Handler Perception

[Chesbro]

This is a real simple question, but I want absolutely serious answers. It doesn't matter to me which way you go with it.

I've said it numerous times on here and in my podcast. I want to create the best e-fed out there, where it is just as rewarding for myself as it is for all of you. When my federation is running really well and everyone is happy, then I'm happy.

It's a little over the 6 month mark since I took over TWD from Pat Martin, who did a great job getting this place started and keeping it going for a year. I haven't been the best at times, but I haven't been close to the worst either.

In addition to your vote, I would like everyone to post something below. Whether it be praise or criticism of myself or TWD. Say whatever you want, it's okay. I don't want anyone trashing anyone else in this thread if they don't like someone's opinion. This is a preformance evaluation from all of you on myself.

I've heard some in the past that I've taken into consideration, but I always want suggestions. Some suggestions I've heard deal with the website. Others deal with angles/storylines. Some about possible titles. Suggest anything you want. I need your feedback to make this place all it can be.

Once again... this is from you to me. I don't want flaming on this thread or comments about other people's comments that don't suit you. I just want the truth and how I can be better for all of you.

[Rastafari]

To be honest, this is one of the most lax feds I've been in, and I actually like it this way. However there have been times when I was chomping at the bit to roleplay but was hampered with only being able to do 2 per show. I guess that kind of killed part of my motivation but its better than having to roleplay every single day if I want to stay ahead of everyone. The format we use with bi weekly shows and 1 rp a week, it balances things out and keeps things fair. After all, its not too hard to match someone rp for rp if you only have to do two. Sometimes I do wish we could go to a larger max for ppvs especially the BKI. I often thought maybe PPVs should be allowed to have a 3 rp limit and with the big show being BKI, a 5 rp limit for that.

Often times the fed gets the feel of, ok we're going thru the motions for this two weeks, then we have a pretty awesome show, then we have a medium show, then a couple of ppv build up shows and the PPV, then its like the next showdown its just a crash back to a medium show. I know we all have down time and we cant all put E Fedding first, and I'm sure Rob has a life to live outside of TWD, yet he works his hardest to keep the place going and when people like myself end up not producing for a few weeks, he keeps the ball rolling with the angles and he knows most of our characters well enough that he can produce a quality strat even if I didn't send one in. That's the mark of a good Fed Head because he knows his product and knows what he wants with it. The whole Moderators angle is starting to build up and I'm curious to know who this "Employer" is, Rob keeps us on edge for the most part with all the strats and segments, he really does make this fed feel like it could be competing against WWE and TNA sometimes. I know its a fantasy fed, but sometimes I wonder if our creative writing skills match those of the big leagues of real pro wrestling. I believe Rob could have a part of a writing team on one of the big leagues if he was ever offered something like that. He's creative enough to take on maybe a few TNA wrestlers and write storylines and angles for them or something like that. I kid you not, this is the highest compliment I can give a fed head.


The roleplaying here is awesome, Everyone on the roster right now puts in tremendous work, I know I've slacked lately but I'm working on getting my creative flow back. We have had some amazing and talented guys come and go, and we've had some, well not so great guys, but we made do with the roster we had. I'm even shocked at the run I had with JahMon and I dropped the ball after the second loss to Eno, I guess I just tried to win more than have fun, now with a couple of angles in the works for my characters, I'm starting to feel the vibe of having fun again and reminding myself its a game, if I win the title, wow, do I get anything? No, just the pride of being the TWD Champion. I relied on my old roleplaying tactics to win, and failed to realize that the TWD's rping style is very different than what I'm used to, straight smack talk is considered boring now....thats pretty much the only style I know how to rp. I read guys like Freytag, Krenshaw, Eno, even my long time friend Krunch rps and I'm like "How the heck did I ever compete in FWF with my crap when this stuff is way better" Krunch adapted to a different style and it just blows me away reading some of his stuff. The new guys Colt and Saber (yes I know Pell has been around a long time) seem to know exactly how they want their character to be, meanwhile I'm feeling like I'm being left behind in the dust because I just, smack talk. There are a lot of different styles here and thats what makes TWD great because everyone has something unique to offer to the fed.


ok I'm done rambling, in short, TWD is a great fed, it has its slow moments at times but thats to be expected, the roleplayers here are superb and I struggle to keep up with y'all, Rob runs a great place and works his butt off to keep us happy, he really doesn't get enough praise for his hard work. Same goes for guys who step up to help out like Freytag has the last few shows. This place feels like a family, you guys even usually refer to each other by real names. I enjoy being here.

