Kshal Aideron for CSM20 - Getting Players to Undock

Council Of Stellar Management CSM Campaigns
,
1

o7 pilots,

I’m Kshal Aideron, founder of EVE Rookies and the new CEO of Wormlife.

Over my 5.5 years of playing Eve, I’ve focused on building stronger communities. Even before founding Eve Rookies, I was active across Eve’s online spaces encouraging players to undock and join the new player roams I FC’d.

Today, EVE Rookies is 4500 players strong and standing up 100+ fleets a month while helping over a thousand players a year experience content in every corner of New Eden.

That brings me to CSM20. My campaign boils down to one mission:

“Getting players to undock.”

Let’s face it. If players don’t undock ships, there’s no content. If there’s no content, we’re all going to be in the safety of our hangers spinning our ships.

Why Vote for Me

Look, Null will always have representation on the CSM. At least half of the 12 seats will go to block-backed players, and that makes sense! Null has the largest population and needs voices for CCP’s vision of that space.

But what happens when CCP decides to touch areas of the game nobody from Null has played since starting in EVE? Or haven’t touched for over a decade? That’s where lack of perspective becomes a problem for the rest of New Eden.

That’s where I come in. I get players to undock.

Through EVE Rookies (and now Wormlife), I help shape and maintain a fleet schedule of 100+ fleets a month. I partner with smaller groups so they are able to undock more often. I even work with individuals who come in to learn the content so they can turn around and build content for other communities (i.e. incursions in null sec).

So while my expertise over the past 5 years is the new player experience, as well as building strong communities, I also bring something broader. The general player experience.

I talk to players across highsec, lowsec, wormholes, markets and even Pochven and null and do my best to bring their voices forward to be heard.

Where I’ve Come From

I’ve been running for CSM since CSM17, and with each campaign I’ve grown alongside the communities I serve:

Now, with CSM20, I’m tying everything I’ve stood for into a single call to action: getting players out of station and into space. I want players to try something new, meet friends and find enjoyment in this game we love.

What “Undocking” Means

  • Lowering barriers for new players so their first undock is exciting, not terrifying.

  • Making fleets accessible across all scales — not just massive blocs, but casual, public, and small-gang groups.

  • Getting tools to communities who create content, so it’s easier to bring players together.

  • Ensuring variety so both new and veteran players have reasons to keep logging in.

  • Reducing toxicity so players feel welcome in every corner of EVE.

  • Bridging solo and group play so players can transition naturally from “me” to “we.”

  • Pushing quality-of-life changes so friction doesn’t keep people docked.

Stories That Shape My Perspective

In 5.5 years of game play, it’s safe to say I’ve probably done more than most players. From standing up a community of over 4500 players from under 10 to presenting at EVE events multiple times and even serving on the CSM.

I just want to give a few different tidbits that have shaped my perspective of EVE and the communities and players I’ve met along the way.

  • Letting leadership lead. When it came time to move EVE Rookies into HQ (headquarter) incursions, I set the framework, gathered the tools and my leadership team ran with it. Even during my term on CSM18, they kept the community moving forward while I was less active. Knowing that I’ve built a team that loves this community as much as I do is one of my proudest achievements.

  • Core values in action. Since the day that we came up with the Core Values for EVE Rookies, I’ve had players tell me how comfortable they feel in the community. Some overcame anxiety to become FCs. Some started speaking in voice comms for the first time. Others made it a goal to join just one fleet a month. These may seem small, but for those players, it’s a huge step!

  • My first NPSI fleet. That was the moment I started “getting” EVE. I saw players thrive by showing new pilots how to PvP and their enthusiasm was contagious. I wasn’t thinking about running a big community back then but the experience certainly planted a seed for my community building.

  • Crisis and resilience: Early on, one of our leaders provided most of the ships for our incursion fleets. When we updated our doctrine, they disagreed and left - taking 20+ billion ISK worth of ships with them. We had a fleet scheduled that night. Instead of folding, our members came together. People donated ships, others chipped in ISK, and we got enough hulls staged to undock.

  • Growing future leaders: Today, EVE Rookies has over 100 ambassadors, FCs, and teachers living our Core Values. Many of them go on to run fleets in their corps and alliances, or become directors, SIG leaders, diplomats, even CEOs. I don’t see that as competition. I see it as proof that we’re growing the next generation of leaders across EVE.

EVE is at its best when people undock, take risks, and have stories to tell. That’s what I’ve dedicated my time in this game to, and that’s the perspective I’ll bring to the CSM.

