Elitist?
Pages
| Author | Topic: Elitist? |
|---|---|
|
Lifecrafter
Member # 7331
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 16:25
Profile
Homepage
A member of my forum staed that there was a whole load of "elitist crap" over here. Am I to take it that this means we hate noobs? Or is it something else? -------------------- You Shall Die Laughing: http://www.worfthecat.ermarian.net/converted The Roost: www.roost01.proboards104.com. Birds of a feather flock together. Posts: 794 | Registered: Thursday, July 27 2006 07:00 |
|
Agent
Member # 4574
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:05
Profile
Well, partially. Elitists would be people who think that the elite should rule. Sometimes used to discriminatorily label people, like liberals, who don't have experience with the real world. Like aristocrats. Also used to describe "Hollywood liberals". It's most often used disciminatorily against liberals. Which is why I hate it. So your friend most likely thought we were a bunch of left wing idiots. -------------------- Born in the year 1984. War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength. Posts: 1186 | Registered: Friday, June 18 2004 07:00 |
|
Lifecrafter
Member # 7331
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:06
Profile
Homepage
I don't think that's quite what they meant... -------------------- You Shall Die Laughing: http://www.worfthecat.ermarian.net/converted The Roost: www.roost01.proboards104.com. Birds of a feather flock together. Posts: 794 | Registered: Thursday, July 27 2006 07:00 |
|
Guardian
Member # 2080
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:13
Profile
There are clearly some established members who have great influence... and then there are established members who don't(such as me). That's true for just about every site. Most of the 'elitist' crap isn't as much of a big thing around here as it was back in the day(when I was somebody*insert laughter here*). Now as best as I can tell, there isn't an elitist group(anymore), but like most forum sites, there are some overly egotistical individuals *cough*Ephesos*cough*. [ Tuesday, June 12, 2007 17:19: Message edited by: Big McLarge-Huge ] -------------------- You've long since crossed over into unfounded speculation. Posts: 1918 | Registered: Sunday, October 13 2002 07:00 |
|
Guardian
Member # 5360
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:16
Profile
Well, it was Nioca that said it. -------------------- May the fires of Undeath burn in your soul, and consume it. Posts: 1636 | Registered: Wednesday, January 5 2005 08:00 |
|
Veteran*
Member # 5
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:16
Profile
Sounds like someone got their feelings hurt and is taking it out on your board. I wouldn't call Spidweb Elitist. They're all fairly friendly folk here, as long as you're not a dumbass. Posts: 455 | Registered: Tuesday, May 17 2005 07:00 |
|
Lifecrafter
Member # 7331
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:21
Profile
Homepage
Or a noob, from what i can tell. -------------------- You Shall Die Laughing: http://www.worfthecat.ermarian.net/converted The Roost: www.roost01.proboards104.com. Birds of a feather flock together. Posts: 794 | Registered: Thursday, July 27 2006 07:00 |
|
Agent
Member # 2820
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:25
Profile
I believe that many people perceive this forum to be elitist for a variety of reasons. First of all, by convention we all use well-punctuated English even though this is only a game forum. We have some members who have highly intellectual or scientific jobs (particle physicist, etc.). In serious discussions or debates, we tend to use a diction or tone that is scholarly or intellectual. We also place an enormous amount of emphasis on stringently sound, rational arguments. This in particularly may be perceived as purposeful pretentiousness and elitism. Many people could easily judge the rebuttals against their arguments on this forum to be excessively pedantic and technical in nature. While I do not believe that the left-wing political connotation of the term elitist is the foremost issue at hand, there is still some validity in Orwellianking's point. The community in this forum seems to pride itself on being morally progressive, and we advocate a liberal consideration of minorities. Constantly taking the moral high ground and claiming that one's position is more civilized than a more conservative one can become very irritating very fast to someone who disagrees. EDIT: I just wanted to reiterate my point that a god awful argument on these boards is mercilessly shredded, sometimes without any consideration for the poster. [ Tuesday, June 12, 2007 17:29: Message edited by: Garrison ] -------------------- Thuryl: I mean, most of us don't go around consuming our own bodily fluids, no matter how delicious they are. ==== Alorael: War and violence would end if we all had each other's babies! ==== Drakefyre: Those are hideous mangos. Posts: 1415 | Registered: Thursday, March 27 2003 08:00 |
