Sunday, June 22nd, 2008
Issue: 79   Editor: SupaDupaNyxxie


Asking for Help ryneb
As a foreword I would like to ask that those players quoted or mentioned in this article would not be flooded with requests for help.

Being a new player on Bootleggers is tough. You start off with only $500, no one knows you, and no one wants to OC with you. It is quite possible to rank up and gain money all on your own but itÂ’s a tough road to travel. However there are a number of players out there who are more than willing to help out new players and make those first couple of days on Bootleggers easier. Getting help from others can be tough, but with the proper attitude and method of asking for help it can be attained. Hopefully this will help out those new players who choose to solicit help from others.

The most important thing to keep in mind when asking for help is language use. The official language of Bootleggers is English and by using proper English your chances of getting help are greatly increased. Using proper English was a common attribute that those who choose to help new players such as StylezPee, xCrosstown, and Conquest reiterated. For those who speak very little English your best bet is to start a thread in the Off Topic Forum in your language and start talking with whomever replies in it. Sending a BM to someone you don't know in Dutch, Arabic, or some other foreign language is a crapshoot and most likely your message will be going to someone who does not speak that language and will end up ignoring you.

After language comes the method of asking for help. There are two options available, Bootmails or starting threads in the Off Topic or Classifieds Forums. When asked there was no clear preferred method about asking for help. Your chances of gaining help from Bootmailing someone or starting a thread are pretty equal. But how you convey your request is very important. Rather than blatantly asking for money or an OC try asking questions about the game. By showing that you have an interest in the game you may just find some extra cash in your hands or have someone inviting you to join an OC. Being genuine is incredibly important too, as ProfTolkien put it, "When Bootmailing for money, go for quality and not quantity." Spamming a bunch of different players via Bootmails with requests for money will most likely go ignored. As a new player you may not be aware that there are a lot of dupes, or illegal accounts, who are trying mimic being a new player so that they can get some easy money to send to their real account. By being genuine and asking game related questions you have a much better chance of distinguishing yourself from the many dupes and increased odds of getting some help.

Having manners and showing respect is also crucial when soliciting for help. Showing respect is big to players such as aboo0d and tallie, a disrespectful approach will get you no where. Keep in mind what you're doing. You're asking someone else to take the time to reply to your Bootmail, part with their own money, or supply you with the necessary materials to OC. If your not respectful when asking expect to be ignored. Be nice and give a good impression of yourself, it will greatly pay off. Don't be greedy if someone gives you money. While 40 or 50 thousand dollars may not seem like a lot, it is much better than only having $500 to work with. It may be common sense, but if you receive any kind of help you need to show your appreciation and a simple thank you is all that's necessary. Manners are just as important on Bootleggers as they are in the real world.

Finally one of your best shots at getting some help is by simply playing the game. Taking the time to do enough crimes and booze transactions to rank up to Pee Wee is one of the best indicators to someone feeling generous that you are a genuine player and not a dupe. Players don't want to waste their time or money on someone that is just going to get bored with the game and quit. Helping a new player is an investment and having that investment be a bust isn't enjoyable for the player giving out help. Just by having the rank of Pee Wee your chances of getting help skyrocket so for all you new players start clicking away!