www.ditl.org

And why the extended first turns?

When we did it the first time it was for 2 reasons. 1 everyone has a ton of rebuilding to do. 2 it makes it so that fleets are substantially different from their DITL listings, which adds a much larger element of doubt to the equation that otherwise exist.

Of course it also means that newbies getting into it can screw up and suddenly have spent a decade going in the wrong direction with something.

I suppose that is true when everyone is not equally acquainted with the game.

Really the key to maximizing that period is to make sure you are making money each year so you can build up cash. Doing a big jump in R&D in that period if you can swing it. And building as many of the best ships as you can afford. Do that and you will be fine.

Don't worry, It's not entirely a sink/swim operation. Most governments have some form of advising body, a Council, a Senate, a clan structure, that can push them in the right direction.

Plus, every player should be asking questions... a lot of them... all the time.

I'm not kidding you guys either since the worst mistake you can make is to think you're doing the right thing and not try to confirm it somehow. Also remember that you shouldn't be moving turn to turn but should have an overall plan as to your goals.

And, most importantly

LEARN YOUR SHEETS!!!!!!

Speaking from experience?

I think the spreadsheets are fun, personally.

I agree. I love playing with the figures...

My favorite part is to see how much it would cost to make a Borg cube strength ship...

Deepcrush wrote:

Speaking from experience?

Oh yeah

I have a strong dislike for numbers.

Of course R&D, shipbuilding, and fleet deployments are fun.

I avoid to much toying with the numbers, I'm pretty sure everyone here knows that my hate of numbers is only surpassed by my hate of people.

I LOVE the spreadsheet...you think it's fun now...you should try taking one apart some time

Ok, this section. Exactly what are the benefits I'm going to gain here? What does a level represent? Does the cost represent a yearly cost or a total project cost across several years?