Greetings again my fellow Paragonians.
Glad we all can still find each other. I have never really been much of a forum jockey, so my presence is limited, but I have/had been playing for over 8 years. It was an amazing journey and the last few moments will be burned in my memory for all eternity.
The reason for my post is not, unfortunately, in an attempt to "Save" CoH. I will leave that to more intuitive and corporately creative Heroes out there.
My post is a little different. I want to "Save" CoH in our memories, and preserve every piece of the legacy I can, for as long as I can. I want us to remember Paragon.
That is why I am now working on:
www.RememberingParagon.com
I originally started out just trying to have a site for people to download all the Demo Recordings I was doing the last few weeks. Then, when trying to think where to house it online, the name hit me. Searched the domain... Available! Jumped on it. Then the idea hit me with what I could do with it. So much more than just a Demo share site. And so it began.
This is going to take some time. I am just 1 man, with a job and fiancee. I know web work, got a degree in it... but it's been a while since I used it. So basically there may be some delays here and there. But never the less, this is my new project and I am driven by my dedication to pay tribute to Paragon, and to repay the community and devs for some of the most unbelievable moments for me over the last 8 years. I will complete this.
Somethings I am PLANNING to include are:
- Welcome Page
- What is/was Paragon? Page (basically a CoH history/Game Synopsis)
- A Demo Record File Share Page (For now just files I have locally or that people have sent me, but eventually upload through the site too)
- Other Media Page (Videos, Screens, ?Music?, etc available for watch/download. Including things like Samauriko Farewell videos, CoH game vids, Issue Vids, etc.)
- CoH Merchandise (page with links to any CoH merch I can find like AP33 shirts, CoH bumper stickers, Going Rogue Soundtrack on iTunes, etc.)
- CoH Veteran Resources / Save CoH Efforts Links Page (a page with organized links to EVERY CoH Veteran site, EVERY Save CoH site, all associated FaceBook pages, articles, groups, etc)
- Keeping Up With The Devs Page (all the contact info for all of the devs, but only the things THEY ok putting on i.e. Twitter Handles, FB names, emails, websites, Twitch.TV, etc.)
- Memorial Guestbook Page (a page Guestbook style ?maybe? page where you can post a memorial letter or note to: Lost toons, Devs, lost friends and teammates/sgmates, etc.)
- Contact Info Page (my info)
Remember, this is ALL in barely ALPHA stages. Currently in concept. All could change or be removed or added. (Knowledge + Resources) - Time = What you get. ;) I am willing to take any input you care to give. Ideas for pages or content, suggestions, comments, questions, feel free to let me know if you wanna contribute anything (Demos, screens, art, links, vids, etc.) and I will let you know the best way to get it to me, or for any other communication regarding the site or the City, PLEASE email me at PrinceRecluse@gmail.com . I am always happy to hear from any of you.
Feel free to check out what is there already. Not much at the moment, just a Placeholder Coming Soon image I created (created a new logo from the old Hero/Villain/Rogue/Vigilante logos that I like), a link to the original Demo Share site that has been halted now, but you can still download the demos that are on there, and a slideshow link to the gallery for my CoH collection on PhotoBucket.
I will try to deliver the updates as they happen. Till then, let me know your thoughts and take care. ;)
- Prince Recluse / Blue Alpha
(Freedom Server)
I love the idea!
Already raised in http://www.cohtitan.com/forum/index.php/topic,6610.0.html . Shouldn't we keep such efforts consolidated instead of everyone going and doing his own thing?
I definitely like this. A place for all the City of Heroes memories ranging from videos and screenshots to writing would be excellent. Much time and creativity was invested that I hate seeing flushed. Three of the supergroups I belonged to have sites on GuildPortal.com and the admin for one of them is sending me his materials. (I'd planned to post these to the SG Preservation Society thread on Titan once I've gotten them.) I bet others volunteer to assist you with this project. Thanks again!
Quote from: The Fifth Horseman on December 05, 2012, 08:18:41 AM
Already raised in http://www.cohtitan.com/forum/index.php/topic,6610.0.html . Shouldn't we keep such efforts consolidated instead of everyone going and doing his own thing?
At the moment I don't think anyone has come forth with a repository for all the demos. I'd love to see this, but we should link the effort.
AWESOME!
I was just thinking about the same thing yesterday. It occurred to me that what the community needed was a site to act as a clearinghouse for information about the game, tailored to an audience not already familiar with it. Because of the suddenness with which NCsoft shut us down, we did not have an opportunity to proselytize for the game. My assumption was that the game would be around pretty much forever.
