Major Thread Topics to Avoid - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Major Thread Topics to Avoid

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
zombiegleemax
Nov 01, 2003 23:27:03 This is my Forum guide to the top ten posts that no one likes to see and everyone should avoid posting.

1) "_______ (insert race/class/spell/etc.) is the Best!!!!!!" This is the end-all-be-all of annoying threads. Does it have any content? No. Does it answer anyone's questions or settle any debates? No. Why does it exist? Because someone out there is the exact definition of fanboy, and sees the need to post their fanaticism and pollute the DnD message boards. The only responses you get are "Hell yes!" and "What, are you nuts?! ________ is the best!!!"

2) "What is DnD?" Okay, I know that if you're writing this one, you're new to the boards, and that's okay. But how in the world did you get here without knowing that? Do you even know where you are, or did this somehow appear while you were surfing the web for information on the educational value of Jerry Springer? Now, not to sound inhospitable, but be a little creative at least. Maybe you want to ask, "What are some of the defining characteristics of DnD?" This would clear up a lot of your confusion, and at the same time, you would get a lot of good advice on the game, how it works, and what it was meant to do.

3) "My Mom / friend’s Mom, etc. thinks DnD is evil!" Not without thoughtfulness, but without point. It is not up to you what parents think about DnD. If they are dead-set against it, you're not going to change their minds. If they're your parents, you can try to persuade them and make them see the light. Obviously, anyone who is on these boards is a DnD fan and doesn't think that the game is out to "possess" them. But that doesn't mean that we are going to help you rebel against your parents or overthrow your friend's parents. Parents try to do what is best for their kids and this should be respected. It would be better to ask something like, "How do I get through to someone who thinks badly of DnD?" Not much change in the idea there, but you'll actually get some advice and not just responses like, "the hell with parents!" and "that's pure nonsense."

4) "_________ (insert class/race/spell/etc.) is the Worst!!" The exact opposite in purpose of no. 1, but the exact same in result. These threads are entirely without thought.

5) "Look at my ____th (insert level) level _________ (insert class, usually Paladin)!" This is the one that makes me want throw up so badly that my intestines come up out of my throat. NO ONE CARES. Most of the people who post these are noobs who don't care about the rules, use only Paladins, and think that having a Holy Avenger sword at first level is "fun" (not that they stay at any level for more than five minutes, progressing without knowledge of epic characters beyond 20th level within the span of a half an hour). This is also a waste of the poster's time, typing the characters ridiculous stats without any purpose. No one responds to these and nothing productive gets done. Come on, guys.

6) "This rule _____________(insert incredibly nitpicky statement)" No one cares at all about these, except for the mentally insane and the retentive. Game designers aren't perfect, and they can't anticipate every tiny problem that might arise in a game that's designed to cover ALL possibilities. The problems stated never come up in play, and it doesn't help anyone's campaigns run smoother, telling people that there is this tiny loophole in the rules.

7) "I've found a way to create an invincible character!! Yay me!!!" No you haven't. Period. There is no way to use the rules to make a character or monster "invincible". Not possible, and it wouldn't be allowed in play by any DM with an IQ above 10. Invincibility loops and rule abuses are worthless in a game where the only true rule is that there are no rules. Your immune-to-spells damage reduction character with Trap the Soul gem in a destroyed bag of holding still isn't going to survive if I blow up his planet and leave him to suffocate in the endless nothing of space, is he.

8) "I hate it when..." Again, we have the worthless opinion column. I don't care what you hate. And besides, how am I going to respond to a thread like this? "No you don't." It's absurd. You never even stop to think about how to prevent such an occurrence, or even to think to ask someone else how to stop it. You just sit on your stony butt and act all cosmic, hoping that the problem will cease to exist, instead of you having to prod that gerbil in the wheel that powers your brain into action.

9) "I have all the books, know all the rules, have all the items, and my character could mop the floor with yours!" You forgot, "And everyone hates me!" This is up there for the most annoying thread of all time. Again, there is zero productivity. Also, if you have all of the books, you need to GET A LIFE. The only reason that someone should have all of the books is if they work for Wizards of the Coast, or have been an avid gamer since the beginning of time. Besides that, I don't think anyone gives a rat's ass if you have all of the books. Find something else to do with your boundless free time.

