Envoys/Tournament organizers/Anyone- Justin needs your help - Event Scheduling

[Ziran]

So the store locator is getting close to being finished and at the most basic level that locator will help you (or new customers) find out where to BUY HeroClix. We're looking at ways to put in a "lite" scheduling system but it dawned on my as I got an email from my NY Board Game Meetup.com group - Why not use Meetup.com or Facebook Events?

Each has it's PROs and CONs - so I am asking you, how do you keep your groups informed? Does you system have a calendar, group email and RSVP system?

Any specific thoughts on Meetup or Facebook? I like Meetup's calendar and RSVP system- although FB has similar functionality, I just don't feel as hooked in.

Let me know what you think.


BTW - I have a couple of different ideas on how to implement an event scheduler - We can either have the store setup a group as part of the store setup process, or have the Envoy/Judge/TO setup groups and attach them to stores (with the stores permission). Again PROs and CONs to each. Feel free to chime in on that idea too.

Discuss & suggest.....

[eshuroger]

I created a facebook group for my events. Though I still want to be able to schedule events through the WizKids website, so more people will know about it than just the few I tell. Whatever the functionality is, I'll deal with it.

[hail_eris]

We coordinate events on the north side of Chicago through a Yahoo! group, which has the benefit of not requiring people to sign up for a Facebook or Meetup account. Members have the option of receiving individual emails or getting a bunch in digest format, and we have all the relevant rules and FAQs posted as downloadable files (this was particularly useful during WizKids' time in the desert, as not all of our players are active on the 'Realms).

From a marketing standpoint, though, I can see the benefit of capturing user data through a social networking tool like Facebook. Under the old event-reporting system, WizKids had a pretty good idea of who was playing (and, thus, who was buying) the game. Under the new system, that market data simply isn't being captured in an organized way.

[phantalien]

I am against it because I do not belong to facebook. I already know that a lot of stores do have a facebook group and that is how they have been keeping most of the people informed about events, especially during the hiatus.

Other than that the postings of people on HCrealms is my window to events.

From the old site the best fuction was the store locator. This function should help a person not only find a store that sells heroclix but also stores that hold tournaments.

After a quick scan of meetup.com it seems like a great site to use for heroclix events. Why? Because it's sole purpose is for meeting up and scheduling these events. No B.S with posting on the wall and what-not.

***Justin, do you want me to sticky this thread?

[phantalien]

look up .:cheeky:
.

[Ziran]

I am against it because I do not belong to facebook. I already know that a lot of stores do have a facebook group and that is how they have been keeping most of the people informed about events, especially during the hiatus.

Other than that the postings of people on HCrealms is my window to events.

From the old site the best fuction was the store locator. This function should help a person not only find a store that sells heroclix but also stores that hold tournaments.

After a quick scan of meetup.com it seems like a great site to use for heroclix events. Why? Because it's sole purpose is for meeting up and scheduling these events. No B.S with posting on the wall and what-not.

***Justin, do you want me to sticky this thread?

Please do sticky this for a week or two.

I think you nailed why I don't feel as connected to FB. I tend to avoid the event pages b/c f the wall - I like FB but I hate all the wall B.S.

[kiddolemite]

My group has a message board of our own that we use to post events, as well as talk about anything else we feel like talking about.

[phantalien]

My group has a message board of our own that we use to post events, as well as talk about anything else we feel like talking about.

That seems to be one of the cons, as per my assumption.

In my opinion all that wizkids needs is...
Store locator, by state or zip code

Tournament locator by state or zipcode

A place to post events; Venue, day, time, build total, restricted/unrestricted/floor/sealed, scenario, and other pertinent information to the tournament.

[philentqiller]

We have a Yahoo group for our area that covers when the game is and where.

[adamkomar]

I think relying on a third-party service is a bad idea. You really have no control over it. I think it would be better to have something tailor-made for this purpose.

[Lofcutus]

I use the venue's own message board (http://www.buymetoys.com/BB/viewforum.php?f=9&sid=e0e2342f8b610da72d590b1fd4f0a710) and for the whole city a blog that I [barely] maintain with a google calendar attached to it. (http://michianaclix.blogspot.com/)

I'm all for starting up regional facebook groups.

[bonkers1978]

I made a website where all 6 local venue in the Bay Area post their events on a calender. We coordinate with each envoy so we don't over lap each other events. Look at my sig.

[spike1138]

I've had to use several tactics just to get the word out about tournament schedules:

1. The Tournaments & Events forum on the Realms. (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=260490)

2. The store's forum on another more local site (http://www.cvgamers.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=5e59fe3ad9e3a8095a8f7cb9a81b56b6&board=51.0).

3. Facebook

4. Flyers in the store.

Facebook would be very handy but I've found that quite a few of the players who show up for Wednesday and Saturday events don't have a Facebook account. Some don't even have HCR accounts. However, everyone had a WizKids ID from the old forum.

I'm fine with whatever works, as long as folks show up and have a good time.

[JDKenada]

My venue uses Facebook and has found great success with it (despite the fact I refuse to join Crackbook).

[Qui-Jan]

Yahoo Group (everyone gets emails on events & things), I put flyers in the store and pass them out to other players I meet. I really miss the Store Locator that the old site had. I would rather not get tied up on Facebook or something else right now. We done pretty good getting word around locally and hopefully the "New" Store Locator will be done shortly.

Thanks for the postings Ziran. You are all doing a great job getting things moving again. Sometimes it seems slow but as I said earlier, we have done fine for the past year what's a couple more days or weeks matter.

[zero_cochrane]

We use a combination of HCRealms (a huge thread in the Australian forum) and I've started a Facebook group.

[Xer0Gravity]

I've been emailing my regular gamers...
I send a copy of the scenario to the employees at the venue, so they can advertise it or tell anyone who asks (we've had some random askers join in every now and then)
It's directly from my phone, so all my Clixers have immediate access to me if they have any scenario/general rule questions.
The venue also takes down any email addresses of people who want me to send them the emails.
So overall my list is at about 2 dozen, between regulars, the venue, and the casual gamers... good times!

[Thunderwebs]

Since I have a floating schedule, and my venue's owner insists that I be there to run events, I keep him constantly informed as to my days off/next game. He then informs everyone that comes into the shop and buys/looks at heroclix. We don't have a large population here, and he's the only shop in the county, so it works.
In the past when there were a couple more venues and more players, I would get all my players e-mails and contact everyone twice each week: once when I got my schedule/determined when the game would be, and once the day before the game.

[Lofcutus]

I'm experimenting with Facebook now (http://www.facebook.com/pages/MichianaClix/257509126699?ref=mf#/pages/MichianaClix/257509126699?v=wall&ref=mf).

[dwidabill]

At my venue, we have an e-mailing list, post here on the Realms under Tournament listings, and we put up a flyer in the store. I also try to talk up any customers that buy clix, and encourage them to come to a tournament, even if it is only to watch. We recently started a Facebook page, but so far don't have many fans, so I don't know how effective it's going to be.

Could there be some sort of forum on the Wizkids site where venues could post their tournament info on their own? Otherwise, a listing similar to the store locator would be good, interested players could always contact a venue for more info.

[RavenProject]

As a replacement for the old WK Tournament Locator, I'm not a fan of either option. Each seems to require too many hoops to find out the same information we used to get from the Tournament Locator.

Once someone has already found the group then the method of communication isn't such a big deal. Right now the two Venues I'm involved with have been using this site, and posting events to their web page.

My concern has been allowing people to locate places to play which they aren't already familiar with. I can tell you from personal experience how important that is. The Tournament Locator got me hooked on Clix when I found the Hypertime Marquee, and it allowed me to find places to play when I moved to another state.

Meetup.com doesn't totally suck, but it's still not that easy for someone to get that "at a glance" listing when faced with a list of options.

I'd like to see an easier system... and most importantly, I want it featured prominently on the WizKids web site. You guys are the best way any of us are going to find new players, so please... help any way you can.

