Asunto: Reducing "Complexity" to New Users

It could run alongside the State Cup at the end of the season for teams completing their first full season. So not complete newbies. And maybe some points could contribute to their state's tally?

Interesting idea. Could run into problems if we didnt attract many new users but it's a possible option for getting interest, but you need to drag them into the forums first before that would work. Afterwards, that could be a solution to getting some exposure against others in similar positions and to reduce the loneliness of being in an inactive league surrounded by bots.

It could also create some rivals for life. I know I value any wins I get against my old sparring partners. :P

As the divide widens, we need to be pairing these new teams up to get them playing some other active teams on a similar level. Starting a bit of a newbie community might help them organise interesting friendlies.

It's the kind of thing where if we get it right (and get lucky) then the thing will drive itself. We obviously haven't got it right yet. :P

All that said, this is a tough game. It requires time, patience and some serious scheming. We're not going to get every man and his dog playing Sokker with the same enthusiasm as sx* or uberfurious. But when the right person does come along, we seem to get them hooked (by giving them the best youths). :D

Well I think that mentor system would work well. There are many active Australian users who know the drill and would like to help. So maybe sk-mailing new user with a guide nad telling them that they can ask any questions they need because you will be his personal assistant. Would work I think...

You don't have to get rid of everyone... that's rubbish.
I reckon you haven't been patient enough to see the talented players of your original squad.
Most of the "oldies" will tell you the same, we nearly all have a player left from our original squad even to this day (I might be pushing it, but I still had two after 7 seasons, Foxe and Warren).

But to follow what you're saying, I think newbie should start in IV. It wouldnt pressurised them to get results like it does in III and they'll have more time to sort the good from the bad within their rooster. Anyway going off topic again :)

Loads of good suggestions here, but to those I've introduced the game to they usually say:
- it takes to long and too much effort to set up a good tactic.
- Too many skills count and that makes it all harder when buying, training and sacking players.

Those two things are their hurdle, and they are what most of us loves. It's a hard thing to get pass.

Tactics are dreadful in the start when you understand so little. So I would suggest someone to make 2-3 youtube (I know there are decent tactics there already) tactics that are good and that could suit almost any newbie team so they can start winning games more easily and actually do decent when they start playing teams that have been around a season or two more.

I'm yet to hear of one that stopped playing coz he was unable to get help (if wanted).

A newbie State Cup... why not but sounds like a nightmare to organise with them 3 out of 4 dropping rate after 2 or 3 weeks (got the numbers yet Cometer?)...
Let's get them interested in the game first, then they can join the SC if they want... or once we got a bunch of newbies we can think about it.

We'll keep it in mind but we need to focus on what is needed now on the eve of a new season. I remember Cloete giving me a few tips during my season 3 and even watching one or two of my game to give me feedback. It did do it for me as I was going to drop that game...
We need to put in place the tutorial/mentoring topic going before the start of the season I think.

might be worth starting this topic on intl scale as its something that affects every country...

Well initially I was trying for ways to improve our own community. As they say, start small and build up but yeah it is something that affects all smaller countries in particular.