Sunday, June 6th, 2010
Issue: 31   Editor: HowlingMadMika


Going Underground Khaos
Since the mass restriction on crews, the addition of the crew tax, and restriction of available crew spots, there has been a mass rise of the “underground” nation. However, has it really worked or are the already established crews dropping from the stats then re-establishing their place amongst the official elite.

The threat of to be wiped from the statistics can be a serious issue for many crews. Especially if a leak was to occur, as in the recent case of The Order. However, former Revelation (stats crew) member KapteinSabeltann suggested that “Underground crews are a must, to keep on-stats-crews on the edge at all times, to feel they are not safe, and in many ways not able to do anything about it other than killing an eventual shooter.” Underground Crews have the massive advantage that they are “Underground” they aren’t recognised other than maybe the profile picture association on some members profiles. However, how do you attack someone when you don’t know who it is that you are supposed to be attacking.

One of the most interesting views on the issue was infact from DepartedHerrings is that “The only thing I fear about UG crews is that I do not know who it is; not having anything to retaliate against. Yeah, underground groups of people who like to shoot those on stats are something all on-stat crews are made to be aware of are a threat, but we know nothing can be done to stop it.” The very real threat therefore for such a blasé response suggests most on stats crews know nothing can be done but are ready such an event should occur. VooDooDoll, a Senior Moderator, agrees. She suggested, “It's easier to fly under the radar when you aren't on the Stats page.”
So maybe to avoid death the underground crew will be the way forward.

Alternatively, it is evident that some crews have even made good relations with underground crews. Royboy94V2 when interviewed suggested “so far we haven't ran into any trouble and have made good relations with crews on stats and also UG crews. It seems its not just strength its also who you know” which is very interesting as many crews have external forums and good alliance formations with other crews both on the statistics page and underground.

Many crew members that were interviewed all concluded that they feel prepared if anything goes wrong. Indicating most statistics crews believe they have the strength to retain their position if an attack were to take place. On the other side of the coin, however, DemonV2 suggested “Our aim is to hit the stats as a successful crew and to stay there, we would also like to have a strong backing by UG members etc. and WE WILL hit stats when we are ready.” Overconfidence or a real threat. You decide!