-J

[fenriswolf]

I liked it the "old" way as it helped me find events when I was out of town. As I travel for business, I discovered new stores and friends.

The other sites have value but I don't know zip codes or store names to try to find events.

[ibeatdrew]

Using the Groups on HCRealms!

[Ignatz_Mouse]

We coordinate events on the north side of Chicago through a Yahoo! group, which has the benefit of not requiring people to sign up for a Facebook or Meetup account. Members have the option of receiving individual emails or getting a bunch in digest format, and we have all the relevant rules and FAQs posted as downloadable files (this was particularly useful during WizKids' time in the desert, as not all of our players are active on the 'Realms).

From a marketing standpoint, though, I can see the benefit of capturing user data through a social networking tool like Facebook. Under the old event-reporting system, WizKids had a pretty good idea of who was playing (and, thus, who was buying) the game. Under the new system, that market data simply isn't being captured in an organized way.


I'll echo this. The list has expanded to cover three venues, but obviously that can't scale up nationally. And yet, I don't like to add barriers. Even in the old days, there would be players who did not/would not sign up for a Wizkids ID on their own, leaving it to the judge. Facebook or another third party system will turn off a certain number of players.

For our local events, people hear about events the following ways, ordered from most to least often (as far as I can tell):

- email list
- store flyer
- local forum (like a mini regional hcrealms)
- store owners mentioning games to buyers
- word of mouth from friends
- store websites

One centralized website to list games nationally, combined with a "subscribe to events from this venue/subscribe to a custom report" would be a huge help, and would allow WizKids to get email addresses, at least.

[tidge]

I have a thread here (on HCRealms) that announces game times and the event structure for what I call "SE Michigan", but so far only three venues participate in the thread...all local to Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor.

Several of us use text/PM/phone for "peer-to-peer" contact.

Here is what I want in a "game locator" program (as a player and judge):

1) I want players who aren't familiar with a venue (or play group) to be able to find the venue. I cannot emphasize how important this is to grow the game. I used to use the "zipcode radius" to find events when traveling.

2) I want to be able to see what the event type is, and if any special rules/restrictions are in effect. This seems like a no-brainer, but it is crucially important.

3) I want to be able to see the past and future event plans for a venue. It's important to know if a venue is holding regular events or not.

[scaryscrawler]

I judge at two stores in a local chain and use the company's website to list my events www.downtowncomics.com and use the RSVP system on the site to inform players of new events.


the owners of the company created the website through www.ning.com

[Ignatz_Mouse]

BTW - I have a couple of different ideas on how to implement an event scheduler - We can either have the store setup a group as part of the store setup process, or have the Envoy/Judge/TO setup groups and attach them to stores (with the stores permission). Again PROs and CONs to each. Feel free to chime in on that idea too.

Pros and cons of self setup:

Judge Pros:
- On top of game schedule,
- ability to write up the scenario descriptions without going through another person
- may be more motivated

Store owner pros:
- In charge of the store and store schedule
- makes it "official" in the eyes of parents
- may be more motivated

Lastly, RSVPs would be great for judges, but I don't see them being used by players much. Many of my regulars decide whether or not to play at the last minute.

[scaryscrawler]

Pros and cons of self setup:

Judge Pros:
- On top of game schedule,
- ability to write up the scenario descriptions without going through another person
- may be more motivated

Store owner pros:
- In charge of the store and store schedule
- makes it "official" in the eyes of parents
- may be more motivated

Lastly, RSVPs would be great for judges, but I don't see them being used by players much. Many of my regulars decide whether or not to play at the last minute.

Though I'm not a store owner or even an employee of the store, in my case it works out the same either way as the managers/owners of the stores will just give me their passwords and have me set up events either way.

This happened with old WizKids with Halo ActionClix; I was given a store password on the site so that I could set up events.

[Ignatz_Mouse]

Yeah, I've seen that too. It really varies how much involvement a store has in events. Sometimes they are tightly coupled, sometimes the store is less involved and just lets the judge run everything. Any system ought to allow for either.

[seanbsc]

When I was running events in New Mexico, email was the information media of choice for the regulars. Also posted a flyer and event schedule at the venue and posted messages on the shop message board.

In all honesty, since the hiatus I have since moved to germany and it is a dark future here indeed. No venues, few players or collectors, no B&M to buy product or ability to compete for LE prizes or have a chance at a BiBtB piece.

While this is a great discussion topic, it is currently completely irrelevant to those of us outside the continental U.S.

[normalview]

We use the Events board here, posters and fliers in store, and (just recently) an e-mail list.

I would perfer not to use something like Facebook for events. For one, I don't use it at all and, for another, I have literally no idea how many of my players use it. Seems kind of silly to me to have to go to yet another place (besides the official WK site and here) to go and get tournament info.

But if that is the way you decide to do it, then I guess that is the way it is done :shrug: My vote, though, would be some kind of locator/event tracker actually through the Wizkids main page. Anyone who is looking for Heroclix stuff is going to go there first.

[tidge]

I don't use Facebook at all, and I would prefer to not be associated with it.

[RockMan]

Something to consider about Meetup.com is that the person who maintains the group has to pay a monthly fee.

The thing I miss about a centralized event listing is for travel. When I go to a different town and want to play Heroclix I don't know everyone's private email listing, Facebook group, store forums, etc. Having the event search on the WizKids site was a great solution for this problem. I imagine new players would also go to WizKids looking for events first.

[SeekerMuadib]

For my little group of players in Delaware, I simply just email my players weekly to let them know whats' going on for the games on Saturdays.

As for Facebook, not to thrilled about having to use that as my source to let people know what I am running. I would rather see something like the old system or I can just continue to do the simple weekly emails to my players.

[thetigerking83]

I say it should all be on site. Using third party services for something like this is a bad idea and would be hard to organize in such a way as to make it useful on a larger scale. Realistically a forum isn't needed on the official site, as pertinent communications can be done via email and HcRealms is a fine resource already in place, but the event function should be there. Putting it in the hands of the players will scatter it among various other web services and make it near impossible for anyone new to find anything.

[MattPetersen]

I have a facebook page for players and those interested in the game and whats going on as far as events are concerned.
It works to an extent.

[DOOMBOTSKI]

I would really prefer the "old" system. Facebook is not something I want to force the store owner to use to get players in the door.

An official WK/NECA site that would have a locator program, with full editing capabilities for the Judge and Store Owner would be the way to go.(as before)

My store owner puts stickers of event times and day on each individual booster. This has gotten a few new players on board.

I display flyers at the store and get word of mouth out by other players and venues.

It just seems to make sense if players are looking for figures, rules, new product, why not find out where to play from the same website other then being redirected, logging in and accepting friends needlessly.

[MuskieLodge]

I'm going to echo a lot of folks here: it wasn't (terribly) broken the last time 'round; why muck with it? Have the Store Locator allow for event listings. I use Facebook rather sporadically; it's one of my "c-list" sites--feh. And yet, it did do well to invite some travelers for the local Hammer Marquees!

At my Venue, I e-mail most of the local regulars with weekly build-to rules and such. I've been doing that back to a while before Black Monday, and it seems to be working pretty well. The players can e-mail me with questions and comments about the scenarios, whether they'll be able to make it and so on. I'm right in the heart of several area colleges; I have GOT to get out and flyer the commons in the next week or three! The store's workers also play up the game if anyone asks.

I've never used the event listings here on the Realms; I suppose I should take a peek at the forums.

Muskie

[unsung hero]

I have no intrest what so ever in Facebook. I run the events for a Game store in Las Vegas and we keep in touch on HC Realms under the United States- Las Vegas thread. This has worked for over 4 years and will continue to do so. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[ArakisLSN]

We currently use emails and word of mouth. We have just started a Facebook group - but only 50% of our players have joined it. (Although it has to be said that a fair number of the other 50% are to young to join facebook - not that it stops them)

In an ideal world I'd like a system that allows players to check the scenario rules/restrictions, RSVP and maybe allow us to record the results.

