Brian wrote:Unlimited transfers were offered before the season started to allow users to familiarise themselves with the tools provided and to make last minute changes to their teams, but once the season is underway there has to be an element of skill in the selection made. Furthermore, the fantasy game tries to mimic reality and in reality you would never have unlimited transfers but might have the occasional guest rider.
When we launched the game back in 2003 we allowed 3 transfers in any rolling 28 day period. Later this became 2 transfers per calendar months before arriving at the current 1 transfer per month. Naturally if Fantasy Speedway contestants think this is unfair or consider a different transfer policy we are willing to listen and could make changes for 2012, but as the 2011 game has already started we must stick to what is stated in the game rules.
Hi Brian,
As others have said, your website is far superior to the competitor's attempt - I have submitted teams in both competitions but am finding the experience via your website much less stressful and easier to follow! Please keep up the good work!
On the subject of transfers, I'd prefer them to work like the main fantasy football competitions, where you get a certain allocation of transfers for the season, and it's up to you (within reason) when you use them. For example, if 1 transfer was allocated for March (as there are never many qualifying matches in that month), and then 2 transfers per month thereafter (up to & including October), that would make 15 transfers for the season.
Each manager could get their allocation of 15 at the start of the season - some will 'panic' and use them up early, whilst others may save them up until playoff time. Either way, it adds to the different strategies available. It also means that as long as managers have some transfers in reserve, they can get themselves out of trouble if one or more of their riders get injured...with the current rules if you use your transfer early in the month, you could then be stuck with injured riders for several weeks. Perhaps a limit of no more than 4 transfers in any one week could be imposed, to prevent too many transfers being used in one go?
As a variation on a theme, the current rule of 1 (or maybe 2) transfers could be allowed, but with the twist that you don't have to use them within that month. Therefore, a manager who holds their transfers back could have 'saved up' 1 transfer by the end of March, 3 by the end of April, 5 by the end of May, etc. I must admit I've been a bit frustrated in the past with the current rule whereby if you don't use your transfer before the end of the month, you lose it. This latter suggestion might be a way around it...?
I think that with either of these approaches you're more likely to see some teams suddenly rocketing up the table at the end of the season, which surely adds to the excitement & unpredictability?!
Some food for thought if nothing else...hope that helps...
Simon
