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A place to discuss topics/games with other webDiplomacy players.
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Tom Bombadil (4023 D(G))
12 Apr 12 UTC
Because there are those who complain about a lack of Diplomacy Topics
One of the weakest parts of my game is that I don't go to other players with plans, but rather listen to plans, and adapt my strategy. Do you prefer to engage first, or listen to others? And how would you suggest I improve upon actively engaging with other players with ideas rather than waiting for them to come to me?
krellin (80 DX)
12 Apr 12 UTC
Yes....being a pacisifist is best....go with that....
Poozer (962 D)
12 Apr 12 UTC
Tom I feel the same way. I often send the generic lets be allies message, but wait to hear back before really getting into any diplomatic dialog / details of plans with people.
Tom Bombadil (4023 D(G))
12 Apr 12 UTC
krellin, I think it can be good in some situations, but obviously I realize it can be a weakness hence the thread...
Fasces349 (0 DX)
12 Apr 12 UTC
I would just rather listen, so I ally with those truly interested in allying with me.
MKECharlie (2074 D(G))
12 Apr 12 UTC
I think I have the opposite problem. I often suggest coordinating moves and start discussing tactics before I listen to everyone else.
Leif_Syverson (271 D)
12 Apr 12 UTC
I listen first to see who is receptive to actual dialog and then start proposing plans from there. Simple at first and once trust is built I'm willing to entertain (and propose) more drastic measures.
zultar (4180 DMod(P))
12 Apr 12 UTC
I just listen to everyone and do exactly what they tell me to do. It seems to work pretty well. :)
yebellz (729 D(G))
12 Apr 12 UTC
I think that deciding whether or not to take the initiative in the dialog is part of the strategy in negotiation. It creates a very different impression whether or not you suggest certain things first.

It can be tough though, as you want to get a feel for the situation before you tip too much of your hand.

It can also be a matter of style. So people are better at reading and reacting with counter proposals and adjusted strategies, while others prefer to play for initiative. I wouldn't necessarily write it off as a weakness as long as it is working for you.
jmeyersd (4240 D)
12 Apr 12 UTC
I find that if you ask people for stuff before they ask you, they tend to give it to you. It's a lot harder for other players to say "No I'd rather not support you into Rome; you support me instead" than to say "Hey, can you please support me to Rome." I also think players respond more to people who ask first, e.g. if England has to choose who to support to BEL, France or Germany, he's more likely to support whoever asks first. Just my 2 cents.
yebellz (729 D(G))
12 Apr 12 UTC
I somewhat agree with jmeyersd. Who takes the initiative in dialog often effects the dynamic of the negotiation. However, sometimes I find it easier to counteroffer, ie, "well that's a nice idea, but how about this instead since..."

However, perhaps more important than who simply speaks first, are how it relates to the dynamics of the personalities and styles of the two players involved.
h0lein0ne (178 D)
12 Apr 12 UTC
And that ^ is why diplomacy is such a great game!
2ndWhiteLine (2736 D(B))
12 Apr 12 UTC
Yebellz makes a good point. Every set of negotiations needs a starting point, so you may as well make it advantageous to your needs by speaking up. That said, you need to know what you want first, which is the part I always have trouble with. Most of my plans usually change based on how certain players respond and who responds first.
patizcool (100 D)
12 Apr 12 UTC
I believe it is advantageous to begin the negotiation and propose certain things. However, the two most difficult things are in the opening stages, because your proposals are often leaked to those who you wish to move against, and, though proposing certain things are great, suggesting something that causes your ally to propose something (so he believe it to be his idea) is even better.
slyster (3934 D)
12 Apr 12 UTC
Interesting topic Tom. I'm thinking about it, and would you consider doing both? That's what I tend to do. First, I get a feel of the player I interact with and I always try to keep an open mind. If I click with someone, there it starts! I always go like: "I think that 'insert diplomatic message here' and from my point of view I think we're off to a great start and would like to discuss more about it with you, but first, I'd like to hear your thoughts about what I just said. Perhaps you have a different view?"

Well, something like that... Also, I'd say don't underestimate the "laughing factor". Its not that because we're trying to divide and conquer that we cant laugh about things in-game? I honestly find humour as a powerful ally because it helps seal relations.

But anyways, that's just my 2 cents!
Tru Ninja (1016 D(S))
12 Apr 12 UTC
I've found that there are two types of Diplomacy players when it comes to this sort of thing: there are those that "don't make plans" and those that "make plans".

To identify these groups a little more, I'll lay down some rudimentary guidelines. Those that make plans are the types that immediately come out and spell out ideas. They propose a way forward, they lead and they direct. Those that don't make plans are the ones that sort of "go with the flow"--whatever that flow is. They will always make plans for themselves, but typically don't initiate plans with others. They aren't shy in counter-offers or negotiations, but they simply aren't the ones to break the ice.

