Que Sera Sera? (Aye, I'll try my best)!

[Shamus The Brute]

There is a big part of me...that wants to see TLOPO fail. I am not proud of this but, I am trying to be as REAL as I can with many of you pirates here. However and despite this feeling, I admit I have tried to do as much as I can to help TLOPO succeed. I think the bad feelings I have though revolve around the fact that I don't agree with "the way" things are being done to recreate POTCO. Also...despite my own best effort...I cannot escape a victim-like mindset I have taken-on pertinent to "the way" relationships between others and myself have concluded, in lieu of POTCO being shuttered back in 2013.

For the life of me, I don't particularly know why I am being so stubborn with my own ideas/opinions in comparison to others. Despite what others think...I think it comes down to the fact that I feel I have taken on a role as overseer of the ex-POTCO community even though I was not given such a title. Beyond that, I really feel that I just care for the well-being and fate of everyone. (In my own mind, I was just trying to 'help' everyone and it ended up being perceived the entirely wrong way. Much of that perception, I noticed, occurred after I stepped-down from forums staff here).

At this point my critics are likely reading this and saying MEH but you know what, it doesn't really bother me anymore like it used to. Reason being, I understand now that I am only 1/2 of the problem (along with the realization for myself to feel the need to 'let go' of the control I used to think I needed to hold onto in order to reach people in a way to convince them to think like me and to agree). So anyway, this thread alone is written so that I can keep my own self personally accountable. Not to scare nor to upset anyone, it's based off of the hypothetical scenario - pertinent to my own response - of how I will act if say TLOPO was ever shuttered by Disney. *Being that I do wrestle with this "need" to maybe gloat here if this circumstance ever occurred, I realize it would be WRONG for myself to act this way on account of the below suggestions I had tried to convince TLOPO to accept. As such, I am taking Mike Wass' recent advice given to me when he pointed out that I should just take TLOPO "as is" (I hope Mike doesn't have a problem with myself mentioning him here).

Anyway, I feel the need to hold myself personally accountable (from now to whatever fate TLOPO endures). As such, if things do evolve to where I was completely off-base each of you are welcome to let me know without receiving any condemnation/argument from myself. Again...I am open-minded enough to hold myself accountable to future criticisms received pertinent to the below suggestions.

• I suggested that TLOPO contact and then make an attempt to gain permission from Disney
• I suggested that TLOPO refrain from using POTC characters in-game
• I suggested that TLOPO change the current name they have
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce entirely new content into game-play (which they did but probably due to their own idea/strategy)
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce entirely new music content into game-play (which they did but probably due to their own idea/strategy)
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce a parody aspect into game-play (to follow a 'fair-use' clause)
• I suggested that TLOPO change it's URL (website) description to overly avoid Disney misinterpretation from counterfeit/pirate sites resulting from the release of POTC 5
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce a education/learning aspect or workshops into game-play (to follow a 'fair-use' clause)
• I suggested that TLOPO delay releasing itself (on account of down-time/upgrade) beyond the time-line and energy resulting from the 5th POTC film

Today, I want to live by the saying, "Que Sera Sera," and so...this thread is one way for myself to do so and to accept TLOPO as-is. *Also, I am hoping and looking forward now to accepting the company of very good friends and to let-go of this need for control which has worked against me. Keep savvy, and keep on keeping on. Thank ye.

 

[Cally]

There is a big part of me...that wants to see TLOPO fail. I am not proud of this but, I am trying to be as REAL as I can with many of you pirates here. However and despite this feeling, I admit I have tried to do as much as I can to help TLOPO succeed. I think the bad feelings I have though revolve around the fact that I don't agree with "the way" things are being done to recreate POTCO. Also...despite my own best effort...I cannot escape a victim-like mindset I have taken-on pertinent to "the way" relationships between others and myself have concluded, in lieu of POTCO being shuttered back in 2013.