I should have known better. I remember what Commodore did to the Amiga. Things that are atypical have a habit of dying, even if they are superior to most of their competition.
City of Heroes was a game that might have appealed to a large number of people who were unwilling even to try it because they assumed it was like the majority of other games promoted by the industry. I know that I certainly had no idea what the game was really about, back when I first subscribed out of curiosity a few years back. If we can give "outsiders" a peek at the things they would not have gotten from NCsoft's web site, we might actually draw some new blood in. At the very least, it will increase our visibility.
One thing I will personally never forget is walking into a tavern in the mage district of Stormwind and being greeted by a "waitress" who offered to seat me at a table---in a room packed with people. I stood there like a complete idiot for several seconds before I finally convinced myself it was a group of players trying to run a virtual tavern in WoW...a game so hostile to such an enterprise that the very fact they attempted it spoke louder than any entreaty they might have made to Blizzard for support in their undertaking.
Those are people we might try to reach: people who have no idea that such things as "costume contests" or a "Pocket D" existed in games like these. People who think that all MMOs are e-peen armor grinds, or are optimized for PvP players. People who are largely ignored by the gaming industry, or relegated to "casual gaming" ghettos.
It would be an embarrassment beyond imagining for NCsoft if the CoX community were to actually grow after its servers were shut down.
I registered two domains late yesterday---"paragonmemorial.com" and "cohmemorial.com"---and was going to do pretty much exactly what you're planning to do. Now, instead of having to work on those sites, I can just point them to you! ;) If you give me an IP, I'll CNAME reference them to your site so you can have more inbound domains to stuff the Google keyword skimmers with. (Nevermind, I have your IP, you'd just have to add the domains to your server configuration. Let me know if you want these domains pointed to you.)
I also have some screen caps of the events that took place after the shutdown announcement, where players were turned into presents and NPCs and the like. You might also want to go through Samurai-ko's video collection and embed some so they're easier to find than trawling through Youtube.
Quote from: The Fifth Horseman on December 05, 2012, 08:18:41 AM
Already raised in http://www.cohtitan.com/forum/index.php/topic,6610.0.html . Shouldn't we keep such efforts consolidated instead of everyone going and doing his own thing?
Nothing stop one site from mirroring the other, though?
Quote from: The Fifth Horseman on December 05, 2012, 08:18:41 AM
Already raised in http://www.cohtitan.com/forum/index.php/topic,6610.0.html . Shouldn't we keep such efforts consolidated instead of everyone going and doing his own thing?
True.
Unfortunately I do not often have time to read through forums, and figured there might have been similar posts. Anyone who has the ability is welcome to put my post in a more logical place, or link it, or whatever. I just wanted to get it out there. Whatever happens next if fine with me.
And yes, I'm sure some form of this idea has already been raised. I didn't read every reply on the post above, but from what it sounds like in the OP, that is more of some database attempt at housing/sharing all demo files. Which is what I was originally trying to do, and plan on incorporating into my site to some extent. But that is not the purpose of my site. It is just one piece.
The plan for my site is to be an all-in-one resource for CoH alumni and those just wondering about it, where you can learn about what the game was, not just from a video game aspect, but from a community and historical perspective as well.
It will serve as a Hub for vet CoH player who want to know different ways to connect with the community, and a one stop shop for all those sites/FB pages/finale videos/etc that you remembering seeing or hearing about, but can't remember the name or web address.
It will be a place where someone can go on a day they are missing their old toons/friends/SGs and write a little letter or note to put up on a main page to try and reconnect or just vent their thoughts.
It will be a central resource to find the Twitter handles and other info, of all the Devs, so you can keep up with what they have been up to, find out what new games they are playing, and generally make sure life is getting better for them and to let them know you still care about them.
There you will also find a link to EVERY SINGLE PIECE of CoH memorabilia and merchandise that I can find out there (like AP33 shirts), so that you go to 1 page on 1 site and can find it all, instead of wasting time searching 100s of e-shops.
And of course, there will be the Demo Files. I will initially just have a link to all the Demos I have made or acquired. Eventually I would like to have an upload ability as well so I can start storing and housing every demo file I can get my hands on, but not till I get the rest of the site in order.
But I completely agree that all the efforts need to be consolidated to one central housing. In a sense... That is what I am trying to do with my site ;)
When people are wanting to remember Paragon, they just have to go to RememberingParagon.com
Quote from: The Fifth Horseman on December 05, 2012, 08:18:41 AM
Shouldn't we keep such efforts consolidated instead of everyone going and doing his own thing?
