[Origin Cave]

May 2015 Survey

Every now and then, we here at Origin like to turn to members of our community for feedback and suggestions. Considering how new we still here, there's a lot of improvements to make, so we'd like to see what you guys have to say! Please post below with your answers to the survey. They are completely your opinion, and you are free to answer them as you like. This survey is not mandatory, but the greater response volume we receive, the more efficient we will be in improving Origin! If you would like to remain anonymous, you can reply to this using the Origin Guest account.

What was your initial impression of Origin?

What is it now?

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?

In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin?

What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?

What was your initial impression of Origin?
"woah! this is super cool and pretty and all the stuff is thought out so well! I'M GONNA JOIN IT!"

What is it now?
PRETTY MUCH THE SAME TBH (with the addition of a really super cool userbase, lots and lots of activity, and a very attentive, hardworking staff team)

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?
it took me a minute to figure out where everything was because the layout is fairly unique, but now that i've gotten used to it, it's been very streamlined and easy to work with (albeit a little big, but that's not a bad thing!). my one minor complaint is the sidebar - i sort of wish it was set off from the board so it didn't overlap. it can get a little annoying having to toggle it all the time to read the board as well as the cbox. ;_;

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?
it's a little tricky to find any one option that 100% works just because of the massive variety, but if it were me, i'd probably group species as reptiles, birds, ungulates, carnivorous mammals, and miscellaneous mammals. alternatively, you could sort them by taxonomic affiliation, the same way they appear in the guidebook.

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?
i think a simple page with a table listing players and their characters would more than suffice. every way of implementing, updating, and maintaining it has its own pros and cons, but as a member, i'd personally prefer a system where the staff kept it up manually, both to keep it neat and to make sure it stays up-to-date. it's kind of an extra burden on them, though. an automated system would be very cool too, but i know those mess up easily.

In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?
i think that having quests available at all times is important, but also that having too many of them would take away from their significance. what might work is if every time a quest was completed, another was added - so that there are always three in progress, basically, or maybe a couple more. of course, if a quest is stagnating or taking a long time, then a new one could be added before it had to finish! i do think that having more than three to five active at a time is too much, though.

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?
it's a little hard to tell so far, since the site is so new. from what i've seen, though, you guys are doing a wonderful job! characters are accepted very promptly, news updates have been frequent, gms post to quests at lightning speed, it's pretty much everything you could ask for.

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin?
in terms of its plot, mechanics, ideas? none, it's all really well done. a part of me feels as though battles and groups could use some incentives, but at the same time, i understand the decision to keep them firmly optional. it's really refreshing to see an animal site where those two things aren't forced on you.

What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?
as previously mentioned, i really wish that the sidebar didn't overlap with the main board and sometimes that the top space for the banner wasn't so tall. those are pretty minor issues, though, and i know they'd probably be annoying enough to change that it isn't worth it. =w=

What was your initial impression of Origin?
"This place is just, I can't believe the amount of time and thought that's gone into every aspect and the cbox people are absolutely babes"

What is it now?
Probably even better actually! There are so many other aspects of the game I wasn't even aware of upon looking around and so now that I've had a chance to try a few of them out I'm ecstatic!

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?
Toggling the sidebar can be a bit annoying and how it overlaps the board, so maybe put it at the bottom or such? I love how accessible it is where it is but it does make reading/making posts a bit annoying with toggling in and out all the time.

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?
Personally, I don't think a species statistic is needed personally. I've got an alternate suggestion in the next question anyway!

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?
A table that has the player names and then beside that their characters. As an alternate to a species statistics on the species page, when the character is listed in brackets just put their common name? e.g. grizzly bear, red fox, fruit bat

In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?
As many as are needed, there could be periods where there are no quests for a little while so when one or two appears it's all exciting again. I wouldn't go for more than 5 at a time though as it might over saturate the board with quests. As is I think staff know what they're doing!

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?
Definitely up there! As such I haven't seen any applications or GM requests waiting and everything is always made to progress the site. Nothing is left to be fixed or implemented as it is pretty much immediately brought in (to my knowledge) or an error is immediately fixed rather than waiting. Great!!

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin?
None in terms of plot mechanics, I think it's absolutely fantastic how it's being handled.

What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?
Just the toggle bar thing but that's only minor. I was thinking that at the bottom it has "users active in the last 15min" maybe edit that so it includes members in the last 24hrs? Only because I know when searching for websites I always go and look how many people are online/have been online and seeing a lot of registered names down there is definitely more appealing to the eye. That is definitely a big one as I know many sites that are active once you get into them but on first glance don't look active at all and thus keeps members away!

What was your initial impression of Origin?
Like anything Madison does I worship. ;P Ahah! I was definitely interested as soon as she said she was working on another site.

What is it now?
Exciting! The possibilities are endless and the fact that you can have so many different animals interacting is super. The idea that animals from other species will be able to cross breed through magic and stones is 100% brilliant and makes interaction between characters that much more whole. This way it seems more plausible that a group of deer would hang out with bears and so on.