For the life of me, I don't particularly know why I am being so stubborn with my own ideas/opinions in comparison to others. Despite what others think...I think it comes down to the fact that I feel I have taken on a role as overseer of the ex-POTCO community even though I was not given such a title. Beyond that, I really feel that I just care for the well-being and fate of everyone. (In my own mind, I was just trying to 'help' everyone and it ended up being perceived the entirely wrong way. Much of that perception, I noticed, occurred after I stepped-down from forums staff here).

At this point my critics are likely reading this and saying MEH but you know what, it doesn't really bother me anymore like it used to. Reason being, I understand now that I am only 1/2 of the problem (along with the realization for myself to feel the need to 'let go' of the control I used to think I needed to hold onto in order to reach people in a way to convince them to think like me and to agree). So anyway, this thread alone is written so that I can keep my own self personally accountable. Not to scare nor to upset anyone, it's based off of the hypothetical scenario - pertinent to my own response - of how I will act if say TLOPO was ever shuttered by Disney. *Being that I do wrestle with this "need" to maybe gloat here if this circumstance ever occurred, I realize it would be WRONG for myself to act this way on account of the below suggestions I had tried to convince TLOPO to accept. As such, I am taking Mike Wass' recent advice given to me when he pointed out that I should just take TLOPO "as is" (I hope Mike doesn't have a problem with myself mentioning him here).

Anyway, I feel the need to hold myself personally accountable (from now to whatever fate TLOPO endures). As such, if things do evolve to where I was completely off-base each of you are welcome to let me know without receiving any condemnation/argument from myself. Again...I am open-minded enough to hold myself accountable to future criticisms received pertinent to the below suggestions.

• I suggested that TLOPO contact and then make an attempt to gain permission from Disney
• I suggested that TLOPO refrain from using POTC characters in-game
• I suggested that TLOPO change the current name they have
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce entirely new content into game-play (which they did but probably due to their own idea/strategy)
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce entirely new music content into game-play (which they did but probably due to their own idea/strategy)
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce a parody aspect into game-play (to follow a 'fair-use' clause)
• I suggested that TLOPO change it's URL (website) description to overly avoid Disney misinterpretation from counterfeit/pirate sites resulting from the release of POTC 5
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce a education/learning aspect or workshops into game-play (to follow a 'fair-use' clause)
• I suggested that TLOPO delay releasing itself (on account of down-time/upgrade) beyond the time-line and energy resulting from the 5th POTC film

Today, I want to live by the saying, "Que Sera Sera," and so...this thread is one way for myself to do so and to accept TLOPO as-is. *Also, I am hoping and looking forward now to accepting the company of very good friends and to let-go of this need for control which has worked against me. Keep savvy, and keep on keeping on. Thank ye.

This is how "I" handle everything Sir Shamus .......

1. Be curious NOT judgemental.
2. Deal with what is dealt!!
3. Think outside the box.

I enjoy your posts and thoughts .... I am still so excited and optimistic to set sail again ... looking forward to meeting you in game!!

 

[deanaug]

As someone viewed by many as a long-standing pillar of this community, I'm surprised to see you express a desire for failure on our part, which counters the desires of the very community you purport to be looking out for. You assume that just because we haven't implemented ALL the items on your "wish list", that we don't have the best interests of the community in mind. You believe because we did not implement them, that we have not discussed and considered them, both among our team and with yourself in several conversations. While you are entitled to your own opinion, I feel that's an unfair assessment; we haven't asked for donations or taken any other actions we feel would put the project and the community at-risk.

On a personal note, I find it disturbing to see this type of post from one of our own community members (it's pretty much expected from members of other communities, but not from our own). The TLOPO team has poured its personal time, talents, and money into trying to produce a quality product that results in an enjoyable game-play experience for everyone; all we ask in return is support from our player base. So any post (ESPECIALLY from our OWN community) which wishes failure on our part definitely strikes a nerve.

On a more positive note, I would like to thank the community at-large for your constant support, and hanging in there while we take the time to improve things as much as possible. THAT is the motivation that keeps us going, NOT any nay-saying from a minority you may see here.

 

[Shamus The Brute]

This is how "I" handle everything Sir Shamus .......

