Your Feedback on Guild Wars Guru

Well, it's the beginning of the year... time for a new start and new changes. We've had quite a few significant changes on Guild Wars Guru lately; forum restructure, new auction system, too many articles to name, new map gallery, and more. We have even more content in store that we are, even now, getting ready for release. We are continually working toward bringing all of you the latest and greatest.

Now it's time to get from the community, you, your feedback on this site. What's working for you, what do you like most about the site? What features do you like the most, what would you like to see in the future? Why do you choose this site over others, what would make you choose this site over others?

And for all those people with suggestions on improving site performance we are getting a brand new dedicated server soon.

Dual Index Xeon 3.0GHz/2MB Cache
800MHz FSB Processors
4GB DDR2 400MHz RAM
2x 73GB 10K RPM Ultra 320 SCSI Hard Drive

So that's a great step toward making this site fast and relatively problem free. That's coming in just a couple of weeks, so watch for the news announcement on that.

If you want to send me off a PM with any suggestions or ideas please feel free to do that as well. With Chapter 2 coming up, we want to make sure this site fulfills all your Guild Wars needs for content, updates, information, community and more.

Thanks,

Inde and the Guild Wars Guru Staff

first of all, this site kicks so much ass I couldn't possibly come up w/improvements.

My only complaint(s) are that there are too many forum sections, and forum mods are bit too zealous in moving things. If mods are constantly having to close, move, delete threads - then perhaps the forums are too compartmented and the posting rules too restrictive.

But, that's just my opinion.

I always mention you guys when new players are asking questions. I believe it has been my contributions that have taken GWG to the position it now holds.

I would reccomend this forum to PvE players. Period.

When GW was released i switched from reading at GWG to TGH. Mainly because TGH is the best place to discuss PvP.

I enjoyed reading the articles pre-release, but it has turned into a major PvE *don't really know what i'm talking about* site, which is a pitty. GWG had potential...

Stamps, we are working on PvP actually. We have a forum dedicated to it now, and are in the works releasing an updated Build Directory as well with PvP templates etc. Old stereotypes die hard I realize. It takes a while for the community to see changes. If you have any further suggestions on how we provide more valuable PvP content send me a PM. Perhaps you are willing to write some guides and articles, some builds, etc. This is something we'd like to focus on, bringing in more PvP content.

I am a relatively new member to Guru but in the short time i have been here i have found it to be one of the best places on the net to hang out.

I use the forums a lot for information on whats happening and to answer questions from newer players.

The forums are good and easy to navigate as they are and personally i don't see how that could be improved, the new auction system is fantastic and i have been recommending it to newer players from other forums i visit.

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I don't however really use the main site apart from to look up skill discriptions, This is mostly because the areas that i would look at just don't contain the information needed.

Take the Armor Compendium for example, i checked here once to see what an armour looked like before i got it. Only warrior has any information and even then there arn't any pictures that i could see or a full list.

I completely understand that it's a lot of information to have bu i'm sure if everyone on the forum banded together we could get most of the pictures and stats within a few days.

I find i go to other sites (guildwiki) for quick information due to the pictures and speed of the information poping up

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I'm not sure if it's just me, but there seems to be a fair amount of lag when posting and often it will fail to post my reply.

Other than that I love this site and the community on it are great msot of the time, thanks for all the hard work.

Good show . And I got one waiting up, as mentioned before in PM. But all in time.

- good mod/admin staff. their replys to some of the most ...uninformative....posts are always elegant, and is worth a compliment. Style bonus points! Also a lot of work has been done in general on the site, which also deserves a compliment.
- the auction system is an absolute boon
- community works forum. a forum packed with usefull posts is always nice.
- the 'old style lay-out'. Nice to the eyes.
- quick on spreading (PvE) news
- the skills listings that are searchable.

I choose this site because it is quick on news. One look at Riverside tells me if something new is going on, or that the new threads are more of the same. That is, and always be imho, the essential of a forum. that, and skill searchable page and auctionhouse.

