SOS
LeFayeofAlbion
Posts: 518 ✭✭✭✭
Not the Statute of Secrecy, but a real SOS, like an in-app alarm?
I don’t know how to properly phrase it in case people think it’s stupid, but I was hoping we could have some sort of SOS button on the app? It could do anything from calling an emergency number or letting out a screeching mandrake ****?
You could make it optional for people who don’t want or need it. But I’m been encountering more creeps than oddities when I try hunting oddities at night. Even in the street right outside my apartment, let alone the closest inn or a greenhouse. I have pretty much given up on oddities at the moment. (I had to run away from an inn because it was also near a construction site and within a blink of an eye I was surrounded by leering creeping dudes. Never going there again, even in the daytime.)
I know people might complain about an extra icon on the screen, like the friends icon, that’s why you could make it optional to turn it on.
Please consider this; it would really help. Thanks!
Comments
Coming from a construction background, I’m sorry you encountered that behavior. But I know what you mean. Always be safe!
I think that's a very valid, fair, and substantial suggestion, @LeFayeofAlbion . While icons do clutter the screen, I think that's one people need to understand its importance and I highly support its implementation. When in game, there's no time to go to home screen, open phone app, dial 911. By that time, it's too late. I think a direct link within the app (on ALL pages) would be a great idea. Living in Flint, MI, I could see a value to something like this. And this also goes to everyone who says they want to be able to see players on the map. Absolutely not. This is an analogous representation as to why.
I only see one problem with an icon like this and I'm not a developer so I don't know how to avoid this issue - accidental 'tapping'. Sure, you can include a "confirm" option, but the way people tap through menus opens up a door to accidental "accept". No one wants to accidentally dial 911.
I really do support the idea as a concept, but I don't know how it could be efficiently, effectively, and adequately implemented. I do think it's a discussion worth having though.
To echo @Dogoutlaw - Always be safe. No game is worth your life or health.
@Craeft Thank you for understanding.
Regarding the issue you brought up about accidental tapping, instead of a simple ‘confirm’ on the second step, it could be a spell - a simple gesture, but vastly different from the other spells used in-game. It would fit with the theme and perhaps silence the inevitable few who might say that’s it’s ‘spoiling the experience.’
The spell doesn’t have to be precise or a trace. A pinching gesture, like we use in potion brewing, anywhere on the screen would work just fine. It might even be easier than looking down to see where exactly the ‘confirm’ button is, because hopefully, we won’t be using it often.
@LeFayeofAlbion I would not implement this feature if I were a developer. The liability of offering an emergency button is something that I wouldn't take on.
Not that I'm saying this isn't a good idea. There are a number of emergency button apps available, some linked to pay services. I think using one of these in conjunction with the app would solve some issues that have been brought up.
If I were developing this app myself (and I am more familiar with developing Android apps so this may be a little Androidy):
Echoing the sentiment, the first thing is for you to keep yourself safe and not rely on technology. While it is best to have a friend, even then maintaining awareness of your situation and not taking risks is paramount.
@Osprey1 - I love you.
That's freaking fabulous.
@LeFayeofAlbion I am so sorry you are experiencing these creeps.
I'm more "mature", grin, so I sometimes forget how horrible it was.
I think a phone app would be better suited to your needs. For one, 911 is only USA/Canada. Australia is 000, UK is 999, Europe 112. This would be crucial to have correct.
Many countries, Australia included can use 112 on mobile phones and be connected. It would be ideal to have this as an international standard.
I just did some Google searching about it and USA put hoax warnings up about using it on social media.
That said some phone models and carriers in the US will automatically redirect 112 calls to 911.
I use a Samsung and my phone has a panic button. It alerts whoever I choose with a text and call with a voice feature hearing what's going on? Not really sure about it as I have my husband set up to contact and when I tested it nothing happened!
I personally love oddities and during the full moon I'm often out all night hunting werewolves.
I never get out of my car and I have my English Staffy and German Shephard X dogs with me.
I did have some stalkerish behaviour towards me in Pogo so I know all the places to park where I'm hidden. e.g. One gym is at the front of a supermarket but I found I could reach it from behind the store next to the loading bay.
Maybe you need to recruit someone to the game so you can have a play buddy. Safety in numbers and all that.
Some aspects of games never translate well in different countries. ie. Yes, it's summer for you so they changed the pogo community day times. That doesnt translate well here where its winter and dark at 5.30. Half our community day is actually played at night.
Apologies for my post/rant, I did want to be more supportive for you. Just pretend English is not my mother tongue perhaps?