10) "_________ (insert feminine name from fantasy) from _________ (insert source) was HOT!!!" Here we go. The most brainless topic ever. Now, I'm a teenage guy in high school. Of course, I appreciate the ladies. But it is an insult to my intelligence that the only way you seem to think you can get my attention is to advertise scantily clad women to me. I have a brain in my head, and I care about more than just bra-wearing cheerleaders jumping up and down on trampolines. I am also sure that all of the rare female gamers out there are insulted by these topics. Finally, you have the nonexistent productivity. Drool all you want over magazines and such, but keep it to yourself here. The rest of us would like to accomplish something.

There it is, the top ten thread topics to avoid on the DnD message boards. If you object to something I said here (and have a good reason to) tell me. If you have any others to add, I'd be glad to hear them. Tell me what you think!

Banshee
#2
zombiegleemax
Nov 25, 2003 1:44:15 --Paladin moral conundrums involving baby hobgoblins and/or shooting the hostage to save the village

--Questions involving spiked chains and/or Improved Trip and/or tripping prone (or semi-prone) opponents

--Questions requiring an answer posted in five minutes or your game can't go on because your DM can't make his/her own decisions

--Questions on how to optimize/develop your dual scimitar-wielding "good" dark elf ranger character

Pongo
#3
mythusmage
Dec 03, 2003 2:00:44 "Why can't my elder infernal celestial dire legendary red dragon with spiked dragon barding go down the hobbit hole?"

(No, I'm not being entirely ludicrous...)
#4
zombiegleemax
Dec 03, 2003 5:51:34 Avoid any discussion about katanas, whether its lies along the line of "the katana is a uber-weapon," or the inverse "katanas are weak and frail."

Avoid any discussion that even mentions katanas, since it will quickly degenerate into the above argument.
#5
zombiegleemax
Dec 11, 2003 9:32:57
Originally posted by UberBanshee

4) "_________ (insert class/race/spell/etc.) is the Worst!!" The exact opposite in purpose of no. 1, but the exact same in result. These threads are entirely without thought.
Banshee

I'll pick this one because its inclusion here bothers me the most, but pretty much what I have to say applies to ALL your “topics to avoid.” There are very, very few topics that are bad--and most of those are actually forbidden per the CoC. Other than what is specifically laid out and forbidden in the CoC, all the topics you listed are fully discussable and relevant.

You appear to have seen a few discussions of some of these topics that went badly because one or more of the posters, perhaps even the original poster, did not handle it well. This is short sighted, applying a stereotype to a subject/topic when in fact it is the handling of that topic that is poor in a given case.

Frankly, meaningful discussions have been held many times on these very boards on topics you denote as "avoid." I've been in some of them.
#6
zombiegleemax
Dec 11, 2003 23:02:09 Threads comparing two similar things, usually the Sorcerer and Wizard classes. These seem to have some sort of time delay before they degenerate into senselessness; the first few posters usually try to actually discuss the topic in a sensible manner, but by page 2 these threads invariably degenerate into random aggregates of "X is too powerful! Y needs to be powered up!", "Why do these even need to be two separate classes?", and the ever-popular "OMG u guyz r so dum!11!"
#7
hblast
Dec 13, 2003 11:17:47 Though you might be right, there have been some old (and maybe new) threads that clearly are what the banshee meant.

Title: Elves rule!
Text: Well they do!

How on earth can that possibly relate to any kind of question or discussion?

Not to mention the counterwave of threads that made the exact same title, only for every possible PC race available.
#8
zombiegleemax
Dec 15, 2003 20:32:45
Originally posted by Luminous Crayon
Threads comparing two similar things, usually the Sorcerer and Wizard classes. These seem to have some sort of time delay before they degenerate into senselessness

Once again, this is a case where a valid topic is handled poorly. Those interested in the topic should stay on topic and simply ignore -- or report -- posts that veer widely from it.

Topics such as these are rarely, as the thread originator put it, "without thought".
#9
stembolt
Dec 15, 2003 23:12:59 How about “_____ Thread Topics to Avoid?”

I am amused by the title “topics to avoid.” I think you missed your mark of “topics I think no one should ever talk about.”

