What makes Top Tier Tactics work?
The site's growth is change even the President can't believe in.
As Top Tier Tactics approaches its 1-year anniversary,* I’ve been proud and, quite frankly, astounded at the growth of the site. Last April, this was my personal space for game-related rants which circulated mainly via spamming my friends on Facebook. Eleven months and thousands of spammy links later, I’ve gotten five other writers, hundreds of posts, and a decent contingency of people who actually want to read the uninformed ramblings posted here.
With the future ever in mind, I’d like deeper insight into who’s reading, why, and what they want to see on T3 in the future. Sure, I’ve got polls up, but polls only appeal to people who like labeling themselves and conforming to the expectations of society. And while I have no qualms with profiting off such individuals, there’s so much more data to be mined. Even the most advanced, undetectable spyware can only learn so much about you and your mediocre porn collection.**
If you have a minute, please read the full post and let me know the answers to the following questions.
It will help me make the site a better place. Or a worse place. Really, it depends on how you answer!
“What’s in it for me?”
Answer by March 19th for a chance to win a Steam game of your choice $7.50 or under.
It’s a small prize, but I also know you’re really answering because you want to help me out (that’s why I put it after the break). The prize will be awarded to the most helpful, thought-out response. Obviously that’s subjective, but it’s also free, so don’t look a gift WiNG in the mouth.
I’m glad to have the input of the other site writers, though they won’t be eligible to win. Not even Binerexis.
- How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics?
- Why have you continued to read the site?
- What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? The least?
- What is something the site could do to make you come back more often?
- Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing?
- What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of?
- Have anything else you’d like to say?
Thanks so much for your feedback, and thanks for reading Top Tier Tactics. It’s always good to know someone’s actually reading what you put out there.
*I swear I won’t forget a present, honey!
**Tera Patrick? Seriously? It’s not 1999.
How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics? – Well Mr WiNG, I first learned about T3 through a Spy video of yours “WiNG’s TF2 Dead Ringer/Ambassador Spy Lesson”. I came back for more of the humour I saw in it that you don’t see much of, and through that I saw more of your videos with your nice little ad’s.
Why have you continued to read the site? – Again, the genuine humour in the articles and the gaming advice you have given me to crush my enemies.
What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? The least? – I love pretty much all of the articles on T3, exceptions on Minecraft. Yuck.
What is something the site could do to make you come back more often? – Binerexis shaving off his epic beard and taking a photo every day of it growing back.
Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing? – Yes. I do like the wordplay and structure you use when you write. Me, being a dummy, looks at these articles in awe of your superiour literary skillz. (Not really).
What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of? – I really do believe T3 is great as it is with the variety of genres you have.
Have anything else you’d like to say? – Why yes, thanks for asking. How polite you are. I’m not actually doing this for a prize, I just wanted to give some horrible, horrible feed back to you. And I mean horrible on my part. Additionally, (@ Binerexis), I am under the assumption that you are infact single and yes, I would like to go out for dinner.
“I want you to shave off your beard”
“I would like to go out for dinner”
WHY CAN’T YOU JUST LOVE ME FOR HOW I AM?!
I thought you loved me Binerexis. And if you won’t shave it off, dye it pink.
How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics? – Golden Wrench charity. I think that’s what most people still know this site for.
Why have you continued to read the site? – Hilarious(ly good) Spy videos, epic(ly humerus) writing style
What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? – The kind that features me! The second best kind are all the TF2-related posts. Third best are those pieces of opinion/rants/gaming psychology posts.
The least? – Posts that are irrelevant to me for various reasons, mostly because of the non-accessibility of the games they are about (facebook games/iPad games). That’s just me though, I guess.
What is something the site could do to make you come back more often? – More Tactical Tuesdays and Thursdays
Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing? – Fuck yes.
What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of? – This questions is obviously biased to the person you ask. That, and if I simply said “more of TF2, less anything-that’s-not-TF2”, then I would never discover any game now would I? So just keep doing the same thing (but please don’t leave TF2)
Have anything else you’d like to say? – Poot dispenser here.