Let's assume some scenarios for a moment: Let's take any two individuals that fit into one of the two categories and examine the results.

A) Both don't make plans--When two individuals begin talking and neither of them are plan-makers, topics often revolve around cordialness and they often wait for the board to develop and examine the results. They'll make DMZ requests, talk about things they don't like, but will generally not form a cohesive plan and will primarily do their own thing. Alliances are formed, but opponents are often slower to break down as one person merely requests support thinking of his or her own plan and the other will either agree to give it or state that their unit is busy doing other things. These alliances tend to last quite a bit longer, and even possibly game-long, although there is very little communication between the two.

B) Both make plans--This is sort of like two ranking officers deciding the way forward. Either one will have a stronger say in the matter, and one will have less say in the matter, or there will be quite a bit of disagreements when two people think that their way is better and the one that should be followed. Plans often work, but neither party is completely satisfied and one person will typically be more on edge and there will frequently be tension among the group as each member thinks that the plans aren't going quite as smoothly as they had expected. Alliances are formed, but can quickly deteriorate at the drop of a hat.

C) One makes plans and one doesn't make plans--This type of dynamic is the "preferred" dynamic. One player will lead while the other will follow. Opponents are dissected with the fluency of two players that lead, but both parties are satisfied with the results. These types of dynamics, however, can often lead to the brutal stab of the player that doesn't make plans if they do not carefully examine the situation to check and make sure they're not getting hosed.


I tend to be of the "makes plans" type. I noticed that people will often prefer to work with someone that makes plans over someone that does not make plans. I first start by looking at what I want in any given situation. After I have discovered that, I try to think about what the other player will want and try to offer that thing. This often ends up in the scenarios described in B and C.

Ultimately, I think the goal should be to develop a "B" scenario where one makes plans and the other doesn't necessarily make them but might counter the plans with another set of ideas, but someone among the group needs to be coming up with something. If neither of you are, then it's simply important to change something up by (a) knowing what you want, (b) knowing what the other person wants, and doing what you can to ensure that you both can get what you're after.
Vaftrudner (2533 D)
12 Apr 12 UTC
Just like in Poker, I don't play the game, I play the player. If a person is more passive, I spell out plans. If a person is more active, I either try to discuss, or ask leading questions ("What do you think Bre-Eng means?") to get them to suggest what I want them to suggest. Usually though, I mostly use rational arguments, or make them appear rational. If a player is extremely emotional, I try to fuel this in the right direction, but those players are less reliable and harder to deal with, so sometimes I try to calm them down with reason.

This is of course a bit later in the game. Initially, it's difficult, and I tend to be more ambivalent. The important thing is just to get the player talking so you can size him or her up. By 1902, I usually have a strategy for how to deal with each player.


16 replies
dubmdell (556 D)
11 Apr 12 UTC
Muting is a curious feature
Apparently, you cannot mute a banned player. I discovered this when I tried muting bullshiot threads to make scouring the forums for an old thread easier. Curious indeed. By one's banning, they become like the mods: immutable.
8 replies
Open
NigeeBaby (100 D(G))
12 Apr 12 UTC
Full Press games......
....... make me paranoid.
5 replies
Open
Lando Calrissian (100 D(S))
12 Apr 12 UTC
variants
Frank mentioned this some time ago, but how interesting do you all think the portage variant would be?
6 replies
Open
Leif_Syverson (271 D)
11 Apr 12 UTC
Addiction
After nearly 3 months of rigorous discipline in not responding to political bolshoi threads (from both sides) on the forum I've had a relapse.
Help me Randall!!!
http://xkcd.com/597/
http://xkcd.com/386/
2 replies
Open
Diplomat33 (243 D(B))
11 Apr 12 UTC
New Game
Join, and have some low key fun!

http://webdiplomacy.net/board.php?gameID=85777
1 reply
Open
rokakoma (19138 D)
11 Apr 12 UTC
Highest rated (by GR) games ever
Who remembers high rated games? Pls feel free to share gameIDs and ratings actual when the game happend.
16 replies
Open
2ndWhiteLine (2736 D(B))
11 Apr 12 UTC
Low Effort Thought Promotes Conservatism
http://psp.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/03/16/0146167212439213.abstract?rss=1
40 replies
Open
Putin33 (111 D)
11 Apr 12 UTC
The Irish Property Tax
Anybody involved with the movement against this?

