NSSCRA Discussion Thread

[Hapilopper]

Aw hell yeah. Team Blue is raring to go and so am I. I don't really have much in the way of suggestions, just looking forward to the season.

[TJUN-ia]

Hello boys and girls, TJUN-ia calling! The only suggestion I could come up with is maybe fan-voted end-of-season awards (MVP, Rookie of the Season, Most Improved, Story of the Season, etc.) but I don't know how that could be implemented.

Over than that, I look forward to trying to reach the Chase again - as well as trying to defend our T2 crown! See y'all soon!

[Abanhfleft]

UrGa will of course return, as will some familiar faces. I've also been watching some Heat 5 gameplay to prep myself better for Season 11.

[Xanneria]

So, what has been going on in the race shops across the multiverse? Excited to get the next season cranked up?

I am going to be opening signups soon, but before we start, I want to see if there any suggestions out there for the next season.

I would love to have an RP Word Count Cap like WGPC2

Also we've talked about adding lap totals to track sign ups for a while now, can we implement that this season?

Can we make a shift towards what the other racing series are doing and have some form of Free agency, granted with bigger teams I think it would need some tweaking, but I love the idea of future seasons having a "Free Agency" period akin to WGPC / WSRC

EDIT: I want to clarify something.

Obviously going to forced Free Agency like WGPC wouldn't work because we have an established cannon with multiple teams full of drivers, but I feel like some form of driver FA would work especially when it comes to the fact we have multiple teirs of NSSCRA now, we could work with getting junior drivers into the main NSSCRA tier.

[The Sherpa Empire]

I don't see any need to have a more formalized system of free agency. We already have the ability to shuffle drivers around on an ad hoc basis if people want to.

On another note: If IRACT sold one of their charters to a new owner, would that driver need to qualify in, even if it's Kai Qiang and he's still bringing his whole crew and TMW? I'll probably do it either way, just want to put this out there before charters are assigned.

[Hapilopper]

I am opposed to a forced free agency period at the start of every season, as I've already locked in my lineup for at least the next two seasons and I would not want to have something that would contradict that. I'm sure I'm not the only player that set their driver lineups for this season during the last season, too.

That being said, I am not opposed to a player leaving a seat or two open at the start of the season for free agents to fill up, and not opposed to a player listing a certain amount of free agents to put in seats. One of the things about NSSCRA that's so great is the level of creative freedom we're granted. We're not in a box where we have to do this, or we have to do that. We can enter three cars of one team, or three separate single-car teams or less if we want, and I'm of the opinion that if a voluntary free agent period - and I stress the term voluntary - allows that little more creative freedom, I'm all for it. I won't be taking part, but if others want to, cool.

And I am absolutely, completely, 100% opposed to a word count limit, to the point where I will not participate if there's a word count limit.

[Saint Kanye]

So, what has been going on in the race shops across the multiverse? Excited to get the next season cranked up?

I am going to be opening signups soon, but before we start, I want to see if there any suggestions out there for the next season.

Hell yeah I'm stoked.

Also, just wanna let you know that I haven't forgotten about my proposal to sponsor the main tier and name it the Multiversal Cup Series.

Also, can't wait for the new storylines, including us being in AO, and Stacemiah's baby.

TJUN-ia: ROTY exists, it's the rookie who had the most points and/or went furthest in the Chase.

S6: River Suzgar
S7: Alex Knight
S8: Rinzi Aogar Zakhilwal
S9: Guillermo Archer
S10: Fiona Sunarya

X: I kinda want to see this, but at the same time I'm happy with my lineup. If we use that system I'll just re-sign all my drivers lol.

Fleft: I suggest watching actual NASCAR races too, or at least highlights. They're fun!

Hap: I disagree on a word count limit as well.

Sherpa: Well if Qiang ends up doing poorly in quals, I think he should at least use something like a past champion's provisional to lock himself in. Same with Stacemiah, the Shark, or Aye.