We've at least two judges (Noman does 90% of the Judging but we let him play now and then :)) so we'd need to have away for each of us to log games etc.

[Calanth]

I would agree with using similiar to the old system. I traveled alot and was able to visit stores: In Hawaii, California, and Texas based on looking up what venues where avaible. If you do something based on facebook you would have to know who these venues/players are to even find them and Im not a facebook person.

[sinistersex]

I don't use Facebook at all, and I would prefer to not be associated with it.

ditto.

Before WK went under, things went well with the old system. Most people signed up for events at the WK site, and some just showed up at the venue I frequent. In the 'dead zone' with no WK, people who played on Monday night just discussed what they would like next week's tourny to be--majority rules.

By the way, I think we need a new judge. My venue would like to know how to get one, officially, when the time is right...

[bluesummers]

Would prefer a Wizkids site store locater. I'm not the envoy currently, but when I was running events I would get a mass email/FB posting hook-up going for most of my players.

However, having an official event locator on the website would often net us new players, or be a good fallback for people who cancelled or changed email/FB accounts.

Keep in mind that the only website listed on the side of a Heroclix booster is the Wizkids site, so that should be the go-to for all relevant player info. All other forums should be for discussion.

[comical]

We've used Facebook in the past, and found it to be a failure. Too many folks don't use it at all.
Right now it's an email list and in-store posting.
I'd much rather have something off the wizkids site than any other solution for several reasons.

1) Get's people seeing new stuff there.
2) Attracts new players via serendipity better.
3) Seems the most official, with the company connection.

[zero_cochrane]

that seems quite strange. I would guesstimate that 95% of people I know use Facebook. It's very popular in Australia.

[nevismusic]

I definitely think that having this functionality through a third party site is not a good idea. A lot of folks don't have Facebook or meetup accounts, and don't want them. Even if you have those accounts, it's often frustrating for a lot of us to have to keep clicking through different pages & sites. Simple & straightforward is always best.

So, I think there are 2 possible good options.

1 - Have the store finder & game sign up on the Wizkids web site. This is the best option in my opinion, as it would be the most straightforward for new players & the least burden for stores & judges.

2 - Have the store finder function on the Wizkids site, and from there, link to the stores' websites directly for game sign up. Stores can then work with their envoys/players to have game information on their site as opposed to a third party like Facebook. A lot of stores don't want the hassle of setting up additional accounts or information on another site. So, if they maintain their own website, they can simply have the information there.

[Ouchmaker]

Well, I'd like a way for me to get official Judge status so that the venue I go to would have an official judge. Only then official event scheduling becomes an issue. And with the low attendance at my venue, and the fact that there won't be OP Kits because of the low attendance, and thus low number of case purchases, I won't have a way to get new players to attend (when using prizes as incentive). Then again I live in Finland so that might not be high on their agenda list right now.

[Deadpool55]

We have a group email we send out every week. It seems to work really well.

[AngrySalad]

I really liked the old WK site system for a few reasons:
1) I could see who already RSVP'd, though really this could be considered both a pro and a con, depending on how you're looking at it. I would like to go to the place with the most players so I could have a good sense of competition. I knew people though who would go to the places with the least amount of RSVP in hopes that competition was nil (or where new or not-good players played) and they could get their prize. (Maybe an RSVP system that didn't show names, but just the amount of people might cut down on sharking?)
2) I could RSVP
3) I could see all games in the area, and games in near-by counties, if I wanted to travel, weeks ahead of time. And everything was standardized.
4) Reporting. If WK is planning on keeping track of this stuff, an in-house site is essential. Even if it's for some kind of "Customer Appreciation" stuff like they used to do, and not for some kind of ranking, etc...

I think WK needs to dump a little money into making this an integral part of the site. It's a big picture thing. Sure, use something else while they get it up and running (like we have been during the hiatus) but don't count on that 3rd party thing forever.

[Lofcutus]

Huge pluses to the old listing system:


Searchable database of all Approved Play venues. If you travel, just search and find a game.
Searchable listing of events!
Advanced sign-up (to let venues/envoys guess how many to plan for (+/-)
Post-event addition of players so venues/envoys can see who and how many people are showing up


These are the features that made the old system FANTASTIC.

Some of the drawbacks were:

Not being able to edit certain (the last 18 months worth of OP) events
Not being able to edit events after a certain time.
No reschedule feature (I live in the Midwest...we have Winters here!)


That's what I want all the + with none opf the -! :) Searchability is the real key.

[jgc]

in our area no one used the old way to find games (it was only used for posting events)
an email has always been sent to all players in the area the stores post event lists on their games board
and we have a local facebook page for heroclix

it is and has worked great for years!
no xchanges needed here:p

[Blue Atoll]

We have a group email that I send out everyweek. Part of that email gets posted to the events calendar of our store. Additionally, I post the format, time, etc. to the store's own internal bulletin board.

I also list here on the Realms what event we are doing.

Anytime a new player shows up, I get their information and add them to my email list.

I don't do facebook or meetup (and have no idea how many of my players do) so a listing on the Wizkids site would be preferred.

[flatmatt]

I'll throw in with those who would prefer the tournament scheduler made and hosted by WizKids rather than a third-party site. I know there are people who actively refuse to use Facebook, and I've never heard of Meetup.com, so I can't say much about that. If you do decide to use a third-party service, make sure it doesn't require people to sign up to view event listings.

[tyroclix]

I use a mass e-mail system besides my HCRealm info. I maintain a thread in the tournaments section linked in my sig.

It works well enough with about 25 players involved. The venue I run events for shares the tourney info to players who buy anything HeroClix related.

As far as a system I don't see why a WK website couldn't contain this info. It seems the best choice but I guess a direct link from WK to the tournament listings could work. Lots of good ideas already shared but it is very important to be able to search for locations. I've moved and visited places and searched for games under the old system.

[P0W3R_C0SM1C_79]

My group created a forum based website to do events. Its very easy

[ariochaos]

I use the blogspace that Lofcutus set up for our area (which he doesn't really use). It has kept my venue's players going since WK went down.
I am 100,000% AGAINST using Facebook in any way shape or form.

[KillerSavage]

An email list as people have said they use is good for existing players but for finding new players not so good. The old system seemed much better. I actually found a comic shop I hadn't known about via clix on the old system. I think for new players they won't be checking yahoo or facebook they will be looking on the wizkids site.

I would think a wizkids forums would probably be best with one dedicated to posting events. The realms here is great but I'm sure there are many more players and fans that don't frequent hcrealms.

[Petros76]

Although Facebook is great, it does limit it to those that are on your contact list or for people looking for something specific.
I would like to be able to go on the wizkids website and look up tournaments/events at various stores/sites to figure out where and when I can attend an event.

[Geof-Force]

I agree with the majority on a wizkids moderated method of monitoring and reporting tournament activity though using a social networking site is a bit more practical and less of a hassle to maintain. The problem with the second option is the limited tools. A Yahoo! Group can be a good middle ground since data can be separated in specific folders. Still, I'd place my vote on an "official" wizkids site.

[Munchoboy]

I think relying on a third-party service is a bad idea. You really have no control over it. I think it would be better to have something tailor-made for this purpose.

Agreed.

Yeah, I've seen that too. It really varies how much involvement a store has in events. Sometimes they are tightly coupled, sometimes the store is less involved and just lets the judge run everything. Any system ought to allow for either.

Emphasis mine. Agreed.

I'd much rather have something off the wizkids site than any other solution for several reasons.

1) Get's people seeing new stuff there.
2) Attracts new players via serendipity better.
3) Seems the most official, with the company connection.

Agreed.

Huge pluses to the old listing system:


Searchable database of all Approved Play venues. If you travel, just search and find a game.
Searchable listing of events!
Advanced sign-up (to let venues/envoys guess how many to plan for (+/-)
Post-event addition of players so venues/envoys can see who and how many people are showing up


These are the features that made the old system FANTASTIC.

