Hmm... [Archive] - Wizards Community - Pages Merged by Solauren

Hmm... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
deadkoo
02-19-08, 04:05 PM Maybe it is just me, but I have noticed a fairly large increase in the "HELP! My DM is being mean to me because I am trying to break his game!" threads poping up around the place...

So, and this is more of a psychological question, I wonder why so many people immediatly bring there problems here?

I have been involved in a LOT of DnD games that have gone sideways for many many reasons. I have only been involved in a few where the problem is SOLELY on one person... It is usually 3-4 people that either can't get along, are trying to do something that no one else wants to do, or the players not agreeing with the DM for whatever reason.

Maybe it is just human nature, but why do so many players find it difficult to either speak to their DM/PCs about the problem intelligently and respectfully, and try to work threw it, or (if it is really that big of a deal) just leave the game?

I am always more than willing to help people that have genuine problems or questions, (and I know I have turned to this board for questions or concerns about a game I was in before I started an arguement with my group incase I was wrong about a rule or just didn't understand what was going on) but why do people come to these boards looking for a post that they can print off and throw in front of their DM/PCs faces and say "HA! see I was right and you were wrong! PWN'd!"...

Maybe I am just noticing it more, or maybe I am just being stupid and misunderstanding what people are asking for in their threads, but what do you think?

I don't want to start a flame here. But I honestly would like to know what some of the more veteran DnD Players think, as they have probably been involved in a lot more DnD drama than I have.

Cheers
Nephlite
02-19-08, 06:01 PM Maybe it is just me, but I have noticed a fairly large increase in the "HELP! My DM is being mean to me because I am trying to break his game!" threads poping up around the place...

So, and this is more of a psychological question, I wonder why so many people immediatly bring there problems here?

Why do people bring their problems anywhere?
a. Comfortable.
b. Ease of spewing what ails them: All you have to do if type, even if bad at talking; you can type.
c. Knowledgable people.

Psychologists are told issues due to all these reasons. Making you feel comfortable is the hard part. But after that, it can be done easily.

Maybe it is just human nature, but why do so many players find it difficult to either speak to their DM/PCs about the problem intelligently and respectfully, and try to work threw it, or (if it is really that big of a deal) just leave the game?

a. They are unsure if they must walk away
1) Is no D&D better than bad D&D, up to individual
2) Want to be encouraged/discouraged that the game is unsalvagable

b. Some people aren't good communicators: as D&D's sterotype was nerds... that shouldn't be a shock.
1) some people do'nt like confrontation
2) Having proof to back up a statement makes it more credible.

c. Unsure if DM is lying or if it is a official rule (this is not needed if he states it is a houserule).

I am always more than willing to help people that have genuine problems or questions, (and I know I have turned to this board for questions or concerns about a game I was in before I started an arguement with my group incase I was wrong about a rule or just didn't understand what was going on) but why do people come to these boards looking for a post that they can print off and throw in front of their DM/PCs faces and say "HA! see I was right and you were wrong! PWN'd!"...

Because some people like to know why they get this goosebumply feeling that says, " error, mind doesn't agree, could be false".

Now the answers are:
a. memory bad
b. You are right, that is wrong.
c. You were fooled because the other times were the houserule.

Maybe I am just noticing it more, or maybe I am just being stupid and misunderstanding what people are asking for in their threads, but what do you think?

I don't want to start a flame here. But I honestly would like to know what some of the more veteran DnD Players think, as they have probably been involved in a lot more DnD drama than I have.

Cheers

Some DMs are not that easy to work with.

You have seen the Warlock/Duskblade/Tob arguements (a few were dialogues, but mostly arguement).

People get this irrational thing in them. Maybe because it is not like they remember playing D&D so as it differs it "Must be bad!"
People hate things that are too different and all.
Cuindless
02-20-08, 12:32 AM Why do people bring their problems anywhere?
a. Comfortable.
b. Ease of spewing what ails them: All you have to do if type, even if bad at talking; you can type.
c. Knowledgable people.

Psychologists are told issues due to all these reasons. Making you feel comfortable is the hard part. But after that, it can be done easily.

a. They are unsure if they must walk away
1) Is no D&D better than bad D&D, up to individual
2) Want to be encouraged/discouraged that the game is unsalvagable

b. Some people aren't good communicators: as D&D's sterotype was nerds... that shouldn't be a shock.
1) some people do'nt like confrontation
2) Having proof to back up a statement makes it more credible.

c. Unsure if DM is lying or if it is a official rule (this is not needed if he states it is a houserule).

