Spa Leveling

Suzee,

I don't go to the mkt to check individual prices of each ingredient + the product itself each time. Prices don't change too much in a rather short time (though the product price generally weighs more in the assessment and may drift rather quickly). But I stroll the markets daily, all of them, so, it's easy for me to assess convenience or not of making something in no time by just opening the workbook and seeing if current prices -from my memory..., LOL- change things a lot or a little.

But, of course, it's fine you think time in mkt is time sunk. Like I said before, play as you like, the way that suits you best. (Anyway, I did sink time in building those workbooks... LOL).

 

@all: I re-read my last comment and it sounded a bit aggressive when it was not at all meant to be. It's the disadvantages of not being english native.

Bearing that in mind, everyone is entitled to have their gamestyle of play, no question from me about it.
It just seems that, since artisan drops do come freely without doing anything (unless you put EP-giver items on growing fields!) and crops do grow in large quantities for each harvest, it's strange for me to consider their value when making a recipe. It's less strange when you consider tree fruits and workshop products although for different reasons. Fruit is cheap but it takes forever. Products also take forever but not readily available in large quantities, so it's too expensive to buy and too cheap to sell.

As for being similar to real life Aluntino, I have to disagree on that. Or partially.
Skipping over the absurdities of the game like eggs in trees or air conditioners coming out of the ground, since it's just the enjoyable spirit of the game (and quite charming after the initial shock), planting any crop just need the starter seeds to get the machine going and they cost free afterwards as long as you never exhaust them in delivers.
In real life, planting and growing stuff is not exactly cost free.
The market is similar to real life because players do play it like in real life. And not the opposite. It's a strange feature of this game, one I never agree on it but I have to play along the best way I can.
I never dare to say what could be done about the market, at the risk of being called a loony...
But if I did...

Anyway, the market is the only feature that can't be readily mastered by all, because it's the only feature that goes independent of the designers.

And there's also the fact that not all markets work the same for the same goods. It's generally the same but in some ggods can make the difference of the top 500 as Mir said. I forgot about that. Although, the top 500 don't get disturbed by market fluctuations to reach top 500...

 

It was not aggressive at all, Arrouquelas.

 

Arq, you have been around for a long time, and probably have lots of crops in your barn. My stock of bahamarama crops (except sugarcane) varies from 500 to 5000 right now, so for me, using the cheapest crops for the recipes certainly makes a difference. Just a small thought

I would be interested in what you would do about the market, I get the feeling you are not overly fond of it, so maybe abolish it?

 

No, no, no, no! Not abolishing at all, no siree!
Rather making it not interactive... and that's all you get from me!

As for my stock you'd be surprised with mine. But anything below 5K in baha crops make me nervous.

 

Non-interactive market, for some things, already exists: it's the mall.

 

Arq

I will work on my stock, I promise I have just recently filled all FSQs that I can fill at the moment, and I don't plan on unlocking any more crops soon. So I will be able to (small scale) hoard crops Doing the same for short term mainland crops. For the long term I still have some levels of the "No rest on the farm" (certainly isn't) to fill. But with long term crops I will buy rather than grow to fill my barn. Just have to find some time to get to know the market first

 

But you don't go there to sell your stuff directly, do you?



EDIT @Mir: I did it a long time ago. But if it were today and I'd fell impatient, I'd grow some overnight and what I'd do during the day was to plant the best possible short term crop to sell in order to buy the long term. Like grapes...

 

I know, but for some inexplicable reason, I like growing what I need for these quests. Now for filling my barn, that's another matter, and I will do it like you say

 

If I can go there -or elsewhere- to sell stuff directly, then it is interactive, indeed....

 

My sweet'ums aggressive?! NOT!
To paraphrase Aluntino, time is money. There is wisdom in selling the high price stuff and buying the finished product when analyzed the way some do. Coins per hour might be higher selling... a critter or just one item that goes into the product than making the product oneself, as mentioned. I totally agree with that. Just don't have the time or energy. IRL I'm a DYIer so that is the approach I tend to take, with everything. But mainly because it is less time and thinking on days when I don't really feel like thinking to just make the MOS and consume it. Like today...

True the market can't be mastered by all but I feel it has less to do with being out of the control of the designers and more do to the complexity, numerous items. I find a few items I like for selling and track them. But to track them all requires workbooks/spreadsheets/charts and a good memory. I have a lousy memory and lack the interest in investing time & energy into building the basic structure for tracking everything. I use simple analyses of a few items, as they become less profitable or something else becomes more profitable I make adjustments just like I do in real life.

As quests are finished or new items are introduced, like donkeys, or I advance up the levels I re-assess my situation and make adjustments. Kinda like real life...

 

It's because it is like in real life. And people take different approaches to costs in real life, exactly as it happens in this game.

(I hope those statements of yours, Suzee, won't be a cause to divorce from your Green Card-hubby before you even marry him..... LOL).