1. Be curious NOT judgemental.
2. Deal with what is dealt!!
3. Think outside the box.

I enjoy your posts and thoughts .... I am still so excited and optimistic to set sail again ... looking forward to meeting you in game!!

Those are really good principles to live by. Just out of curiosity though, how did you ever find any sort of peace in a circumstance to where both #2 and #3 were involved, if they ever have - for you? I am just asking because each seem to involve opposing views from one another.

Commenting to the #1 reason you list, if my own time online has proven itself to show that I am overly judgmental I really hope that isn't the case because I am not trying to be like this. However, I think much of the stance I have taken has come from a lot of time (and energy) spent on gaining such insight on account of info. which is out there on the internet. So perhaps a "mistake" I made was to expect everyone to at least listen wholeheartedly to what I was trying to say in light of their own memory of wanting to play POTCO again. Obviously, it was an effort which had failed because everyone's memory of POTCO is too strong to be contended with. The MAIN problem I do see with this though is that just about anyone can come along (and they have 'come along') to where such memory itself is taken advantage of because of such common knowledge.

*I would like it known that it is because of these "other" attempts of assault on the memory of POTCO - to be taken advantage of - to which has provided myself the justification to stay within the community (even though I don't plan on playing a remake unless the legality of it is ultimately settled).

Thank you for sharing and for commenting.

 

[Shamus The Brute]

...So any post (ESPECIALLY from our OWN community) which wishes failure on our part definitely strikes a nerve.

If you are only going to take away from this thread a single point only (and therefore only comment upon that single point), you are not commenting to the "reason" why I decided to post this thread and that is to hold myself personally accountable for not saying things later on against TLOPO...if perhaps unfortunate things might happen.

That is my intention for doing this and, I would think you would rather hear from me now and in this way (on such a thread) as opposed to later on in a way which would likely not be as calm nor as understanding as I am trying to convey such intention and personal accountability. Thank you.

 

[Stephen Teague]

If you're hoping that TLOPO fails then that CONTRADICTS what your "purpose" here is. You are viewed as one of the older/oldest community members and many people read and appreciate what you write. I always am open to opinions but this statement that you want TLOPO to fail isn't the correct mindset. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the majority of the community would rather have the experience of playing this game (whether it be one month, two months, one year, five years etc) rather than it failing and never seeing their dream of playing this game be shot down. If Disney does shut it down, then so be it but we don't need people considered to be in our own community being the ones to shut it down. I highly doubt Disney really cares, the paranoia that you've been having over this to the point that you hope TLOPO fails is quite brutish ( ) of you to say. I respect your opinions Shamus but I don't respect this one at all as soon as you said you hope this game fails.
As for your other points, such as suggestions I support you suggesting things but whether or not they are considered or not is not of my control so that's why I'm not addressing those points.

 

[Shamus The Brute]

If you're hoping that TLOPO fails then that CONTRADICTS what your "purpose" here is. You are viewed as one of the older/oldest community members and many people read and appreciate what you write. I always am open to opinions but this statement that you want TLOPO to fail isn't the correct mindset. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the majority of the community would rather have the experience of playing this game (whether it be one month, two months, one year, five years etc) rather than it failing and never seeing their dream of playing this game be shot down. If Disney does shut it down, then so be it but we don't need people considered to be in our own community being the ones to shut it down. I highly doubt Disney really cares, the paranoia that you've been having over this to the point that you hope TLOPO fails is quite brutish ( ) of you to say. I respect your opinions Shamus but I don't respect this one at all as soon as you said you hope this game fails.
As for your other points, such as suggestions I support you suggesting things but whether or not they are considered or not is not of my control so that's why I'm not addressing those points.

I said only a big part of me - not all of me. Also, I went further to say that I made it an effort of mine to "help" TLOPO. I went into detail to explain further the help I had tried to suggest, which wasn't well received.

Can you or someone explain to me why not one suggestion I had listed was ever taken seriously or given serious thought? I have thought about this a lot and it's not that I feel bad that none of these thoughts were ever taken seriously. It's that they were received as hostility and failed to taken into consideration the known, decent grasp surrounding things I do understand relative to Disney.

