Dustin is right. Those who take this game seriously will put the time and effort into this idea, and those who won’t will be discovered.
There is a lot of people in the scene willing to talk the talk… in 2 months from now, the Top 10 in the ranking system will be the people willing to walk the walk.
You must decide for yourself whether you want to dedicate the time and effort to be at the Top of NW.
Im gonna be trying to drive down every weekend I can, o and sorry jared for not being here for your way back went to the dojo sat and stayed till 11:30 sunday couldn’t get away trying to lvl up the abel
I just feel wrong having this 3rd place spot with Tanaka all the way down at 16th. I did have to earn it by pacing decent and playing DUg and Cole, but still it’s very bitter sweet considering Tanaka did earn his spot as well.
Oh well. Anyways, ceramic, get at me when you read this so we can do that challenge whenever we’re both free within the next 2 weeks 
For the people that don’t want to take it seriously, don’t. This just gives some of us a little something to push for besides having just a casual match.
Oh Yeah, I added you on psn maybe we could get some games in some time? 
Sall good man. We didn’t stop for anything but just a smoke break on the way back. We booked it home ASAP.
Oops. I created a monster.
I guess I’m confused because of it starting from the tournament rankings. I thought maybe it should’ve been a clearer difference between the tournament that happened and this… ranking event. Like a topic with the tournament placings, and then this as an unrelated thing. I understand it gave an order to put up for default but it could’ve been randomized and still gotten the same effect. Only without the people who weren’t even there, who shouldn’t be ranked yet?
I’m all for playing with something on the line (LOVE an idea that doesn’t involve money), driving yourself to improve… but the top 2 spots were locked. So we’re here battling and improving and we can’t even get a set with the guy who won the tournament? That might be an ideal way to improve.
So really it’s the way it started that made me salty about it I guess, just seemed stupid and trivializing to anyone who worked their ass off in that tournament. Which was not me, I got worked. :lol:
Anyway, I like the idea. I look forward to improvements upon the system. Not severely interested until I can play Cody~ :lovin:
45th BABY!!!
I havent read everything yet, but I am.
I just dont get it, Mechanica, Let me call u and explain how this works and the point behind it. I will also personal call mickey to talk to you guys about how to level up our scene
It starting to seem like people just wanna complain and get defensive on anything positive going on in our scene.
I mean do u guys WANT to get better? Im creating a system to just promote people playing in a semi tourney setting to build up clutch potential, to be on point at any given time, to not have any fear, to have the chance to play vs other people.
I make clear on WHY i chose to to the random rule of pushing everyone down a spot on the FIRST DAY ONLY. TO TEST THE SYSTEM. I mean are u guys reading what im saying? Am i making things confusing? Why would u get so angry or post something that SOUNDS or READS like u are angry or shitting on something that is suppose to be positive
ill be right back
Cole
changing comuters
Cole we still need to have that Midnight release SSFIV party at the Dojo and Tournament for sure and talk to that gamestop down the street and tell them that we can get 15+ people in for sure if they did a midnight release for Super
i think this system is great because it doesn’t require money as a motivation to challenge someone. “oh you don’t have money for a money match? how about i challenge you/you challenge me for your/my spot in the NW rankings?” If you don’t like someone saying they’re better than you because the feel justified by being ranked higher than you, challenge them and shut them the fuck up. at the end of the day, what are you doing by challenging players, (whether you feel like you’re better than them or not)? you are gonna be playing the game, which you were gonna do anyway. i feel people that this doesn’t matter to at the moment because super is almost out. but once it drops there really isn’t an excuse to not play within this system. it levels you up to play against players of all skill levels. whether it is a scrub or a pro level player, there is something to be learned by playing them. and like cole said, this is to level up OUR scene.
sure this system might not be perfect but this doesn’t by any means hurt the scene, maybe there might be a system that can help it more under whatever circumstances etcetc but this ladder is hurting no one.
of course, the only people that get motivated to do better are those who care about rankings and being known as a xth ranked player. this probably covers the majority of us. however anyone who is confident in their own opinion of their skill isn’t going to care about their name on the ladder. but it still motivates the majority. so a system like this may not survive a month in like, NYC or socal, where everyone is under the shadow of the numerous top players, but it should work well for seattle.
even if it doesnt go super well and a bunch of mid-level seattle players end up at the top and start running the brag, everyone would burst their bubble and they would probably just be motivated even more with everyone shitting on their parade.
i also 100% agree with what tjdeuceosix just said about not requiring money.
