SimHQ.com - 2008: Double Aught and Almost Naught

by Frank "Dart" Giger

It was pretty tough putting together the annual “Year in Review” article that comes around this time of year, with the staff grousing about the overuse of the word “upcoming” that seemed to go with “in 2009.”

However, there was a lot of good stuff this last year to keep us positive as we wait for the building pile of simulations that have been pushed out.

SimHQ saw a big upgrade in software and a fantastic addition of both plans for an expanded download list and SimHQ.TV, which hosts all the videos featured on the site as well as some that really stand out.

Much like the fabled coelacanth, it appears that a live, working search function does indeed exist in the seas of SimHQ.

But all the upgrades in the world couldn’t match the contributions of the membership to making this place as popular as it is. From our own Dart’s mammoth “Afrika ’41” AAR that proved that quantity is its own quality, ArmA “Military Monday” screenshots and videos, to fantastic write-ups that cover everything from YAP to Harpoon by the membership, one could spend hours and hours enjoying the site without ever having to fire up a single simulation!

The Current Events Forum proved its detractors wrong in that it is far more civil and thoughtful than it is a flamefest arena of insults and crackpots.

By far, the best of the site is the willingness of the membership (you!) to help others out with problems and provide advice in a sincere, useful manner. From HOTAS mapping to what to order on a menu in an Indian restaurant — it's all there in the forums. Without all the terrific member contributions, this place simply wouldn’t work.

The list below is from last year's "simulations for 2008" report. We've added new titles announced since it was completed. Check the Release Dates page for up-to-date information in 2009.

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2008 Observations

by Tom "20mm" Hayden

My 2008 observations are no doubt influenced by recent events, here locally and in the world. Change is never easy for human beings. The change to SimHQ was not without some angst for those uncomfortable with the new format. Some people didn't like the new look or this or that. We listened and tweaked, provided layout and color variations, and listened some more to members wishes. But with the site design going-on 5 years, the change was way past due. More new features are planned in 2009.

As noted, we added the Current Events Forum and that was not without controversy, both in the membership and among the Staff. But as long as people continue to debate the topic, not resort to insulting each other, we'll keep it going.

And as much as things change, some remain consistent. "PanzerMeyer" remains our top poster and recently went over the 40,000 post mark. semmern's "Last Word" thread just keeps on trucking with over 24,000 views, and 2,100 posts. The SimHQ Staff did a remarkable job of articles in 2008. Magnum, PFunk, McGonigle, Cat, Ghost, John Reynolds, Dart, Beach, Chunx, and more. We hope you enjoyed it, maybe learn a little bit.

I had a good time in the forums this year, hope you did too. We got goofy, got serious, asked for help and got it. We posted about our lives, our loves, our passions, our music, just what's going on.

The Event Photography Forum rocked! What a bunch of talented people who share their work with us, and people who are new or just need a little help are never left out. Likewise, the Screenshots and Videos Forum has a ton of great stuff.

And with that said, we'll move on to...

My Favorite Threads in 2008

No year would be complete without a "I've been drinking" thread by our own Tom Cofield. Here's a good one.

I hesitate to use the word "Favorite" when describing this thread about copy protection from the DCS Black Shark Forum, but it certainly was popular.

While not a thread per se, this next one points to our Current Events forum. As noted above, it has had it's detractors, but far more supporters and if you're up to a little lively debate with some of your fellow SimHQ'ers, this is the place to be.

Weasel_Keeper's Did you know Jay "Weasel_Keeper" Jenkins races cars for real? Well, he does, and he's documented his 2008 season exploits as a first-year SCCA racer. After being a long time flight simmer, Jay tried his hand at sim racing, and the rest was history.

And last, here's an example of great customer support by the makers of Steel Beasts Pro PE, posted by ESims "Ssnake".

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