Can't We All Just Get Along?

[blakstang98]

I'm making this thread to call out to my fellow FFF members. Of late, I've noticed a lot of hostility amongst members. Even some members that have been friends for a long time are starting to take jabs at each other. Maybe this is just a random phase the site is going through, like it did back in October/November, which ultimately caused me to take a leave of absence. I don't plan on taking any kind of absence, but there is a lot of tension on the forums these days. I haven't been hostile myself, but I have seen a subtle shot here and there at me, which I'm all right with, but I have a tough time understanding why this has been happening. But more importantly, I'm seeing a lot of names get dragged through the mud lately and I see other member who were beloved, just being flat out ignorant.

More than anything, I'm not sure what's warranting such anger. Is it the start of summer, maybe? I've noticed a higher amount of trolling going on as well. I was explaining this to someone last night, and I'll display my thoughts on this matter. More than anything, I don't understand it. I've heard some say that it amuses them. I've heard others say that its the "interwebz", so who cares what people say or do. I mean, if you're looking to amuse yourself, wouldn't a simple 'knock knock' joke or 'yo mama!' joke work just as well? I don't see amusement in making someone else look like an ass. I was never a bully in school, so I'm not exactly sure where the wires get crossed in their head that picking on someone is fun. Some people can let a simple joke about them roll off their backs, but not everyone can take a joke well. I feel that if there are 10 people in a room and 9 of them can take a random shot at them and there is a lone person who can't, then that method of joking should go away. Maybe I'm just too nice of a guy to do that people, I don't know, but I seriously don't understand the mindset behind it. And regardless if it's okay to do because it's behind a monitor and not in person, people can still read and be offended by such things. And I can't make the connection with my amusement being greater than making someone feel like shit. But again, that's just my thought on the matter.

So after my long-winded background explaination of things, I'm now here asking you the simple question. Can't we all just get along? I'm trying to make some peace around here to make the site more enjoyable to roam. Let's move along together, happily. No more hostility, no more tension, just happiness. What do you all think?

 

[King Sean]

I haven't been really hostile towards anyone

I may always make fun of others in the RPG, but in actuality, I admire how much fun they are having and think that they are all great players. I try not to make enemies here, as I want to make many friends here. I hope this hostility you speak of can stop soon, as these forums should be a place where people can relax, not hold enmity towards one another. I see where you are coming from, Dan, and I sympathize with you that everyone here should just try to get along and make the forums a great place to be, no matter what time of year it is.

 

[Exoskeleton]

I never knew you had a sensitive side

I for one actually agree. But I've felt alot of hostility from random people of the Forums. ALot of people are beginning to take the net too seriously and todays generation is actually brutal when it comes to Trolling. I agree when I say that method of joking/messing around should go away. Trolling in all honesty is stupid and is mostly a cry for attention so that others can feel smart for once. Trolling has no purpose other than "hurting peoples feelings" and what not which is really not necessary if you have a life.

Alot of people also unintentionally take what someone says the wrong way, for example,I make a joke about something that is not supposed to be taken seriously and someone most likeliky knowing that fact decideds to take it seriously anyways and jump down my throat. Its no wonder today's youth is failing at life.

All I want to do when I see this is hope that the end of the world comes soon. Animosity towards strangers and being smart is really an example of stupidity in my opinion to not see the overall purpose of foruming. If you like to troll, that's fine, but troll other trolls (It is pretty fun). An increase of the troll population has occured...well wanna be trolls anyway. And it amazes me how none of these people get banned. This forum has changed alot since last year when I first joined.

I wish we could all get along, but hey, assholes exist. Maybe we should just ignore them and move on? That would save loads of time and wasted energy trying to insult each other and what not.

 

[Shu]

Well Dan, I understand what you mean, but I know some folks have never quite got along on this site and will in fact never get in along. In fact there have been grudges that have just now been brought to light as of recent, and it's the bloody truth.

Though I can say, don't focus on the spam coliseum and such, there are folks that are migrating from other forums right now and making up fake aliases to go by and using other folks pictures and us Staff are having to deal with this. Also the overwhelming amount of boredum that some people have is obvious as of late. I assume it's because most of the veterans, and when I say veterans I mean around 2 years or more never venture on anymore to say hi. So we are left with a bunch of new traffic. Some good, and some bad. Though you gotta say to yourself, we have some excellent new members, but some folks are literally brought on here, to talk shiznit which will be halted in the near future. If you are bored enough to troll or flame, well this truly isn't the site for you.

Also the fact about it is as well, Final Fantasy is a very slow franchise at the moment, so we are mostly experiencing haters of the newest game FFXIII due to how much different this Action RPG was compared to normal RPGs. There is only so much Final Fantasy one can talk about till they want to talk about life.

