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[ExoSphere64]

Heh... No "Game" for this guy tonight!!

 

[ExoSphere64]

Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing.
William Butler Yeats


It is in the difficult times that we're growing and you can't just rebuke everything hard. We've got to endure it and fight the good fight to pass the test.
Joel Osteen


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Once upon a time, after becoming fed up with the chaos and lack of any form of racecraft in public lobbies, a small handful of drivers got together for the very first time to race in a private lounge in hopes of having a fun night of clean racing. I am sure that after that night was finished, not a single soul could have predicted what was about to happen. Over the next two years these folks, and many more along the way developed a formula that has withstood the test of time. The formula was simple. Race in an environment that was clean, respectful and organized. The formula worked and this League has enjoyed steady growth since that first night.

It has been six weeks since Gran Turismo 6 launched. Six weeks. A tremendous amount of water has passed beneath our little bridge in this very short amount of time. At one point during the GT5 era, SNAIL was at a strong 5 divisions but it didn't happen over night. With the GT6 launch date getting closer, it was evident how tired everyone had become with an old game and our divisions shrank to only 3. Our initial growth and eventual recession happened very gradually. We are now a very strong 7 divisions and there is no indication that it will stop there.

Over the past six weeks we have grown from three to seven divisions. The focus of this Pit Board is to highlight some of what goes into the addition of just one division. There is a little more to it than just adding another room for Sunday night. The behind the scenes work is complicated and takes a lot of work from several members to ensure that all of the pieces are in place. Add the flaws in the new GT title and you have potential for things to get messy. Our leaders, the veterans and newest members of Team SNAIL have been working miracles to make sure that every one of us has an enjoyable night of racing.

Once @zer05ive and @kcheeb make the decision that another division is needed, the fun begins. I am sure I will miss a few things and get others out of order but you will have a better idea of what it takes. Division "X" get the green light. One of the first tasks is to look over every single driver and decide how to fill all divisions with the correct drivers. Not just the new one. This is where our time trial comes into play. With the TT data, intelligent decisions can be made as to where to put every driver so that racing will be a close as possible. This is only one of the reasons that it is important to have a current time trial from every member.

Now that every driver has been placed into their prospective division, the next task is to start the process of getting key positions filled for the new division. Each division must have a Host/Director, Scorekeeper, Replay Uploader, Data Specialst and Steward. This is the absolute minimum for a division to operate. It is much more favorable to have multiple members for all of these jobs. Sharing the work on race night really makes the evening more fun for the Team members and it prevents widespread panic if a key member is unable to make it on Sunday.

Those that volunteer must now be trained on how to complete their duties. Each one of these roles has a unique skill. Nothing is really that difficult but every job is tied together in one way or another. Directors need to make sure all settings are correct for the night. Data must be entered without fail because it is one of the other ways that help to determine what division a driver will be placed in. Replays need to be saved and up loaded so that in the event there is a racing complaint, the stewards have access to them. Most of the jobs can be learned fairly quickly but becoming a division steward is a much lengthier process. Not just anyone can be a steward.

While this is going on, all of the forms, documents and key posts must be updated to reflect a new division. This process is quite a bit more complex than just copying another. Those of us that frequent the S.N.A.I.L. Results doc know that all of the formulas and spreadsheets are all linked together so that the plethora of data all ties in correctly.

Since we still don't have private lounges like we used to, each division that has decided to go "friends only" must have all of the drivers and directors/co-directors added to PSN friends lists and so on. Each week we all receive a PM informing us of what division we will be racing in for that evening so that has to created as well.

This is a huge glossing over of how much that has to take place in order to add a single division. While this is all happening, there are all of the regular weekly League duties to tend to. There are a million other details that are going on but I am trying to keep from putting you all in a coma! Now take into consideration that we have done this four times in the last six weeks and I am sure that we will add more in the future.

Team SNAIL has been rolling it non-stop and have done a fantastic job keeping up with the demand. I can not begin to thank all of the veteran and new members of The Team for all of the quality work that has gone into the last month and a half. There is something out there for everyone. We still have many positions open including photographers. Team SNAIL is an all volunteer army and if you have a little spare time and are interested in making your sim racing experience better, consider joining the Team! Not everyone has the extra time to help and that is okay as well. Real Life is difficult for almost everyone. The one thing everyone can do for the League is to be patient and prepared. Take the time to keep up with the thread and educate yourselves. There are no secrets here. Everything anyone needs is on the thread. Instead of asking and expecting an answer, try asking where you can find the information you are seeking. There will be questions that can only be answered by a little debating and that is acceptable as well as long as it doesn't get out of hand. Remember that we all have other lives and other League related duties. Be kind, patient and try to help yourself from time to time. You never know what cool things you might discover by just having a look around.

