Forum Formalities
I've had my give and take with a lot of issues including DAoC. I've been busy with getting the grit of college classes settled and a decent schedule to work the way I want it. Thus the reason why the lack of articles the past week or three.
I've been doing some reading, yes, some...
That's all I can muster right now since I keep thinking of the characteristics of materials from my Manufacturing Processes class. But this has to do more with forums and the issues that are dealt with and talked about as far as the game is concerned. I'm not a big fan of Forums, due to the fact that anyone with an opinion can be shot on sight for their thoughts and not regarded as an opinion, but more of an attack of what others believe is right or wrong. I don't condone the fact that everyone is entitled to what they believe is best for the game, but I condone the fact that many can't take what is taken even in opinion wise with a grain of salt! Bleeding hearts come out of the wood works to express their disdain about how stupid one's thought is and then continue to bash them until there is nothing left. It makes me wonder what type of a Community that many Gaming Companies are wanting to support and listen to. I know that self expression is key to help make the game what it is or will be, but to support and administer such negative feedback and let it slide is a thin line many cherish to walk on.
I myself don't really respond or even talk on any boards except those that are on the site that I volunteer for. Due to the harshness of the community telling me or others how off I am or wrong I am in a particular fashion using disguised sarcastic wit and flavored words to describe me as a whole. This sort of behavior I don't respond to nor will I even stand there and take it. It really doesn't admonish a response if someone is bright enough to stay away from it. I actually found this to be of actual truth. Many of us disguise ourselves in these flavors of 'Warriors' as it calls us. But to what relation with games does it have?
As a matter of fact, it has a lot to do with games. The way people on forums respond to others, and the way they administer themselves and others is a major factor in the community. People remember the most out of idiocy and those that flame or tear apart those that deserved it. But is it probable cause and or justified? In constructive critiscm, yes, it is most definitely. But tact is a failed attempt to help set someone straight and brute force is always the first thing people want to use to make their point (even if there isn't one). The gaming community is a brutal and vicious thing when it comes to what the consumer wants. Vast message boards that support wide and strange opinions and suggestions without much education or even protection are left wide open to be torn apart by the silence of no response or those that feel that their cause is flawed. And its times like these I have to wonder if posting your own suggestions or opinions is even worth the effort if you are just going to get bashed beyond belief for what others can't take with a grain of salt.
Many find that trying to always be right on the forum puts them on a high superior level among others. Stating that they are always right in some crude fashion and you are wrong makes them feel that they can be the ring leader over any topic of discussion. But when it comes to the gaming community, there is always the fight of trying to prove why this particular thing won't or will work. Looking for ways to beat your forums contender is a lost battle of one way chess in my opinion.
But here are some things that I have come to help me in the times when Forums do get out of hand with a subject or you are trying to make your point...
1) Never state that you are right and they are wrong. There will always be someone lurking and waiting to prove otherwise.
2) If you feel the need to state why it is wrong, do so with facts and logs. Back it up with information that anyone can digest so you don't come out last place.
3) Don't give a flamer the time of day should you feel they are attackeing. Don't respond to them nor give them the rise they need to make them sink you to their level.
4) If you have the ability to sarcastically admonish a blow to them, do it subtly where it's a give and take situation. Make it feel you aren't exactly rubbing them wrong...but then again...are you?
5) There will always be those that like to use analytical material to make their point. However, common sense eludes them and they are missing a big point. Use common sense to your advantage if you feel you need to make it more clear to them.
6) Never ever antagonize anything in message boards. You only strike brimstone which can inadvertently make fire and cause problems that even you can't handle.
7) If you aren't sure about something, either be bold and ask, or leave it be.
8) If you feel offended of what someone said about or to you on a forum, don't show that your feelings are hurt or dented, just take it with a grain of salt and administer a tactful response to their flame. Don't give any antagonist the opportunity to make it any worse.
I'm no big fan of any forum nor will I ever be. I've had my fill of them even if I am right or wrong. Forums are meant for helpful and healthy discussions about a point of interest and to express that which you think would help or hinder a change. Not to flame or cause a fight between you and many others. At least try to make the Gaming community more mature than what it sounds.
http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/flame1.html This is the site I found to be humerous and quite the truth...
You can also Email me at editor@Warcry.com to tell me what you think about forum Formalities.