If I could bug you for more feedback, I’m actually doing an article on facebook/ipad/etc games at the moment. What about them strikes you as inaccessible?
Simply the platform they run on: Facebook games being on facebook, I cannot play them without giving my information to facebook, which I do not wish to do. As for iPad (I meant iOS applications in general though), it’s simply due to Apple gadgets being quite pricey, combined with a convenient anti-Apple stance on my part.
How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics? – IIRC, it was from the tag in your name and/or pimping it out in one of your Spy videos. But it’s been long enough that I can’t remember.
Why have you continued to read the site? – I enjoy the combination of razor wit and relevant tactical advice.
What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? – I love the TF2 related articles, Spy in particular, but I’m massively biased in this regard so take it with a grain of salt. More generally, I like the ones that take a particular facet of a game and dissect it to reveal some of the tactical applications. (The recent one about the Spy watches illustrates both points beautifully.)
The least? – I’m not sure there’s a specific category of articles that I dislike. I tend to just gloss over the ones that don’t interest me for whatever reason.
What is something the site could do to make you come back more often? – I’d say “Write more about stuff I care about,” but that’s A) not at all helpful and B) somewhat selfish. So no.
Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing? – I think so. Your footnotes and constant strikethroughs tickle my sensibilities.
What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of? – My personal taste pretty much consists of TF2, being the only remotely competitive game I own and am any good at. I also enjoy reading about Street Fighter and MvC for some reason despite not owning either. Go figure.
Have anything else you’d like to say? – I do hope you’ll still make the occasional Spy video. Those are always worth watching, even if you don’t feel like you contributed anything new to the Spy knowledge base.
How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics? – I remember One faithful day when I happened upon a server with you in TF2. You had just laid your spray when some curious soul decided to stop, take a gander, and proceed to spray over it. Out of the shadows you came blade in hand and proceeded to serve justice upon his soul.
Why have you continued to read the site? – I come here because there is something new everyday. I hate going to a gaming blog with no variety, no opinion, no LIFE. You can practically feel the bonds of mouse and keyboard, controller, and the occasional joystick that bind the writers and readers.
What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? The least? – I really enjoy the articles that are inserted between the reviews, advice, and banter. It’s not something you have come to expect for example: Learn how best to utilize your mouse hand, buy this book. How to annoy your facebook friends. Then here’s how not to decloak in front of a pyro. Enough said. The ones I dislike are the ones that force me to go out and buy more games. (OK not really a dislike but I do have to blame someone.)
What is something the site could do to make you come back more often? – For the love of whoever you pray for, or don’t, please keep this site free of counsel wars and flaming fan boys. Some might argue that this site is full of TF2 fan boys. I have yet to ever see one put anybody down for their choice in game though, hence the “flaming” part.
Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing? – If I didn’t think you and your writers were doing fantastic I would not be here.. commenting. (Sense of self importance inserted here)
What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of? – I actually would like to see more videos. It’s one thing to read the advice/reviews but having a visual could potentially be very beneficial. Especially for those who don’t like(lazy) to read (or can’t).
Have anything else you’d like to say? – I look forward to many more years at this site, and cheers for when we next meet, spy or assassin.
I’ve considered having a written article and a video version for those who are a bit lazy/don’t have the time to read, would this be something that you would find useful? Also, would you prefer the video to be separate from the written stuff (I write an article, record it being read, add visual stuff without publishing the ‘script’), in the same post as the written stuff (a written article with a video supplement/highlight) or have the written stuff here on T3 and then a video on my YouTube channel?
Sorry for the late reply. Assuming of course you have no time constraints and the patience, written articles supported by a video would be the best. Being one of your subscribers I would like to see some game play complete with thoughts and strategy maybe for the games you don’t wish to write about?. Of course, this is assuming you have the time.
I’m not going to answer the qeustions, but I have some thoughts that might help anyway.
1. Keep TTT as adfree as it is now.
2. Don’t consider getting forums any time soon, unless TTT has at least a bazillion readers.
I always get the feeling that websites get out of proportion in terms of content when they decide
to put up forums. Also, I reckon maintaining forums costs a lot of time/money and that’s something TTT
doesn’t have, so just forget what I was saying about forums.
