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Development Update 3/24 Argh, sorry for the slow update last week. Will make a more informative post later today or tomorrow, but for now, take the following as the post for the week of the 24th. Market Confidence and the Economy So, a big part of economic discussions is "consumer confidence," which is an admittedly fuzzy term for something which has huge impacts. That is: if people are not confident that the market is working correctly, they tend not to invest / purchase / whatever, which has ancillary effects up and down. We're seeing the same sort of influence in our marketplace. That is, there has been a fair percentage of people that will cancel their items at the last minute. This isn't great, but is made worse by the fact that people bidding on an item essentially put their gold into escrow: their gold is not available for other purposes, which means that they are effected even more by a canceled auction. So, next week we'll be announcing some things that will make the market more fair for everyone. Don't worry, the changes will not be retroactive, and you'll have plenty of warning forward. Mea Culpas So, the Easter event was a big mess. We made a mistake. User perceptions for Easter were pretty high -- made higher, apparently, by Lanzer announcing that there was an Easter event (source unknown, does anyone know where he said this?) If we had announced that there was not a big event sooner it would have worked out better for everyone. Gaia may have been taken over by soulless heartless corporate overlords, but to be honest, it doesn't seem that way from inside Gaia HQ -- just a bunch of overworked people who want to do the right thing and sometimes don't. The clear, clear message was this, however: events are important to the user base, and it is folly to try and pass them off. To that end, we're putting way more effort into the summer event in the hopes of making it really, really cool. While not everyone is on battle, it is true that we are doing a lot of backend stuff that is not easily visible to you guys -- I think I've mentioned some of this previously. We're laying down the architecture for a bunch of stuff, and as soon as we get out of this phase, we'll be able to work on cool features that are actually visible.

Posted by: Panagrammic Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 01:27am

Read my journal!

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The_last_alchemist
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Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 02:25am


	will be back later Yay for updates surprised

Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 02:37am


	Can't wait. surprised

Esdella Vie
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Anbaachan
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Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 02:38am


	Yay for updates... although they are not up yet. You need to poke Lanzer and Fleep and tell them to update their journals too. Some of us users like to hear from them once in a while. Are they afraid that they are going to be mauled after the Easter Stunt? Tell them not to worry and to not leave us in the dark! thanks for all that you do. Keep up the good work. Will check back later for updates! ♥ Anbaachan EDIT: I'm glad to see that you guys realize how much us users like our major holiday events. I guess the better question is, why would you think otherwise? Has the sheer number of participants in the last 3 major events not been enough clues for you guys? We had our highest record number of users on during the halloween event...? Umm, Hello? I'm sure you guys have heard enough whining, but I have to say i am very disappointed in Gaia. I DO expect more from you guys since you have made so many changes. Thanks for your time and effort. i know you guys work hard and i don't mean to be harsh. I was just very disappointed this year. Thanks again ♥ Anbaa

Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 03:12am


	Quote: Placeholder! Check back later. 4th!!! That ain't changin', so why check back again? EDIT: OH! It's your post that's supposed to change. Okay! ^_^;; Good companies become corporate when overworked. A good politician strays from Washington, to clear out the poison of politics. A good employee plays the consumer of the product they create, to remove the bias earned while creating it. Let's hope Gaia gets less stressful some time soon.

dBEf-GAEc-18E-BBAf
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Bobuness
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Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 03:33am


	o.o;

Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 04:15am


	sort of late for the week of the 24th, isn't it? xd will make an actual comment later. edit: it's only a week late. xd marketplace tweaks? ninja should be interesting.

LokiLB
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Cube B
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Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 04:24am


	Yay for making the Monday Update late Saturday! XD

Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 05:59am


	Placeholder #3571987 xd Yay, for waiting. :3

Infamous
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snufflypoo
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Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 07:19am


	oooh an update! yay! people probably got the idea there was an easter event from this post: http://www.gaiaonline.com/forum/gaia-community-discussion/ask-the-admin-03-17-08/t.38942855_104/#104 i hope the summer event is cool, i'm looking forward to it....

Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 01:46pm


	...i cant get updaters.......sigh xp

dominicraywalls12
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Cube B
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Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 03:03pm


	Now it's on Sunday! XD

Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 05:08pm


	Check back later? When? Next week? Next month? Next year? lol!

Queene of the May
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Boxed Lunch
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Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 07:51pm


	eek What could it be?

Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 08:06pm


	I'm comment 14 on a PLACEHOLDER? Weak. oic now. crosses fingers No more cancelling auctions at the last second?! And yeah, while I'm a staunch defender of the staff, it is a little difficult to excuse the Easter shenanigans...it wasn't so much the lack of the event as it was being jerked around by conflicting statements and general lack of communication. I know it wasn't a vindictive move on your parts, and I'll always subscribe to the notion that staff really do just want to make this site great for us. It did just kinda bite a little bit, especially considering last years shoddy Easter..it was just a natural assumption this years would make up for it.

Gamine
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France Hopper
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Commented on: Sun Mar 30, 2008 @ 10:49pm


	The suspense is killing me! Hmm Monday morning and nothing yet. I wonder if this is a placeholder for an April Fools joke.... ninja Now that it's posted edit: It's true the marketplace does appear to be in a slump like the US economy, but not as bad. As for the Easter event, meh. What could you've done that would've been cool? Wow there's a summer event? Hmm this should be really interesting... I just hope the servers don't crap out on us. EDIT2: Going back to the market, the fact we'll have plenty of warning... well I don't know how to take that. How big of an overhaul is the marketplace getting? Sniping will still be allowed right? I think it's good for the seller since the selling price could go up a fair bit at the last second. But it sure does suck when it's you who's trying to buy an item and gets sniped. And now a bit more on the Easter event: seriously, what could you guys have done that isn't already done in the real world? A virtual egg hunt? Sounds boring. Egg dyeing? Worse. The fact we got a free item, well I'm cool with that. It wasn't much but I'm surprised I even got that. Just a quickie about battle: is there any possible release date yet? How far are you guys into finishing it? Will that be part of the summer event? (If you don't answer that, no problem.)

Commented on: Mon Mar 31, 2008 @ 01:21am


	I Am A ... I'll Be Back! xD ... Yaoi Fangirl

Ciel Rose
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Platonix
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Commented on: Mon Mar 31, 2008 @ 02:24am


	Wry Comment Comparing This Entry To The Easter Event Placeholder! Check back later. Ahem. Changes to the Marketplace? Sounds intruiging...I'm expecting some sort of explosion of new things and repaired old things after Battle System's initial release is over.

Commented on: Mon Mar 31, 2008 @ 02:26am


	Placeholder huh? I'll save this spot then. domokun Aye, I'll assume that you're going to stop people from cancelling their auctions on the last second just to tick others off right? I know certain users are going to be upset, and they will bring up the "economy interference" or "seller's item, they do what they want" card, so be prepared for those kinds of responses. Good luck on events. I'd think it would be better if you just have 4 big events (one for each seasons) and have the rest of the holidays as mini-events (like comics, NPC quests, etc). Aye, the invisible backends. I tend to forget about that and I'm always fine with it. ninja

Yen Quest
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Pokariii
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Commented on: Mon Mar 31, 2008 @ 04:17am


	<_< Second time I've looked back today.. D:!!

Commented on: Mon Mar 31, 2008 @ 07:07am


	I can see you... ninja I know about your purple undies...

Refurbished User
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Spriteless Girl
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Commented on: Mon Mar 31, 2008 @ 08:13am


	Knowing me I'll forget to keep checking once this has content. Edit: woot! you mean noone will be able to cancel a bid at the very last second? People will actually have to put an expected minimum bid to ensure they get what they want? Sniper bidding, however, is kinda necessary. If someone has 12 seconds to go on an auction, then they've got 30 seconds or the counter's off.

Commented on: Mon Mar 31, 2008 @ 10:02pm


	I recall Lanzer stating there was an Easter event coming this year on an AtA thread. EDIT: You can find his quote on this post. Just do a search for "Easter".

Inti Castro
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hwip
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Commented on: Mon Mar 31, 2008 @ 10:39pm


	Lanzer said there would be an Easter Event in the AtA thread (3/17) (Also, I hope you will be able to prevent sniper bidding with the upcoming releases 4laugh )

Commented on: Mon Mar 31, 2008 @ 11:06pm


	I dont know why people made such a fuss about easter event. I prefer no event at all than the crappy chicks we got the last year. Man, i was disappointed D: I want items like shirts, caps, masks, hats we had other years, those were cool items 3nodding

The_last_alchemist
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Makoto_Gin
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Commented on: Tue Apr 01, 2008 @ 12:09am


	[♠] [♦] [♠] ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ Seriously,that's awesome,that will make people think twice about cancelling a bid like that. Also,yeh,I'm also hoping the summer even makes up for the shoddy Easter one we didn't get. ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ [♦] [♠] [♦]

