- Joined
- Apr 18, 2011
- Messages
- 2,405
Where the games are made up and the fun doesn't matter...
Except it does.
Disclaimer: I'm writing this at 3:00 AM so bear with me. Also, I'm not claiming to be innocent, I've been a part of the problem and I'm making a change for myself.
So I had a long discussion during my recent fireside chat and I feel like posting my thoughts here as well. I had a recent nostalgia trip while watching videos captured on our old CS:S Jail server. Most of my time when I was first in eGO was on that jail server. While watching these videos and remembering my personal experiences on that server I noticed a very huge difference between the server culture/environment then and how it is now.
Three main things stuck out to me as being glaringly different.
1) Helpfulness/Kindness. It seems that back then people were more willing to help bad CTs / Wardens. Instead of flaming them and calling them names or telling them to stop playing that role, they were encouraged to learn and continue. They were guided by members and admins on what they could do and what was against the rules. This I can recall from personal experience. I was a terrible warden and guard back then. I mean absolutely terrible. I can remember starting out how many times I baited or accidentally free-killed. I think I was even revoked once or twice. However, people were friendly and helpful. Instead of "You're a terrible warden, get off CT" it was more like "Okay, that didn't work, maybe try this next time."
2) Fun. Yeah, I know what you're thinking. "Nick, we still have fun". Trust me, I still have fun too. However, when I looked back on these videos. It wasn't just a few people having fun. Everyone was having fun. Everyone treated each-other like friends, whether they were a pub or a member. You could hear the difference just in people's voices. There was laughter, enjoyment and excitement. There wasn't raging, flaming and insults.
3) Admins. Read here (Seriously, do it)
For anyone reading this, please don't assume I'm saying that Jail is dying or that it is doomed. All I'm saying is we need to make a change. Toxicity breeds more toxicity. Hate breeds more hate. Let's work together to stop it.
So, how can you help? You see someone that doesn't really know how to play? Instead of just saying "read the rules" (they should still read them) help them as well. Don't just leave it at a completely non-personal "read the rules" message. Help them and give them advice. Encourage people to help each-other. Try not to flame people. Try to not get upset and if you are, just don't press your talk key / chat key. If you're having fun and enjoying playing, share that enjoyment. Make friends, talk to the pubs, interact with people on the server. The more you have fun and are able to spread your enjoyment, the more other people will have fun and spread theirs.
Thanks for reading, I know it was more of a long-winded rant than an actual useful post but I wanted to get my thoughts out there for those who missed the meeting.
100 points to anyone that got the title/opening phrase reference.
Except it does.
Disclaimer: I'm writing this at 3:00 AM so bear with me. Also, I'm not claiming to be innocent, I've been a part of the problem and I'm making a change for myself.
So I had a long discussion during my recent fireside chat and I feel like posting my thoughts here as well. I had a recent nostalgia trip while watching videos captured on our old CS:S Jail server. Most of my time when I was first in eGO was on that jail server. While watching these videos and remembering my personal experiences on that server I noticed a very huge difference between the server culture/environment then and how it is now.
Three main things stuck out to me as being glaringly different.
1) Helpfulness/Kindness. It seems that back then people were more willing to help bad CTs / Wardens. Instead of flaming them and calling them names or telling them to stop playing that role, they were encouraged to learn and continue. They were guided by members and admins on what they could do and what was against the rules. This I can recall from personal experience. I was a terrible warden and guard back then. I mean absolutely terrible. I can remember starting out how many times I baited or accidentally free-killed. I think I was even revoked once or twice. However, people were friendly and helpful. Instead of "You're a terrible warden, get off CT" it was more like "Okay, that didn't work, maybe try this next time."
2) Fun. Yeah, I know what you're thinking. "Nick, we still have fun". Trust me, I still have fun too. However, when I looked back on these videos. It wasn't just a few people having fun. Everyone was having fun. Everyone treated each-other like friends, whether they were a pub or a member. You could hear the difference just in people's voices. There was laughter, enjoyment and excitement. There wasn't raging, flaming and insults.
3) Admins. Read here (Seriously, do it)
For anyone reading this, please don't assume I'm saying that Jail is dying or that it is doomed. All I'm saying is we need to make a change. Toxicity breeds more toxicity. Hate breeds more hate. Let's work together to stop it.
So, how can you help? You see someone that doesn't really know how to play? Instead of just saying "read the rules" (they should still read them) help them as well. Don't just leave it at a completely non-personal "read the rules" message. Help them and give them advice. Encourage people to help each-other. Try not to flame people. Try to not get upset and if you are, just don't press your talk key / chat key. If you're having fun and enjoying playing, share that enjoyment. Make friends, talk to the pubs, interact with people on the server. The more you have fun and are able to spread your enjoyment, the more other people will have fun and spread theirs.
Thanks for reading, I know it was more of a long-winded rant than an actual useful post but I wanted to get my thoughts out there for those who missed the meeting.
100 points to anyone that got the title/opening phrase reference.