[The Sherpa Empire]

And I am absolutely, completely, 100% opposed to a word count limit, to the point where I will not participate if there's a word count limit.

I am against it too.

That makes sense in WGP2, but I don't think it belongs in a top tier series.

[Jebslund]

And I am absolutely, completely, 100% opposed to a word count limit, to the point where I will not participate if there's a word count limit.

I am against it too.

That makes sense in WGP2, but I don't think it belongs in a top tier series.

Thirded. Let the people write as much or as little as they feel comfortable with!

[Sword Island]

Aw hell yeah. Team Blue is raring to go and so am I. I don't really have much in the way of suggestions, just looking forward to the season.

Well, UnionRacing and Stevens are looking to just stay inside the top 20 in points in Tier 1. Tier 2, championship or bust this season.

Also, which numbers aren't already taken? Just asking so I don't accidentally take someone's

[Valentine Z]

Oh, you know the Valentians are in! The girls are back on the track, and all that.

For NSSCRA 11, I would not mind if there is Tier 1 and Tier 2 like NSSCRA 10. I actually love it too, because that gives my other characters a chance even if they have not established that much of a stronghold yet.

And yes, I am also opposed to the word limit.

[Saint Kanye]

Also, which numbers aren't already taken? Just asking so I don't accidentally take someone's

What do you mean, taken? Ain't no signup thread yet.

[Valentine Z]

If the basic understanding serves, other than what Kanye said, there's often not a first-come-first-serve with numbers. I mean... sure, the veterans often get the rights to that number, but if I am feeling generous, I might give that number for use in signups.

I reckon one thing you can look for is in the signup or score of the last season (NSSCRA 10). Like for me, you can definitely tell I am going to use #7, #15, #31, #55, #76 for the main season if I say that I am participating. Other times, veterans and newbies alike would change numbers, and that might be a potential for you to get that number.

Another "cruel method" I like to use is to check out the potential participants for the next season, and look at the scores. If a driver scores pretty low, chances are good (not absolute) that the number might not stay.

Do take what I said with a grain of say, because I am not a Veteran, of course. Just participated in 3 seasons, so maybe just experienced, but not expert in things. )

[Saint Kanye]

Three seasons and a title? Safe to say you count as a vet, bud.

Useless trivia time: Not counting 0x numbers, the smallest number to not make a race (in the Chase era) is 36, and the smallest not to be used by any team (also in the Chase era) is 58.

Edit: The smallest number to not win is 0 (single zero), followed by 1.

[Strike]

I am against it too.

That makes sense in WGP2, but I don't think it belongs in a top tier series.

Thirded. Let the people write as much or as little as they feel comfortable with!

I will note for sake of argument there is a difference between a word count limit and an RP bonus structure that produces diminishing returns past a certain point. Both can have their place without being mutually exclusive.

A strict word count limit can mean that there is a penalty for writing beyond a certain amount (Say, 1000 words). This type of structure could be used in an introductory league such that users dont get overwhelmed trying to compare their contributions to others who are able to dedicate much more free time each week.

However, most competitions already implement the softer version of such limitations whereby the amount of bonus you can earn on any given grading window is limited. IE: If an unranked nation posts 27 RP's between MD1 and MD2 of the World Cup, you will not accrue enough KPB points to be effectively the top ranked nation in the scorination heading into MD3. The real conversation comes at what amounts to "Near Full Credit". If a total of 5 KPB of points are available to earn on any given scorination window, the host might decide that the first 3 are earned simply by contributing to the bar - ie the 1000 word limit. The final 2 points might be earned through additional quality or criteria. You might be able to earn those additional 2 points in various ways - either by simply writing more words beyond the 1000 that continue to tell a quality story, maybe through graphical contributions, maybe some detailed research or perhaps even simply by having written an exceptional contribution within the confines of the 1000 words you already wrote to get the first 3 RP bonus points.