Commented on: Tue Apr 01, 2008 @ 12:24am


	The Market is such a mess, and sadly a lot of it is user-caused IMO. People refuse to use the MP because of the 2% "tax" ( neutral ), therefore less of the item is sold, therefore more demand, therefore higher prices. Then everyone turns around and blames it on the 2%. Everyone clams the MP is inflated, when in actuality, it's really only most of the MC's (some MCs never really inflated much). Giftbox items are mostly much cheaper, same with commons and most Game-Trade items (like paper hats, ink, fishing stuff). Oh, the Easter event. I think it's very good that everyone is apologizing. I definitely also think that this is a prime example that some form of "Staff Newsletter" is needed, so that a clear message can be sent. When vague or differing messages are sent, people assume off them, and mistakes are made. The thing that upset me was this idea saying, "Why did everyone assume that there was no St Patty's event because we were working on Easter?". There was always an Easter event, since the site began... so why would we assume there would not be an event? It'd be like assuming there's no Halloween or Christmas event. I really don't have a very high perception of events. I'd honestly be satisfied with 1-2 decent items, and if there's an activity attached that would be even better. The egg? Eh. My perception of the site's two core features, Events and MC's, has definitely been shaken, and it will take me awhile to get over it. It's nothing personal against Staff, because I know that everyone is working hard and everyone I've encountered is really cool and really nice... it's just a crappy situation.

Smaddy
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mindy_does_stuff
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Commented on: Tue Apr 01, 2008 @ 01:11am


	There is nothing wrong with sniping. Yes, it is annoying when someone else gets the item you want. Sorry, thats life. It happens on eBay too. I don't think canceling a bid at the last minute is a bad thing on its own, so maybe there should be a limit on how many bids a user can cancel in a given day, but not a ban on canceling altogether.

Commented on: Tue Apr 01, 2008 @ 02:15pm


	I think someone in an Ask the Admin thread asked him if there was going to be an Easter event, and he said 'Yes'. I'm not too upset over the lack of Easter event, as long as that time is being spent on something grand. (Which I know it is~!) And as long as you don't make a habit of it. ^^;

MokieMorty
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Cleocatra
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Commented on: Tue Apr 01, 2008 @ 05:31pm


	I am quite anticipatory.

Commented on: Tue Apr 01, 2008 @ 06:31pm


	Thank you for the clear, concise explanation regarding the Easter issue.

Indoras
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Godress of Winter
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Commented on: Tue Apr 01, 2008 @ 06:38pm


	Hopefully it won't be any re-stocking or stocking fee, this would make the older items inflate more because people will avoid selling in the marketplace, hopefully this was learned from the 2% Tax fee, look how the 2003 items tripled their prices in less than 6 months. I'm also waiting for a better update when it comes to username changing and space handling, spaces shouldn't be ignored by the username system.

Commented on: Tue Apr 01, 2008 @ 09:52pm


	Don't worry, guys. It's just the McSourfaces that are getting their panties in a twist. Most users totally understand that you're all hard at work, and missing an event is OK. It's not like you owe them to us; we're privileged to get them so often. Be careful in your discussions on the economy that you don't over complicate things. In my discussions with economists, obtaining a clear understanding of any complex economic system is essentially a pipe dream. Sure, there are mathematical models that do a good job of predicting trends, analyzing data, etc, but don't take it too seriously, OK? Last time you did that, we got the 2% tax. D: Yes, people cancel their items at the last second VERY often, which is why most people who are serious about buying an item in the Vend only use the "Buy it now" option: sniping in the marketplace is not nearly as profitable as it could be because of this, but it's how the market has ALWAYS worked, and I doubt you'd be seeing a sudden influx of people canceling their items at the last second for no reason. If you are, there's probably an underlying causation that lies outside the marketplace, like the higher rate of new item releases has encouraged more people to sell their old items, while at the same time expecting a higher profit on those items. Oh great, now I'M doing it. Damn you, economics. Such a slippery slide to fall down. As a programmer, I feel your pain. That's probably the hardest part of any programming project: doing all the underlying work that makes the visible part possible. It's frustrating when you have to spend weeks working on the framework of a program, getting every little thing right, when you know that the visible part will be much more fun and fulfilling and possible even much easier to do.

AlexDitto
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Hana Kuromi
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Commented on: Wed Apr 02, 2008 @ 07:50am


	.:[Hope too see some awesome visible stuff soon... as it has been promised. Keep the good work and learn from the not-so-good one.]:.

Commented on: Wed Apr 02, 2008 @ 11:10am


	I wanna be with you I just want to say thank you for the MUltipants. It has greatly restored my faith in Gaia. (I mean how could anyone hate buttwings XD) Do dreams come true?