Because some people like to know why they get this goosebumply feeling that says, " error, mind doesn't agree, could be false".

Now the answers are:
a. memory bad
b. You are right, that is wrong.
c. You were fooled because the other times were the houserule.

Some DMs are not that easy to work with.

You have seen the Warlock/Duskblade/Tob arguements (a few were dialogues, but mostly arguement).

People get this irrational thing in them. Maybe because it is not like they remember playing D&D so as it differs it "Must be bad!"
People hate things that are too different and all.

WOW! So much information... hurr... brain must process... hurr.

Nephlite makes a lot of good points, but I'm just going to add one more: Teh Internets. They aren't new by any stretch of the imagination, but I think that these boards are the first time that most of the D&D community has been brought together into one forum. I know that forums such as these have existed before, but they were much more insular and less centralized. Now, though, we have a means of communication largely unseen previously. Before the internet came along to solve all our problems (;)) we had to solve our problems face to face (GASP!) with our fellow gamers (GODS NO! THE LIGHT!). Seriously, though, it's partially due to an increase in awareness. The comfort, anonymity and prevalence of the medium has led to an increase in perceived complaints. That's what I think, at least.
Axiomatic_vampire
02-20-08, 01:49 AM Venting, validation, and ventriloquism.
Sinfire Titan
02-20-08, 02:02 AM Venting, validation, and ventriloquism.

Can we please not butcher famous Mediterranean conquerers? Please?
Axiomatic_vampire
02-20-08, 02:06 AM Leaving the butchery to one side, I defy you to tell me I'm wrong.
kelvinaw273
02-20-08, 02:30 AM Possibly players/DMs come here as a last resort that was previously unavailable, but perhaps there is another reason too ...

Previously, when you gamed you did so with friends, people you already knew. These days, people can contact via the web people that they don't know personally and game with them. Because they don't know them, they don't feel comfortable approaching them.

Then again, many of the "Geek Social Fallacies" (http://www.plausiblydeniable.com/opinion/gsf.html) do need pointing out occasionally even between friends.
Jutter
02-20-08, 04:54 AM Maybe it is just me, but I have noticed a fairly large increase in the "HELP! My DM is being mean to me because I am trying to break his game!" threads poping up around the place...

So, and this is more of a psychological question, I wonder why so many people immediatly bring there problems here?

Sometimes, people just need to vent. Think of the little things you complain about when you're around loved ones, yet never bother to address. Loved ones can imagine a rude co-worker, but can't seem to grasp the problem of this imaginary dwarf killing my imaginary elf with a called shot that isn't in the rules. So people end up consulting other players, who can be found on these message boards.
Sinfire Titan
02-20-08, 12:06 PM Leaving the butchery to one side, I defy you to tell me I'm wrong.

Ok, you are wrong. There, I told you. Now give me my damn cookie.

:P
CryoSilver
02-20-08, 04:16 PM Maybe it is just human nature, but why do so many players find it difficult to either speak to their DM/PCs about the problem intelligently and respectfully, and try to work threw it, or (if it is really that big of a deal) just leave the game?

It's because parents can't beat their children any more.

But on a slightly more serious note, why do people complain about anything? It makes them feel like they're doing something about the problem without actually doing anything.
Axiomatic_vampire
02-21-08, 12:05 AM Ok, you are wrong. There, I told you. Now give me my damn cookie.

:P

You're a good man, because the god's honest truth is I'm usually wrong. here's a :cookie:

Still, give my mine, because 9 out of 10 times, it's venting, validation, or ventriloqiusm.
Sinfire Titan
02-21-08, 01:01 AM You're a good man, because the god's honest truth is I'm usually wrong. here's a :cookie:

Still, give my mine, because 9 out of 10 times, it's venting, validation, or ventriloqiusm.

:cookie:
Shaggy_Shaggs
02-21-08, 02:36 AM I think part of the problem is that people have many different ideas on what's reasonable and what's not. If there are conflicting ideas within a group on what's reasonable, what's gamebreaking, and what's subpar, you can end up with otherwise sane people sounding like they've lost their minds. ("OMG, frenzied berserker's power attack makes big numbers without magic, broken!" *while gating in a solar*)

This can create a lot of confusion with all involved parties convinced they're correct, and certain the other side should agree, if they could just be shown the light. Then you get folks coming around here apparently in search of alternate angles from which to present their arguments, and/or ways to demonstrate that they are in fact correct, when they're really just struggling with a difference of opinion or style. Some people just have trouble saying clearly what they're after, and end up sounding oversimplified.

