I figured a topic series like this could provide some tips and tricks for game playing. Can never have enough of that. So get that pen and paper out and take notes!
Today's apology comes from the Division of Joy, and man were there some good ones. the winner actually came from the last page in the topic, so I'm glad I didn't slack off. Congratulations TsunamiXV!
Ooh, very nice division! So hard to choose who to vote up... and, for that matter, who to -1.
Top half vs. bottom half was pretty easy, though, as the majority of the bottom half are people I don't know very well. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I realize that who to give pluses to wasn't really a very hard decision after all; deciding who should get the +2 and who should get the +1 is.
Look at this form! This is an effective use of the top down approach. Start by praising the whole division, and then hit on the specifics so your apology reaches all bases. Interesting vote style, as the +0's will certainly think higher of him in this format, but the -0's may take this to heart. We will see what it translates into in his next match. Finally, he wraps up the apology by going the "Don't really know you route", which opens the door for those people to get to know him by voting for him, and then makes the +1 and +2 feel better in the process. Great work all around.
I don't know giving maplejet the 0 but minusing what I think are three quality users is just bad form. You have an easy out of a -3 for maplejet but instead make it hard on yourself and go for people who aren't dead inside. Just not a smart move.
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"intention doesn't matter? clearly your cashier degree did not require a law course." - ND to Joyrock on the legality of drinking a soda before paying
Achromatic posted... I don't know giving maplejet the 0 but minusing what I think are three quality users is just bad form. You have an easy out of a -3 for maplejet but instead make it hard on yourself and go for people who aren't dead inside. Just not a smart move.
I thought the same too, but I have a theory as to why he did this. Yes, the people he voted below him will be upset. However, it makes his vote standout. Everyone expects a -3 for maplejet, so when someone doesn't do that, it draws attention to their vote, and thus draws attention to their apology. If that apology is really good, it could actually garner you more votes from people who are NOT in the match.
Honestly I think he made a fatal flaw by ranking the 0s. Normally when you don't vote for someone, they will by human nature assume that they were considered for +1 and just barely didn't make the cut. By ranking all four 0s, he is saying "no, monkey, sub, and maple, you weren't considered for the +1 spot". It's kind of a waste, because he isn't gaining anything. Maybe cybermonkey feels a LITTLE better, but that's not worth crucifying the other three 0s.
But Chris brings up a great point as well. Sometimes, especially if you're not that great at the game, the best option is to just mirror Chris' opinion.
-- _foolmo_ 'It's easy to get yourself in trouble if you start quoting people who don't like you in your signature' - Mods
Basicallkythe best way to play the game is -3 people who you KNOW aren't going to vote so they can't hold grudges. Huge wasted opportunities in anyone who doesn't -3 mapes... since also if everyone -3's him and he votes he can't -3 everyone.
Now if you want to get his vote and dont -3 him... it may work but this would just be 1 vote. Not worth it.
-- ~Wigs~ New York FOOTBALL Giants: SUPER BOWL XLVI CHAMPIONS