whats it mean? (focused discussion) - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

whats it mean? (focused discussion)

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
trappedslider
Mar 31, 2008 0:09:40 I've decided to start something new here i'm gonna all a "focused discussion" what means is that off topic chatter will try to be kept to a min and hopefull the thread won't drift off topic...
____________

I've seen the phrase "dumbed down" tossed around alot without a clear definention and so now i ask what does it mean?
#2
TheRealOrion
Mar 31, 2008 1:47:25 Off the top of my head, I would take it to mean that a complex, subtle, and/or flexible rule was simplified, and in the process lost it's subtlety and flexibility. Eg, the changes Paizo made to the skill system in Alpha seem like a "dumbing down" to me, but it's all a matter of perspective.
#3
backstabbist
Mar 31, 2008 23:37:44 Dumbed Down.
I've generally seen it applied to when something was simplified for more common use. It implies that previously the subject of the phrase was beyond use by some folks, presumably that they didnt understand how to use it.

The Automobile has been dumbed down repeatedly, to the point that they are now more difficult to manipulate by advanced users. Guages have been replaced by Idiot Lights, that have been replaced by the IdiotPanel with brilliant descriptors like "Check Engine". The car knows very well there was preignition on cylnder#3 and a temp warning at the manifold, but all I get is Check Engine.

Which is exactly the kind of guages my mom needs.
225 Temp? Is that bad? What does that mean? Water boils at 212 so I must be boiling over... wait, the Check Engine light isnt on so I must be ok.

But that doesnt mean the users are dumb.
They just havent knowlege of this particular thing.

But it does carry the stigma that the object is degraded for simplicity.
#4
TheRealOrion
Mar 31, 2008 23:57:06 "Excessively user friendly" might be a good synonym, eh?
#5
kjakan
Apr 01, 2008 7:48:45 The term is usually used to express displeasure. A person who has mastered a certain process will likely be comfortable with that level of complexity and may find a simplified process to be less rich in experience.

An extreme simplification of the D&D rules: roll 1d20 plus half your level. If you get 15 or more you succeed. This is extremely simple to use, but ultimately unfulfillng.

-K

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 trappedslider Mar 31, 2008 0:09:40	I've decided to start something new here i'm gonna all a "focused discussion" what means is that off topic chatter will try to be kept to a min and hopefull the thread won't drift off topic... ____________ I've seen the phrase "dumbed down" tossed around alot without a clear definention and so now i ask what does it mean?
#2 TheRealOrion Mar 31, 2008 1:47:25	Off the top of my head, I would take it to mean that a complex, subtle, and/or flexible rule was simplified, and in the process lost it's subtlety and flexibility. Eg, the changes Paizo made to the skill system in Alpha seem like a "dumbing down" to me, but it's all a matter of perspective.
#3 backstabbist Mar 31, 2008 23:37:44	Dumbed Down. I've generally seen it applied to when something was simplified for more common use. It implies that previously the subject of the phrase was beyond use by some folks, presumably that they didnt understand how to use it. The Automobile has been dumbed down repeatedly, to the point that they are now more difficult to manipulate by advanced users. Guages have been replaced by Idiot Lights, that have been replaced by the IdiotPanel with brilliant descriptors like "Check Engine". The car knows very well there was preignition on cylnder#3 and a temp warning at the manifold, but all I get is Check Engine. Which is exactly the kind of guages my mom needs. 225 Temp? Is that bad? What does that mean? Water boils at 212 so I must be boiling over... wait, the Check Engine light isnt on so I must be ok. But that doesnt mean the users are dumb. They just havent knowlege of this particular thing. But it does carry the stigma that the object is degraded for simplicity.
#4 TheRealOrion Mar 31, 2008 23:57:06	"Excessively user friendly" might be a good synonym, eh?
#5 kjakan Apr 01, 2008 7:48:45	The term is usually used to express displeasure. A person who has mastered a certain process will likely be comfortable with that level of complexity and may find a simplified process to be less rich in experience. An extreme simplification of the D&D rules: roll 1d20 plus half your level. If you get 15 or more you succeed. This is extremely simple to use, but ultimately unfulfillng. -K