 

I agree with you, Suzee. In real life I am also a DIYer and so that is the approach I am most comfortable with. I like reading others tactics, strategies, etc. and thinking about them; to read this thread is great fun and so on in farmer broke's thread. But when it comes to how I actually do my farm I, like you, choose a few items that can produce CCs (does not have to be max CCs), and leave it at that. Adjust with time/as needed. I don't worry about cost comparisons between MOS and Red Punch or anything else that requires more than a bit of simple math. Even though I can very clearly see the value in doing so and even why this would be it's own element of fun for some.

In this way, I choose to look at my RL opportunity cost. I measure my time and effort to make those calculations, keep track of prices, check the market regularly, etc. I use how I feel about that, as my guidepost. Ultimately I usually just do the thing that is convenient, easy, and enjoyable for me regardless of the in-game cost. So I advance slower in all ways, but this style of playing is what makes the game fun for me. And since that is what I play it for (a fun challenge, not the messy and difficult challenges I get in life, work, school, that all require what feels like endless calculations, spreadsheets, and nitty gritty decisions), it works out perfectly.

At any rate - I make the MOS and eat them, too. I currently have 60 sitting in the spa. Because as per above, I am too lazy to calculate, sell my MOS, buy, and consume the Red punch in their place (this would be more profitable for me in my market). I was humoring the idea of selling them, and reading this thread again confirmed I would be better off fiscally to sell them, but ultimately I will not. Too much work. Because it is the only thing I make with the spa and I never use spa products to upgrade (before I reached lvl 3, red punch), it takes ages for me to level it. I just broke level 4 and I imagine it will be a year or more before I see level 5 at the rate I go.

 

I'm confused! Aren't we married already?

Ok, I must have explained myself badly because I obviously agree (and in tune) with what Suzee, Heidels and Aluntino said and you're all in tune but apparently not feeling in tune with me.

What you do is exactly what I do. Because it's the smart way to deal with the market. And I never said the market is out of control by the designers. What I wanted to say, but apparently with the wrong choice of words, is that it's a feature that functions independently from the musings of the developers. In the old market, the higher price was fixed by the developers. In the actual market it isn't. It's the players' dynamics that establish the price of any good.
And that's the only thing I never liked in the actual market. This kind of player interactivity. In order to buy or sell, another person has to sell or buy.

There's also the EP and/or CC return in FHO not being in tune with their now obsolete view of goods value because of the market. But that's another discussion.

Anyway, the market is there and since it's impossible for me to ignore it, I have no choice but to accept it and make the market also useful to me just like all of you do. (And incidentally make me happier). And that's also what to do in real life otherwise one takes the risk of being forever maladjusted.

I'm aware that me not liking the market being a feature that players interact with others is an extreme opinion.
But that's just it. An opinion. I feel comfortable being the only one to think that. And also quite comfortable that players like it that way and don't think the way I do. I don't want to start a revolution...

I envy (in a good way) the market wizards of this game. And I understand that when making/buying/selling a artisan recipe, some people have to consider every ingredient as a market value. That's why some people make tons of CC's and I don't.
I just don't have the necessity of consider crops value when making a recipe and feel sometimes puzzled that someone do that.
But of course, playing with the market like market wizards do, one has to consider it.

Phew! there! I said it!

 

Babycakes! You're so cute when you're confused. Not to worry tho. Please don't feel out of tune. I'm half deaf... I didn't notice. LOL
I hear that it is now possible to book the Sistine Chapel for events so I put us on the waiting list. I hope you don't mind.

Well the good news is... We each get to play the game as we see fit.
I'm not sure I'm any closer to deciding what I'm going to do with my new coins... lol

The poor slob should be so lucky as to get an imaginary divorce. If he wants one it will cost him. But first he would need to stop stalking me. lol

Sometimes I read others posts and they seem to think that they can't play unless they play all out. That they have to have everything NOW or the game is no fun. That is part of the reason I post my counterpoint to your points. To let some know that it is possible to play a more casual game and advance less slowly and still get enjoyment out of the game. "Slow and steady wins the race." lol
The first half year or so I worried about not having all the latest rare pens, etc. Once I stopped worrying about things like that I started enjoying the game more. And it cost me a lot less RM.

 

Is this addressed to me? Now it's me who's confused.

Just for clarification to all, since this has become into a seemingly -and deceiving- debate on playing styles (in any case, a debate I haven't participated in as such: I just asked a question, it was answered and then I shared my decision based on what those answers contained and explained why I took it):

Time and again, all over -but also in my preceding interventions in this thread-, I repeat that everyone must play as s/he likes or is happy to, that what I mention here is not intended -it never is and most times I even say so specifically- to show anyone how they should play but only that, if they want to perform better and only if they do or if they want to achieve something with less hassle, they can do it in such a way that costs them less time -less RL-, less money, less anxiety and less pain. Believe me, I obviously spend time in this game, as everyone around here does, but much less than you may think, precisely because of how I play it.

If I care to share my views is just for the benefit of those who care to see any benefit in what I share; unfortunately for those who don't like it or feel inclined to contest anyone else's standpoint simply because it doesn't match his/her own, I'm a guy who likes to share viewpoints and things in life. For those who don't, that's OK with me.

For the n-th time: Any playing style is OK, by definition, if it makes you happy.