[lurkernumba1]

If you do huge max rp limits nobody will join. Nobody has time anymore to be shitting out 1 rp a day unless all you do is say "hey imma beat you, you suck," every rp in one huge block fucking paragraph.

I do think Robin is running the fed pretty well though and that the only thing I would do differently is have more title matches where you can actually lose the title. I don't think there has been enough title changes (yea odd I know) but when looking at who does not hold a title and has not gotten a shot well that is where I am coming from.
I have witnessed champs that I just don't believe holding onto belts longer then they should because of run ins or DQ's, for a handler that gets disconserting.

I am all for feuds and believe if that is the reason then fine but don't make it take too long especially if it really isn't going anywhere. I can understand the DQ's but if that happens your champ is weak and should have to face that person again, etc...I dunno I have ideas but no idea if they are getting across here. haha

I liked Marcus as champ though, oh well.

Do not take anything I said negativly I am just stating an opinion not trying to insult anyone here.

[Jamie Krenshaw]

I'm loving Rob's work here. I was out of e-fedding and had no desire to return. I jumped back into TWF for a reunion show and Rob sent me a link to here... I think this place is great. I've complimented Rob over IM enough but I really admire his commitment to this place. We keep getting some really great people in. I love that I've been in this game (on and off) for ten years and am still finding people like Freytag and Shabree and Krunch who I've never seen around. This game is most enjoyable when it's competitive and run by a good, reliable fedhead. Rob is possibly the most reliable fedhead I've had and I've had some I really trusted. Rob cares and it shows and the shows are better for it.

As far as I'm concerned, ain't a need to change anything. Rob's doing great work.

[Jason Hartnell]

Nov 6, 2009 11:00:07 GMT -5 lurkernumba1 said:

If you do huge max rp limits nobody will join. Nobody has time anymore to be shitting out 1 rp a day unless all you do is say "hey imma beat you, you suck," every rp in one huge block fucking paragraph.

Exactly right. If the RP limit is more than one a week I wouldn't be here. It's why I joined ROW. I've got too many commitments going on outside of the game. Life was easy in high school.

The relaxed nature is what makes the place enjoyable.

[lurkernumba1]

See everyone Harty and I can agree.

[Krunch]

From my time spent in TWD, I feel that Chesbro has gone beyond his duties to make this fed run as smoothly as possible. Besides having a knack for coming up with refreshing storylines and writing vivid card results, the guy communicates with us. He provides us with timely maintenance to the website and just enough creative criticism that'll make you want to improve.

In regards to the Title situation, only having two active belts for the time being (World & Tag Team or World & Enforcer), is good for us. We have just enough handlers to make our fed competitive and still be able to give those belts value. Of course, getting new blood is something we'd like to see happen, but that's not a slight against Chesbro.

People have to want to join and provide their character with a reason for being here. Otherwise, splitsville comes sooner than they think.

Perhaps we have to reach out more and try partcipating with lesser known handlers. Give them a reason to be excited. Give everyone a reason to enjoy putting their time into this writing game.

Nov 6, 2009 8:34:35 GMT -5 Rastafari said:

However there have been times when I was chomping at the bit to roleplay but was hampered with only being able to do 2 per show. I guess that kind of killed part of my motivation but its better than having to roleplay every single day if I want to stay ahead of everyone..

You can do more than the allotted 2 rps. Chesbro will just count your best 2 when grading for your match. For future references, please don't feel like you have to hold back your characters tongue.

[Eno Redrum]

I agree with the last part of what Krunch said. Marcus was a prime example of never holding back with his character. If he felt like putting out 50 RPs in a week then he did it strictly because it is what he felt and it helped keep the boards moving in slow times.

I think we need to make an effort to work with each other more and start to reach out to one another in an effort to work angles, storylines, feuds, alliances and so on. The more we work together, the easier things flow here and the easier things can be for Rob.

Rob has busted his ass running this fed, as did Patrick when he ran it. These two guys have given up much more of their time than any of us have and maybe it is time we do something to help lessen the load for Rob and show our appreciation.

I like the 1 RP a week limit as it makes things a lot easier to plan, especially in those times I feel like running several characters at once. If I feel the need, I post more RPs just to shake off the rust, work on storylines or get a feel for a character I am trying to work on.

Bottom line, this fed is what we make of it and so far we have all done a fabulous job and things can only get better from here. It is all up to us to decide where this fed goes and how it is looked at.

[Old School Hero]

Nov 6, 2009 18:49:52 GMT -5 lurkernumba1 said:

See everyone Harty and I can agree.

