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This entry concerns drama on the dragonmaw realm forums. I do not claim that such drama is unique or inappropriate. I do not claim complete objectiveness. I merely want to create a compilation of thoughts/observations, with the intent of provoking thoughtful discussion.
Note: if you, the reader, wish to edit this page, feel free.
I believe the best place to start is with a definition:
Drama
Concerning the definition, numbers four and five are most appropriate for the "drama" on the dragonmaw realm forums. Now that there is a documented definition, I will propose my own:
Dragonmaw Realm Forum Drama: the act of instigating, engaging in, and perpetuating insulting or demeaning conversation with an indivual or group under the public eye of the forum.
For those asking about why such drama occurs, I propose three reasons below. I also give my opinions of these reasons.
1. Cost/Benefit analysis.
Some believe that the anonymity provided by MMORPGs allows for players to be petulant to others purely for their own enjoyment. In other words, the benefit (self-enjoyment, which is a reason people play computer games in general) of such behavior exists and is not counterbalanced by any cost (due to afforded anonymity). A problem arises because, if the game is important enough for people to pay a monthly fee to play it, then isn't their virtual image, perpetuated by things said on the forums, relatively important? Responses to this new question go as follows: "I don't care what other people think about me." This response, so common when provoked, also does not make sense. I believe that part of the reason that individuals do not back down when insulted on the forums is because retreat would somehow damage their self-image. They cannot let the other side win. If these people really did not care what the offending parties thought, it seems that they would not deign to reply. But the innate desire to "beat" the other person/group/etc. interferes with such logic.
2. Instigation/reaction analysis.
This view of the drama comes from the common refrain, "I'm just bored at work." Given that many people who speak out and create drama on the boards are adults, the perpetuation of drama can be justified by these people through the excuse of boredom. While this argument seems logical, it does not seem to ring true when one group tries to take the "moral high ground," as so often happens in these fights. In short, I believe that constant attempts to defend oneself appear righteous and justified, but due to their futility, the "moral" party is just indulging their own desire to respond. Someone truly trying to remove themselves from such drama would not allow themselves to be manipulated into response.
3. Lack of maturity analysis.
It is true that many who post on the boards are adolescents. In fact, it seems natural that less socially-developed individuals would enjoy online games. As such, their attempts at communication can be lacking and often end up in petty debates. While this analysis cannot apply to those that have jobs or must engage socially with others on a daily basis, I feel like it is necessary to add because of its common use as justification for drama. I believe that immaturity is an important factor, but not all parties involved are always immature. The first two analyses of the drama serve to show that immaturity can be the instigation, but the perpetuation of drama is not just a result of the age of the people involved.
Note: In these analyses I have blamed the "defender" as much as I have blamed the "instigator." While this may not seem fair, I believe, as I have stated, that anyone who continues the thread is in some way at fault. Feel free to disagree.
For those that ask "Why do I care?" I have this answer:
Guilds are plagued with drama much as the boards are. Those individuals that perpetuate relatively harmless conversation on the boards are probably the same ones the perpetuate relatively destructive drama within guilds. If people are more aware, more willing to discuss, and more proactive about this drama then perhaps it won't be such a plague for everyone out there that wants to form a cohesive group of individuals with similar goals, be they endgame content, pvp, etc. Now, I know that guild drama can be concerned with loot, personal grudges, raiding schedules, and insulting comments, and only some of those things can be fixed via avoidance of drama, the more smooth the guild runs on a day to day basis, the better off everyone will be when an important disagreement occurs.
Now, I have mentioned avoidance of drama and for all you that are still interested in this long-winded piece, below I answer the "how?"
If you have not picked this up from the analyses of different reasons that drama occurs, I state it hear: the mark of those that are truly mature is their ability to disengage from an offending party graciously. Even after having been insulted or attacked, these people will merely apologize, or say nothing, and the offender will have nowhere to go. Like I have said, drama is perpetuated by two groups, not just one. On the boards, avoiding drama is as easy as not responding. In guilds, that may be more difficult, but apologies and general attempts at conciliation can go a long way.
For those that need examples of such maturity... find Nudi, and take some notes.
Nudi is a class act and definitely a person to respect, but I would kindly request that you not put your interpretation and spin on the motives and actions of others, and twist events to try to prove a point as done in this 'specific recollection.' Drama is, however, something we should all strive to cease our personal contributions to. I'm not offended by the suggestion (certainly with quite a degree of truth, much to my regret) that I am a source or contributor of drama, nor was I offended by Nudi's comment. I am merely offended by the spin you put on it and assumptions you made. -- Pulsar
This concludes my discussion. Feel free to add anything. Apologies for my pompous style of writing. Please note that I do not mean to insult anyone, including those mentioned in the above example.
