Posted by Graatch on January 11, 2000 at 10:03:28:
Not all discussions which highlight a problem (even a perceived problem) are "whining". There is value in both identifying and then publicizing something "wrong", or seemingly unreasonable, be it in the game of cf or anywhere else in life. An obvious example of recent times was the discusson/complaints about area spellbane. Say what you will, flame all you want, but the outspoken complaints and disucssion regarding it resulted in change. This is one of, if not the primary way, that things get changed. Something is implemented. People experience it, and then they speak out on it, good or bad, how it is working in practice, etc. Simply because comments are negative does not mean someone is "whining", or what have you. Area spellbane was reduced in effectiveness due in part (large part I have been told, but the percentage is unimportant) to its being made the focus of attention by those of us who spoke out about it. (Not that anyone came out and said "yeah, you're right, it's a bit too harsh, spellbaning too much, we'll tone it down, thanks." No, instead I and the few others who had the courage to continue speaking out about it simply bore the brunt of insults, flames, etc. The vindication is in the change, of course, but something public might have been nice. Oh well. And yes, I'm a little bitter about that. *shrug*) But that's just an example. The point is, just because someone posts about something in a negative fashion (as long as its not "you suck you dirty bastard and a hearty fuck you to you too!") doesn't mean it's simply a "whine." It's discussion. If you feel the person is wrong about why he or she claims the subject is a problem, respond. Perhaps together the truth can be discovered, or a change can be made. That's how change comes about. I have no doubts some of you will have the urge to respond to this and insult me, flame me, whatever. Get over it. It's not personal, and it serves no purpose. Just move on and think about the subject of the post, not the poster.