Topic

How do shy newbies make friends?

I'm the kind of guy who, in a room full of people I don't know, sits in a corner and hopes someone will come up and talk to me.  As a newbie, I'm finding it kind of lonely here, sort of a massively multi-player game where everyone is playing their own solo game.  I tried looking at the projects, but, at least where I've looked, it appears you need to be fairly advanced in the game to be able to contribute anything.  I've acquired a couple of friends, but they are all much higher level than me, so we don't have much in common as far as our goals in the game.  

I'd like to meet other newbies to keep in contact with as we explore the world and learn what's out there.  It would be nice if there were a place where we could gather and find one another; also nice if there were some quests that needed two or three people working together to accomplish them so new friends go do something together.  Maybe these exist and I just don't know about them yet.  

If, like me, you're not a natural social mixer, but you've found new friends and developed a Glitch social network, how did you go about it?  If, like me, you're a somewhat isolated newbie, get in touch, and let's be friends!

Posted 17 months ago by Hawkwell Subscriber! | Permalink

Replies

  • I was thinking the same thing, lots of people all wandering around doing their own thing. I was also thinking I need a buddy of a similar level to discuss game play with, so I'll happily be your friend (I'm only just lvl8, so a little bit ahead but not too much!). I added you to my buddy list anyway.

    kid.
    Posted 17 months ago by kid4today Subscriber! | Permalink
  • You should form a Group for Newbies.  That way you can help each other and make discoveries together.  When you play your group Chat window will keep you in touch.  Some quests are for groups and you could have fun doing these together such as the peat digging quest.
    Posted 17 months ago by Brib Annie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • +1 for Brib's idea of Newbie group :)  

    I'm not particularly good at mixing socially, but I was very lucky that a lot of players here when I joined were people I already knew from an old site.  They were mostly much more experienced in the Glitch world than I was though, as most had been playing here for longer than me. 

    Meeting people of the same level as me when I started was kind of hard, but what I found most helpful was the end of test parties. An amazing way for meeting all kinds of new friends of all different levels.  So many people in one area, it's hard not to start socializing, even if you're not naturally inclined to do so.  Unfortunately I've missed the last two end of tests (due to real life getting in the way), but if you can manage to catch an end of test party, I highly recommend attending :)
    Posted 17 months ago by Ebil Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Okay, I've created the group Newbies' Social Club.  Open invitation for all lonely newbies to come join!
    Posted 17 months ago by Hawkwell Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I got going socially in Glitch by using the Global chat to ask - and later, answer questions. Then at around level 5 you start getting "group" quests, where you'll need to interact or team up with other players, which encourages a bit more interaction. Particularly the one where you're trying to get the bog dug!

    Projects are singular interactions with the game that a lot of people get involved in, rather than real group activities, and I've only just started getting involved in those at level 22ish. Though there is plenty of local chat time while you're doing work units which does give some sociability.
    Posted 17 months ago by Spong Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hi Hawkwell, we have a social network site for players and a blog over at glitchaddict.com, I'm happy to create a newbies group on there if there are a few of you that would like this...this would give you your own forums and space to chat and grow. We also have help guides (which are off-site at the moment but will be put back up really soon!) so you may find a few things to help you along the way! Let me know x
    Posted 17 months ago by Morticia Addams Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I think it was a good idea to start the Newbies' Social Club Group; I was very lucky when I started playing, like Ebil, I used to play another game and a large group of us applied for and got invited to play at about the same time so I had lots of friends in the game. If it hadn't been for that I too would have been struggling to decide how to meet people in the game. As I go around I try to hug strangers and usually if they are a fairly low level player I try to interact w/them to see if there is anything they need. I think their will be more quests coming that are multiplayer quests so that should help somewhat. For the most part people playing this game are nice and have been friendly. A good place to meet people might be the community gardens or herb gardens. As you are planting or tending people usually have time to talk. It's hard to talk at projects since people are often so focused on the tasks. As a newbie you might be able to contribute materials especially if the project is in the beginning phases where just raw materials are needed. I have found that once I had enough money to buy multiple large bags I would just walk around w/a variety of raw materials in case I came upon a project. Have fun and enjoy playing.
    Posted 17 months ago by Gizmospooky Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I know I was, and still am, a pest about making friends.  Early on, more advanced people would kindly give me hugs, or food, etc. and I would not only say thank you, but ask them "do you want to be friends?"   Not one time did anyone say no to me and it often opened a conversation with them asking me if I needed anything, if I knew about the wiki, or community gardens, or even how to set a destination.  That was invaluable to me, and sold me on the game.

