.:: Union Enhancements and Feedback ::.

• F1PU Prediction Championship Records have now been added to the main thread along with Rules, Important Threads, World Champion Profiles and Gaming Community List. Due to the length of the thread topic, only "Rec" is readable of "Records".
• In order to fit this into the title, the Gaming Community List will now be referenced to as just "GCL". To highlight this change, "GCL" will be put into brackets next to the full title in the topic name of the challenge thread.
• In regards to the Winter Simulated Season, by declaring the season "null and void", no person will be named champion. This is to ensure no one feels as if the game has been unfair due to the seeming discontinuation, especially as I currently lead the game.
• Union Enhancements and Feedback has had little "feedback" at all from the members of the union. I do encourage people, if they have an idea, to come ahead and express them, as well as any comments about features within the F1PU community. The F1PU Administration takes kindly to feedback given and acts as appropriately as they can, when possible.

i had a couple of ideas if you want them.

1. rather than posting each item of news in there own thread why not have one thread for all the news on that day/week depending on how busy its been. this way there would be more people sharing there opinions on one thread and there would be more discussion rather than small groups of people discussing each individual topic.

2. Depending on whether gamespot would class it as advertising or not i would like to see a list of F1 websites that people could add too so that anyone who wanted to further the interest in the sport had the information available to them.

3. i'm not sure how many people read f1 racing magazine on a regular basis but i find it a very insightful magazine and i have never met anyone else who has read it so if anyone was interested it would be nice to have a thread to share my opinions on it with other readers.

classRacky_rules

1. rather than posting each item of news in there own thread why not have one thread for all the news on that day/week depending on how busy its been. this way there would be more people sharing there opinions on one thread and there would be more discussion rather than small groups of people discussing each individual topic.

2. Depending on whether gamespot would class it as advertising or not i would like to see a list of F1 websites that people could add too so that anyone who wanted to further the interest in the sport had the information available to them.

3. i'm not sure how many people read f1 racing magazine on a regular basis but i find it a very insightful magazine and i have never met anyone else who has read it so if anyone was interested it would be nice to have a thread to share my opinions on it with other readers.

4. After each grand prix we could run a poll to see who people feel are there star of the race and who provided the best overtaking manoeuvre and then we could record the results over the course of the season and see who the F1PU felt was the star of the season and the most exciting to watch based on the number of overtaking manoeuvres. We could also do the star of the race for the best non-driver as they also deserve to have there efforts recognised.

5. given how the f1 community as a whole seems to disagree with stewards and fia decisions we could each put forward our own ideas as to what should be done and then a vote is taken to decide which is best and that could be added to a thread called something like the f1pu view of f1 and would could have are own version of the championship standings e.g. if we decided that Hamilton should not have been dq in aus then he would have an extra 6 points in the drivers standings. Racky_rules

I'll adress your points in order:

1. This could be quite a good idea, however on the contrary there is the downside that coversations and discussions can get messy in such a scenario. For instance, one person could be discussing the new interest from Lola and then the next three posts could be to do with Hamilton's LiarGate case or whatever. Whilst I can see what you're doing (condensing the new threads on the union), it could potentially prove difficult to understand for some newer members. I'm gonna leave this one open for members to have their say on.

2. In the important threads post, I have already given a list of team websites that users can visit. As for actual better understanding of Formula One, we pretty much have a team of experienced fans who could probably come to answer any questions to whichmembers here may have - for example, KimisApprentice is quite vastly knowledged in the technical aspects of the sport, whereas I am able to read through performances of drivers and understand what is going on with them, allowing to make fairly accurate predictions in the forms of reports as to what is likely to take place for following races (see my new section, "The Red Light" - currently I have made far more correct predictions than wrong). Again, I understand where you're coming from, but I believe the experience of the F1 administration is strong enough to answer any questions that members may have. It appears only KA has a dedicated thread to his knowledge, mind, so that could be something to look into.

3. I was once a subcribed member to that magazine :( lol. In fact, anyone who remembers me from before I was even an officer here may remember I typed up some articles from the magazine itself to be posted here on the Union!

However, to your point, you already seem to have support from this by KA, so, if you wish to start up a thread regarding your points raised here, I am more than happy to let it go on :)

4. A poll necessarily wouldn't be that easy considering only 5 answers can be given per poll. However, this is a good idea and I like it. It would essentially have to be a post by the member though, something along the lines of:

DotD: Sebastian Vettel
Best Manouvre: Mark Webber on Jenson Button
SotD: Christian Horner

DotD: Driver of the Day, SotD: Star of the Day (This way the two can be told apart)

My question is would the star of the season gain a place within the Hall of Fame?

5. Possible, but quite complex. In order to make it fair, I believe it would have to be based upon three "officials" (I.E. me and two officers, or three officers) who make the final decision (then it can be taken on a basis of 2-1 or 3-0 instead of potentially drawing). What the members can do is put forward a case FOR the driver of their choice, and explain why. So here's how I see it panning out:

When a penalty has been issued, one of the three "officials" declares the F1PU's opinions required in this way:

DISCUSSION 1 (number would go up regarding which number penalty in the season it is. If we take Australia for example, there was also Vettel's penalty which would come as DISCUSSION 2. Basically it allows for understanding of which penalty is referred to)
CAR No. 1 PENALISED FOR MISLEADING STEWARDS, CAUSING AN UNNECESSARY PENALTY FOR CAR No. 9. CASE OPEN.

