The Definition Of The Word Community

[Captn Norrington]

Based on the recent discussions, I would like to remind those who feel strongly about the recent topics what the definition of community is. We call ourselves the Stratics community, and the Ultima community right?

Well, copied directly from the dictionary community means:
"A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals".

Lately, as everyone has seen, there has been an extremely large amount of arguments, insults, and personal attacks. Right now there are 8 locked posts on the first page. Eight.

Regardless of how you feel about any of the issues, we all share the common interest of UO, and the goal of making UO better. The entire purpose of these forums existing is to have discussions about our gaming hobbies, we take part in these hobbies for Fun. Lately there have been endless amounts of argueing, hatred, insults, and bullying. Argueing and hatred isn't what most people would consider fun. In case anyone needs reminding, we are adults, not 12 year olds. The moderators should not have to babysit every thread in fear of someone going nuts with personal attacks.

Please, remember that although we sometimes have very different opinions about things, just because we are behind a computer screen does not mean we should stop caring how what we say will affect others.

A list of clarifications to avoid someone misunderstanding this post:

#1 No, this is not a "the moderators lock too many things" post.
#2 No, this post is not directed at anyone in particular.
#3 No, this is not an "attention seeking" post.
#4 No, I do not have any "agenda" furthered by this post.
#5 No, I am not saying everyone should "play nice or else".
#6 Yes, I understand it's a game and people play different ways.
#7 Yes, I understand that people are passionate about their opinions.
#8 Yes, I understand this post will probably get locked.
#9 No, this post does not reflect any of my personal opinions about the recent issues.
#10 Yes, I realize how lame this post sounds.

 

[Scribbles]

Then morning came and The day of The Troll was over. *raises glass of whiskey* *salutes the old captn*

Now lets all go eat some pancakes!

 

[Peekay]

o7

 

[Eärendil]

Salute, Captain! *Opens a bottle of Highland Park 18 years old"

Anybody thinking Scotland will leave the Union?

Oops, wrong thread

Muaahahaha

 

[Dodger]

*Makes room under his bridge for norry*

if people spoke like they do here in a rl community they would be stabbed in the face, beaten and stabbed in the face again.

 

[Tjalle]

Regardless of how you feel about any of the issues, we all share the common interest of UO, and the goal of making UO better.

I disagree.

There are two camps. The ones that you described above and the cheaters.

 

[Eärendil]

I disagree.

There are two camps. The ones that you described above and the cheaters.

Good point. I think I drink a second glass - even though it is 11.59 in the morning ;-)

 

[Uvtha]

Lately, as everyone has seen, there has been an extremely large amount of arguments, insults, and personal attacks. Right now there are 8 locked posts on the first page. Eight.

It is shameful. Only 8 locked threads! Though I think if we band together...as a community...we can get that number into double digits.

 

[kelmo]

*stares at the Rat*

 

[Swt Lippy Hippy]

Wow ... I have not read the forums for a bit and wow. I am a hairdresser by trade and we were always taught that you do not talk about certain things to customers. So I kind of agree with keeping certain things out of forums. You always have the right to private message a person to discuss serious topics. My heart goes out to all those that try to make the uo world a better place. We all are kind of like family and we may not be 'real' to some but the friendships are real. One time a few years ago I went to a shard (cant remember which one) and I had created a char called Remember Sept. I was not treated very nice and learned my lesson. I just wanted to make my own statement in the only uo way I knew how. What bothers me a little bit I guess is to see some disgusting sexual inappropriate names being created or guild tags being created and they are allowed to be gross. lol I was playing UO that day. I was surprised that not many seemed to care about what was going on. I respect the fact that people come in the game to get away from the real life stresses and situations beyond control. I think as long as it is all in proper respect, I say let someone have their own statement. I also think that if a forum has rules you should follow their guidelines. I notice being new here, that a few loonies seem to get away with more than some. I may be wrong and I do not know if they get a warning message. We all are a big melting pot and I think that we need to learn to be respectful no matter where we were born or live or whatever. I love to meet all kinds of people and learn about what makes them do what they do. If we were all the same kind of person, it would be pretty darn boring. lol I look at community like a big pot of stew made with all types of things, carrots, peas, potatoes, meat, and they are all great individually as a whole meal it can be great. I hope that you all can find positive things about this game and share the positive things instead of always complaining and name calling. I would love to see some happy stories of how you help people in the game and how doing things for others can change someones attitude and be happy in game and out of game. No we are not real, we are pixels. But there is a person behind the pixel typing. I know that on my shard there are a lot of folks who are retired, disabled etc and do spend a lot of time in the game because they put their time in real life lol and now they get to play and have fun. As long as its not abusing anyone or hurting anyone you can be as creative as you want. Some people do really care about how you are real life as well as in game life. After playing the game for 10-15 years it is expected to care for those outside of game, unless you are a pencil and can't feel empathy or sympathy for others medical issues or pains. I am probably just waffling on and getting too personal but I really would like to see positive things on this forum and that is why I signed up. To be a funny positive breath of fresh air. I never ever mean to offend anyone and I welcome each and every one of you to be who you are. I hope the next few days you all can think about how can you be a better person in game, and out of game and if you have some interesting stories to share with the forum I would love to read them. If you do not want to think about being a better person in game or out that is your own deal also. lol I thought I saw a thread named rants or something? I assume that is the place to really do some venting!!! lol I have not gone there yet. But there is that option ~ Thanks for reading this and letting me post in this forum. (please don't ban me) LOL

