Starting newbies with panel interface on

[xroads]

So I have only been a guide for about 3 weeks, but what a kick in the nuts.

I have had 57 games given to me, and only 6 have been able to finish.

Why is this?

I think starting them with the panel interface on is wrong. I have been on here since 2006 and I dont even use it. It is confusing and sucks. I cant imagine what it seems to a newbie to the site.

I propose starting them with the interface off, and see if we get more to actually complete their first turn or not.

Just my .02C

[xroads]

Especially the chat window is hidden. I can write them a book, but unless they find that chat window, it is a waste of time.

We need to get these players to walk before they can think about running.

[dhallmeyer]

Good thoughts, but we can't do much about it here. Have you tried putting a note in the suggestions forum?

[xroads]

ya right, it hasnt been moderated in almost a year.

[IcePack]

I'm pretty sure we have data for both panels on and off as far as game completion goes and didn't make a difference.

[Dukasaur]

So I have only been a guide for about 3 weeks, but what a kick in the nuts.

I have had 57 games given to me, and only 6 have been able to finish.

Why is this?

I think starting them with the panel interface on is wrong. I have been on here since 2006 and I dont even use it. It is confusing and sucks. I cant imagine what it seems to a newbie to the site.

I propose starting them with the interface off, and see if we get more to actually complete their first turn or not.

Just my .02C

I can't even imagine playing CC without panels.

Actually, I can imagine it. Every now and then I play from someone else's computer, and it's a nightmare.

[iamkoolerthanu]

So I have only been a guide for about 3 weeks, but what a kick in the nuts.

I have had 57 games given to me, and only 6 have been able to finish.

Why is this?

I think starting them with the panel interface on is wrong. I have been on here since 2006 and I dont even use it. It is confusing and sucks. I cant imagine what it seems to a newbie to the site.

I propose starting them with the interface off, and see if we get more to actually complete their first turn or not.

Just my .02C

I can't even imagine playing CC without panels.

Actually, I can imagine it. Every now and then I play from someone else's computer, and it's a nightmare.

+over 9,000

I agree

[xroads]

Really?

How did you guys ever play before a few years ago when there were no panels?

I am just saying it is a ton to digest for a new player.

[Dukasaur]

Really?

How did you guys ever play before a few years ago when there were no panels?

I am just saying it is a ton to digest for a new player.

Before Panels there was BOB, that performed a lot of the same functions. Before I discovered BOB I hated the fact the there was no meaningful stats function on the UI. However, it only took me a couple weeks after I joined to discover BOB, so that was a very brief period. For years I played with BOB turned on, but I always hated the fact that it required constant updates both to itself and to greasemonkey. When Panels came out and did most of the same things without the hassle of constantly searching for the latest version, I switched to Panels and I've never looked back.

Is there a bit to figure out there? Well, yes. But when you're a new player in any game you expect some kind of learning curve while you figure stuff out. I'm sure you didn't figure out all the menus on Pacific Theatre of Operations on your first try, either.

The thing I love about Panels is the fact that you can position them how you want to get exactly the feel that's right for you. For instance, I rarely bother reading logs, so I have Chat directly under the map and the Log way down below that. On the other hand, there are analytical people who always read the log, so they put Log directly under the map and Chat lower down, or even on the right side sometimes. Everyone can make the screen look exactly how it suits them, and that is, I think, a plus for everyone, including new players. People like being able to customize their experience.

[macbone]

I still use BOB. I can't stand the panels. =)

[therustyslab]

Are you able to turn off the Panel Interface for new players? I see the option to turn it off in my setting, but not in my friends new account

[IcePack]

Are you able to turn off the Panel Interface for new players? I see the option to turn it off in my setting, but not in my friends new account

No after a certain date accounts were not grandfathered over with the option.
Panels are mandatory for new accounts.