The procedure of making the GOTM results...

[Matrix]

Some time ago I gently asked whether someone would like to help, should I ever need it. A lot of people responded positive. Well, I'm afraid that time has come I need someones help. Not specifically because I don't have the time, but more because I'd like someone else to control the results. It has happened too many times that the results weren't correct. Whether someone is missing in the list is something I can only check myself; I shall be more careful in the future. But the results sometimes also contain flaws...

I'd like to tell you all what it takes to make the GOTM results every month. My reason for this is to ask for someone who might want to help. Also, I just like to show you what I do every month. <img src="icon12.gif" border="0"> <br /><ol type="1">[*]Save all the games received and rename them exactly the way I like it. I always make sure that emails with savegames that haven't been saved in the appropriate directory are marked as unread.[*]Set up a new worksheet in Game of the Month.xls. This means copying an older GOTM results page, removing all the data there and replace the formulas that calculate the GOTM score and the finishing turn (out of the date).[*]Loading all the savegames, ending them and inserting the score and date.[*]Inserting the results in the Hall of Fame and the Global Ranking. This last one is tricky. It's actually a whole procedure on it's own...[*]Converting the results into an HTML file manually. I once tried to save the data as HTML file, but I didn't like the results. I took me as much work to tinker in the HTML code to make it look the way I wanted, than it took to insert them into a table (made in Frontpage 2000). Plus the fact that Excel puts a very lot of junk into the HTML code.[*]Zipping the savegames into GOTMXX.zip.[*]Sending the whole package to Thunderfall.<br />[/list=a]<br />Now, I will still receive the emails (only now at matrix@civfanatics.net <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> ) and I will still insert the results into Excel, so that leaves out the first four steps for someone to take over. So actually only the conversion could be taken over by someone, who then can immediately check everything.

Is there a volunteer?? <img src="graemlins/yeah.gif" border="0" alt="[Yeah]" /> <br />You name will be written forever in the annals of the Game of the Month. <img src="icon12.gif" border="0">

By the way: As the values in Excel can also be saved as text file it might be possible for someone to program something to a HTML file of this, because ofcourse there is a regularity in the HTML code. Remove the values you don't use and insert table tags into the values and voila: a HTML table. Onfortunately, since Borland Pascal doesn't work anymore (since the coming of the Pentium II) I cannot do it myself. <img src="icon9.gif" border="0">

[ September 14, 2001: Message edited by: Matrix ]</p>

 

[shadowdale]

Hey Maarten I'm in - I don't really have time to play the GotM anymore so I'll take a shoot at playing Mod!!!!!!!!!!1

BTW look at my titel!!!!

<img src="graemlins/snipersmilie.gif" border="0" alt="[Sniper]" />

 

[Matrix]

<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[LOL]" /> Nice title, shadowdale! <img src="icon12.gif" border="0"> Only I'm talking with Duke of Marlbrough already. After all, I only need one guy...

But thanks for volunteering. <img src="graemlins/goodwork.gif" border="0" alt="[Good Job]" />

 

[Duke of Marlbrough]

It's true that Matrix and I are already talking about it, but now that I see your reply Shadowdale, I think it might be more fitting if you did handle it. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

If you can't be part of the GOTM by actually playing, then this would allow you to still be a part of it. Besides, it wouldn't be the same GOTM if you weren't part of it. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

I let Matrix know that I am still open to doing it, but also about how it seems to fit better for you doing it, so he's working on it right now.

Either way we'll make sure the GOTM is well taken care of. <img src="graemlins/goodwork.gif" border="0" alt="[Good Job]" />

 

[starlifter]

<br />Not specifically because I don't have the time, but more because I'd like someone else to control the results. It has happened too many times that the results weren't correct. Whether someone is missing in the list is something I can only check myself; I shall be more careful in the future. But the results sometimes also contain flaws...<br /> <hr></blockquote>

Don't worry about human error, Matrix. I don't think anyone will castigate you for a mistake! <img src="icon12.gif" border="0"> We appreciate the job you do for the GOTM.

There might be other ways to ensure a 2-way check of incoming results. For instance: You could have a "permanent" moderator thread, in which you paste all the names of the results that you have received and processed. All GOTM entrants should check that thread, and contact you if their name is not on it by the 5th of each month. On the 5th, you could have all the entrant names posted, and if no one else contacts you within 2 days, then you can be pretty sure that you have all the entrees. The Final results could be sent to TF no sooner than the 7th (or 8th or 9th, whatever). You should not feel you have to be rushed, and a timeline is a good way to prevent those "Where are the GOTM results?" questions that seem to pop up about the 5th or 6th. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

 

[noughmaster]

We will not distinguish between terrorists and those that provide them safe harbor <hr></blockquote><br />Starlifter,<br />Hopefully America now has a government with enough steel in its spine to do this. Most Australians would support America if it meant going to war.

 

[starlifter]

<br />Hopefully America now has a government with enough steel in its spine to do this. Most Australians would support America if it meant going to war. <br /> <hr></blockquote>

It seems we are finally going to do the right thing and attack terrorism at its roots, despite the perils. There comes a time when decent people must stand up against evil, and after suffering eight years of dishonor from a leader who betrayed America and its military, it is liberating to clear the stench of cowardice from the air. We have a good and moral man in the Presidency for the first time in 8 years, and by God, now things will be different. We may even have a few setbacks along the way, but we do have quite a few old scores to settle with terrorists, going back to Somalia... and I hope we (the military) get (and are allowed to keep) the free hand to act.

 

[Matrix]

Hey guys, this is an off-topic discussion! Continue the discussion there please...

Anyway, starlifter, shadowdale also suggested to make a list of the people just before the results will come. And since the GOTM08 I'll always reply when I've received a submission.

[ September 17, 2001: Message edited by: Matrix ]</p>

 

[starlifter]

<br />Anyway, starlifter, shadowdale also suggested to make a list of the people just before the results will come. And since the GOTM08 I'll always reply when I've received a submission.<br /><hr></blockquote>

That is fine, if you want to do it every month. It might be better on you in the long run if you put some of the onus back on the GOTM player by just setting a policy that they check back to your special monthly thread a few days after a submission, and no later than say, the 5th, of each month. If someone does not see their name, they should contact you via e-mail or post (whatever you prefer). That way, you need only keep a central list updated as you process each submission.

It all just a suggestion <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> , but I don't mind the extra step on my end (checking your thread), and this puts some (well actually, most) of the responsibility back on the submitting player, which is a good thing since you will always be very busy in a short time period after the first of the month.

And lastly, I'd probably just post results on say, the 7th, and call them "preliminary" until the 9th, just so people know things can shift around. It's kind of like the Olympics, where the finish order and finish times are "unofficial" (or preliminary) until they are reviewed and made "official" (or final). <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

[ September 17, 2001: Message edited by: Matrix ]</p>

 

[Matrix]

I won't mention a date (except a dealine for the submissions), because I never know when I have time to make the results. But replying to the people who submitted and posting a list of submissions received (posting just after the dealine) would suffice, I think. <img src="icon12.gif" border="0">