From this message being posted, the members of the union then have 24 hours in which to plea their cases, which can be done in this format:

DISCUSSION 1
CASE OF: Jarno Trulli

Whilst Trulli had initially fallen off the track, team radio from the McLaren wall clearly stated to Lewis Hamilton that he should let Trulli pass him back...

Then when this 24 hour period closes, the three "officials" make their verdit. Whichever way it swings in favour for determines the F1PU's version of the Championship table. A bit long winded, but would that work for you?

On a side note, thanks for keeping the union up-to-date with news and checking the successful entries for me. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed ;)

[QUOTE="Racky_rules"]classXSamFisherX

Now that's just typical. As soon as I start using a capital I to replace the lower case l they go and do that!

You've got to make a proper 2009 banner. You know, one with Button plastered everywhere. XSamFisherX

Anywhoos, the fail of a banner competition from December gives the winning banner the right to be there for a year. I would say we could do one every 6 months, but that requires like, more people making banners than just myself.

EDIT: I've had extensions to all my coursework (how on earth do I keep getting this luck...?), and so with more free time I can return to the union earlier than expected. Yey!

[QUOTE="XSamFisherX"]You've got to make a proper 2009 banner. You know, one with Button plastered everywhere. Redders1989

Anywhoos, the fail of a banner competition from December gives the winning banner the right to be there for a year. I would say we could do one every 6 months, but that requires like, more people making banners than just myself.

I could have a go at making a banner, unfortunately not anytime soon. Too buys with my final year dissertations.  

• In an attempt to gain more interest, the next BATracer season thread will be stickied when recruiting people to join the game. Once the game begins, it will become unstickied to avoid cluttering up the board with stickies (which we are still suffering from, hence why I continue to push the end of the Winter Simulated Season game).

• As suggested by Racky_rules, BATracer has now been added to the GCL post in the Rules & Important Links Thread. As per usual, either PM me your details or post a message on the challenge thread in order to be added to the list.
• Time restrictions and general issues have caused me to remove the career total points from the Predictions Championship Records post. Career wins, and most/least points scored in one race can still be found here.

The following point is quite important; thus I have taken it away from the others:

• With a breakaway looking more and more likely, I need your opinion (to be answered in a new thread, created soon): If the breakaway does take place, should we split the current Union into two (and have it re-branded as the "Formula One & GPS Passion Union" (I believe this is the potential name for the breakaway series?)), or should I create a new union specifically for the breakaway series?

This is what would likely to be taking place in regards to both options:

1. F1GPSPU: Not much would change. I will remain leader and all officers will remain, only changed on the dependency of activity or inactivity. I would be asking officers though to be working on one side of each category (three working on updating the union in regards to F1, three officers working on updating the union in regards to GPS).

2. F1PU & GPSPU as two separate unions: I will lead both Unions; however I will take a more relaxed approach in regards to this role (see Jackov as an example with World Wrestling Everything) - this means tasks that I'm accustomed to (such as GP topics and Prediction Scores) will still be done by me, however news reports will be the officers duties to carry out rather than my own anymore. Will look to have 4-6 Officers for both Unions, which do not necessarily have to be the same people for both - therefore current members may be in line for a promotion.

I will create a thread asking for opinions soon.

Two things, peeps:

- As you may have noticed, out little avatar for the union has disappeared. Oddly enough, only now has Aloushi's Photobucket account been inactive for 90 days. Nonetheless, if someone could make a new one for us so we can replace it, it would be greatly appreciated. It needs to be 80x80px.

- Second point is me asking for feedback from you guys. As you can tell, I try and go full-out with my GP threads, but I want to know from you guys if there's anything that I'm missing that I could possibly add? Maybe there's things you're not keen on that should go? Or things that I could do differently (such as moving CIassic GP's in to the top post, which will start from 2010)? Anyways, let me know of what you think could change, or just let me know that it's all cool and doesn't need it - I like to hear your opinions people :)

- As you may have noticed, out little avatar for the union has disappeared. Oddly enough, only now has Aloushi's Photobucket account been inactive for 90 days. Nonetheless, if someone could make a new one for us so we can replace it, it would be greatly appreciated. It needs to be 80x80px.

Redders1989

Not the best but you could use it till someone comes up with a better one.  

- With the expansion of the 2010 grid to 13 teams, it's obviously going to be too easy to make a real good combination of teams on the Predictions Championship game if only 23 points are needed for the value of the 4 teams. Therefore from 2010 onwards, the MINIMUM value required for a valid entry will be 29 Points. So as of 2010, you will need your 4 teams to add up to a value of 29 or more. In regards to the order of teams, this is how it'll look:

1 - Mercedes Grand Prix
2 - Red Bull Racing
3 - McLaren
4 - Ferrari
5 - Sauber
6 - Lotus
7 - Williams
8 - Renault
9 - Force India
10 - Toro Rosso
11 - Campos Meta 1
12 - US F1 Team
13 - Virgin Racing

* Please Note this is an unconfirmed order. Changes may apply prior to season opener in Bahrain.