Agreed.

My players would most likely not avail themselves to a FB or MeetUp group.

We're fortunate that our store has its own Forums, and the Wizkids events are featured quite promptly. There are also discussion forums and the such as well so keeping everyone abreast of news and what-not is pretty easy for us on the local level.

Beyond that, I can only echo what others have said and stress my preference for an offcial Wizkids website with online events locator and events registration/reporting system similiar to what we had before.

If its a matter of priority or expense, I would rather WK take its time and roll out something concrete even if it takes a little longer. We understand that WK has a lot on its plate right now after all.

[Azrael0626]

I always liked the old system on the Wizkids site. It was nice to be able to put in a zip code and find out what days and times local stores held their events. It was a great way to find games even if you were out of town and wanted to play. I also liked being able to see who signed up to play, so I knew how many people to expect that week. I hope the new site does something similar.

I have always sent out a weekly e-mail to all of my players detailing the specifics of that week's tournament. I ask my players to e-mail me back, so I have an idea of how many people are coming to play. Some players do and others don't. It was much easier on the old system. I also have a thread that I update weekly here on the realms in the Tournaments and Events section. I have yet to get any new players from my posts, but I like being able to put the word out. I have tried flyers in the past, but have had little success with them. It ends up just costing me money and the Yu Gi-Oh kids take them to keep track of their points.

I never thought about having a facebook page for events, but I think that it is a good idea. Anything that can be used to get the word out about events is a good thing. I think most of, if not all, of my players are already on facebook. My venue already has a facebook page, but I think that a separate page for Heroclix events and discussion is a great idea. I honestly don't know why so many people here are so anti-facebook. As long as you don't do stupid things on it, facebook is en excellent tool for communicating with people.

[Blue Atoll]

As long as you don't do stupid things on it, facebook is en excellent tool for communicating with people.

I think it is more along the lines of yet another area that you have to go to get information. I don't use Facebook (mainly due to their content policy). I'd prefer something at the Wizkids site and something on THEIR facebook page linking/pointing to the Wizkids site.

That seems logical and works for everyone.

[Munchoboy]

I think it is more along the lines of yet another area that you have to go to get information. I don't use Facebook (mainly due to their content policy). I'd prefer something at the Wizkids site and something on THEIR facebook page linking/pointing to the Wizkids site.

That seems logical and works for everyone.


Agreed, have some Rep! :classic:

[Armourgeddon2K]

We coordinate events on the north side of Chicago through a Yahoo! group, which has the benefit of not requiring people to sign up for a Facebook or Meetup account. Members have the option of receiving individual emails or getting a bunch in digest format.

In the UK there is a Yahoo! group as well which has the benifit of being found if you yahoo search 'Heroclix uk'. Facebook's 'friends' system might prove too difficult for someone new to the game unless linked directly to Wizkids site.

http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/heroclix-uk/

[Lofcutus]

I don't know why people are Anti-facebook either. Here's what I did with it. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/MichianaClix/257509126699?ref=ts) Just a list of events really. and a link to the local Blog.

I see this (and the Local Blog) as supplements to an official site though. I really like the capabilities of the old event listings, not the layout per say, but the info it could provide you with.

[Armourgeddon2K]

I don't know why people are Anti-facebook either. Here's what I did with it. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/MichianaClix/257509126699?ref=ts) Just a list of events really. and a link to the local Blog.

I see this (and the Local Blog) as supplements to an official site though. I really like the capabilities of the old event listings, not the layout per say, but the info it could provide you with.

Not Anti-Facebook, just not sure how I would find that without you sending/posting me a link?

[normalview]

I don't know why people are Anti-facebook either. Here's what I did with it. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/MichianaClix/257509126699?ref=ts) Just a list of events really. and a link to the local Blog.

I see this (and the Local Blog) as supplements to an official site though. I really like the capabilities of the old event listings, not the layout per say, but the info it could provide you with.

I am anti-Facebook because I just flatly refuse to use it. I really dislike social networking sites on general principle (If I care about someone enough to keep in touch with them, I do it the old fashioned way). So that is one strike against it right there.

Two, like I said before, I have no idea how many of my players actually use Facebook (even if I was inclined to use it myself). Turn it around, pretend I am a player and have someone tell me that I need to join Facebook to find events... I am much less likely to play in that case.

Third, as many have pointed out, there is no easy way for someone to find events if they are on a Facebook page. When I moved here to Florida a couple years ago, I just entered my zip code into the WK event finder to see what was available; I wouldn't be able to do that if everything was linked through a Facebook page.

If WK wants to have a link on their Facebook page, great. But that link should simply re-direct people to their official www.wizkidsgames.com page with a very prominent event finder there. Ultimately, everything should go through the WK site; that is the place where new players are going to go first, after all.

[Azrael0626]

I am anti-Facebook because I just flatly refuse to use it. I really dislike social networking sites on general principle (If I care about someone enough to keep in touch with them, I do it the old fashioned way). So that is one strike against it right there.

Well, that's your opinion and you are certainly entitled to it, but I have to disagree. I actually have found Facebook to be a very valuable tool when communicating with people. I have found a few people who I have lost contact with over the years that I had no way of contacting and was able to re-establish communication. I also find it to be an easy way to talk with friends, family and coworkers and keep updated with what is going on in their lives. Of course there are things like games and quizzes that you may not want to be bothered with, but you can always choose not to participate.

Two, like I said before, I have no idea how many of my players actually use Facebook (even if I was inclined to use it myself). Turn it around, pretend I am a player and have someone tell me that I need to join Facebook to find events... I am much less likely to play in that case.

From what I have seen on this thread, the people that made the Facebook pages for tournament information don't use it as their only way of keeping players updated. The way I am going to use it and from what I have seen, it is just another tool for existing players who use Facebook to get information in addition to other sources. The old Wizkids site had the easiest method of finding tournaments and events, but it is no longer available. Hopefully, the new site will do something similar in the near future, but for right now any way of getting the word out about Heroclix events is a good thing.

Third, as many have pointed out, there is no easy way for someone to find events if they are on a Facebook page. When I moved here to Florida a couple years ago, I just entered my zip code into the WK event finder to see what was available; I wouldn't be able to do that if everything was linked through a Facebook page.

Again, the old Wizkids site is no longer up to use and I don't see anyone using just Facebook to get the word out. People can do a simple search for Heroclix on Facebook to bring up existing pages. Quite a few people are already on Facebook with the numbers growing by the day. I am pretty sure all of my players are on it and it might be even easier for them to get the tournament information since they are on quite a bit.

If WK wants to have a link on their Facebook page, great. But that link should simply re-direct people to their official www.wizkidsgames.com page with a very prominent event finder there. Ultimately, everything should go through the WK site; that is the place where new players are going to go first, after all.

I agree, but there isn't one at the moment. I send e-mails to all of my players every week, post the tournaments here on the realms and will probably start a facebook page as an additional resource for my current and future players. I didn't care one way or the other about facebook when I first heard about it. It wasn't until I tried it that I found it to be a very useful communication network. Hey, if you don't want to use it, then that's perfectly fine. I just don't understand all of the negativity surrounding it.

[normalview]

In the interim, Facebook is a fine way for established venues to communicate with their established player base. There is nothing inherently wrong with that; I may not personally like Facebook, but I do recognize that it is a useful tool to those that do use it.

But it is a temporary solution that only really works if you already know that your venue has a listing of events. Once OP gets its act together, any FB presence should be completely secondary to a dedicated event search tool on their own website.

Bottom line: I should not be forced to join/participate in a social networking site to let my players (both existing and potential) know about events. If I choose to do something like that in addition to a centrally available, searchable database, great. I should not have to do so, though.

[Munchoboy]

Bottom line: I should not be forced to join/participate in a social networking site to let my players (both existing and potential) know about events. If I choose to do something like that in addition to a centrally available, searchable database, great. I should not have to do so, though.


Agreed.

I can see many of my players feeling the same way.

