Friday, October 31, 2008

MicroWarpCast - Episode #3

This 3rd edition of the MicroWarpCast podcast is a bit special as I mentioned earlier today. Though we recorded our parts indivualy without the presence of the other, I still think that the overall results are decent and that it's still a good show.

EVE Forums link
VirginWorlds link
iTunes link
Box.net link


Well maybe except for my two lame jokes on the Orca being a mammal. You be the judge!

Description
MicroWarpCast is an EVE Online podcast hosted by David "CrazyKinux" Perry and Tom "YoMma" Yeates. Each week we bring you the latest EVE news, blogs, articles and general information to help you keep up to date with the latest in game and community events. 'MicroWarpCast - Speedlinking New Eden' is part of the Virgin Worlds MMO Podcast Collective.

Episode 3 - Show Notes

1) Introduction

2) Some corrections and Apologies
3) What are we doing in EVE and what other games are we playing?

4) Big Announcement
  • The Blog Banter was launched Wednesday – 19 bloggers take on Ambulation.
  • Going to Fanfest next week

5) The Speedlinking New Eden Segment

6) Blog of the Week
7) Listeners Mail

8) How to contact us

microwarpcast@gmail.com

crazykinux@gmail.com
or
theyomma@gmail.com

Visit our blogs at

http://www.crazykinux.com

or
http://emptiness.spilt-milk.org/

or on twitter

http://twitter.com/CrazyKinux or http://twitter.com/yoMma

9) Acknowledgments

10) Music by

Hope you enjoyed the show and let us know what you thought!

EVE Online Speedlinking for October 31st, 2008


It's been another one of those crazy weeks for EVE news, though it was kind of expected being so close to Fanfest 2008. CCP has been coming out with Dev Blogs like there's no tomorrow. I'm particularly excited about the Blockade Runners and Deep Space Transports as reported in Rollin' Rollin' Rollin' by CCP Chronotis. Things look very promising for the Industrialists of New Eden.

In other developments, the next episode of MicroWarpCast will have a slightly different format - YoMma and I will record our own parts and through the magic of editing, I'll combine the two. We were all set up to record the show last night, when my smaller half-clone experienced what could be described as night terrors. And so I spent the next 90 minutes, trying to put her back to sleep. Which I eventually did, but the window for our recording of show #3 was over.

I'm just about to record my part, and will then spend the next day or so editing the show to be released over the week-end. So please bare with us for this different format.

On to the news...


New Blogs:

EVE and Homeworld:

From CCP Games Dev Blogs:

Over at Massively:

EVE Online News:

EVE Blogosphere:
Happy Halloween and fly safe!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

EVE Blog Banter #1: Exotic Dancers, Corporate Meetings & more


Welcome to the first installment of the EVE Blog Banter, the monthly EVE Online blogging extravaganza created by CrazyKinux. The EVE Blog Banter involves an enthusiastic group of gaming bloggers, a common topic within the realm of EVE Online, and a week to post articles pertaining to the said topic. The resulting articles can either be short or quite extensive, either funny or dead serious, but are always a great fun to read! Any questions about the EVE Blog Banter should be directed here. Check out other EVE Blog Banter articles at the bottom of this post!

This month's topic comes to us from PsycheDiver: Ambulation: What are your hopes for your avatar and new functionality of stations?

When I first heard of Ambulation back in May of last year, I was truly floored. I mean here, finally, one could stretch his or her legs outside their capsule, walk around in those vast and fascinating stations and explore every nook and cranny.

Over time, CCP provided us with bits and pieces of what was to come. And still is, since Ambulation will not be the next expansion. But that leaves room for dreams and caviar wishes. From what we know so far, and what we've been allowed to see, CCP have done a great job at trying to achieve a look and feel that should be quite immersive, as well as impressive.

Getting back to PsycheDiver's question, there are a plethora of things I'd like to be able to do, to see, to experience and to learn through Ambulation. As some of you know, I'm a carebear. And proud to be one! As such, the possibility of spending time in a station, interacting with other players, is something that I'm looking forward to.

But what of these interactions? What to do? As CCP have stated in the past, Ambulation must have a purpose, must add to the game experience. Otherwise it's just a glorified chat room, and the channel do a fine job at that.


So what would I like to be able to do? I'd like to see stations inhabited by lots of NPCs and other players. Not because I want to interact with all these non-players, but simply because as stations are huge facilities, I expect to see lots of people walking around going about their business.

I'd like to see definite differences in the look, feel and configuration for each of the Races stations. I expect to be awed by the cathedral look of the Amarr stations, to be impressed with the military-like efficiency of the Caldari stations, to feel the gritty, minimalist approach of Minmatar stations and to feel at home in a Gallente station.