 

[Dodger]

I love trammelites, go forth and tame me a unicorn to ride to the rainbow forest.

 

[Viquire]

Two, well, really three, rulesets; six or seven facets; twenty seven shards; fifty three skills; an unspecified number of categories as to "why I play" and an infinite number of possible characters including gear and skills.

We are dysfunctional at best. And it is usually the things that change without announcement that cause the most ruckus, intended or otherwise. Hey the game remains entertaining!

Time isn't holding us, time isn't after us. Same as it ever was, same as...it...ever...was! Log in already!

 

[Capt. Lucky]

Well having posts deleted and even being called a troll by a Stratics mod (still waiting on my apology from what I consider a very unprofessional mod) I feel this brushes me, lol. Anyway for one I'm never upset by posts that are on the opposite side of the fence with me. Although I had a different view recently with da "wabbit" I felt we treated each other reasonably respectfully with our posts. Although I'm not against rolling in the mud with pigs. I will respond to others as they respond to me. Most opinions are valid and usually it's not what's said but the way it's said. At any rate I will not allow others to dictate my opinion even if it isn't a popular one. I basically have 2 pet peeves. One... bringing real life events into a fantasy game world where we come to escape from such events (player memorial type things get a pass). And second, players coming to the board posting about "UO sucks", "Game XYZ is so much better and I'm going there", "Please pity me for being so abused by UO even while I persevered to endure it", lol. I'm sure someone will find another topic I disagree with I will always reply as respectfully as I am treated.

 

[Petra Fyde]

*sigh* You do know that discussing moderator's actions in public is against one of our rules? Although if I remember right, the person you are expecting an apology from is not actually a moderator, but a reporter.
Unprofessional behaviour? I guess that's a matter of opinion, but you do realise there are no 'professional' moderators here. We're all volunteers, ie amateurs. We do our best.
When recruiting for this board I advised the candidates
You need:
The hide of a rhinoceros
The judgement of Solomon
The patience of Job
The cheerful disposition of a Labrador.

Since these requirement are near impossible, we try to make do with a close approximation.

 

[Smoot]

Well having posts deleted and even being called a troll by a Stratics mod

i think you got off easy. i was called a "whiney pancake" by a stratics mod. apparently he has removed that post.
Its just a simple fact.
I wont discuss if i think this was right or wrong, because yes thats against stratics tos.

Edit: my mistake its still there.

 

[Capt. Lucky]

i think you got off easy. i was called i "whiney pancake" by a stratics mod. apparently he has removed that post which was probably a good idea.

LOL! That's funny! I would have made a screen shot of that and framed it

 

[Capt. Lucky]

*sigh* You do know that discussing moderator's actions in public is against one of our rules? Although if I remember right, the person you are expecting an apology from is not actually a moderator, but a reporter.
Unprofessional behaviour? I guess that's a matter of opinion, but you do realise there are no 'professional' moderators here. We're all volunteers, ie amateurs. We do our best.
When recruiting for this board I advised the candidates
You need:
The hide of a rhinoceros
The judgement of Solomon
The patience of Job
The cheerful disposition of a Labrador.

Since these requirement are near impossible, we try to make do with a close approximation.

It's not a big deal. But Mods/Reporters/Whoever that represent you are held to a higher standard if they wanna be or not. A player can call me a knucklehead and that happens, lol. But when someone that represents you says it, well that's something entirely different. On a side note I didn't make a big deal outta it, just saying.

 

[Goldberg-Chessy]

Uhhh, why do you state "The entire purpose of these forums existing is to have discussions about our gaming hobbies, we take part in these hobbies for Fun" ??

Who are you to decide the purpose of these forums and to say why I or anyone else plays UO?