Then again, I could be way, way off.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
deadkoo 02-19-08, 04:05 PM	Maybe it is just me, but I have noticed a fairly large increase in the "HELP! My DM is being mean to me because I am trying to break his game!" threads poping up around the place... So, and this is more of a psychological question, I wonder why so many people immediatly bring there problems here? I have been involved in a LOT of DnD games that have gone sideways for many many reasons. I have only been involved in a few where the problem is SOLELY on one person... It is usually 3-4 people that either can't get along, are trying to do something that no one else wants to do, or the players not agreeing with the DM for whatever reason. Maybe it is just human nature, but why do so many players find it difficult to either speak to their DM/PCs about the problem intelligently and respectfully, and try to work threw it, or (if it is really that big of a deal) just leave the game? I am always more than willing to help people that have genuine problems or questions, (and I know I have turned to this board for questions or concerns about a game I was in before I started an arguement with my group incase I was wrong about a rule or just didn't understand what was going on) but why do people come to these boards looking for a post that they can print off and throw in front of their DM/PCs faces and say "HA! see I was right and you were wrong! PWN'd!"... Maybe I am just noticing it more, or maybe I am just being stupid and misunderstanding what people are asking for in their threads, but what do you think? I don't want to start a flame here. But I honestly would like to know what some of the more veteran DnD Players think, as they have probably been involved in a lot more DnD drama than I have. Cheers
Nephlite 02-19-08, 06:01 PM	Maybe it is just me, but I have noticed a fairly large increase in the "HELP! My DM is being mean to me because I am trying to break his game!" threads poping up around the place... So, and this is more of a psychological question, I wonder why so many people immediatly bring there problems here? Why do people bring their problems anywhere? a. Comfortable. b. Ease of spewing what ails them: All you have to do if type, even if bad at talking; you can type. c. Knowledgable people. Psychologists are told issues due to all these reasons. Making you feel comfortable is the hard part. But after that, it can be done easily. Maybe it is just human nature, but why do so many players find it difficult to either speak to their DM/PCs about the problem intelligently and respectfully, and try to work threw it, or (if it is really that big of a deal) just leave the game? a. They are unsure if they must walk away 1) Is no D&D better than bad D&D, up to individual 2) Want to be encouraged/discouraged that the game is unsalvagable b. Some people aren't good communicators: as D&D's sterotype was nerds... that shouldn't be a shock. 1) some people do'nt like confrontation 2) Having proof to back up a statement makes it more credible. c. Unsure if DM is lying or if it is a official rule (this is not needed if he states it is a houserule). I am always more than willing to help people that have genuine problems or questions, (and I know I have turned to this board for questions or concerns about a game I was in before I started an arguement with my group incase I was wrong about a rule or just didn't understand what was going on) but why do people come to these boards looking for a post that they can print off and throw in front of their DM/PCs faces and say "HA! see I was right and you were wrong! PWN'd!"... Because some people like to know why they get this goosebumply feeling that says, " error, mind doesn't agree, could be false". Now the answers are: a. memory bad b. You are right, that is wrong. c. You were fooled because the other times were the houserule. Maybe I am just noticing it more, or maybe I am just being stupid and misunderstanding what people are asking for in their threads, but what do you think? I don't want to start a flame here. But I honestly would like to know what some of the more veteran DnD Players think, as they have probably been involved in a lot more DnD drama than I have. Cheers Some DMs are not that easy to work with. You have seen the Warlock/Duskblade/Tob arguements (a few were dialogues, but mostly arguement). People get this irrational thing in them. Maybe because it is not like they remember playing D&D so as it differs it "Must be bad!" People hate things that are too different and all.