Oh and while this is a valid point, I also think that the more people out there, putting as much exposure of CoH and it's travesty on as many web pages as possible, the better. ;)
But I know what you mean.
Quote from: johnrobey on December 05, 2012, 09:23:06 AM
I definitely like this. A place for all the City of Heroes memories ranging from videos and screenshots to writing would be excellent. Much time and creativity was invested that I hate seeing flushed. Three of the supergroups I belonged to have sites on GuildPortal.com and the admin for one of them is sending me his materials. (I'd planned to post these to the SG Preservation Society thread on Titan once I've gotten them.) I bet others volunteer to assist you with this project. Thanks again!
Thanks for the input. ;) Anyone who wants to assist is welcome. Anyone who has ideas, or anything they want to submit or suggest, from videos, demos, links, ideas, etc., is encouraged to please send them to me at PrinceRecluse.com I would love to hear anything from each and every one of you.
Oh and thanks for giving me the idea for a SG/VG section for SG rosters and info so that (for instance) a non-forum reader who had a close guild but can't reconnect can go and find their old guild and click on a member's name to get any contact info that person was willing to share. Still working out the idea, but thanks for the idea none the less.
Quote from: PrinceRecluse on December 05, 2012, 10:40:42 PM
Thanks for the input. ;) Anyone who wants to assist is welcome. Anyone who has ideas, or anything they want to submit or suggest, from videos, demos, links, ideas, etc., is encouraged to please send them to me at PrinceRecluse.com I would love to hear anything from each and every one of you.
Oh and thanks for giving me the idea for a SG/VG section for SG rosters and info so that (for instance) a non-forum reader who had a close guild but can't reconnect can go and find their old guild and click on a member's name to get any contact info that person was willing to share. Still working out the idea, but thanks for the idea none the less.
Thanks for creating the first of possibly many repositories. I definitely want to preserve memories about the Super Groups. I want to preserve the creativity that went into their design. They represented cameraderie as much as teams. Having a way for former SG mates to connect would be super! Great idea!
Quote from: The Fifth Horseman on December 05, 2012, 08:18:41 AM
Already raised in http://www.cohtitan.com/forum/index.php/topic,6610.0.html . Shouldn't we keep such efforts consolidated instead of everyone going and doing his own thing?
No, why? Let that stuff grow organically. Eventually one site will become more popular than the others. Meanwhile it won't hurt for several independent efforts to try take shape.
I will be adding a sites link section to the Missing Worlds Media forums (the official forums of the Phoenix Project). This is definitely one of the candidates for that. Thank you for your efforts in this direction.
Definitely a neat idea. As mentioned above, there are a few thoughts on how to handle demo-records (archival versus resource reference). I can't speak for the people who will actually be doing the development as we're still chatting about it, although you are welcome to participate and we can hopefully align our agenda and resources. ( ' :
Quote from: trwired on December 05, 2012, 10:51:55 PM
No, why? Let that stuff grow organically. Eventually one site will become more popular than the others. Meanwhile it won't hurt for several independent efforts to try take shape.
Wholeheartedly agreed!
Quote from: therain93 on December 05, 2012, 10:58:46 PM
Definitely a neat idea. As mentioned above, there are a few thoughts on how to handle demo-records (archival versus resource reference). I can't speak for the people who will actually be doing the development as we're still chatting about it, although you are welcome to participate and we can hopefully align our agenda and resources. ( ' :
It is now added as a link on the Missing Worlds Media forums:
http://missingworldsmedia.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=43 (http://missingworldsmedia.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=43)
Quote from: Undercat on December 05, 2012, 11:23:01 AM
AWESOME!
THANKS! ;)
Quote from: Undercat on December 05, 2012, 11:23:01 AM
I was just thinking about the same thing yesterday. It occurred to me that what the community needed was a site to act as a clearinghouse for information about the game, tailored to an audience not already familiar with it. Because of the suddenness with which NCsoft shut us down, we did not have an opportunity to proselytize for the game.
I see where you are going here... but don't know what "proselytize" means. ;)
Quote from: Undercat on December 05, 2012, 11:23:01 AM
My assumption was that the game would be around pretty much forever.
Welcome to the Club.
Quote from: Undercat on December 05, 2012, 11:23:01 AM
I should have known better. I remember what Commodore did to the Amiga. Things that are atypical have a habit of dying, even if they are superior to most of their competition.
Couldn't agree more. Sad truth.
