12-23-2023, 11:25 PM
(This post was last modified: 12-29-2023, 11:09 AM by lemonoppy. Edited 1 time in total.)
When I first joined the league two months ago, I did so because the ISFL *sounded* intriguing in concept. However, as I dipped my toes into the waters of the league, I immediately wished there was more of a comprehensive rookie guide than what was provided (https://forums.sim-football.com/showthread.php?tid=6235). Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with it even though the initial thread was created in 2017 (by SwagSloth who was “last seen” on 04/22/2023), mostly curated in 2019 (by TeyonSchavari who was “last seen” on 10/09/2023), and last updated in 2021 (by SchwarzNarr whose last post was on 10/31/2023). All of that to say is that I am just following the trend of the rookie guide getting a refresh about every two years, which I think now is about time.
As someone who taught high school students for multiple years at one point in my life, I find that it is important for people to know their own learning styles in order to maximize their comprehension and understanding especially in compulsory education. For the visual learners, please make note of the YouTube videos (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...IRWtu5bHbi) that @LtHudz has put together recently which was a huge help in me getting started. The forum is not overly complicated but it is also not the most intuitive site that is out there; in my opinion, I could see it as a minor barrier to entry/hurdle to have to overcome to getting acclimated into the league. Even though the rookie guide and LtHudz videos tell people how to update their player, I still see people on the Discord asking questions about it. Which brings us to interpersonal learners and the DSFL/Rookie Discord (located here: https://discord.com/invite/8QFmRnfpGp). I found that the Rookie Mentors play a critical role in getting new users set up in the league. They are virtually available throughout the day and are simply an @/ping away from helping answer any questions you might have. Just like in education and in life, sometimes it takes human-to-human interaction to better understand things.
So what am I trying to accomplish with this article then, if what we currently have in place did well enough to get me situated in the league? Well, as I said before, I wished there was more of a comprehensive rookie guide, emphasis on comprehensive. However, as I am still relatively new and do not know everything about the ISFL, please consider this a “how-to” interpretation from a new user.
This “how-to” is split up into three sections:
I. Onboarding Process
II. Navigating the Discord
III. Things to Consider
I. Onboarding Process
For those of you who remember the movie, 50 First Dates (2004), with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, *spoiler alert* because of her condition Barrymore’s character needed to watch a video every morning when she woke up acclimate her to the world. Much like that, or the first episode of Severance (Apple TV+), I wanted to create something that can be used repeatedly as a step-by-step tutorial on how to slowly integrate yourself into the ISFL. [Or for our younger users, create a Prologue: Escape the Nautiloid that can walk you through getting started in the league]
Step 1: Access the League Website (https://forums.sim-football.com/)
If you are reading this, then you have most likely found the league page also known as the forums.
Step 2: Create an Account
I would encourage you to use your Discord name for your forum/ISFL username because there will be situations where other people would like to reach out and connect with you but might get confused because of multiple names.
Step 3A: Join the Rookie/DSFL Discord (https://discord.com/invite/8QFmRnfpGp)
Before you create your player, I would suggest jumping into the Rookie Discord so you have access to the many helpful individuals in the league; mainly the GMs and rookie mentors. I put this as Step 3A because it is a quick way to ask any questions you might have and pick the brains of people who are a really great resource as you work through Step 3B.
Step 3B: Read the Rookie Guide (https://forums.sim-football.com/showthread.php?tid=6235)
The rookie guide is an in-depth tutorial on how to get setup in the league. It will walk you through player creation and the many other things that will occur during your time in the league.
Step 3C: *OPTIONAL* Watch the YouTube Tutorials (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...IRWtu5bHbi)
If you want a short TL;DR or if you are too timid to ask someone on the Rookie Discord, then these videos might be just for you. It is an awesome tool that you can use, pause, and rewind, to help you see/visualize some of the more nuanced steps in getting set up.