|
Lifecrafter
Member # 7331
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:30
Profile
Homepage
I agree with the EDIT, I have been a victim more than once. -------------------- You Shall Die Laughing: http://www.worfthecat.ermarian.net/converted The Roost: www.roost01.proboards104.com. Birds of a feather flock together. Posts: 794 | Registered: Thursday, July 27 2006 07:00 |
|
Veteran*
Member # 5
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:42
Profile
Okay. So if you think you're going to post something stupid, that could possibly make you look like an idiot, then don't post it if you're that paranoid. Otherwise, suck it up. Posts: 455 | Registered: Tuesday, May 17 2005 07:00 |
|
Off With Their Heads
Member # 4045
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:55
Profile
Homepage
Associating the term "elitist" with left-wing politics is perverse. It can be done, and it can be done with good reason, but the more obvious association is with right-wing politics. As with any community, there are people who are definite, established members of the community, and there are people who aren't. Some say that we dislike new people in the community because they're new, but I disagree; I dislike most new people in the community because they're stupid. A few stick around and either they become less stupid or I get accustomed to skipping their posts. But it has been said that I was new for about five minutes and then was pretty much accepted. I remember BSC, who was another such. So the community can't be elitist if it is so welcoming to those who write interesting, intelligent posts. -------------------- Arancaytar: Every time you ask people to compare TM and Kel, you endanger the poor, fluffy kittens. Smoo: Get ready to face the walls! Ephesos: In conclusion, yarr. Kelandon's Pink and Pretty Page!!: the authorized location for all things by me The Archive of all released BoE scenarios ever Posts: 7968 | Registered: Saturday, February 28 2004 08:00 |
|
Guardian
Member # 5360
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:57
Profile
Kelandon- quote:Nalyd would guess that he belongs in the latter category, excluding Geneforge debates. -------------------- May the fires of Undeath burn in your soul, and consume it. Posts: 1636 | Registered: Wednesday, January 5 2005 08:00 |
|
Off With Their Heads
Member # 4045
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 17:58
Profile
Homepage
A whole lot of people belong in that category. :rolleyes: -------------------- Arancaytar: Every time you ask people to compare TM and Kel, you endanger the poor, fluffy kittens. Smoo: Get ready to face the walls! Ephesos: In conclusion, yarr. Kelandon's Pink and Pretty Page!!: the authorized location for all things by me The Archive of all released BoE scenarios ever Posts: 7968 | Registered: Saturday, February 28 2004 08:00 |
|
Law Bringer
Member # 4153
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 18:05
Profile
Homepage
quote:Well, as long as we're making personal attacks, I hate you too. -------------------- Thuryl: "Runescape: for people who are too stupid to save their games." Gamble with Gaea, and she eats your dice. Posts: 4130 | Registered: Friday, March 26 2004 08:00 |
|
Infiltrator
Member # 7298
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 18:45
Profile
I sense a flame war. The arrogance that comes with elitism can be quite annoying it often causes people to dismiss other arugments out of hand without even looking at it. I also find out that when playing against someone with this sense of elitism I have beaten people who I should not have been able to beat. Another problem with the term is that people use it because they are sore losers. If some one can't win an arugment they often use the term elitism to hide their failures. I pefer not to use such terms and ignore them when I see them. I find it much less convinceing to accuse some of elitism then to let the person build their own grave. -------------------- A rock has weight whether you admit it or not Posts: 479 | Registered: Wednesday, July 12 2006 07:00 |
|
Raven v. Writing Desk
Member # 261