I also want to be able to quickly and easily access Phoenix Labs corporate offices. To be able to meet and discuss upcoming operations with my corp mates. I'd like to have private quarters that I can customize and invest in. After visiting my corps office, I would expect to be able to visit a few local bars and clubs, discuss the current political situation with fellow capsuleer, engage with a few agents while I'm there, all to the sound of background music and exotic dancers doing their stuff.

CCP has a chance here, to create a whole new aspect of the game, one which would allow part of the player community to experience a different kind of EVE. Of course, PVP and fleet battles will still be core to the game, but so much more could be done through Ambulation.

Just imagine the setting.

Your sitting down a table in a bar, playing Texas Hold 'em and chatting away with three other corp mates, when all of a sudden, walks in 20 capsuleers shouting and laughing, having just returned from a successful fleet battle. What if you could eavesdrop on their conversation, learn the location where the fighting happened, then head out on a little scavenging operation.

Or here's another one.

You're sitting in the corp office, doing some of the paper work, when a customer walks in, asking to see the latest builds. Having run a quick check on his credentials (yeah, he's got the ISK), you offer him a visit of the back store, where he can see the latest available merchandise; ships, ammo, modules.


These are but a few of the (long term) possibilities Ambulation could allow, and I look forward to all of them. In just over a week, I'll have a chance to experience Ambulation in its current state. I expect to be amazed by it, as I've often been with the work done by the folks at CCP.

I know I'll be like a kid in a candy store, running all over, excited and overjoyed. Suffice to say, I'm looking forward to it!



Participants:

Sunday, October 26, 2008

EVE Blog Pack Profile: Dee Carson


Here below is the another profile of one of 30 EVE Blog Pack members. I wish the idea for these profiles was mine, but it's not. This was first conceived by none other then Wilhelm2451, The Ancient Gaming Noob, as he is fondly known. Make sure you also check out Mynxee's profile over at EVE Network News and Morphisat's profile at The Ancient Gaming Noob.

More profiles to come over the next few weeks!


Name/Handle: Dee Carson

Blog site: A Miner With Fangs

Faction: None

When did you start playing EVE: October 2006

What brought you to EVE:
The changes to US laws that made playing online poker for real money so difficult (if not illegal) sent me looking for another recreational activity. Although I had been an avid gamer for many years, I had never participated in an MMOG. I tried a few, including WoW, but nothing really clicked. I don’t care for mindless grinding where you can buy a game guide at Bookstop & have all you need to know.

I stumbled upon EVE because of a web item that discussed the player-based economy, requiring that the players build what the players need in a free market economy. That was the hook that made me look deeper & see that many of the things I disliked about the other MMOGs that I had tried were absent in EVE. No shards. I didn’t have to mindlessly grind to progress skills and I had complete freedom to choose the kind of character I would have.

Play style:
I suppose you’d call me a generalist. I started as a miner (and my skill plan is pointed toward the much rumored Orca!), but I’m at least conversant in most of the major professions in Eve because of my role at Eve University. My wallet is supported by mining and production, with a little missioning with students thrown in for variety. When conflict arises, I’ll be there in a Falcon or Scorpion, frying eyeballs while the rest of the fleet does the DPS.

What keeps you playing EVE:
Two things. First of all, EVE remains the most interesting game I’ve ever played. It’s the strategy, tactics, weapons and platforms of Harpoon, mixed with the social aspects of Second Life, surrounding an economic system that is so close to real world supply and demand theory that it is studied by the real world as an dynamic, real time economic simulation. Beautiful graphics, in-depth content, sand-box play. Even with all its warts, EVE Online is unmatched as the most immersive MMOG in play today.

But that’s not the most important thing that keeps me playing.

For me, it’s all about the people. Starting with Morning Maniac, the founder and CEO of Eve University, the corporation where I currently serve as Director of Operations, the day-to-day steward of Morning Maniac’s vision. More than four years ago, Morning Maniac felt the frustration of new Eve pilots who found the complexity of the Eve Universe and the intimidating nature of the dark and dangerous setting. Rather than seeing these confused, vulnerable new pilots as prey or as a resource to be exploited, Morning Maniac saw them as students anxious to learn, but unsure of the next step.

That vision led Morning Maniac to found Eve University with a unique, and seemingly contradictory, mission. Eve University would teach any new pilot who wanted to learn, any of the various areas of interest for as long as he/she wanted to stay and then wish him/her well when they decided the time had come to move on. Students would receive skillbooks, ships, modules and instruction without charge or obligation. No forced servitude, no mandatory ops, no onerous tax levels. A group founded on the idea that their members would not stay! By design, they would be around for a short time and then move on. True altruism in a game? In a game that allowed piracy, griefing, scams, espionage and all manner of dirty tricks? It would never work! It can’t be self-sustaining!

