« on: February 05, 2011, 06:49:47 pm »
I wrote this a few weeks ago when all I could find were angry insulting posts. Things have calmed down a touch since. Still feel my little diatribe is relevant, so enjoy.
An appeal for civility.
I will preface this by saying that Dagorhir probably saved my life. I was a loser and a geek in high school, picked on and bullied a lot. Found Dagorhir late my junior year and life in general took a big upturn. Here I had found people who not only shared some general interests, but who didn’t judge. Dagorhir built me up as an individual; I became more confident, more skilled and much more socially adept.
This whole post is uncharacteristic for me, as I don’t like telling people what to do. I believe we all make and should be responsible for our own choices, and who am I to judge or question someone else’s choices or motivations. But the **** that goes on in these boards is getting ridiculous.
That said if I was in the same position now as I was then, and came across the Dagorhir boards I would write it off as just another bunch of exclusionary pricks who are high on their own egos. It’s rare now that I see a thread with someone asking a question that doesn’t devolve into a few people calling each other autistic retards. One of my first questions on this board was whether or not I could use a Frisbee as a core for a shield. The general response was along the lines of “you can try but be careful, it might break, try using wood instead.” The tone was civil, the information helpful, relevant rules were posted, and not once was I called a retard or mocked for making a newb question.
For many people the Dagorhir boards are the first exposure to the game that they have. And if at first they come in and ask questions any new person would have they are greeted with childish, ugly, and outright hateful derision I would be damn surprised to see if they stick around to learn the good parts of the game.
I do not accept the “its winter so this is what we do” or “it’s the internet” argument. Screw that, just because there is snow on the ground or you are behind a computer screen doesn’t make you any less in control of your words, actions, and self. Don’t blame being an ass on the weather. Take some responsibility.
Realize that people are coming in sometimes with nothing but an interest in swords and a degree in Braveheart history. I was that way, look at some early pictures of me, I was a Mel Gibson pastiche. I took what I saw on screen and the internet as more or less true. I know better know, I know now to recognize broad generalities and coffee table history when I see it, I can research and find sources. If I know something I say it, but if im not sure or can’t find the source I make that uncertainty known.
By being an ass to new people, who may very well be misinformed, you’re throwing water on the ember of interest that could have grown to a flame of knowledge. If you feel you have an obligation to correct the record telling someone to not post about things they don’t know about, isn’t going to help them or the discussing. Pointing out the facts in a clear non condescending way will.
This is the game’s bulletin board, not a private angry dome. The boards are a valuable resource for new players and people learning new skills. They have as much a right to use these boards as you do.
I like this game, I like its people, its atmosphere, the escape. I would like for more and more people to get to experience the game and reap the benefits.
So chill out and don't be a douchebag.
Frothgar