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 18:49
Profile
Homepage
Why can't we all just get along? -------------------- Slarty vs. Desk • Desk vs. Slarty • Timeline of Ermarian • G4 Strategy Central Posts: 3560 | Registered: Wednesday, November 7 2001 08:00 |
|
Shaper
Member # 7472
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 19:02
Profile
Homepage
Let me explain what I mean by elitist. It originated back when Robinator made a visit to the boards for about 3 or 4 months. During it, he commented on how many SW members were being over-critical and self-righteous idiots (to paraphrase), calling them elitist. Naturally, he was quickly shot down by many members, including myself. At the time, I don't really think it was even that much of a problem right then. However, in the interim, I have seen people harassed and belittled by other members (not naming names here) because they aren't as up-to-speed on a topic as other members, have poor spelling and/or grammar, or, god forbid, make one lousy mistake. This isn't a forum for rocket scientists, people! It's a game forum! A place where people from all walks of life can join together and discuss a common element: Spiderweb games. And, in all honesty, I think some of you have lost that idea. Safey mentioned that it's better to let the issue lie rather than come out and say it, and let the offender(s) dig their own grave(s). I think that's another part of the problem as well. Members who take this attitude tend to receive approval from other members. Thus, there's no reason to stop, since they're doing something that's generally approved of, rather than frowned upon. In summary, I hope people can look past this. Spiderweb was and still is a welcoming place. But I fear that if this doesn't stop, it could irreparably damage the community as a whole. [ Tuesday, June 12, 2007 19:04: Message edited by: Nioca ] -------------------- Scenarios need reviews! Please rate these scenarios at the CSR after playing them! Amnesia • Dilecia • The Empire's New Grove • Express Delivery Twilight Valley • Witch Hunt • Where the Rivers Meet • Foul Hordes Posts: 2686 | Registered: Friday, September 8 2006 07:00 |
|
Agent
Member # 2820
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 19:25
Profile
Kel, good point about the association of the right wing with elitism. I forgot to mention that. Nioca, that was very clarifying. I generally agree with your position. I also have a random thought about one of the reasons for the presence of this perceived elitism on these boards. On message boards for multiplayer games like Warcraft III and Halo, many of the posts involve members discussing strategy or challenging each other to a game. Here at the Spiderweb Boards, we lack the option of achieving merit or superiority by competing in direct game matches. Hence, we instead focus our attention on employing rhetoric and winning intellectual debates. -------------------- Thuryl: I mean, most of us don't go around consuming our own bodily fluids, no matter how delicious they are. ==== Alorael: War and violence would end if we all had each other's babies! ==== Drakefyre: Those are hideous mangos. Posts: 1415 | Registered: Thursday, March 27 2003 08:00 |
|
Off With Their Heads
Member # 4045
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 19:59
Profile
Homepage
quote:Yes, and you know who I think does the most harassing and belittling around here? You. No, really. Look. I've caught you red-handed: insulting other members, speaking derisively of others, and yelling at people! You're out of control! Your reckless behavior must be stopped before it ruins the fun of these boards for everyone. Therefore, I respectfully ask that you leave before you force the administration to ban you. ... See, throwing around random accusations isn't fun for anyone but yourself. I quite enjoyed myself, though. -------------------- Arancaytar: Every time you ask people to compare TM and Kel, you endanger the poor, fluffy kittens. Smoo: Get ready to face the walls! Ephesos: In conclusion, yarr. Kelandon's Pink and Pretty Page!!: the authorized location for all things by me The Archive of all released BoE scenarios ever Posts: 7968 | Registered: Saturday, February 28 2004 08:00 |
|
? Man, ? Amazing
Member # 5755
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 20:05
Profile