    I am a little further along now, although certainly not what anyone would consider an advanced player.  Still, I remember the kindness of others, and I carry a bag of gifts for newbies.  When I run across one, I will give them food, or milk or tools or whatever. I let them know about how to operate in the game and direct them to the wiki. I ask them if they need anything and I try to always ask if they would like to be friends, and tell them to contact me anytime if they need help.  I consider it paying it forward.

    I am sure at times I get preoccupied and  pass by someone new to the game who needs some help or just a friend.  If you are a newbie (or a veteran player for that matter) and reading this, feel free to add me as a contact, either in game, or here.  I will be glad to help if I can, and before you know it you will be an old-timer here.  All I ask is that like the others before me, you do your best to pay it forward when you are able.  That is the nature of Glitch and for me, a large part of what makes it so special.  Happy gaming to you!
    Posted 17 months ago by marycontrary Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hi Hawkwell and Kid4today, just popped in to say welcome.  Totally understand how this is.  As Ebil and Gizmo said, even though I am naturally shy (although no-one really believes me), yes it was much easier to come on board already knowing many and mostly us all starting out at the same point.  Actually, I think it has been Glitch that has made me less shy because most people here are always happy to help and there is much to laugh about which often breaks the ice, but it's making that 1st step that can be hard, if you are a little shy.

    Anyhoo, I too, have added you both to my buddy list and would be only too happy to hear from you if there is anything you want to ask!  If I don't know, I can always find out;-)  Look forward to meeting you next test! ;-)
    Posted 17 months ago by ♥joby♥ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I also am part of the "crowd" that some of the others have mentioned above. I find that talking to people online is way easier than real life socializing. I am not that big into parties either (online OR real life). I have made some other friends by sharing my knowledge and basically just saying "hi". That is always the first step. The peat-bog quest is the best one to use to meet new people with a common goal. There are also the race requests (which I'm sure will become more frequent now). Add me to your friends list if you like. I am lvl 30 but am not too busy to help out a newbie. The group idea was also an excellent idea.
    Posted 17 months ago by Holly Waterfall Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Bravo to Hawkwell!  I am his link to Glitch and have been unfortunately less-than-able to help him find other friends in-game (living on different continents makes collaborative play difficult).  

    One thing you might also try is getting together a barnacle-harvesting party - go to a hardware vendor, purchase a scraper per Glitch, and get to barnacle-scraping.  Many street projects need barnacles (or barnacle talc, which is ground-up barnies).  If a party of 2 or more Glitches starts scraping a single barnacle together (the timing does not have to be exact - just as long as you start scraping during someone else's scrape, it works), everyone gets a barnacle (yay for non-zero-sum game dynamics!).  This can be a fun bonding/exploring expedition into the swamps of Shimla, Jethimadh, and Chakra.  If you like greasemonkey scripts, the location script at this link can help you identify streets with barnies on them (though note: they take time to re-grow, so if you're finding immature barnies or scraped-raw bits, that means you should keep moving on to other streets to find the fully grown ones).  While you're there, you can also pat/water/harvest the spice trees.  If you don't want to then head out to the nearest work site (understandable if you're not teleporting yet), barnacles and spice are great items to put up for auction so you can get other valuable resources to help you advance.  (If you want to find out what street projects are currently ongoing and what resources are needed, join the New Streets group and check in at the chat channel - but even if the current projects don't need barnies, they will be needed at some point.  Auction away - they will get bought.)

    Also, you probably already know this, but joining the Newbie Social Group will also give you all an in-game dedicated chat channel which can help you to find one another.  I'll also suggest that greeters be made aware of the group.
    Posted 17 months ago by jasbo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I love the idea, @marycontrary, of carrying a bag of presents for los noobs. smart! i'm going to do that next test.
    Posted 17 months ago by emdot Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hi! Welcome to Glitch!! It's strange to think about; I'm friends with lots of players here, but I can't remember how I came about being friends with them! :P

    Anyway, yes - Community Gardens, Global Chat...post in the forums plenty, too; if you are thoughtful and considerate in your posts, that will get people's attention/respect.

    And finally: I'm adding you as a friend, feel free to do the same. And if you ever see me in game, PLEASE feel totally free to ask me questions, or tell me if there's anything you need.

