So I want to do interviews with my opponents if they are ok with it.
I want to show how people feel about the game in a tournament setting as well as how they think they did.
So I could use all your help in creating a list of questions I can ask each opponent and maybe even the tournament winner (is it egotistical or vain to hope it's me?) so hat it is standardized and feels more. . . Legitimate.
Thoughts?
So?
What was your fleet build and strategy going into the tournament and how did that work in reality?
What was your best and worst decision during the tournament?
How long have you been playing Armada?
For Rebels only: Why must you side with this scum when you know the Empire is going to win the tournament? 
Now that Disney owns star wars, add the winner, do you feel extra pressure to go to Disneyland?
Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons?
What thoughts and considerations went into your fleet list?
Did you have fun?
How many voices cried out when you hit 400?
O wait ... I'd ask them things about what do they think makes their list tick? What kinds of situations / objectives / fleets would they rather not face and why?
What were they thinking during certain pivotal points of the game?
Their thoughts on the current meta they are seeing.
Wave3, wave4, what are you looking forward to taking advantage of?
So?
You are not much help. . .
So?
You are not much help. . .
Amanal is in the "open ended question" camp.
So?
You are not much help. . .
Amanal is in the "open ended question" camp.
Those I can make myself. Unfortunately, they don't help in making this feel like a proper interview
Are you hoping to do the interviews pre or post game?
Are you hoping to do the interviews pre or post game?
A quick introduction before and briefly discuss lists and maybe the players experience (New to the game? Favorite faction/ships? Etc.) Then after word have a more in depth convo about the game and his list (what went well for both players? What could have been better. Things you like about the list. Etc)
I may do some Vlogs while I'm there as well and that's basically what I'm going to do. If I decide to make them that is.
A nice simple question allows the person to talk about what is on their mind, as such it will be exactly what they want to talk about and they may surprise you with a very nice answer.
A specific question may just end up either getting a very simple response because they just are not prepared to answer that question or because you have framed the subject result in a very narrow answer. Or the question becomes so long winded and confusing so that the idea behind the question is hidden.
Ideally you may have a list of questions, but ultimately the aim is to just talk game with the guy, and open him up and let him carry the bulk of the conversation. You are not interviewing a politician and trying to expose their agenda you are probably talking to someone who will be more than happy to share some info as to their rather pleasant day.
See?
I think the interview is a good idea, but I can see it going really badly if you are interviewing a person you just beat. Especially if it's a close game and they lose because of a bonehead mistake. It's a bad mental state for you to walk over to them and start asking them to dismantle in front of a camera how it felt to lose. Maybe it is just my pessimism regarding human nature, or the fact that my local scene is the one that evidently almost had a fist fight break out at regionals (I got a second hand report, but it seems believable), but I think it would work much better if you were trying to interview players either after the entire event, before it, or at least after their matches with other players. It gives a little third person perspective to the interview so even if they are furious at least they aren't furious at you.
Here's how I imagine it will go:
"Did you know what I wanted to be the winner? I can't believe it's not me, but it's only because I made a stupid error that kept me from decimating you. I'll give you the link for the twelve-page forum post I've already made about it titled "WHAT IS A LOSS?!! I'M TOO GOOD TO LOSE." Anyways, you got really lucky that I messed up and thus allowed you to win through my own mistake. Can you tell me how it feels to be the winner...even though you're only here because I made a mistake? Thanks." --Lyraeus
PS: I can't speak for the entire Armada community, of course, but I think this sort of thing is a bad idea. It's something that I would have no interest in watching, personally, and it's the kind of thing that can feed into or pick at some of the worst attitudes of gamers. I may be in the minority, but that's my two cents.
"Let's talk a bit about the game in broader terms, do you feel like there is anything missing? Is there something about the game engine or the mechanics that you would like changed? Is there a particular roadblock you seem to be facing across your Armada career thus far?"
I would do both.Are you hoping to do the interviews pre or post game?
A quick introduction before and briefly discuss lists and maybe the players experience (New to the game? Favorite faction/ships? Etc.) Then after word have a more in depth convo about the game and his list (what went well for both players? What could have been better. Things you like about the list. Etc)
I may do some Vlogs while I'm there as well and that's basically what I'm going to do. If I decide to make them that is.
That was the hope actually but it depends on time.
A nice simple question allows the person to talk about what is on their mind, as such it will be exactly what they want to talk about and they may surprise you with a very nice answer.
A specific question may just end up either getting a very simple response because they just are not prepared to answer that question or because you have framed the subject result in a very narrow answer. Or the question becomes so long winded and confusing so that the idea behind the question is hidden.
Ideally you may have a list of questions, but ultimately the aim is to just talk game with the guy, and open him up and let him carry the bulk of the conversation. You are not interviewing a politician and trying to expose their agenda you are probably talking to someone who will be more than happy to share some info as to their rather pleasant day.
See?
That is very true but I am limited to the time on hand between rounds. This means I have to have an open ended question that is specific enough to keep people on topic.
Here's how I imagine it will go:
"Did you know what I wanted to be the winner? I can't believe it's not me, but it's only because I made a stupid error that kept me from decimating you. I'll give you the link for the twelve-page forum post I've already made about it titled "WHAT IS A LOSS?!! I'M TOO GOOD TO LOSE." Anyways, you got really lucky that I messed up and thus allowed you to win through my own mistake. Can you tell me how it feels to be the winner...even though you're only here because I made a mistake? Thanks." --Lyraeus
HAHAHAHAHA. I love the dripping animosity! Makes me feel like I contribute to the community. I dont expect to lose much but it can happen. Oh I complain but it is about my mistakes. That is how it should be. One should not complain about their opponent unless they did something truly wrong. Even then you should discuss it with them and not complain about it.
Only one thing I can change. That is me.
PS: I can't speak for the entire Armada community, of course, but I think this sort of thing is a bad idea. It's something that I would have no interest in watching, personally, and it's the kind of thing that can feed into or pick at some of the worst attitudes of gamers. I may be in the minority, but that's my two cents.
Hmmmm. . . How so?
You are right, many might not watch it but I dont think that it would pick the worst attitudes. I think there can be insightful discussion between players that can help people see aspects from other points of view.
To each their own.
If you have limited time ask one question and make a collage of answers.
FWIW, I would likely ask you to wait until after a tournament for something like this. I typically have my mind on other things (or completely empty) between rounds.
I would agree - between rounds is too rushed. I would do them at the beginning and end of the day.
Actually, it would be ideal if you weren't playing that day, and did the video interviews as a dedicated project. I suspect you'll be happier with the results, and the players will be happier talking to someone who has no stake in the outcomes of the day. You'll be able to catch players when they are relaxed, and will get the best interviews when they're not subject to your own tourney schedule.
Edited by MaturinI guess I might have to wait and do this another time.