First off, like it or not, a little background. I'm a newbie (been playing D3 since November, 2000). I may forever be a newbie. Only time will tell. I'm not a youngster so I've been around the block more than a few times. While I won't disclose my real age, that's irrelevant for this site, I think I'm one of the few grandpas in Descent3. Outside of a demo version of Nascar, I had never gamed. I got Descent3 bundled with a network kit I got after purchasing my second computer. Thought "what the hey", installed it and, with the help of a walk-through site, worked my way through a couple levels. Wondered about multiplayer. Tried it. WHOA! Different ball game. Was getting my butt shot off. Went looking for some help (sound familiar?). Did some reading. Did some practicing. Went back. Managed to stay alive a little longer.

In my travels I ran into some great pilots who advised and tried to train me. I also encountered some not-so-nice ones, like the guy who said," chase me, I won't fire". He then immediately turned and put a missile in my face. I started getting discouraged and frustrated. I came close to saying "to heck with it" and uninstalling the game (it's only one click away on the launcher screen). Instead I went to Descent Bulletin Boards and vented my rage. Said I wanted to create a web site for "Princes and Pricks", where I would acknowledge the good guys and brand the bad ones. Got a lot of responses. Most of them saying "Whoa, slow down cowboy, don't be so quick on the trigger. Who are you to judge?" And all came with good reasoning. My heartfelt thanks to all of them. They know who they are.

This caused me to do some real, honest thinking. I came to the realization that what D3 really needed was a way in which newbies could be nurtured through that trying period until they could hold their own. A place where they could interact, train and fight. A place where they could get personalized training from some of the great pilots out there. A community within the community of D3. A place where they wouldn't feel alone and isolated. And so, finally you ask "What's in it for you?"

For me it will be the day when anyone who becomes part of this community comes to me and says," I don't belong here any longer. My efficiency's up, my kill rate's up, I just got promoted, I've been invited to join a clan". For whatever reason they don't feel like a newbie anymore. I will, then, feel I've done my little bit to help. I only hope I can achieve that goal.

Just remember. That NEWBIE could become your worst nightmare.