    Have fun! :)
    Posted 17 months ago by Cupcake Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Wow, only 4 hours and already 10 members in the Newbies' Social Club!  I had no idea what would happen, but it looks like it's taking off.  I'm wondering, would it be presumptuous of me to add a link to the group in the Groups paragraph of the Start Here page in the Wiki?  I don't want to step on toes in world that I'm just starting to get to know.
    Posted 17 months ago by Hawkwell Subscriber! | Permalink
  • You definitely tapped a need, HW! 

    The wiki is privately maintained - let me scoot over there and see If I know anyone who is an admin....

    ETA: contacted Hburger to see if she'll post about it.  I'm not a wiki-er, so don't want to step on any toes.
    Posted 17 months ago by jasbo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • HW, think you just figured out how to make friends quickly...posting the forums helps a lot. :)  Many of my new friends have come from seeing someone post in the forums and liking how they treat others here.

    Great that you formed a new group, and with the in game chat, that will help you all to keep in touch with each other, even if you are off in different parts of the world doing other things.

    Have fun!
    Posted 17 months ago by ~Pink Flamingo~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Here's another idea - would the Newbies like an Experienced Players' Auxiliary - a pool of volunteers you can friend/ask questions of/generally bounce ideas off of?  Or would you prefer to figure things out amongst yourselves?  

    I'd be happy to volunteer to start the Aux. if that's what people want.  
    Posted 17 months ago by jasbo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @jasbo, if that Auxiliary gets formed, please include me.  And hey, I never got the splanking you promised me last test!  :-)
    Posted 17 months ago by marycontrary Subscriber! | Permalink
  • My bad, maryc!  :-O  Guess that splanking is earning interest....

    But I'll hold off on creating the Aux. to find out if there's demand for it.  
    Posted 17 months ago by jasbo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • "It would be nice if there were a place where we could gather and find one another; also nice if there were some quests that needed two or three people working together to accomplish them so new friends go do something together.  Maybe these exist and I just don't know about them yet."

    there are not many, and it would be nice if there were more, but there is the "Peter out and Peat" quest, which is a pretty decent multiplayer synchronous timing based quest.
    Posted 17 months ago by striatic Subscriber! | Permalink
  • HI,
    I too added you as a friend. I would love to be in the EPA ( Experienced Player's Auxiliary) and am always available to answer any Glitchy questions. The Wiki is a great resource and there are a few Greasemonkey scripts that will help newbies too! I will be looking for ya in the game next test!
    Posted 17 months ago by PurpleLogic Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Love the idea of a Newbie Group! Added to the wiki Start Here page as per Hawkwell and jasbo's suggestion.

    For me, Global Chat gets so hard to keep up with when playing the game and tabbing out constantly, which is why I participate infrequently now. In Alpha testing, this wasn't the case, and is how I made practically all my friends.  I recommend newbies to participate in Global chat and the forums and to get involved with groups to make a select friendship circles (it's impossible to keep up with everyone who plays Glitch now). :)  
    Posted 17 months ago by Hburger Subscriber! | Permalink
  • That definitely belongs on the Start Here, this is a great conversation and a lot of older players are now trying to come up with ways to help the noobs out as much as we can,

    Thank you guys for starting this conversation it has shown us a problem we had never seen before.
    Posted 17 months ago by Ani Laurel Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Hawkwell 
    Hi and welcome to glitch. Just to add feel free to come say hi in game if ever you see me. If you have a race quest and need to win I'm your man...well i'm a girl actually. or am I a lady....lol  Any way I am crap at races so your guaranteed winning and that's with me trying not to lose.
     I wanted to add during the next test go into global chat and tell people about your group. Add the link in there so other noobs can see it.  I'm sure you don't need me to tall you not to clog up global chat adding the group link every few seconds but every now and then to tell the new players would be a great way of helping others like your self . Also add it to the home page so any new friends you make can see it in there news feed :)

    ps I also love gardening and cooking ...just sayin ;P 
    Posted 17 months ago by Misha Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hawkwell, you have probably noticed by now that as a community it's a little different here than most mmo's. An embracing of mudita and the (almost) nonexistent schadenfreude that pervades other places (ten million chickens named 'meditation is sto0pit' aside). Any initial apprehension you have had is gone by now, que no?