Btw I lost my Challenge to Dugg, so Ghrrk whenever we can get together to play. Probably won’t be going to the Dojo or anywhere anytime soon due to me being sick though.
Lol, sorry if my words were to harsh to everyone. If I remembered correctly I clearly stated that it was nothing against Cole or his system, I was just stating that I wasn’t going to participate in it. All that aside, It seems as if I’m always negative Nancy about anything that’s good right? Honestly, every time I make a post Seattle blows up…I think it’s funny. I’m THAT controversial? Should just change my name to Seattle’s Slim Shady.
It’s whatever guys, if you enjoy it, cool. I was merely trying to state what others have stated in more clarity…people like Elias, Dugg and Tanaka all have literally stated that in some form or fashion, this “ranking system” for lack of better terms, is ugly (flawed if you want to dress the word up a bit prettier).
And KKF, call it whining if you’d like, but I find it hard to say that I’m complaining as I didn’t have any real plans to participate in this system as is. With that, I’m no longer here to make the entire scene better, I’m here for me and no one but. It don’t mean that I’m not trying to HELP anyone, I’m just saying that I’ve got 3 months to focus on ME to become a beast and thats not enough time to build a community.
As for “constructive comments” towards this system…it would be much more constructive if it didn’t revolve around the DOJO itself as it heavily DIVIDES the scene…it would be a lot more constructive if the title wasn’t “BEST of NW.” If we’re talking about NW, throw in Portland…I don’t think that was in mind was it? I can say a lot of things that will make this system “better” however more or less, in the grander scheme of things, I’m quite positive that the players who “need” to participate in this system the most, will not do so because of how it’s being run.
Everything’s all good in my hood dirty, I’ll make a better post after I’ve read everything/everyone.
EDIT: To KKF…I don’t want to share being #1 I don’t even care to BE #1. I think that’s apparent as I’m currently NOT #1…because believe me, if I wanted to be #1 in this scene, I could old friend. I suspect that want to happen come April.
So after reading all comments and soaking it in, this is what I have to say:
I want to clarify that I’m not necessarily “shitting” on the idea. It’s GREAT to have a system like this to push players to play more in an environment where “stakes are high” and I’m all for it. I’d like to apologize to those who took my words in this way.
With that, I still will not be participating in it as I don’t entirely agree with the systems intricacies. For instance, the entire reason for creating a system like this is to level EVERYONE up right? Fact of the matter is that I personally know a system like this isn’t going to level ME up as much as I can level up through my own means. If I’m playing for “rank,” it means nothing to me. I don’t care if I’m branded 15789th in Seattle, I know for myself that I have the ability to be the best.
Now if OTHERS want to challenge me, than do it! If YOU feel as if I’M going to make you better through challenging me, then by all means, do it! Level up and let me help you level up!
I play to improve and hone my skills, and come tournament time, I use all that preparation to play my best when it matters… whether that be tournament wars, singles tournaments, money/grudge matches, etc. I’m not playing to build rank, and it’s not something that I’m going to gun for. I’m never going to say “I’m not #1 in Cole’s thread…it must mean I’m not the best in this scene.” I understand my abilities very well and this system isn’t going to push me to improve very much.