Only, it has and it is.

More than four years later, Morning Maniac’s selfless vision remains. Eve University teaches PvP, PvE, mining, production, research, exploration, trading and all the subsets of those general areas. With more than a thousand members, we remain politically neutral, with friends and alumni in all major corporations, alliances and power blocks inside the Eve Universe.
That vision served me in the beginning and introduced me to some wonderful people from all around the world. I never envisioned a ‘game’ that would bring me friends literally from all around the world. Danes, Englishmen, Canucks, Aussies, Brazilians and all the rest. College students, service men (and women), business owners, butchers, bakers & candlestick makers. Young enough to be my children and peers with grey hair. Outlandish to conservative, prim to bawdy, serious to playful. A true slice of humanity. These are my corp mates, my friends, those that I serve and those that serve with me. They are the real reason that I keep playing Eve instead of taking up golf. Again.

What do you write about EVE:
Before I started Miner With Fangs a year ago, I had never kept a diary or journal, much less blogged. It started as a response to a request from our students to know more about the members of leadership.

I use the blog for many purposes:
What do you want people to know about EVE:
No matter what your personality, your play style or your time zone, there is a place for you in Eve. Pirate or producer. Miner or mission runner. Researcher or reprobate. There is a place for you.

Oh, that and, interweb spac3S4ipz iz serious business!

Friday, October 24, 2008

EVE Online Speedlinking for October 24th, 2008


OK, this must have to do with the ramp up to EVE Fanfest or some highly contagious hyperactivity amongst the EVE Bloggers out there, but this week again saw a tremendous activity of EVE Online related news. And this, despite (or maybe actually because) of the the new Star Wars: The Old Republic announced by LucasArts and Bioware, my fellow Canuck Developers!

The 3rd episode of MicroWarpCast will not get published this week-end, but somewhere towards the beginning of next week. Both YoMma and I have RL duties that prevented us from recording our podcast this week. But do not worry, we'll be back next week!

Until then, here are your linkies!!


New Blogs:

New Alliance:

From CCP Games Dev Blogs:

Over at Massively:

EVE Online News:

EVE Blogosphere:

Fly Safe, but have fun!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Blog Banter #9: The Timeless Appeal of Homeworld


Welcome to the latest installment of Blog Banter, the monthly blogging extravaganza created by bs angel and coordinated by Game Couch. Blog Banter involves our cozy community of enthusiastic gaming bloggers, a common topic, and a week to post articles pertaining to said topic. The results are quite entertaining and can range from deep insight to ROFLMAO. Any questions about Blog Banter should be directed here. Check out other Blog Banter articles at the bottom of this post!

This month's topic comes from the lovely and talented Lou Lantos of Lou Chou Loves You.

Are there any video games that possess a timeless appeal? Games that, despite constant advances in technology, retain a game engine or narrative that will forever be relevant. If so, why?


It's almost 10 years old, does not have an intro CG movie, ran on a Pentium II with a measly 32Mb of RAM & a 4Mb PCI video card, and by today's standard it's ancient video game history. But still, Homeworld has, and always will, have that special place, that everlasting appeal to those of us lucky enough to have gone home, to Hiigara.

As I prepared my notes for this banter, as I yet again played a mission in this award winning space RTS, I couldn't put my finger on that one reason why this game has had such an impact on me, that a almost a decade later it will still pull me in for a few hours of fun and immersion.

Could it be the opening sequence? A set of simple flash-like grey & white animations that tells a story of legend, prophecy and promise. The soothing voice of the narrator, the appeal of a peoples struggle to reclaim their place amongst the stars? Or maybe it's the music. That brilliant piece of Samuel Barber's Agnus Dei, the choral version of his Adagio for Strings?


Or maybe the actual gameplay? That innate perception that you, the player, are truly controlling the lives and fate of the last few survivor of a civilization?

I still couldn't make up my mind. I'm still too emotionally attached to the game. Homeworld was the first game (the only one come to think of it) that touched me on an emotional level.

I won't argue or try to convince you that this game is the best game ever made. What I will tell you is that a decade-old game, with sub-par graphic standards as compared to today's, can still give me goose bumps and get me to play for hours. To you the developers out there, you ask, "Can games be emotionally charged and touch players in ways other art forms can?", I say yes. Some have already. It's up to you to start giving us games that reach out in ways Homeworld has for some of us.

Related links:
Participants:

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

EON #013 - Table of Content

Last Friday, after what seemed to be the longest wait ever, I finally got my copy of the 13th issue of EON.