I think you entirely miss the point here. As opposed to offering constructive analysis you merely rant about a topic and list all the things you hate

(As an aside this kind of behavior is called a “rah-rah” speech. Basically the content is something that a bunch of people will agree with. They then all post how great you are and it’s back pats all around. “Saying everything and signifying nothing”, to quote Tom Leher.)

What might have been useful is to tell people how to phrase their posts constructively.

For example:

1) "_______ (insert race/class/spell/etc.) is the Best!!!!!!"

At best this kind of post is annoying. “Best” is a value judgment with very little frame of reference. Lets look at other ways you might get your point across.

a) I love to play elves because (list of detailed reasons).
b) If you want to be the most help to a party you should make a cleric.
c) The spell that gives the most damage per level is x.
d) X is a feat that every druid should consider taking

Above all these statements do not imply that the choices that others are making are in some way inferior. A guy who likes to play rogues will not be offended when you make the statement that clerics make the best summoners. Heck the guy who likes wizards will probably not be offended either.

Also since you are providing concrete and solid examples to support your statement the people who disagree with you can have an interesting discussion of the topic. This will tend to keep things civilized.

Speaking of civilized you will notice how diplomatically I phrased all of the examples. They will all tend not to draw a knee-jerk reaction. Look specifically at d. Notice how I said “consider taking” not “must take.” You are not trying to force people to take a feat, you are just saying “hey think about this.” You get more flies with honey.

------

That’s just one point. Maybe I should consider writing the rest of this article.
#10
zombiegleemax
Dec 16, 2003 17:54:05 I just wanted to say that since writing this article my views have changed drastically on the subject. I hadn't realized before this was written that the moderators of this site didn't mind these sorts of topics (I actually found out a day or two after I had posted...I wouldn't have if I'd known before). I was actually aiming at a means of helping the site remain "clean." I didn't intend to offend anyone. ((I still do find annoyance in these topics, but I don't get angry at it, I merely avoid them.)) So disregard the above statements, they have no place on this site. If I knew of a way to remove them, I would.

All I have to say about this. Please stop posting angry replies...what I had said is inconsequential.

Banshee

[Editors note: I allowed the post, so no need to apologize. I will remove from the forum if you like, just drop me a line at boards@wizards.com]

