Tweet
Welcome to the new and improved Dark Side Alliance website.
I apologize to the members for the extremely long down time, but I think the wait will be worth it. After almost a month, I have completely revamped the site. I've upgraded to a newer version of vBulletin, which comes with more features that were desperately needed. As well as some other features I think you will enjoy.
Here are some of the major site changes to point out.
- The site now allows for Facebook login, as well as "Like" and "Share" options for posts and topics in almost all areas of the site, which should make promotion of the clan easier. Once linked to your Facebook account, you will have the option to publish new topics, posts, and even events directly to Facebook.
- The site is now also Mobile friendly, and can be viewed easily on most mobile devices. Keeping up to date with the clan and your squads (more on squads in a bit) and organizing events on the fly is now easier then ever. I have tried to layout the site so the most important features and sections are as easy as possible to access and view when using a Mobile device. The site will dynamically change the layout based on the size of the screen. So you can even view how the website will look as if on a mobile device just by adjusting the window size on a desktop browser.
- The old Shoutbox has been replaced with CometChat. You should see the "Chats" tab in the lower right of the browser window, or you can install the Cometchat app on iOS and Andriod devices for an even easier chatting experience. For the app you only need the DSA URL, and your DSA account login info.
There have also been changes to the structure and overall operation of the clan.
- There are no more Battalions, they are now called "Squads", and are managed through the Squads section that can be accessed by the link in the top navigation bar (or the three line menu button in mobile view).
- Squads can be created for any game, on any platform, by any DSA member (Stormtrooper and above). Squads are similar to the "Platoons" from before, but will now be the sole method of managing different games, small or large.
- There are TWO main types of squad categories. Public and DSA only.
> Public Squads are visible to Civilians and can be useful for games that do not require much secrecy in planning, or coop type games. They can be setup as Public (open to all to join), Moderated (group owner must approve user to join), or Invite only (owner must specifically invite users to the squad).
> DSA squads can only be seen by Cadets and Above. The same options for Public, moderated, or invite only also apply here. However, DSA only Squads should be set to "Moderated" at the very least.
> It is up to the Squad owner to choose which option makes the most sense for their type of game and squad. Consult with an officer if you need help in setting up.
- The squads are also split into different categories/divisions, one for each gaming platform type (PC, Xbox, PS, Mobile). This also includes a new category for Mobile Gaming squads.
Squads can be for any game, whether it is a large team based game, or even a casual co-op type game. The hope is to make the squads the go to resource for organizing any game you want.
Ranks and More
All rank movement, promotions and demotions, are handled via a user's profile page.
- Civilians (registered users) can enlist to become a DSA Cadet by going to their own Profile page and clicking the Enlist button. The only difference between a Civilian and Cadet, is that a Cadet is expressing interest in becoming a DSA Stormtrooper, and can apply to join DSA Only squads.
- Cadets can be promoted to Stormtrooper by any DSA Officer and above.
- Cadets can be Dishonorably Discharged by Officers and above, preventing them from rejoining as Cadet
- Cadets can be Honorably Discharged, allowing them to rejoin as a Cadet at a later time. useful for when Real Life situations prevent them from being active. This can also be used for a LOA (leave of Absence) type situation for all members. They would have to be demoted down to Cadet and then set as Honorably Discharged.
- Cadets can choose to leave the DSA and go AWOL. This will prevent them from rejoining without an Officer adding them back to the Cadet Rank.
- Stormtroopers can be demoted by Officers and above
- Stormtroopers can be promoted to Officer by Command Staff and above
- Officers can be Demoted by Command Staff and above
- Officers can be promoted by imperial Advisors and above.
Mobile Gaming
I want to take a moment to express something and perhaps explain why some of the changes are happening. This clan was originally founded with one major purpose, to fix a major issue that plagued early online gaming. To have a place where like minded gamers can go to organize, plan, and get the most out of their gaming experience.
As consoles entered online gaming, and the games became larger, with larger team vs team battles that required coordination, there grew a need to be able to organize and strategize with those you were playing with. Too many times had we all experienced the horrifying acts of a random public player, often a teammate, constantly screaming or making blaster noises in the headset. Or taking vehicle only to die 2 seconds later because they didn't follow the rest of the team or know where everyone was going. Or to have them leave a Command Point completely open after you just took it, just because they got bored and decided to go hump an inanimate object for laughs. Okay, maybe that last one didn't happen too often, but you know we all witnessed it at least once in our gaming lives.
The DSA gave a home to those that wanted more. That wanted to work with a team that knew what they were doing, and knew what you were doing as well. A team that worked in unison and executed near precision tactics to absolutely decimate the opposition. A well oiled machine of death and destruction.
While most of these original issues have been solved over the years by consoles adding friends lists and party chats (or games just restricting the hell out of squad sizes and communications), I notice the same need for the DSA in the mobile gaming arena. There are a ton of mobile games that I know most probably play anyway, that have built in clan or alliance type features. Games like Clash of Clans, or even Star Wars Force Arena for example, where coordination and planning can make a huge difference.This is why I wanted to focus on making the site more mobile friendly and added the Mobile Gaming Squad category.
I think that about covers all the major points for now. If I think of anything I missed, I will edit it in later. There is still some tweaking and fine tuning to do, so please post any issues you notice, and please be patient and bare with us as we polish things up.