You figure that Europe must be moving away from North America, because it takes less time to travel to the moon and back, then it does to ship a magazine across the Atlantic!

But anyways, enough of my whining! This latest is full of great articles, chronicles and more. The Insider's Guide on Factional Warfare, the economy and cartography are brilliant pieces. There's also tidbits of information on the EVE RPG and board game (Conquest), EVE Tribune and of course the main article on Quantum Rise, the next expansion.



I have yet read the chronicles, which returned in this issue - The High Garden and Before - but I promised to let you know my thoughts once I have. I can't wait for the special "EON Chronicles" issue to come out. EVE Fiction FTW!!

Table of Content - EON 013

  • Page 6 --- E-ON Upfront (News)
  • 14 ---- EVE Quarterly Report - On the Alliance Warfare
  • 16 ---- Postcards from the Edge (Screen shots)
  • 21 ---- In Character: LoxyRider
  • 22 ---- Alliance Profile: Caeruleum Alliance
  • 24 ---- In Crowd: James "CCP Mindstar" Wyld
  • 26 ---- Chronicles: The High Garden by Nixon Bardsley
  • 30 ---- The EVE Tribune Story
  • 37 ---- In Character: Tusko Hopkins
  • 38 ---- Cover Feature: The Bottom Line
  • 44 ---- Alliance Profile: Mercenary Coalition (MC)
  • 46 ---- Chronicles: Before by Nick Blood
  • 50 ---- In Crowd: Shay "CCP Lingorm" McAuly
  • 52 ---- In Character: Hexx
  • 54 ---- Testflight: Vexor Navy issue, Osprey Navy issue, Stabber Fleet issue & Omen Navy issue
  • 62 ---- Alliance Profile: Paxton Federation (PXF)
  • 64 ---- Insider's Guide: Factional Warfare
  • 70 ---- Insider's Guide: EVE Cartography
  • 74 ---- Insider's Guide: EVE Economy
  • 80 ---- EVE Directory
  • 82 ---- Teh Funnies (EVE Humour)
Let me leave you with this: the EVE Fanfest is just shy of 14 days from now - that's two weeks people! I can't wait!!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

MicroWarpCast - Episode #2

The second episode of MicroWarpCast is a bit of a behemoth at just shy of 70 minutes. That's part of why it's coming out today and not on Saturday, as I had wished. This week's EVE news was prolific and so it explains why YoMma and I want over an hour to go through it all.

EVE Forums link
VirginWorlds link
iTunes link
Box.net link


Nevertheless I think it's a good show, full a great news and some chunky discussions. Did I just write chunky? So it seems...

Description
MicroWarpCast is an EVE Online podcast hosted by David "CrazyKinux" Perry and Tom "YoMma" Yeates. Each week we bring you the latest EVE news, blogs, articles and general information to help you keep up to date with the latest in game and community events. 'MicroWarpCast - Speedlinking New Eden' is part of the Virgin Worlds MMO Podcast Collective.

Episode 2 - Show Notes

1) Introduction

2) Some background on our names

3) What are we doing in EVE and what other games are we playing?

4) Big Announcement
5) The Speedlinking New Eden Segment
6) Hot Topic
7) Blog of the Week
8) How to contact us
  • microwarpcast@gmail.com
  • crazykinux@gmail.com
    or
  • theyomma@gmail.com
Visit our blogs at
or on twitter
9) Acknowledgments

Thanks to our listeners for all their encouragements and feedback. We greatly appreciate and keep it coming. Congratulations to the EVE Pack Members for their great contribution to the EVE blogging community. And finally thanks to all the new EVE bloggers out there and to the visitors of I May Find Peace Within The Emptiness…

Fly Safe, because flying recklessly is just too darn dangerous!!

EVE Blog Pack Profile: Colonel Roc Wieler


Here below is the first profile of 30 EVE Blog Pack member. I wish the idea for these profile was mine, but it's not. This was first conceived of by none other then Wilhelm2451, The Ancient Gaming Noob, as he is fondly known.

More profiles to come over the next few weeks!


Name/Handle: Colonel Roc Wieler

Blog URL: Roc's Ramblings at http://everamblings.wordpress.com

Faction: Minmatar Republic

Started EVE: 2006

What brought me here:
My love for science fiction has been something inspired in me since I first Star Wars at the theatre as a kid. I loved the richness of the mythology, the vastness of the universe; the true sense of wonder. So naturally, I played Star Wars Galaxies the day it came out. Played dedicated for five years. The last two years though, I noticed the game was continually being dumbed down. I hate dumbed down. I enjoy depth. Someone mentioned EVE Online to me, and well, been here ever since. Even gave up Star Wars for it, my childhood love.

