Saying "This is not an edition war" doesn't stop the trolls from turning it in to one.
Usually, it's not a reflection of the OP. If the OP is trolling, it gets reporting as such and they may get a warning.
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1227749
Although there seems to be an unfortunate progression:
(1) Thread intelligently discusses merits of various editions (valid topic)
(2) VCL understands that intelligent discussion can devolve into flaming and notes that the thread should be watched
(3) ORC translates "watched" as "locked" and locks the thread.
(4) People previously debating calmly become angry and start new, angrier, edition wars thread, in which flaming occurs.
It isn't the fault of an ORC misreading anything.
Plus if the reason is "by VCL request" you can go read the request on the VCL request thread:
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1227749
Although there seems to be an unfortunate progression:
(1) Thread intelligently discusses merits of various editions (valid topic)
(2) VCL understands that intelligent discussion can devolve into flaming and notes that the thread should be watched
(3) ORC translates "watched" as "locked" and locks the thread.
(4) People previously debating calmly become angry and start new, angrier, edition wars thread, in which flaming occurs.
Eh, steps are more like this:
(1) Thread intelligently discusses merits of various editions (valid topic)
(2) VCL understands that intelligent discussion can devolve into flaming and notes that the thread should be watched VCL watches thread.
(3) People previously debating calmly become angry and start trolling and baiting and/or get trolled themselves, get angrier, edition wars ensue in which flaming occurs.
(4) VCL asks ORC to close thread, ORC locks thread.
Rated M, but oh-so-true. :S
When people say "I like 4th edition, but..." the thread's contents are often garbage.
When people try to justify themselves before they post something, usually it is because they are, in fact, doing exactly what they're saying they're not.
If you want to say something, say it. Prefacing it with whatever isn't going to change the nature of the comment in a positive way, and will often change it in a negative one.
Three of the threads in the 4E General board that evolved into Edition Wars® because of posters that have had multiple chances and still repeated break the CoC willy-nilly.
One of them was one of the posters that where trolling the Previous Editions forums around the start of the year and has had about 4 different accounts. Fortunately he's the less aggressive of the two that did that.
It's a shame that one negative poster can still manage to derail a thread into a Edition War® and get it locked.
Three of the threads in the 4E General board that evolved into Edition Wars® because of posters that have had multiple chances and still repeated break the CoC willy-nilly.
One of them was one of the posters that where trolling the Previous Editions forums around the start of the year and has had about 4 different accounts. Fortunately he's the less aggressive of the two that did that.
If you start to wonder, check a post history starting with threads started.
If virtually every thread started is locked (sometimes after only a few posts) it is a bad sign and you might want to refrain from responding to such posts.
It is especially worrisome if a poster only posts once or twice in a thread started but then another poster with a similar start date (sometimes even a related name) does a thorough job of flaming.
Usually, IMO, a little digging such as mentioned above will turn up most of those who post with the sole intention of screwing with people.
If you start to wonder, check a post history starting with threads started.
If virtually every thread started is locked (sometimes after only a few posts) it is a bad sign and you might want to refrain from responding to such posts.
It is especially worrisome if a poster only posts once or twice in a thread started but then another poster with a similar start date (sometimes even a related name) does a thorough job of flaming.
Usually, IMO, a little digging such as mentioned above will turn up most of those who post with the sole intention of screwing with people.
Good advice, right here.
The other was locked because of a poster that insults as a standard course of action. I know this because they stated that the insult stupid people because that is the only way to make them learn. Unfortunately stupid to them seems to be having another opinion on a subject. At least two other threads got locked by that poster insulting, one of which I started. Again not responding to that poster prevents locking.
On the subject of derailing threads I predict that a certain poster will come to this thread, claim that we just want opposing points of view to be suppressed, and then play the victim card. Threads on subjects like this are usually subjected to that tactic by that poster. I cannot be certain that this will happen nor can I name them, but is a possibility.
On the subject of derailing threads I predict that a certain poster will come to this thread, claim that we just want opposing points of view to be suppressed, and then play the victim card. Threads on subjects like this are usually subjected to that tactic by that poster. I cannot be certain that this will happen nor can I name them, but is a possibility.
Now that is a tactic we have seen plenty of, the only problem with it is they don't seem to see the posters who can disagree and still be civil, there are quite a few posters who can go into the General forums, post their bit, and it is discussed rationally.
...there are quite a few posters who can go into the General forums, post their bit, and it is discussed rationally.
