National Logistics Database

Tetsu

Tetsu

Expert
This would be a magical thing for us to have and use. A national database on a small webserver that every logistics committee in the alliance could access before events and pull tags, or access after events to update characters. There are about four events nigh back to back coming up on the east coast. Currently I am waiting for my character to be transferred so I can attend the next event with my current build in tact. I know I could probably present my character card at the desk and get my current stats, but then what about that blanket I was supposed to receive? This is when stuff falls through the cracks, and the money I spend to come and PC begins to look more and more significant. This is not to begrudge any logistics staff, because anyone who has worked that post can tell you it's really hard work to keep everyone happy and things up to date. I guess I feel very strongly about this topic because of a discrepancy I had with my first PC before he permed. Back then I didn't pay as close attention or send as many emails. Why in 2009 do I still have to send in so many emails and stress before an event that my last one might not count? I know a guy who hosts sites and might even design this thing for us, but he does not play Alliance. I can name about 10 people who do play Alliance that can probably handle the same task. An online database where every single player in the Alliance is accounted for, backed up, and updated within minutes after an event, or the day after. Every bp is precious, lol. Especially for someone who lacks a lot of time, and money to blanket/donate.

Thanks for the consideration, I know this is not a new idea.

-Justin Coggin
 
Justin-

When you present your character card from a prior event the people at Logisitcs should give you the xp listed on that card and then add the appropriate event blanket so that you have the correct xp number.
 
To get back on topic, I don't think having one actual database would be the answer.

However, what I would like to see (as a Logistics person) is a site like www.alliancecharacter.info that every chapter is hooked up to where they can upload their database and any logistics person can login and view whatever information they require.

Which is probably what you meant :-)
 
tieran said:
Justin-

When you present your character card from a prior event the people at Logisitcs should give you the xp listed on that card and then add the appropriate event blanket so that you have the correct xp number.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's not the first time I've done it. I guess what I'm getting at is I don't think we should have to. I think an online database would eliminate most issues and promote recycling of old character cards heh.

tieran said:
To get back on topic, I don't think having one actual database would be the answer.

However, what I would like to see (as a Logistics person) is a site like http://www.alliancecharacter.info that every chapter is hooked up to where they can upload their database and any logistics person can login and view whatever information they require.

Which is probably what you meant :-)
Click to expand...

Exactly.
 
I have to agree with Cogins on this one. I have exactly the same situation going on right now. (Also probably playing 3 or 4 weekends back to back.) And actually its something that I can't do just by presenting my character card and having them give me the blanket for that event because I have gotten extra gobied events (and goblin blankets) in the weeks in-between. I have to wait for the people at the chapter I gobbied to email my logistics folks, then my logistics folks to email the chapter I'm playing at in 3 days, with my current character card.

And you say oh its only the difference of 2 build, but when that difference is the one more spell you need, or the extra Slay that saves the battle it feels pretty important. I mean what if that event that you don't have the build you know you should is the event you rez, or worse yet, perm. Maybe that build would have saved you? Maybe a national database isn't exactly how this could be helped, but I feel like the system as it stands could be improved. Anyone else?
 
I think the best way to improve it is to start paying your logistics people in cash.
 
Run Logistics for another couple of years and get back to me with how much you think is fair...
 
Encourage your local logistics to sign up for the alliancecharacter.info site. This will allow you to keep track of all your build earned as well as most everything else listed in the database. This should prevent any future problems with your character like you had before, justin. ( To see an example go to the site click on jersey and use the username: test password: testing - The site will be updated shortly to look more professional thanks to Scott Edwards) What i hope to add in the future is something so you can click a button and it will automatically email your character to another chapter for an upcoming event, saving more time for logistics staff.

Now this won't solve all problems but hopefully something like this will free up a lot of time for logistics staff so they can answer the time sensitive emails like blanketing events and getting it added more efficiently for players so they won't have to worry about getting the missing build prior to the event.


Unlike before justin when you had your problem, there is now a national logistics committee. If you have problems that you cannot get resolved with your home chapter we are here to help. Anyone who has a logistics problem feel free to email me at alteredd@gmail.com and i will work with you to resolve the problem.

Matt Watkins
Alliance Logistics
 
Matt,

I love the idea. There are a couple of comments I'd like to make though. Note these are all from a player/excel nut so I don't know what is already possible with the database.

First would be the issue of security. I suppose it isn't a big deal since local chapters should have redundant systems for the players in their chapter but you'd probably want to make the ability to upload/change characters a bit restrictive - eventhough it would be an 'owner only' site.

Second, I would suggest building a template which to submit characters. You could even build a 'translation' program that will take the information from the character database and 'print' it out into a form that is easily uploaded.

Third, there should be a search function involved in the website.

Fourth, I'm not sure how hard this would be but putting the characters into a spreadsheet format so that they could be sorted and searched as the logistics person would need.