Playstyle:
I am a Fleet Commander for the Tribal Liberation Force, as well as recently promoted to Fleet Commander in my corp, Freeform Industries. I do missions every now and then, but my real passion is the market. Both my alts are out of the box traders, and I really enjoy the cutthroat nature of doing business. I've never mined, never even opened research or industry, and have never managed a corp. One step at a time.

What keeps me playing:
Ironically, there are two things. The first is that you don't need to be here 23/7 for fear of missing out on some huge event. That flexibility combined with real time skill training (as opposed to mindless grinding) makes it great for me. During the week, I'm a casual player, and that's just fine. The second reason I've already mentioned indirectly. Depth. Vastness. Mythology. EVE Online is so comprehensive that I am STILL catching up on my reading, just to absorb myself deeper into this universe we call home.

What I write:
My personal blog is all in character (with occasional exception). My approach to writing is a little different than most I am told. I tend to merge real life happenings with in-game happenings, with a bit of complete fantasy mixed in to throw you off. So far, it's been fun. I am also a columnist over at EVE-Mag and hope to also get an article or two into EON Magazine. That would be something.

Other Interests:
I am also a co-developer for Capsuleer, the definitive iPhone application for EVE Online. I enjoy making 3D wallpapers as well, and have contributed some to the EVE Online galleries.

What you should know about EVE:
It's intimidating when you start; overwhelming actually. It's like learning a new Operating System and learning how to live in a completely new universe all at the same time. But stick with it, seriously. The rewards are worth it.

Friday, October 17, 2008

EVE Online Podcasts for the week of October 17th, 2008


During the last week 3 new podcasts were released, including the first episode of MicroWarpCast! YoMma and I are very excited about the new podcast we've just launched and recorded the 2nd episode on Friday morning.

I'm currently working on editing the show, though it's taking me longer than I would have liked. The reason is quite simple; there's been so much news over the last week that the show was longer then usual, thus longer to edit - check out this week's Speedlinking post.

So bare with me while I finish the editing and release the next one. In the mean time, have a listen to Fly Reckless #14 and the first ENN-TW show, Titan Weekly #15!

Enjoy!

EVE Online Speedlinking for October 17th, 2008


What a week! If you like EVE news, then the last 2 weeks have been awesome to say the least. It's been a busy week in terms of CCP Dev Blogs, with both the Ghost Training nerfing and the announcement of the Quantum Rise expansion. Add to that a busy week in the EVE blogosphere as well as game site news, and you've got yourself a few hours of reading ahead!

Finally, thank you all for the feedback you gave on our first episode of Micro Warp Cast; it was phenomenal. Thanks for letting YoMma and I know how you enjoyed the show and please keep you comments and feedback coming. That's how we'll improve!

Now on to the news...

New Blogs:
From CCP Games Dev Blogs:
Tools:
[EDIT: Added the QEN linky which came in after I had written this post. Thanks to Letrange and James Egan for the heads-up! And also added the 'Born Global' dev blog!]

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

EVE Ghostbusters!


It's well known that the EVE Online Forums are full of whiners! CCP unleashed a wild crowd of EVE Loonies on the forums when it announced that it would disable the ability to train skills on a suspended account.

This ability is - or actually, was - known as ghost training.

In EVE, characters train in real-time. A skill may take just a few minutes to train, or up to over a month to complete - a calendar month that is! Ghost training players would start to train say a 30-day skill on an account about to expire, then re-activate that account say, 28 days later. They'd conveniently get a free month of training on that character. It seems this practice was starting to look like a revenue-loss for CCP, and so, logically they changed their policy.

No active subscription, no training, thus no more ghost training.

I, along with my fellow EVE bloggers (Kirith, Ga'len, Ebonezer and Karox), agree with CCP's decision on this. Which isn't the case with the EVE Online forum trolls and their conspiracy-theory-lunatic-buddies. But we all knew they'd go banana over this didn't we!

It was about time CCP went Ghostbusters! And if these whiners threatening to leave New Eden over this actually do, I say good riddance!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some ghost zapping to do!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

I'm a sucker for sexy signature - Part Deux

Sexy, yes, but not the kind that is NSFW. More like sexy as in well done, nicely designed forum signatures. What did you expect? Now, I do have to say that Mynxee's and Deviana's signature did catch my there for a s!

Anyways, since I spend a fair amount of time roaming the EVE Online forums while the rest of you are sleeping, I do come across quite a lot of forum signature, most of which are rather lame - yeah Urban, you know yours it butt ugly! But some folks like to give theirs a special touch and these stick out like roses in a field of dandelions.

