Wednesday 7 March 2012

CSM Endorsement

Well, it's that time of year again and CSM elections dominate the headlines around the blogosphere. To those who tried to persuade me to run, thanks, but it's not really something I'm interested in doing right now. To those who continued to organise and promote an entirely fictional CSM campaign on my behalf (Mangala I'm looking at you), you'll be happy to know that even some of my corpmates are still under the impression that I'm running - clearly there is no hope!

Anyway, CSM voting is now open, and I've yet to formally endorse anyone. Better late than never I suppose!

For CSM7, my endorsement (and my votes) goes to Hans Jagerblitzen. Let me explain why.

Eve has a very strong strategic element, and there are many players for whom the big picture battle is what it's all about - fixed objectives that you can throw a fleet at, pivotal battles for power and control. While many PVPers really enjoy this kind of combat, variety is the spice of life and there are a large number who look for a different kind of PVP entirely. I count myself among that number.

Many people have commented on the perceived nullsec bias in the current CSM. I don't necessarily subscribe to the view that all CSM members are out to push their own playstyle at the expense of others, in fact I believe most of them try quite hard to offer a balanced perspective, however it's only natural that your playstyle is going to affect your opinions. Sov nullsec attracts a certain kind of player, and when CCP asks you whether something is good or bad, your answer is going to be coloured by the kind of things that you think people enjoy.

When you're a fan of strategy and grand designs, it's easy to forget that for many people the fun is in the fight itself. Especially when it comes to smaller scale PVP (which despite what some may tell you, is still very much alive in NPC nullsec, lowsec, hisec and wormhole space), most people aren't really out to accomplish grandiose objectives so much as they are to find a fight and make explosions, and mechanics which make it easier and more enjoyable to get a fight on this scale are really good things. From reading Hans' manifesto, it's clear that this is something he gets. With a background in faction warfare, he comes from an area where easy to find, casual PVP is order of the day, and that's a perspective which I believe could go a long way, even outside of the areas he claims to have experience in.

So that's how I'm voting. To you dear reader, I say make up your own mind. There are many good candidates this time round, but if you're a fan of accessible, small scale PVP then Hans is worth a look. Whatever you do though, do vote. The CSM don't get to design the game, but they may well have influence on the decisions that take place over the next year, and your vote matters. So what are you waiting for? Vote now!

6 comments:

  1. already done with voting ;-)
    Last time i checked it was Hans (with an s not a z) just want to mention it.

    I'm a bit excited about the results, it feels like many more people are caring about csm, will be interesting to see if that is reflected in the number of votes too.

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    1. Ssh! I'm also really interested to see how this one turns out. I expect it won't be all that different from previous years, but it definitely seems like interest in the CSM (as well as the perception of how relevant the CSM is) has increased significantly.

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  2. I took you for a Leboe supporter, I am dissapoint :)

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  3. What an incredible honor! Please allow a fanboy to gush a moment here. This has seriously been one of my favorite blogs since a friend first showed me an early entry in the "Know your enemy" series last year, and I've been reading every article released since than. This is where I continue to send pilots asking about not just how to fit a ship, but to pilot it as well. "Know your Enemy" is a must-read for ANY PvP pilot in my opinion, new players and veterans alike.

    Please, PLEASE keep this blog going, you've created an invaluable resource for those of us who fight regularly in a diverse array of sub-capital ships. I have huge respect for bloggers like yourself and Wensley of Rifter Drifter (also endorsing my candidacy) that actually go to the battlefield to do your work, not just EFT.

    Once again, I appreciate the unsolicited words of support, you have no idea how much this means to me! Win or lose, hearing all of this praise coming in from pilots I've considered my heroes has been incredibly humbling. It's a big relief to know my campaign message has been heard so clearly, far and wide. Keep in touch after the election!

    Thanks for making this one of the most exciting days of my campaign,

    Fly Dangerous! o7

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  4. Azual, as always a fair and objective post. Hans has many votes from our alliance and we hope to see him win it. Keep up the great blogging!

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  5. Hans is awesome and I'm looking forward to seeing his enthusiasm and knowledge at work on CSM 7. :)

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The Altruist is the Eve Online blog of Azual Skoll, PVP instructor and small gang PVPer.

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