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 Forum index » Meta » General META Discussion
When the Webbing Falls Apart
Moderators: imbri, ndemeter
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Dorkmaster
Unfictologist


Joined: 27 Jul 2004
Posts: 1328
Location: The People's Republic of Dork

 		When the Webbing Falls Apart
Okay, so this is obviously a hot topic, so I think it is appropriate to talk about meltdowns/bad launches, the community's reactions to said meltdowns/bad launches, and appropriate PM behaviour in light of meltdowns/bad launches.

I'll start out by touching on each subject:

1) While it's understood that meltdowns happen, and that bad launches beget bad meltdowns, I don't feel that we as a community, have to be so politically correct as to simply ignore them.

In terms of this specific instance with the Max Franz experience, there was a choice (after the mistake of not knowing the rules) to continue despite being told about the rules. In that case, I believe it is the community's responsibility to self-police, and to expose the ARG for it's faults. Notice, I said the ARG, not the PM as a person, or what have you.

2) This brings us to Player reactions to meltdowns. Obviously I think it's natural to want to react snarkily. We are smart, witty people, in general (at least those who post) and it's assumed that when you do something dumb, you'll get called on it. However, I also feel that once the problem has been brought to light, it is then to be left fairly alone to allow the PM to correct the mistake, break curtain to apologize and then return, or whatever... If reparations are not made, and there is no remorse on the side of the PMs, then that PM has said "I'm defying the rules. I know this. I don't care" and therefore open themselves up for public scrutiny.

Again, in this I may be solely alone in terms of viewpoint. I do not speak for anyone but myself. However, I use this thread as a unifying sounding board, to see what the community as a whole thinks.

3) finally, we are brought to what the PM should do in the event of a major no-no. Breaking character in-game, existing outide of the game, or direct rule-breaking is not condoned. Therefore, it is my opinion, that the PM has to address this. Mind you, they do not have to do this in character. The character can ignore the reality (sure, it's shattering to a veil of believability, but that's a sad, but acceptable choice.). The PM as him or herself can make a statement addressing the grievance, and then the community can drop it. (Then anyone who continues to flame the game or guffaw is just being cruel and beating a dead horse. The purpose of trouting, of criticism, and of even heated debate, is to enrich the community, to enlarge the ARG experience, and to create a community where games are welcomed, not dreaded. Where we can expect a full game, and not a mid-way meltdown (or two day fiasco). The other option, then is to have the Character or the Story to address the problem head-on. This can be explained away creatively, or blatantly (again, I think blatantly is a poorer choice, but at least it's admitting the wrong).

Either way addresses the greivance, concedes the error, and the community is then allowed to move on.


But overall, the point is that you don't go into an art museum for the first time, start hacking away at a piece of rock, say you're creating a statue, and expect people to not criticize harshly if you fail. This is not a "test community for your ARG". There are ways of testing an ARG or your hand at PM-ing that do not involve breaking the rules, that do not involve shattering convention, and do not expose yourself to major public scrutiny. By placing your work in this public forum, you are accepting that your work will be talked about, dissected, chewed on, spit out, re-examined, chewed some more, then criticized in full. At least that's my take.
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2005 5:17 pm
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MageSteff
Pretty talky there aintcha, Talky?


Joined: 06 Jun 2003
Posts: 2716
Location: State of Denial

 		This isn't the first time a PM has been called on behavoir unbecoming ... Take a moment to browse through this forum, and you will see it is an on-going problem and the PM's involved always seem to respond with variations of:

Not my fault (that I failed to read the TOS)
Can't you bend (the rules this time for me?)
You are shortsighted (to not realize I couldn't come up with something better)


as always YMMV.
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Magesteff
A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead


PostPosted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:37 am
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GuyP
Unfettered


Joined: 15 Sep 2004
Posts: 584
Location: London, UK

 		Neither a criticism nor a justification, but people jumping up and down (and up and down again) on shoddy launches just seems to be a manifestation of communities bonding over A Common Enemy.

That said, don't make me do it again, punks.

PostPosted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 2:50 am
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krystyn
I Never Tire of My Own Voice


Joined: 26 Sep 2002
Posts: 3651
Location: Is not Chicago

 		Rolling Eyes
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 10:41 am
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MageSteff
Pretty talky there aintcha, Talky?


Joined: 06 Jun 2003
Posts: 2716
Location: State of Denial
krystyn wrote:
Rolling Eyes
Dunce

Too bad we don't have a snickering Muttley emoticon.
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Magesteff
A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead


PostPosted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 7:28 pm
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addlepated
Unfictologist


Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Posts: 1885
Location: Austin, Texas
Magesteff wrote:
Too bad we don't have a snickering Muttley emoticon.

Just for you.



http://www.addlepated.net/images/muttley.gif
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:10 pm
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