Step 4A: Done Creating a Player = Joining a Team
After you are done creating a player you will move on to the next part of the process. This part will vary player to player depending on when you joined the league. The ISFL has a 9-to-10 week seasonal cycle that has different ramping up points for new users. The point to know here is that once you have created your player, someone from the league will approve your player in your forum post giving you further instructions on what will happen next.
Step 4B: The Recruiting Process
All new users well be contacted by various teams asking some general questions trying to get to know *YOU* the user. Things like, “how did you hear about the ISFL/league?” or “so I see [insert name] referred you to the league, how do you do them?” Basically, teams want to see if you will be a good “fit” inside their locker rooms. It might feel uncomfortable/intimidating at first, but it is best to turn the questioning around on them; GMs love to boast about their teams and how great they are so do not hesitate to figure out if the team is a fit for you.
Step 5A: TPE = XP
TPE means “Training Points Earned”, but it is basically XP in video games terms. You earn TPE for the purposes of “leveling up” your player.
Step 5B: Earning TPE/Money
Earning TPE can be done in a multitude of ways. The easiest ways to get TPE is by doing your weekly activity checks (AC) and buying your weekly equipment…which brings us to earning money. Users will receive money through the player’s contracts they get when they join a team, but that money will only go so far in a given season. Reliable money can be made simply by being active in the #general chat on Discord, whereas our “gold star” earners can make money by writing media pieces, creating graphics, or taking a league job at some point.
Step 5C: *OPTIONAL* The Bare-Minimum to Have Fun
You have joined the league to have fun. Period. Full Stop… so how do you maximize your fun input while minimizing your “work” output? Although I am a firm believer in all users jumping into the deep end and immersing yourself into the league, I also get that people have real lives and other things to occupy/entertain themselves with. As such, you need to log on twice a week; Mondays before 8:00pm EST to make your predictions for the week (which you can copy and paste from your GM or anyone really) as well as do your activity check, buy your equipment, and do the PT (points task) --- then Fridays any time to claim your TPE and update your player. Some would consider that more than the “bare minimum” but this version of bare minimum greatly helps your player, your team, and makes your GMs life a lot easier.
Step 6: The Best Part
The center of the metaphorical league Tootsie Pop is and always will be the other users. The greatest allure of the ISFL will be the connections you make on the Discord with other users. You may enjoy the “dots”/simulation, but ultimately everyone stays for the online community. Ask anyone in the league why they are still on the league Discord and that will illustrate “The Best Part” of the ISFL. So welcome, come on in, and please stay awhile!
II. Navigating the Discord
Being new to a group can be daunting because you are on the outside looking in, especially when the group is virtually all online and behind a keyboard. The chat, at times, can be worked up about something and it is like watching the aftermath of a ten-car pileup and people are just typing over each other. So below are a few keys to deciphering what is going on in the Discord and how to best navigate which conversations to jump in on.
(A) Inside Jokes
Example: “While I respect the work that woelkers has done as DSFL commissioner, I believe that it may be time for a change in leadership.”
Admittedly, I do not fully understand this reference because it predates me joining the league but suffice it to say that it is an inside joke at this point to new users. However, it is frequently used in reference when something/someone needs to be better.
(B) Trash Talk
Example: “Dude you are so far from being an asset to the league with your sh*t in here”
Trash talk, poking fun, or whatever you want to call is a frequent occurrence in the chat. This one, on its face seems to be hostile, but is a quote that could fall under “Inside Jokes” and has now been repurposed to be a catch-all for people who are taking something a little too serious.
© Rants
Example: “F*CK THOS RE****** SIM”
“C*NT A** SIM”
“F*CK THIS SIM”
“WOLVERINE STUDIOS DESERVES TO BE F*CKING BLACKLISTED”
“BUM A** PROGRAMMERS”
“C*NT A*** SUM”
“F*CKBOYS WANT TO SUCK OFF B*TCH A** TEAMS”
“F*CK THIS SH**TTY SIM”
“F*CK THIZVTO HELL”
“F*CK THIS RE****** SHOT”
“IM DONE”
“I QUIT”
Not to be confused with trash talk, these outbursts are more or less genuine passion vomited from a keyboard. It comes from a place of competitive spirit, but be careful to not cross the line because the league has specific conduct and punishment policies (found here in the League Rulebook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M1eo...80vigmlgs2).