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?
I like the large banner and how it's sides are visible when scrolling down the page to read threads and so on. All the main links are easily found. I know Madison designed the page to fit larger resolutions better, but maybe most of us have smaller ones. I have to have the page on 80% size just so everything fits and it kinda squishes things. Otherwise I'll have it at 100% and have to toggle constantly just to see someone say "lol" or something, idk why I feel like I must see every cbox message XD incase someone is desperately trying to get my attention??

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?
Have very general set of groups like birds, reptile, carnivore, ungulate ?? no scientific things because I hate having to google big words to find out they were just talking about a freaking fennic fox or something ahah.

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?
Just an ordinary list…. haha. It could be an once weekly manually updated one every… sunday? or whatever works. Since there isn't a character limit it'd probably be better looking if it were vertical instead of horizontal. List could include animal name (link), common species name, gender and element would be neat.

In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?
Maybe making sure there's one a month that's active. Having too many would make them grow less exciting I think.

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?
I think so far, it's great! :D

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin? & What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?
An FAQ page maybe? I only have half a million questions that pop up every day. haha! You're already working on it but gawd, I need a map! with a scale because when I think cave I think of a place smaller than my apartment with all these animals in it and uhhhh @_@ It's been suggested already, but I like the 24 hours thingy. I can't think of anything else really important.

What was your initial impression of Origin?
Interesting site with an interesting theme.

What is it now?
Cool place so far.

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?
Clunky with the sidebar being half overlayed with the other things. I always want to toggle it. Also how it goes behing the welcome bar is hard sometimes and I have to scroll down to see it. Some pages load to where I have to scroll down to see content and that bothers me only because I think the page didn't load and then I switch tabs to wait then I come back, refresh the page, then remember I have to scroll down. I love the welcome bar. If the page had and actual banner maybe above the welcome bar, that would be cool. Something I can click on to get back to the home page. It could be like the background image is now, but like it it's own clickeable box to refer back to the home page.

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?
Freaking love it. Add all the statistics you want. Maybe have like the general one you have now, then add an "in-depth" section maybe for species by breakdown. It sounds like a big task, but the site is still small and adding one by one wouldn't be too much of a daunting task if it's added right after members join as part of the acceptance protocol that mods do.

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?
I always like the set up that's like:
Player Name- Character 1
----------------Character 2
Player 2 Name- Character 1
As long as there's a way to make it flush. You can search players and characters with your browsters search function "control + f" on windows.
Also make the character names clickeable to link to their profile for ease when trying to plot.

In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?
I think different difficulties of quests, also personal character quests (eg, learn a new spell) and site quests (navigate x area) are cool. Add some with time limits maybe that are special and only have one of these at once (Like a one week quest to finish three threads where like idk eating happens). Once a quest is completed, it should be marked off and added to the site history (complete with links to threads) and soon enough a new quest should appear in its spot.

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?
Very good so far. They have actively worked to answer questions and include sugestions even when only made in the cbox.

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin?
6 months is a long time for adult characters, but it's not terrible, just kind of long. To have two complete generations would take a rl year and I feel like we'll be waiting forever to see cool mutations and stuff in the cave.

What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?
Streamline the layout, make the sidebar and main site flush with one another.


I love that I feel like we're all growing together in this site. I love the amount of involvement between staff and member. If you need any help gathering statistics or whatever, I'd love to help out if needed. Even if not, just playing as a member is fun right now.

What was your initial impression of Origin?
I think my immediate thought and first post in cbox was something along the lines of, "oh. my god. this site." The idea behind it was wonderful, the reproduction and aging system not something seen (rapid age progression). The magic was different.

What is it now?
After familiarizing myself with the site, I've grown to appreciate it more. I do think this is a place where I'd like to stick around and make the genuine effort. I haven't done many multi-species sites, but with the guided plot-progression and character-driven story liens: this is one site I did not want to miss out on. I haven't gotten to mingle a whole lot (was away opening weekend), but everyone seems very friendly and sweet -- which is always a huge boone for starting sites!

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?
A part of me really likes it, but the post above mine outlines pretty much everything I felt.

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?
You could always just go: Herbivore, Omnivore, Carnivore? With the over 'vores as needed. I feel if you generalize it might feel a little clunky. I like the suggestion of adding that detail to the member list though.

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?
You could do multiple columns to make the most of the page, with it going:
Bob
Edgar (Fledgling Fungi Bobcat)
Perdita (Master Water Goat)

Joe-mamma
Moose (Pupil Plant Weasle)
Tito (Master Fire Antelope)

Rodger
Isolde (Blah blah blah)
Second Char (Blah blah blah)
In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?
I like how it is now, with three quests on the go in each quadrant. So I think as long as there's something interesting going on it'll keep people interested. It'll mean a lot of hard work, but I think as long as things are consistent, you know?

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?
So far, you've exceeded my expectations. Active, courteous, welcoming. You've hit all the major wants I have in a staff team.

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin?
So far: nothing. I love this site. I can't wait for things to really flourish!