    Making friends is as easy as saying hello to a passing stranger. Most will reciprocate. Some will engage you in conversation, hug you, offer to trade with you, or outright gift you items. Few will ignore you; perhaps busy with a quest or not paying attention. In general (though we all hate generalizations) the kindness of those you meet will dispel any misgivings or shyness. You'll find myriad personalities out there; intelligent and witty, loving and giving, and a few sassy molasseys.

    Big world out there. Yep. Take advantage of the opportunities you're given.
    Posted 17 months ago by malo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • +1 on the newbies group, but don't forget to join other more general groups. You can use the off-time to chat and make friends of all levels and when the game is open the group chats are both fun and informative. 
    Have fun in the game :)
    Posted 17 months ago by Momo McGlitch Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Jasbo and Beach Bum-Can I ask a small question? The abbreviation initials for my name are HW. It seems they also work for Hawkwell too. I was just wondering if I should continue to use the HW and have you find some other way of abbreviating Hawkwell, or just become Holly to avoid confusion.
    Posted 17 months ago by Holly Waterfall Subscriber! | Permalink
  • There are group quests at level 5?  o_o  I think I may have missed that, since I don't recall having to interact with other players, other than to kiss them or give them stuff.  xD
    Posted 17 months ago by Sindee☆Cyanide Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Sadly (or not - I'm an inveterate nicknamer), typing seems to bring out the shortening and nicknaming in people - especially when chat lag is an issue, but also in the forums.

    I know there's another player whose gamename is simply "jas" - which happens to be my initials (probably hers too). The majority of my friends ingame shorten my gamename to "jas" so I can imagine how confusing that would be if we were both in the same place at the same time.

    I guess it will just roll and adapt as contextual circumstance requires....  sorry for any confusion!
    Posted 17 months ago by jasbo Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Joined the group. See you in game and in there, HW.

    Also, LURK MOAR. J/K!

    Basically, here's how you break into any Internet group.

    1. Lurk for a very, very long time. Learn the pecking order, inside jokes, mores, norms, etc

    2. Use said knowledge to engage group.

    3. Be embraced.
    Posted 17 months ago by Mr. Dawgg Subscriber! | Permalink
  • @Mr. Dawgg...good to know. So what are the steps that you use?

    Don't get all mad at me now...
     :D
    Posted 17 months ago by Nanookie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hawkwell,join the groups from the front home page when game off.reply to their discussions,let them know how you feel.when you enter the game on, look at that groups chat box and there you go hon your friends.if you get a key for Ajaya Bliss lots of sparklys in there ,folks love to do three or four on a rock ,everyone has fun and they party there.Look for a triangled white and teal key until you get teleportation to go there sometimes in the meadows on the grounds you find one.I have a completed skill tree account so I use hubbys avatar to level and play now.sometimes I do both and show up in a spot and I laugh at myself for acting like a multi personality nutcase.but am always honest to the folks who each one is.like twins.I am opposite than you,I like lonership.dont do groups much but could.I use live chat for learning new stuff most of the time and love to be left alone all day in the deep mines.Few friends I know that are true and I keep it this way for me. you have fun,befriend if you ever want to,I shall remember your name.
    Posted 17 months ago by Jellybelly Baby Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I'm different. I don't want to adhere to social norms/mores. I go in, be myself, take me or leave me. I don't care. 

    But, the thread asked, and I answered. I rarely practice what I preach. Think Alice Liddell. She gives herself very good advice, but very seldom follows it.
    Posted 17 months ago by Mr. Dawgg Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hi Hawkwell and Hi Kid4today!  I am Joy! Welcome to you both and Welcome! to all NewBee's!
    I have added you both as friends! I am fairly new too and have been looking for NewBee's, where have you been? LOL I don't know how to find the "info" tab that show's when one is new or what?  You might want to check out what I wrote in the FORUM under "The Joy of being a Newbee"? haha! I talk about what my first couple of days was like and other's have contributed to it also. Just know that there are so many people that are kind and caring on this site. If you are shy or not shy, a simple "Hi" will do and most of the very talkative Glitch's will take over! LOL Talk to you soon my new friends!
    Joy
    Posted 17 months ago by Joy Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I can completely understand Hawkwell, I was four months into playing before I got my first friend, and that was my sister, so not sure if it counts, and I got her involved only so I had someone to do the races with and chat with!
    In the real world, I too sit in the corner, usually tiddling my thumbs!
    But, as I happened to check out the forums, and then the groups section, I saw some familar names from another (now ended) game and have seen started chatting up a storm.
    I guess, ultimately it just takes some time and then work up the courage to just jump on in!
    Posted 17 months ago by BumbleBeez Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I'm not shy. But regardless, it still works the same way. I knew two people. Then I met their friends, and poked a few people, then met their friends, and hugged a few people, then met their friends, and joined their groups, and chatted in their groups, and so on and so forth. 