So - before we pile on this bandwagon of "I will boycott the event if there is a word count limit" - i felt it was important to put such a statement into context. No, there should be no such limit that penalizes you for writing more than a certain amount - but I'm sure when it comes to RP bonus earning - there is a point of diminishing returns when strictly considering the length of your contribution - and this would be similar across all sports not just NSSCRA

[Xanneria]

It's four total chartered cars per user and a max of two per nation right?

[Strike]

It's four total chartered cars per user and a max of two per nation right?

For what? If you are talking about NSSCRA in general then the number of chartered cars has never been fixed and would be dependent on how many are assigned by the host...

[Jebslund]

Thirded. Let the people write as much or as little as they feel comfortable with!

I will note for sake of argument there is a difference between a word count limit and an RP bonus structure that produces diminishing returns past a certain point. Both can have their place without being mutually exclusive.

A strict word count limit can mean that there is a penalty for writing beyond a certain amount (Say, 1000 words). This type of structure could be used in an introductory league such that users dont get overwhelmed trying to compare their contributions to others who are able to dedicate much more free time each week.

However, most competitions already implement the softer version of such limitations whereby the amount of bonus you can earn on any given grading window is limited. IE: If an unranked nation posts 27 RP's between MD1 and MD2 of the World Cup, you will not accrue enough KPB points to be effectively the top ranked nation in the scorination heading into MD3. The real conversation comes at what amounts to "Near Full Credit". If a total of 5 KPB of points are available to earn on any given scorination window, the host might decide that the first 3 are earned simply by contributing to the bar - ie the 1000 word limit. The final 2 points might be earned through additional quality or criteria. You might be able to earn those additional 2 points in various ways - either by simply writing more words beyond the 1000 that continue to tell a quality story, maybe through graphical contributions, maybe some detailed research or perhaps even simply by having written an exceptional contribution within the confines of the 1000 words you already wrote to get the first 3 RP bonus points.


So - before we pile on this bandwagon of "I will boycott the event if there is a word count limit" - i felt it was important to put such a statement into context. No, there should be no such limit that penalizes you for writing more than a certain amount - but I'm sure when it comes to RP bonus earning - there is a point of diminishing returns when strictly considering the length of your contribution - and this would be similar across all sports not just NSSCRA

That is an awful lot of words you used to completely miss the point. We're not talking about diminishing returns. We're talking about a word count limit. Nobody said anything about diminishing returns. In fact, I daresay the fact that there are diminishing returns is simply good old-fashioned horse sense. The host has a finite amount of time to spend on reading RPs. Of course there's going to be a certain point where the host is like, "Yep, length's good. Let's move on to quality", in assigning RP bonus.

[Saint Kanye]

One thing you might wanna consider is set a number of teams in the main tier like what is done in the WGPC (for example 15, three cars each, plus one open charter for a total of 46 in the field).

As for the free agency, I don't have any strong feelings for or against it. Like I said, I'll likely just sign the usual Yeezie trio. But one benefit of it is that those who RP have a higher chance of being accepted in a team and as a result, making it into the field.

I know stock car and open wheel racing are two different animals but one thing I really like about the WGPC is how people put effort into their RPs because those who don't, get filtered out.

Now as for the word limit, I'm against it, but if it gets implemented, I'll just deal with it rather than boycott.

Problem with it is, stuff like twiis or standings tables complement RPs well, but they do take up a lot of words. We'll be forced to rely more on pure text. And don't even get me started on those long Valentian names!

[Strike]

That is an awful lot of words you used to completely miss the point. We're not talking about diminishing returns. We're talking about a word count limit.

Thats an awful lot of conviction to use to describe what "we" are talking about when literally the only thing that has been mentioned is the two words "Word Count"

My point, which clearly you missed just as well, as that "Word Counts" have been implemented in numerous ways throughout NS history - and even in the cited WGP2.

The most extreme version of Word Count is where you are not permitted to write more than a certain amount of words, and if you do there is a penalty. I would argue this is what a Word Count limit truly defines.