And if you're looking for Pat Un of this series, head over here!












So which one's your favorite?

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Relentless - an EVE Online RKK Video

I know I've already mentioned this little gem on last Friday's Speedlinking post, as well as on Micro Warp Cast Episode 1, but I still wanted to post it here. I like to be able to quickly get to these videos I've found and like a lot. And doing it through this blog and through my 'video' tag is quick and convenient.



The high quality version can be found here!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

MicroWarpCast - Episode #1

Well here it is - Episode 1 of the MicroWarpCast podcast. While waiting for the show to officially go up over at VirginWorlds, I've been playing around with my Box.net account, trying to add this first episode to my blog.

EVE Forums link
VirginWorlds link
iTunes link
Box.net link


Description
MicroWarpCast is an EVE Online podcast hosted by David "CrazyKinux" Perry and Tom "YoMma" Yeates. Each week we bring you the latest EVE news, blogs, articles and general information to help you keep up to date with the latest in game and community events. 'MicroWarpCast - Speedlinking New Eden' is part of the Virgin Worlds MMO Podcast Collective.

Episode 1 - Show Notes

1) Introduction

2) Concept behind this podcast

3) What are we doing in EVE and what other games are we playing?

4) The Speedlinking New Eden Segment
5) Article Discussion

6) Blog of the Week
7) How to contact us
  • microwarpcast[@]gmail.com
  • crazykinux[@]gmail.com
    or
  • theyomma[@]gmail.com
Visit us on our blogs at
or on Twitter
8) Acknowledgments

Brent from VirginWorlds, who’s been an inspiration and the spiritual father of this podcast. Please support our efforts here at VigirnWorlds.com.

AlienHand
for providing us with a track for this show.

And SeriousSally for the great logo!


Fly Safe and see you next week!

Friday, October 10, 2008

A New EVE Online Podcast - MicroWarpCast

I've teamed up with fellow blogger YoMma, to put together a new EVE Online podcast. Yeah, I know, I'm nuts!

The idea behind this project is to bring you the weekly Speedlinking News in an audio format. So for those on the road, who don't have the time to go through each weekly posts, YoMma and I come to the rescue with our audio version of your favorite EVE news round-up!

As I write this, the show has been uploaded to VirginWorlds.com's Podcast Collective, the FortNox of MMO podcasts! So I'm anxiously waiting for the show to go live and for you to provide us with your feedback and opinion.

I spent a few hours late last night, as well and a good part of today, editing and polishing it, adding music, and trying to put together a quality show. Hopefully, these efforts won't go to waste.

If it doesn't turn out like we wanted, it's all YoMma's fault for getting me into this mess... ...kidding!!!!

Now, the waiting and nail biting begins...

[EDIT: SeriousSally of ENN was kind enough to create a new logo for us. Thanks! - See the old here]

EVE Online Podcasts for the week of October 10, 2008


Only one new podcast was released this week, Fly Reckless #13. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Though the show was a bit longer-than-usual, it was nevertheless very entertaining. When you don't have the time to read everything, listening to it while you're tending to some other activities is a blessing.

There's nothing more enjoyable than traveling in New Eden or mining to the sound of of a great podcast!

Thank you sir for a great show.

Now off you go to listen to this fine gentleman's work, as I go back to editing the new podcast.

Fly Safe

[EDIT: I realized after the fact that WDA#42 was released last week, though I included it in this week's Speedlinking post. Well, consider this a freebie pimp guys!]

[MAJOR EDIT: At the time I wrote this post, I hadn't notice that Titan Weekly #14 had been released. Sorry about that Malnor. Hope this correction and edit makes-up for it!]

EVE Online Speedlinking for October 10th, 2008


Today marks the beginning of something new. There are currently 5 active EVE Online podcasts, all with their own unique coverage of the game we love so much. I've been thinking of doing some new podcast for the past few weeks now, something that would the equivalent of the VirginWorlds MMORPG News, but for New Eden. The concept behind the show will be explained later, in a separate post. For moment, think of it as an audio version of my Speedlinking posts, with some added gravy!

As you read this, I'm probably banging my head on my desk, trying to figure out how Audacity works to output a decent podcast. Hopefully I won't require stitches.

Enough of me, on to the news!


New Blogs:
Updated Blog URL addresses - make sure to update your RSS feed reader:
Fly Safe and wish me luck with the podcast editing!

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

The EVE Blog Banter


I've been participating in Hawty McBloggy's Blog Banter for some time now, and have thoroughly enjoyed writing for it and reading other bloggers posts. To put it simply, the 'Blog Banter' concept involves a cozy community of enthusiastic gaming bloggers, a common topic, and a week to post articles pertaining to said topic.

