Greetings my fellow corp men, women, & blog readers!!!

It has been awhile since my last installment, and the protests of the mythical, “golden ammo,” have finally been silenced. The new topic on everyone’s mind… Will the DRF control the world?

It is an interesting question. The general consensus is… Yes, if they want it. Maybe they could, but really what would it accomplish? They could brag of turning the null sec map “red.” Would that be a real victory, or would that “victory” be short lived? Would it only be a matter of time before one of the major power blocks within the DRF would get bored and turn it sights upon its “allies?” Why else do the pilots of the DRF log on, if not to wage war? It isn’t to mine or rat, they got their bots to do that.

Let’s face it… null sec is a place of war. Those that live there enjoy the conflict, and the challenge. Some like smaller gang pvp, others enjoy large fleet engagements. It is obvious that the DRF coalition has members that like it all. The DRF did a good job in targeting the NC as its primary enemy. It was a difficult target, and worthy opponent. The NC’s defenses were believed to be insurmountable by many. Yet the DRF took it as a direct challenge to be conquered. Their victory has garnered them the respect that any “super power” derives from military superiority.

They have not just displaced the NC, from the most valuable space in EvE, they have emerged as EvE’s first true “Super Power.” Their overwhelming numbers of super capitals makes it viable for their forces to wage a multiple front war in a number of regions.

Rightly so or not, they are even seen as the masters of the mighty Pandemic Legion. Many believe, the DRF may not directly control PL, but it has become quite obvious, to some, that PL knows not to bite the hand that feeds it. Many view them as a “good dog.” Knowing to bite that hand would result in swift and deliberate punishment. I for one would hope this not to be true… After being out meta-gamed in the alliance tournament, I’d love to see Pandemic Legion re-establish its wild card mercenary image.

Which brings up another question… Does Pandemic Legion still have the ability, and/or desire to influence the landscape of null-sec?

Either way… The Russians are on a roll. Where they’ll stop know one knows!

Fly Safe… Stay Profitable…

Next Report: Where do I go from here?

Greetings my fellow corp men, women, & blog readers!!!

It is funny that people seem to forget that TIME = MONEY. In a subscription based game it is in the interest for the company providing the game (in this case CCP) to make it take as long as possible before you reach your goal in game.

Therefore the real life equation would be:

GAME TIME (GT) = CCP MONEY aka Revenue(R)

So CCP’s revenue equation would look a little something like this:

12 x GT x Subscriptions (S) = Revenue per Year (R/Y)

As we all know that CCP can only make the subscription fee per month per account. The only way to increase revenue would be to increase the subscription costs or get more people to play. Call me crazy… but I think CCP has a pretty good idea of what size of the current MMO market is willing to play EvE.

NOW for the in game equation:

GT = PLAYER IN GAME MONEY (ISK)

As well all know our in game revenue equation looks like this:

GT = ISK/Hour

That being said… I am pretty sure that CCP has a pretty good grasp on the average amount of ISK that a player could generate using any in game mechanics. (Even those players that “Bot” 24/7) As a result they can do the math to determine just how long it would take a player to earn the ISK to purchase any item in the game.

SO… as I look at the direction CCP has chosen to pursue my conclusion is this:

CCP has done the math. They have a realistic idea of the amount subscriptions they will have during a given year. As CCP is a company that exists with the idea of making a PROFIT, they would like to increase the revenue that their game can generate. They know that the player base would NEVER accept in an increase in the monthly subscription price.

This means that they cannot change the 12 x GT x S = R/Y equation to make more profit as the game was in recent past! So CCP has chosen to look at another revenue model… They have moved to ad Incarna & DUST 514 into the mix in attempt to gain more subscriptions (S), but as this alone doesn’t seem profitable enough they have decided to include Micro Transactions (MT)!

So they are looking to add MT to the equation: 12 x GT x S + MT = R/Y

One thing we all know… we may be all equal in game, but outside of the game in a capitalistic society some are more equal than others. In other words… Some folks make a lot more money than others. Because of this well known fact, CCP has decided to target those deeper pockets in an effort to increase its revenue.

Because of this, a good portion of the population has begun to scream “UNFAIR!” They scream this because they have devoted or have the ability to devote more GT over others, and have an advantage. Why do they have an advantage, because we know that GT = ISK, and ISK = power in EvE.