You are a funny person to preach tolerance and at the same time tell everybody what to do and why.

*shakes head*

 

[Viper09]

Well, this was a nice thread.

 

[Capt. Lucky]

Well, this was a nice thread.

LOL. Yeah well...

 

[Goldberg-Chessy]

Well, this was a nice thread.

If someone telling you why you play UO and why the forums exist is a nice thread, I agree

 

[Eärendil]

It's not a big deal. But Mods/Reporters/Whoever that represent you are held to a higher standard if they wanna be or not. A player can call me a knucklehead and that happens, lol. But when someone that represents you says it, well that's something entirely different. On a side note I didn't make a big deal outta it, just saying.

You may call me a Knucklehead!

I am proud to be one!

A Danish Knucklehead [DK] from Drachenfels

And sometimes you discussions look very...

...American...

...no offense!

;-)

 

[Capt. Lucky]

Well actually I was referred to as being a troll. No offense intended to any knuckleheads out there.

 

[Eärendil]

www.knuckleheads.dk

This is the place, where the cool people are, banksitting 24/7

No reds, no trashtalk, professional trammies. Peace on earth!

Hehe

 

[Viper09]

If someone telling you why you play UO and why the forums exist is a nice thread, I agree

No, it's the underlining message. If you can't extract that from the main post, then I'm sorry...

 

[SpyderBite]

I prefer to be entertained in General Chat. So, if everyone doesn't mind, I'd appreciate it if you'd log in Siege take the drama there. Thanks.

 

[Scribbles]

And after we sat down to eat pancakes, the trolls smelled them and returned for another day of the trolls....

 

[Capt. Lucky]

What's it called when one trolls the trolls? Is that like an ogre or something?

 

[Peekay]

*sigh* You do know that discussing moderator's actions in public is against one of our rules? Although if I remember right, the person you are expecting an apology from is not actually a moderator, but a reporter.
Unprofessional behaviour? I guess that's a matter of opinion, but you do realise there are no 'professional' moderators here. We're all volunteers, ie amateurs. We do our best.
When recruiting for this board I advised the candidates
You need:
The hide of a rhinoceros
The judgement of Solomon
The patience of Job
The cheerful disposition of a Labrador.

Since these requirement are near impossible, we try to make do with a close approximation.

An unbiased opinion and decision making should have been tossed in there in regards to, well... Some people.

 

[Captn Norrington]

Uhhh, why do you state "The entire purpose of these forums existing is to have discussions about our gaming hobbies, we take part in these hobbies for Fun" ??
Who are you to decide the purpose of these forums and to say why I or anyone else plays UO?
You are a funny person to preach tolerance and at the same time tell everybody what to do and why.
*shakes head*

Goldberg, I was in no way telling you or anyone else how they should play the game, I am sorry you interpreted it that way. The post was only meant to promote peace on this forum, that way people can post their ideas, opinions, and views without fear of others attacking them and insulting them for what they believe. I will not argue with you about how I worded my post, and this will be my one and only reply.

 

[Eärendil]

Well, we all know and love Mr. Goldberg for his unconventional approach of communication. In his very core he is a warm and friedly person

 

[Acid Rain]

Captn Norrington said:

The post was only meant to promote peace on this forum, that way people can post their ideas, opinions, and views without fear of others attacking them and revealing to the general public their dirty illegal despicable play-styles, character names, and guilds.

Well said Sir .

 

[Captn Norrington]

Well said Sir .

Lol there are other ways of doing that, many people that post on here know I am about as against illegal play styles as it gets, but I also understand Stratics point of view on it, that if we were allowed to just throw out names and accuse people whenever we wanted eventually innocent people would get would get accused of something they didn't do.

My view on it is this: Those of us who play often already know exactly who the honest players are, and who isn't being so honest, so there isn't really a reason to post it anymore. As for those who don't play often enough to know who does what, well, they probabaly also don't play enough to be affected much by those who aren't so honest and if they want to know they can ICQ or PM questions to those who know.

 

[Eärendil]

I wish I was less honest. Life can be so much more comfortable if you turn to the dark side. But I cant. I am just too catholic to cheat and dupe and too dumb to script...

 

[Acid Rain]

Reinventing your history is one of the great pastimes engaged by many users of this forum. I've seen more self proclaimed pillars of the community that I know for fact duped or used illegal means to gain enormous wealth then I care to mention. Only through exposure of actions does this perpetrated lie of innocence come to light. I have been banned from these forums a few times for posting cheaters & cheats that needed addressing. The 1st time it took EA/UO less then week to patch out the cheat when it had been going on for probably over 2 months. I had emailed the bug numerous times yet nothing was done. Only by posting on Stratics was enough attention amassed causing relatively immediate action. The timing may have been a coincident once, but I have done this a few times always with the same results. Longest action being taken 2 weeks later, statistically not a coincidence.