3. Don’t let down your wife in favor of TTT. Wifes are important!
4. Tell regulars to get gravatars, they rock!
What’s a gravatar?
Gravatar.com is kind of a universal avatar/profile pic service. If you go to Gravatar.com and make an account with the same e-mail address you use for this site, your image uploaded there will be your profile image shown here and on any other sites that support Gravatar.
How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics? Golden Wrench charity brought me, the spy vids made me stay.
Why have you continued to read the site? Mostly the humor, and the fact that you haven’t sold out. (or if you have you’ve the common courtesy to not show it. Enjoy the money. :))
What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? The least? Tf2 articles and basic tactics. Tactics mostly are a win for me. https://www.toptiertactics.com/2010/12/minecraft-multiplayer-misadventures-part-1/ this post by Binerexis wins the post that made me laugh the hardest. Props.
Bad: Haters gonna hate me but I’ve quit reading the ACB posts, not because their good, but I don’t have the game, don’t know when or if I’ll get it, and I’m jealous. Sorry, but I am. They’re still good articles though.
What is something the site could do to make you come back more often? I’m part of the group on Steam and there has been 0 events. Host events on TF2 servers. Maybe a game here and there. It would allow a chance/another way to interact with your starving fans (no kidding I skipped breakfast, and lunch at work is not till 1:00 in two hours).
Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing? Damn fine job. Ever last one of ya. Damn fine.
What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of? Fps, Tf2, Minecraft but only stories written about the world by Binerexis. The street fighter stuff is nice, don’t play myself but I do read those articles.
Have anything else you’d like to say? Happy Anniversary!!!!
Minecraft Misadventures part 2 was near enough finished a while ago but I haven’t been able to post it up; expect to see something soon!
As the day wore on I thought of another idea. An rss feed-like sidebar which contains links submitted by the readers that we find, like vidz on youtube, and . . . well mostly vidz on youtube we find helpful with our own game play. Just a thought.
◦How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics? – I just learned from randomly searching about in youtube. I stumbled across your spy vids, then found out you have a website. I said, “what the heck, might as well check it out”. Seems I’m not the first :)
◦Why have you continued to read the site?- I like reading about games and strategy, and your blog is the only one that I know of that also has humour in. And you play Minecraft and TF2.
◦What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? The least?- I enjoy mostly the articles about TF2 and ACB, since they’re the only ones that I can follow, since I know the games. I don’t dislike any particular articles, since you and your writers make it fun and exciting to follow through, whatever the topic.
◦What is something the site could do to make you come back more often?- I believe giving out stuff is something that would have me staying here 24/7. Lol. Moar Articles and competitions. That’s just it.
◦Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing?- Modesty. It’s a crime. Yes, you’re doing a really good job (after all, if you weren’t, I wouldn’t be here ;)). I particularily enjoy the “life tips” you give to random “people” (notWing, death of universe and internet [and cars] etc.)
◦What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of?- I’d like to see more of FPS games, since you didn’t include almost anything for that genre apart from ranting about Black Ops :P. And TF2. And ACB. And Minecraft (just the games I play really). Less of? Board games. But you guys don’t make it much of a… torture to follow through so I’m Ok.
◦Have anything else you’d like to say?-I SHOULD HAVE WON THAT COPY OF ACB AND YOU KNOW IT!!! Other than that, I think I’ll sign up as a writer too. Happy Anniversary!
* How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics? – By Wingpants’ Youtube channel of course!
* Why have you continued to read the site? – Cause of fun witty humor provided by our thoughtful Benefactors(writers).
* What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? The least? – I’m really neutral on the subject. Reviews I dislike but aren’t bad, games I don’t have are fun to read, and games I do have are fun also.
* What is something the site could do to make you come back more often? – Hookers, seeing Wings’ face, and Binerexis making articles.
* Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing? Yes, expect for Binerexis cause he never writes anything.
* What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of? – Neutral stance again on this one.
