RD MINI Challenge 2019

[Jakal31]

How many times does it need to be stated that Div 2 drivers can move into Div 1, thus getting their precious TV time?
It works both ways too. As a Div 1 driver who struggled yesterday, I fully recognize I could be kicked back to Div 2 if that continues. If/when that happens, there will be no complaints about broadcasts, or lack thereof, from me.

Honestly, the fact that Div 1 would be the only stream should have been known. You should not need to be told this. I knew this from day one. No one told me. Simple observation is all that was needed.
So I spent a lot of time at Suzuka making sure I did my best to get into Div 1. (Not for the TV time though. I couldn't care less about that)

I pay quadruple what I pay here, to race at VEC. I am a Div 4 driver, thus no TV time for us.
Only Div 1 is officially streamed. Yet, no one is complaining.

Consider it like American baseball, where the pro teams have teams below them (A, AA, AAA)...and if need be, or if a player shows they are able to compete on the pro level, they are brought up.
I doubt too many AAA baseball players are complaining about their lack of air time
..they're probably too busy trying to improve their game, so they don't have to complain, they just shut up and perform, let their actions speak for them.

Quite disrespectful, this thread being turned into this.
I, for one, greatly appreciate the work that goes into all this. And I greatly appreciate a place where we can all gather and enjoy this hobby/sport together, provided by those that do an absolutely thankless job.
Whether garnering air time or not, I enjoy the competition and I'm thankful for those that sacrifice their time and energy to make a series like this what it is.

As admin of a league elsewhere, I know the work it must take. My league is very small in comparison, and the workload is still quite large. I can only imagine the workload here.

Rather than complain, a tiny bit of appreciation could be shown.
But nope. ...just more of this same toxic garbage.

...of course, in some ways it worked. I mean, here I am, triggered enough to stop ignoring this thread as it pops up new comments over and over.
Oh well, that's my opinion of it....and I'm sticking to it.

 

[Scott duncan]

and im allowed my opinion, afterall we live in a democracy.

cheers

 

[Jakal31]

and im allowed my opinion, afterall we live in a democracy.

cheers

Well, I live in a constitutional republic, not a democracy, but carry on.

Yeah, you're allowed your opinion.
Honestly, keep talking. Says a lot more about you than you probably even realize.

*And with that, I'm out of here. Not engaging in this crap.
I'm here to race, and enjoy the show (even when I'm not fast enough to be part of it......wha wha wha)

 

[Scott duncan]

but yet here you are replying AGAIN to stir things up

ciao

 

[Paul Glover]

Reading some of the comments here has saddened me, it seems all the hard work that we have put in to this league and people seem unappreciative.

People are entitled to their opinions, but I urge you think before posting. It's these kind of comments that make me and others think why do we bother? Also people seem to think it's easy? Trust me it's not, we always have technical challenges right up to the last minute, but we persist in order to give you guys and RD the platform that it so rightly deserves.

I just cannot fathom how some people think it's ok to rip us apart, it was made clear from the start that division two would not be broadcast. This has always been the case and will remain so, remember we are volunteers who all have life away from RD. We all do so much, RD is a huge part of my life now and will remain so for many years.

I was not going to post, because as I got older I have realised that you cannot please everyone. But then I wanted to you know how I feel.

Whatever decision you make there will always be those who do not like it. Though there will be the majority who are happy but who are not as vocal. So all we end up is a thread with negative points, we all know people are quick to complain rather than compliment. It's the way of life.

Oh and before you reply to my post, I shall not be entering a debate with anyone on this matter. I just wanted you to know that you know that I am sad.

I am human after all.

 

[Ernie]

Huge disappointment about myself. I completely messed up both races because of so many mistakes i made. But without a good amount of practice laps it's not a surprise that it didn't work out.
However, i have to admit that Imola isn't really a track i like to race on. The person who had the idea for this crappy chicane "Variante Alta", should burn in hell.

 

[Jakal31]

My races were personally disappointing from a competition standpoint too.
As quick as I've sometimes been in the Mini in the club races, I simply could not find the pace at Imola.
Definitely not a lack of practice laps. I tried just about every combo of wings and tire pressures I could throw at the car, to no avail.

Race 1 was about what I expected after realizing how off pace I truly was verses many others.
The start was so conservative, I nearly got caught out in the first chicane when nearly the entire field came to a screeching halt trying to be generous and provide room to their fellow racers. Scary moment and I think I rode some flatspots the rest of the race because of it.

Race 2 was scary as all hell. Starting up near the front (P4 or 5 or something) with no pace
I was actually looking forward to the moment when I could get the faster cars out ahead of me so I could quit white knuckling the steering wheel.
Race 2 was not so kind to me in the opening laps. Far more aggression than Race 1, but was to be expected, and I was somewhat prepped for that.

That said, even with the increased aggression of Race 2, the races were really clean and well fought.
A lot of room given at times, even when not fully necessary...and that says a lot about the quality of the competition here.