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This is something that I have been wanting to mention as well. @JLBowler has began a weekly series titled "Points of Interest". This is one of the greatest new additions to the thread. When the first edition came out last week I really enjoyed the post and now it is on my "look forward to" list. I really hope that it sticks around for a long time. We talk about immersion and I think it is a welcome addition the the sim racing experience. Thanks 'Bowler and great idea! This also highlights just how much our League encourages creativity. From writing, photography, videos, concept races and series, it just goes to show that SNAIL is THE place to be!

Race Clean, Race Hard, Race S.N.A.I.L.​

 

[Dragonwhisky]

Sweet! Effin win without having to call the game "On"!

That's what you call forum-leet-fu.

Literally, liftin' my whisky in toast.

 

[Boosted22g]

I have a question... explain to me how using a wheel is not a form of cheating, now I plan on buying a wheel myself so as to become more competitive. Anyone who after reading this gets upset or balks please spare me the rant.
I do feel though that the wheel is a contradiction to spec racing.

 

[mopar440]

IROC test race Up 1472-6399-8880-6891-9772

 

[intoflatlines]

I have a question... explain to me how using a wheel is not a form of cheating, now I plan on buying a wheel myself so as to become more competitive. Anyone who after reading this gets upset or balks please spare me the rant.
I do feel though that the wheel is a contradiction to spec racing.

It's not cheating because it's just a controller.

 

[Dragonwhisky]

I would argue, as GT6 is purportedly a "driving simulator", notice I didn't say racing, those that use a DS3 controller, are in fact cheating.

Fast folks gonna be fast. Doesn't matter what you put in their hands.

 

[intoflatlines]

I've tried to apply it 4 times already. It takes me back as if I had not shut down the PS3 down properly and does the check disk sequence.

Do you have it hooked up to an AVR or other device that processes/passes the signal?

I originally thought I was pressing OK right away, but it turned out that I was just pressing OK as soon as it popped up on my TV. When the PS3 changes video output format (from menu to game), it causes the AVR to switch processing modes which causes a temporary blackout on the screen. So when I was pressing OK right away, it really was probably 3 or so seconds after the prompt popped up. Just start the game and immediately start tapping the X button to get the download accepted even if it doesn't show up on your TV.

If that's not the case with you... that really sucks

 

[intoflatlines]

I would argue, as GT6 is purportedly a "driving simulator", notice I didn't say racing, those that use a DS3 controller, are in fact cheating.

Fast folks gonna be fast. Doesn't matter what you put in their hands.

To build on that argument, folks with a DS3 can go from lock to lock much quicker than someone in a wheel.

 

[DriftinAssassin]

I would argue, as GT6 is purportedly a "driving simulator", notice I didn't say racing, those that use a DS3 controller, are in fact cheating.

Fast folks gonna be fast. Doesn't matter what you put in their hands.

To build on that argument, folks with a DS3 can go from lock to lock much quicker than someone in a wheel.

I was going to mention this. Even though I use a DS3 I realize that I have an advantage over wheel users in the fact that I can go left and right ( lock to lock anyway, can't beat the fast people around corners. ) way faster. I'm not saying I like it but it's what I got though, especially since I am broke and don't have a job.

 

[Boosted22g]

It's not cheating because it's just a controller.

ok, then why do you (anyone) use a wheel?

 

[Boosted22g]

To build on that argument, folks with a DS3 can go from lock to lock much quicker than someone in a wheel.

Then why not use the controller?

 

[intoflatlines]

ok, then why do you (anyone) use a wheel?

Then why not use the controller?

Because I am a cheater that still loses.

 

[Oshawa-Joe]

ok, then why do you (anyone) use a wheel?

I haven't figured out how to mount my DS3 to my race seat.

 

[Boosted22g]

That's fair, one question though.. are you with the wheel able to make adjustments that affect how the car handles?

 

[intoflatlines]

That's fair, one question though.. are you with the wheel able to make adjustments that affect how the car handles?

Yes, it's called the steering, brake, and accelerator.

 

[Dragonwhisky]

Boosted, all else I'm gonna say on this, is one of the greatest philosophical sayings I've ever read.

"Argue for your own limitations, and they're yours."

 

[Handlebar]

ok, then why do you (anyone) use a wheel?