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Nov 01, 2003 23:27:03	This is my Forum guide to the top ten posts that no one likes to see and everyone should avoid posting. 1) "_______ (insert race/class/spell/etc.) is the Best!!!!!!" This is the end-all-be-all of annoying threads. Does it have any content? No. Does it answer anyone's questions or settle any debates? No. Why does it exist? Because someone out there is the exact definition of fanboy, and sees the need to post their fanaticism and pollute the DnD message boards. The only responses you get are "Hell yes!" and "What, are you nuts?! ________ is the best!!!" 2) "What is DnD?" Okay, I know that if you're writing this one, you're new to the boards, and that's okay. But how in the world did you get here without knowing that? Do you even know where you are, or did this somehow appear while you were surfing the web for information on the educational value of Jerry Springer? Now, not to sound inhospitable, but be a little creative at least. Maybe you want to ask, "What are some of the defining characteristics of DnD?" This would clear up a lot of your confusion, and at the same time, you would get a lot of good advice on the game, how it works, and what it was meant to do. 3) "My Mom / friend’s Mom, etc. thinks DnD is evil!" Not without thoughtfulness, but without point. It is not up to you what parents think about DnD. If they are dead-set against it, you're not going to change their minds. If they're your parents, you can try to persuade them and make them see the light. Obviously, anyone who is on these boards is a DnD fan and doesn't think that the game is out to "possess" them. But that doesn't mean that we are going to help you rebel against your parents or overthrow your friend's parents. Parents try to do what is best for their kids and this should be respected. It would be better to ask something like, "How do I get through to someone who thinks badly of DnD?" Not much change in the idea there, but you'll actually get some advice and not just responses like, "the hell with parents!" and "that's pure nonsense." 4) "_________ (insert class/race/spell/etc.) is the Worst!!" The exact opposite in purpose of no. 1, but the exact same in result. These threads are entirely without thought. 5) "Look at my ____th (insert level) level _________ (insert class, usually Paladin)!" This is the one that makes me want throw up so badly that my intestines come up out of my throat. NO ONE CARES. Most of the people who post these are noobs who don't care about the rules, use only Paladins, and think that having a Holy Avenger sword at first level is "fun" (not that they stay at any level for more than five minutes, progressing without knowledge of epic characters beyond 20th level within the span of a half an hour). This is also a waste of the poster's time, typing the characters ridiculous stats without any purpose. No one responds to these and nothing productive gets done. Come on, guys. 6) "This rule _____________(insert incredibly nitpicky statement)" No one cares at all about these, except for the mentally insane and the retentive. Game designers aren't perfect, and they can't anticipate every tiny problem that might arise in a game that's designed to cover ALL possibilities. The problems stated never come up in play, and it doesn't help anyone's campaigns run smoother, telling people that there is this tiny loophole in the rules. 7) "I've found a way to create an invincible character!! Yay me!!!" No you haven't. Period. There is no way to use the rules to make a character or monster "invincible". Not possible, and it wouldn't be allowed in play by any DM with an IQ above 10. Invincibility loops and rule abuses are worthless in a game where the only true rule is that there are no rules. Your immune-to-spells damage reduction character with Trap the Soul gem in a destroyed bag of holding still isn't going to survive if I blow up his planet and leave him to suffocate in the endless nothing of space, is he. 8) "I hate it when..." Again, we have the worthless opinion column. I don't care what you hate. And besides, how am I going to respond to a thread like this? "No you don't." It's absurd. You never even stop to think about how to prevent such an occurrence, or even to think to ask someone else how to stop it. You just sit on your stony butt and act all cosmic, hoping that the problem will cease to exist, instead of you having to prod that gerbil in the wheel that powers your brain into action. 9) "I have all the books, know all the rules, have all the items, and my character could mop the floor with yours!" You forgot, "And everyone hates me!" This is up there for the most annoying thread of all time. Again, there is zero productivity. Also, if you have all of the books, you need to GET A LIFE. The only reason that someone should have all of the books is if they work for Wizards of the Coast, or have been an avid gamer since the beginning of time. Besides that, I don't think anyone gives a rat's ass if you have all of the books. Find something else to do with your boundless free time. 10) "_________ (insert feminine name from fantasy) from _________ (insert source) was HOT!!!" Here we go. The most brainless topic ever. Now, I'm a teenage guy in high school. Of course, I appreciate the ladies. But it is an insult to my intelligence that the only way you seem to think you can get my attention is to advertise scantily clad women to me. I have a brain in my head, and I care about more than just bra-wearing cheerleaders jumping up and down on trampolines. I am also sure that all of the rare female gamers out there are insulted by these topics. Finally, you have the nonexistent productivity. Drool all you want over magazines and such, but keep it to yourself here. The rest of us would like to accomplish something. There it is, the top ten thread topics to avoid on the DnD message boards. If you object to something I said here (and have a good reason to) tell me. If you have any others to add, I'd be glad to hear them. Tell me what you think! Banshee
#2 zombiegleemax Nov 25, 2003 1:44:15	--Paladin moral conundrums involving baby hobgoblins and/or shooting the hostage to save the village --Questions involving spiked chains and/or Improved Trip and/or tripping prone (or semi-prone) opponents --Questions requiring an answer posted in five minutes or your game can't go on because your DM can't make his/her own decisions --Questions on how to optimize/develop your dual scimitar-wielding "good" dark elf ranger character Pongo
#3 mythusmage Dec 03, 2003 2:00:44	"Why can't my elder infernal celestial dire legendary red dragon with spiked dragon barding go down the hobbit hole?" (No, I'm not being entirely ludicrous...)
#4 zombiegleemax Dec 03, 2003 5:51:34	Avoid any discussion about katanas, whether its lies along the line of "the katana is a uber-weapon," or the inverse "katanas are weak and frail." Avoid any discussion that even mentions katanas, since it will quickly degenerate into the above argument.
#5 zombiegleemax Dec 11, 2003 9:32:57	Originally posted by UberBanshee 4) "_________ (insert class/race/spell/etc.) is the Worst!!" The exact opposite in purpose of no. 1, but the exact same in result. These threads are entirely without thought. Banshee I'll pick this one because its inclusion here bothers me the most, but pretty much what I have to say applies to ALL your “topics to avoid.” There are very, very few topics that are bad--and most of those are actually forbidden per the CoC. Other than what is specifically laid out and forbidden in the CoC, all the topics you listed are fully discussable and relevant. You appear to have seen a few discussions of some of these topics that went badly because one or more of the posters, perhaps even the original poster, did not handle it well. This is short sighted, applying a stereotype to a subject/topic when in fact it is the handling of that topic that is poor in a given case. Frankly, meaningful discussions have been held many times on these very boards on topics you denote as "avoid." I've been in some of them.
#6 zombiegleemax Dec 11, 2003 23:02:09	Threads comparing two similar things, usually the Sorcerer and Wizard classes. These seem to have some sort of time delay before they degenerate into senselessness; the first few posters usually try to actually discuss the topic in a sensible manner, but by page 2 these threads invariably degenerate into random aggregates of "X is too powerful! Y needs to be powered up!", "Why do these even need to be two separate classes?", and the ever-popular "OMG u guyz r so dum!11!"
#7 hblast Dec 13, 2003 11:17:47	Though you might be right, there have been some old (and maybe new) threads that clearly are what the banshee meant. Title: Elves rule! Text: Well they do! How on earth can that possibly relate to any kind of question or discussion? Not to mention the counterwave of threads that made the exact same title, only for every possible PC race available.
#8 zombiegleemax Dec 15, 2003 20:32:45	Originally posted by Luminous Crayon Threads comparing two similar things, usually the Sorcerer and Wizard classes. These seem to have some sort of time delay before they degenerate into senselessness Once again, this is a case where a valid topic is handled poorly. Those interested in the topic should stay on topic and simply ignore -- or report -- posts that veer widely from it. Topics such as these are rarely, as the thread originator put it, "without thought".
#9 stembolt Dec 15, 2003 23:12:59	How about “_____ Thread Topics to Avoid?” I am amused by the title “topics to avoid.” I think you missed your mark of “topics I think no one should ever talk about.” I think you entirely miss the point here. As opposed to offering constructive analysis you merely rant about a topic and list all the things you hate (As an aside this kind of behavior is called a “rah-rah” speech. Basically the content is something that a bunch of people will agree with. They then all post how great you are and it’s back pats all around. “Saying everything and signifying nothing”, to quote Tom Leher.) What might have been useful is to tell people how to phrase their posts constructively. For example: 1) "_______ (insert race/class/spell/etc.) is the Best!!!!!!" At best this kind of post is annoying. “Best” is a value judgment with very little frame of reference. Lets look at other ways you might get your point across. a) I love to play elves because (list of detailed reasons). b) If you want to be the most help to a party you should make a cleric. c) The spell that gives the most damage per level is x. d) X is a feat that every druid should consider taking Above all these statements do not imply that the choices that others are making are in some way inferior. A guy who likes to play rogues will not be offended when you make the statement that clerics make the best summoners. Heck the guy who likes wizards will probably not be offended either. Also since you are providing concrete and solid examples to support your statement the people who disagree with you can have an interesting discussion of the topic. This will tend to keep things civilized. Speaking of civilized you will notice how diplomatically I phrased all of the examples. They will all tend not to draw a knee-jerk reaction. Look specifically at d. Notice how I said “consider taking” not “must take.” You are not trying to force people to take a feat, you are just saying “hey think about this.” You get more flies with honey. ------ That’s just one point. Maybe I should consider writing the rest of this article.
#10 zombiegleemax Dec 16, 2003 17:54:05	I just wanted to say that since writing this article my views have changed drastically on the subject. I hadn't realized before this was written that the moderators of this site didn't mind these sorts of topics (I actually found out a day or two after I had posted...I wouldn't have if I'd known before). I was actually aiming at a means of helping the site remain "clean." I didn't intend to offend anyone. ((I still do find annoyance in these topics, but I don't get angry at it, I merely avoid them.)) So disregard the above statements, they have no place on this site. If I knew of a way to remove them, I would. All I have to say about this. Please stop posting angry replies...what I had said is inconsequential. Banshee [Editors note: I allowed the post, so no need to apologize. I will remove from the forum if you like, just drop me a line at boards@wizards.com]