The 'if' is the problem there. I have fun grinding fayction standing, because I can do stuff on the side and don't mind the grind. Others might see this in a different light.

Perhaps we should move away from an individualist perspective and think about group dynamics. To be perfectly honest, most days the only reason I log on is for the social aspect. To be even more honest, out of everything I've done on VO, the most meaningful have been things I've done either for or with the guilds I have participated in. And while I haven't been in many guilds, I can say that of the ones I've been in, most new players who join vanish within a month. And by new players, I mean total newbs rather than established players on an alt.

I believe we need group / guild activities such as manufacturing ships or weapons that only guild members have access to. Anything really to build the sub communities bonds.

I'm inclined to think that VO would be more interesting if the universe were scaled smaller to match the low player base. More player interaction that way.

"I'm inclined to think that VO would be more interesting if the universe were scaled smaller to match the low player base. More player interaction that way."

Presumably, the goal is more players though...which might make this counter productive. In keeping with the direction this thread has gone, a better idea might be incentives for group activities. For example, missions that only a group of three or more can take. Bringing back the NPC pirates might increase the desire or need for player escorts. Increasing NPC convoys would increase activities by/for player pirates...if the voys were larger and perhaps had better escorts, it could lead to pirate group activities. Actually, just increasing NPC traffic might help too. Theres nothing saying that the NPCs must be military or traders. Why not increase NPC miners? or have groups of nationalists that from time to time attempt to breach enemy borders and attack a station sector? Or just random civilian traffic?

I think his point was for dramatic effect. I don't think there are many players here who would rather see the devs shrink the universe than do something far more productive.
His point is a good one, and a good counterargument to those who want the universe to expand.

I dont trade from nation to greyspace because:

*) escorts pay well and there is no risk
*) low profits and too time intensive
*40 mins for a good run in a moth?
*) enough profit from insystem trades
*) boring because i have enough money

I second the first three points made by AgY.

A new suggestion that came up in 100:

Put a big 100 percent helio roid in the middle of sedina b-8

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Good idea!

Wonder if it would be good for the roid to be a monument of a sort. A big pvp capitol marker stone?

Perhaps some of our graphic artists could do a suggestion or two?

Nonsense. It should be 100% Sedina Chocolate. And in the spirit of the season I fully don't support, shaped in the form of a giant Easter Bunny.

No, no, no! It would be 100% fish!

or it could change with each season....

even better.