 

Aluntino, I hope you didn't feel like my comments were meant to contest what you said at all (maybe that's not what you were saying but now my neurotic-self is worried that it might have seemed that way). That was not my intent in any way! I was just sharing my particular "strategy" for spa leveling, back to the point of Suzee's original question. It's not much of a strategy (heh - the strategy of no strategy, which on second thought is perhaps not so helpful to her quest for ideas) but there it is for all to see. Ha!

And anyway, the sharing of one's views for others benefit, if they choose to benefit, is what's so great about threads like this, for me anyway. These discussions of strategy (no matter the case, really, even the small stuff) naturally involve discussion of playing style, which bring many different opinions and viewpoints on how to go about the objective at hand. Then those viewpoints are compared, contrasted, etc. This gives all types of readers and all types of players something to consider about how they might (or might not) alter their own ideas to progress and make the game more enjoyable for them. Maybe even give them a new goal.

It's fantastic! I'm so glad there are analyzers in this community that are willing to share their ways. I always look forward to your posts very much and am so glad you are the type of person to share your viewpoints. You always come up with something (uh, many things) that I never had thought of and probably never would have thought of. You make excellent sense and are very generous with your time and effort in sharing that sense. I love reading it...I'm just to lazy to implement it. One day when I have more gumption, perhaps.

 

Thanks, heidels. But don't worry: my remark was not addressed at your post (it would be contradictory on my behalf: I would never think any other, different from mine, approach to the game as a worse one, and I wouldn't ever dare to take as offensive any comment stating a preference different from mine). It wasn't even addressed at Suzee's, as a matter of fact, though it may seem so because I quoted hers. But I do feel here there's been this gloom of putting playing styles to trial, as if there were anything to judge. Like I said above, I just made a question, it was answered and I got to a decision based on those answers, which I explained. For me, it should have ended there. But some felt the need to indirectly question my playing style and labelling it dumb; no matter what the intention has been. And that's something I don't take in because I simply never question other players choices on how to play this game.

For the m-th time: Any playing style is OK, by definition, if it makes the player happy.

 

Suzee - I commend you...why?...b/c you have bewitched 2 of the most clever guys in the game! LOL Just kidding Arq & Aluntino. I also agree with playing the game however you want! My gaming style varies....yes, at first I was a maniac (had to have everything), then started to build cc(especially when FHO's came into the game)...then I started buying items(as per Aluntino's advice) that I didn't have time to grow or were more efficient to buy. Now I'm a bit more relaxed(I've even skipped a few events)....I still have a bad case of FOCD, but have managed to control it....sort of.. LOL I've realized that if I don't get something the first release...that probably the next month, I will receive many of that new item.
What I truly enjoy, is our farmer community! Everyone is so generous with their time, advice and support. This game would be boring without our fabulous forum and very helpful mods and loyal neighbors. I'm lucky to call many of you, dear friends.

 

Here Here, my dear friend! I am in total agreement with you. I usually am. HeHeHe

I have not chimed in because my style is similar to many and different than many. I ignored the Spa for a long time and accumulated 40,000 Exilirs. Then I got caught with my pants down - sort of - when Panda's were introduced. I ended up having to pay with BBs i.e RM to open them. That hurt - mostly my pride for not being prepared.

I quickly made enough MOS to use up all my Exilir. Now, I can make about 1 - 2 MOS a day. I was already planning on buying some extra Exilir during the next craft sale. Still not sure if I will or not. I hate to spend RM to advance in the game. I will when my smarts do not keep me where I want to be.

I am also gone to have to rethink making Chocolate Pancakes. I have 25,000 + Salt so it will not be a problem. It's the sugar for the Chocolate Sauce that I do not want to waste. I need my Sugar to make EM & CAC. Maybe, I will look into buying the Sauce.

I keep a blind eye on purpose when it comes to making Artesian Products. I buy the ingredients when I need them. I have been taught how to determine which is more cost effective between making my own products and buying them on the market. I am just too lazy to use it. I just accept that my MOS addiction is running at a loss.

I never "waste" a Spa product for leveling up the Spa. I will get to Level 5 one day. I am a little over 1/2 way there.

To me the whole reason for the Spa is to level up faster on the Island so I no longer make Red Punch since MOS gives more points for about the same amount of Exilir. For this same reason, I never ever use the mixer blender thingy. I do not like that you have to use the buff immediately.

Slightly off topic, I have decided to not open anything up so I can save my GBs for the Coral Reef. I have about 50 GBs on both of my farms. I like Aluntino's bench mark of 100 on hand before opening up something new. I might use this or I might go with my old plan of waiting till I complete the Lemongrass and Green Tea Quests before I open up the Ginger and Moringa runes. I have completed all the Lemongrass one and I am about 1/2 finished with the Green Tea. I grow my own crops so it will take awhile.

I do have 2 of the FHO runes open. I will wait to open the 3rd. Everything else is opened.

I am also lucky since I get Langoes every couple of days from a Music Box, and I buy a Chocolate Pancake every few days from the points I get as a mentor. Every little bit helps!

Good Luck to all regardless of which strategy you use in operating the Spa and Leveling up on the Island.