In all reality, this is my beef with the system. Players who are revered as “top players” in our area are expected to support this system. We’re not only expected to support the system, but we’re also expected to partake in the system as to level up the community. HOWEVER, why are such things expected when these same players have little incentive to even nurture this system? Answer me this, what do top players get from this? What does Future get? What does Tanaka get? What does Deezo get? They know they’re amazing…yet they’re branded and told “Yo guys, if you want to be the best, you gotta CHALLENGE!” That is not nurturing to them as pillars in the community what so ever, so why should they care? For the community? Well lets get into that shall we…
Tanaka told me something that I took to heart one day, and he said that players like myself, Future, Mandel and Cole are so busy giving to the community that we’ve in a way forgotten about ourselves. Now I don’t know if he was just talking during his belligerent stupor, but I took it to heart. Though the scene is important to me, I realized that if you can’t put yourself above something you love, ultimately you forget why you began in the first place.
I began playing SF because it was something that invigorated me. It nurtured my love to “battle” in a meta physical and psychological war where the victor was the one who out thought his opponent. I didn’t begin because I wanted to make friends, it was something that came because of it. I didn’t begin because I wanted to create an amazing community of players who enjoyed competing with each other. I began because I enjoyed SF and I wanted to be good at it, NOT for the community.
This system is great for the community, it promotes competitive strong play amongst the community in attempt to level everyone up. While this remains true, there are a few flaws that come with this system, such as a dividing the scene and building an elitist mindset through ranks, as well as giving little incentive for higher level players to come out to improve themselves over the community.
I hope this post gives a bit of insight in my latest “Mickey’s controversial posts.” I don’t expect a lot of people to take it in completely or agree with everything I’ve said, but for those that do, thanks for listening.
Ok I am back folks, I have read everything. I am really impressed with our community actually. By reading everyones post, you all really do see the vision and purpose of creating events like “BofNW”, to help us all grow…not just the pro’s (who know how to level up), but everyone!
Mickey D - I read what you expresed, I understand where you are coming from. Like, why be forced into being a role model, how does it benefit the pros? Honestly, I just don’t think you get it my friend. So im going to attempt to express my vision on why I even bother to create events like these.
I see a community that gets inspired just by playing each other. That, when throw into any situation they have full support on one another and can overcome any challenge…as a team and as individuals. Since I first started playing street fighter back when World Warrior came out, I have been part of communities that flourished by working together. Northern california…southern cali…Team USA etc. I guess you can say I have a little experience on knowing what it takes in order to “improve” your street fighter ability. Hehe I think i been doing it for 20 years now lol…fuck im old =).
The things that help communities like ours is accessibility, devotion and Family. Being accessable to multiple players, styles, techniques, areas…knowing that at any moment you can have access to play people who love the game. Having the devotion to this game we love, to the new friends we have made from it and to building a strong SF community. With everyone treating everyone like family, there is nothing that can stop us…trust me. It is the sole reason why nor cali is so strong in SF and Tekken.
The thing is, SF is finally entering the E-sport era. With the launch of Super, you can best belive there is going to be more online play, sponsors, major events, traveling, japan vs usa, streaming. There is just so much that is about to come, that I “personally” am trying to facilitate the dojo to be ready for it all. Get our sponsors, sponsor our top 5, challenge other areas, the first HD 24/7 stream on my cabinet, online shows for strategy and our tournaments. I want our persona to be known, I want us to be united and ready to rock! Everyone I have personally talked to in this scene gets real excited when I talk about that route and can easily visualize our scene beasting like that.
It all starts with us becoming a family first, knowing each other and being devoted to this game and the leveling up of our skills.
Mickey D - You gave me some GREAT feed back on the ranking system. I am going to change the name of it to “Character Improvement Rankings” , this way, it can better reflect what its purpose is. Also, you say how does it benefit the pros? Well, first off it helps practicing the ability to just “turn it on” in any given situation. You will always have to be ready, you might get challenged everyday, imagine being able to defend yourself agaisnt a tough opponent for like 2 weeks straight. It helps you develop your game. The thing i like about it the most though, is it forces people to get in touch of people they are not used to talking to. Making them communicate, be friends, learn about each other. Normally, Ghrrk may never play AWesomeJones, but he has to now cause of the ranking system. I am also not limiting it to having to be just at the dojo. You can play online if you like.