If you believe in a healthier, more vibrant EVE where players of all levels can find reasons to fly, I’d be honored to have your vote for CSM20.

o7

Kshal Aideron

Important Links

Eve Rookies Discord: Eve Rookies

Declarations of War Interview: 308: Loved and Lost feat. Kshal Aideron, Chimeries, and Astor Iris | Declarations of War

Schadeck Interview for CSM20: Twitch (around the 2h mark)

Untethered appearance for CSM20: Twitch

Federation Frontline Report for CSM20: Twitch

Behind the CSM Class: Video

Almost 20 Questions About Running for CSM20: Video

7 Likes
2

I support this person anytime they run.

m

1 Like
3

I endorse this Product and/or Service.

Seriously though, have known Kshal for a long time. She talks to a lot of people, and covers a very wide range on the non-null player base. I think a very good representative for the non-null players.

2 Likes
4

I strongly support kshal for CSM. We have had many good discussions and I am confident that the game would be better if she is on the CSM.

1 Like
5

I am really happy to see you run again and I fully endorse/support your run! I think you make for an excellent addition to the CSM.

1 Like
6

While Kshal didnt get get re-elected for CSM19, she was still active and I often contacted her for her input regarding accessibility and new player input, I wholeheartedly reccomend that at least one of the 12 CSM members is focused on new players, and Kshal is the one I personally think is the best to fill that role

1 Like
7

Good luck kshal!

1 Like
8

Kshal always gets my vote. She was incredibly effective when she served on the CSM previously. Full endorsement for her return!

1 Like
9

We approve of this message

1 Like
10

I’m Tom Harriet and I support this candidate.

1 Like
11

I approve of this candidate too. She works hard for her communities.
She has conversations (in comms) in the middle of the night to convenience someone else;
She is willing to learn about your problem, even if she is not currently involved in that gameplay or region of space

Also, she was quite pissed with FOBs being moved to lowsec. Stop ruining Highsec

1 Like
12

Throughout my time on the CSM, even before serving, I have often reached out to Kshal for information, insight, and support. She has consistently provided valuable perspective on the needs of new players, high-sec communities, and groups connected to NPSI, helping ensure they feel heard and supported.

During my term, I frequently sought her guidance. The knowledge she demonstrated on CSM 18 was always evident in our discussions, where she took the time to listen and provide thoughtful feedback on issues affecting low-sec and FW. Kshal has always been patient, understanding, and unafraid to call out areas in our communities that need moral and ethical improvement. Her deep understanding of new player struggles, along with her remarkable success with EVE Rookies, is truly something to admire.

I would absolutely love to see Kshal return to the CSM :slight_smile: She is both a friend and someone I deeply respect, and I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with her again in the future.

2 Likes
13

After careful consideration, Kshal Aideron is my 3rd & final choice for CSM.

Choices 1 & 2 were fairly easy:

Mick Fightmaster - I’m a 15yr bitter eve vet, & over a decade of that has been in Wormhole space. Mick’s done solid work for the WH Community in CSM 19; he has my full endorsement for re-election to CSM 20.

YoungPuke2 - I haven’t been nearly as active in faction warfare as I’ve been in w-space, however “only” 3 years or so of FW active is still decent I should think. YP2 is an eager, talented go getter for the FW/small gang community who surprisingly interacts well with the other communities in Eve. He has done well in CSM 19 so also has my endorsement!

Now for my 3rd choice I was at a loss. I have no interest in nullbear politics, a good nullbear is a dead one. Besides, the blocs will own 2/3 of the CSM as usual - monkeys do what they’re told. I’ve only quite recently become aware of Eve Rookies & what they do for Eve (yes, I know, I live under a rock deep in wh space…come @ me bro!)

Kshal Aideron - Her campaign foundation & ER creed is precisely what Eve is all about. Undock, Fly Reckless, get your pew on then explode: rinse & repeat. She would be an excellent CSM ( again) & complete the Triumvirate.

2 Likes
14

Kshal has a unique perspective through ER and NPSI, and understands many of the NPE painpoints, and has visibility of many of the fragile areas of gameplay within EVE which often remain untouched. Kshal is a solid vote for the CSM, and will work incredibly hard to safeguard your game.

1 Like
15

Be sure to fill your ballot - you have x10 votes on a ballot. And trickle down votes do count!

2 Likes
16

Kshal is excellent, and I know she has both previously advocated for things I care about and would do so again if given the opportunity. She has an excellent sense for community work, which is a great skill to have for a CSM member, as well as an incredible drive to actually do that work, which is even more important. She’s also someone I would absolutely feel safe in reaching out to with any issues I might have.