[NoGoCat]

The old system worked great. To simplify the system, you can pretty much get rid of the player signup. Most just don't do it and others just signup for everything and not show up. As to the Judge vs Venue signing up events, most venues I deal with just want to let the judge do everything. If there are issues, the venue can always get rid of the judge and find another

[tidge]

I'd prefer to never use Facebook because ofthe negative associations tied to it. Ditto for craigslist.

[zero_cochrane]

I'd prefer to never use Facebook because ofthe negative associations tied to it.What are these negative associations? The main one I can think of (in Australia) is "wasting time on the internet at work", which would also apply to HCR. :cheeky:

[Azrael0626]

What are these negative associations? The main one I can think of (in Australia) is "wasting time on the internet at work", which would also apply to HCR. :cheeky:

I can't figure it out myself and nobody has explained yet.

[phantalien]

I can't figure it out myself and nobody has explained yet.

Simply put, it is a fad. Social networking sites change all the time. How come no one is suggesting myspace? huh? I think that answers why Wizkids should come up with their own store locator/ tournament organizer.

Either way you put it, there is no need to argue about what is so fantastic or unsatisfying about facebook. It is not worth the time. What matters is how we can help with our suggestions to wizkids and how they will implement it.

[KillerSavage]

Simply put, it is a fad. Social networking sites change all the time. How come no one is suggesting myspace? huh? I think that answers why Wizkids should come up with their own store locator/ tournament organizer.

This really is all that is needed. That's pretty much all I used the old site for anyhow. I took a look on the forums a couple times. All I remember was moms complaining about scantily clad female figures. So it seemed like a big waste.

Here on the realms there is a appreciation for scantily clad females. :)

[tidge]

Speaking from some ignorance here on the details of social networking sites:

I worry that there is no way to limit the scope of the 'network', and who can get associated with it one or two times removed. A completely third-party site that is used for reasons 99% not related to Heroclix, it stands to reason that the company (and local game groups) can get 'networked' in ways that they don't have much control over.

One of the first things that appears in accused criminal cases (especially when youth are involved) is that an image of their Facebook page appears on news sites. I'd rather not have to explain to a store owner or a parent why a link to a Heroclix gaming group appears on an accused rapist or murderer's Facebook page.

[Azrael0626]

Simply put, it is a fad. Social networking sites change all the time. How come no one is suggesting myspace? huh? I think that answers why Wizkids should come up with their own store locator/ tournament organizer.


Myspace works too, but as you pointed out Facebook is the latest fad. A fad that thousands of people including Heroclix players belong to. How many companies use the latest fad to promote and get the word out about their products? Isn't the main objective here? To get the word out about heroclix events and locations using different outlets.

This really is all that is needed. That's pretty much all I used the old site for anyhow. I took a look on the forums a couple times. All I remember was moms complaining about scantily clad female figures. So it seemed like a big waste.

Here on the realms there is a appreciation for scantily clad females. :)

I think we can all agree that mothers try to find something to complain about when it comes to something their children enjoy. It's their jobs as mothers. If your argument is because of scantily clad female figures, then you can include hcrealms as well. How many members have scantily clad female figures as their avatars? Some of them even dance and move.

Speaking from some ignorance here on the details of social networking sites:

I worry that there is no way to limit the scope of the 'network', and who can get associated with it one or two times removed. A completely third-party site that is used for reasons 99% not related to Heroclix, it stands to reason that the company (and local game groups) can get 'networked' in ways that they don't have much control over.

One of the first things that appears in accused criminal cases (especially when youth are involved) is that an image of their Facebook page appears on news sites. I'd rather not have to explain to a store owner or a parent why a link to a Heroclix gaming group appears on an accused rapist or murderer's Facebook page.

At least you admit to being ignorant of social networking sites. Some people are speaking as if they know everything about these social networking sites, but have never used one. They are going by what people have told them or what they have read about it. All people know are the negatives that they have heard second hand. Personally, I don't go around giving my opinions and views on things that I have never tried, researched or really know nothing about.
I think your example is a little extreme. If a man goes out and shoots 10 people for no reason is the gun evil? No, the person using it is. It's just a tool much like the way Facebook is a tool to communicate with people. Again, if you don't like it even though you have never tried it out or know nothing about, then that's fine. Don't use it, but don't come at it in a negative manner because it is not what you prefer to use. I would like the old system to still be up and it probably will be again, but this thread is about how people get the word out and Facebook is one of those ways they do it.

[RockMan]

One of the first things that appears in accused criminal cases (especially when youth are involved) is that an image of their Facebook page appears on news sites. I'd rather not have to explain to a store owner or a parent why a link to a Heroclix gaming group appears on an accused rapist or murderer's Facebook page.

If there is an accused rapist or murderer in your game group you'll have to address those issues with or without social networking. The interaction will likely be something of this nature, "It says here in the newspaper the killer was found with tiny plastic superheroes in the trunk of his car, don't you carry tiny plastic superheroes in the trunk of your car?" It is similar to when every accused rapist or murderer who happened to own a D&D book was raping and killing because of D&D.

[Nightwing-fan]

We might have one or two players (if that) who do facebook. I dont use it and at the moment have zero interest.

I think all but one of our players use xbox live. Those that dont make it to a tourney find out that way since my eldest son (judge) is on that whenever hes not working or at school.

But setting up tourneys, we normally decide after we just finished up and before everyone leaves what were doing for the next week or two. Then its posted on the monthly calander at the store for all to see. Also when anyone calls the store they can find out what were playing. It seems to be working out just fine for us.

I dont know if the stores website still posts them or not. A former employee set it up and I dont think its even currently running.

But even if I tried to set up a regional website for tourneys and I know of three stores who play in our area and the best part there all on different days, Saturday at 12:30, Sunday's at Noon, and Mondays at 6 PM.

I can see two of the three stores agreeing to it. Not the third. One of the owners doesnt care for the other two stores and wouldnt cooperate at all.

All I see him doing is hurting the players.

[KillerSavage]

I think we can all agree that mothers try to find something to complain about when it comes to something their children enjoy. It's their jobs as mothers. If your argument is because of scantily clad female figures, then you can include hcrealms as well. How many members have scantily clad female figures as their avatars? Some of them even dance and move.

Argument? I was merely stating an observation.

The point I really was trying to make is what we need doesn't have to be very complex. Find a store and it's listing of events. That simple.

The hard part is finding out how to get those events listed. A judge or a store emoyee needs to be able to list them without someone messing with them after the fact. Basically you need broad access to it for people providing the information and limited access for those veiwing the information. Which is basically the old system. I'm thinking the old system was costly and we are trying to avoid that.

Just my opinion and how I see the situation.

[krusticlese]

Using meetup or facebook when you have wizkidsgames.com at your disposal seems like an incredibly short-sighted suggestion. You already are advertising that website on the booster boxes, so why would you intentionally drive traffic away from that website to a host of social networking sites?

Those sites may have worked for the hiatus, but you need wizkidsgames.com to be the go-to place for events and finding stores.

[TimoSupremo]

Myspace works too, but as you pointed out Facebook is the latest fad. A fad that thousands of people* including Heroclix players belong to. How many companies use the latest fad to promote and get the word out about their products? Isn't the main objective here? To get the word out about heroclix events and locations using different outlets...

*over 300 million people to be exact.

[daerdeletravoh]

I am in fovor of a Wizkids run event locator. I am on Facebook and Myspace as are moost of my players. I don't think it would work for us, since not everyone checks it on a regular basis. I would think something along the lines of E-vite would be nice where you got a head count on who all is coming and or interested. My players would like a place to complain about the build as well as that is the most popular part of the weekly email I send out.

[simhenk]

Here in the Netherlands we have our own Dutch Wizkids forum where I post all the tournament info for the upcoming events, usually up to six weeks in advance.
I tried Facebook event organizing, but my players don't check Facebook that often or they aren't signed up for it.

I do hope Neca/Wizkids would make the event/store localizer international.

