The Standardized New-player Test

The SNpT based on the basic things newbie players should know, such as SF0 founders, tasks and groups.
I went through lists of new players and picked them based on interesting names, mostly.
The test turned out to be way easier than I thought, but that's okay. It's just supposed to inform new players.

The people who took the test are placed in order of who replied first. Here are their scores:
Little Albatross - Score: 68
Christophe Mann - Score: 78
The Animus - Score: 85
Dragonpaws - Score: 80
Mob Steppe - Score: 110
Et al - Score: 90
zer0gee - Score: 75

Statistical Analysis of Results
(MATHEMATICS! By dragonpaws)

The mean score was 83.71* points *+ or - 13.54 points

Level was strongly negatively correlated with score: r = -0.823, a statistically significant (not likely to occur by chance) correlation even in such a small sample. As peoples' level increases, their score on the SNPT decreases. Possibly this means they are forgetting "new player" details as they gain expertise in the game, indicating that the SNPT is an excellent test of "new player" status (has high validity)-- higher scores indicate the player has played less SF0.



Here's the Standard New Player Test (SNPT):

Username:
Current player name:
Date:



This is the Standardized
Test for new players. A new player must get at least 50 points to
make the step from Newbie to Player.
Do not look at the site or
any other source of answers while you do this test.
It is to test
your current knowledge.
If you fail you may take this test again
next week.
Each correct answer is worth a different amount of
points. There are 10 questions in all. The last three are bonus
questions.





1. What is the first task every player is assigned?

Worth 5 points.

2. What are the names of all the groups?

Worth 10 points

3. Who are the three founders of SF0?

Worth 15 points

4. Give a description of what Badges are
for:

Worth 20 points.

5. What is the picture on
the SF0 logo of?

Worth 20 points.

6. How many tasks are you allowed to be signed up for at a time?

Worth 10 points

7. What is the monthly cost for running the site?

Worth 20 points

-Bonus
Questions-

8. Why do you play SF0?

9. Invent a task:

10. Compose a (short or long) poem related to sf0:



-----
My first reply was from Little Albatross. I thought she'd be inactive, but she actually replied right away!
She passed with flying colors.
A little hint: The points are awarded based on creativity and style as well as correct answers. (But my task-takers didn't know that!)

Her test along with results:


Score: 68

Username: morningstar08
Current player name: Little Albatross
Date: the tenth of March in the year two-thousand and eight



1. What is the first task every player is assigned?
Easy. The player photograph. It's the only task I've completed so far.



Worth 5 points. (Correct)



2. What are the names of all the groups?
-the Society for Nihilistic Intent and Disruptive Efforts (aka S.N.I.D.E.)
-the Chrononautic Exploration group...whatever the actual name is
-BARTPA...the 'P' stands for something involving "psych-" and the 'A' is for Association...I think
-The University of Aesthematics
-Equivalenz
-Biodome...bio-something
-Humanitarians Gathering for Fun...the yellow one. That's obviously not the name.



Worth 10 points (Pretty close- 8 points) Answer to incorrect answers: Biome, Humanitarian Crisis.


3. Who are the three founders of SF0?
I have absolutely no idea.


Worth 15 points (Not quite- 0 points) Answer: Ian, Sam and Sean


4. Give a description of what Badges are for:
To mark significant achievements in your SF0 career and to represent the groups you've completed tasks for and your teams etc.

Worth 20 points. (Correct)


5. What is the picture on the SF0 logo of?
Haha. The Sutro Tower. I learned this because of "The High Score Task"

Worth 20 points. (correct)


6. How many tasks are you allowed to be signed up for at a time?
Ten.


Worth 10 points (correct)



7. What is the monthly cost for running the site?
Clueless. *pouts*


Worth 20 points (This ones kinda tricky- 0 points) Answer: $200



-Bonus Questions-

8. Why do you play SF0?
It gives me an excuse to do all kinds of things that I've always wanted to do. In fact, I'd actually thought of doing many of these task prior to even hearing about SF0. And now I browse the site and see some things that I've already done just for kicks and some things that I'd never considered but can't wait to try. It's quite an experience.

(Same with me- 10 points)

9. Invent a task:
Task Name: "Rewind"
Points: 25
Level: 2
Description: Pick a destination and walk there. Then, using the same route, recreate the journey as precisely as possible in reverse.

(Pretty good- 5 points)

10. Compose a (short or long) poem related to sf0:
Traversing city
Grafiti on the sidewalk
I saw that praxis.

(A haiku. Nice.- 5 points)

Cheers!

(Friendly "cheers"- 5 points)

----



Next came Christophe Mann.

Your score: 88
Minus points: (for bad grammar): 10
Final score: 78

(Unlucky for you I am an undercover Grammar Cop. Just doing my job.)
Note: when I sent the above message to Renard I spelled grammar "grammer". XD

Username: RenardRouge
Current player name: Christophe Mann
Date: 3/15/08


I dont know all of these and i didnt cheat - earning what is given is very important (correct- 10 points)

1. What is the first task every player is assigned?

Player Photograph - Get a Photo representing your character that doesn't neccessarily have to be of you personally.

Worth 5 points. (correct)


2. What are the names of all the groups?

Biome
Society for Nihilistic Intent or something

Worth 10 points (Both correct-2 points)


3. Who are the three founders of SF0?

Stan Steve and Earl ( i know thats not right, i didnt really pay attention)

Worth 15 points (incorrect, though they are s-names - 1 point)


4. Give a description of what Badges are for:

I actually have no idea - High scores?

Worth 20 points. (Hmmm. Sort of. Badges basically mark achievements, and some are for high scores, yes.- 15 points)


5. What is the picture on the SF0 logo of?

Some really effin huge radio tower in Cali.

Worth 20 points. (Sutro Tower to be precise. Remember the name, my friend. It's like the symbol of our freedom. lol- 20 points.)


6. How many tasks are you allowed to be signed up for at a time?

no idea, havent signed up for a lot of them

Worth 10 points (The "worth 10 points" is meant to sort of jolt your memory, but if you never knew in the first place...- 0 points.)


7. What is the monthly cost for running the site?

No idea, 100 dollars?

Worth 20 points (Close. 200 dollars. This is kinda to raise awareness.-10 points.)


-Bonus Questions-

8. Why do you play SF0?

I have been a rule follower my whole life, and after watching Fight Club, i realized how flawed i had been living my life. This site permits me to explore who i want to become and move away from the square i Used to be.
Thank you for this opportunity.

(Nice. 10 points.)

9. Invent a task:

Religious Fervor - Create a shrine to something or someone you really care about. Complexity and intricacy are important.

(lol, I created one just like this but it wasn't accepted. 10 points)



10. Compose a (short or long) poem related to sf0:

Sf0 elicits the me ive always wanted to be
I think of new ways of thinking - metacognition becomes paramount
How could i have been so blind.

(5 points)

----
Username & Current player name: The Animus
Date:3.17.08



1. What is the first task every player is assigned?

To take a picture of one's self.

(correct- 5 points)

2. What are the names of all the groups?
Oh geez..... I know one's BARTPA. What it stands for? BARTPAssociation. Heh.
I've seen Equivilenz (sp?) around a lot. Also, the Humanitarian Crisis is a group. I remember Biome, because I read up on all the drama regarding Loki's South Pole incident. I know SNIDE is the last group on the task list, and they're interesting, but I phale at acronyms.... And I can't think of any others.

(Hmm, weird way to spell "fail". Some correct- 5 points)

3. Who are the three founders of SF0?
I know Sam Lavigne is one. He sticks to memory for his bizarre player photo. The other two escape my memory.

(One correct- 5 points)

4. Give a description of what Badges are for:
Typically, they're to signify the player's participation in various events, groups, and eras.

(Basically, yeah.- 20 points)

5. What is the picture on the SF0 logo of?
It's of Sutro Tower. The High Score Task comes to mind.

(Yep- 20 points)

6. How many tasks are you allowed to be signed up for at a time?
One is allowed to be working on 10 tasks at once.

(Correct- 10 points)

7. What is the monthly cost for running the site?
One MILLION dollars! :: pinky-to-mouth ::

(lol)

8. Why do you play SF0?
A few years back, I was inspired by the movie Fight Club. I couldn't really do much with the inspiration, as I had no real use for a Project Mayhem, and no one else realized the plausibility of an organization independant of leadership and given strength through the focus of their goal. When I came across this site, I was initially looking at from a web designer's perspective, and I liked it. Eventually, I saw a few tasks, inferred the general gist of the game, and thought it was the best idea I've come across in years. I joined so that I could task, as tasking is an activity that's foreign to me. For example, I don't find myself to be a creative or impulsive person at all. And some of the best tasks I've seen were done with split-second decisions and an eye for true beauty. I hope to train myself into a well-rounded person with SF0. (What about you?)

(Cool, another test-taker said fight club inspired them as well. :D I myself play it because I enjoy doing crazy stuff anyways. I originally wanted to join Improv Everywhere, but they're in New York, but then I came across this a couple months back and I've been hooked every since.
I love how there's other people out there besides me who enjoy being free and expressing myself in ways typically viewed as weird.- 10 points)

9. Invent a task:
The first one I can think of seems a bit too specific to be interpreted creatively, but would definitely be a part of SNIDE's regime.
"Invite yourself to another player's home. When he or she is not looking, swap the contents of their DVD or CD cases. Then, ask to borrow something from their collection."

(Lol :D- 5 points)


10. Compose a (short or long) poem related to sf0:

Must complete the task,
Praxis is waiting for me.
I can has votes, plz?

(Internet meme quote gets my vote (rhymes, lol)- 5 points)

There you go. I've been trying to get my friends into this game, so I'll send em towards the test if I can. Also, hello, I'm a new player.

(I sort of assumed that you were new :D)

------

Username: Dragonpaws
Current player name: Why Not?
Date: 3/25/08


1. What is the first task every player is assigned?

Put up a picture of your character!
correct- 5 points. I must admit, your's is pretty cool :D

2. What are the names of all the groups?

Aesthetics, BART, Humanity in Crisis, Nihilistic Anarchy, The plant group, the time group

...I fail!
Not quite. You got the gist of it. I'll give you five.

3. Who are the three founders of SF0?

McGonigal and I dunno.
The answer would be McGonigal and her two great uncles. Sorry.

4. Give a description of what Badges are for:

To identify your affiliations to other players and mark various achievements.
Correct- 20 points

5. What is the picture on the SF0 logo of?

The Golden Gate Bridge.
You're the second person to answer that way. What's up with that?

6. How many tasks are you allowed to be signed up for at a time?

10
(Though if somebody else adds you as a collaborator on a task, you get bumped up over that limit)
Hey, even I didn't know that! about collabs! Nice!- 10+5 points


7. What is the monthly cost for running the site?

No idea
$200 dollahs. Gotta love them for keeping it ad-free!

-Bonus Questions-

8. Why do you play SF0?

I needed something to motivate me to leave the office (I'm a grad student) and really get involved in my environment. I live in a cool place.
Good enough reason. Cool places rock!- 5 points

9. Invent a task:

Warm Fuzzies for Unlikely Recipients:

Since knitting tasks are my primary form of praxis in real world and in game, let's say... knit (or crochet, or sew, or use any other kind of textile art technique to create) a sweater for an object or living being not typically sweatered. Make sure the sweater is sufficiently "sweatery," rather than just a covering.
Inanimate objects need warmth, too! - 10 points
p.s. You should make a Knitters Unite team. I know there's more of you.

10. Compose a (short or long) poem related to sf0:

Ode to SF0

Arma virumque cano
Troiae que primus aboris Italiam litorae...

I sing of games, and praxis,
from San Francisco to the shores of the east coast--
at this point my memory of Latin class
fails. My song can go no longer
for the rules of the event say
that I cannot use the internet
to supplement my memories
of Aeneas, and Troy,
and their journey.


Brilliant! - 20 points


--------


Username: Sehnsucht (current name: Mob Steppe)
Date: 3/22/2008


1. What is the first task every player is assigned?


To take a photograph of themselves.

Worth 5 points.
(Correct- 5 points)



2. What are the names of all the groups?

Biome

Equivalenz

BART Psychogeographical Association

The University of Aesthmatics

Chrononautic Exxon

Humanitarian Crisis

Society for Nihilistic Intent and Disruptive Efforts


Worth 10 points
(correct- 10 points)


3. Who are the three founders of SF0?

Sam Lavigne, Sean Mahan, Ian Kizu Blair.

(CORRECT!!!- 15 points)

Worth 15 points


4. Give a description of what Badges are for:

Badges represent accomplishments and perks and talents and also function as class signifiers.

Worth 20 points.

(correct- 20 points)


5. What is the picture on the SF0 logo of?

The Suttro Tower.

Worth 20 points.