What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?
Aside from streamlining the layout, and adding an FAQ... nope :)

What was your initial impression of Origin?
Something along the lines of: "omgomgomg so beautiful, nice concept, pretty art. ahhhh toooo much to read." Plus I enjoy D&D and dice mechanics so the thought of that made it even better. Also I was pretty happy to see it was Madison's site since I've stalked her other stuff. XD

What is it now?
"omgomgomg so so beautiful, nice concept, pretty art. fun people. fun dice. nice spells. ahhhh toooo much to read."

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?
I love it. Not only is it well designed but it's also beautiful. I'm always finding new things that are pretty cool. XD Anyway, my main problem (which it seems like a lot of people are having) is with the sidebar being too close/covering the site/overlaying it and zooming out doesn't help because then everything is too small to read. It might be better if the banner wasn't so tall as well. Its a journey to scroll down. :'x

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?
I love it so far, I really do. Don't have much of an opinion on dis but I like the other suggestions.

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?
I'm not sure. I'm pretty sure I couldn't come up with a better idea than Mads could but I do enjoy a style like Dee's.

In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?
That depends but a variant and different types of quests every one to three months would be nice.

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?
The staff are great. You guys are super fast. Keep doing what you're doing.

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin?
The sidebar and I agree with This One/Fallah about maybe cutting down some time.

What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?
idk

done :P

What was your initial impression of Origin?
THIS SITE LOOKS AWESOME.

What is it now?
THIS SITE IS AWESOME.

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?
The only thing I would change is the Toggle Sidebar thing. Pleeaaase make it “separate” from the rest of the page so it doesn’t get in the way and so I can scroll down on the chat without it thinking I’m trying to scroll down on the page.

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?
No opinion…?

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?
Again, no opinion. Each site has its own way and I really don’t care how it looks as long as it’s easy to read and understand.

In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?
ALL THE TIME BECAUSE I LOVE QUESTS OMGOMG QUESTS. <3

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?
Oh, you guys are great, keep doing what you’re doing.

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin?
Uhhhh….. No opinion? It’s too new to really tell and so far things seem to be pretty much good.

What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?
MAKE A LOT OF POLLS AND MEMBER-ORIENTED LIKE… QUESTS AND STUFF. I love feeling involved. :D Also, can you please like add a way to easily BOLD, UNDERLINE or ITALICIZE stuff, so I don't always have to do the BBCode automatically because I'm lazy. ALSO, make lots and lots of opportunities for Attempts because THE ATTEMPT SYSTEM IS SO AWESOME ADKJSFNEKGHEW.

What was your initial impression of Origin?

"Hmmm, Almighty has a character over here, and she looks pretty. This place kind of reminds me of the Kindergarten from SU... I must join."

What is it now?

"I LOVE THIS PLACE, man! It's original and interesting. It's almost just like a legit role play game, like D&D. I also know lots of friends on here! :D"

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?

I really like the site layout, and it's fantastic, but I'm not sure about the sidebar placement. When I scroll down and away from it, it disappears behind any post tables, divs, spans, etc. { I am using safari, } and it's a little annoying. Other than that, it's awesome!

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?

I don't really think we need species statistics, but if it's a issue if some species are too common, perhaps organize them by class/order?

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?

I'd say implement it like a member list. Where there will be the OOC name then to the right is a list of character names, like below for example:

BANSHEE	Aza'zel Chrysanthe Kyrokai
ZERO	Levi Mikasa Zynrix

Character names would be in order, of course, as well as player names. <3 Perhaps staff members could have a little star in front of their OOC names to denote them.

In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?

Perhaps three new quests a month once activity is high and Origin has plenty of members to keep us actively engaged and not leave characters sitting around, leaving them open for members to engage.

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?

You guys are doing great! Keep doing what you're doing!

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin?

This site's too new to see any glaring issues! <3 Keep doing what you guys are doing, and we'll see.

What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?

I'd say perhaps a table database, where you save your tables to your account, and while making a new thread, there's a dropdown where you can select your table and it loads it into the post for you. No need to copy-paste and keep a post log open all the time!

What was your initial impression of Origin?
I fell in love with the thread format, this place is so well put together which is nice to see for a change. A lot of places just use a basic forum and don't even try to fix it up to match the setting theme of the plot.

What is it now?
Now that I've checked this place out, I love it even more! So much originality, love the plot so far and the community is so kind. I can see myself sticking around for a long time now. So don't expect for this lady to disappear!

How would you describe the site layout? Is it accessible, streamlined, clunky, distracting, etc?
There is nothing I would change, like stated above. I adore the setup here and give this place 10 stars!

In your own opinion, how should we implement species statistics on the Statistics page?
Something I would like to see if "closing" a certain animal if to many of them pop up around here. Like, "Oh now we have 15 bears running around here." And close them to keep everything balanced?

In your own opinion, how should we implement a player list?
The players name then their characters after?

In your own opinion, how frequently should we add new quests?
I think keeping at least 3 active at a time is good.

In your own opinion, describe the functional level of staff activity. Do we meet or exceed it, or do we need improvement?
You are all above and beyond active, great work!

What kind of improvements would you make to Origin?
If it isn't broke, don't fix it? No, but really. At this time, this place looks awesome and works!

What kind of suggestions do you have for Origin, in terms of features, accessibility, presentation, etc?
It would be nice to connect character accounts, but it's ok if that can't be done.