A dedicated server? Someone is chipping in out of his own pocket....

suggestions:
- bringing the guildforum on main page (as I posted before, so old news)
- auto-card style for skills (any mtg player can tell you what this is. pm me if you want to know)
- Most forums have a top posters ladder. But this may encourage spamming, So not sure if it is a good addition.
- word censors: godly --> normal, 1337 --> okayish, roxorz --> okayish, teh--> the, etc
foremost the 'godly' one.
- some form of notes you can post in your profile that are visible for public
- more articles in general. there could be more good write ups...but that isn't administrative staff's concern, you do your best. That is the community's concern....
Some of the older articles are caught up by time I think I remember...... maybe those need to be looked in to see if they are still worth to keep in article database..?
- ........can't think anything else up atm.


greetings,
makk.

We need a lot more bannings. MUCH more. Especially that Savio person.

It is seemably PvP oriented, but when it comes to PvP I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The people are (mostly) friendly and helpful with a desire to make things easier and more fun for new players and members... great site, very helpful, easy to figure out. I can't think of any real complaints that aren't member related. Great job guys! Can't wait for the new server.

I would just Echo most of what Makkert has posted. I read this forum because it is a pretty friendly place. The mods do a great job of keeping things in order without becoming heavy handed like some sites. That really creates a very welcoming environment.

I also like how the latest news is in Riverside pretty quick. I like the improvements to the trade forum (especially the stickied threads of updated price estimates).

1. I would like to emphasize what Makkert posted about the front page article info. At least checking for relevency or accuracy is always nice.

2. Making the front pages a little more searchable would be nice. I remember the first time I tried to relocate Ensign's combat math article. It had been quite a while since I had read it and I couldn't remember what sub-section it was in and it's specfic title. I'm more familiar with the site now so I don't have that problem, but I think a lot of newer people might have a hard time locating pertinent information.

3. If there was a way to more closely tie in the front site material with the forum site it might help some people locate info. For example if the side link bar on the main site were available in the forums it might be helpful. It comes down to I usually come straight to the forum site and skip the front page all together because there isn't much reason for me to go through an additional page load.

In all you all are doing a great job with this site and the improvements you've made have been good. Keep heading in that direction. And thanks for being a friendly place to visit.

integrate autction and forums. there is a good trader hack for vBulletin. maybe you could install and integrate it with the auction.

I came to this forum, because I found the people at TGH to be arrogant know-it-alls. I have never seen so much condescending behavior towards others as I have there. I never even bothered posting.

I think this place is cool; it is nice to see so many different nationalities posting, and I do hope you keep the PvP section.

Looking forward to the improved server.

ignis, forum integration with the auction system is in the works. I'll release more details on that at a later date.

And Fyre Brand, there is actually a way to search the site here:

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/index.php?do=advsearch

but... how many would use it for a forum search as well and be disappointed with the results. Not sure exactly how to clarify that or to make an overall search without it being a resource hog. I'll think of a way to do this for everyone.

The problem is, as JR and Scrubs hinted, that the "damage" to the pvp community here already has happened. And now it's to late to change.

The base of people with indept knowhow of the PvP "metagame", is not existent on GWG. Those people share their expierience on TGH or other places.

awesome site

Stamps, too late to change... I've sent you a PM. But I doubt that anything is too late to change, to improve, to update. I didn't intend this to be a complaint thread, it's a suggestion thread and a vague complaint without a solution or idea is not going to benefit anyone. Give me some ideas, all of you, with what focus you would like to see with PvP on the site. Post them here, send them to me in PM or email if you desire at [email protected]

came here for trade/price check...but found nice PVP/PVE community
suggestions:
1. improve the search like you said
2. improve build directory
3. bring back the little box on the front page with the new posts thing - i know you can still check on the bar but i liked it on the front page

nothing else atm

Skill Listings improvements

1) Update the icons for all skills
2) Update the descriptions for all spells
3) Could some type of filter be implemented to sort the spells in different ways?

EXAMPLES:

alphabetical,
by class, (blood, death, etc)
by type (enchantment, hex, preperation, etc)
by stats (energy, duration, recharge, adrenaline, etc)

"Show me all 5 energy hexes."

I had one sigestion,(sorry if some1 has already said it) it would be really cool if there was a way to mark a thread, or something u posted to, so that u could easly bring it up fast. like u can on ebay(If u can already do this i feel like a noob, and could u plz tell me how?)