Anyway, I am sorry I have disappointed you - my friend. Obviously, that is not what I meant to do (nor to disappoint anyone else) but I am putting this out there to keep things REAL because I am only stating the obvious thing (when I do know that people want to say this about me anyway whether publicly or in private chat). For what it's worth, I will always be black-marked and I am giving up on the desire to try to change everyone's minds about myself and my own intentions.

I support the community. I always have. The community and myself just have a different idea of how best to go about assuring the survival of everyone's fun and memory. If I chose to not support the now TLOPO community this whole time...couldn't I have just as well kept my mouth shut and not offered suggestions openly and honestly? I sincerely tried to be of help and I have now written such a thread to "let-go" of such need of control. (In retrospect, it's too bad that others can't do the same but instead hold themselves in direct competition with TLOPO all because of a need to hold onto CONTROL). *I am trying to set an example for them. If TLOPO can't understand that, I am sorry.

 

[Stephen Teague]

I said only a big part of me - not all of me. Also, I went further to say that I made it an effort of mine to "help" TLOPO. I went into detail to explain further the help I had tried to suggest, which wasn't well received.

Can you or someone explain to me why not one suggestion I had listed was ever taken seriously or given serious thought? I have thought about this a lot and it's not that I feel bad that none of these thoughts were ever taken seriously. It's that they were received as hostility and failed to taken into consideration the known, decent grasp surrounding things I do understand relative to Disney.

Anyway, I am sorry I have disappointed you - my friend. Obviously, that is not what I meant to do (nor to disappoint anyone else) but I am putting this out there to keep things REAL because I am only stating the obvious thing (when I do know that people want to say this about me anyway whether publicly or in private chat). For what it's worth, I will always be black-marked and I am giving up on the desire to try to change everyone's minds about myself and my own intentions.

I support the community. I always have. The community and myself just have a different idea of how best to go about assuring the survival of everyone's fun and memory. If I chose to not support the now TLOPO community this whole time...couldn't I have just as well kept my mouth shut and not offered suggestions openly and honestly? I sincerely tried to be of help and I have now written such a thread to "let-go" of such need of control. (In retrospect, it's too bad that others can't do the same but instead hold themselves in direct competition with TLOPO all because of a need to hold onto CONTROL). *I am trying to set an example for them. If TLOPO can't understand that, I am sorry.

I know you mean well, you say what you think is the right thing to do which is respectable. I just didn't like that one point, the rest I have no issue with. As for why your concerns haven't been addressed, maybe they have been, who knows? I do know what you're referring to as I read it all (not going to mention it so drama doesn't materialize) so I understand why you're asking, as for the answer to that question, I literally have no clue whether they have been or haven't been.

 

[Shamus The Brute]

I know you mean well, you say what you think is the right thing to do which is respectable. I just didn't like that one point...

You and everyone else, no doubt. Also, there are likely plenty of other close friends of mine whom might feel the same way as you do. Just know that I won't be the fall-guy for TLOPO anymore to where those positive things I do try to do won't be used against me anymore. (Recently, I tried to offer help again and it all blew up in my face to where someone told me to join another forums or to accept TLOPO as is. I am of the opinion that I shouldn't have to leave this community a second time. So...I am taking advice to accept TLOPO 'as is' but the only way for myself to do this is to publicly share what is going on inside of me to where my own words will hold myself accountable).

Look at it this way. *If I didn't say such a thing, others would begin to wonder WHY I was going out of my way to write such a thread and what were my underlying intentions. In this way, there is nothing to hide. Given the fact that I am constantly being accused of being so passive aggressive (an accusation I know which is going around because someone whom just joined not too long ago, doesn't know me, and currently represents TLOPO in a capacity here has stressed that point), I figured I would be direct as I possibly can. It's only half true but, I don't care what others think because there is really no love lost. If there was, something would have been said to me already by those known whom don't particularly care for me in the first place.

...As for why your concerns haven't been addressed, maybe they have been, who knows?...I literally have no clue whether they have been or haven't been.