All in all, a very enjoyable event for me.
Looking back, watching this Mini Challenge a few years ago, with no way in....and now here I sit, right in the mist of it. .....truth be told, I get a bit soft when I start speaking on it/thinking about it.

 

[Scott duncan]

hello paul

look, i shared my opinion and since, ive been getting slated or digs flying around, one does not accept those negative comments nor are they neccassery so i will defend my actions.

i had an opinion, that was all! i,ll say as i please.. im not a follower!

i never demanded, people are attempting to blow up the opinion into something much larger and going about it the wrong way, people are jumping on the band wagon trying to smeer me .. again it was only an OPINION, stated many times how good RD is and the races were awesome but im only giving what i beleive to be valid point(s)

ive payed for the membership so i assumed RD heirachy would welcome points,opinions,suggestions and so on but its been met with hostility from the top of RD to the bottom so .. plus just because ive brought up a topic doesnt say that im not complimentive to this league or site.

regards

 

[PicoBp]

When did asking questions, raising concerns and providing feedback became "ripping someone apart"? I understand that Joseph might not be mature enough to get the point, but @Paul Glover?

People, when did you forget that feedback is an act of appreciation, as you care to try make something even better than it currently is? Should we not have any criticism anymore, isn't it the thing that helps to improve in areas we wouldn't think we need to? Wouldn't you point out to a doctor that spent decades learning and preparing for his job that he forgot to put sterile gloves on? (okay, that's a strange example, but kind of fits)

You know, I kind of started it all with two completely innocent questions, for which I got cocky responses that triggered me. Let's see if I can help to close this one and avoid such discussions in the future...

RD is a paid service provider, like it or not. Premium members are customers, which makes them feel eligible to proper customer handling, rightfully so. This whole thing wouldn't have gone so far if it wasn't for @Joseph Wright communicating in a way he pulled me and some others out of his butt, and people going defensive without anyone firing a shot at that moment.

I'd love to hear what @Bram Hengeveld or @Joseph Wright think of the below alternative answers, that could have been given to all the questions or complaints in this thread. Believe me, these work a charm in keeping customers calm and giving you time to see what you can do about the specific items.

• Can timings be on all the time? As they were in previous championships.

  With the tools I currently work with, it is not possible, and our workflow is built around that one. But let me do some research, maybe we can come up with something for future championships.

  Does it sound better than "if it's not done my way, it looks like crap"?

• Can we please get more diversity in showing the whole field?

  AMS has limitations that make that hard to do in the pressure of a live stream. We'll try to look around more in the next round, as much as the situation lets us to do so.

  ...instead of "we'd rather watch top5, it's impossible to cover the full field, do it yourself if you're not happy"?

• Why isn't Div2 streamed?

  We appreciate the drivers that couldn't make it to Division 1, we wouldn't be running a Division 2 otherwise. But no matter how much we'd like, we don't have the staff to cover two races at the same time, and the dynamic nature of the field doesn't let us have different timings. To give visibility to those that don't get streamed, post-race highlights could probably be put together for the RD channel. With the staff limitations, is anyone from Div2 open to help with that specific task?

  Isn't it cooler than "why would it be streamed, others don't do it, why don't you get quicker and make it to Div1"?

I for sure would have been dropping the keyboard and going my way with a smile, if I got any of those. Even if you don't change a single thing, I'd have the impression that you got the message and try to find ways to give a better experience.

People like RD, as it's usually a great place to be, especially in the clubs. Things always get heated around leagues, but people are still coming. Yeah, they might have feedback you don't like. But they like RD and vote with their time and wallets. I'm a member since 2010. That's more than 8 years! Did I leave after all the arguments in that time?

I love you guys! But please, get your communication together. It's what makes or breaks a (customer) relationship.

 

[Matt Le Gallez]

@Matt Le Gallez Damn you mate! The amount of times I tried to press play.

Haha. sorry mate! I did actually think of that but i don't have the photoshop skills to remove it!

 

[Scott duncan]

When did asking questions, raising concerns and providing feedback became "ripping someone apart"? I understand that Joseph might not be mature enough to get the point, but @Paul Glover?

People, when did you forget that feedback is an act of appreciation, as you care to try make something even better than it currently is? Should we not have any criticism anymore, isn't it the thing that helps to improve in areas we wouldn't think we need to? Wouldn't you point out to a doctor that spent decades learning and preparing for his job that he forgot to put sterile gloves on? (okay, that's a strange example, but kind of fits)

You know, I kind of started it all with two completely innocent questions, for which I got cocky responses that triggered me. Let's see if I can help to close this one and avoid such discussions in the future...

RD is a paid service provider, like it or not. Premium members are customers, which makes them feel eligible to proper customer handling, rightfully so. This whole thing wouldn't have gone so far if it wasn't for @Joseph Wright communicating in a way he pulled me and some others out of his butt, and people going defensive without anyone firing a shot at that moment.

