Why do VSAs typically fail?

[fireballs619]

Virtual Space Agencies sound like they would be a good idea, much like virtual airlines are in typical flight sims. Not that it is needed, it would be nice to have a way for experienced pilots to be recognized (through promotion or awards in the VSA). I know there have been attempts to make them before, but it doesn't seem like any are active. Why have these attempts failed (probably bad leadership)? Could the problems be fixed, and we have a decent VSA and all?

 

[Voyager]

Thats what I am trying. I am currently still working on my WIP VSA. When I finish it, I will have other people who help me, and who want to be recognized.

 

[computerex]

Its because the term "agency" suggests a group of people, which requires cooperation but even more importantly, participation. You really can't do any group activities in Orbiter right now due to the lack of a firm, stable, mature multi player system. And because of that, there is lack of participation.

 

[fireballs619]

Its because the term "agency" suggests a group of people, which requires cooperation but even more importantly, participation. You really can't do any group activities in Orbiter right now due to the lack of a firm, stable, mature multi player system. And because of that, there is lack of participation.

That's what I was thinking, yet projects like OFSS have worked. A VSA could be based on the same principle.

 

[Voyager]

Exactly! If people can fly similar missions, and talk via IRC it would do a sense of realism.

 

[Izack]

That's what I was thinking, yet projects like OFSS have worked. A VSA could be based on the same principle.

OFSS was more of a task-force than a VSA. Groups such as OFSS and OFMM have a defined purpose, a motivation for those involved. What do you propose your VSA would do? You could build another space station, or go to another planet, but then what? Sit around and soak up the ambiance?
I would much prefer to create/join specific projects, and see them through to a predefined finish.

 

[T.Neo]

I think VSAs generally fail because bored people get an idea but they don't follow through with it...

It's exacerbated when other people are in the equation and they don't participate or cooperate beyond the "omg omg new VSA" stage.

 

[Zachstar]

They fail because unlike MS Flight simulators there is almost nothing to do to "Interact" Watching a mission control screen while someone launched was fun half a decade ago but today its just not that great. Also there is almost no way to find help designing "mission" addons. And yes flying Mercury missions over and over again is boring. New interesting shuttle missions might be fun but who is going to design these fantasy missions? Santa?

On top of that sadly most VSAs do not take their site seriously at all. Each and EVERY time I have seen a "freewebs" VSA It was dead before I knew it.

 

[Shadow Addict]

I think VSAs generally fail because bored people get an idea but they don't follow through with it...

It's exacerbated when other people are in the equation and they don't participate or cooperate beyond the "omg omg new VSA" stage.

This more than anything else. Any similar participation-based project I've tried fails because of this.

 

[FSXHD]

I am an active member of an active virtual airline in the flight sim community. The way we run things might be helpful to creating a successful virtual space agency.

First off, there are two options of creating a virtual space agency.
1- base it off a real space agency - the benefit of this is you have the missions (some at least, you can create fictitious missions as well) already made and developed for you, and for government agencies, many of the documents are available to the public and can be used for technical aspects of the mission. I fly for the virtual version of British Airways. We fly the same routes at the same times with the same aircraft as our real world counterpart. Another benefit/disadvantage of being based off a real organization is the possibility of support from the real world counterpart. Either the organization will accept the fact that the virtual organization exists and supply them with information to help them run. At British Airways Virtual, we are supported by the real BA and they give us info (company ops and procedures, etc.) that you wouldn't normally get by just visiting their site. On the other hand, the real organization may not approve of having a virtual counterpart based off themselves. They may not like this for a number of reasons and they could sue and your VSA will crash and burn.

2- create a fictitious VSA With this type, there are no restrictions really at all, but there are some disadvantages. Many people prefer to join VA/VSA's based off of real world organizations due to the fact that they hear about them and want to do what they do because the end user is unable. In turn, option-1 VA/VSA's are more popular, so you went get the booming membership at first. Another set back is that the administration has to create the missions/projects itself. People can get lazy and nothing gets done. The admins have to create engaging-enough missions so that the membership will be inclined enough to fly them.

Another good measure to take in a VSA is to have a pilot client that tracks the end users flights/missions. This makes sure that the pilot is performing the expected mission.

Once a VSA-type has been chosen I will provide more information about that type to help the development process. I am offering my experience in flight sim VA's for helping to develop VSA's. So if you have ideas, just give me a holler and I can provide some input/feedback/constructive criticism.

Anyways, I hope this post proved helpful to at least one person.

Regards, Kevin Burns

 

[fireballs619]

Another good measure to take in a VSA is to have a pilot client that tracks the end users flights/missions. This makes sure that the pilot is performing the expected mission.
Regards, Kevin Burns

How would one go about doing this? Do you know, or know anyone who would know?

 

[Izack]

Why is it that as soon as this thread pops up, a semi-literate VSA and a questionable project start up at once? :blink:

 

[FSXHD]

How would one go about doing this? Do you know, or know anyone who would know?

It would be a simple program that captured data from Orbiter - speed, location, location and speed relative to other things that are key to the mission, docking, etc. Then the mission data would be sent to the VSA website for review by software on the website and determine if it is viable or not. The software on the site could determine that if the data and sim time supplied by the client could be create an outcome that is for the success of the mission. This is how the VA's do it, though I am not exactly sure how it works behind the scenes. And of course at any time, the flight/mission could be subjected to further review by a human who could ultimately decide if the mission was acceptable.