A question that I have for you guys though is would you like to keep the points scoring system as it is, or would you rather cause me hell and change it to the new points system?

Updated Important links to now structure official team websites on 2009 Championship standings, and includes Lotus, Campos, US F1 and Virgin Racing.

Again, I ask about the point from previous post - should point scoring remain as it was for 2009/2008 or do you want me to update it for 2010 season?

Totally irrelevant to the Prediction game... Anyway this is regarding the videos from Formula1.com

The songs that accompany them are really, really good. So why not we come up with a list of ALL the songs that have been used.

I knew quite a number of them and have even bought some of the tracks. Problem now, there are a few that I don't know what is the song title.

It'll be great if we can have a complete list of it. 

Perhaps it is a little too late, but there was not bold predictions thread.XSamFisherX

Bold prediction thread created and will be open for entries until the race at Barcelona. Apologies for not creating it sooner as i have been a bit busy recently, and i didn't realise it was so popular.

Also i did make a start on processing last years result but gamespot froze half way through and i didn't have time to sit and redo it all.

Here is an idea i've had for a possible new feature on the forum.

The F1PU guide to...

Every month (or possible 2 not sure yet) we create a thread call the F1PU guide to (insert name here) and everyone can leave on or two suggestions that relates to the title.

An example of how this might work say the title was the F1PU guide to ... F1 video games, everyone would be free to recommend any f1 games they think are worth playing/owning.

As well as merchandise we could also have guides to:

• Race weekend ( which grand prix's are worth attending, where to sit, what ticket to get etc)
• other motorsports be it 4 or 2
• other ways of enjoying/ getting involved with f1 (karting, marshaling)

Or we could do categories for f1 drivers and teams:

• best team mate
• greatest qualifier
• best car
• worth engine

We could even do something that is a bit more specialist:

• Best way to enjoy F1 without a TV
• F1 at school and Uni
• how to get into f1
• tenuous links to f1 ( things like my dad's best friends wife is the guy who cleans Ross Brawns windows)

We could also do request if people want something in particular.

So let me know what you think.

I will be more than happy to run it, although i will be more than happy to listen to recommendations from people if they want something in particular covered.

I will run a trial one in the middle of next month and see where it goes from there.

GameSpot is currently having issues with the inbox system. Your messages link will read "0", but you may have PM's which you may have missed, so please ensure you keep checking your inbox on your own account, just in case you are expecting any messages.

Of course, this also affects the fact that the reminder to enter the Predictions Championship has been sent, but because there is no change to your messages tab, you may have missed it. I am afraid that, due to the fact this is not an F1-related matter, there can be no exceptions to not meeting the deadline. My apologies in advance.

For more information regarding the issues with the inbox system, please follow this thread which will keep you updated with the latest.

Just a thought I had now, perhaps we could have a mid-season summary, how the new teams and drivers are doing, which teams are doing better than expected and which are not doing as well, perhaps moments of the season so far (as in anything like jokey stuff to serious).Garfield360UK

KimisApprentice did something not too dissimilar to that a little while ago.

Please note the changes to GameSpot's stance on Censor Bypassing:

Here are some basics about the changes:

- GameSpot members that have been moderated for censor bypassing will not have their moderations reversed.
- GameSpot members should heavily rely on the censor bypass system, which often alerts users about a censored word and automatically masks it.
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- The rule about allowing acronyms (WTF and other related ones) has been added, but this has been a policy we have used over the past few years if the acronym was not offensive, flaming, or trolling.
- GameSpot members may now use some phrases that might have been moderated for censor bypassing over the years. For instance, what the frack (widely used among Battlestar Galactic fans) will be overlooked, but if the replacement word looks like the actual censored word, the content may likely be moderated.
- We have also added some additional examples about what kinds of words are not allowed; these include but are not limited to: g-r-i-s, gr*s, g**s, -grizzle, 9|-1$, gr1s, ***s, girs, gryeeeas.

If you report abuse, please make sure you understand the following:

- If you make a mistake, we won't mark you for falsely reporting to the queue. The rules will take some time for everyone to figure out.
- If a GameSpot moderator or admin moderates you for the old rules, it means that they are at fault and the moderation is eligible to be reversed. Make sure you let the mods know by politely asking what you did wrong in the Ask the Moderators forum.
- If an admin believes that an acronym or phrase is inappropriate for the site, don't be too surprised that the content is removed. You can also ask about why it was moderated for clarification.GameSpot

these updates will be added to the Welcome Guide in the near future.

The Hall of Fame has been updated, and Sebastian Vettel's profile has been added to the World Champions post in the Welcome Guide.

Just a thought, but perhaps we could start to affiliate with other unions so to share user bases basically?Garfield360UK

If you know of others that we could do that with, then please do let me know - otherwise I am a little useless when it comes to finding/knowing of other motorsport unions :lol: