Main Event Breaks

[ikenbaseball]

Greg/Tom

I would like some clarification on whether you will consider a break for on-line drafters.

I was reading the OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE NATIONAL FANTASY BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (NFBC) MAIN EVENT and it states that:
There will be a 15-minute break after Round 10 and another 15-minute break after Round 20, and we will finish the draft after the final break.

As Dan mentioned before, a lot of on-line drafters would welcome a 15 minute break after 15 rounds.

I think it's the right thing to do.

Thanks

Krys

[Greg Ambrosius]

There are no breaks for the Online drafts. Sorry.

Why? Because a lot of bad can happen when we're shutting down each individual draft with 15 owners in it. We can't see who is coming back into the draft room when we turn it back on, or some owners may log out during the break, or we screw up when restarting, etc. Any number of things can happen and will happen during those breaks.

We also could have 3-5 Main Event drafts going at once and several other online drafts at that time. We have facilitators watching each one, but again it's not ideal to have that person stop and start each of the drafts.

Yes, it's not the same situation as the live drafts. The live drafts also don't have default lists in front of them. Live drafts also have folks talking and other leagues going on at once. They are different beasts. We understand that.

We aren't going to have breaks during the online drafts and I've explained why. This isn't changing, no matter how many threads this gets asked on. Sorry all.

[Yah Mule]

I would also like to request a few minutes of alone time in those leagues where I'm lucky enough to land Mike Trout. Thanks in advance.

[JohnP]

There are no breaks for the Online drafts. Sorry.

Why? Because a lot of bad can happen when we're shutting down each individual draft with 15 owners in it. We can't see who is coming back into the draft room when we turn it back on, or some owners may log out during the break, or we screw up when restarting, etc. Any number of things can happen and will happen during those breaks.

We also could have 3-5 Main Event drafts going at once and several other online drafts at that time. We have facilitators watching each one, but again it's not ideal to have that person stop and start each of the drafts.

Yes, it's not the same situation as the live drafts. The live drafts also don't have default lists in front of them. Live drafts also have folks talking and other leagues going on at once. They are different beasts. We understand that.

We aren't going to have breaks during the online drafts and I've explained why. This isn't changing, no matter how many threads this gets asked on. Sorry all.

I don't agree. There should be a break. What happens if an owner doesn't show up at the start of the online draft? Is the draft held up for 30 minutes while I try to log on? I am guessing that the draft would proceed as scheduled just as the live drafts do. Same could / should happen at the break spot(s) with an online draft. You would simply have to pause the draft at the appropriate time and start up 15 minutes later. I guess I am not seeing all of these "inherent risks" you are talking about by creating a break in the middle of the action. It's as simple as pausing the draft and restarting? We could even have an owner hit the help button at the appropriate time to "notify" the moderater? The risk of someone being booted off his / her computer is nil in my opinion. The action of pausing the draft really bounces someone off his / her connection? Adding 15 minutes to the draft jeopardizes my internet connection? Screwing up the restart....you just hit "resume" or something like that, no? Or there is some more rigorous process that happens? This is all not making sense to me. Why the opposition to the stated rules? Not trying to cause a shit storm - just trying to understand.

[Greg Ambrosius]

No shit storm needed John. Yes, I do see most of those technical problems possibly occurring. Once all 15 owners are in the online draft room it's best to keep going.

[Lunatic]

I'am doing online Main Event and Primetime for the first time after 10 years of live drafting. I don't see the need for a break after 10 and 20; why would you need a break? I participated in an Online Championship draft last night, ok, only 12 teams and faster than a main, but I went to the bathroom after a pick, didn't miss much and crossed off names when I returned. On 2/16 I participated in a 50 round express draft with 15 teams and no break; it didn't mean I didn't take a break.
It will be much easier for me to take a break during my online Main Event on 3/29 because i'am in the comfort of my own living room with no background noise. Nothing like hearing, Albert Pujols coming from the draft next to me in a ballroom (btw) live drafting is the best. It is tough to leave a live draft table to go to the bathroom, because you will surely find it hard to catch up.
Greg is correct, there is a difference between online drafting and Live drafting. I promise, you'll survive without the 2 15 minute breaks. If it wasn't for the fact I may have to go the the bathroom at a live event, I would forego the break myself.

And most importantly, please remember, There is NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!!!!

Oh, or don't play, but then Greg would cry.

[anpyanks]

I'm drafting two Main Events teams one in New York and the other online and I have no issues with no breaks online. If you want to have breaks then go to the live events.