Captn Norrington said:
if we were allowed to just throw out names and accuse people whenever we wanted eventually innocent people would get would get accused of something they didn't do.

True enough but this was not the case in the videos posted. Lets stay in the present. Postulating a future possibility is akin to palm reading.

Captn Norrington said:
Those of us who play often already know exactly who the honest players are, and who isn't being so honest, so there isn't really a reason to post it anymore. As for those who don't play often enough to know who does what, well, they probabaly also don't play enough to be affected much by those who aren't so honest...

I would respectfully disagree. There is always good cause to post dishonesty even though our Mods will delete the threads with in a few hours. Often this is the fastest way to get attention which can cause change. Also, cheating affects everyone in the game - noob to vet. Saying the affect of cheaters in any game is relevant on the time one spends playing is .

 

[Smoot]

Reinventing your history is one of the great pastimes engaged by many users of this forum. I've seen more self proclaimed pillars of the community that I know for fact duped or used illegal means to gain enormous wealth then I care to mention. Only through exposure of actions does this perpetrated lie of innocence come to light. I have been banned from these forums a few times for posting cheaters & cheats that needed addressing. The 1st time it took EA/UO less then week to patch out the cheat when it had been going on for probably over 2 months. I had emailed the bug numerous times yet nothing was done. Only by posting on Stratics was enough attention amassed causing relatively immediate action. The timing may have been a coincident once, but I have done this a few times always with the same results. Longest action being taken 2 weeks later, statistically not a coincidence.



True enough but this was not the case in the videos posted. Lets stay in the present. Postulating a future possibility is akin to palm reading.



I would respectfully disagree. There is always good cause to post dishonesty even though our Mods will delete the threads with in a few hours. Often this is the fastest way to get attention which can cause change. Also, cheating affects everyone in the game - noob to vet. Saying the affect of cheaters in any game is relevant on the time one spends playing is .

Agree 100 percent and well said.

The posts that have recently gotten locked and deleted, in UOhall, onn the Chessy EM forum. This is stuff that has been going on for months or over a year. By the time something gets posted on stratics, usually every other route has been taken and nothing has been done. Only by raising awareness publically is change more likely to occur, and it saddens me that the most important topics to players often do not last long until they are once again hushed.

But we can talk about new stupid dyes or "what day is it" all we want.

Ive come to accept in the past weeks that stratics is basically a place to buy / sell. It seems almost impossible to talk about something that really matters without someone freaking out and no progress being made on an issue.

 

[Captn Norrington]

I would respectfully disagree. There is always good cause to post dishonesty even though our Mods will delete the threads with in a few hours. Often this is the fastest way to get attention which can cause change. Also, cheating affects everyone in the game - noob to vet. Saying the affect of cheaters in any game is relevant on the time one spends playing is .

I completely agree that those who break the rules should be exposed, what I meant by "there are other ways of doing it" is that threads will be kept open longer if people refrained from directly using names and personal attacks, for example I liked the "cozy friend scammer" post alot, it revealed who the scammer was, but stayed within the rules of not directly naming names, and was never locked.

You are right about those who break the rules affecting everyone, not just those who play alot. I could have worded that better. I meant that for example those who IDOC for a living would be much more affected by people breaking the rules to place houses, than someone who was just looking for one house to place. The one doing it for a living loses billions, the one who's looking for a house loses maybe 50m because they have to buy a house instead of placing.

 

[Uvtha]

You may call me a Knucklehead!

I am proud to be one!

A Danish Knucklehead [DK] from Drachenfels

And sometimes you discussions look very...

...American...

...no offense!

;-)

Better be careful, we have drones. ;P

 

[Dodger]

I completely agree that those who break the rules should be exposed, what I meant by "there are other ways of doing it" is that threads will be kept open longer if people refrained from directly using names and personal attacks, for example I liked the "cozy friend scammer" post alot, it revealed who the scammer was, but stayed within the rules of not directly naming names, and was never locked.

You are right about those who break the rules affecting everyone, not just those who play alot. I could have worded that better. I meant that for example those who IDOC for a living would be much more affected by people breaking the rules to place houses, than someone who was just looking for one house to place. The one doing it for a living loses billions, the one who's looking for a house loses maybe 50m because they have to buy a house instead of placing.

There are consequences for people that break the rules. Jailing, banning and getting a bad rep. Some learn from their mistakes and others don't.