I apologize to the members for the extremely long down time, but I think the wait will be worth it. After almost a month, I have completely revamped the site. I've upgraded to a newer version of vBulletin, which comes with more features that were desperately needed. As well as some other features I think you will enjoy.
Here are some of the major site changes to point out.
- The site now allows for Facebook login, as well as "Like" and "Share" options for posts and topics in almost all areas of the site, which should make promotion of the clan easier. Once linked to your Facebook account, you will have the option to publish new topics, posts, and even events directly to Facebook.
- The site is now also Mobile friendly, and can be viewed easily on most mobile devices. Keeping up to date with the clan and your squads (more on squads in a bit) and organizing events on the fly is now easier then ever. I have tried to layout the site so the most important features and sections are as easy as possible to access and view when using a Mobile device. The site will dynamically change the layout based on the size of the screen. So you can even view how the website will look as if on a mobile device just by adjusting the window size on a desktop browser.
- The old Shoutbox has been replaced with CometChat. You should see the "Chats" tab in the lower right of the browser window, or you can install the Cometchat app on iOS and Andriod devices for an even easier chatting experience. For the app you only need the DSA URL, and your DSA account login info.
There have also been changes to the structure and overall operation of the clan.
- There are no more Battalions, they are now called "Squads", and are managed through the Squads section that can be accessed by the link in the top navigation bar (or the three line menu button in mobile view).
- Squads can be created for any game, on any platform, by any DSA member (Stormtrooper and above). Squads are similar to the "Platoons" from before, but will now be the sole method of managing different games, small or large.
- There are TWO main types of squad categories. Public and DSA only.
> Public Squads are visible to Civilians and can be useful for games that do not require much secrecy in planning, or coop type games. They can be setup as Public (open to all to join), Moderated (group owner must approve user to join), or Invite only (owner must specifically invite users to the squad).
> DSA squads can only be seen by Cadets and Above. The same options for Public, moderated, or invite only also apply here. However, DSA only Squads should be set to "Moderated" at the very least.
> It is up to the Squad owner to choose which option makes the most sense for their type of game and squad. Consult with an officer if you need help in setting up.
- The squads are also split into different categories/divisions, one for each gaming platform type (PC, Xbox, PS, Mobile). This also includes a new category for Mobile Gaming squads.
Squads can be for any game, whether it is a large team based game, or even a casual co-op type game. The hope is to make the squads the go to resource for organizing any game you want.
Ranks and More
All rank movement, promotions and demotions, are handled via a user's profile page.
- Civilians (registered users) can enlist to become a DSA Cadet by going to their own Profile page and clicking the Enlist button. The only difference between a Civilian and Cadet, is that a Cadet is expressing interest in becoming a DSA Stormtrooper, and can apply to join DSA Only squads.
- Cadets can be promoted to Stormtrooper by any DSA Officer and above.
- Cadets can be Dishonorably Discharged by Officers and above, preventing them from rejoining as Cadet
- Cadets can be Honorably Discharged, allowing them to rejoin as a Cadet at a later time. useful for when Real Life situations prevent them from being active. This can also be used for a LOA (leave of Absence) type situation for all members. They would have to be demoted down to Cadet and then set as Honorably Discharged.
- Cadets can choose to leave the DSA and go AWOL. This will prevent them from rejoining without an Officer adding them back to the Cadet Rank.
- Stormtroopers can be demoted by Officers and above
- Stormtroopers can be promoted to Officer by Command Staff and above
- Officers can be Demoted by Command Staff and above
- Officers can be promoted by imperial Advisors and above.
Mobile Gaming
I want to take a moment to express something and perhaps explain why some of the changes are happening. This clan was originally founded with one major purpose, to fix a major issue that plagued early online gaming. To have a place where like minded gamers can go to organize, plan, and get the most out of their gaming experience.
As consoles entered online gaming, and the games became larger, with larger team vs team battles that required coordination, there grew a need to be able to organize and strategize with those you were playing with. Too many times had we all experienced the horrifying acts of a random public player, often a teammate, constantly screaming or making blaster noises in the headset. Or taking vehicle only to die 2 seconds later because they didn't follow the rest of the team or know where everyone was going. Or to have them leave a Command Point completely open after you just took it, just because they got bored and decided to go hump an inanimate object for laughs. Okay, maybe that last one didn't happen too often, but you know we all witnessed it at least once in our gaming lives.
The DSA gave a home to those that wanted more. That wanted to work with a team that knew what they were doing, and knew what you were doing as well. A team that worked in unison and executed near precision tactics to absolutely decimate the opposition. A well oiled machine of death and destruction.
While most of these original issues have been solved over the years by consoles adding friends lists and party chats (or games just restricting the hell out of squad sizes and communications), I notice the same need for the DSA in the mobile gaming arena. There are a ton of mobile games that I know most probably play anyway, that have built in clan or alliance type features. Games like Clash of Clans, or even Star Wars Force Arena for example, where coordination and planning can make a huge difference.This is why I wanted to focus on making the site more mobile friendly and added the Mobile Gaming Squad category.
I think that about covers all the major points for now. If I think of anything I missed, I will edit it in later. There is still some tweaking and fine tuning to do, so please post any issues you notice, and please be patient and bare with us as we polish things up.
Attached Files
Comment