As for Sleeping forest, I'm trying to keep it alive as much as possible along with Kandy and Manda, so I'm trying to not come in between debates unless they become to heated. Hence why some might see eachothers responses a little rough, but if they are articulate and make good points, I don't see why it is a bad thing.

As far as the SB goes, if folks are being ass bags, well just let us know. We've had to tell a few members, let alone in the last 2 weeks, to cut it off, because they were over stepping their grudges with one another. Dan you are good one my man, and you keep a level head. I'm sure the forum will work itself out. A joke here and there won't hurt, but if you someone sees it as overstepping the line.. the person who feels the victim better tell someone, otherwise the abuse will keep going. Sometimes we don't know if it is a joke, or if it is a jab.

 

[The Illusive Man]

I'll honestly agree with stang here and also mention that i have noticed an increasing level of hostility upon the forums, this is first and foremost one of the reasons I just simply have not been around and have not really been bothering to post much.

As many of you know by now, I work quite a fair bit and often come on here to spend time with friends, relax, unwind and have a good laugh, unfortunatley there are always those that spoil it for others, and I for one as im sure many others feel, quite simply dont want to put up with the immaturity anymore.

I'm not the most well liked of members, personally it doesnt phase me, I am who I am, and I live with it, but for the most I keep my opinions of others to myself, as im sure it may be a good idea for a couple of others to learn to do as well, no names mentioned.

I just hope stangs post does reach the minds of those that choose to let the site down for the rest of us, and they learn that they merely look like squabbling children in the playground with there behaviour and change there ways, unfortunatley for some I really do feel this is an impossiblity and they will never change, because they simply wont/cant and the site really would be a better place without them.

 

[Shu]

I'm not the most well liked of members, personally it doesnt phase me, I am who I am, and I live with it, but for the most I keep my opinions of others to myself, as im sure it may be a good idea for a couple of others to learn to do as well, no names mentioned.

Well I know most folks are pretty forgiving of this, but Shaun I know you personally have posted a lot in the Temple of Ancients. So people pick up on a lot about you, so you put yourself out there to be picked on often times because of the emotional things within. It's not a bad thing, but from reading some of the stuff you've written, I know sometimes it seems like you are only complaining. I'm just being honest with you bro. Sometimes all it takes is an apology instead of a leaving thread. That's why people don't understand where you come from sometimes.

You're A-Okay to me, but that's because it's hard to be mad at a stranger on the internet. You have one of the most notable histories on this forum, and unfortunately it has gotten you some notoriety, which in my opinion people should drop if they know you can't take it as a joke.

You might have deserved worse at the time, but meh, all is forgiven here bro. Just know that sometimes, if you leave your history.. well undone (as in loose ends or not say you are sorry or hold grudges), it'll come back to bite you in the ass.

 

[Rasputin]

There used to be a few egotistical asshats on this site who enjoyed harassing me both on the shoutbox and through PMs, but for the most part they've either left or mellowed out now. I hate being accused of incompetence or being considered a mental inferior. And I don't tolerate being treated as some sort of lower class citizen by the more veteran posters here. Regardless, I suppose for me it's gotten better overall, not worse. It's all about accepting that there are some boards and discussions where each of us is simply not welcome. Stay within those boundaries and the forum can be a fairly pleasant experience.

On a side note, if people are bent on posting hate speech in a debate thread (as in the New York Mosque thread), I'm going to call them out and I'm not going to be nice about it.

 

[Shu]

There used to be a few egotistical asshats on this site who enjoyed harassing me both on the shoutbox and through PMs, but for the most part they've either left or mellowed out now. I hate being accused of incompetence or being considered a mental inferior. And I don't tolerate being treated as some sort of lower class citizen by the more veteran posters here. Regardless, I suppose for me it's gotten better overall, not worse. It's all about accepting that there are some boards and discussions where each of us is simply not welcome. Stay within those boundaries and it's a fairly pleasant experience.

On a side note, if people are bent on posting hate speech in a debate thread (as in the New York Mosque thread), I'm going to call them out and I'm not going to be nice about it.

Adamant I think the most hateful thing I've heard about you doesn't really have to do about the way you debate. It's the fact that you keep suggesting LG updates the forums to a new version. We all know what it takes to do so, but again and again we've said that LG says we are not capable of doing so thus yet. So it seriously gets on folks nerves when we keep suggesting updates to the VB Forum version.

Though I know you are pretty respected though for your RPG knowledge. And I know you didn't get along with some folks in the past, but it's either you hold a grudge, or climb the rope and get the heck over the wall about the person. Personally I don't know you from bob on the website, because you've only started coming around again in the past 6 months, along with some Decado sitings as well with his new company.

So you are fine in my book, and if people can't get over your past.. well that's for you to work around I guess. Oh also aside from that the Embeded code that you put in your Youtube, even if we don't have rules against it yet, I hate when you put autoplay on =P.