I'd love to hear what @Bram Hengeveld or @Joseph Wright think of the below alternative answers, that could have been given to all the questions or complaints in this thread. Believe me, these work a charm in keeping customers calm and giving you time to see what you can do about the specific items.

• Can timings be on all the time? As they were in previous championships.Does it sound better than "if it's not done my way, it looks like crap"?

• Can we please get more diversity in showing the whole field?...instead of "we'd rather watch top5, it's impossible to cover the full field, do it yourself if you're not happy"?

• Why isn't Div2 streamed?Isn't it cooler than "why would it be streamed, others don't do it, why don't you get quicker and make it to Div1"?

I for sure would have been dropping the keyboard and going my way with a smile, if I got any of those. Even if you don't change a single thing, I'd have the impression that you got the message and try to find ways to give a better experience.

People like RD, as it's usually a great place to be, especially in the clubs. Things always get heated around leagues, but people are still coming. Yeah, they might have feedback you don't like. But they like RD and vote with their time and wallets. I'm a member since 2010. That's more than 8 years! Did I leave after all the arguments in that time?

I love you guys! But please, get your communication together. It's what makes or breaks a (customer) relationship.

awesome wording with valid points highlighting many factors. bravo sir

 

[Dave Stephenson]

Provisional results are now attached to the first post.

A proper page for the all results and standings will be up this week, unfortunately there just wasn't time with pre qual and the first race being so close to get it done last week.

 

[Bram Hengeveld]

There is a practice server running with the name RACEDEPARTMENT.COM RDMC

You can use the same password as for the previous league race.

 

[Yetch]

That's gonna mean boxing, does AMS have pitstop presets? I've really gotta start paying attention or up the meds!

 

[Yetch]

Now, now guys, it's the Internet, so opinions shall be vent and (in this case) subsequently disagreed with.
Now I can only add to the discussion with yet another opinion but sod it, I'm gonna anyway.
Constructive criticism is a necessary tool to improve on anything & everything, whether asked for or not. @PicoBp your response was full of criticism but lacked structure. To start with this was round one, so allowance for teething problems is a given, both commentators gave up their free time to give the stream a more complete feel, for which I feel a little more appreciation is warranted or better still, set up your own stream for the next round and show us all how it should be done.
Setting up leagues is a nightmare, virtual racing drivers are harder to corral than sand in the wind. The fact 48 (nearly) drivers were out on the dance floor on a Saturday lunchtime, was a feat to behold, believe me, we suck! So maybe, if you have technical advice or fresh ideas by all means, have a say but you'll be hard pushed to find support for bitterness, tiz all sugar and spice here man!

 

[Bram Hengeveld]

You can change tires and fuel in the HUD menu in your car.

 

[PicoBp]

Now, now guys, it's the Internet, so opinions shall be vent and (in this case) subsequently disagreed with.
Now I can only add to the discussion with yet another opinion but sod it, I'm gonna anyway.
Constructive criticism is a necessary tool to improve on anything & everything, whether asked for or not. @PicoBp your response was full of criticism but lacked structure. To start with this was round one, so allowance for teething problems is a given, both commentators gave up their free time to give the stream a more complete feel, for which I feel a little more appreciation is warranted or better still, set up your own stream for the next round and show us all how it should be done.
Setting up leagues is a nightmare, virtual racing drivers are harder to corral than sand in the wind. The fact 48 (nearly) drivers were out on the dance floor on a Saturday lunchtime, was a feat to behold, believe me, we suck! So maybe, if you have technical advice or fresh ideas by all means, have a say but you'll be hard pushed to find support for bitterness, tiz all sugar and spice here man!

So you just posted to keep things coming?
I kindly ask you to check how I initially raised my points...

Amazing commentary as usual!
Any chance we can have the timings on at all times, and also a bit more diversity on the drivers shown (maybe by gaps between)? You seem to have missed lots of the fun in the midfield.

 

[Trebormoore84]

Just a note to say thanks for putting on this league racing. I'm new to it all but really enjoyed the Div 2 races on Saturday. Coming into it to learn some race craft with real people and have some clean racing at the same time, as well as learn how to drive the Mini.
Was mostly that apart from my little mishap going three wide with Jukka and Michael, braking late into Variante Alta cutting in front of Michael which was a bit embarrassing... Sorry for that and was glad to give the spot back. I'll get there eventually.
Looking forward to some more battles in the coming weeks (although I will have to use my one allowed absence next Saturday due to work). Much more fun place to be than iRacing!

Seems like the perfect environment to learn put on by people who simply love sim racing. From my perspective the subscription fee is peanuts to the amount of work you guys put into this.

 

[Trebormoore84]

Hi guys, I'm going to have to forfeit this Saturdays race at Brands Hatch. I'm away on business. It should be the only time it happens so if i can use my one absence and carry on the following weeks?

 

[Jakal31]

Hi guys, I'm going to have to forfeit this Saturdays race at Brands Hatch. I'm away on business. It should be the only time it happens so if i can use my one absence and carry on the following weeks?

Should use the report absence thread, I think.