Where it gets squishy is typically, a tournament with an advertised Word Count limit is just one where your RP will simply not be read after a certain number of Words. You can keep writing after 1000 words, it just won't count for anything. There is only really a minor difference between this - a "Word Count Limit" Competition and - every other tournament on NS that could have some nominal perceived amount of words by which returns begin to diminish.

I don't really see the usefulness in dismissing someones comment so fiercely - even if it is Xanneria ( jk dude) - when clearly there is still room for interpretation for what their intent was with that comment. There could be room for a discussion about defining the point of 'diminishing returns' in an RP for the Sake of RP grading transparency - even if you don't call it a "Word Count Limit".

There are many schools of thought that at times diverge between whether RP grading should be a complete secret or completely open for all to see. A middle ground to that conversation is a more clear Grading Rubric. An example of this is what I provided. Something that defines "If you contribute an acceptable quality RP of at least this length, you will get at least 3/5ths of the available bonus for that day with the rest being defined on host prerogative across a number of potential grading factors" incorporates a hybrid of both the idea of a "Word Count Target" and a "Secret RP Grading Scale" without in reality deviating much from what the reality of RP grading is anyway. Its just a way of taking the two extremes of the RP scale and leveraging them to create some transparency.


I'm not taking a position either way in the argument other than the fact I am against penalties for RP's being too long. Otherwise, there are benefits I could see in all approaches but it doesn't matter if there is a word count limit or not - It wouldn't effect whether or not ICly I would want my teams participating in the series.

[Newmanistan]

Happy to get this conversation going, and am hopeful for a great new season!

Xanneria, I will definitely add in the number of laps part of the signup. If I happen to forget, remind me of it as soon as you notice! I think we have a pretty good system of free agency, actually. There's been a fair amount of movement between the last couple seasons.

Sherpa, if a NATION sells its charters, then their driver would have to qualify in. In the Qiang example then, Kai would have to qualify in if he no longer had a guaranteed charter. If it's an internal move within the same nation, then they would not have to qualify in. A past champion's provisional is an idea, would have to depend on how signups and field size go.

I am not in favor of utilizing a Word Count. I can understand the logic, but is not something I wish to implement.

[The Sherpa Empire]

That is an awful lot of words you used to completely miss the point. We're not talking about diminishing returns. We're talking about a word count limit. Nobody said anything about diminishing returns. In fact, I daresay the fact that there are diminishing returns is simply good old-fashioned horse sense. The host has a finite amount of time to spend on reading RPs. Of course there's going to be a certain point where the host is like, "Yep, length's good. Let's move on to quality", in assigning RP bonus.

You've saved me the trouble of putting my thoughts into words.

Happy to get this conversation going, and am hopeful for a great new season!

Xanneria, I will definitely add in the number of laps part of the signup. If I happen to forget, remind me of it as soon as you notice! I think we have a pretty good system of free agency, actually. There's been a fair amount of movement between the last couple seasons.

Sherpa, if a NATION sells its charters, then their driver would have to qualify in. In the Qiang example then, Kai would have to qualify in if he no longer had a guaranteed charter. If it's an internal move within the same nation, then they would not have to qualify in. A past champion's provisional is an idea, would have to depend on how signups and field size go.

I am not in favor of utilizing a Word Count. I can understand the logic, but is not something I wish to implement.

Sounds good. I just wanted to give you an opportunity to make a decision on the charter thing before the charters were assigned.

[Newmanistan]

We have signups!

[Xanneria]

You Forgot to add the "Race Name" to sign ups!

Other than that it looks perfect.


Though I was goin to attempt some puppet trickery and enter two one car teams from my puppets. so I'll have to re-work it.

[Saint Kanye]

Val, if you want #60 for Marcus, you can have it.

Sherpa, since I'm giving #60 to Val please switch Ricky Lee of the North Chinese team to #12 (X won't be using it, plus it still goes with Tian's #66 since 6+6=12)