    Also, a great idea, (possibly previously mentioned...I didn't read up) is to spend down time reading thru the forums. If you see someone's post who amuses you, or seems like someone you would like to get to know, click their name and add them to your buddy list and most likely they will respond.

    Or just wait till the next test, go to a busy street with lots of strangers and yell "I NEED FRIENDS!"....I'll bet you get an awesome response.  :)
    Posted 17 months ago by Dagnabbit Rabbit Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Congrats Hawkwell on having one of the more popular new groups...30 players already (including a dev/mod).   Woo hoo!   

    Welcome to all the newbies and enjoy the game!
    Posted 17 months ago by b3achy Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Make a forum post like this one.
    Posted 17 months ago by Cerulean Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Newbies don't be afraid to start a post in the forum.  You have the power use it.  We all start out as newbies everyone knows how you feel and we all feel for you.
    Posted 17 months ago by xoxJulie Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hi Hawkwell,

    I added you as a friend.  Please feel free to IM me with any questions.  As I have been playing the game for awhile I am looking for ways to occupy my time in game.  My favorite part of the game is helping new players.  If you see me in game don't be afraid to say hi.
    Posted 17 months ago by Sugar Plum Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I created the OPH Tours group some time ago. The basic premise is that you old players find some new player and take them on a tour of the Ancestral Homelands using your fancy teleport skills. 

    I've done this for a number of new players - it's a great way to show them how much more there is to the game. It's pretty cool to tell some new player that you're teleporting them to the PAST to gather artifacts. And when the juju bandits show up....well, that's cause for mass panic, running for the next street, and overall anxiety. The past is SCARY! 

    My basic strategy is to find some < 10th level player, and ask them if they want to go on an adventure. (They're used to that sort of thing from the Magic Rock.) If they say yes, I have them meet me at a hardware vendor, I buy them a large bag, give them some supplies, then when they're ready, we're off to Baqala. I let them grab the Ancestral Remnants, and lead them up and down a couple of streets. When they've getting overwhelmed, I teleport them back to the nooblands. 

    Join up, and give some tours. It's a ton of fun. There's nothing like warning new players about the juju, and then running in panic with them down a street. 
    Posted 17 months ago by Old Pea Head Subscriber! | Permalink
  • LOL OPH!  Too bad we can't have arms flailing over head...I have this vision of Glitches now running from Jujus...what a neat idea to help out the new folks too!
    Posted 17 months ago by ~Pink Flamingo~ Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I love the tour idea and the bag for newbies idea. I just got teleportation3 so I might be able to teleport others now??  I've found just posting on global chat helps. I also if I'm feeling shy randomly gift things to other players near me. Some run off and don't chat (yep, confirm I'm a freak why don't you...) but some chat. And I've met some totally awesome people who have given me some great gifts for helping them.
    Posted 17 months ago by onelittlebird Subscriber! | Permalink
  • OPH, I loved your idea.  I'll remember it and put it to work when I graduate from newbie status!  Also, your bio on your profile page was interesting.  Where's your homestead?

    And, good grief!  Two days and there are more than 40 people in the group and I've got more than 50 friends!
    Posted 17 months ago by Hawkwell Subscriber! | Permalink
  • Hawkwell - that's a reference to the upcoming server reset. It takes so much time to learn some of the high-end skills you need for engineering stuff - tinkering III/IV, block making, fuel making, etc., that I went with the things I could learn fast - gardening, soil appreciation, cooking and animal kinship. You know, things I could make use of in my house. 

    But yes - get Teleportation 4, and you can write teleportation scripts for new players, and teleport them to you. It's a great way to get new players involved in the game, and help them out socially. 
    Posted 17 months ago by Old Pea Head Subscriber! | Permalink
  • I have to say, I regularly check the numbers in the Newbie Group since I saw this thread, and I am excited for you Hawkwell...you'll have a great team of friends for the next test and you'll all grow up in Glitch together...how exciting!!
    Posted 17 months ago by b3achy Subscriber! | Permalink