Someone commenting above has already said that they have. What is ironic is that if this is true why hasn't anything been said? Also, why don't people come out of the shadows to show their support towards myself wanting to be of help. Thus far, nothing has lead me to conclude that such a thing is happening and if it's happening without my knowledge...ideas are taken but no support is given where credit is due? Anyway...

 

[ukebec]

Shamus - I would really like to understand your position better.

From your original post you said

There is a big part of me...that wants to see TLOPO fail.

I think many of us will have a negative knee-jerk reaction to that statement, alone. But I'm trying to see a fuller picture here from your viewpoint.

You've provided a laundry list of your suggestions for the game, but state

not one suggestion I had listed was ever taken seriously or given serious thought?

however you go on to list 2 suggestions that the devs did carry through on, but note you believe it was for their own reasons, not due to your input. That seems contradictory.

I've been kicking around here for many years, and also was involved in a different re-creation attempt 4 or 5 years ago, of which you were also critical and dubious. In that instance you were 100% correct and it ended badly for the entire community involved. But those circumstances were wildly different, (there was donation money that disappeared, along with the developer), so I don't think that's a fair comparison.

But my basic takeaway now is that you want someone to make a pirate game, but not a re-creation of PoTCO in any form. If that's the case I'm not sure why you haven't embraced Burning Seas, AC whichever, or one of the other pirate games already in existence.

I don't know if it's a distrust of a person/people involved in the development because you found fault with them back in PoTCO, or if you are content with your PoTCO experience and don't want that altered or if you're concerned that if you give TLOPO a chance, and Disney or other forces cause it to close you will have, essentially, lost the game you loved all over again.

I really would like to comprehend your feelings more clearly. I know you and I haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but I'll be the first to remind everyone that you were here, keeping these forums, and an appreciation for PoTCO, alive while many others faded away.

Please believe me - I don't intend this as any type of attack, or an attempt to find fault with you. I am simply looking for clarification.

Fairest of winds, mate.

 

[Darkslinger]

I get your mentality and how you feel regarding not getting the title you deserve, I myself feel the same way at times w/TLOPO. The points you make are all valid and it's totally fine to want to be in a position where you want to say "I told you so" to others. I'm assuming that your mentality regarding the situation is triggered by the fear of losing TLOPO as we once did POTCO - and your anger a result of not being properly compensated due to your overseeing efforts. All I could say is stay optimistic, worst case scenario if Disney attempts to file a DMCA takedown against TLOPO is it being hosted abroad (not sure if devs would approve, though). I would tell you to try contacting the devs regarding your lack of compensation due to your efforts, but that never works (telling you from experience...).

Personally, I don't care if the community is bothered or offended by your remarks. Being a "long-standing pillar of this community" doesn't necessarily mean hiding your true inner feelings. Honesty and being able to share opinions without others taking offence is more important than acting as if all is good. If anything, the lack of controversy sometimes makes the forums feel superficial to me. Everyone should voice their concerns. We're thankful for the developers' efforts, however - they chose to do this. I don't need to justify my opinions or pray to them before I sleep, there's always a limit. I am thankful and have the utmost respect for those working on the game, but I'd rather not play POTCO anymore than be forced to be silenced so I don't bother some developer.

Note to whoever reads this: In the future, instead of reacting on impulse and replying with whatever's on your mind - take a second to evaluate both sides. It's fine to disagree with someone, but not fine to shove your beliefs down one's throat.

P.S, note to Shamus: Never even consider keeping your mouth shut and never apologize for voicing your opinions.

The lack of communication is what will separate this community. Always voice your opinions.
Best of luck to TLOPO and it's community.

 

[Shamus The Brute]

Shamus - I would really like to understand your position better.

From your original post you said I think many of us will have a negative knee-jerk reaction to that statement, alone. But I'm trying to see a fuller picture here from your viewpoint...

Thank you for yourself wanting to understand. I don't feel like expanding too much into what I have already said but, I'll at least respond back to you given that you have spent some time writing what you did above.

