Mistakes and misunderstanding are going to be made and are part of the whole experience. What fun is there if all sides played with robotic perfection?

Let the chaos, fun, and learning begin.....er......continue

I second this emotion! let choas reign....it's more fun that way!

[Jabberwock]

But not received?

CSA orders are in; I'll resolve the turn when I get yours, Jabber

Doh! I hit reply and didn't check the address. They only went to johnnycai. Just resent.

[Rafiki]

Got it now; will resolve shortly