Cuindless 02-20-08, 12:32 AM	Why do people bring their problems anywhere? a. Comfortable. b. Ease of spewing what ails them: All you have to do if type, even if bad at talking; you can type. c. Knowledgable people. Psychologists are told issues due to all these reasons. Making you feel comfortable is the hard part. But after that, it can be done easily. a. They are unsure if they must walk away 1) Is no D&D better than bad D&D, up to individual 2) Want to be encouraged/discouraged that the game is unsalvagable b. Some people aren't good communicators: as D&D's sterotype was nerds... that shouldn't be a shock. 1) some people do'nt like confrontation 2) Having proof to back up a statement makes it more credible. c. Unsure if DM is lying or if it is a official rule (this is not needed if he states it is a houserule). Because some people like to know why they get this goosebumply feeling that says, " error, mind doesn't agree, could be false". Now the answers are: a. memory bad b. You are right, that is wrong. c. You were fooled because the other times were the houserule. Some DMs are not that easy to work with. You have seen the Warlock/Duskblade/Tob arguements (a few were dialogues, but mostly arguement). People get this irrational thing in them. Maybe because it is not like they remember playing D&D so as it differs it "Must be bad!" People hate things that are too different and all. WOW! So much information... hurr... brain must process... hurr. Nephlite makes a lot of good points, but I'm just going to add one more: Teh Internets. They aren't new by any stretch of the imagination, but I think that these boards are the first time that most of the D&D community has been brought together into one forum. I know that forums such as these have existed before, but they were much more insular and less centralized. Now, though, we have a means of communication largely unseen previously. Before the internet came along to solve all our problems (;)) we had to solve our problems face to face (GASP!) with our fellow gamers (GODS NO! THE LIGHT!). Seriously, though, it's partially due to an increase in awareness. The comfort, anonymity and prevalence of the medium has led to an increase in perceived complaints. That's what I think, at least.
Axiomatic_vampire 02-20-08, 01:49 AM	Venting, validation, and ventriloquism.
Sinfire Titan 02-20-08, 02:02 AM	Venting, validation, and ventriloquism. Can we please not butcher famous Mediterranean conquerers? Please?
Axiomatic_vampire 02-20-08, 02:06 AM	Leaving the butchery to one side, I defy you to tell me I'm wrong.
kelvinaw273 02-20-08, 02:30 AM	Possibly players/DMs come here as a last resort that was previously unavailable, but perhaps there is another reason too ... Previously, when you gamed you did so with friends, people you already knew. These days, people can contact via the web people that they don't know personally and game with them. Because they don't know them, they don't feel comfortable approaching them. Then again, many of the "Geek Social Fallacies" (http://www.plausiblydeniable.com/opinion/gsf.html) do need pointing out occasionally even between friends.
Jutter 02-20-08, 04:54 AM	Maybe it is just me, but I have noticed a fairly large increase in the "HELP! My DM is being mean to me because I am trying to break his game!" threads poping up around the place... So, and this is more of a psychological question, I wonder why so many people immediatly bring there problems here? Sometimes, people just need to vent. Think of the little things you complain about when you're around loved ones, yet never bother to address. Loved ones can imagine a rude co-worker, but can't seem to grasp the problem of this imaginary dwarf killing my imaginary elf with a called shot that isn't in the rules. So people end up consulting other players, who can be found on these message boards.
Sinfire Titan 02-20-08, 12:06 PM	Leaving the butchery to one side, I defy you to tell me I'm wrong. Ok, you are wrong. There, I told you. Now give me my damn cookie. :P
CryoSilver 02-20-08, 04:16 PM	Maybe it is just human nature, but why do so many players find it difficult to either speak to their DM/PCs about the problem intelligently and respectfully, and try to work threw it, or (if it is really that big of a deal) just leave the game? It's because parents can't beat their children any more. But on a slightly more serious note, why do people complain about anything? It makes them feel like they're doing something about the problem without actually doing anything.
Axiomatic_vampire 02-21-08, 12:05 AM	Ok, you are wrong. There, I told you. Now give me my damn cookie. :P You're a good man, because the god's honest truth is I'm usually wrong. here's a :cookie: Still, give my mine, because 9 out of 10 times, it's venting, validation, or ventriloqiusm.
Sinfire Titan 02-21-08, 01:01 AM	You're a good man, because the god's honest truth is I'm usually wrong. here's a :cookie: Still, give my mine, because 9 out of 10 times, it's venting, validation, or ventriloqiusm. :cookie:
Shaggy_Shaggs 02-21-08, 02:36 AM	I think part of the problem is that people have many different ideas on what's reasonable and what's not. If there are conflicting ideas within a group on what's reasonable, what's gamebreaking, and what's subpar, you can end up with otherwise sane people sounding like they've lost their minds. ("OMG, frenzied berserker's power attack makes big numbers without magic, broken!" while gating in a solar) This can create a lot of confusion with all involved parties convinced they're correct, and certain the other side should agree, if they could just be shown the light. Then you get folks coming around here apparently in search of alternate angles from which to present their arguments, and/or ways to demonstrate that they are in fact correct, when they're really just struggling with a difference of opinion or style. Some people just have trouble saying clearly what they're after, and end up sounding oversimplified. Then again, I could be way, way off.