Neighbor complaints- need suggestions

[Ilovemycat]

Hi,
I recently moved to an apartment in NYC. I love DDR. Really love it. I just got DDRMax2 as a housewarming present to myself. The problem is that my neighbor downstairs left me a polite note informing me of consistent pounding noises for 1.5 hours every night which resulting last night in her light bulb coming out of her ceiling light and shattering on her floor.
I feel bad about the light bulb, i've had bad neighbors in the past and don't want to be one.
Any suggestions? Has anyone had a similar situation?
I have a tile floor, apparently thinner than I thought. I am not a big person, female, 5 foot 2, 125 pounds. I am thinking about rugs, foam pads. Would this work? More importantly, would this affect the accuracy of my scores? I use a redoctane ignition pad.
Much appreciation for any advice....help me.....you're my only hope.

[~Reign~]

Tile floors are nice, but suck for this sort of thing. The only thing I can suggest is some sort of shock absorbing foam, rug, mat, I dunno you know what I'm talking about. Slap it under your pad, lighten up on your stepping, and some pie for the light. There's not much you can really do if the floors are THAT thin. Hope that helps somehow.
_________________

My ultimate goal is to put hands on people...

[Adamn]

Well, you're jumping, in a room above somebody else, with somewhat thin floors. There's nothing you can do except move, really. =(

[Tekked]

Try lots of cushioning. And I mean lots. Tell your neighbor that you are experimenting with shock absorbing material, so that if it does not work, make sure they tell you so you can (unfortunately) stop playing. Hhey won't think bad of you as long as they know you want to get through the problem as much as them and would be willing to stop if all else failed.
_________________

Just because it makes sense...does that really make it true?

[Ilovemycat]

Thanks for the advice - it's all appreciated.
I'll try to find some foam padding....hopefully it will work. I was just starting to be able to play in standard mode!!

[Spike]

I didn't play in my dorm room anymore because I was always on a floor other than first. But I would go to the common room that had a TV and hook up my PS2 there and play occasionally. Or I'd play when I knew my RD was gone (he lived beneath me) and so I know I wouldn't annoy anyone.

Now that I live in an apartment (on the third floor) I just don't play anymore at home. Not only do I not have the room, but there's no place to go for me to avoid pissing someone off.

So find some other place to do it, or feed your addiction in the arcade only.
_________________

[Slowpoke]

First of all, given your size, I'm really skeptical that you could've jarred her light bulb loose.

But anyway, yes, use a foam pad... it definitely helps. Don't stomp... try to move around the pad efficiently. It's quieter, and it'll eventually help you play more difficult songs. Try putting some carpeting under the pad as well.

Also, only play at reasonable hours. As long as things between you and your neighbor are still in the "polite" stage, tell her you'll be as considerate as possible; that you'll do your best to minimize the noise and you won't be doing it at odd hours, but that working out in your apartment each night is a normal activity and it's not something you should have to stop doing. I also think she needs to screw her bulbs in tighter, but suggesting that would make you sound like a smartass

[Dj Sway]

Try putting a matress down, and the pad on top, lol.

[CourtJester]

Yeah that's a pretty tough situation. When I moved to NYC (SI but it's still NYC) I wanted to make SURE my apartment was not over someone else. Turns out I got a basement pad. Of course in the other bouroughs this is easier said then done. Good Luck

[Stadsport]

Invite your neighbor up to play DDR with you.

[Spike]

[Disillusioned]

Be light on your feet. Don't step flat footed. I usually play with my heels just barely off the floor. Hey, and it'll strengthen your calf muscles.
_________________

[Slowpoke]

[CuJO]

You have to be smart about it...

Invite the woman over and both play some DDR... then when you play later she will understand... Everyone Loves DDR, plus she will forgive you about the lightbulb.

[xequar]

I had a similar situation, and here's what you do. Look for what would be a load bearing wall. Then play as close to it as possible. Ideally, you will have, perhaps, an archway or similar gap that leads into, say, your dining room or kitchen. Theoretically, the floorplan of your downstairs neighbor's apartment is identical to yours, so if you have some area where there are more load bearing walls, play in that area. The walls will take most of the abuse, and will really make things better all the way around.
In my case, there is an archway of sorts that leads into the dining room/area, meaning there is a wall on either side. I would put my pad (only 1 could fit) in the center of the archway. When I played in there, I had no problems. If I played in the living room, the whole floor would quake.

Of course, the best solution is the arcade (which is where I play exclusively now), but give this a try.
_________________

Well, the final total was 207, 342. The fuel pump went out, and since it would cost too much to fix, I donated the Buick to charity.

Fare thee well, Riviera, and God speed.

[justforgiggles]

[Ilovemycat]

Thanks again everyone for all the suggestions. I feel a little better now knowing that there are people who take this dilemma of mine seriously.
I viewed that anti DDR flash piece of crap. Very disturbing!
Anyway, the arcade is looking like the best option though I will try to get some padding, play in a different spot etc and see what happens. It's just so ironic since I finally got a job that allows me to have more free time at home and I was going to spend hours every day on DDR.

[Slowpoke]

[Ilovemycat]

That's worth a try. It's actually 2 people that live downstairs so that complicates matters a bit. I will find a way, or I'll have to become a regular at an arcade.

[Slowpoke]

I don't think you have a choice... no matter how much you play at home, you'll still eventually end up becoming a regular at an arcade