Quote from: Undercat on December 05, 2012, 11:23:01 AM
City of Heroes was a game that might have appealed to a large number of people who were unwilling even to try it because they assumed it was like the majority of other games promoted by the industry. I know that I certainly had no idea what the game was really about, back when I first subscribed out of curiosity a few years back. If we can give "outsiders" a peek at the things they would not have gotten from NCsoft's web site, we might actually draw some new blood in. At the very least, it will increase our visibility.
One thing I will personally never forget is walking into a tavern in the mage district of Stormwind and being greeted by a "waitress" who offered to seat me at a table---in a room packed with people. I stood there like a complete idiot for several seconds before I finally convinced myself it was a group of players trying to run a virtual tavern in WoW...a game so hostile to such an enterprise that the very fact they attempted it spoke louder than any entreaty they might have made to Blizzard for support in their undertaking.
Those are people we might try to reach: people who have no idea that such things as "costume contests" or a "Pocket D" existed in games like these. People who think that all MMOs are e-peen armor grinds, or are optimized for PvP players. People who are largely ignored by the gaming industry, or relegated to "casual gaming" ghettos.
It would be an embarrassment beyond imagining for NCsoft if the CoX community were to actually grow after its servers were shut down.
I understand what you are saying, and it's a great thought. But I think that would be a feat rather difficult to achieve. If there was something to continue on, even just some sort of comic or book series branching from the original CoH storyline, that continued to grab attention after the initial conversion then we may have a shot. But once new content of any nature ceases to continue, people loose interest fast and it would be tough to convince new players to show support for a non-game that started 8 years ago. People will sympathize, yes. But I don't think too many people who have never played CoH will be convinced to invest any of their time because it SEEMED like a good game.
That having been said, I don't think anyone should not TRY. If you have any idea that you think could benefit Paragon in any way, then I saw "Go for it!". I've got your back. ;)
Quote from: Undercat on December 05, 2012, 11:23:01 AM
I registered two domains late yesterday---"paragonmemorial.com" and "cohmemorial.com"---and was going to do pretty much exactly what you're planning to do. Now, instead of having to work on those sites, I can just point them to you! ;) If you give me an IP, I'll CNAME reference them to your site so you can have more inbound domains to stuff the Google keyword skimmers with. (Nevermind, I have your IP, you'd just have to add the domains to your server configuration. Let me know if you want these domains pointed to you.)
That's awesome and sounds GREAT! Nice domains. You are welcome to point whatever sites you want at mine. I won't turn down anyone who wants to put more emphasis on my site. ;)
As for more of the back end stuff, the more technical, the more you lose me. I can develop the front end of sites fairly well (design, content, site construction, etc.) thanks to my education in Digital Media / Digital Art and Design (finished 2006). But not the best at the networking, meta-data, and database side of things. But as always, throughout the process I will learn everything I need to know to complete the site properly.
Right now I have the site being forwarded through my personal website and hosting and that will work for the time being. But once the site gets more fleshed out, I will be moving it to it's own personal hosting space for a variety of reasons. But it is currently on 1&1's Unlimited Hosting Package, so shouldn't be running into any real issues anytime soon. ;)
Quote from: Undercat on December 05, 2012, 11:23:01 AM
I also have some screen caps of the events that took place after the shutdown announcement, where players were turned into presents and NPCs and the like. You might also want to go through Samurai-ko's video collection and embed some so they're easier to find than trawling through Youtube.
Thanks. Feel free to send me any screens you like PrinceRecluse@gmail.com. As for Samurai-ko's videos, I plan to have them on the site. Will embed in some way if able, but if space limitations and/or bandwidth become a problem, I may just link each individual one direct to vids until I can fix the problem.
Quote from: avelworldcreator on December 05, 2012, 10:53:25 PM
I will be adding a sites link section to the Missing Worlds Media forums (the official forums of the Phoenix Project). This is definitely one of the candidates for that. Thank you for your efforts in this direction.
Thank you for your words and for linking consideration. Validation from my fellow community and CoH family is always humbling, and always appreciated.
Also, I was just wondering what anyone/everyone thinks of my logo design/combination (Center on site, also my Forum Avatar). Now that we are all 1 Archetype, on 1 side, fighting for 1 City, I thought this combination of Icons was fitting and subtle enough. Any thoughts or criticisms are welcome.
Might add a poll to thread...
Quote from: PrinceRecluse on December 05, 2012, 11:26:37 PM
Thank you for your words and for linking consideration. Validation from my fellow community and CoH family is always humbling, and always appreciated.
I didn't just consider it, I did it! ;D
And not to thread jack too much, but I noticed some other people were making memorial sites. Send me a PM and a short writeup and I'll try to add you.