 

[blakstang98]

Well I know most folks are pretty forgiving of this, but Shaun I know you personally have posted a lot in the Temple of Ancients. So people pick up on a lot about you, so you put yourself out there to be picked on often times because of the emotional things within. It's not a bad thing, but from reading some of the stuff you've written, I know sometimes it seems like you are only complaining. I'm just being honest with you bro. Sometimes all it takes is an apology instead of a leaving thread. That's why people don't understand where you come from sometimes.

You're A-Okay to me, but that's because it's hard to be mad at a stranger on the internet. You have one of the most notable histories on this forum, and unfortunately it has gotten you some notoriety, which in my opinion people should drop if they know you can't take it as a joke.

You might have deserved worse at the time, but meh, all is forgiven here bro. Just know that sometimes, if you leave your history.. well undone (as in loose ends or not say you are sorry or hold grudges), it'll come back to bite you in the ass.

Regardless of what Shaun decides to post on the forums, it doesn't warrant others to troll him for it. This is the point I'm getting at. Regardless if someone doesn't like Shaun or believes that he posts to much information about his life on a forum, it gives nobody the right to take shots at him. Nobody deserves to be trolled, but such mentality of others believe that it's okay. If you don't like reading what Shaun has to say about his life, then walk away and read something else. I see many threads roll around that I don't like and/or have no interest in, and its as easy as staying away from it. Self-control is something that should really be practiced more.

 

[Rasputin]

Adamant I think the most hateful thing I've heard about you doesn't really have to do about the way you debate. It's the fact that you keep suggesting LG updates the forums to a new version. We all know what it takes to do so, but again and again we've said that LG says we are not capable of doing so thus yet. So it seriously gets on folks nerves when we keep suggesting updates to the VB Forum version.

It really doesn't bother me if LG doesn't upgrade the site version, it's his site and he's allowed to do what he wants. I was more referring to being mocked or shunned entirely in the shoutbox, or being unfairly targeted by a member of the staff who clearly just has an axe to grind. That whole business of me getting a suspension for no legitimate reason was a perfect example of this. I realize now though that as long as I avoid the RP sections and keep personal discussion to MSN (PMs are no longer private apparently) then I'm pretty much cool here.

 

[Shu]

That whole business of me getting a suspension for no legitimate reason was a perfect example of this.

I was under the assumption that you created a dup account back then and it was reversed after you talked it over with someone. If I'm not right, then let me know?

If you don't like reading what Shaun has to say about his life, then walk away and read something else. I see many threads roll around that I don't like and/or have no interest in, and its as easy as staying away from it. Self-control is something that should really be practiced more.

I think personally it had something to do with posting a leaving thread after every one of these posts. I don't think the post in particular was what people were ragging him about, course I don't know since I never did it, nor would I ever actually pick on someone. The thing most folks are worried about is the honesty factor in most things people post in the temple of ancients. There have been some strange... uhh Contradictions to what people post when they first started out till now. So yea.. that's that.

 

[CassinoChips]

I realize now though that as long as I avoid the RP sections.

.............what? Why would you have to avoid the RP section?

And PMs are private. Until they are forwarded to staff.

In general, I agree with you, twin. People take way too much pleasure out of stirring shit and getting a rise out of other members. I'm all for breaking someone's balls a little bit, but there is definitely a line, and there is a significant portion of our membership that don't just blur the line, but completely obliterate it.

But, honestly, it can be handled one of two ways. The member can change their behavior, or the staff can change the behavior. If the staff changes it, they'll be taking some vacations from the site. Simple as.

 

[Big Casino]

Such is life, people dont get along and we take shots at others. That goes for the real world aswell as here.
Not everyone gets along with eachother and some make it more noticeable that they dont like certain people, but when things get out of hand staff steps in.....sometimes they take it too far imo but whatever.
Confrontation is invenitable and some members practically have it coming to them. Not saying its fair, but it is what it is.
The way you make it sound stang is like its certain members getting picked on constantly and its a shame cuz theyre oh so innocent.

No one on this forum is innocent and i dont think theres anyone here whos gets is particularly bad. Your saying 'oh poor shaun' i think mlfy has it far worse tbh and not just cuz italy will be leaving the world cup soon ohoho ABE FTW !

WIth that said. Why are people getting more angsty lately? I dont think anyones feelings has changed at all. I think people are just expressing their honest thoughts/feelings more openly now. Though sometimes its open in a way that can cause drama. Like the thread i made a week back is a good example of taking a dig at someone and causing minor drama.

I have a lot of issues with people on this forum and how certain things are done but i dont think its just the members, i think theres staff problems aswell. A mixture of both in my opinion.