There is a strong argument that someone that plays more should have an advantage over someone that does not. However in the eyes of a company that wants to make more money, they can’t sell more game time to someone that doesn’t have more TIME to spend. They can sell ISK or items for the money that they do have. Get it? You don’t have the time but money to spare, then CCP will take it!

NOW for also those that still cry “NO FAIR!” let me ask you a few questions:

Have you used a PLEX to either get ISK or to apply to your account for more GT? If the answer is “yes,” then stop bitching you hypocrite. You are benefiting from the exact thing you are bitching about! That is right! You are getting to play for free because you don’t have a G@d D@mn job or real life! (That last statement was done somewhat tongue in cheek. I have spent more than my fair share glued to a computer playing MMOs.)

Have you purchased another character with skill points for your personal use? If the answer is “yes,” then stop bitching you F&ck!#g hypocrite!

HOWEVER… Even though I understand what CCP is attempting to do, doesn’t mean I’m not worried. I do not think that deep pockets in the real world should mean a person should be allowed to have items beyond the reach of other players that can devote more time to the game. I too believe that those in game should retain the advantage. As such no “noble” item should be sold below the “fair play time” market price. By “fair play time” market price… I mean placing an ISK/HOUR value on every item.

Tasha Aramata – 2011.05.20

SIRadio would like to help spread the word that Rixx Javix author of the EVEOGANDA Blog has announce the next installment of the Death Race!

Registration is only 5 million isk and has over 4 BILLION in prizes available. You can find the Official Death Race 2 site here.

Dare to be bold pilot… Dare to be bold…

Thanks for tuning in…

~Tasha

Greetings my fellow corp men, women, & blog readers!!!

It is that time of the year again! SI Radio is opening its doors to new recruits. So are you ready to tread beyond the safety of High Security space? Have you been tempted to venture into the adventure Null Sec is? Wondered what it is like to shoot AT someone rather than be shot BY someone?

Are you ready to go from Carebear to Nub?

Then come join SI Radio!

What we do: We are currently residing in the small piece of space known as KW-OAM. We are boldly pillaging and looting the spoils of class 5 & 6 wormholes from the confines of 0.0 space. The ships we field are a dedicated & specialized fleet. We provide T1 frigates so you can go out and learn how to fly in PvP. *Additionally Split Infinity Alliance leadership has established a ship replacement program for its defensive operations of KW-OAM*

But be prepared: We have to defend our space… our home. Random gangs and solo PvPers roam the lands of Null Sec looking for all unwary Carebears & Nubs. You will have to learn to survive, and be part of a part of team. You will lose ships! That is right… You WILL lose ships!

So if you are NOT willing to be part of a team, or you are TOO SCARED to lose a ship… Hell, if you are happy being a Carebear… You need not apply!

However… If you are interested in doing more than missions in Hi Sec, like to sit around playing EvE while having a beer and chatting it up with a group of friends, then send an EvEMAIL (Subject Line: SI Radio Application) with your answers to the following questions to Agatir Solenth:

1. Are you a girl? (if, No are you a bitch?)
2. What EvE podcasts do you listen to?
3. What is your favorite EvE Blog?
4. What is your favorite beer?
5. If you are going to get drunk, what would you be drinking?
6. Where do you live in the “real world”?
7. What times are you most active while playing? (EvE time or TZ – QP says, “please say EU”)
8. How do you currently make your ISK in EvE?
9. Have you ever lived in Low Sec, Null Sec, or Wormholes? (If Yes, how was your experience?)
10. What ships do you like to fly?
11. Can you fly T3 ships? (If Yes, which hulls?)
12. What is your favorite role to play in a fleet? (or, What role do you think you would like to fill?)
13. Do you have a microphone & know how to use Teamspeak or Ventrillo?
14. Have you flown with any SI Radio member that would be willing to voucher for you?
15. What will you add to SI Radio?
Fly Safe… Stay Profitable…

Ag

They make mention of the contest in their Episodes 25 & 26.

If you artistically inclined help these guys out & make a buck in the process. (or if you are a blogger give them some press)
~Ag

Greetings my fellow corp men, women, & blog readers!!!

Well it appears we got some press over our new endeavor of the creation of a null sec based alliance.

