Misc > The Realm of Calradia - Website & Community

Mission Statement

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Lynores:
I have decided to write this brief post here, after reading criticism over some forums around the web regarding the hostility towards new folks here. Some could be spammers, or caps lock junkies, or whatnot. It doesn’t matter, I’m sure there are some exceptions, and it is not up for the members to judge, except report.

When a newcomer starts a thread, I either try to welcome him right after that or (when I’m late) sometimes try to make a point after it turns into a flame war. Usually to no avail, so I thought I’d rather post here so perhaps some would come to agree with me.

Many folks try out the game, then check the boards and try to get familiarized with the community before purchasing it. Now some of you might be wondering, why the hell does it concern me? I make no profit out of it - In fact, I believe it does concern all of us, and we all make a profit from it, be it financial or otherwise - especially the modding community and it’s supporters. A well treated, welcomed newcomer probably means another customer and also a good reference for other people to join us. A sixteen year old might come in asking silly questions, for instance, but he might as well have other five or six friends, who might or might not behave the same way. In the worst case, we get seven new players, Armagan gets more customers, the community gets a good reference, and more people (even publishers at some point) will come to know of M&B and their mods at a faster rate. Some of them might become a modder as well, or perhaps already is a modder from another engine or platform (yes, I mean the “you’ll never make it – you’re doomed” words whenever a low ranked member posts some mod plan with a work in progress – Some of my best researchers are recruits, simply because they do not spam, or come from other forums like TWC. A couple years ago I've purchased and started modding M&B before even making an account on the boards, when we relied on noobsaibot hex editor and several minutes to get a single model ingame. When I first announced my intentions on making a mod I was - guess what, a recruit. We can never foresee their determination from their ranks alone. It doesn’t mean anything).

It does sound pretty logical, but we still see occasional members bursting on new people. Now what is the point in going ballistic over those folks? Of course, some violate the forum rules, but that’s why the moderators are there. Still, most if not all of them (mods and admins) don’t overreact to newcomers like some oldtimers (and also a few oldtimer wannabes).

As a suggestion, if we’re not bothered to write, or think we’ll come out rude, just ignoring the thread and letting someone else do it, or quoting the violated rule in question and writing a small sentence beneath would be enough to get them on their tracks. I am not referring to those five-simultaneous-I want to annoy you-threads folks, of course, since those would deserve a report so admins can decide what to do with them themselves.

Do not get me wrong, I know it is annoying sometimes. But come to think of it, what’s more annoying? Seeing a couple new people posting silly (and hopefully ignored/locked) threads or bumping on a flame war every four out of ten times?

My statement is, let us welcome potential players and supporters, and let admins sort them out.

Nightblade+--:
Thank you Lynores.
It is always easier to do something rash to a newbie, and something we should guard against.
Disappointed to hear that our forum is being mislabeled though.

In general we are very open to newcomers and more than that, helpful.
We cannot however cater for those newcomers who refuse to conform to basic forum etiquette.
Neither do we persist in attacking once the individual has learnt his lesson.
I'd like to inset a quote...


--- Quote from: Forum Member ---There are rules around here but most boil down to forms of forum etiquette:
~1~ Be as coherent and grammatically correct as your skill allows. We will never bash anyone who has poor English skills, but writing blatantly below your ability is not something that is popular. Spellcheck is there to be used, so why not use it? Lazy isn't an excuse.
~2~ Keep Caps Lock off. People will just ignore you if you attempt to "shout" at them.
~3~ Tiny text is restricted to size 7 - and nothing below this. It isn't really cute any more to waste your time trying to blow up a teensy jest. It usually never brings out a laugh anyway because you irritated the person first. Also, keep large text below or at size 40.
~4~ All things in moderation. Don't overdo it on the emoticons, invisible text or any other posting features.
~5~ Don't double post. If you want to add something to your post then use the "Modify" tab above your message.
~6~ Thou shalt not spam. The TaleWorlds forum offers a place for every comment you might like to make, just learn to put it in the right place.
~7~ Obey the Law of the land. If you receive a warning from an Administrator or Moderator - take heed and learn.
~8~ Don't be rude to questions. Especially those of newcomers, and think before you react, and when you do react do so sensibly.
~9~ Use the database. Use the search function before you start a new topic. It is also appreciated if you search for answers to your questions before you ask.
~10~ This is a community. If you are given help, give that same help to those you have answers for.

This isn't an iron regime, but offences are treated with military precision. You won't get far if you start to push your luck.
We have our fun at the appropriate places, and we have it in big doses!
When in doubt, follow the line of common courtesy - and you will be recognised for it.

--- End quote ---

This is not a lot to ask of a newbie.
I have the worst spelling you could imagine. I am terrible at it. But never just ignore it and post.
So as long as members bring decency with them, the welcome mat will always be there.

Lynores:
Thanks.

Agreed, it's not asking much, but there are several factors involved. People whose native language isn't english, those that do speak english but have spelling problems, those who pop up in excitement about the game and just write off their minds without reading anything first, etc. The very quote you used above (all of your message, for that matter) is an example of what would be more than enough for them to get on their tracks (EDIT - with no overreaction ), like I said.


--- Quote from: Nightblade+-- on February 27, 2008, 05:31:12 PM ---~8~ Don't be rude to questions. Especially those of newcomers, and think before you react, and when you do react do so sensibly.
--- End quote ---

Seff:
We ARE an elitist gathering of sad motherfuckers, true.

I'd like to think that TW is a haven of near-intelligence in the rolling sea of stupidity that the Internet is comprised of today, but I might be biased.


--- Quote from: Lynores on February 27, 2008, 05:38:55 PM ---Thanks.

Agreed, it's not asking much, but there are several factors involved. People whose native language isn't english, those that are actually americans or english, but with spelling problems, those who pop up in excitement about the game and just write off their minds without reading anything first, etc. The very quote you used above (all of your message, for that matter) is an example of what would be more than enough for them to get on their tracks, like I said.

--- End quote ---

I'd like to say that I don't usually bug newcomers about spelling - they might even be dyslexic, or, as you , say, not be gifted with English as their first language. Still, I find it hard to swallow when people throw away the punctuation as well :?

I like your initiative :)

Lynores:
Thanks, Seff.

-----------------------------------

I didn't post it to lecture anyone of course, just to add a new point of view. Feel free to reply whatever you want.

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