I think it would be pretty cool to incorporate some sort of ingame justice system where if a player had been accused of rule infractions a certain amount of times they go on trial and are judged by a uo player jury and judge.

Could have gallows at the banks and anyone found guilty could be executed publicly with some sort of temporary stats loss.

Could incorporate a whole new class..."lawyer".

 

[Capt. Lucky]

Hmmm player justice... seems I remember something about this from long ago....

 

[Poo]

i think you got off easy. i was called a "whiney pancake" by a stratics mod. apparently he has removed that post.
Its just a simple fact.
I wont discuss if i think this was right or wrong, because yes thats against stratics tos.

Edit: my mistake its still there.

oh please god let me have been the old mod that called you a whiney pancake!

 

[Zuckuss]

If this thread loses it's productivity, it could end up locked too.

 

[Dodger]

Nice, threaten them into posting the same generic bland white bread flavorless crud. You da man

 

[Goldberg-Chessy]

Goldberg, I was in no way telling you or anyone else how they should play the game, I am sorry you interpreted it that way. The post was only meant to promote peace on this forum, that way people can post their ideas, opinions, and views without fear of others attacking them and insulting them for what they believe. I will not argue with you about how I worded my post, and this will be my one and only reply.

It was not an interpretation. In your rush to spread peace, love and understanding you let slip something very nasty.
Nice try though.
What is the definition of back peddling again?

On a side note tough who is foolish enough to think that they can personally force a community spirit onto others?
Not too mention the community in question is playing a mature rated game that thrives on violence, looting and killing.

Maybe we can hop onto a porn site and promote abstinence next week?

 

[Eärendil]

Evil, Mr. Goldberg. You are throwing poo on my cheesecake! I just wanted to enjoy peace!

 

[Lord Nabin]

*Looks over his shoulder at you from a table by the fire*

One person in a Community can and often does make a difference.

*turns back to the book he is reading on the histories of the Elves*

 

[Goldberg-Chessy]

*Looks over his shoulder at you from a table by the fire*

One person in a Community can and often does make a difference.

*turns back to the book he is reading on the histories of the Elves*

Funny stuff
Don't you have like 258 large and very expensive houses for sale on the Traders board?
How do you broker/camp/place all those houses while you are reading by the fire? Hrmmmmm

 

[Lord Nabin]

Funny stuff
Don't you have like 258 large and very expensive houses for sale on the Traders board?
How do you broker/camp/place all those houses while you are reading by the fire? Hrmmmmm

*Glances up from his book*

Personally I couldn't build a house to save my life. Not very skilled with my hands that way and if I did I am sure it would be immediately in danger of collapse. However trading on and off over time can build you a nice little collection while you are helping your friends in the greater community out.

Currently only 8 homes for sale friend. You can count those on two hands I am sure.

Most people don't need a broker, they just need to know that they can trust each other. Confirming that for people is much quicker than brokering a deal and it builds the greater community.

Plenty of time to relax by the fire enjoying my research and a nice glass of Good Old Moonglow Red.

*Settles back into the histories of Elves with a quizzical look and an arching of his right eyebrow*

 

[Goldberg-Chessy]

*Glances up from his book*

Personally I couldn't build a house to save my life. Not very skilled with my hands that way and if I did I am sure it would be immediately in danger of collapse. However trading on and off over time can build you a nice little collection while you are helping your friends in the greater community out.

Currently only 8 homes for sale friend. You can count those on two hands I am sure.

Most people don't need a broker, they just need to know that they can trust each other. Confirming that for people is much quicker than brokering a deal and it builds the greater community.

Plenty of time to relax by the fire enjoying my research and a nice glass of Good Old Moonglow Red.

*Settles back into the histories of Elves with a quizzical look and an arching of his right eyebrow*

Very cool.

So you don't ever charge fees when doing a house deal for the greater good of the community?
That's good to know and when I need to buy or sell my next castle I will use you to make it happen. Thanks!

 

[Lord Nabin]

Very cool.

So you don't ever charge fees when doing a house deal for the greater good of the community?
That's good to know and when I need to buy or sell my next castle I will use you to make it happen. Thanks!

*Looks up while turning a page*

I haven't charged a broker fee in years friend.

Most times I know both parties and that they are both good people so they go off and just do the deal between the two of them.

If your intention is to help build community, The first step is to develop trust between its members. This brings them further onto the common ground.

When you are ready to buy or sell feel free to reach out to me, I am usually pretty easy to get a hold of. We can look at who you are working with on the sale and take it from there.

*Reviews a map detailing the elvish rise over the last few centuries in the book*