1 Like
17

Hello Kshal Aideron, first of all good luck with your campaign :flexed_biceps: …and may the best will win ofc :sports_medal:
(I will great every candidate this way :nerd_face: )

Hope you find time to share your thoughts on below topics and game ideas.

1. EVE Vanguard
Have you had an occasion to try it during Operation Nemesis or earlier? What was your impression if any?

What do you think about bidirectional connection planned with EVE Online? Do you see it has a potential to attract more players towards New Eden? And do you think Capsuleers will benefit from it?
2. Information & ISK itemization
How about being able to take a notes from your notepad and put it as an item into container or ship cargo? Same with an amount of ISK? Just like you can do with PLEX.

More details https://forums.eveonline.com/t/information-itemization-put-notes-into-cargo-containers

Would you pitch CCP to consider implementing it?
3. Production Plans
Basically the idea behind this is to bundle all the BPOs (BPCs), required to produce some final product, say, an assembled Drake fully fitted according to some saved fit ready for duty, into a single BPO-like item, and internally arranged into an intricate production workflow. Complete with logistics tasks, if necessary, using delivery corp projects. It could use BPMN diagram editor to arrange.

When installed into industrial job slot it will churn out those Drakes, provided there are required materials in linked containers or pause until they are become available again.

More details https://forums.eveonline.com/t/feature-request-production-plans

Would you pitch CCP to consider implementing it? Or at least expand ESI to allow 3rd party developers to do it?
1 Like
18

Hi @Elinore_en_Divalone!

Lets see about answering some of your questions. :grinning_face:

1.) Vanguard

I’m NOT a FPS player. In fact, whenever I get anyone to play Left 4 Dead 2 with me, they get annoyed that I spend the majority of my time running in circles screaming, “Get it off, me, get it off me”. In regards to the zombie that jumps on your back.

So I haven’t played Vanguard yet, and truthfully, I’m not sure I will. It’s just not something that tickles my fancy. Plus, I believe they have their own version of CSM.

In regards to the bidirectional connection planned with Eve, I do think it’s kind of a cool idea but I’m not sure it’s going to really attract players from Vanguard into Eve. If done wrong, I think it has lots of chance to annoy Eve players.

2.) As someone who’s always looking at helping players, and who is trying to do some non-traditional things with the Freelance projects (like adding people who complete them to raffles and whatnot), I think being able to physically leave notes in holds, containers, etc is an awesome idea! Why didn’t I ever think about this?! I think it’s worth making sure it goes with a CSM to summit even if I’m not elected.

Same with ISK. As someone who often puts PLEX into secret santa containers, I think it would be pretty cool if it were a token item as well. However, I can also see this increasing issues with RMT. But then on the other hand, if it can be lost, it’s also a new sink… so there’s definite pros and cons there.

I think it’s worth a mention though, just to see CCP’s thoughts.

3.) I’m going to preface this by saying I’m not an industrialist so I have no idea what the consequences are for this (since you still have to gather everything, I don’t think there’s huge consequences). However, one of the reasons I’m not an industrialist (or do PI) is I hate having to do manual things over and over. Running incursion fleets for the masses is about my limit.

In real life I’m a work smarter, not harder type gal. So after talking to some of my industry experts on my Eve Rookies and Wormhole staff to help poke holes in it, I’d be happy to present it to CCP if I have the chance. It sounds like something that would make a lot of people happier……. and maybe give them more time to actually undock and do other things?

1 Like
19

I’m not only interviewing other CSM this year and giving them a platform, but I’m getting interviews as well!

Declarations of War Interview: 308: Loved and Lost feat. Kshal Aideron, Chimeries, and Astor Iris | Declarations of War

Schadeck Interview for CSM20: Twitch (around the 2h mark)

Untethered appearance for CSM20: Twitch

Federation Frontline Report for CSM20: Twitch

20

Greetings, Kshal.

At the end of an interview with CCP, you encouraged players to vote for the CSM candidate or candidates which represent their play style. You also expressed a desire to have players undock.

If Eve Online is truly a sand box then it should be considered that not disembarking a station is a play style. Why not support it and the players which choose it?
For example, if someone spends most of their game time in-station, give them a nice office space to work from (e.g. Walking in Stations) to coordinate their industry and trade activities, corporation management, skill queues, and whatever else they might be up to?

-Just an idea.

Kind regards and best wishes to you with the campaign.