(Oooo, misspelling. That's gonna cost ya- 10 points)
(correct answer- Sutro Tower)

6. How many tasks are you allowed to be signed up for at a time?

10.

(Correct- 10 point)
Worth 10 points



7. What is the monthly cost for running the site?

90 dollars.

(Actually it's $200 Pretty crazy, huh?)
Worth 20 points



-Bonus Questions-

8. Why do you play SF0?

Because it is the ideal synthesis of system with pleasure with creativity. Our passions are so chaotic and formless, thus requiring structure, but most of the structure present in society is cold, clinical, and inhuman. The structure of a game, however, appeals to the best in us.

(best description ever!- 20 points)

9. Invent a task:

Write a short story involving one main character. Leave the name and physical descriptions blank. Then follow someone around in a public place until you have filled in the blanks with their information, and leave the story somewhere they will get it, or give it to them and walk away.

or:

Paint a great deal of plastic knives in garish colours. Paint your body. Tape the knives to your body so that they are pointing outwards in the manner of a porpentine. Wearing only minimal clothing, leap at another human being who does not expect you, and howl with guttural, bestial abandon. Then, at the last second, run away.


(LOL- 20 points)




-----
username: misqueue
current player name: et al
date: 3/15/08

1. What is the first task every player is assigned?

Take a picture of yourself. The one task with an ADMITTED connection to your "real life".

(correct-5 points)

2. What are the names of all the groups?

S.N.I.D.E., Equivalenz, BART Psychogeographical Association, Biome, The
University of Aesthematics, Humanitarian Crisis, Chromonautic
Exploratorium

(Wow, you're the first person to get all of these :) - 10 points)
3. Who are the three founders of SF0?

...Sam? (one right- 5 points)

4. Give a description of what Badges are for:

Giving characters a sense of temporality otherwise absent from the internet.

(This is a really awesome answer, even though it's not "the" answer- 20 points.)

5. What is the picture on the SF0 logo of?

The Sutro Tower.
(Correct- 20 points)

6. How many tasks are you allowed to be signed up for at a time?

10.

(correct- 10 points)

7. What is the monthly cost for running the site?

$500.

(Close. It's $200)

-Bonus Questions-

8. Why do you play SF0?

It requires less commitment than actual revolution.

(10 points)

9. Invent a task:

Kill Garfield.
Creatively reject normal formulations of humor, especially those that reinforce existing structures of power.

(Cool! 5 points)

10. Compose a (short or long) poem related to sf0:

imaginary
rejections of everyday
life. impossible?

(Nice haiku. 5 points.)

--------

zer0gee's results

I was surprised at how much information I'd retained after only a few weeks playing here, and upon receiving my results, I immediately went to look up the correct answers for the things I didn't know. Thanks, Tricia!

1. What is the first task every player
is assigned?

Player Photograph

(Correct- 5 points)

2. What are the names of all the
groups?

Humanitarian Crisis, Biome, Equivalenz,
Chrononautic Exxon, SNIDE, University of Aesthmatics, BART
Psychogeographical Association

(Wow! You got all of them!- 10 points)

3. Who are the three founders of SF0?

Sean, Ian, and I forget the third
one...

(Semi-correct- 10 points)

4. Give a description of what Badges
are for:

Badges show team affiliations, and are
also given as awards for things such as shplanks. :)

(Good- 20 points)

5. What is the picture on the SF0 logo
of?

Golden Gate Bridge?

(lol, no. The answer is Sutro Tower)

6. How many tasks are you allowed to be
signed up for at a time?

Ten

(10 points)

7. What is the monthly cost for running
the site?

Um, I read this recently and can't
remember...um...$350 sticks in my head?

(Weird, a lot of people think it's
around $350, but it's actually $200.)

-Bonus Questions-

8. Why do you play SF0?

It's an outlet to share the results of
doing all the crazy stuff I would probably be doing anyway, it's a
ton of fun, I'm meeting AWESOME new people and learning AWESOME new
things.

(AWESOME- 5 points)

9. Invent a task:

"Killing Bees for Science" -
Test yourself and/or others for various allergies.

(This is COOL- 10 points)

10. Compose a (short or long) poem
related to sf0:

A Haiku for Tricia

SF0 is like

"Yay! Hey, guys! Look what I
did!

Your stuff is great, too!"

(lol- 5 points)

-----