(D) Drama
Speaking of conduct and punishments, from time to time there will be users who cannot conduct themselves in an according manner and will be punished. However, these “juicy” and often controversial situations tend to permeate throughout the chat when it happens. First it starts with who was it and what did they do. Followed by talk about was it warranted and does the punishment fit the “crime”. Then eventually it turns into a league joke and most likely into an inside joke if enough time has passed.
(E) Stickers
:dogekek:
:simon:
:concernedfrog:
:shock:
:evil:
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, well a sticker can be worth an entire mood, sentiment, or simply that someone is bored. I find that the most common stickers across all servers and channels are the five that I just listed. They are a great way to join a conversation without actually saying anything.
(F) Making Friends
Example: "TBTTP"
This also could have been filed under “Inside Jokes” or “Drama” but I think that there is definite “frenemy” vibes at minimum when these five letters are thrown around inside the chat. I put this under making friends because shared experiences are what pulls people together and this is an instance that draws a chunk of people on the chat together in unison. You should post that in the #general chat and see what happens.
III. Things to Consider
If you have made it this far, please feel free to reach out to me so I can congratulate you individually. I am always impressed when people actually read what I write because I do take time to thoughtfully consider what I can contribute to the league that would be value added. Speaking of consideration, I implore you to consider the following:
1) If you have not written a media piece or created a graphics image, please be sure to do so at least once. There are so many talented users in the league and we are always looking for more people to contribute; it certainly makes our league a better place when more people are involved and share their talents.
2) Consider getting a league job when one becomes available or when one interests you. There is a natural ebb and flow to real life that creates vacancies within the league, so please think about applying for a position that you might think is interesting. If you do not like it, then at least you tried (and made some league money while you did it).
3) If you have never gambled in your life, the ISFL can ease you into it if it intrigues you enough. First start with user bets since you can bet as much or as little as you want on basically anything (as long as there is someone willing to take the other end of the bet). Next, there are weekly offerings during the season where you can make bets at the “Sportsbook”; these ones vary week to week but are based on ISFL games. Lastly, and most importantly, do not bet if you feel you have an addiction in real-life; it may be fake money but the mental connection is real.
4) Lastly, have fun and make new friends!
As someone who taught high school students for multiple years at one point in my life, I find that it is important for people to know their own learning styles in order to maximize their comprehension and understanding especially in compulsory education. For the visual learners, please make note of the YouTube videos (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...IRWtu5bHbi) that @LtHudz has put together recently which was a huge help in me getting started. The forum is not overly complicated but it is also not the most intuitive site that is out there; in my opinion, I could see it as a minor barrier to entry/hurdle to have to overcome to getting acclimated into the league. Even though the rookie guide and LtHudz videos tell people how to update their player, I still see people on the Discord asking questions about it. Which brings us to interpersonal learners and the DSFL/Rookie Discord (located here: https://discord.com/invite/8QFmRnfpGp). I found that the Rookie Mentors play a critical role in getting new users set up in the league. They are virtually available throughout the day and are simply an @/ping away from helping answer any questions you might have. Just like in education and in life, sometimes it takes human-to-human interaction to better understand things.
So what am I trying to accomplish with this article then, if what we currently have in place did well enough to get me situated in the league? Well, as I said before, I wished there was more of a comprehensive rookie guide, emphasis on comprehensive. However, as I am still relatively new and do not know everything about the ISFL, please consider this a “how-to” interpretation from a new user.
This “how-to” is split up into three sections:
I. Onboarding Process
II. Navigating the Discord
III. Things to Consider
I. Onboarding Process
For those of you who remember the movie, 50 First Dates (2004), with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, *spoiler alert* because of her condition Barrymore’s character needed to watch a video every morning when she woke up acclimate her to the world. Much like that, or the first episode of Severance (Apple TV+), I wanted to create something that can be used repeatedly as a step-by-step tutorial on how to slowly integrate yourself into the ISFL. [Or for our younger users, create a Prologue: Escape the Nautiloid that can walk you through getting started in the league]
Step 1: Access the League Website (https://forums.sim-football.com/)
If you are reading this, then you have most likely found the league page also known as the forums.