One last thing, I would like to apologize for applying the “test” on the ranking system the very first day. I didnt really expect people to get so attachted to the ranking system so fast. The shock of finally seeing the results and realizing a tourney you put your all into and now you are 10 spots down, hehe sorry that is kind of bad to see. I didnt want to take away from what you guys earned, i simply just wanted to test the system with all the players that were there. Everyone was ready to challenge, it was a good feeling =) I also have put myself at the end of the list as punishment for not letting everyone know before they left.
On that note, the DOJO is open right now! Feel free to swing through, Bryce myself , bowflex mike and vivek are here. Grill is going, so if anyone wants to cook they can. See everyone at the Dojo. Mickey D, please call me!!
J-Cole
Dusty B- I don’t play SF4 online anymore since I moved out and have a terrible connection now =/
Cole- Post up that video! I want to see the longest first to 2 played in Vanilla SF4 history. Plus, Dugg doesn’t even remember matches after he plays them so it would help us both out lol
I will say one thing regarding top level players and this character list: If all of the “top” level players were to participate and play, then the list would easily balance out and you would be set around other people your level. Thats the beauty of the system itself, that eventually you should be set around other people your own level, and that once you ARE, you have plenty of people to play against who should give you good practice and help you get stronger. Only problem is that you have to start at the bottom and work your way up, simply because you weren’t there at night one (or if you left early… :x) What I feel like I’m seeing or hearing is that there are some people who know they could be top rank but don’t wanna put up with playing a bunch of people to get where they feel they deserve to be. Honestly the list IS unaccurate, there’s no way that in the greater seattle region I’m the 7th best player. I could easily name 7 people better than I am. But if people like YOU don’t show up to stop me, then I get to hold onto the spot. Maybe you don’t really care about random lists of players fighting for spots, maybe you feel like this is a waste of time and will always be unaccurate, or maybe you feel like you shouldn’t have to do any extra work to show people where you think you should be. All I’m trying to say here is that there’s a good reason behind this effort, and everyone can benefit from it. At least understand that much.
Oh, Seattle.
who cares, really?
Higher level players shouldn’t require incentive to be provided, so much as seeking it themselves. How else do you get to that level if you don’t just love the game and the challenge that comes from playing it against other great players?
If you don’t like going down to the wire each round and** really** being challenged, then you probably just like beating scrubs and getting away with…no, settling for what you’re currently doing as opposed to playing street fighter.
I think that players who are REALLY playing the game understand that in order to improve…you play the game. Differences between a player’s mentality or drive to improve gets sorted out before you even invite people, and most serious and fairly active players have a place/players they practice with.
~ ~ ~
But not everyone has such instant gratification/access to players, and this is where the Dojo steps in. Provides a place, a more than generous window of time, and now at least some incentive for the players that frequent to play to win the game. Which in the end, is what it’s all about.
You can look at it as “Oh my god what the hell why is the title so wrong and why the hell didn’t that tournament even matter…” or you can look at it as another place to play the game, help the scene, teach if not learn, and again, help the scene.
It’s not creating a divide, as everyone plays everywhere…almost as if we all have the same interest
gasp that keeps all of us running into each other again and again.
It’s NOT creating an elitist mindset at all …or at least only among those that somehow don’t know that Tanaka is NOT 17th, or that you’re not REALLY top 10 if Mandel or Jason or Samson (yes, I said it, get over it since he very likely bodies you) aren’t on the list.
It’s really all just a difference in perspective, but hey. Welcome to life.
Summary: you play (to win) the game. But mostly, you play the game. That’s all. It’s stupid to think that a list will persuade everyone as to who the top players up here are. We all already know, with the up and comers making their place understood as time progresses.
Play to improve, play to win the game, play because you love it. Another place to do that is always welcome.
Keep up the Dojo work and keep ironing out the wrinkles, Cole. This will be slick and streamlined post-super.
Thanks for that FT20 or whatever we had! Been needing to get one of those in versus the man. Good luck claiming your spot back from me. ^^
EDITO: Shawn is awesome.
I challenge “Bi”. I don’t know him, I just think he’s an Akuma player and CeramicSugar’s friend? Bi, if you’re reading this or on SRK, come to TW’s this weekend or PM me.