I agree with Harty but I dont agree with you. Only because I dont trust people know as lurker because lurkers are EVIL. but otherwise..... yeaaaahhhhh who are you? lol

[Shabree]

What I specifically appreciate about TWD is what has already been mentioned and that's Rob's commitment. Shows are posted in timely fashion and are well written. I enjoy how active he is as well in working with handlers to ensure there's a decent angle that's flowing in a logical direction. He's also a fed head who appreciates a little realism.

In addition something that's unique to me is that he gives a female handler and her female character a chance. Some fed heads have been incredibly closed minded whereas others have seen it as a unique prospect to do something different. Rob is a good example of the latter.

The only negative or downside I could think of....and this is just my opinion....is the structure of wrestlers and I've already mentioned that to Rob before. I see the logic in creating a listed pecking order but following it strictly doesn't always add up to me. You had a couple of those main eventers fall off the list after leaving. What message does that list now display regarding the main event tier of the fed? Or even when the undercard folks are blowing away those labeled as top players on the forums? In the end it's not a huge deal but if it's publically listed on the fed's website and there's the inconsistency on the forums with it, in my mind it could make some wonder.

I'm a fan of the less tangible but evidenced structure. Those who are knocking out good roleplays and remaining a solid presence on shows are logically the ones who move up and occupy prominent positions. Why have an officially lacking main eventers list for a while, when you can have no list, lose main event characters for OOC reasons, and immediately fill the voids with other people that we all know deserve the spot.

At the end of the day though the pros far outweigh any cons of TWD.

[dexualhealing]

gotta have more cowbell

[SABER]

Ok, as a newbie to this game I really can't say too much as far as comparisons, especially with TWD being my first fed. However I have toyed with idea and even joined a few other feds and I must say that what Rob has accomplished here has spoiled me. Those other feds are nothing compared to what TWD is and I quickly backed out of both after seeing how unimpressive they were. To me, TWD is the standard in which I will choose a fed to join, but the only way I will leave TWD is if it closes or stos being fun for me. I see neither of those things happening in the near future.

Rob has done a stellar job with what he has accomplished in his short tenure as fed head. I have said it before, and this not a knock on what Pat did because I think he did a great job as well but TWD started out with a regional fed feel and Rob has given it a national feel. Don't believe me, the all you need to do is look at the quality of handlers that he has recruited. He only goes after the best, but at the same time he will give people who are interested in joining an opportunity. I am the prime example of that.

I do agree with Shabree about putting those who have earned it into the top spot. How many times have the same group of handlers been given a major opportunity, but have failed to capitalize on it. Then just a few weeks later they are back in that spot while those in the lower card are just blowing everyone away with their rps and strats. Now I feel that some handlers shouldn't be given that spot if they ain't ready for it, but everyone deserves the chance to prove themselves. I'm not saying Rob has been ignoring anyone, but I think the time is right for some new faces to be seen in the main event. Especially after the loss of Marcus and Ray.

Overall, I am pleased with what Rob has done. He is still full of fresh ideas and I don't see that changing for a while. Give the devil his due, until he doesn't deserve it anymore.

[Kingpin]

I love the TWD. Fun place to be and feels like a corner of home.

[Tomas Luger]

The TWD is hands down the best e-fed I've been a part of, which is hard to say, since the TWF has a special place in my heart, as it's where I got my start.

The thing I appreciate most is the absolute fairness of the fed head. That's one thing I never liked about the other two feds I was in, the fed head had an idea of who he wanted in the main events and that was that. Work as hard as you might, it made no difference if you weren't some sort of "chosen one". The exception was B4 in the TWF, but he's the only one. Both Rob and Pat did a great job of giving people legit shots at the top titles, and judging them fairly.

The workload is perfect, in my opinion. I'm in no position to spam the board with RPs, I just don't have the time, but I love to have a creative outlet to run to when I'm just tired of my shit dick reality. I wouldn't change the RP structure at all.

The only knock that I can think of is that I'd put more on the fed head to ignite feuds, though it truly is a two way street. I see from some of the recent shows that this problem seems fairly squashed, but four months ago, when I was active, I was in matches with different handlers every week, even when I was tag champ, I wasn't really feuding with anyone for the belts. Feuds help build heat for nearly everyone involved and helps bring handlers together who otherwise would probably never work together. It's a small quibble, and one that seems to be getting fixed.

Keep up the good work, everyone, the handlers seems to be very solid and the fed is still strong, which says a lot about the job everyone is doing.