UPDATED
To recap:
-Commander tags should have several colors available to be selected by commanders
-Additional colors should be able to be unlocked via some method (be it POSITIVE feedback or events)
Proposal Method 3.) Positive Reinforcement
Rather than making a negative method via downvotes to discourage bad commanding, I realized we should do it the true ArenaNet way. A system that would rely on a system to encourage GOOD commanding. What I propose is this, when a tagged commander successfully completes an event (probably group event or higher in PvE to discourage excess tagging), takes a camp, a tower, or even so much as takes guard post, they gain a stacking non-combat buff called momentum (for now). Each stack of momentum, is given to all players near the commander within a generous range. Now what momentum should be is essentially the birthday booster buff, split into a bunch of stacks. As the commander successfully completes events or takes/defends objectives in WvW, the stacks of magic find, gathering efficiency, world exp, and exp gain grow until capping at a reasonable percentage. The buff would remain on the commander and their squad as long as the commander did not release to waypoint after dying (or D/C or tag down). This provides a bit of forgiveness should the commander somehow manage to die, but have his squad save him. As a final touch, I would recommend making any tagged commander following within the radius of another tagged commander, unable to build the new momentum buff, and unable to receive its benefits until tagging down. This way momentum would encourage groups to be efficient and use a single commander, but not affect two commanders with momentum crossing each others paths (as infrequent as that might be)
Well, there is my updated, no negativity edition to encourage better commanders. Have at it you cynics!
Below are my initial proposals, before I added the in the feedback. I left it here for context
So with the latest QoL Patch from Anet I figure I would make a proposal on the eventual changes to the commander system before it actually goes through. In my opinion, there are two effective methods that will add commander differentiation and assure commander quality. Both are simple systems that rely on color.
Solution 1.) Customized commanders
In the customized Commander system, commanders unlock additional colors for their tags through player feedback. A commander under this system is appraised by right clicking their portrait while their tag is active. You can either like the commander, dislike them or don’t vote. At the daily reset, these votes are tallied, and a set sum of positive votes will work toward unlocking a color. Unlocked colors can then be applied to the tag, making it easier to differentiate a commanders purpose or location on the map. If a commander has a set sum of negative votes they are relegated to a predetermined color for the next 24 hours until the next reset. This will inform players that a commander has trolled, been inefficient, or was just irrationally disliked. 3 days of poor player feedback will disable tagging up for the rest of the week. This will ensure that players wont tag frivolously, but will make a conscious decision when they want to tag.
Solution 2.) All commanders are different colors
With this system you don’t unlock colors by amassing positive feedback, instead commanders are automatically assigned a basic unique tag color upon tagging up. My proposed feedback system would instead be seen directly through color tone. Negative votes would slowly fade and tarnish the tag, making it darker and grimier until it disappears. Positive feedback would gradually lighten the tags color until it shines vibrantly.
If either one of these solutions is chosen I have one additional proposal.
-Make a commander tags appear next to the commanders name in map chat when tagged.
These systems along with the previously suggested increased supply check range and account bound tags, would greatly improve the utility of commander tags. I sincerely hope Anet can make these systems work as they continue to improve this game. Feel free to suggest improvements to my system all.
(edited by Cerai.9741)