If this is true I think I might give it a look.
I've relied on my players (all of them experienced GMs in their own right) to help me adjudicate the 4E rules as we go along, with me having the final say. However if the 4E forums can educate me on the nuances without seeming like a flame furnace, all the better.
If this is true I think I might give it a look.
I've relied on my players (all of them experienced GMs in their own right) to help me adjudicate the 4E rules as we go along, with me having the final say. However if the 4E forums can educate me on the nuances without seeming like a flame furnace, all the better.
(You may already know this, but...) The general boards are generally not the place for rules questions. Try the Q&A boards for questions about 4e. You'll get a faster, more accurate response.
(You may already know this, but...) The general boards are generally not the place for rules questions. Try the Q&A boards for questions about 4e. You'll get a faster, more accurate response.
You are correct. I did know where to look for rules questions.
I should clarify that I do want to read and participate in rules discussions, but the general boards seemed the best place to get my feet wet first before jumping in all the way. ;)
the general boards seemed the best place to get my feet wet first before jumping in all the way. ;)
The general boards is not the kiddie pool forum (though it often seems that way). It's the place for miscellaneous question (not necessarily Mr. Miscellaneous questions :P) If you have a question on a topic for which there is a forum already, post it in the forum. If your question is about DMing 4th edition, post it in What's a DM to Do?
Really, very few threads should ever be started in General Discussion.
Thank you for the forum posting advice and information.
I should say that I took some time to visit the General Forum and I was pleasantly surprised by the discussions and topics that covered the different editions of the game (and not just 3E and 4E). It was fun to think back on (and in some cases discuss) my experiences playing D&D from the early 1980s to now.
My apologies for any derailment. Just wanted to say thanks.
Hello Samyueru, You are correct. I did know where to look for rules questions.
I should clarify that I do want to read and participate in rules discussions, but the general boards seemed the best place to get my feet wet first before jumping in all the way. ;)
Ah. Indeed. General can be a great place for discussion of story ideas, tips, tricks and the like. It's a great place when the trolls aren't about. And they haven't been for a while. Hope to see you over there.
I know you guys aren't talking about me...
right?
Not even remotely, no.
I know you guys aren't talking about me...
right?
Absolutely not.
One of them was one of the posters that where trolling the Previous Editions forums around the start of the year and has had about 4 different accounts. Fortunately he's the less aggressive of the two that did that.
Nope. He kicked into full gear tonight, PMing people ambush site links and posting/deleting inflammatory posts. Makes me think the 'post that make you cry' thread on the forum he originated from is back in business.
Nope. He kicked into full gear tonight, PMing people ambush site links and posting/deleting inflammatory posts. Makes me think the 'post that make you cry' thread on the forum he originated from is back in business.
Yep.. i was one of the lucky avengers to score a message.. thing is, even though he seems to think we are all avengers.. most of the people he messaged aren't and never were.. they just disagreed with his crap, but i guess that is all it takes to be an avenger to some trolls..
I know you guys aren't talking about me...
right?
Nope. I at least often enjoy your commentary. Of course anyone can rub people the wrong way now and again. No doubt we've all managed to do that a few times.
It's not about avengers to him. It's about not agreeing with his Grand Unified Design Theory. Something bred by the non-troll denizens of the other forums. He's the product of the atmosphere there and we're catching a whiff.
They're all Trolls over there. Subjective BS and Personal attacks are the only methods of communication 90% of them know how to use. Someday I hope to sponsor a convention for these people, with free plane rides and hotel rooms and everything, just so I can see if they really talk like that and find out just how sad they really are as actual human beings.
Of course, perhaps they all actually have Green Skin and Regeneration, and I guess then I wouldn't hold it against them. ;)
If it's not, it should be!!!
Now that book I would buy!!!
Oh yes! I don't buy campaign settings, but if this was one, I'd snap that book up in a second, if even jsut for the humour value! :D
They're all Trolls over there. Subjective BS and Personal attacks are the only methods of communication 90% of them know how to use. Someday I hope to sponsor a convention for these people, with free plane rides and hotel rooms and everything, just so I can see if they really talk like that and find out just how sad they really are as actual human beings.
Of course, perhaps they all actually have Green Skin and Regeneration, and I guess then I wouldn't hold it against them. ;)
Just bring some acid with you in case... You know... Oh, and a flame thrower. Not to deal with trolls, it's just that they are always fantastic fun :P.