Updating FAQ's
Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:54 pm
I'm going to list some FAQ's that may be a good idea to update/edit. Perhaps next time SSC material is gone over (for whatever reason, be it correcting typos, etc.) these can be added in as I feel they are important enough to be worth mentioning to the new user who comes across them.
http://www.sscentral.org/faq/general.html#39 (Other gear to bring to a war other than blaster) should probably make note of other war equipment like water balloons, refill bottles, towels, etc. Bottles for refilling (not drinking) are crucial to the success of many teams.
http://www.sscentral.org/homemade/materials_faq.html#2 (Question on ABS pipe) does not account for different regions where PVC is not available. (though this may not really be a big deal)
http://www.sscentral.org/homemade/aph_faq.html#7 (Backpacks): Having a link to the article on building baqckpacks would be helpful.
http://www.sscentral.org/mods/faq.html#9 (Straps): I should note that you can easily build a strap from ACE since usually you won't randomly come accross a strap everytime you need one. Here are the parts needed:
Ties from water gun boxes: The metal wire in plastic that BBT uses works well for this, and can be used to create hooks for the straps. Cable ties also work.
Strap: Sold by the foot; get 4ft or more for best results.
Two strap adjusters: I don't have the proper name for this, but they are needed to hold the strap to the hooks. It's a good idea to use a hair dryer or something to heat up the ends after the adjusters have been added so that they do not split up and become a mess.
Hooks: There are several solutions for hooks. Keychain holders/hooks that can be opened by merely pressing a metal bar work well for this but may be expensive. I went with two large keychain rings and two small hooks that allow the strap to be as easily removed from the gun as any other strap. (it was the cheapest option I could find but since I don't know the exact parts, you'll have to go to the hardware store and find them by yourself; most people there may not be able to help)
This may be a somewhat costly solution, possibly totaling to over $7 per strap. A better alternative may be to just buy the Super Soaker straps (if they're still available, or see if BBT will be willing to sell any) and to replace the plastic hooks when they break.
Overall, the straps FAQ could have a bit more information to help. I think a straps section should be added to the accessories page. http://www.sscentral.org/mods/accessory.html
http://www.sscentral.org/tactics/faq.html#24 (Rules of refilling): Most find the opposite to be true: most groups (that aren't just kids running around the backyard but actually in a serious water war) allow people to get soaked while refilling. Restricting attacks on those refilling simply takes away a crucial strategic component of water warfare. (plus someone can bend the rules and attack while refilling since most blasters permit it or if they have another soaker)
http://www.sscentral.org/tactics/faq.html#26 (Training): I'd at least suggest getting in shape. That's the best type of training and goes hand in hand with situational awareness; the sense of what to do.
http://www.sscentral.org/tactics/faq.html#17 (Weaon balance): This is probably not worth adding, but still worth mentioning. I have done wars that restrict the use of weaponry to lower ranged and lower powered soakers; generally any stream larger than 2x or 3x is not allowed. This is just a game rule and doesn't have to apply all the time but can be done to mix things up a little.
http://www.sscentral.org/faq/general.html#39 (Other gear to bring to a war other than blaster) should probably make note of other war equipment like water balloons, refill bottles, towels, etc. Bottles for refilling (not drinking) are crucial to the success of many teams.
http://www.sscentral.org/homemade/materials_faq.html#2 (Question on ABS pipe) does not account for different regions where PVC is not available. (though this may not really be a big deal)
http://www.sscentral.org/homemade/aph_faq.html#7 (Backpacks): Having a link to the article on building baqckpacks would be helpful.
http://www.sscentral.org/mods/faq.html#9 (Straps): I should note that you can easily build a strap from ACE since usually you won't randomly come accross a strap everytime you need one. Here are the parts needed:
Ties from water gun boxes: The metal wire in plastic that BBT uses works well for this, and can be used to create hooks for the straps. Cable ties also work.
Strap: Sold by the foot; get 4ft or more for best results.
Two strap adjusters: I don't have the proper name for this, but they are needed to hold the strap to the hooks. It's a good idea to use a hair dryer or something to heat up the ends after the adjusters have been added so that they do not split up and become a mess.
Hooks: There are several solutions for hooks. Keychain holders/hooks that can be opened by merely pressing a metal bar work well for this but may be expensive. I went with two large keychain rings and two small hooks that allow the strap to be as easily removed from the gun as any other strap. (it was the cheapest option I could find but since I don't know the exact parts, you'll have to go to the hardware store and find them by yourself; most people there may not be able to help)
This may be a somewhat costly solution, possibly totaling to over $7 per strap. A better alternative may be to just buy the Super Soaker straps (if they're still available, or see if BBT will be willing to sell any) and to replace the plastic hooks when they break.
Overall, the straps FAQ could have a bit more information to help. I think a straps section should be added to the accessories page. http://www.sscentral.org/mods/accessory.html
http://www.sscentral.org/tactics/faq.html#24 (Rules of refilling): Most find the opposite to be true: most groups (that aren't just kids running around the backyard but actually in a serious water war) allow people to get soaked while refilling. Restricting attacks on those refilling simply takes away a crucial strategic component of water warfare. (plus someone can bend the rules and attack while refilling since most blasters permit it or if they have another soaker)
http://www.sscentral.org/tactics/faq.html#26 (Training): I'd at least suggest getting in shape. That's the best type of training and goes hand in hand with situational awareness; the sense of what to do.
http://www.sscentral.org/tactics/faq.html#17 (Weaon balance): This is probably not worth adding, but still worth mentioning. I have done wars that restrict the use of weaponry to lower ranged and lower powered soakers; generally any stream larger than 2x or 3x is not allowed. This is just a game rule and doesn't have to apply all the time but can be done to mix things up a little.