quote:Now, where did I put my club? :P Edit - Kel, that was freakin' awesome. Re-edit: I fail to find amusement in the concept of elitism here. While there are some diamonds, and quite a few spades, there are a huge number of hearts. Clubs are right out of it though, since the media doesn't permit. The concept of the boards self-destructing over this perceived elitism is amusing, as they have survived since day one with highly intelligent and motivated members. That we don't tolerated leet-speak, bone-headedness, ass-hattery, and ad hominem attacks makes this place more attractive to more people that spend more money on these games. The folks that get insulted by all the high-falutin' wurds and such are the same ones that beggorz for hackz and other such phantom-ware. But still, Kelandon has already won this thread. I am in awe. Huz! [ Tuesday, June 12, 2007 20:26: Message edited by: Jumpin' Sarcasmon ] -------------------- WWtNSD? Posts: 4114 | Registered: Monday, April 25 2005 07:00 |
|
Shaper
Member # 7472
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 20:12
Profile
Homepage
...In all seriousness, where did I say I was innocent in all of this? But I'm doing more than throwing around random accusations. -------------------- Scenarios need reviews! Please rate these scenarios at the CSR after playing them! Amnesia • Dilecia • The Empire's New Grove • Express Delivery Twilight Valley • Witch Hunt • Where the Rivers Meet • Foul Hordes Posts: 2686 | Registered: Friday, September 8 2006 07:00 |
|
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 20:13
Profile
Homepage
quote:Zing! -------------------- Encyclopaedia • Archives • Members • RSS [Topic / Forum] • Blog • Polaris • NaNoWriMo Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair. I have a love of woodwind instruments. Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00 |
|
Law Bringer
Member # 6489
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 20:21
Profile
Homepage
quote:Hear, hear! Let me point out that if you join the community, and don't act stupid from the beginning, no one ever picks on you. -------------------- "You're drinking liquor because you're thirsty? How nasty is your freaking water?" —Lazarus Spiderweb Chat Room Avernum RP • Summaries • OoC • Roster Shadow Vale - My site, home of the Spiderweb Chat Database, BoA Scenario Database, & the A1 Quest List, among other things. Posts: 1556 | Registered: Sunday, November 20 2005 08:00 |
|
Too Sexy for my Title
Member # 5654
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 20:38
Profile
quote:Hear, hear! I happen to disagree with about 90% of what you’ve just said, Nioca. English is my second language, and when I first started the boards my grammar was quite embarrassing. I made a lot of mistakes, which is why I hate looking back at some of my old posts. However, I don’t remember being treated bad by anyone on those grounds. I’m thankful that the members in these boards are the way they are, because they actually helped my English. They would correct my grammar at times, but not in a pompotous manner and I appreciated it. I seem to recall Magma feeling the same way I do about this. I did get warned and even insulted a couple of times. But it was because in said times either I was spamming stupidly (and yes there is a difference between spamming for fun, and acting like an idiot while you are at it. I’d know, I’ve spammed a lot :P ), making pointless threads, or speaking of things that I knew nothing about. I am one of the ones that have said “This isn't a forum for rocket scientists, people! It's a game forum!” quite a lot. Only when I see people over-react in a debate or taking things seriously. However, that has never affected me nor a new member. It has only affected those in the debate. If you aren’t prepared to deal with that kind of environment then don’t get involved in it. Nothing says you have to participate in a debate. Overall, newbies are often warned to stop spamming, stop making pointless posts/topics, and to calm down way before any insulting or harsh actions are made. Every forum has its good and bad things. It’s been said a number of times that we prefer been seen as “elitists” than as a forum filled with pointless topics that go on forever to the point where no one reads them, where all of its members are illiterates, and everyone behaved as if they were eight. Edit: Fixed quote. [ Tuesday, June 12, 2007 20:41: Message edited by: M. ] Posts: 1035 | Registered: Friday, April 1 2005 08:00 |
|
Law Bringer
Member # 6785
|
written Tuesday, June 12 2007 20:48
Profile
Let's hear it for elitism, because it keeps out the lower classes. It's not too much to try to have a better level of discourse when you aren't answering gaming questions. If you want to start a debate, then you better be ready for the results. Posts: 4643 | Registered: Friday, February 10 2006 08:00 |