Why we need parsers

[SirTaint]

I don't get how this proves we need parsers. All this proves is that you can definitely see bad players without parsers.

And for real if the guy was standing around and doing nothing, a parser isn't going to change that kind of performance.

Part of the problem is people have no idea if they are good or bad.

If you mention their low dps they get defensive. If they could see they do half the dps of the other players they might be inclined to learn a better rotation.

[Catsby]

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how valuable a tool is in an online game. People will piss and moan about the negatives or strawman it out of viability.

[Vandril]

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how valuable a tool is in an online game. People will piss and moan about the negatives or strawman it out of viability.

It's not strawman to say that parsers bring out the elitists in any MMO community. In my opinion, a healthier community is far more beneficial overall than knowing that someone in your group is doing worse than someone else. It's been proven time and time again, in practically every MMO that introduces or openly allows parsers, that the existence of such parsers acts as a catalyst for the poisoning of a soon-to-be toxic community. Players just can't help themselves. When that information is available to them, they will use it. That's the nature of a gamer, really.

Parsers are hardly necessary. Content is being cleared. A lot. By many people. Even when it's relevant.

However, I do think there should be some way for players to understand their overall individual performance. I understand the desire to know where one is standing in comparison to the norm or average. However, I do not think, even slightly, that this feature should come in the form of a parser. A different, innovative solution that does not foster interpersonal elitism should be found.

[SirTaint]

However, I do think there should be some way for players to understand their overall individual performance. I understand the desire to know where one is standing in comparison to the norm or average. However, I do not think, even slightly, that this feature should come in the form of a parser. A different, innovative solution that does not foster interpersonal elitism should be found.

What if the parse was only available to the individual? You couldn't grief anyone, but it would allow people to see if their rotation needs work or not. If was also allow players to evaluate gear and gear upgrades.

People with parsers have a huge number of advantages, why not let the masses in on some of the information?

[m3eansean]

Everything in life has a metric to gauge your competency against others and the given situation. School, work, sports etc. They all test an individuals skill level against others in the same situation and use it to gauge personal performance. It is always a good thing as it engenders improvement.

It would be a positive influence to this game and a HUGE reality check to many DPS players.

[Trespar]

Or it would create more opportunities for asshats to insult other people.

[KikoriL]

Or it would create more opportunities for asshats to insult other people.

Which would be reportable, and very easily followed up on. I haven't sent a harassment report yet that wasn't responded to by the time I logged out.
But yeah, it'd create more opportunities for figuring out who needs teaching on their job's tricks than chances to show your butt.

[Parawill]

Or it would create more opportunities for asshats to insult other people.

:-) With this logic, you can say having a human brain creates opportunities for massacre, invention and a variety of other things. This is bringing it to the extremes, but in all honesty, it's a go-to argument as it's a touchy topic in this community.

Parsing isn't necessary, but it is wonderful in pin-pointing who is slacking and seeking ways to optimize oneself. Square Enix's stance on parsing is "don't use it" but there hasn't been a massive ban wave (or suspension) of those who do use it and use it positively.

Anyways, the most you can do at the moment is just kick people who are doing nothing. You can generally tell by their aggro bars in the party window, even though it doesn't represent the amount of DPS due to Quelling Strikes and a variety of different factors (adds, etc.).

[Lorielle]

The parser being available to people isn't going to make them suddenly care about their performance. If they're dying constantly and not contributing, they already know. But they are counting on their party to help them out. Parsing only helps those that actually care about their DPS numbers and what to know where they stand and how to increase it.

[Kabooa]

The parser being available to people isn't going to make them suddenly care about their performance. If they're dying constantly and not contributing, they already know. But they are counting on their party to help them out. Parsing only helps those that actually care about their DPS numbers and what to know where they stand and how to increase it.

Sounds like a good enough reason to have it to me.