Fifth, it would be a GODSEND if it was possible to choose all characters that were at an event and then award them their build automatically that way. Sort of like use check boxes next to the characters and then you enter in the portion of XP for the event and then click 'apply'.

I had a similiar site for Adventures Unlimited that was linked to the character database so that a player could look up their character and make adjustments as necessary. Skills IN the database were unchangeable but additions were possible as long as they had build left. That way, there was no excuse for not having their character cards up to date. They could also click a "Attending" box so that their card was on the top of the list for printing.
 
The character site is more for the viewing of a person's character.

I'm sure there is a way to alter this there, but the info is uploaded from each chapter's database... so it'll get noticed eventually.

The database already has a function in it for applying xp to all attendees at an event.
 
This website is not designed in that manner. It is setup only to allow players to view information related to them in the database. No changes or additions can be made to their character, they would still have to email logistics staff and request that. While running logistics i noticed a lot of emails received were how many goblin stamps do i have, can you email me my character, was i credited for this event.. This site simply eliminates the need for these emails as the players can see it whenever they want online.



There are currently no official plans to make an alliance wide database, for multiple reasons.
 
Yeah, unless we're going to start paying someone to do all the paperwork it generates, there's no really good way to do the logistics of character tracking centrally. It's just too much work.
 
I can see where you can get your character database uploaded to an online site; however it would obviousley have to be restricted. User names and passwords can be issued to logistics personel, but what happens if said personel leave or are removed from the position? In that rare occurance can they then use their access to ruin another person/s records? If so then you would still need to keep the originals as we have always done for a reliable reference and adding the extra duties to update the online database would just add more work for those hard working logistics people.

B~>
 
The actual database is not hosted on the site, just a copy of it.

Passwords are given to each individual to access their own information.

The most an ex-logistics person could do would be to upload a fake database and cause confusion among the players. At least currently.
 
tieran said:
The actual database is not hosted on the site, just a copy of it.

Passwords are given to each individual to access their own information.

The most an ex-logistics person could do would be to upload a fake database and cause confusion among the players. At least currently.
Click to expand...

What about each individual to truthfully update their own character (either knowingly or not knowingly)? How would you know for sure that this is the most-up-to date and honest record of a person's character/s? For example I use my goblin stamps for event blankets. The chapter I play in knows this is what I want to do and I also update my own character database. I think I have 90 gobbies and use all of them towards event blankets. But my mistake, on the original records I only have 60. How would you know for sure if what was being presented in a database is reliable?

B~>
 
Unsure said:
How would you know for sure if what was being presented in a database is reliable?
Click to expand...

Simple answer: Trust your Logistics people.
 
Unsure said:
tieran said:
The actual database is not hosted on the site, just a copy of it.

Passwords are given to each individual to access their own information.

The most an ex-logistics person could do would be to upload a fake database and cause confusion among the players. At least currently.
Click to expand...

What about each individual to truthfully update their own character (either knowingly or not knowingly)? How would you know for sure that this is the most-up-to date and honest record of a person's character/s? For example I use my goblin stamps for event blankets. The chapter I play in knows this is what I want to do and I also update my own character database. I think I have 90 gobbies and use all of them towards event blankets. But my mistake, on the original records I only have 60. How would you know for sure if what was being presented in a database is reliable?

B~>
Click to expand...

If you're really that worried, ask for a copy of the goblin stamp history. I've supplied that to my players in Chicago whenever asked. I do the same thing with XP histories. That way, things can get verified.

Oh - and as for a national logistics database... I'd rather not. I'd rather see logistics stay local. That way, your fabulous local logistics teams can continue to provide the top notch customer service that players should expect from Alliance LARP. We may not get paid, but we always accept tips (for me, in the form of Subway sandwiches, pizza, or Dew).

Rob Sachs
GM, Alliance LARP Chicago - "Where Customer Service Comes First"
 
I personally like the idea of a centrally located Alliance character database. It would need the following functions, IMO:

1) The ability to upload a specific chapter's database (for the initial creation)

2) The ability to download a specific chapter's database (So the database can be on site if no internet is available)

3) The ability to download specific characters for transfers (So the database can be on site if no internet is available)

4) A "Character View" for players to view their own characters

5) The ability to upload/update blankets on a mass scale (I like the checkbox idea)

6) The logistics teams could only affect the characters of their respective chapters.

7) The owner of each respective chapter would have the ability to change the password of their logistics logon (or the owners would be able to request the admin to change the password)

I could also see a similar system being made for Magic Items so when a character transfers to another chapter's game the other chapter could double check the Magic Item number on the pre-reg to ensure it is as the player describes. And, notes could be put on the Magic Items stating what chapters have allowed it, if there have been any woogie LCO effects placed on it that the players are unaware of, etc.
 
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