Donald's Diary

[Donald]

I appreciate all the kind words. And to anyone who actually does read my diary, my hats off to you. I often wonder whether or not I would read it, if it was not my own. So, with that in mind, I do try to make it interesting. And some entries are better than others... Also, there are many other good diaries out there, that I read, and they serve as inspiration to me.

As for the attention, it's all been a lot of fun. This is a real departure from my usual wall-flower self in other games. But I don't take any of it too seriously. Thanks just the same... And thanks to MB for letting me do this. I do hope my diary helps newcomers and oldtimers as well, to feel the joy and excitement of the EU. Sure, there are things we'd like done different, and sometimes we get upset. But my view is, so long as I'm here I am going to make the best of it. One day I will log out- for good. I've done it before elsewhere, as I'm sure you all have. But in the meantime, EU as it exists today is a very fun, very exciting experience and I want more.

I have to go now. There's a furious Chomper Provider and he's heading my way! No, really...

Sincerely,
Donald

[JackFree]

I have read Donald's diary, it took a while, a loooooooooong while , but I read it. Donald truly has a talent for writing and his escapades in EU make for interesting reading.

Gratz to you Donald for making the front page!

Cheers

[trance]

i just like donald

[Noggin]

Nice diary, Donald, and grats for the front-page feature! I have read your diary since the beginning, and it's a fun read no doubt about it.

I also like people who have a 'character' around here, some actual role playing does make the whole thing more entertaining.

I remember a few 'characters' from PE's history, one of the most memorable being the guy (Sir.. something) who only spoke in Olde English! Anyone remember him?

[kira-red]

Originally Posted by Noggin

I remember a few 'characters' from PE's history, one of the most memorable being the guy (Sir.. something) who only spoke in Olde English! Anyone remember him?

"sir pedalot" or something very similar.

I thought he was really funny. some didn't share my opinion, though, and chastised him for trying to have a wee bit o' fun.

[Noggin]

Originally Posted by kira-red

"sir pedalot" or something very similar.

I thought he was really funny. some didn't share my opinion, though, and chastised him for trying to have a wee bit o' fun.

Lol, yes it was something like that wasn't it. A good couple of years back, mind. I believe people like that add something to the game... Quite a character

Shame about others.. It still amazes me how personally people take things when it comes to their avatar and persona in-game. I've been a party to many conversations where others have commented on the appearance of another avatar, and they've taken it as a personal insult!

I much prefer it when people don't take themselves so seriously, and try to build up interesting characters in the game... Sadly there's not so many memorable ones.

[Paolo]

Originally Posted by Noggin

[...]
I much prefer it when people don't take themselves so seriously, and try to build up interesting characters in the game... Sadly there's not so many memorable ones.

I can't do different than fully agree with that, mate... +rep!

After all, PE/EU is still a MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game), or MMORPVU (Virtual Universe! :P). Some people prefer to focus themselves on gaming only (shoot, shoot, shoot, no loot!), others prefer the Multiplayer part (being able to chitchat with a lot of people around the world, etc...), others prefer the Role-Playing attitude, and it ain't no secret that those are a minority.
The fact that money is involved in PE/EU is a reason more for more people to think about the gaming rather that RPing or simply chatting and getting to know others.

On the other hand, there's a good deal of nice and cool people who are searching for their own space inside this world, or that even left the whole gaming part in favor of the RPing one (VF comes to my mind here, and I'm a bit worried that this is happening! :P).
I for one would have really liked to meet that "Sir Pedalot", even tho I'd have some problems understanding fully his words :P, but I'm sure other nice and cool people with an attitude will pop-up from time to time... It's our responsability to spot them! :P

But, back on topic, gratz to Donald on getting a full FrontPage article about him and his diary. He's for sure a cool mate, and his writing skills are growing in the uber's land

Cheers,
P.

[Xantonia]

WOW!!

I have read a few diary entries and learnt a few things for them so I was intrigued why Donald's should reach front page. I've seen plenty of posts from him and so the name was not unfamiliar.

Anyway I started reading, then I remembered I was supposed to be working! I was enthralled. I loved the style, loved the positive attitude. I still haven't finished reading and now I know I can download this I will.