I enjoy it, I appreciate the driving simulation. My car is not operated my a controller, even my RC car has a small "wheel" for steering.

It looked like you were trolling for an argument. I started with a DS3, and it is not all bad, nor all good.

I just wanted to feel like I was driving, not shooting Asteroids.

 

[Boosted22g]

Because I am a cheater that still loses.

If it pleases the court, I would like to substitute the word cheating with advantage.

 

[Oshawa-Joe]

Some of the fastest guys that have raced in D1 have done it with a DS3.

 

[Dragonwhisky]

If it pleases the court, I would like to substitute the word cheating with advantage.

That's funny raht thar. I dun care who ya are.

Oh and yeah, even though you said you don't have a job and all that, when selecting your advantageous device, go big or stay at home. Don't bother with a DFGT or lesser wheel. Go with a G27 or better, even if better is fairly subjective.

 

[hooker4]

Then why not use the controller?

A wheel doesnt necessarily make you faster. It makes you smoother. There is a rather large learning curve when you transition from the ds3 to a wheel. You dont just set it up and move to d1. I personally alot faster on some combos with a ds3 and sometimes still use it, but to me it kinda takes away from the whole driving simulator thing when your driving with a stick.

 

[Boosted22g]

I enjoy it, I appreciate the driving simulation. My car is not operated my a controller, even my RC car has a small "wheel" for steering.

It looked like you were trolling for an argument. I started with a DS3, and it is not all bad, nor all good.

I just wanted to feel like I was driving, not shooting Asteroids.

Far from it, Im just starting a discussion. Seeing it as an advantage is only my humble view, I'm sure once I purchase one my view will change.

 

[mopar440]

Anyone Going To Join Or Not? 1472-6399-8880-6891-9772

 

[Boosted22g]

A wheel doesnt necessarily make you faster. It makes you smoother. There is a rather large learning curve when you transition from the ds3 to a wheel. You dont just set it up and move to d1. I personally alot faster on some combos with a ds3 and sometimes still use it, but to me it kinda takes away from the whole driving simulator thing when your driving with a stick.

Cool, that's the kind of reply I was looking for.. one with insight. thankyou sir

 

[JLBowler]

I have a question... explain to me how using a wheel is not a form of cheating, now I plan on buying a wheel myself so as to become more competitive. Anyone who after reading this gets upset or balks please spare me the rant.
I do feel though that the wheel is a contradiction to spec racing.

If you think buying a wheel will instantly make you faster, save your money and spend more time practicing. I recently had to send my wheel in for warranty replacement and in the week and a half of using the controller, I was almost as fast as I am with the wheel. You will actually be slower at first with the wheel.

ok, then why do you (anyone) use a wheel?

Immersion factor and comfort for me.

That's fair, one question though.. are you with the wheel able to make adjustments that affect how the car handles?

There is nothing you can do with a wheel to change how the car handles. We can make changes in regards to the amount of feedback we get but that does nothing for car performance. On the other hand , controller users can change the sensitivity of the controller which is basically changing the steering ratio between your imput and the car.

 

[swg]

Anyone Going To Join Or Not? 1472-6399-8880-6891-9772

Sorry, I thought you said yesterday it was going to be ar 930 est. Watching an episode of dexter with the wife and I'll be on a little later if youre still around.

 

[Oshawa-Joe]

Far from it, Im just starting a discussion. Seeing it as an advantage is only my humble view, I'm sure once I purchase one my view will change.

You will probably be slower with the wheel for a few weeks or longer. Had a friend return his same night he picked it up.

 

[chuyler1]

I've raced with people who are fast with X and O and the arrow buttons, and the fact that the game lets them keep pace with someone using a wheel and pedals feels like they are cheating to me. The fact is, the game is more about timing your braking and turn in points and how you go about doing that is entirely up to you. No one has an edge in this game. Spend equal amount of time with each device and you'll be quick on both.

 

[Boosted22g]

If you think buying a wheel will instantly make you faster, save your money and spend more time practicing. I recently had to send my wheel in for warranty replacement and in the week and a half of using the controller, I was almost as fast as I am with the wheel. You will actually be slower at first with the wheel.



Immersion factor and comfort for me.



There is nothing you can do with a wheel to change how the car handles. We can make changes in regards to the amount of feedback we get but that does nothing for car performance. On the other hand , controller users can change the sensitivity of the controller which is basically changing the steering ratio between your imput and the car.

I'm getting one more for the comfort factor, my thumbs go numb after awhile.