[tidge]

If there is an accused rapist or murderer in your game group you'll have to address those issues with or without social networking. The interaction will likely be something of this nature, "It says here in the newspaper the killer was found with tiny plastic superheroes in the trunk of his car, don't you carry tiny plastic superheroes in the trunk of your car?" It is similar to when every accused rapist or murderer who happened to own a D&D book was raping and killing because of D&D.

/agreed, however...WK seems to be considering endorsing the use of a social networking site that they essentially have no control over. That doesn't seem like a good idea for many reasons. The small number of HeroClix players (relative to the Facebook population) seems counter-intuitive. Each university I've graduated from has it's own social networking site independent of whatever ones exist on Facebook.

[flatmatt]

I think the bottom line here, regardless of any other issues with particular sites, is that the idea is to get the word out for events to as many people as possible. If you use a third-party site that requires a log in, that's another hoop that people have to jump through to find event listings. It doesn't really matter how many people that stops; if it's any significant number, then it's not the best option to use exclusively.

[Rognog]

We have a Facebook Group and we post our events on our website (www.allinonecollectibles.com).

[phantalien]

Myspace works too, but as you pointed out Facebook is the latest fad. A fad that thousands of people including Heroclix players belong to. How many companies use the latest fad to promote and get the word out about their products? Isn't the main objective here? To get the word out about heroclix events and locations using different outlets.

No, the main idea is to have a site that allows all people to search for a venue where the can play in a heroclix tournament and/or buy heroclix.

If you want to get the word out about heroclix that is fine, that is like advertisements. That is not a definite means of satiating the audiences' needs and giving the information that players are looking for.

Perhaps I have been a little unclear on my point of view...
There is nothing wrong with other people using any means necessary to reach players, especially ones that are already familiar with the venue; e-mail, facebook, hcrealms, blogs, store websites, twitter, and others are perfectly fine. I do not think anyone is saying you should stop that.

What I am (and probably other people are saying) is despite how those various methods may work, we would prefer a backbone structure that wizkids provides that enables all people to look up any venue by city/state/postal code and find out what is on their events schedule.

I would not be adverse to say that these venues should not only be allowed to post events but also be allowed to post at least 1 link of the best method to contact them, or the most reliable clix player or judge for more information.

Like I said Facebook is not bad but it will not be able to fulfill what mine and other peoples' requirements for what we want to see in the site.

[Daky]

I usually email them a list of the upcomming events and have a thread here on the realms. I Have a facebook account but have never thought about using it as a group. I have used google groups before. I will look at the groups on the realms as well.

I also make sure all my players have my number and I call them the day before the event to check on who will be coming out.

I will look at the groups here on teh realms and see if it can also work.

[Valtz]

out of the places I go to one has a personal fourm that they list there events on and the other has used a blog made just for the heroclix tournaments on... blog spot I think it was called.

I personally don't believe in facebook

[Munchoboy]

Using meetup or facebook when you have wizkidsgames.com at your disposal seems like an incredibly short-sighted suggestion. You already are advertising that website on the booster boxes, so why would you intentionally drive traffic away from that website to a host of social networking sites?

Those sites may have worked for the hiatus, but you need wizkidsgames.com to be the go-to place for events and finding stores.

Agree 100%.

[Puuka]

*over 300 million people to be exact.

How many of those signed up only to see pics that a family member posted, but have never been there since, or only use it for that?

[Blue Atoll]

It would be nice if Justin would chime in here so we can close this thread.

[tyroman]

i've used many of the susgested methods of scheduling games. one i haven't seen listed (haven't read through all the messages) is calendar.net. I post a calendar for each venue i was runing games at. This is one for Hobby Bunker in Malden: http://my.calendars.net/hobby_games. for a temporary step, maybe have a massive linked page on wizkidsgames.com to all the individual calendars for all venues. Calendars.net is a free website, it would require the envoys or store owners to sign up for an account to create the calendar for their venue.

[JDKenada]

How many of those signed up only to see pics that a family member posted, but have never been there since, or only use it for that?

This.

It's like World of Warcraft claiming to have over 11 million members. While that IS true, it doesn't say anything about current members. People who haven't logged on in months or years are included in that stat.

Using meetup or facebook when you have wizkidsgames.com at your disposal seems like an incredibly short-sighted suggestion. You already are advertising that website on the booster boxes, so why would you intentionally drive traffic away from that website to a host of social networking sites?

Those sites may have worked for the hiatus, but you need wizkidsgames.com to be the go-to place for events and finding stores.

This is the most sound logical response. Sorry to say, but there's no argument against it.

[LQBigCountry]

I made a message board for venues in North East Ohio and so far i have 3 venues posting upcoming events. It is free to use and sign up through myfreeforum.com and this way you can ask the judge a question about the event posted and get a sense of who is coming out to the event.

Although i would prefer the old system if i had a choice.

http://clevelandclix.myfreeforum.org/index.php

[ThwartHog]

So the store locator is getting close to being finished and at the most basic level that locator will help you (or new customers) find out where to BUY HeroClix. We're looking at ways to put in a "lite" scheduling system but it dawned on my as I got an email from my NY Board Game Meetup.com group - Why not use Meetup.com or Facebook Events?

Each has it's PROs and CONs - so I am asking you, how do you keep your groups informed? Does you system have a calendar, group email and RSVP system?

Any specific thoughts on Meetup or Facebook? I like Meetup's calendar and RSVP system- although FB has similar functionality, I just don't feel as hooked in.

Let me know what you think.


BTW - I have a couple of different ideas on how to implement an event scheduler - We can either have the store setup a group as part of the store setup process, or have the Envoy/Judge/TO setup groups and attach them to stores (with the stores permission). Again PROs and CONs to each. Feel free to chime in on that idea too.

Discuss & suggest.....

As long as it is linked to the Wizkidsgames website I'm all for it. Meetup looks simpler to use to me, but I know that a lot of people already use Facebook so that would be okay too.

[Lofcutus]

You know what. this thread has been great for no other reason than to show off what the envoys and venues are doing to promote their events even in the absence of an official locator.

Even when that come online these supplemental methods of event promotion will be useful.

[HeroclixFrank]

I liked the way the old WizKids did it. It was simple (as a player) for me to find a game outside of my area whenever I would visit relatives in another state, or felt like an adventure traveling to a nearby city to play against people I never played against before.

And it was a lifesaver when I wasn't going to be able to hit the local venues during the justice league sealeds, and went to Cincinnati to play on a weeknight that I COULD make it to. I was still able to get my starro Flash fig without any problem, and played against a new bunch of nice guys.

Good times......

[capsshield]

If you are in some kind of info loop 3rd party sites work, but if you are not in that loop finding a place and time is tough. Finding those loops to get into can also be tough.

When this game started I used the wizkids store locator and event scheduler a lot. Venues come and go. I can name a dozen stores that are no longer running, have moved, changed owners, or left Heroclix. I could look months in advance and secure a place especially for major events like pre-releases or marques.

The problem of event scheduling is that it doesn't exist.

The number one reason I am not playing Heroclix today is being able to find a place that is close and runs a tournament that I can attend. Many of the venues that used to run events no longer run them, or are thinking of maybe running some at a later date. Some are glad they no longer have to bother with it.

I do not want to work all day and then rush to some store, skip dinner and stand for 3 hours to play a game. A lot of people work 9-5 mon. - fri. and do not want to skip dinner and neglect their wife and kids for an entire day.

I don't want to drive 50 miles to play Heroclix and I don't want to play after I've put 10 hours into going to work, working, and going home.
Wizkids is nuts if they think the aging players playing this game are not growing and developing families. Players need the flexibility that a company run site can help them access.

Some thoughts for anyone who cares to reads this:

If you run tournaments at a scheduled time and never change your schedule you exclude players that can not make those time.

All venues interested in building a player base should run tournaments with two judges, if a judge is not flexible for scheduling reasons.

one for weekend players and one for weeknight players.

