Teamspeak Phobia?

[Blooze]

I am curious, if you join a MP server that has Teamspeak available, why do you choose not to use it in favor of communicating with chat? Inquiring minds want to know. :wassat:

[kk0425]

For me it's a bit of anxiety. Getting online with people I don't know is uncomfortable. But most of the time it's because the people that do choose to use it don't want people outside of their group of friends to join them. They'll either move to another channel or a locked one.

 

Or it just seems like nobody is ever there except for the high populated servers and then you'll see what I described above. Although I have had a few good experiences, but overall it hasn't been worth my time to join.

[Blooze]

For me it's a bit of anxiety. Getting online with people I don't know is uncomfortable. But most of the time it's because the people that do choose to use it don't want people outside of their group of friends to join them. They'll either move to another channel or a locked one.

 

Or it just seems like nobody is ever there except for the high populated servers and then you'll see what I described above. Although I have had a few good experiences, but overall it hasn't been worth my time to join.

 

I think you have probably summed it up with your answer. Thanks for the reply. I'm going to start staying logged on to my TS channel whether or not I'm flying in case someone pops in to see what's going on. Feel free to jump in some time.

Edited March 8, 2014 by Blooze

[Eihort]

Been going to 104th again after a while, and the server will be full (20+) and only one or two souls on the TS.

[Blooze]

Been going to 104th again after a while, and the server will be full (20+) and only one or two souls on the TS.

For me Teamspeak is the only thing that makes MP attractive and without it a waste of time.

[Tone71]

I got myself all set up on TS but never use it. I guess it's a case of wanting to get involved, mixed with that apprehension of the unfamiliar and meeting new people. Seems silly, I know.

[Supersheep]

The experience on Teamspeak isn't predictable.

 

You can well find a great bunch of people who work together and welcome new players. On these servers, you'll have a good time, be productive, and all you need to make your ideas for a flight be adopted is to make a good case for them.

 

Sometimes, servers are populated, but the players somehow seem to know each other, and have more contact than just the chatter you notice on Teamspeak. In this environment, you can easily feel as an outsider, because you just can't crack the code - and probably never will, especially if the players know each other in RL, too.

 

The second point comes in a variety of flavors. Be it that the people know each other in RL, have a forum, have been playing together for ages, or that some people consider themselves the regulars on a server, and then act accordingly. The effect is the same in any case.

 

Coming back to the first sentence, joining a foreign Teamspeak is like a blind date. You might have quality time, or, in the worst case (rarely happens to me) you'll get flamed at. My impression is that the negative effect outweighs the upside and people seem to hedge the downside not by quitting if needed, but not logging on in the first place.

[VincentLaw]

I am curious, if you join a MP server that has Teamspeak available, why do you choose not to use it in favor of communicating with chat? Inquiring minds want to know. :wassat:

I don't have speakers for my desktop, and my headphones don't have a microphone on them. This means I have my headphones plugged into my desktop for output, and I could use the integrated microphone on my laptop for input, but then I have to connect on both computers and mute myself, or be stuck with bad audio quality from the laptop speakers.... or I could just go buy a microphone, but my joystick needs to be replaced first...

[Blooze]

I got myself all set up on TS but never use it. I guess it's a case of wanting to get involved, mixed with that apprehension of the unfamiliar and meeting new people. Seems silly, I know.

Step 1 of your anti-phobia therapy session. Log on to this channel: speakdls2.teamspeak.net:20589 at 8PM your time just to say hello.

[Supersheep]

The first time I was on a TS I barely said anything at all, fearing that people would mock my (baaad) accent, give the FNG stamp, or not talk to me or whatever. That evaporated away the quicker the more I spoke to the gents.

[TimeKilla]

The first time I was on a TS I barely said anything at all, fearing that people would mock my (baaad) accent, give the FNG stamp, or not talk to me or whatever. That evaporated away the quicker the more I spoke to the gents.

 

Ditto tho I find my Scottish accents helps make convo.

[Supersheep]

Lucky you! German accent makes hilarity :P

[Blooze]

I think that what some of you fail to realize is that by getting involved you will be enhancing the experience of others. I always feel privileged to have the opportunity to speak to someone from another country.

[FLANKERATOR]

Bear also in mind English speaking skills! Not everybody speaks English fluently, so it's always more pressure when you have to think your words when chatting, let alone speak in combat. Those people would also struggle with comprehension when natives speak, especially certain accents.

Of course a welcoming TS is an excellent way to get fluent in English.

[ApoNOOB]

Mostly I am on the 104th&51st server, but generally I always join the TS of whatever community server i am flying on. Most often before starting DCS I will look in TS already and check where people are on comms. :D

 

Bear in mind my english is horrible, mostly self taught with no concept for grammar and pronunciation. Still people are always very friendly and seem to even understand me. The most problems I have is when trying to communicate with other people with similary bad english. But honestly as soon as somebody understands how the bullseye works and how to give a BRA etc. those problems go away.

 

In multiplayer communicating with my teammates is vital to me. Most pvp missions are set up in a way that expects A2G to work together with A2A for example. Sometimes the target area is very close the fighter front, sometimes targets need to be taken out to win the mission or neutralize threats. Nevermind a wingman looking out for you.

