I had an idea that might help the GOTM staff, and players, regarding the QSC. Based on all the comments, obviously the QSC is a very popular component of the GOTM, and certainly one of my favorites, but it also entails a lot of overhead in scoring/evaluating etc. While I think the scoring, and including them in the overall GOTM rankings, is a good idea, the biggest benefit for most people is the comparisons and analysis between other people's games and timelines. Scoring is still important here, to give you a feel for what areas you may be lacking in, or improved in.
So, my idea was to enable the players to score their own QSCs, and begin some preliminary analysis/discussion, while the games are still somewhat fresh in everyone's mind. Then the staff can do the comprehensive roll-ups and summaries when they are caught up with everything else. Basically, establish a thread for each QSC (i.e. one for GOTM 23, GOTM24, etc). In the first post, include the Excel QSC scoresheet (I have seen it before, I still have a copy at my home computer). There are some slight adjustments per game, based on cost of UU, tech cost factors, etc., but posting the blank spreadsheet should take minimal time. Then, everyone who is interested, and has submitted the QSC, could download it, fill in their data from the 1000BC save, and post their scores, breakdowns within the major categories, maybe even a snapshot of the whole scoresheet, as well as a link to their timeline and save. As the posts accumulate, let the players initiate their own discussion/analysis, guided if needed by moderators. Since the games are completed, there is no danger of more spoiler info.
Obviously self-scoring would rely on the honor system, but since this is just for "internal" discussion, and not the GOTM score, there would be no incentive to cheat. Also, the actual save would have already been submitted to be scored later, so any inaccuracies would be eventually rectified. But at least the discussion and comparisons can begin, without hopefully adding too much burden on the staff.
BTW, If it were easy to just post links to all the saves/timelines, on a QSC page, and link to it from the first post, that would save a lot of extra posting, but if it is too much work for now, let the players do their own. It is always good to learn by doing, and posting/linking/uploading files etc. is no exception. GOTM, and Cracker, has certainly "encouraged" me to be a more proficient poster over the past year! For those that don't want to put forth the effort, they are still welcome to read the timelines/see the scoresheets of others, and hopefully learn lessons that will improve their game. I know I have learned tremendously from the QSC, but still have much to learn! I also think there were situations in the past few GOTMs that would be good learning experiences, and I am afraid that if we wait for a truly comprehenisve QSC system to be implemented, it may not seem worth the effort to go back and include all of the past games. This way, they will still have their chance to be discussed.
Just my suggestion, like I said I hope this would make less work for the staff, not more.
) Under either name, I'm sure more organization to the Forum's data will be a benefit.
and wish him the best.
