Thought on improving PBEM

[Toad]

I have an idea to help improve PBEM exchanges.

Often, a PBEM file is simply 60 seconds of movie. As soon as you're finished watching it, it's time to send your reply back your opponent.

Sometimes, however, you also need to plan your turn moves before sending the file back.

I have developed the habit of using the fast-forward button to race through PBEM movies, just to learn if it ends with an immediate return send, or if I need to enter my next moves. There's no point in making my opponent needlessly wait for my reply, if there's nothing for me to add. I can watch the movie as much as I like, planning my next moves while my opponent starts working on the next turn.

Of course, after I race through the movie, I always have to re-load the file to watch the movie properly. Either right after sending an immediate reply to my opponent, or because I need to see it and then enter my next moves.

It would be nice if CM could tell you in advance if all you need to do is watch the movie and reply, or if this is a enter-your-moves round.

Toad

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Toad

Ontario, Canada

[chrisl]

You can do that with your file naming convention.

One of the common ones is abc:

turn 1, first players orders:

ScenarioName1a

turn 1, movie (watch and return):

ScenarioName1b

turn 1, movie, and enter new orders:

ScenarioName1c

Another way is:

Turn 1, US orders:

ScenarioNameUS01

Turn 1, German Movie (made by the German)

ScenarionameGEMovie01

This gets watched and returned as:

ScenarioNameUSMovie01

etc.