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A Veteran's Request
12.21.02, 20:15:03
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Post #1 (permalink) |
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A Veteran's Request
December 21, 2002
'Ere I stand
With six months in hand
My reputation on the line-
But I don't mind.
I feel this should be done
Though I speak for one,
Myself, many more may agree-
But the ignorant will not see.
Well... here it is. My 1000th post, and it just may be my very last. Don't be too quick to flame and accuse, though it is the normal impulse, restrain yourself. Read everything I say, understand where I'm coming from. And if you still feel you must flame me, then go right ahead.
I first joined FFR on the last day of June. A friend of mine referred me, and this was about 6 months after quitting FFO. I was at first hesitant to join, but I gave it a shot. It may have been one of the best decisions I made all summer. The people were warm, friendly, and you could hold a great conversation with everyone. Even though I was still new, the members here gave me respect. This kind of atmosphere kept me coming back to FFR.
But now, the atmosphere has changed. FFR has become extremely popular, it seems as though one person joins every 10 seconds. Though new memebers are joining every day, it seems as though the quality of the forum has gone. I remember being excited about browsing my favorite boards, looking for threads I could post in. Now, the boards have become dull, repetitive, and nothing good comes of them, only people getting upset over "The Cloud vs. Squall Debate" and other threads similar to that. RP was at first, a great idea, but it has only made the community of FFR greedy. I know members who don't even have a single post, asking me for 1000 RP. Whatever happened to the concept, you have to EARN your RP? Well, some newbies don't think that that applies to them. And newbies may be the reason why FFR is not the way it used to be.
While browsing several threads, I have seen respected veterans correct a newbie's statement or argument. Instead of being appreciatve, the newbies feel threatened, and begin to flame. This goes on every day. And if you didn't know, as a result of this, people get upset. And people begin to leave, including staff members.
Ah, whatever happened to the quality of posting? It seems as though that concept as well has become unimportant. The only thing important now is quantity. And if you don't believe me, look at the post count of members. Sure, over 1000 posts looks nice on your record, but what if 3 quarters of them are, "yea man, i know" and other fragments of sentences that don't even pertain to the thread's topics? And worse, most of them are flames. I have seen friends grow hatred between them because of a newbie's stupid remark.
And what about the Battle System? It is truly wonderful, don't get me wrong on that. But with the release of the BS, the forum activity dies. People don't join anymore to post, they join to get RP, and battle. It should be a privilege to play on the BS. If I could make a simple suggestion, I would set a post count you must attain before being allowed to play. But then again, this would only increase the spam on the boards.
Back to the part about the members. I must mention the vets. They know this board better than anyone else. But yet, they are treated with very little or no respect. Why is this? More and more veterans are leaving, and without veterans, what's left? Not much to be proud of, anyway...
I can't forget about the staff. They have done great jobs, but some people are dissatisfied with the selection of the staff, and I can't blame them. I know a few members who have been here since March or April, are very respected, but some n00b with over 1000 spam posts has a better chance of becoming part of the staff. And you wonder why the vets are getting upset?
Oh, let me mention the topic of banning. Often, members are banned for doing things unappropriate, which is understandable. But other times, some members are banned for just posting their opinion, or, just speaking the truth. Whatever happened to the right, "Freedom of Speech"? Nowhere in the rules does it say anything about speaking your mind. And if you wish to ban me for speaking my mind, and stating some of the obvious truths, go right ahead. There's not much left for me here at FFR anymore.
I tried making suggestions, and they were often discarded. Probably the biggest one I made was this: Put a quota on the number of members to join each month. Instead of appreciating my thoughts and concern, I was flamed for my suggestion. Heh, that's the thanks I get.
For the members that will read this, I know what you will do. You may think, "Gosh he's right, but I can't say anything... I don't want to get banned." That's fine. But if you want to agree with me and say something, go ahead. And if FFR bans you, then that's FFR's problem, not yours.
Well, that about wraps it up. I will base my decision on staying or not on what FFR does after reading this. It's been a real great time, I made some great friends, and I'll be sure to keep in touch. Thanks a lot to those who made it memorable, I'll be sure to mention you guys in my sig, should I depart.
-CrossNCloud |
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Barret's Quote of the Day: "There ain't no gettin' offa this train we on!"
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