Posted by Dioxide(VIP) on November 11, 1999 at 11:15:44:
In Reply to: Please read this (long, but important) posted by Montolio DeBrouchee, Warder of the Light on November 10, 1999 at 17:53:28:
Hey, Firstly, I'd like to thank you for expressing your opinions in a civilized manner. It's a lot easier on the mind than flames and that kind of garbage. Here's what I think about your post: > To all those who read the forum: Yes. Many people asked for the Log Board, and I agreed. However, since it is being abused so much, I am considering removing it. > Dioxide has various people whom he as given VIP status to in order to monitor and regulate these forums. He has also given IMM status to the immortals to give the name posted with the letters credibility. These things are worthwhile, but in my opinion, should not be needed. I have to disagree. VIPs are needed. I can't be the only one monitoring these boards, for 18 heads are definitely better than one. The VIPs are there when posts need to be deleted, things need to be clarified, or small things need to be updated. If there were no VIPs, I wouldn't stay away from the computer for more than a couple hours at a time. Many posts are deleted, and thanks to the VIPs you don't need to read the crap. Appreciate them. Also, the IMM flags were distributed so people would know who the Immortals were. I think it's needed. I've had it with people impersonating Imms. > I have noticed a feature on the message boards that replaces the vowels in swear words with a *. For example, when looking at the outline of the board, you may see a post entitled "Holy sh*t, you're a moron." (The Arcane, I simply use it as the first example I saw, but mean no bias towards you.) When I first noticed this, I thought it was a good idea. But as I pondered it further, I asked myself, "Why should this be needed?" > Again, I use the word should. This feature shouldn't be needed. For the most part, we are all adults. All of us know how to speak, and when certain words should be used. When I look at a post that is flavored with 'colorful metaphors,' the poster of that message looses credibility in my eyes. There is no need to swear on these forums. We should all be able to get our messages across clearly without having to resort to such speech. Now don't get me wrong. There are times when I swear like a drunken sailor. But there is a time and a place for such things. Trying to express constructive criticism is neither the time nor the place for that. Again, I must disagree. Firstly, it's inevitable that people will be swearing. However, when I load up the forum, I don't want to see a whole string of cussing. Sure, we all do it, but it's repulsive. And even if I went out, stood on my soapbox, and forbade swearing on the Forum, it'd still happen. So, I implemented the cuss filter. It only loads up on the first page. On a side note, you'd be surprised that much of the CF community are not adults... > And now I get to the heart of the matter. Of all the things on these forums, the most blatant aspect that I have seen is lack of respect. Respect is a simple matter. It is necessary in the everyday world; you need it when looking for a job, being in a relationship, or buying a car. You need it for every part of your life. > Chris Warren did not respect Andy Smith. Andy Smith did respect Warren. Warren used that respect, and twisted it. That was wrong. And that is as far as I would like to go in that aspect of the matters at hand. > Andy Smith chose to leave Carrion Fields. I do not know if that is permanent or temporary, and I would not presume to make a judgement on that. But I do respect his decision, as should everyone here. That is all I would like to say about that aspect of the matter. > There are many people who post on the forums who have no respect for others. They get into pissing matches with everyone, and in the end, who wins? > Nobody wins pissing matches. > I have been playing a mortal on the Fields, and have been tempted to post a log or a whine about my group members. I don't care for people going OOC very much over private channels, but it should be kept private if it is to be done. Spouting OOC information over such channels as 'say,' in my opinion, is in very poor taste. At that moment, I was ready to post a message detailing the names of my groupmates and their OOC exploits. But such as their actions were, that would be in poor taste. I have respect for them (even though they may have a lot to learn). I also have respect for Dioxide, and do not wish to clutter up his valuable space on this forum with such garbage. I typed out the whole post, and held the mouse in my hand. I sat back and thought for a moment, and clicked on clear. > I am not God. Neither are the members of the administration of Carrion Fields. Or Dioxide. Or any of you. We are all simply people. We have feelings, thoughts, ideas, and concerns. All that I ask of you is to voice yours with respect. > I sat back and thought for a moment before I decided to clear that post. I ask all of you to do the same. Just think. Is it necessary to say 'f*ck off,' or other such comments. Is it necessary to say, 'Conjurers are too f*cking overpowered.' Is it necessary to say whatever it is you have to say? And if it is, can you say it in a better way? I'd wish people would. I really do. > I'm not telling you to play nicely. I'm not telling you that you have to like someone. It is all right to disagree, to not like, to hate. But please, do so in a respectful way. > I am an American, born and raised in Islip, New York, in the United States. I am moved to tears whenever I hear the 'Star Spangled Banner.' I believe in the freedom of speech. It is guaranteed to me. I think everyone should have that right, to speak his or her feelings. But with that freedom comes responsibility. Even if we disagree with another's view, we should do so respectfully. I believe in the following axiom: I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. But I go a little further than that. I respect your view, but only if you express your view with respect, and you should respect mine. > Someone once said respect is to be earned. I don't believe that to be the case. Respect should be given freely by everyone. If we respect each other, then whining would not exist on this forum, pissing matches would not occur, and this forum would be a better place. > Once again, I am not God. I have not the right to dictate your actions, your thoughts, and your views. I ask only that people think before they speak, and when they do speak, do so with respect. > Sincerely, > PS: I appreciate and respect any comments that any of you may have regarding this post or me as a person. All that I ask is that you express such comments with respect for me, and for all the others who view this board. Although I disagree with your opinions about the board, I strongly agree with your comments on respect. There is not enough respect on this board. It's disgusting when I load up this board that I've worked so hard on, and see nothing but flames and junk. It makes me wonder, "Why am I creating an environment of hate?" So, as I said earlier, all you guys should start learning to be less destructive with your energies, and focus it somewhere else. Help a newbie. Start a meaningful discussion. Just don't flame, dammit. --Dioxide
> I know that it has been some time since I was active on Carrion Fields, and I may be a bit out of the loop, but I do have a general idea as to what is going on. I have started playing the game once again, and have been reading Dioxide's forums. I am quite concerned as to what has been going on both in the game and out of the game.
> As I see it, many people (not all) have been posting logs of events, logs that are being used to ridicule those depicted in these logs. Also, many people have been posting letters on the main forum complaining about various aspects of Carrion Fields. While complaints are good, many of them lack support or evidence, and the people come across as whining.
> John E. Fordham, Jr.