[Doctor Who]

Agreed. I have done both online and live events. I understand those that want a break online, but like some have stated above, I think the risk of stopping is greater then the need for those to get a break. With software that the NFBC uses, as well as internet connections for some, there has been some problems in the past (IE someone lost connection and had to rush back on etc.). Also, in a live event, it is eay to see when everyone returns. Online, there is really no way to tell, or get a hold of that person if they are not back. I can see now coming back from a break and then someone getting a player on top of the rankings when they didn't know the draft had started back up. I'm fine with either, but as the media would say... this question has been asked and answered. Can't make everyone happy, but there are options for everyone.

[ikenbaseball]

Greg

I have to admit that I am disappointed with your reply. I would like to think we follow the official rules and not deviate.

A savy drafter who has two 15 minute breaks has an unfair advantage over the rest of the field. Period. I shouldn't have pay extra expenses and fly to a live event for this privilege.

I'm not going to push the envelope on this one as it seems like this topic has been brought up before.

Good luck to everyone.

Krys.

[TParsons]

Greg

I have to admit that I am disappointed with your reply. I would like to think we follow the official rules and not deviate.

A savy drafter who has two 15 minute breaks has an unfair advantage over the rest of the field. Period. I shouldn't have pay extra expenses and fly to a live event for this privilege.

I'm not going to push the envelope on this one as it seems like this topic has been brought up before.

Good luck to everyone.

Krys.

Online drafters are already paying an "event."

[anpyanks]

Greg

I have to admit that I am disappointed with your reply. I would like to think we follow the official rules and not deviate.

A savy drafter who has two 15 minute breaks has an unfair advantage over the rest of the field. Period. I shouldn't have pay extra expenses and fly to a live event for this privilege.

I'm not going to push the envelope on this one as it seems like this topic has been brought up before.

Good luck to everyone.

Krys.

There have never been breaks for online (at least that I can remember) how is he deviating from anything? And if you think two 15 minute breaks at a live draft has an advantage over the rest of the field then like I said go to the live events (trust me though there is no advantage everyone is pissing, eating, socializing, or looking at other drafts).

[Lunatic]

Greg

I have to admit that I am disappointed with your reply. I would like to think we follow the official rules and not deviate.

A savy drafter who has two 15 minute breaks has an unfair advantage over the rest of the field. Period. I shouldn't have pay extra expenses and fly to a live event for this privilege.

I'm not going to push the envelope on this one as it seems like this topic has been brought up before.

Good luck to everyone.

Krys.

What advantage does a 15 minute break give to the savy drafter? Please don't say time to analyze his damn pick in round 11 or 21; please don't say to strategize or look at the competition.
Now, they do get to try and charge their computer battery, but hey, you already have that advantage.
Personally, I would file a lawsuit for breach of contract (or, pissing on your right to a break)
All jabs aside, Krys, you'll see this isn't a big deal, btw, weren't you in the 50 round express draft?

[BK METS]

Greg

I have to admit that I am disappointed with your reply. I would like to think we follow the official rules and not deviate.

A savy drafter who has two 15 minute breaks has an unfair advantage over the rest of the field. Period. I shouldn't have pay extra expenses and fly to a live event for this privilege.

I'm not going to push the envelope on this one as it seems like this topic has been brought up before.

Good luck to everyone.

Krys.

There have never been breaks for online (at least that I can remember) how is he deviating from anything? And if you think two 15 minute breaks at a live draft has an advantage over the rest of the field then like I said go to the live events (trust me though there is no advantage everyone is pissing, eating, socializing, or looking at other drafts).

I have done both. In reality, depending upon when you are drafting, you have a 5-10 minute break EVERY round, when you are online, if you want it. Not so for a live draft. You cant go to the bathroom between picks... you have a ton of things going on around you with other drafters talking, many other drafts going on at the same time... There is NO advantage, NONE, to drafting live. In fact, it might even be a disadvantage, from my perspective, and like I said, I have done both.

[anpyanks]

Greg

I have to admit that I am disappointed with your reply. I would like to think we follow the official rules and not deviate.

A savy drafter who has two 15 minute breaks has an unfair advantage over the rest of the field. Period. I shouldn't have pay extra expenses and fly to a live event for this privilege.

I'm not going to push the envelope on this one as it seems like this topic has been brought up before.

Good luck to everyone.

Krys.

What advantage does a 15 minute break give to the savy drafter? Please don't say time to analyze his damn pick in round 11 or 21; please don't say to strategize or look at the competition.
Now, they do get to try and charge their computer battery, but hey, you already have that advantage.
Personally, I would file a lawsuit for breach of contract (or, pissing on your right to a break)
All jabs aside, Krys, you'll see this isn't a big deal, btw, weren't you in the 50 round express draft?