An improvement I would think is useful, is a trash bin section to move threads into so that the forum isn't flooded with stuff that is not necessary. Perhaps an admin can then sort through the trash and delete to create a more clean, efficient, and less bandwidth/space hogging enviroment.

Refer to the NUMEROUS threads on terror shield, they can be merged in one or moved to trash. It has been proved fake and people still want to post those threads.

As for Modding, I think you guys do an awesome job. I haven't seen any particularly offensive/vulgar material and fake information is usually shot down by older members (Something I am grateful for).

BTW, I love how this site permits outside links and load images, which allows the forum to have a good art place and sell forum.

The auction system is even better than RPGtraders, but the problem is there is not enough publicity RPGTraders isn't better, it is just older so more people know about it.

Anyway, There is a REASON why GWGuru is a good site: it is because it is subject to change for the better. Some sites haven't been updated since betas...

The only bad thing (as with all good things) is other people wanting what you have. I think someone should find out how to secure the server better so idiots that are angry of being banned will not be able to launch attacks against the server. A firewall maybe? :/

P.S. You should sue the idiots that launched the DDoS attacks if you find out (or ID) who is responsible.

I think Stamps is fairly accurate in saying the PvP aspect of GWG will never reach total potential, no matter what changes are done to facilitate otherwise. The people (not all, but some) who contribute decent PvP topics on TGH do nothing but mock GWG by posting nonsense and false information. >.> GWG is good for getting a heads up on what's going on in the realm of PvE, but it's the last place I'd look to find an in-depth discussion/analysis on anything PvP related.

<3 the site, but some bridges have been burned.

this site > the GW main site and any others

A site feedback thread in the Riverside Province? Isn't there another forum for that . That nerf bat is awfully close again Inde. I promise that that was the last joke. I cross my heart.
Yes, Inde, I will never ever go against my superiors again.
*Chris_nin00 Cowers in fear*

^My last statements show why I'm still here. We have a super duper great extraordinary staff! Without them, I wouldn't be here typing and wasting my life away. They love my cracks and don't want me to leave. Right...
Thank you staff!
I also agree on the overzealous mods; not the zealous mod in Guild Wars. Especially that Savio... hehhehehhehehe... What a stallion. Just joking. I think they are doing a fine job of keeping the forums clean. Now our job as a community is to clean up after ourselves so the mods won't get too zealous.
*Pats every mod on the back. Passes Piexags* .
We need better enforcement of the rules... I think you guys should make the rules more easier to find. Here's an Idea: When people register, show a big link showing posting rules! Isnt' it a great idea? chris_nin00 rules! Throw it up for the spam-- excuse me. Oh, it already has it? Oh forget the idea then. Just make the link bigger. Onto to the real meat.

This site is the shiznit! You wanna know why? Here's a list.
Things that make this site the best(I like lists)...
-Auction system. Sets the bar over every other fan site. We as a community are truly 1337(The combination of numbers hurts your eyes, doesn't it?)
-Great community. There are a lot nice people out there reading this post. I've seen worst crap anywhere but here. You guys are funny talented and intelligent. I love the comics, articles, suggestions and builds we make! A-net loves us the most.
*chris_nin00 pats you on the back for a job well done*
-Organized. All I can say is that this site is easy to navigate. All the other fansites I went to were all cluttered up. I don't like cluttered up stuff. Another reason I favor lists.
-Updated regularly. Inde likes to stay on top of things nicely.

About the new server...
Looks like a new monster we can have fun with. Animated avatars anyone? Refer to my animated avatar thread in the site feedback forum for more info. Join me and together we can get avatar justice! Don't start to throw flares at me yet. Hear me out on this next suggestion.

The slowdown was probably caused by me overspamming. Excuse my out of controlness...
*Gets flames*
Save me mods! Save me!
"Don't worry!" yells an unrecognizable mod in the smoke of the fire, "with the quick use of the smite button you'll be back up posting in no time."
*Cleans up the flames*
"Thank you, whoever saved me! I really owe you one!"
"Oh, don't thank me, young chris_nin00," says the unrecognizable mod, "It's your loyalty to the site that keeps us and this site going. We need you as much as you need us. "
"Thank you," says chris_nin00, "I'll see you around."
The mod flies away into cyber space.