*If I would go to write this thread (written for the purpose of 'keeping myself later' from bashing TLOPO publicly if, by chance, things didn't go as expected in lieu of Disney), I would have listed the many things I had suggested and hoped TLOPO would consider only to have others "think" I did so just to again press the issue of myself trying to thrust my suggestions into the lime-light despite nobody's support towards them. By stating what is currently going on within me (in reaction mostly to specific and hostile treatment by someone in lieu of myself trying recently to only be of help), I have eliminated all uncertainty as to my own intentions towards posting such a thread. Chances are good, you and everyone else will focus only on that feeling rather than the catalyst behind said feeling. In your case, at least you are asking for clarification rather than blasting me for saying such a thing.

Ask anyone and they'll tell you Shamus is so passive aggressive. For once, I am being direct as I possibly can and it's not as if I have "always" felt this way that I currently do. I would hope the way I had tried to be of help actually speaks for itself.

You've provided a laundry list of your suggestions for the game, but state
however you go on to list 2 suggestions that the devs did carry through on, but note you believe it was for their own reasons, not due to your input. That seems contradictory...

Perhaps it does. It was not my intention to make it seem contradictory.

*I believe sincerely in giving credit where credit is due and all I was trying to show with a couple of the suggestions I had proposed (either publicly or privately), is that TLOPO had concluded as well - and likely on their own - the same suggestions to which they had acted upon.

...I've been kicking around here for many years, and also was involved in a different re-creation attempt 4 or 5 years ago, of which you were also critical and dubious. In that instance you were 100% correct and it ended badly for the entire community involved...

If you are speaking about the situation I think you are talking about, it was not only myself which got involved but also another pirate whom a lot of people respect. (The both of us called the bluff when it was stated that permission was granted for that project to proceed). However, this project as far as I know didn't call for donations right away and so I think you and I are talking about two different things.

...But my basic takeaway now is that you want someone to make a pirate game, but not a re-creation of PoTCO in any form...

This is untrue. I, like everyone else, would enjoy playing POTCO again in another form. However, I am a Christian and I don't believe in supporting something where the legality of it comes into question. Therefore and despite just about everyone feeling differently that I do, I have offered those suggestions listed in support of TLOPO to where the long-term survival of the community itself (which involves the ex-POTCO community too and not just 'new' players) I had hoped to be taken into consideration.

In hindsight, I am most concerned about everyone's state-of-mind/well-being which goes beyond the need of game-play and so therefore I had hoped to align my own background, experience, and research in a way which could benefit TLOPO. Again, I would like it noted that I felt compelled to take-on such an effort (personally) to directly thwart the plans of TLOPO's greatest adversary. Since discussion about such an adversary cannot be talked about openly, very few people understand this angle about my own intentions.

...I don't know if it's a distrust of a person/people involved in the development because you found fault with them back in PoTCO, or if you are content with your PoTCO experience and don't want that altered or if you're concerned that if you give TLOPO a chance, and Disney or other forces cause it to close you will have, essentially, lost the game you loved all over again.

I really would like to comprehend your feelings more clearly. I know you and I haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but I'll be the first to remind everyone that you were here, keeping these forums, and an appreciation for PoTCO, alive while many others faded away...

Pertinent to TLOPO, much of the distrust I had began at the beginning...not at the end. However, the more I began to see trustworthy pirates joining TLOPO's team the more that distrust changed and given that I particularly knew well those newly-staffed pirates the more I tried to openly offer suggestions on behalf of TLOPO's success. Somewhere along the way, a lot of things between those people and myself changed and the more I tried to offer help...the more silence and open hostility eventually resulted.

Perhaps I should take 1/2 of the blame for pressing my own view-points too aggressively. However, it was rare for even public discussion to be met to where everyone (including myself) walked away from such discussion where common-ground was ultimately achieved. Instead, a lot of what endured included silence and ill feelings. In my opinion, I had wish some form of utopia could be created to where the developers and staff of TLOPO could work in collaboration with the community as a whole almost as if the project was open-source to where everyone's footing and stance was on equal ground. TLOPO, however, isn't fully to blame for this but...they should also take some responsibility too for the way some things have evolved (because the very 'last' thing I would hope for TLOPO is to have to deal with 'another' Shamus The Brute character in the future).

