Healthy, Engaging Discussion Begins with You

[HogHammer]

The entire staff at DevStrike! encourages healthy and engaging discussion by its members. There is a balance between healthy and engaging discussion and the freedom of its members to express their views and opinions freely. Because of that foundational view, many here make DevStrike! their home for discussion. As many of you have expressed, we do not want to mimic the same discussion type that often occurs on Discord or Reddit.

Our Goals --

It is in the best interest of the community and DevStrike! that we present discussions and, more importantly, the resources to improve the quality of play and information for its current and future members, as well as all guests.

We have grown remarkably since our inception and wish to keep it on the same trajectory. We want guests and forum members to feel they have a home for discussion and a source of information. However, if one continually sees comments denigrating (belittling) of players, it is a turnoff for both members and guests.

We have witnessed members and guests report or complain about belittling comments and references and their reluctance to join the conversation or block members.  This is not just about providing a space for discussion or expressing views that each of you embrace; this is about growing DevStrike! for everyone with more views and opinions.

So, to better understand, denigration and/or belittling of players and members refers to the following:

Denigration/Belittling --

• This involves a more malicious intent, where comments are aimed at belittling or degrading someone or groups. Denigrating remarks are not simply negative; they are meant to harm someone's reputation or character. For example, denigration would be: “This player is terrible and shouldn’t even be allowed to play this game.,” “co-op only attracts poorly skilled players,” or “these people are a bunch of suckers.” Attacking a person or group rather than focusing on the topic meaningfully is often disrespectful and derails the topic, creating unnecessary insults.
• Using words such as bottom feeders, suckers, morons, scum, cheats, inbreeds, rejects, low IQ, lies, or liar, and pointing out modes played just because you do not play them is in no way helpful to the community at large or an inviting discussion for guests to view or join the conversation.
• Do not discount the mode or ship a member plays.  Do not stat shame. We all have favorites, and our game stats belong to you only, so be respectful.  (We also provide dedicated sections on the forum to discuss these modes)

In short, denigration/belittling is an attempt to tear someone/something down.  It is irrelevant whether or not harm was intended.  It often violates community standards for respectful behavior and, more importantly, turns off many members and guests who would like to join a healthy forum community.

Collectively, we all play the same game regardless of mode, tier, or skill level. As a community of players, we have more impact on the game and player attitudes than many believe. Instead of turning off players who wish to improve or are new to the game, we should all be more accessible and accept their questions and level of play by encouraging respectful criticism and offering a space for new and experienced players to discuss, learn, and improve.  

We have made every attempt to set DevStrike! apart from other platforms.  Remember, making this game better and more enjoyable starts with each of us.
 

[Wolfswetpaws]

Thank you @HogHammer.
Will the first post in this topic be pinned, or copied to the forum sections devoted to explaining the forum rules?

[Capt_Kremenski]

Very well said @HogHammer

 

After the official forums were closed I was gutted! Then by some miracle I stumbled upon DevStrike and immediately found a new home.

I come here daily to read what everyone is getting up to, I can ask questions when I can't find answers from WoWs themselves and actually get helpful answers.

The last thing we need is the salt, drama and spitefulness that many were more than happy to dish out on the old, official forums.

I consider us all a family here and as such we should treat each other with respect.

You guys know the only other choice we have, and I shudder to even say it's name, - DISCORD!!!!

[clammboy]

Good luck @HogHammer you are a good man doing a tough job it is not easy to decide what is toxic and said with malice and what is not.

In this day and age people take offense to just about everything. I love the forums and the job you guys have done. But I also dont what it to turn into a place were you cant have a strong opinion make fun of things or people. You always need villians and people with strong views to keep things interesting oherwise things become pretty bland quickly. 

Thanks again for all your hard work it's not an easy job.

 

 

 

[HogHammer]

1 hour ago, clammboy said:

In this day and age people take offense to just about everything. I love the forums and the job you guys have done. But I also dont what it to turn into a place were you cant have a strong opinion make fun of things or people. You always need villians and people with strong views to keep things interesting oherwise things become pretty bland quickly.

What you say is so true. There indeed seems to be a lot of division in today's discussion on a variety of topics. We do want and encourage different views and opinions to be expressed freely here on the forum. 

WoWs tends to bring out a wide range of views and opinions, which are in full view here daily. And giving credit where credit is due, the members here do a fantastic job of "self-moderation."   There are times, however, when the discussion gets out of hand.  It is unpleasant for members and guests to see and completely derails the discussion.  I personally find it unpleasant to have to jump into a discussion to "crack heads" or, worse, forced to lock a thread. 

That being said, I believe frustrations encountered within the game (and we ALL have experienced them) sometimes carry over into discussion.  Strong opinions are great,  but there needs to be a level of respecting that opinion even if one disagrees.  When anyone starts to name-call and blame a large section of the player base, you basically lose the argument.  It is really important to remember this is just a game for one's enjoyment, and at times, everyone needs a break to cool off and take a deep breath.