Changing the night of the week or weekend days once in a while also helps people that must work at the times you run those events as well.

I live in the Aurora area outside of Chicago. There is a store that runs tournaments on Thursday nights. The Judge is a great Judge, but his scheduling won't permit him to run events during the weekends. That means I have to find another location to play. Does that mean I've got to join two, three, four or maybe even ten social networks to find a place to play thats convienient to me. The chicagoland area is huge, and I have no clue who is running tournaments again and where and when

Wizkids is nuts if they expect new players to do that kind of work.

The goal should be to have a product that is easy to buy and easy to use.

Sold out product and limited tournament play seem to contradict this.

Remember new guy night. That spirit is what will grow this game.

Wizkids needs to accomodate its customers and nothing less than that is acceptable. Get your scheduling system up and running so that us players can use your product when we want, not when it's convienient for some judge and his group of players.

I wish that every venue would have a clerk or owner that would take the time to learn enough about the rules so that they were not 100% reliant on local judges and able to run events on off days that a judge can't run events for, and that wizkids would take this into account when working on prize support.

Right now I have no idea of where to find a venue that is playing on the weekends so I guess if any chicagoland players want to send me a link to a social network that tracks local events I'm interested.

[Blubeard]

huh somehow i missed this thread before now!

i have used a mass email for about 4 years now. i occasionally have to trim a few names out

for the few without regular e-mail access, they have my phone numbers or will make sure to get the info at previous meetings.

i write up a flyer each month and mass e-mail it to everyone on the list

I'm not keen on third party sites. while some of my regulars use and enjoy facebook, ive been avoiding it like the evil plague that it is (although with my sister's new baby and her putting pics up there, i might cave) and others as well want nothing to do with it

i also don't like the concept of directing new players to multiple sites to get into the info flow

and honestly, people still put down their old WK IDs on the tourney slips (i still have ones that were created pre topp/wk from a buddy that tested printers at xerox...although i think im almost thru the 600 sheets of 3 he gave me :D )

either way tho, I'm very excited about a central WK event location

[Azrael0626]

If you are in some kind of info loop 3rd party sites work, but if you are not in that loop finding a place and time is tough. Finding those loops to get into can also be tough.

When this game started I used the wizkids store locator and event scheduler a lot. Venues come and go. I can name a dozen stores that are no longer running, have moved, changed owners, or left Heroclix. I could look months in advance and secure a place especially for major events like pre-releases or marques.

The problem of event scheduling is that it doesn't exist.

The number one reason I am not playing Heroclix today is being able to find a place that is close and runs a tournament that I can attend. Many of the venues that used to run events no longer run them, or are thinking of maybe running some at a later date. Some are glad they no longer have to bother with it.

I do not want to work all day and then rush to some store, skip dinner and stand for 3 hours to play a game. A lot of people work 9-5 mon. - fri. and do not want to skip dinner and neglect their wife and kids for an entire day.

I don't want to drive 50 miles to play Heroclix and I don't want to play after I've put 10 hours into going to work, working, and going home.
Wizkids is nuts if they think the aging players playing this game are not growing and developing families. Players need the flexibility that a company run site can help them access.

Some thoughts for anyone who cares to reads this:

If you run tournaments at a scheduled time and never change your schedule you exclude players that can not make those time.

All venues interested in building a player base should run tournaments with two judges, if a judge is not flexible for scheduling reasons.

one for weekend players and one for weeknight players.

Changing the night of the week or weekend days once in a while also helps people that must work at the times you run those events as well.

I live in the Aurora area outside of Chicago. There is a store that runs tournaments on Thursday nights. The Judge is a great Judge, but his scheduling won't permit him to run events during the weekends. That means I have to find another location to play. Does that mean I've got to join two, three, four or maybe even ten social networks to find a place to play thats convienient to me. The chicagoland area is huge, and I have no clue who is running tournaments again and where and when

Wizkids is nuts if they expect new players to do that kind of work.

The goal should be to have a product that is easy to buy and easy to use.

Sold out product and limited tournament play seem to contradict this.

Remember new guy night. That spirit is what will grow this game.

Wizkids needs to accomodate its customers and nothing less than that is acceptable. Get your scheduling system up and running so that us players can use your product when we want, not when it's convienient for some judge and his group of players.

I wish that every venue would have a clerk or owner that would take the time to learn enough about the rules so that they were not 100% reliant on local judges and able to run events on off days that a judge can't run events for, and that wizkids would take this into account when working on prize support.

Right now I have no idea of where to find a venue that is playing on the weekends so I guess if any chicagoland players want to send me a link to a social network that tracks local events I'm interested.

I am not trying to sound rude here, but why should a judge with an already established player base and set tournament schedule change everything around for just you? I am all about inviting new players to join my events and believe the more the merrier, but I am not going to inconvenience my players and my store because it does not work with one player's schedule. If it is a matter of half an hour or so and doesn't conflict with the players that already play there or the store's other scheduled events, then it may not be a completely unreasonable request. Just because you work a regular 9 to 5 job during the week doesn't mean that everyone else does, including judges. Now before you jump down my throat just know that I work during the week at a very stressful and demanding job and also have a family at home that I need to take care of and want to spend time with. Therefore, I run my events on Saturday's at noon every week. A friend of mine that is also a judge runs his events on Thursday's at 6:00 p.m. I don't get the chance to play in his events for basically the same reasons you mentioned. I work all day, have to pick up my daughter everyday and then come home to see my family and eat. By the time I am done it is too late, but his work schedule doesn't allow him to play at my venue either, so he does what works for him, his store and his players. I don't expect him to change the schedule at his store that he has been running at for awhile now just so I can play there. Events are scheduled for a certain time because it is the most convenient for the store, judge and majority of the players. To change it up to try and include new players would just exclude the already existing ones. Many venues only have one judge if they are lucky which is a volunteer position, so if someone is donating their free time to run these tournaments, it should be when it is convenient for them. You also fail to take into consideration that if a store is lucky enough to get prize support, that it is only enough for one tournament a week. Running multiple tournaments a week would only deplete the support much faster.

If you wanted to play bad enough you could find a way. You could re-arrange your schedule rather than asking everyone else to. You could speak with the local judge about possibly moving the time of his tournaments up a bit if it would be convenient for all parties involved, so that you could play. You may have to put off dinner until later, but that is a small sacrifice for something you really want to do once a week. As I have stated over and over on this thread, but people refuse to recognize. Yes, the old Wizkids system for locating tournaments was the best and it looks like they will be doing something similar again, but we don't have that option right now. This thread is full of suggestions to locating local events. It's really not difficult. There is a separate section here on the realms for Tournaments and Events as well as a variety of other suggestions from fellow players and judges. If none of this works for you, then you can always just learn the rules, find a store and run your own events at a time that is convenient for you.

[KillerSavage]

The best way is tie the shoe strings together on a pair of shoes and throw them onto some telephone/power lines. This way people will know clix is played somewhere on that street. ;)

[Ziran]

I have a lot of reading to do.

I appreciate the candid replies and I intend on reading everyone as we go through the program development.

-Justin

[soxolas]

Currently, the HC community at our venue has a Yahoo group as the chief means for getting the word out about related news and upcoming events (and enabling players to respond with some back-and-forth communication).

But to broaden the scope and attract new players, I'd vote for reviving the WK event/venue locator. Certainly, that would be an ideal way to go with someone who has just bought their first booster and sees the site printed on the box.

Of course, there's something to be said for local promotions, too. In my own case, I discovered HC and my first venue while walking around at a street fair, where that store was exhibiting the game along with comic books, etc.

The rest is history...:cool:

[krisd34]

Msg posted twice so deleted this one

[krisd34]

I have created a website for the 2 venues that i judge at just for the heroclix tournaments and have a system set up to text/call people or email them and then also i post the tournaments up for both venues at the venues even have a forum for us to talk on through my webpage that i created for the venues heroclix tournaments....

