Hello MassiveCraft!
I'd like to first start off by saying hi and apologize for my inactivity in the last couple of months. I'm not going to make excuses or try to justify my absence, but let's just say that I've been doing a great deal of thinking.
Perhaps I should also begin by addressing the environment of this server recently, that it isn't exactly what it used to be-- or so I've noticed through personal experience. I won't claim that it's been entirely negative as of late, mostly because I typically try to be an optimistic person in general, but there have been some instances that have most certainly disheartened me, even going so far as to nudging me closer to lose faith in specific people or groups.
While this is to be expected in a large population that's based on the internet, that people change under different circumstances and surroundings, I only wish that the more mature folk, the older players, veterans, remember: this is a game, a game that was designed for a younger demographic. Minecraft is a hobby. It is a pastime, something that is used for enjoyment and recreation. It is meant to be /fun/.
I'm aware that there are a list of regulations/guidelines for the server, which are all warranted and should be followed. Additionally, there are set punishments that are required to be carried out when these rules are violated. Without rules, there is chaos. Massive is contained in an orderly manner, something that isn't easily achieved without proper moderation. Staff-ranked individuals do a commendable job in maintaining the peace, preventing mayhem, and distributing discipline to those that have earned it; however, sometimes the fashion in which they, or other long-time players, go about handling unfavorable incidents or misbehaving folk can be a little less praiseworthy.
I think it's rather easy to forget that most of the player-base here is of a younger age, an age that is easily impressionable and molded in a variety of ways. Patience is a requirement when communicating with children or adolescents, and even when dealing with humans in general. We're a prideful species, and while we're not 'insects', I feel that the expression, "you attract more flies with honey than vinegar," applies to this situation just the same. New and younger roleplayers are still important to the server.
All of them add to the environment, creating further opportunities for in-character interactions, and some even have plenty to offer Massive and its advancement. When correcting new people in-game, I didn't often see patience exhibited by the more veteran players, rather an almost superior tone was taken with the transgressor, as if the person in question wasn't worth their effort. Often times, vets may even reply OOC with, "just ignore them", which does essentially nothing to help the newbie grow and most likely only succeeds in insulting him/her. Why remain on a server that shuns you?
Perhaps some veteran players have forgotten that who they're dealing with are human beings, beings that we share this Earth with. Beings that are just like you and me. Beings that feel, can be vulnerable, feel helpless or bullied. Speaking down to them in a harsh manner can cause them to feel insignificant or even hurt while they're playing a game online-- a place where they escape to in order to become someone /else/ that is free, happy or strong. This isn't going to do anything for their confidence, and sometimes, that confidence is already so low that this sort of treatment threatens to compromise their mental or emotional stability.
Not all of you are bad. In fact, a considerable portion of you are really, really great people. I used to be very good friends with a handful of well-known players, but since my inactivity and shift in server preference, I've felt an overwhelming sensation of estrangement. Alienation. It's almost as if I've got a plague that these people in question don't wish to catch, and if /I'm/ enduring this sort of petty treatment-- me, a person that I'd like to believe is pleasant toward most of those that I meet until you give me reason not to be-- who's to say not more of you are being exposed to much worse conduct and negative behavior such as derogatory comments and unwholesome opinions, regardless of whether it's to the face or behind the back.
In conclusion, I beseech those that read this to try and take on a more positive attitude. To better themselves for the benefit of this community. We're all in this together, so why not make friends instead of enemies?
tl;dr :
I think we can all be nicer to one another. You have the capability and I believe in you.
That's all I have to offer at the moment. If you're curious about any of the points I've made, feel free to comment below. Thank you so much for getting this far, even if you've only managed to click on the link that brought you here. You're more than welcome to contact me on Skype if you feel trapped or bullied-- nightmayer91's the name. I'm not super great at advice, but sometimes it helps to have a shoulder to lean on.
I'd like to first start off by saying hi and apologize for my inactivity in the last couple of months. I'm not going to make excuses or try to justify my absence, but let's just say that I've been doing a great deal of thinking.
Perhaps I should also begin by addressing the environment of this server recently, that it isn't exactly what it used to be-- or so I've noticed through personal experience. I won't claim that it's been entirely negative as of late, mostly because I typically try to be an optimistic person in general, but there have been some instances that have most certainly disheartened me, even going so far as to nudging me closer to lose faith in specific people or groups.
While this is to be expected in a large population that's based on the internet, that people change under different circumstances and surroundings, I only wish that the more mature folk, the older players, veterans, remember: this is a game, a game that was designed for a younger demographic. Minecraft is a hobby. It is a pastime, something that is used for enjoyment and recreation. It is meant to be /fun/.
I'm aware that there are a list of regulations/guidelines for the server, which are all warranted and should be followed. Additionally, there are set punishments that are required to be carried out when these rules are violated. Without rules, there is chaos. Massive is contained in an orderly manner, something that isn't easily achieved without proper moderation. Staff-ranked individuals do a commendable job in maintaining the peace, preventing mayhem, and distributing discipline to those that have earned it; however, sometimes the fashion in which they, or other long-time players, go about handling unfavorable incidents or misbehaving folk can be a little less praiseworthy.
I think it's rather easy to forget that most of the player-base here is of a younger age, an age that is easily impressionable and molded in a variety of ways. Patience is a requirement when communicating with children or adolescents, and even when dealing with humans in general. We're a prideful species, and while we're not 'insects', I feel that the expression, "you attract more flies with honey than vinegar," applies to this situation just the same. New and younger roleplayers are still important to the server.
All of them add to the environment, creating further opportunities for in-character interactions, and some even have plenty to offer Massive and its advancement. When correcting new people in-game, I didn't often see patience exhibited by the more veteran players, rather an almost superior tone was taken with the transgressor, as if the person in question wasn't worth their effort. Often times, vets may even reply OOC with, "just ignore them", which does essentially nothing to help the newbie grow and most likely only succeeds in insulting him/her. Why remain on a server that shuns you?
Perhaps some veteran players have forgotten that who they're dealing with are human beings, beings that we share this Earth with. Beings that are just like you and me. Beings that feel, can be vulnerable, feel helpless or bullied. Speaking down to them in a harsh manner can cause them to feel insignificant or even hurt while they're playing a game online-- a place where they escape to in order to become someone /else/ that is free, happy or strong. This isn't going to do anything for their confidence, and sometimes, that confidence is already so low that this sort of treatment threatens to compromise their mental or emotional stability.
Not all of you are bad. In fact, a considerable portion of you are really, really great people. I used to be very good friends with a handful of well-known players, but since my inactivity and shift in server preference, I've felt an overwhelming sensation of estrangement. Alienation. It's almost as if I've got a plague that these people in question don't wish to catch, and if /I'm/ enduring this sort of petty treatment-- me, a person that I'd like to believe is pleasant toward most of those that I meet until you give me reason not to be-- who's to say not more of you are being exposed to much worse conduct and negative behavior such as derogatory comments and unwholesome opinions, regardless of whether it's to the face or behind the back.
In conclusion, I beseech those that read this to try and take on a more positive attitude. To better themselves for the benefit of this community. We're all in this together, so why not make friends instead of enemies?
tl;dr :
I think we can all be nicer to one another. You have the capability and I believe in you.
That's all I have to offer at the moment. If you're curious about any of the points I've made, feel free to comment below. Thank you so much for getting this far, even if you've only managed to click on the link that brought you here. You're more than welcome to contact me on Skype if you feel trapped or bullied-- nightmayer91's the name. I'm not super great at advice, but sometimes it helps to have a shoulder to lean on.