To your last point stated, I don't recall ever having a "arm-wrestling" match with you and if I did...I apologize for anything I have said or done which was unruly.

 

[Shamus The Brute]

I get your mentality and how you feel regarding not getting the title you deserve, I myself feel the same way at times w/TLOPO. The points you make are all valid and it's totally fine to want to be in a position where you want to say "I told you so" to others. I'm assuming that your mentality regarding the situation is triggered by the fear of losing TLOPO as we once did POTCO - and your anger a result of not being properly compensated due to your overseeing efforts. All I could say is stay optimistic, worst case scenario if Disney attempts to file a DMCA takedown against TLOPO is it being hosted abroad (not sure if devs would approve, though). I would tell you to try contacting the devs regarding your lack of compensation due to your efforts, but that never works (telling you from experience...).

Personally, I don't care if the community is bothered or offended by your remarks. Being a "long-standing pillar of this community" doesn't necessarily mean hiding your true inner feelings. Honesty and being able to share opinions without others taking offence is more important than acting as if all is good. If anything, the lack of controversy sometimes makes the forums feel superficial to me. Everyone should voice their concerns. We're thankful for the developers' efforts, however - they chose to do this. I don't need to justify my opinions or pray to them before I sleep, there's always a limit. I am thankful and have the utmost respect for those working on the game, but I'd rather not play POTCO anymore than be forced to be silenced so I don't bother some developer.

Note to whoever reads this: In the future, instead of reacting on impulse and replying with whatever's on your mind - take a second to evaluate both sides. It's fine to disagree with someone, but not fine to shove your beliefs down one's throat.

P.S, note to Shamus: Never even consider keeping your mouth shut and never apologize for voicing your opinions.

The lack of communication is what will separate this community. Always voice your opinions.
Best of luck to TLOPO and it's community.

Thank you kindly for your words. It helps.

 

[Irene]

I will just quickly pitch in here to add my 2 cents if you don't mind.

I personally do not believe that it is bad for Shamus to want the project to fail. However I do find that this wording is actually wrong, if you don't mind me correcting you here Shamus. You may not be interested about TLOPO, which I do admit here I am also NOT interested and I have made this clear here and there for quite some time. Now, not being interested is understandable assumingly from everybody as you can't have the same expectations and feelings as others. Wanting it to fail though? Sure.. it seems harsh to me, but sure if you want to phrase it this way. To explain myself a bit better, I did say I am not interested in playing the game in the slightest, but then that doesn't make me want to wish failure upon them. It would just be better to let them be, and let each sail their own course.

I do support you and agree with your post here, even if the choice of the word 'fail' is a bit tricky in my eyes, however I do believe you need to just justify clearer as to why you want it to fail, and not simply change your stance and be passive about it and not interested like I do. I don't think anybody would judge you then, but then they still shouldn't judge you know. Wanting it to fail sure, it may seem egotistical or some across as very dark and immature, but hey, not everybody is a saint and people should learn to accept the different, even if its so drastic from their own opinions.



To all those who believe Shamus shouldn't feel this way, I do want to ask you to just let him be, if that's what he believes then that's all there is to it. You may not agree, but there isn't much you can do to change his mind, nor you can find reason, because each of you has different beliefs and different hopes or ideas about the game.

 

[ukebec]

Thank you Shamus. I have better insight now as to why you feel the way you do, and what led up to it..

Since I haven't had your same experiences, I don't feel the same as you on all of your points, but I respect your feelings.

I'm glad you're still here on the forums to share your opinions and I hope that continues.

 

[Shamus The Brute]

Do I regret saying what I did about the "fail" part? - Yes, I do. Can I take it back? - No, I can't.

These things are never easy, but then again...thus is the life of a pirate.

 

[DavyM]

Don't worry about it. Now that Mike Wass is gone, I see no reason of why I'd want any of these projects (not just TLOPO) to succeed.