I'm sure he did an express cause I drafted a slow draft early in the year and he was always trying to move the draft along quickly so I'm sure a guy like him doesn't need a break cause he certainly wasn't looking to slow down in that draft. As a matter of fact he said that he doesn't like 8 hour slow drafts cause he doesn't have the patience yet he now wants break. Like you said Jim and others on this thread there is no advantage.

[Walla Walla]

I made a post asking about the rule with breaks. The author of this tried to enlist me to change Greg's Rule. While I don't agree with the rule it's still the rule and no one has to sign up for the on line draft if they don't want to. My point was to show the advantage of a life draft! Two breaks, Food, Drinks, Hot ladies, and the best players in fantasy baseball.

[Greg Ambrosius]

I made a post asking about the rule with breaks. The author of this tried to enlist me to change Greg's Rule. While I don't agree with the rule it's still the rule and no one has to sign up for the on line draft if they don't want to. My point was to show the advantage of a life draft! Two breaks, Food, Drinks, Hot ladies, and the best players in fantasy baseball.

Sorry John, you've been away from the NFBC for too long. Hot ladies are gone!!

[Quahogs]

Who is this Smiley face Walla Walla guy ? Happy post after happy post. Not the guy I've grown up with, WTH ??
Board needs a new curmudgeon now. I nominate F'in Bama !

[Cobb]

Don't forget this, the online drafters don't have to deal with the draft next to you yelling out: TEHERAN: a few picks before your up in your league...then the clown in front of you going, "oh, forgot about him: I'll take TEHERAN".

[glenlake22]

Man, after 6 years of reading the boards and all the talk of live drafts, I'm really just getting more and more nervous about attending one. I mean, are you guys drafting a fantasy baseball team or putting together a proposal for peace in the Middle East out in Vegas? It sounds tough.

After we win the main this year, I'm thinking about coming down and checking out what all the hoopla is about. At the very least, I'll be able to tell myself that my $75 event fee is going toward my own entertainment! (Can't wait for that debate to hit again; that's when grasping at straws hits critical mass!!)

I love the NFBC.

-Hopkins Syndicate

[Lunatic]

If you signup for one of the packages, i.e.,The Main and the Prime, there are no EVENTS fees; pretty nice deal and a chance to win an additional $75,000

[DOUGHBOYS]

Man, after 6 years of reading the boards and all the talk of live drafts, I'm really just getting more and more nervous about attending one. I mean, are you guys drafting a fantasy baseball team or putting together a proposal for peace in the Middle East out in Vegas? It sounds tough.

After we win the main this year, I'm thinking about coming down and checking out what all the hoopla is about. At the very least, I'll be able to tell myself that my $75 event fee is going toward my own entertainment! (Can't wait for that debate to hit again; that's when grasping at straws hits critical mass!!)

I love the NFBC.

-Hopkins Syndicate

HA!
I love this time of year on the Message Boards. Every comment could spark another comment, etc, etc.
The Boards are teaming with drafters. And these drafters got the itch for drafting in a big event and want the season to begin. NOW.
Testosterone is all over the place. And my opinion is better than your opinion.

Me too.
I love the NFBC.

[Gekko]

I like the posts (or lack thereof) around the end of April when folks realize they didn't do enough prep to compete!!!

[Deadheadz]

NFBC is my crack!

[morons]

NO BREAKS FOR ONLINE DRAFTS: I agree with BK, when you are sitting at home doing a draft, you can get up anytime you want and use the restroom, let the dogs out, grab another beer, whatever....If you're going to be a while in the can, then take your laptop/tablet in there and keep drafting....What could be better, really...

I'd vote for only one break at live drafts. Too often there are multiple drafts in one room (at Bellagio at least) and drafts break at different times, such that one draft is still going but another draft has 15 guys huddled around their board kibitzing about the draft and making noise...

Also, a savvy drafter doesn't benefit from the breaks....Its the dopey unprepared guy who benefits from the break and is in the bathroom on the phone getting help from his pal...

[COZ]

Great point about the drafts in the same room breaking at different times and the ensuing noise absolutely overwhelming the on-going draft. Maybe all drafts break at the same time to avoid distraction?

Reminds me of last week eating lunch at Potbelly's at 11:30 AM and there were like 5 people eating... quiet and peaceful enjoying my roast beef while reading the paper. And then, like an ensuing wave, four busloads of high school kids rushed the joint and my peace and quiet turned into a HS cafeteria. At least the cheerleaders and dance teams were dressed in full unis to help defuse my anger. Anyways, that is pretty much what it sounds like when one draft breaks while the other is still on-going.

P.S. Re: Online drafts. I vote no potty breaks.

COZ