The guys over at www.notalotofnews.com during the 25th installment of their podcast (Never Gamble with a Professional, minute 35:19-38:16) felt our recruitment expectations were “weird” and “would really not recommend” joining our newly created alliance.

This prompted me to respond in their comments section:

“Good Podcast… Tho I think you missed the premise of QP’s alliance recruitment post! Split Infinity Alliance is looking for like minded individuals & corps that enjoy all aspects of the game (mining, missions, WHs, exploration, industry). However what we learned from our Providence experience, is that to live in Null Sec means you have to defend it! We don’t want carebears… We want Noobs willing to fight for a part of space that will have all the benefits Sov Upgrades have to offer.”

They say that ANY publicity is GOOD publicity!

BTW ~ I recommend you give the Notalotofnews guys a listen. They remind me of few other pairs of podcasters that made a name for themselves bantering about the game of EvE. They clearly enjoy playing the game.

Fly Safe… Stay Profitable…

Greetings my fellow corp men, women, & blog readers!!!

As many of you have made it known, you want a new Planet Risk Podcast!!!  Unfortunately it doesn’t look like that is on the near horizon.  I, like you, enjoy podcasts that focus on the game of EVE.  Additionally if you are reading this, you also enjoy a good blog.  With the death of the iPhone application Capsuleer, so has gone my ability to get my quick EVE fix, while away from my computer.  Now I actually have to use my internet browser to track down all my favorite blogs.

Needless to say… this has given me the idea of sharing some of those items I have been enjoying absent the Planet Risk Show & Capsuleer.

Blogs to Check Out:

If you want to get a feel for the politics of war in EVE, then check out Fiddler’s Edge.  It is written akin to a historian reflecting on and interpreting the events of the past, then explaining their causes.  The author also speculates and gives opinions on current events.  As an older EVE player I’m sorry I hadn’t found this blog sooner.

Still interested in the guys of Si Radio, our perspectives, and the things we learn about EVE while drinking beer?  Then EVE Online Wormholes is for you.

Podcasts:

I have two suggestions.  One tends to be PvP focused while the other is an all around show about the game of EVE.  Both are available on Apple iTunes.

First up, Declarations of War Podcast hosted by Jimer Lins.  Jimer also hosts the DoW show on SIRadio Saturday nights at 2100-2300 EST.  This podcast is not as regular as I would like it to be (what EVE podcast is?), but when the merry band from Noir. gets a few friends together, they discuss the mechanics & politics of being a merc & pvper in EVE.  Want to know what that life style is about?  Then give them a listen.  Did I mention Noir Academy is currently recruiting?

Second up, is the Lost in EVE Podcast.  This is quickly becoming my favorite EVE podcast.  The past two seasons had weekly installments, but Jade & Jayne have changed it up to be bi-weekly.  It would seem that they have decided that they want to have a balance of real lives & game time too.  I just recently started listening, and already have heard conversations with members of the CSM & CCP!  If you really want insight into how CCP views the CSM, I’d suggest that you go check out Episode 1 from Season 3.  Additionally they are adding a round table discussion podcast to their lineup.  Topics vary week to week, and are from the perspective of two normal guys who love to play EVE, that don’t claim to be experts.

Now if you have any blogs or podcast you are enjoying, then post a comment with a link!

Fly Safe… Stay Profitable…

Greetings my fellow corp men, women, & blog readers!!!

I bet some of you have been wondering…  What the hell has happened to SI Radio?  Where are the new podcasts?

As a Senior Member of SI Radio, I have the same questions… but let me tell you what I do know, and update you.  As you have heard leadership took a big hit when Luminous Aardokay stepped down as CEO.  It was immediately followed by an absence by our new CEO, due to real life commitments.  Estar “I RAEG” Tarns, was assigned the duties as the Director of day to day operations, and things were going pretty well.  We had several systems upgraded to assist in the spawning of wormholes, we had a full T3/Logi fleet in the corp hangars ready for Class 5&6 operations.  To insure we had enough pilots online to take advantage of every wormhole available we even began a recruitment drive, and are fortunate to have added several new pilots to our roster.  Errik Thrakkar in particular has stood out.  He has quickly shown his dedication to the corp and has been promoted to Senior Member, and appointed SI Radio’s first official Diplomat.

