Picking a Federation
Overview:
This is just as important as creating the right character. There are hundreds maybe even thousands of E-Feds out there and they're all different. If you choose the right one or ones then you may rise to stardom. If you choose the wrong one, you'll probably just get lost among the other handler. Below I will give you examples of different types of E-Feds, you make the choice as to which one you like best.
Simulated E-Feds:
Simulated E-Feds use a computer program to determine the outcomes of matches and to write the matches. Role-Playing usually has a bearing on the outcome but upsets are common. A lot of owners use simulators when they don't time to write the matches themselves. Originally, all E-Feds used simulators but eventually the trend shifted to booked. In our opinion, these are the worse federations to join in this day and age.
Booked E-Feds:
Booked E-Feds don't use a simulator; they determine the outcome of a match by your Role-Plays, Strategies, Angles, and sometimes the “Push”. Booked E-Feds usually have written out cards and offer more control over how matches are done. They also make upsets less common than with Simulated E-Feds. If you like to read 200 pages of moves, this is the place for you.
Angle E-Feds:
In an Angle E-Fed you still Role-Play but the outcomes of the matches are predetermined by the angles that you start and what kind of push you have going. Angle E-Feds are very rare but they are an interesting alternative. We have found that this type federation will give you little or no fairness when it comes to the world title. Unless you know the secret handshake, you're wasting your time.
Non-Interactive E-Feds:
I have seen a few E-Feds that don't use Role-plays. All you do is sign up a wrestler and check the page every week or so. These are probably the rarest form of E-Fed but I guess they work for some people. With little or no skill involved, we doubt this type of federation will hold your interest for long.
Audio E-Feds:
There is only one true audio federation and its eWrestling.Org. It's a federation based on angles and bookings, with a Role-Play to win mentality. At the end of the Role-Playing period, the owner produces an audio card that the handler can listen to rather than read. This type of show gives the handler the ability to not only record his voice into the show, but add his or her own sound effects, entrance music, and pyrotechnics.
How To Pick a federation:
So you have decided on a type of federation, here’s how you pick an actual federation. Remember, you may rule one E-Fed but become a jobber in another. It all depends on choosing the right one. The best advice I can give you is to scout the E-Fed out very well before you apply.
Here is check list that will help you:
a.) Are the wrestlers active in the interview area and other forum areas? If you go to a federation that looks real nice but has little or no Role-Play, move on and continue your search. You’re not doing this to play against yourself and host of owner filled characters. Side note, if the owner runs a character with a championship belt, run for the hills!
b.) Is the site updated or is the information weeks or months old? Lazy owners mean late cards and a lack luster performance. If you are working hard, why shouldn’t the owner? If an owner isn’t updating his/her page, there’s a good chance the federation is on a downslide or on the verge of closing. Move on and continue.
c.) How many active people are on the roster? I have been to a roster page boasting 50 wrestlers and when I look at the Role-Play area, 5 handlers are active. This is a common trick by owners to get wrestlers by pretending they are active. If you see one of these rosters it either indicates a lazy owner, or a dishonest one.
d.) Read/Listen to the shows! 20 Handler and all the updates in the world, but when you go to look at a show, it was written by a person who doesn’t know the meaning of spellchecker. If an owner doesn’t take the time to remove the spelling errors or write in a way that excites you, what’s the point in joining no matter how popular the site.
e.) Find the Role-Play intervals. Look for an E-Fed that will fit your schedule. In other words, if you don’t have time to Role-Play, don’t join a federation who doesn’t have an RP limit. Join one that has one Role-Play per show.
f.) How many times a week do they have cards? If you are someone who likes to read or listen to results every week, don’t join a federation that has one or two cards per month. We find that the less the owner offers, the more quality he/she puts into their performances.
g.) Are you interested in the features? So they have a magazine, rankings, and ratings, if you’re not into these features, why join? My opinion is that you have to be interested in what the federation is doing or you will have little or no motivation to reach your potential.
Conclusion:
Most E-Feds will have the above information on their webpage but if they don't have one, the owner should be willing to answer your questions. Not all E-Feds are created equal. Overall, we find the best federations have a combination of both Angle & Role-play to win requirements. They are updated and active. And most important, have owners who are willing to talk to their players.