* Have anything else you’d like to say? – “”FUCK YOU WING! BIN SHOULD HAVE WON.” ~ Signed a Concerned Citizen” but really good job on the site Wingpants and I hope you enjoy the popularity/free hookers.
* How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics?
Your awesome Spy-lesson based Advertisement videos on YouTube. I watched one, I had to watch the rest.
* Why have you continued to read the site?
Because the inputs the writers of Top Tier Tactics provide are logical, witty, and hilarious. Rarely do you find a blend of those 3 attributes that work so well.
* What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? The least?
I enjoy TF2 articles the most because it is one of the games I play the most, and I can relate to it. I don’t have a least-favorite article, only articles that I can’t relate to because I don’t have an interest for the game/subject.
* What is something the site could do to make you come back more often?
Honestly, I visit this site often enough as it is. Maybe feature user guides more often, but that is just my opinion.
* Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing?
Of course! As stated before, you guys provide the most logical and humorous points of views that everyone should follow.
* What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of?
Xbox Live Arcade games or Indie games. I have played some knockout XBLA games and seen awesome Indie games recently, and would like to hear more of this knockout awesomeness fro you guys.
* Have anything else you’d like to say?
I absolutely love this site. I wish it was like a monthly gaming magazine with far more employees working with WinPants.
I’m not in the mood for writing a proper answer and all, so I’ll just say this:
-Found out from your Spy vids.
-Any chance of having a “Channel of the week/fortnight” thing going so as to help send more readers to channels and vice-versa, as well as help video-makers out?
-Do you ever look at the Spy forums? We got quite a few regulars on there, it’s a nice place.
I first saw your videos way back on Wegame after it was featured on the round up of that week. Interested in TF2, I clicked it up and let the hilarity ensue. I still go back to those videos when I need a good laugh.
The great articles and the sheer promise that lies behind the one man striving to give people fun content. Here’s to Wing and his compatriots!
Yours the most, the ones regarding heavy military games the least. What if they mix, you ask? Well, it’s middle of the road them.
Organize better. Have “Latest” on the side bar and make the tags on posts more accessible.
Of course my little Wingy… Do you need a hug?
Moar RTS and RPGs, less non-genre things. Minecraft is great and all, but there’s not really and tactics to it.
I shall write for this website… One day. BELIEVE ME WING, ONE DAY I SHALL
Can you elaborate on what you mean about making tags more accessible?
Make them stand out more on the page and don’t have the “adjusting by usage” thing on them. Merely put a number beside them and list in alphabetical order.
How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics? – Spy lessons on youtube.
Why have you continued to read the site? – Humor and insight/analysis on game mechanics and culture. It’s hard to find anything of much maturity or honesty on say, gametrailers or g4.
What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? The least? – The advice articles are good for a chuckle. I also enjoy the SSIV articles and look forward to any coverage of Arcade Edition. I guess I enjoy the Black Ops articles the least just because Black Ops is boring.
What is something the site could do to make you come back more often? – This question implies that there exists a measurable amount of time where I am not on TTT…so how about free coffee?
Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing? – Yes. My expertise isn’t in writing so I can’t give much advice here. I do like the footnote comments but I would like it if they linked back and forth. Scrolling all the way up and down an article is kind of a pain if you’re on a laptop with no mouse.
What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of? – Obviously I love the TF2 articles. I’m having trouble keeping up with the new weapons/whatnot that Valve keeps adding. I mentioned SSIV before, more fighting games are always welcome.
Have anything else you’d like to say? – I’m still waiting for that Bomberman tournament between all the writers.
◦How did you first learn about Top Tier Tactics? by watching your acb strategies on youtube
◦Why have you continued to read the site? because of the articles and strategies on games
◦What kind of articles do you enjoy the most? The least? any article that involves a game i have
◦What is something the site could do to make you come back more often? i check the site for something new evey day so to make me come back more often you need to add an extra day of the week.
◦Are the writers (myself especially) doing a good job… writing? the writers on T3 are amazing
◦What games or genres would you like to see more of? Less of? i would like to see vids on mvc3 if any of the writers play the game as i know WING doesn’t
◦Have anything else you’d like to say? HI