I've been thinking of putting together something similar but on EVE Online - an EVE Blog Banter. Basically, this would involved any gaming blogger out there willing to write about EVE Online on a particular subject proposed by one of the EVE Blog Banter members. Let me repeat that: this is open to any gaming blogger, whether or not they are part of the Blog Pack, the Player Blogroll or not, if they're willing to write about EVE, they're in!

So once a month, I would choose a particular subject within the realm of EVE Online to discuss. Each participating member would write his article, publish it on a chosen date and time, and send me a link to it (with the post's title). I would put a list of the links together and would then email that back to each member, who would add the list at the bottom of their post. Once this is done, it's typical for each member to drop by, read and comment other members posts.

It's a fun way to engage discussions with people who share the same interest (EVE Online) and enjoy writing about it.

Sounds interesting?

If this is something that you'd think you'd enjoy doing, then please email me (crazykinux [@] gmail.com) to be part of this - have "EVE Blog Banter" in your subject line.

If I get enough of these in the next few days, I'd like our first EVE Blog Banter to be published by end of next week!

Fly safe!

Monday, October 06, 2008

The Lag Monster - CCP Oughta Know


In view of the recent patches to cap the number of players in certain systems due to lag issues or reroute them around problem areas, as well as the similar problems faced by huge fleet battles, the video above is quite funny.

I just can't help but sing along, reading the authors alternate lyrics and having a blast at it!

I'm reassured though, knowing that CCP is working hard to try a kill the monster!

EVE Online Postcard for October 6th, 2008


When the new graphic engine was released during the Trinity patch, ships and stations got a major visual overhaul. Almost a year later, planets have yet to get their upgrades. You can't really tell from the screenshot above, but whenever you dock at a station that's close to a planet, the difference between station details and planets simply sticks out like a sore thumb.

I do know and agree that there are more important issues that needs CCP's attention, but I just can't wait when the whole EVE universe is running at Trinity 2.0 standards.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

100 Strong: The EVE Online Blogging Community


Today, the EVE Online Blogging Community achieved a major milestone: 100 blogs listed on the Player Blogroll. Now the list is far from complete, as I'm sure there are other blogs out there. But we the help of other fellow bloggers, we've identified our 100th fellow EVE blogger over the week-end. Just this past week, a total of 13 new blogs were added!

Some of the blogs listed have closed their doors, but since they're still accessible and can still provide a good story, I'm keeping them on this list. Now, for those unknown blogs, not listed here, I need everyone of you whose reading this, yes that's you, to be my eyes. If you come across a new EVE blog you've never seen before, please check the list, and if it's not there, leave a comment with the URL. I'll make sure to add it to the list.

Let's continue to share with the rest of the world, what an incredibly world EVE is, full of possibilities!

Keep writing, keep telling your stories!

Friday, October 03, 2008

EVE Online Speedlinking for October 3rd, 2008


It's been another crazy week in EVE news and activities. The EVE Blog Pack members were given some new guidelines to follow, and I must say, their response was amazing. I would not have expected anything less from them! Their hard word is starting to pay off and my EVE Spies tell me there are a few good surprises in the works for them! Stay tuned.

I'm also working on another secret EVE blogging project, one where pretty much any gaming blogger could participate in. Still have to iron out a few things, but you should see a post about it here soon. Hey, you can't stop me!

Now, for the news...


New Player Blogs:

Corporations:

From CCP Games:

EVE Online in the News:

Over at Massively:

In the EVE Blogosphere:

New Tools:

EVE Online Podcasts for the week of October 2nd, 2008




Another great week for EVE Online podcast fans, with the release of 3 new shows: Warp Drive Active #42, Titan Weekly #13 - including a 30min interview of CCP Greyscale - and Fly Reckless #12.

I know I used to publish each new episode on their own separate posts, but this takes a lot of time, and requires that I post them on their publication dates (or the day after), which is something that I can't always do, and certainly won't be able to do once I'm working full time again. Posting a weekly recap, as I do for the Speedlinking posts, works great in my opinion.

And while we're on the subject of podcasts, I just wanted to let you know that Crovan, Alsedrech and I are scheduled to record the next Drone Bay show (#16) this Sunday evening! Yes, you heard that right! The show will most likely not be live, but don't worry too much though. We do plan to have some of those Live events again in the near future.

So while you wait for The Drone Bay's next show, head over to these fine podcasts, have a listen, then comment and review them on iTunes and on their respective blogs!

