Why do so many people FAIL at dps.

[FudoMyoo]

I'm utterly confused now.

We have evolved into:-

1) Know the mechanics before you even step into the dungeon?
2) Parse your numbers to determine if you can step into the dungeon?
3) You are not supposed to "waste other gamers time" in a MMORPG?

And what else?

[Teashiori]

They're mad because they're bad

[Moonleg]

I utterly confused now.

We have evolved into:-

1) Know the mechanics before you even step into the dungeon?
2) Parse your numbers to determine if you can step into the dungeon?
3) You are not supposed to "waste other gamers time" in a MMORPG?

And what else?

1) Know the general mechanics of the game well enough that you can figure out where the fire is going to be on the floor so you don't stand there.
2) Parse your numbers to figure out if you're doing everything wrong or just need tweaking/practice on your current job. Target score: 1500. Current score: 1300. Good enough.
3) Don't furiously insist on 'learning the encounter blind' with randoms who at least expected being allowed to instruct a potential new player.

[Ageofwar]

I utterly confused now.

We have evolved into:-

1) Know the mechanics before you even step into the dungeon?
2) Parse your numbers to determine if you can step into the dungeon?
3) You are not supposed to "waste other gamers time" in a MMORPG?

And what else?

you forgot about know your job
and know the optimum rotation (by the numbers) for you job even if it goes against your play style

[Yasuhiro]

I utterly confused now.

We have evolved into:-

1) Know the mechanics before you even step into the dungeon?
2) Parse your numbers to determine if you can step into the dungeon?
3) You are not supposed to "waste other gamers time" in a MMORPG?

And what else?

Just started playing the game? Just unsubscribe immediately
That will be next.

[Zojha]

Just started playing the game? Just unsubscribe immediately
That will be next.

Heh, I can imagine it now. "Please show your qualifications for this video game." -hands over folder- "Oh no, I'm afraid we can't give you full access, but we may be able to offer you an internship..."

[Elazu]

and know the optimum rotation (by the numbers) for you job even if it goes against your play style

I'm a Thunder Mage. Ain't nobody telling me what to do.

[Alahra]

What I'm getting from this Parser Talk is that, while good for a general DPS range, that parser programs have questionable accuracy at best.

They're more accurate than you think--many differences that come up between parses tend to result from different users having different settings. Two different parsing programs most likely will not parse the same either--it is best to compare results from the same program (FFXIVApp is horribly inconsistent compared to ACT, for instance). It is also good to make sure that folks are using the same settings (ACT in particular lets you adjust all sorts of things, from how long it waits to drop encounter, from whether or not to simulate DoT ticks). The DoT ticks in particular for ACT are simulated, rather than based off of actual data (meaning the program makes some assumptions about which ticks crit and how much they hit for in general, based on what buffs are up at the time of application--which means that two users parsing the same attacks can end up with some variation because one user's program simulated 5 critical hits and the other did 8 or something).

So no, parsers don't have 100% accuracy (nor did Recount in WoW), but they can provide a general ballpark for someone to gauge their own performance or those of their group numbers. Personally, I haven't used one in awhile, as I found I was starting to worry too much about numbers. But they can still be a useful tool. I think using them to analyze pick up groups isn't a very good use for them, though: they're best for tracking your own performance in similar situations (I did 1000 on this boss last time--was I able to get higher?) and for helping a group of people you run with regularly to improve.

[Deathcharge]

Remember you CAN'T mix apples with oranges. It is ok to be in a dungeon with a new player learning their skills pre Heavensward. It is NOT ok having a level 60 "insert job here" that doesn't understand rotations or tanking or healing. The game is VERY grindy and you have LOTS of time to practice before you can do any Heavensward content. And I have seen even DRK that just stand in middle of the AEO damage of bosses just doing auto attacks just making people waste time. People don't expect perfection people expect RESPONSABILITY for each class being played in the dungeon.

[cgbspender]

They're more accurate than you think--many differences that come up between parses tend to result from different users having different settings. Two different parsing programs most likely will not parse the same either

Just like two same parsers with the exact same settings will parse different numbers. What else ?