Id rather people didnt feel picked on, but i dont think anyone really feels like that. It is the internet and it is less important than our real lives. None the less its still an important issue i guess. If i didnt like this forum i wouldnt still be here after 3 years. So it does matter to me in a sense what happens here

COngratufuckinglations stang. Ive never made a post this big ever. I even checked for typos.

 

[The Illusive Man]

I think personally it had something to do with posting a leaving thread after every one of these posts. I don't think the post in particular was what people were ragging him about, course I don't know since I never did it, nor would I ever actually pick on someone. The thing most folks are worried about is the honesty factor in most things people post in the temple of ancients. There have been some strange... uhh Contradictions to what people post when they first started out till now. So yea.. that's that.

That is something I do believe warrants an appology from me. I will admit sometimes I have let myself put things such as the leaving threads in the heat of the moment and regretted it afterwards, its not only incredibly childish of me to do such a thing, but not really in good taste either.

As for contradictions, such as the whole Hacker incident, I have tried my best to try put that whole ordeal to the back of my mind and forget about it as best I can, however it seems no matter how many times I try to, its always brought back out of the dirt pile and thrown at me. So I will post a little more on it for the final time, in the hopes the hatchet can be buried once and for all on the topic.

There will be always those that wont believe me on the whole thing, and thats fair enough as everyone is entitled to there own opinion, but I would much prefer it if those opinions are kept to yourself in this case as it is a very sore subject for me, and one I dont take lightly when brought up, even if its in supposed jest.

Yes, I was hacked, my FFF account was not the only thing hacked and it took me several weeks to get everything sorted, and a lot of stress and heartache was involved in trying to get back to normality. It's not something I would wish on anyone and its definatley not a nice thing to go through.

As for those that still believe I did it myself, as some kind of sick and twisted game, ask those that I've met if they see me as an individual capable of doing such a pathetic and despicable act.

If anything, I'm a little too soft sometimes and probably a bit daft in the respect of placing my trust in people far too easily, but this is how I am and this is how I will always be, nothing will change that. Honesty is something ive always held in the highest regard, as you have seen in the past with other members, I've often put my foot in it on more than one occassion by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time or coming across as somewhat arogant, uncaring or even distasteful for stating my opinion on something, just one of the things ive learned to do a little less of.

Should I appologise for the hacker incident? Yes I should because it is my fault that members of the site were given such exposure to the individual that hacked me, a former friend that allowed him to behave in such a convincing manner, and thus why I finally came to accept my suspension.

Now please, I would very much like this to be the end of the whole thing and it never to be brought up again. Let us bury the hatchet and wipe the slate clean, and you have my appolgies for once again discussing this subject.

 

[Rasputin]

.............what? Why would you have to avoid the RP section?

I thought it would be fairly obvious by now, but I suppose that's a discussion for another day.

And PMs are private. Until they are forwarded to staff.

They shouldn't be forwarded to staff in the first place unless they are legitimately spam or threatening messages. What I dealt with was an emotionally insecure staff member who was looking for reasons to suspend me because of some personal disagreements we had in earlier threads. After being falsely accused of PM advertising, said member decided that instead of talking to me or even giving a warning about the issue, that I should have to sit in the proverbial "time out corner" while being verbally taunted for trying produce logical evidence in my defense. That wasn't effective enforcement of the rules, it was targeted harassment, and it taught me a good lesson on being very careful where I post and to always assume that the worst will happen in potential conflicts.

 

[Big Casino]

I apolagise for making that thread shaun.
It was childish of me and its not something id usually do.
Il say this though. I dont believe that you were hacked at all and nothing will probadly change my oppinion on that ever. Though il keep my thoughts to myself.

 

[The Witch]

I had no idea there were problems.

I'm with lagunas dream, on this one.

 

[The Illusive Man]

I apolagise for making that thread shaun.
It was childish of me and its not something id usually do.
Il say this though. I dont believe that you were hacked at all and nothing will probadly change my oppinion on that ever. Though il keep my thoughts to myself.

And that is your opinion and I respect that, I will say I was a little suprised when I saw that thread as in the past I used to get on rather well with you, but like I said everyone has there own views on what happened and I wont try to change your mind.

 

[Shu]

Just a forewarning to folks, since it hasn't been done, if this thread is anyway derailed, you will 1) be hated by the Shu and I'll put you on my list (just starts a list since he never had one to begin) 2) It will immediately be deleted.

This is a rather good thread, that if folks need to get it out there, that things are going astray, then voice it. What needs to be said, needs to be said.. since most folks are still suffering from fall out from a rather different last 3 months.

Take this thread seriously, even if we have a FFF suggestion Section.

 

[Jack's Smirking Revenge]

I haven't noticed anything like this yet really. People have always argued and bickered and there have always been people who cry when everyone doesn't act like they do in kid's TV shows.

I say suck it up and get over it.