User 8628682
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Kibrika
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Commented on: Wed Apr 02, 2008 @ 02:31pm


	Keep up the good work! I'd prefer a great underlaying work done to flashy crashing visible stuff soon. I didn't expect an easter event (probably because I'm new) and I'm totally fine with how things are. Looking forward to the MC stuff. I'm curious how you got it between sellers being able to correct their mistakes (accidently missed a digit) and buyers rights being protected. Thanks for the new items!

Commented on: Wed Apr 02, 2008 @ 10:48pm


	[♦] [♣] [♦] ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ Ok forgot to mention this: Again it is understandable that much of the staff is at work putting effort towards completely Battle,and this is coupled with doing the regular updates for the site AND major functionality fixes for the site such as the Avatar system being overhauled.Thing is it is understandable to a degree that people will be upset,especially when something does not get done,but for some to flat out say that the staff does not care and then turn around and say they don't even donate to the site which helps fund anything and everything for it is completely and utterly bias and ludicrous. Of some of the communities I have been apart of,you all put more effort and time than some.You do have the occasional administrator or moderator could have a better attitude towards many of the members even if they are swamped with other matters,but that's relatively understandable to a degree.I do not doubt you care about the member base outside of trying to make profit because it Gaia may not have gotten as far as it has without compassion and dedication from staff and users alike. At any rate,I look forward to eventually seeing your and the other staffers hard work being realized soon. ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ ▬ [♣] [♦] [♣]

Makoto_Gin
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Miles To Go
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Commented on: Wed Apr 02, 2008 @ 11:19pm


	People cancel auctions because jerks wait till last minute to bid, and bid really low, and the sellers don't want to get ripped of. That's very fair imo. If you want to do something productive with the market, remove that stupid tax. It's not worth it placing items cheaper when you're already losing a huge chunk of gold from taxes. Has Gaia been blind to how much things have inflated ever since that tax came out? They said it was because of the initial swap, but things are still skyrocketing like crazy. Enough excuses!!!!! Lanzer said there would be an Easter event inside the "Ask the Admin" thread.

Commented on: Thu Apr 03, 2008 @ 07:38am


	People who cancel at the last minute don't need to start with a price of 0g and then babysit the auction. They can set a minimum price, as some people do. Of course bids will often be lower if there is a very low starting price. People spend the time bidding up an item in hopes of getting a good deal. Otherwise they can just buy it now for the same price that the seller of the bidded item is hoping to get. Many times auctions are canceled when the top bidding price is even just 10% lower than the lowest price in the market (eg masterpiece canceled at 27k b/c lowest MP price is 30k). So it can be a pain. It's more surprising that sellers don't just set a minimum price they're willing to accept than the fact the buyers try to pay as little as possible if given the opportunity. I'm skeptical of any restrictions on the marketplace but canceling of auctions at the last minute is due to a lack of thought by the seller.

Gedral
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Silrin
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Commented on: Thu Apr 03, 2008 @ 09:23am


	I would like to see developers working on the banning system. Because this seriously needs to be improved. Petition

Commented on: Thu Apr 03, 2008 @ 03:16pm


	I'm glad to hear you're planning on doing something more with the MP. I honestly hope that it has something to do with restricting the cancel of auctions at the last few minutes. I suggested this in '06 to mixed reviews. I never really got a decent argument against it. I don't consider, "It's their item!" a good reason not to do it. The sellers have all the options they need to get the price they want by using bidding and buy now prices. If they choose not to utilize those features that's their own problem. Though I think it would be even more of a kick to charge people to cancel after the allotted time. Assuming that what you're planning is something of the sort. But that's all up to you guys. (I have little sympathy for people who cancel just because it's not enough gold.) As for Easter, I was very disappointed to have no event. When Lanzer said there was going to be one, I had assumed that was why we had no St. Patrick's day event. (I figured if we had gotten one it would be the size of our "Easter" wink I liked the way we went about '07's Easter, the items were just awful. :/ Perhaps next year you could do something similar to '07 but have items that are decent like the Easter CS items. It's good to know that you're now aware of the importance of the Events to the userbase. I can't wait to see what you all have planned.

Ginger Flare
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angelicama
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Commented on: Mon Apr 14, 2008 @ 02:26am


	y would u write this in ur journal write about ur personality thas wa peaple wana read write about emmbarrising moments write about u ,friends,and family.......but y write about BIG BORING PARAGRAPHS THA MEAN NOTHING TO SOME PEAPLE rolleyes eek sweatdrop stressed confused mad neutral emo burning_eyes

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