:bolt: every few weeks i try finding new ways to get people from posting on fbook to myspace....:bolt:

[Azrael0626]

I have created a website for the 2 venues that i judge at just for the heroclix tournaments and have a system set up to text/call people or email them and then also i post the tournaments up for both venues at the venues even have a forum for us to talk on through my webpage that i created for the venues heroclix tournaments....

:bolt: every few weeks i try finding new ways to get people from posting on fbook to myspace....:bolt:

Good for you for using so many outlets to reach out to your players and to advertise for possible new players.

[wonderboy]

I have a lot of reading to do.

I appreciate the candid replies and I intend on reading everyone as we go through the program development.

-Justin

How come it's been almost a month since this was last touched on? Has there been any progress on the Store Locate Function for the website?

[Angafea]

I would prefer a method as close to the old one as possiable, one stop Heroclixing, and leave the promotion on Facebook either seperate or in additon to the base site.

[markrochip]

I send a weekly email to my venue's players.

My venue's owner informs customers buying (or even looking at) Clix that we run weekly games.

Haven't had any new players for quite some time, though. Our newest player started at the release of Arkham Asylum.

[Espada06GrimmJow]

Good luck, I sincerely hope it all works out for the best in your areas!

In our area it is a really simple procedure. Clix come into the store with the prize / promotional kits; hold no tournaments and do not hand out any maps or promotional items to people who buy a case or brick, head to eBay to make some more money instead of rewarding your customers who bought product to win prizes.

Sorry to put a wet blanket on this, but way to many areas ... not just mine did this with the HoT release. Heck when WK went belly up after AA?? Venue owners and judges just kept most of the prizes/ sold on eBay / gave them to their friends without holding a tournament. And the phrase was uttered by all when asked about this behavior: "What are you going to do? Report me to Wizkids?" While they laughed their butt off.

It's too bad, as some of the Brave and the Bold set looks nice. Just everyone gave up around here. I've played a couple of times after buying a brick and a half of HoT which has just been sitting in a box since December. Everyone went to video games. I won't be bothering with the set, no one plays. I just will get some singles off eBay. Along with the next prizes etc etc which stores will pocket.

To all the honest venues/ judges? Sincerely hope you get a working system. My two cents is: if no venue could show kits went out for actual prize support? They should be banned from getting any again. So other honest areas can more prizes for more tournaments, fellowship and thus have bigger turnouts. And finally start busting on these eBay auctions.

[VGA d1sc1pL3]

I liked the way the old WizKids did it. It was simple (as a player) for me to find a game outside of my area whenever I would visit relatives in another state, or felt like an adventure traveling to a nearby city to play against people I never played against before.

Yes, the old WizKids system was perfect. Just log in, type in a zip code or city, and there you go.

Why fix something that isn't broken?

[unsung hero]

Little Shop of Magic
4160 S. Durango Dr. #120
Las Vegas, Nevada
702-307-6127
JUDGE: unsung hero (Jeff)
Currently meeting on Wednsdays at 5pm to 8pm

[richpizor]

Any specific thoughts on Meetup or Facebook? I like Meetup's calendar and RSVP system- although FB has similar functionality, I just don't feel as hooked in.

Frankly neither of these would help my venue much. My players are mostly older, mostly don't have smart phones, and mostly don't fall into the constant contact demographic.

[fecundity]

Yes, the old WizKids system was perfect. Just log in, type in a zip code or city, and there you go.

Why fix something that isn't broken?

The old system is broken, though. I mean - when was the last time you were able to log on? It's been years!

Even if they have all of the code for the old system available, they would need programmers to get it installed somewhere and maintain it. Just turning back the clock to the old days - so that things are exactly like they were - is not really an option.

I primarily schedule events at my venue by sending out a monthly e-mail. The store owner posts the list of scenarios at the store.

[richpizor]

I primarily schedule events at my venue by sending out a monthly e-mail.

Exactly. and I take pains to make sure i get the email addresses of new players.

[Petros76]

Although the judge from my venue uses facebook, not all the guys at the venue have or want it. Most if not all prefered the Wizkids site to schedule and find events which was great. I know I would like to search for games and events on there as well.
Thanks for listening.

[anonym0use]

I won't use facebook for various reasons (though mostly because I can't/shouldn't sign on at work).

[Valtz]

Yes, the old WizKids system was perfect. Just log in, type in a zip code or city, and there you go.

Why fix something that isn't broken?

I would like to keep this idea rolling. It'd be nice if new wizkids would pick up on this idea. Hopefully they may already be trying to make a system like this. Granted that's just wild guessing

[Puuka]

Yes, the old WizKids system was perfect. Just log in, type in a zip code or city, and there you go.

Why fix something that isn't broken?

I wouldn't say it was perfect. I didn't work for anyplace outside of the US. The best I was able to do was search my province and weed out the other cities that were not close (when there were 7 active venues in the area, it was a pain sometimes).

[Blubeard]

last week my mother had knee surgery so i went back home to help.

before i left i went to the new heroclix.com and did a search. found 2 venues listed. called the first one and they "don't even carry heroclix" the second one did and had a conveniently timed event for me. i made a team and brought it with me.

so at least on one level it is working already :)

[fewilcox]

I created a facebook group for my events. Though I still want to be able to schedule events through the WizKids website, so more people will know about it than just the few I tell. Whatever the functionality is, I'll deal with it.That's me in a nutshell. Our FB group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=377662180137) is working pretty well except that one of my players, for reasons of his own, absolutely refuses to join FB (which is perfectly fine) so it would be really nice to have an official method of event registration.

I use the venue's own message board (http://www.buymetoys.com/BB/viewforum.php?f=9&sid=e0e2342f8b610da72d590b1fd4f0a710) and for the whole city a blog that I [barely] maintain with a google calendar attached to it. (http://michianaclix.blogspot.com/)Boy I sure feel stupid now. The Venue has a message board and I'm a FREAKING MODERATOR. Sheesh. I guess I've got a way to inform my non-FB player now.

[Typhon]

You know; since everyone is already a member here ... why don't I just set it up here? Already have a calendar system; already have a groups system (that we're about tie into a venue list) ... seems like a pretty simple solution.

[Faster Than Flash]

You know; since everyone is already a member here ... why don't I just set it up here? Already have a calendar system; already have a groups system (that we're about tie into a venue list) ... seems like a pretty simple solution.

If you need help integrating it with googlecal let me know

[Norym]

You know; since everyone is already a member here ... why don't I just set it up here? Already have a calendar system; already have a groups system (that we're about tie into a venue list) ... seems like a pretty simple solution.


Great idea.





Is it ready yet?







How about now?






Now?








I tortured my parents on the way to vacation. :noid:

[wonderboy]

You know; since everyone is already a member here ... why don't I just set it up here? Already have a calendar system; already have a groups system (that we're about tie into a venue list) ... seems like a pretty simple solution.

Would love that. Just get something up soon please. Clix has all but died in my area thanks to lack of a way to spread the word there are tournaments out there. I know there's players that would come if they knew about it. We just need a tool to get that word out.

[RavenProject]

You know; since everyone is already a member here ... why don't I just set it up here? Already have a calendar system; already have a groups system (that we're about tie into a venue list) ... seems like a pretty simple solution.
"Everyone" isn't a member here.

When someone picks up Clix for the first time, they're going to hit the WizKids site. While I'd love to pick up existing Realms members who may not know about the Venue(s) I run, I'm even more concerned about new players who hit WizKids' sites for information.

It's worth doing, mind you. But if you could get NECA!WK to link over to the Realms' system, then I'd be even more excited.

-J

[Behemoth]

Whatever system gets used it must be easy to find via the Wizkids home page. At minium a Store Locator/Tournament Locator button on the front page next to the gallery and download buttons that links to the system that gets used.

I have been back playing for 2 months now and it is a pain to find venues in Indianapolis w/o googling all the gaming stores and then searching through each one individually. I miss the old system.

[PhantomX]

Facebook, Email, and a Gaming Board at Kow.