Now time for questions from the audience. I'm Miss Cleo!

Dracus,
I had the same problem as you. We should have subscribed threads! I demand it! Bring out the pitchforks!
Hold on there Dracus...
We have a system like this already. Here's how you can do it.
1. Go to the thread you like.
2. Click thread options at the top of the thread and choose subscribe thread.
3. You can access subscribed threads from the controll panel.

Anymore?

Then my post is done here...

Happy new year guys

^2nd quality post of the day.

new page!!


ok, here's a suggestion for your auction.
I haven't actually used it for more than the occasional price check browse, so maybe I'm just not hip to how it works.

right now there are about 1500 combat items divided up into various categories, and I'm sure this number will grow in the future.

what I would like to see is a little more organization so I wouldn't have to scroll through 5 pages to check on a specific type of item, but at the same time I wouldn't want to see a hundred mini-categories to search through.

the solution?:
part I
when you create an entry and fill out the item description, maybe you could implement a dropdown selection of titles for the item:
ie
axe
sword
sword upgrade
caster weapon wand
caster weapon staff
caster offhand
misc
etc...

these titles would autofill in the beginning of the field containing the item description.

part II
implement a clickable sort by different categories on the main item list.
so, I could then just do an alphabetical sort.

"use the search!", you say?
well, I could do this, but if I want to see sword upgrades I would have to a fair bit of searching, as i don't know if it's under sword, upgrade, or if the entry is 'sword pommel', or whatever.
if things are sorted alphabetically by titles, I can hop around by section pretty easily.

I think this would really help in the future when there might be 10 times the combat items you now have.

ps

here's another:
would it be hard to fashion the auction after the skill list?
what might be cool is if you could click on an item and enter a post about it just like in the skill listing.

I love this site! The few flaws it has aren't even worth me bitching about, really. Some days I actually spend more time browsing here than playing the game! Sans the DDOS attack which seems to be over with now, Guru has always been faster than gwonline, and considerably more organized.

One thing I really want you to add is a Paypal donation button! I don't block ads, but I don't click on them either. I'll gladly contribute a few bucks here and there to keep this site going. And I'm sure plenty of other folks will too. Hell, it's not like we're paying a monthly fee for the game. For all you do for the GW community, we at the very least should be able to give back.

Keep up the good work!

-k

I originally came to this site for in game information, maps, and this one seemed to have some of the best information and looked the most professional. I got into the forums about a month or so ago and it has been alot of fun to participate in discussions about the game.

I cant think of anything that would need a major change in my mind (but I have yet to completely go through the entire site . The biggest change I would like to see is the updating of some of the armor and weapon compendiums (but thats probably in the works).

I would like to see some kind of trade off with Guildwiki.org as they have no forums and they have the better game info...sorry if this offends anyone...I really love this site but I rarely leave the forums.

Great site here.

News travels fast and this seems to be the place I hear about things first from. (SoA axe, IDS, etc.)

These boards are more free than some other major GW forums, and I love that. I keep comming back because unlike some other boards *cough*GWOnline*cough* I can edit my posts, and *gasp*, link to outside sites.

Thx Chris ^^

I wonder if you are going to close this thread...

The reasons why I use this site over all others:

-news on the main page is very quick from Inde, /applaud

-lots of interesting articles to read

-if something's happening that I need to know about, it's brought up very quickly in Riverside

-Sardelac...I agree I used to spend more time on it and probably will in the future, I love sharing ideas and commenting on them, especially the more lengthy ones.

-Lyssa's Fiction...since I love writing, this is the place where I have been RPing recently and writing.

-Screenshot Exposition is good, people bring out some nice pictures for discussion.

-Nolani has had some very interesting and applaudable art in it.

-I hardly spend any time in the 'Halls of Knowledge' section but I'm sure that it's great.

-other forums not mentioned are good too.

-the community here is so great, how they discuss, improve, get to know people they wouldn't otherwise, and learn things. The people are just really nice.

-the mods do a good job, I applaud them for their effort.

-Inde works very hard and I appreciate his and his colleagues' efforts to continue to make this site better and be an outstanding fansite.

-probably more to say but I can't think of it just now.

I do really enjoy this site as it has the most info and some great, hard working, dedicated mods. Excellent job Mods