Unfortunately that is the end of the “good” news.  Just when you think you are making your way forward, someone comes into your sandbox, knocks over your castle, and kicks sand in your face.  And that is exactly what happened to SI Radio.  As you know we had taken residence in the H-K pocket in Providence, as a renter under Noir Mercenary Group.  They were in turn under the umbrella of protection of AAA.  Well when AAA was finally pushed out of their space, you can guess what came next…  You got it sov war fare broke out in and around the pocket.  There has been plenty of finger pointing and discussion regarding reasons for the fall of our little bit of space, but to be honest it was expected.  Here is my explanation and understanding of it…  Once CVA was pushed out of their space by AAA, Noir. was given the pocket of H-K.  Noir.’s intention for the pocket was more for financial gain and fun than any desire to be involved in sov.  It was good little place for them to make isk from rent, ratting, and random pvp.  Though not directly said, it was implied that if any major incursion were to happen AAA would take the lead on any sov defenses, and Noir. would assist in the defense of their space.  However it was quite clear that Noir. wasn’t going to invest heavily in a losing fight.  Could Noir. have done more to solidify political connections in Providence itself and the surrounding pockets?  Yes.  Did they want to?  No.  To be honest I don’t blame them.  They know what they enjoy…  being mercenaries!!! IMHO you can’t be more of a mercenary than to get paid to take a system away from a group, make a good chunk of isk from that captured system, make the old sov holders work to take it back, and then exit with little loses.

SO under the orders of Estar Tarns, SI Radio was evacuated from the H-K pocket.  I felt obligated to finally break down and purchase my first capital ship, the Archon, to help jump stuff out.  We are re-organizing and have begun our return to 0.0 space, and as well as standing up a few other isk making ventures.

As for the podcast called, “the Planet Risk Show,” we all hope for its return… if only to hear that cool techno music again.

Fly Safe… Stay Profitable…

“Unofficial” Press Secretary Report – We are not Eco-Terrorists!

Tasha Aramata – 2010.11.10

Contrary to current speculation, but SI Radio’s latest exploits in the Nalu system should not incline anyone to believe that SI Radio associates itself with the eco-terrorist  groups inhabiting the outter systems of the Amarrian Empire.

The fact of the matter is this:

While conducting standard operations consistent with wormhole exploration, SI Radio was contacted by a friendly source stating that they had witnessed a cruelty beyond the imagination to one of EVE’s most beautiful beasts… the Orca.

We here at SI Radio like to think of ourselves as pro “Gallente Green” in policie.  So the SI Radio Fleet Commander dispatched assets to confirm the accusations.  To the Fleet Commander’s amazement the accusations were indeed true.  The scouts reported that an Orca sat unattended floating in an asteroid belt.  Not only had it been left abandoned, but several Hulks sat around the magnificent beast keeping it trapped in place.  These Hulks would then periodically force the Orca to consume massive amounts of ore that they delivered to it.  It was speculated that the only reason the abandoned Orca had not fled to the deeper parts of space, was that the sadistic Hulk pilots were intimidating the poor Orca to stay in place through the use of their targeting systems.

Angered for such a lack of respect for the poor Orca, the Fleet Commander rallied his fleet to initiate operations to free the Orca, which was quickly given the name Operation Free Whilly.  One pod pilot dutifully offered up his Blackbird for the suicide mission of breaking the inhumane bonds that the Hulks held over the Orca, while several other pilots offered up their assistance to Sheppard the poor Orca to safety…  and with the only violence coming at the hands of Concord, as punishment for the EMP burst in high security space, Whilly was freed without further incident.

The Fleet Commander staying true his Amarrian heritage had a control collar immediately installed upon the beast, and placed Whilly up for auction, so that it may spend the rest of its noble life… in noble service to the empire.  ***NOTE – Amarrian laws dictates the humane treatment of its ships of service***

Thanks for tuning in…

~Tasha

As SI Radio’s Recruitment Officer, I must now say that our recruitment drive has come to a close. Our attention now turns to assimilating our newest members into the fold. I will be sure to update you how that goes…

The fact that CVA pushed us out of 0.0, Luminous has stepped down as CEO, and we have folks focused on Incursion only makes things more interesting!

I’ll be sure to update you soon. Until then…

Fly Safe… Stay Profitable…
Agatir Solenth