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-03/is-irelands-property-tax-revolt-the-end-of-austerity-dont-bet-on-it
0 replies
Open
Yonni (136 D(S))
03 Apr 12 UTC
WebDip Triathlon
OK, I think I'd like to formally invite people to sign up for the WebDip Triathlon.
I'll explain more inside.
58 replies
Open
Andrew Wiggin (157 D)
11 Apr 12 UTC
New Game, Battle for Middle Earth lll
Hey guys, looking for more players to join in on a game I just made. 24h turns, 20 D to join!

Thanks!
0 replies
Open
Sandgoose (0 DX)
10 Apr 12 UTC
Your Favorite Afternoon Snack With Sandgoose
Ladies and Gentlemen, tell me...what be your favorite snack? Could be pop-tarts...beans...crispy cream dodo's...ANYTHING! :)

respond within:
25 replies
Open
ODaly (236 D)
10 Apr 12 UTC
Scumbag?
Not looking for recompense or anything, but... (story inside)
54 replies
Open
SpeakerToAliens (147 D(S))
11 Apr 12 UTC
People actually complained about this TV advert made for the British Heart Foundation!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ILxjxfB4zNk

Thoughts?
4 replies
Open
AverageWhiteBoy (314 D)
11 Apr 12 UTC
Look, idealists and ideologues, I don't hate you guys, but
I'm a nihilist and you're all full of shit. ALL of you.
8 replies
Open
Gobbledydook (1389 D(B))
11 Apr 12 UTC
EOG: Over the Mountain
http://webdiplomacy.net/board.php?gameID=85764
1 reply
Open
dubmdell (556 D)
11 Apr 12 UTC
Don't blame the free website for Tettleton's Chew
A free website is a website where a party may sign up for completely voluntary and free goods and/or services.
Any posting or trolling in the forums by a 3rd party is not a free website transaction. You muting a Tettleton's Chew after work is a free website transaction.
0 replies
Open
President Eden (2750 D)
11 Apr 12 UTC
Shock and Awe: Invisible Children spying for Ugandan government
WikiLeaks cable: http://wikileaks.org/cable/2009/06/09KAMPALA587.html

Violated their nonprofit status. Oh boy.
1 reply
Open
Leonidas (635 D)
10 Apr 12 UTC
new recruit
Introducing a friend to the game, I have set up a low ( 10 D ) entry game for him to get started in, 19 hrs till it starts, three places to fill, looking for newbie tolerant veterans, who feel like participating in a training exercise, kinda like a dummy hand of cards, except end result sticks...

PM me for password if you're interested
2 replies
Open
NigeeBaby (100 D(G))
10 Apr 12 UTC
Interesting .......???
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17446831
1 reply
Open
yebellz (729 D(G))
09 Apr 12 UTC
Just wondering why
What's the use of arguing about politics on a random internet forum?
93 replies
Open
largeham (149 D)
06 Apr 12 UTC
Look, Americans, I don't hate you guys
I mean, you had the IWW, Emma Goldman and Hemingway. But I'd rather you didn't station Marines in Darwin and UAVs on the Cocos Islands.
114 replies
Open
Draugnar (0 DX)
10 Apr 12 UTC
This came up in tha Admoin Smackdown game.
Important matter that needs the sites input.

See inside.
18 replies
Open
jwalters93 (288 D)
10 Apr 12 UTC
One thing.
If you could pick one thing to be totally amazing at, what would you choose, and why? (Yes, it has to be a real thing.)
25 replies
Open
CrazyCanuck (100 D)
10 Apr 12 UTC
Guinness record for longest convoy?
I'm in a World Diplo game, and we are almost done. A 4 way draw in this very, very long game! I'm wondering if anyone knows the World's Record for longest convoy. We are trying one that will use 25 fleets! If that's the record, please let me know, ASAP, as I can ask us to change it to use 26 fleets.

Thanks!
0 replies
Open
Leonidas (635 D)
07 Apr 12 UTC
Cancer Research Conspiracy
Had a discussion about whether a cure for Cancer is locked away in someone's deep pockets or not.
12 replies
Open
acmac10 (120 D(B))
04 Apr 12 UTC
Need Some Fantasy Baseball Participants
So as you may know, we're doing a fantasy baseball league for WebDip on Yahoo. If you're interested please PM me or krellin. Thanks
22 replies
Open
redhouse1938 (429 D)
08 Apr 12 UTC
EoG : "Skyfall" gameID=77069
Slot reserved! Post your EoGs here everybody!
13 replies
Open
jwalters93 (288 D)
09 Apr 12 UTC
Wow.
I made a game titled 'No Idiots Allowed.'

The game was cancelled because not enogh people joined.
2 replies
Open
YadHoGrojaUL (330 D)
10 Apr 12 UTC
EOG Live Gunboat 190
6 replies
Open
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