Maybe it's time to either give State of the Program to several authors (maybe splitting it into multiple articles) or cut it down significantly? Think about it: State of the Program is trying to do many different things:
Each group of two articles could easily be its own article (though I think the card prices section doesn't want to be separated from the main article, for obvious reasons). You obviously would keep the opinion section (and Judge Question), so who else wants the other sections? In particular, searching up news seems like the easiest to give to somebody, as I'm sure this data is being duplicated in multiple places. Decks is also something that could be given to someone else, but the card prices requires trust from Heath, and that's also where a lot of the grunt work comes from--maybe Xger is at that level of trust? He also could possibly automate some of the grunt work after working magic with the hovers.
I don't think it would get played a lot (partly due to mentioned budget constrains and partly due to evolved meta) - after all, it doesn't get played in regular and underdog.
But it is a powerful combo in a vacuum, so that somewhat warrants it's continued ban.
Well, no reason to unban it only to see it rush back into the format one second later. It's infinite removal. It's just a no-brainer, why shouldn't you play it if you could? (Except for budget reasons, of course).
Oh, I meant to ask this last week but forgot: is the "Tribal 9" ban-list for Pure events a static list or can it change? Because Punishing Fire seemed strangely out of place as something I'd personally never actually seen played in the format before, so I checked Gatherling and it's only been used once this year and only 4 times in 2015, none of them to any great success.
Honestly, I was pretty surprised when I searched on Gatherling and discovered that no-one had tried Fish Twin before; it seemed like such an obvious choice to me. I guess I'm just so weird that I don't even realise that what I'm doing would be considered weird.
Huh, forgot I designed Gonzzy's Angel Commander deck. This is the first time in the entire Blippian era that Angels have won without any sort of involvement from me. Kudos, Gq!
Make that 7.5 hours (REM sleep and all that. That's why 6 hours sleep is more restful than 7 hours sleep; the light sleep/REM sleep/light sleep cycle is about 90 minutes).
Dear Pete,
I have been reading your articles for a long long time. My last forum post was 5 years ago, I hso that shows that I only chime in when i feel I have something to say.
First: Thank you for all the time you put in. Please know that they are appreciated and that I look forward to them
Second. if will accept some advice from halfway around the world from someone who doesn't know you, but does recognize some parts of your story. Try sleeping for 7 or 8 hours every day for a week. Really make time for it. Really prioritize it. No finishing the last few lines of an article, no reading or working just a lttle bit longer.
If you are anything like me, after day 2 or 3 everything will look nicer, you will have more energ, work more efficient and you may even start enjoying this stuff again.
Maybe it's time to either give State of the Program to several authors (maybe splitting it into multiple articles) or cut it down significantly? Think about it: State of the Program is trying to do many different things:
* News
* Important Dates
* Editorial
* Judge Question
* Decks
* Card Prices
Each group of two articles could easily be its own article (though I think the card prices section doesn't want to be separated from the main article, for obvious reasons). You obviously would keep the opinion section (and Judge Question), so who else wants the other sections? In particular, searching up news seems like the easiest to give to somebody, as I'm sure this data is being duplicated in multiple places. Decks is also something that could be given to someone else, but the card prices requires trust from Heath, and that's also where a lot of the grunt work comes from--maybe Xger is at that level of trust? He also could possibly automate some of the grunt work after working magic with the hovers.
I don't think it would get played a lot (partly due to mentioned budget constrains and partly due to evolved meta) - after all, it doesn't get played in regular and underdog.
But it is a powerful combo in a vacuum, so that somewhat warrants it's continued ban.
Had Angel failed to win an event where everybody was playing Angel, they should be really in dire straits. :)
Well, no reason to unban it only to see it rush back into the format one second later. It's infinite removal. It's just a no-brainer, why shouldn't you play it if you could? (Except for budget reasons, of course).
Punishing Fire/Grove of the Burnwillows combo was relatively dominant and hated at one point, that's why the card was added to the list, I suppose.
I agree that it is out of place now.
Oh, I meant to ask this last week but forgot: is the "Tribal 9" ban-list for Pure events a static list or can it change? Because Punishing Fire seemed strangely out of place as something I'd personally never actually seen played in the format before, so I checked Gatherling and it's only been used once this year and only 4 times in 2015, none of them to any great success.
Honestly, I was pretty surprised when I searched on Gatherling and discovered that no-one had tried Fish Twin before; it seemed like such an obvious choice to me. I guess I'm just so weird that I don't even realise that what I'm doing would be considered weird.
Diaries can help you remember things. Even if it is already years ago. - Gary McClure
The excitement in the game is very priceless. That is why people find it hard to really stop it. - Gary McClure
Keep it up when you are doing well. That is how the game works. - Mark Zokle
It is advisable to always stick on the budget. That is the only way to remain in track. - Mark Zokle
Huh, forgot I designed Gonzzy's Angel Commander deck. This is the first time in the entire Blippian era that Angels have won without any sort of involvement from me. Kudos, Gq!
People play the game not just for fun. Most especially the idea of winning. - Morgan Exteriors
There is always a hope. As long as you never stop. - Morgan Exteriors
The cards must be enough. Most especially if you aim for winning in the game. - Dennis Wong YOR Health
Experience can make a person better. It must be paid forward. - Dennis Wong YOR Health
The collection has a lot of benefits. That is why we all carry it in progress. - Marla Ahlgrimm
The players wanted to help. Most especially for the newbies that are interested. - Marla Ahlgrimm
Make that 7.5 hours (REM sleep and all that. That's why 6 hours sleep is more restful than 7 hours sleep; the light sleep/REM sleep/light sleep cycle is about 90 minutes).
We'll be waiting while you catch your breath.
Have fun at Indy.
:comforting shoulder pat:
Hey now, the Angels vs Demons does too count! :Pout:
Your's is the one article I look forwards to every week. Take a break and get re-charged!
I've thought about how much a keep the cards vintage cube should cost, never came up with a good number, but love the idea.
Dear Pete,
I have been reading your articles for a long long time. My last forum post was 5 years ago, I hso that shows that I only chime in when i feel I have something to say.
First: Thank you for all the time you put in. Please know that they are appreciated and that I look forward to them
Second. if will accept some advice from halfway around the world from someone who doesn't know you, but does recognize some parts of your story. Try sleeping for 7 or 8 hours every day for a week. Really make time for it. Really prioritize it. No finishing the last few lines of an article, no reading or working just a lttle bit longer.
If you are anything like me, after day 2 or 3 everything will look nicer, you will have more energ, work more efficient and you may even start enjoying this stuff again.
Really wish you the best!
I miss the old art. I love the way Stasis look. The new and uniform art does nothing for me. I liked that the art was diversified.
I will be looking forward to your next opinion section!