Keep them coming Donald and let me know when you publish your first novel. Im sure any IRL editors will be looking your way.

Thanks for an entertaining read.

Xany

[Shadowsong]

Originally Posted by Pirx Danford

It makes me very sad that some feel the need to unload it here
This thread is about a great deed done by one of the nicest fellows around.

Standing right beside you on this one mate! I have thoroughly enjoyed every line of Donald's Diary, and I believe it is worthy of all the positive responses posted here.

Well done Donald! Keep showing us the wonder.

[Hurrikane]

Originally Posted by tiebender

What?!
No negative response?
Is a persons storytelling view on EU from a noobs eyes now more interesting than actually participating?
I agree, it is somewhat compelling, also quite elaborate for a just about each day's walkabout in EU, sprinkled with some tidbits of RL crap.

I feel like puking at MindArk because they FAILED to keep you in the Universe, including those that read your diary. The whole point of EU is to be a virtual universe, where people can have an exciting virtual life, and could write their anonymous diaries/blogs in their poorly designed slum apartments in an equally poorly designed city in an awful model that was meant to rival the real world.

*huuuurl*

Donald, if you read this, don't feel personally attacked.
I read most of your diary, it's long, detailed, humorous and at times even exciting, but it flows right past the point. Your diary should be ingame, because your inspiration came from there. Hell, I found your diary more interesting than the whole of New Oxford.

As time passes, you will surely fill more into your diary, I hope you do, but keep in mind that eventually you will become bored with the whole EU thing when you see the same cycles rotate the nth time and you are still trying to just break even.

EU is definately not free, it does not reward pioneering spirit, it does not reward dilligence or hard work, only luck is rewarded. (and abuse, see reselling schemes/auction manipulation/speculation)

If you want to write a masterpiece, please write a storyline for EU. Maybe your voice will be heard above the murmur of dissatisfied EU participants, now that you have the public eye. .. and, just maybe, MindArk will adopt your narrative and give us some mental feedback.

Take care, have fun & cya online, or maybe I'll just read your diary instead of playing.
Tie

Odd letter. Someone who is obviously not enjoying the game pointing out the pitfalls of enjoying it as much as Donald does. Don't you think that if all participants saw Entropia as you do (if you still play this rotating cycle of no reward, I can only assume you are punishing yourself or suffering to prove a point), then Donald's Diary would not exist?

Years ago, on the Commodore 64 and other selected 80's super-computers, were 2 games called Elite and Lords of Midnight. One had jerky line graphics and things happened slower than underwater, the other had the dynamics of a board game and a map no bigger than PvP1. I remember countless hours, headphones on, lights off and curtains drawn, piloting my Cobra MkIII towards a feudal planet with a cargo of narcotics I picked up cheap, or waiting til Doomdark's (MindArk's? lol) army had passed so I could get Luxor out of hiding and recruit Gard, Morning and Athoril, take back a few citadels and keeps, and save the day....

I thought about these games at school, I drew pictures of scenes I'd imagine, I'd write pages of battle notes, equipment lists, ideas for "the Perfect Game".
With Entropia, there's enough improvement over the games of my youth, enough of those "perfect game" categories answered.... it's all I need in gaming. I see it as having a chance of loot, not a chance of profit. I only deposit what I see the entertainment to be worth, and so far have had no quarrel with the system or operators, save the normal grumbles about bugs.

Donald I see as a bit of a kindred spirit in that he can happily get "lost" in a game, be that guy on the screen, not just steer that guy on the screen. It's this escapism, and the facility provided on Entropia to explore this escapism, that keeps me, and many others I'm sure, logging on, building skills, wondering if one day all these skills will ever be needed... what lies ahead in this ever-expanding world for our ever-expanding avatars? To know that by the time I get 10k in my combat skills (something I see as about 2-3 years away at least), there will be new planets, trades, mobs, adventures by the dozen.... it's a fine game, a good hobby and the closest thing to RL that the Net has to offer.

That Donald feels inspired enough to write so eloquently about the place shows that not all see it as a bottomless pit of no reward.

Er, Go Donald....