EON Issue #013 should be on its way soon

Well it looks like the latest issue of my favorite magazine is about to ship out. The EON store was updated earlier this week, as was Zapatero's blog, who also got a major overhaul. Nice job Zapatero! Now you just need to find some time in your schedule to blog more often.

Getting back to EON though, it seems that we'll be getting a few more details on the upcoming Midas Expansion, which is the next one to be released. Where's Ambulation then? I can't wait for both, and though Ambulation will certainly add to the experience, Midas will have a greater impact on the game. As such, I can't wait to read about it and start planning for it.

Carebears FTW!

So here's what we can look forward to in this next issue:

SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE

The theme for this issue of E-ON is the economy. Yes, we know it's all doom and gloom in the real world, but in EVE things are actually doing OK. Thing is, not everyone understands how it all works, yet perhaps we all should, beyond the buy low/sell high mantra that some like to wheel out to prove they've got it all figured out.

Like some great unseen power, the economy of EVE surrounds and penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together. Luckily we've found someone who can teach us all about its mysterious ways without continually putting nouns before adjectives and spouting lots of voodoo nonsense... and he isn't all that diminutive either. And, no, we're not referring to CCP Chronotis, who kindly lets us in on CCP's thinking behind what will be the focus of the coming winter expansion, and why even those who might have already dismissed it as one for carebears should sit up and take notice.


CHRONICLES ARE BACK

After a short break from fiction last issue, we have two new Chronicles for you to enjoy - ‘The High Garden’ and ‘Before’. Not only that but all subscribers to the magazine will get a collection of six postcards adorned with classic E-ON Chronicle artwork sent for free with their caring, sharing E-ON. It's actually been a fair while since we gave away postcards - it was back with the second issue of E-ON in early 2006, which also had a great chronicle picture on page 56. No, wait, come back!


BIASNESS AS USUAL

The EVE Tribune has been reporting on what's been going on in and out of EVE almost as long as E-ON has, rummaging through the bins of EVE's rich and famous and upsetting all and sundry with war reports that may or may not be as accurate as some would like. Love 'em or hate 'em, they deserve a lot of respect though, and E-ON duly steps up to tell the tale of Tribune. Mr M doesn't reveal all on page three, but he comes close.


A GUIDING HAND

As if a guide to EVE's economy wasn't enough, we have Sivona trying out the best Faction Cruisers, a meandering and enlightening journey through Factional Warfare and a run through all the methods that you can employ to figure out where to go, and how to plan, in EVE should you be in travelling mood.


PLUS

Details of the EVE: Conquests board game The first Quarterly Alliance Report Profiles on Mercenary Coalition, Paxton Federation and Caeruleum Alliance CCP's Lingorm and Mindstar talk QA Jade Constantine's links (that sounds so wrong) ...and lots of other stuff

Don't forget those great, free Chronicle art postcards (for subscribers only)

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Have Clone, Should Travel.... more


I've been playing EVE for just over 4 years now. During the last two weeks, my corp and I have moved over 60 jumps away from our normal base of operation in the Khanid Kingdom systems. I'm currently stationed in and around Nuken, doing missions and other corp matters.

But something occurred to me just as I was about to set out on my lastest move. EVE has 5152 systems, spread out over 60-some regions. Looking at the in-game Map (F10) and choosing to display the systems I had visited over those 4 years, I came to realize that I had barely visited a quarter of the systems in New Eden. I've basically stayed within maybe 6 regions and haven't gone beyond that.

In my last Postcard, James mentioned that he had recently visited EVE Gate and had found the site of New Eden's birth amazing. A few of us realized then that we'd never seen it. We all agreed that we should make the trip at least once.

So, today being my birthday, I've decided to get ready for a little visit. Kind of a gift to myself. Speaking of which, if you fancy me a gift, I do accept in-game ISKs (Treenara Mazouk), or a little donation (check the right column). Or maybe a little something from my Amazon wishlist? But I digress.

I recall reading in the last issue of EON, the story of a fellow capsuleer who embarked on the monumental undertaking of visiting "all" the systems of EVE, including EVE Gate. Quite a story he tells. He did so in a covert ops frigate to evade some of those less friendly elements one finds everywhere in EVE these days.

This is where I need your help.

I've never flown a covert ops ship, neither have trained for it. I do have a few EW skills trained, but I would need to know what's the best covert ship a Gallente pilot like me should fly, and what skills should I possess in order to make the safest journey. Remember here folks, I'm a Carebear!

I promise to write about it, and to send you a few postcards along the way. Now, I just need the execs of Phoenix Labs to provide me the ship and skill books, and give me enough time to go there and back again. That'll be interesting!

I've been hiding in my little corner of New Eden for far too long. It's time to spread my wings and see the universe.