[karambiatos]

generally I always join the TS of whatever community server i am flying on.

 

same here.

 

but it sometimes really annoys me to see a full server and only 3 people on the teamspeak, sometimes i dont play because its boring being alone.

 

that said DCS really needs an ingame VOIP.

[Devrim]

I agree with accent and fluent issue.

 

My English is not good on texting, but it's not even fine when speaking. Once I entered a TS server, and a cute guy talked to me for two hours! Oooh my! What experinece! Giving answer was harder than fly P-51D! Never joined again... :)

 

But, I (we) must...

[Merlin-27]

I have to chime on this to offer some hope for the apprehensive pilots...

 

There often is a legitimate reason to feel a bit nervous upon entering your typical console or popular mainstream PC game. There is a very good chance you will find rooms full of belligerent or abusive personalities.

 

The good news: Flight sims with such an element of dedication, the learning curve and precision of DCS products tend to attract a more mature and stable crowd. Possibly the one downside to this is the intense nature of some of the groups and their passionate drive towards excellence. From what I have seen there are plenty of options to begin with a casual group and then if inclined, move on to a more serious environment if you want.

 

I can really only speak about the P-51 pilots I've flown with for the past year on several different TS servers. During that entire time I have witnessed very little that could be considered fearsome or awkward in any way. A surprising majority of DCS pilots are incredibly welcoming, friendly and helpful. And if you do find a server that does not suit you, simply jump out and find another.

 

It's like jumping in the ocean for the first time... it may be a little intimidating at first glance but you will be surprised how enjoyable it can be and I think most will agree that it adds a tremendous extra element to the experience.

[Suchacz]

that said DCS really needs an ingame VOIP.

THIS! :thumbup:

...and it should be integrated with the cockpit radio(s) and PTT switch(es)

Edited March 8, 2014 by Suchacz

[Pepec9124]

THIS! :thumbup:

...and it should be integrated with the cockpit radio(s) and PTT switch(es)

 

TARS is open source, right ?

[TAW_Blaze]

Not just integrated VOIP, but a complete overhaul of multiplayer interface.

[Supersheep]

@Pepec

No, it isn't. Headspace explained why somewhere in the thread, but basically, there's code in it that he originally created for paid projects and cannot legally make available.

[OGREMAN]

TeamSpeak .... Intimidation .. & manners

 

Hello fellow aviators,

I want to relate some of my experiences around TeamSpeak. Most of these observations have been alluded to in prev posts on this topic but are worth a "re-iteration".

In my squadron we have a policy of not allowing anyone to fly if they are not in TS3 comms with us. This includes squadron members no matter who they are and has led to the squads most senior people being kicked at times.

The BENEFITS .....

 

• 
  
• Better immersion & all round flight experience ... because even if you have little to contribute to the chatter, what you hear will always provide. a more rounded sense of awareness of what is going on.
  
• Rapid improvement in flight skills. Once you have established an on going dialog with another person you can gain new skills or help others develop rapidly by a live one on one interaction. The more you have to learn the better the learning process with one to one voice comms.
  
• Greater sense of team and community identity. It may take a little time and patience but your presence in conversations will lead to a true sense of being part of the group dynamic and is enjoyable rewarding even addictive.
  
• Strong and long lasting friendships are formed this way, providing more than just a flight sim experience. The opportunity to have regular social contact with people of very diverse ages and backgrounds.
  

The CHALLENGES

 

• 
  
• An audio based communication is language dependant which is an unfortunate limitation.
  
• Self discipline good manners and a respect for your fellow enthusiasts is a must. These things are necessary tools in any social interaction but become vital when you are communicating in a crowded room full of equally engaged and excited combatants, lets face it, a school yard "who can shout the loudest" protocol is not going to work. Two things that are central; BREVITY and TIMING. In a world where "flaming" is regarded as normal fare by some age groups it may come as a shock to realise that there has to be a FILTER BETWEEN MIND & MOUTH.
  

A final observation, I have noticed that it is common for new arrivals into a TS channel to simply "sit there in silence" , often leaving the channel after a minute or two and then wonder why they are not acknowledged or welcomed. Well these people have forgotten one or two basics of audio communication, you must SPEAK .... TRY A SIMPLE GREETING, SAY WHO YOU ARE because whilst you can see the channel is populated (having just joined) the other occupants may well be otherwise engaged in things that have their full attention like flying or combat engagement.

[Blooze]

Ogreman, your commentary truly sums up every aspect of this subject in a way that should leave no remaining questions concerning the benefits of Teamspeak or other alternative voice programs used within a multiplayer environment. IMO this would benefit the multiplayer community by becoming a sticky thread in the multiplayer category. Thanks for taking the time to offer this valuable post. :notworthy:

[Supersheep]

I agree, great post. Language is indeed an unfortunate limitation, but I think groups need to deal with it. There's no point in having Teamspeak when you need to dedicate half your neurons to trying to figure out what that guy is trying to say.

 

 

Comment on the last paragraph: I found that a separated Teamspeak with Guest/Lounge/Flight Areas works well. New members can use the open Guest part and get used to the concept of TS. Everyone can and will move them into the lounge to socialize, say Hello and get to know each other, and the Flight Channels are exactly for that - people get moved in and out of there if they fly in the lounge or chat in the flight channels.