Step 2: Create an Account
I would encourage you to use your Discord name for your forum/ISFL username because there will be situations where other people would like to reach out and connect with you but might get confused because of multiple names.
Step 3A: Join the Rookie/DSFL Discord (https://discord.com/invite/8QFmRnfpGp)
Before you create your player, I would suggest jumping into the Rookie Discord so you have access to the many helpful individuals in the league; mainly the GMs and rookie mentors. I put this as Step 3A because it is a quick way to ask any questions you might have and pick the brains of people who are a really great resource as you work through Step 3B.
Step 3B: Read the Rookie Guide (https://forums.sim-football.com/showthread.php?tid=6235)
The rookie guide is an in-depth tutorial on how to get setup in the league. It will walk you through player creation and the many other things that will occur during your time in the league.
Step 3C: *OPTIONAL* Watch the YouTube Tutorials (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...IRWtu5bHbi)
If you want a short TL;DR or if you are too timid to ask someone on the Rookie Discord, then these videos might be just for you. It is an awesome tool that you can use, pause, and rewind, to help you see/visualize some of the more nuanced steps in getting set up.
Step 4A: Done Creating a Player = Joining a Team
After you are done creating a player you will move on to the next part of the process. This part will vary player to player depending on when you joined the league. The ISFL has a 9-to-10 week seasonal cycle that has different ramping up points for new users. The point to know here is that once you have created your player, someone from the league will approve your player in your forum post giving you further instructions on what will happen next.
Step 4B: The Recruiting Process
All new users well be contacted by various teams asking some general questions trying to get to know *YOU* the user. Things like, “how did you hear about the ISFL/league?” or “so I see [insert name] referred you to the league, how do you do them?” Basically, teams want to see if you will be a good “fit” inside their locker rooms. It might feel uncomfortable/intimidating at first, but it is best to turn the questioning around on them; GMs love to boast about their teams and how great they are so do not hesitate to figure out if the team is a fit for you.
Step 5A: TPE = XP
TPE means “Training Points Earned”, but it is basically XP in video games terms. You earn TPE for the purposes of “leveling up” your player.
Step 5B: Earning TPE/Money
Earning TPE can be done in a multitude of ways. The easiest ways to get TPE is by doing your weekly activity checks (AC) and buying your weekly equipment…which brings us to earning money. Users will receive money through the player’s contracts they get when they join a team, but that money will only go so far in a given season. Reliable money can be made simply by being active in the #general chat on Discord, whereas our “gold star” earners can make money by writing media pieces, creating graphics, or taking a league job at some point.
Step 5C: *OPTIONAL* The Bare-Minimum to Have Fun
You have joined the league to have fun. Period. Full Stop… so how do you maximize your fun input while minimizing your “work” output? Although I am a firm believer in all users jumping into the deep end and immersing yourself into the league, I also get that people have real lives and other things to occupy/entertain themselves with. As such, you need to log on twice a week; Mondays before 8:00pm EST to make your predictions for the week (which you can copy and paste from your GM or anyone really) as well as do your activity check, buy your equipment, and do the PT (points task) --- then Fridays any time to claim your TPE and update your player. Some would consider that more than the “bare minimum” but this version of bare minimum greatly helps your player, your team, and makes your GMs life a lot easier.
Step 6: The Best Part
The center of the metaphorical league Tootsie Pop is and always will be the other users. The greatest allure of the ISFL will be the connections you make on the Discord with other users. You may enjoy the “dots”/simulation, but ultimately everyone stays for the online community. Ask anyone in the league why they are still on the league Discord and that will illustrate “The Best Part” of the ISFL. So welcome, come on in, and please stay awhile!