There is a big part of me...that wants to see TLOPO fail. I am not proud of this but, I am trying to be as REAL as I can with many of you pirates here. However and despite this feeling, I admit I have tried to do as much as I can to help TLOPO succeed. I think the bad feelings I have though revolve around the fact that I don't agree with "the way" things are being done to recreate POTCO. Also...despite my own best effort...I cannot escape a victim-like mindset I have taken-on pertinent to "the way" relationships between others and myself have concluded, in lieu of POTCO being shuttered back in 2013.

For the life of me, I don't particularly know why I am being so stubborn with my own ideas/opinions in comparison to others. Despite what others think...I think it comes down to the fact that I feel I have taken on a role as overseer of the ex-POTCO community even though I was not given such a title. Beyond that, I really feel that I just care for the well-being and fate of everyone. (In my own mind, I was just trying to 'help' everyone and it ended up being perceived the entirely wrong way. Much of that perception, I noticed, occurred after I stepped-down from forums staff here).

At this point my critics are likely reading this and saying MEH but you know what, it doesn't really bother me anymore like it used to. Reason being, I understand now that I am only 1/2 of the problem (along with the realization for myself to feel the need to 'let go' of the control I used to think I needed to hold onto in order to reach people in a way to convince them to think like me and to agree). So anyway, this thread alone is written so that I can keep my own self personally accountable. Not to scare nor to upset anyone, it's based off of the hypothetical scenario - pertinent to my own response - of how I will act if say TLOPO was ever shuttered by Disney. *Being that I do wrestle with this "need" to maybe gloat here if this circumstance ever occurred, I realize it would be WRONG for myself to act this way on account of the below suggestions I had tried to convince TLOPO to accept. As such, I am taking Mike Wass' recent advice given to me when he pointed out that I should just take TLOPO "as is" (I hope Mike doesn't have a problem with myself mentioning him here).

Anyway, I feel the need to hold myself personally accountable (from now to whatever fate TLOPO endures). As such, if things do evolve to where I was completely off-base each of you are welcome to let me know without receiving any condemnation/argument from myself. Again...I am open-minded enough to hold myself accountable to future criticisms received pertinent to the below suggestions.

• I suggested that TLOPO contact and then make an attempt to gain permission from Disney
• I suggested that TLOPO refrain from using POTC characters in-game
• I suggested that TLOPO change the current name they have
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce entirely new content into game-play (which they did but probably due to their own idea/strategy)
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce entirely new music content into game-play (which they did but probably due to their own idea/strategy)
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce a parody aspect into game-play (to follow a 'fair-use' clause)
• I suggested that TLOPO change it's URL (website) description to overly avoid Disney misinterpretation from counterfeit/pirate sites resulting from the release of POTC 5
• I suggested that TLOPO introduce a education/learning aspect or workshops into game-play (to follow a 'fair-use' clause)
• I suggested that TLOPO delay releasing itself (on account of down-time/upgrade) beyond the time-line and energy resulting from the 5th POTC film

Today, I want to live by the saying, "Que Sera Sera," and so...this thread is one way for myself to do so and to accept TLOPO as-is. *Also, I am hoping and looking forward now to accepting the company of very good friends and to let-go of this need for control which has worked against me. Keep savvy, and keep on keeping on. Thank ye.

 

[Shamus The Brute]

Don't worry about it. Now that Mike Wass is gone, I see no reason of why I'd want any of these projects (not just TLOPO) to succeed.

I will support whatever the community wants as long as it's legal. So...even a remake of POTCO would be pretty neat to see being that "our" circumstance is quite unique in the fact that while other remakes do exist pertinent to various other Disney games, there is only ONE property which in and of itself has as much (media) exposure as the POTC property does. Other than that Star Wars MMO remake (which, again, likely wasn't legal), there is no other property quite like the POTC property on a purely entertainment/media basis.

The whole world is watching to see what TLOPO becomes. Therefore, whatever does result will set precedence (I feel) for the emulator/private server issue as a whole. (Likely something will be written about this in the future by someone). Reason why I am being so stubborn in comparison to others to how such things occur. Anyway...

 

[DavyM]

I doubt the majority of people know what you're talking about, EVEN in the gaming community when TLOPO is mentioned. @Shamus The Brute