II. Navigating the Discord
Being new to a group can be daunting because you are on the outside looking in, especially when the group is virtually all online and behind a keyboard. The chat, at times, can be worked up about something and it is like watching the aftermath of a ten-car pileup and people are just typing over each other. So below are a few keys to deciphering what is going on in the Discord and how to best navigate which conversations to jump in on.
(A) Inside Jokes
Example: “While I respect the work that woelkers has done as DSFL commissioner, I believe that it may be time for a change in leadership.”
Admittedly, I do not fully understand this reference because it predates me joining the league but suffice it to say that it is an inside joke at this point to new users. However, it is frequently used in reference when something/someone needs to be better.
(B) Trash Talk
Example: “Dude you are so far from being an asset to the league with your sh*t in here”
Trash talk, poking fun, or whatever you want to call is a frequent occurrence in the chat. This one, on its face seems to be hostile, but is a quote that could fall under “Inside Jokes” and has now been repurposed to be a catch-all for people who are taking something a little too serious.
© Rants
Example: “F*CK THOS RE****** SIM”
“C*NT A** SIM”
“F*CK THIS SIM”
“WOLVERINE STUDIOS DESERVES TO BE F*CKING BLACKLISTED”
“BUM A** PROGRAMMERS”
“C*NT A*** SUM”
“F*CKBOYS WANT TO SUCK OFF B*TCH A** TEAMS”
“F*CK THIS SH**TTY SIM”
“F*CK THIZVTO HELL”
“F*CK THIS RE****** SHOT”
“IM DONE”
“I QUIT”
Not to be confused with trash talk, these outbursts are more or less genuine passion vomited from a keyboard. It comes from a place of competitive spirit, but be careful to not cross the line because the league has specific conduct and punishment policies (found here in the League Rulebook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1M1eo...80vigmlgs2).
(D) Drama
Speaking of conduct and punishments, from time to time there will be users who cannot conduct themselves in an according manner and will be punished. However, these “juicy” and often controversial situations tend to permeate throughout the chat when it happens. First it starts with who was it and what did they do. Followed by talk about was it warranted and does the punishment fit the “crime”. Then eventually it turns into a league joke and most likely into an inside joke if enough time has passed.
(E) Stickers
:dogekek:
:simon:
:concernedfrog:
:shock:
:evil:
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, well a sticker can be worth an entire mood, sentiment, or simply that someone is bored. I find that the most common stickers across all servers and channels are the five that I just listed. They are a great way to join a conversation without actually saying anything.
(F) Making Friends
Example: "TBTTP"
This also could have been filed under “Inside Jokes” or “Drama” but I think that there is definite “frenemy” vibes at minimum when these five letters are thrown around inside the chat. I put this under making friends because shared experiences are what pulls people together and this is an instance that draws a chunk of people on the chat together in unison. You should post that in the #general chat and see what happens.
III. Things to Consider
If you have made it this far, please feel free to reach out to me so I can congratulate you individually. I am always impressed when people actually read what I write because I do take time to thoughtfully consider what I can contribute to the league that would be value added. Speaking of consideration, I implore you to consider the following:
1) If you have not written a media piece or created a graphics image, please be sure to do so at least once. There are so many talented users in the league and we are always looking for more people to contribute; it certainly makes our league a better place when more people are involved and share their talents.
2) Consider getting a league job when one becomes available or when one interests you. There is a natural ebb and flow to real life that creates vacancies within the league, so please think about applying for a position that you might think is interesting. If you do not like it, then at least you tried (and made some league money while you did it).
3) If you have never gambled in your life, the ISFL can ease you into it if it intrigues you enough. First start with user bets since you can bet as much or as little as you want on basically anything (as long as there is someone willing to take the other end of the bet). Next, there are weekly offerings during the season where you can make bets at the “Sportsbook”; these ones vary week to week but are based on ISFL games. Lastly, and most importantly, do not bet if you feel you have an addiction in real-life; it may be fake money but the mental connection is real.
4) Lastly, have fun and make new friends!