It's fun to talk to walls: Why I'm done with non-crunch posting on WotC

[Xeviat]

So, I just spent the last week or so participating in a discussion on the WotC boards about the nature of the monk class, what it should be, what it represents, and what it will probably be. For anyone looking for an interesting read, check it out here.

This one thread has finalized my decision to not post non-crunch related posts or threads on the WotC boards. The percentage of their posters who are actually there to discuss, or have a mind open to change, is so miniscule that actual discussion is often impossible. Few are open to change; it is just like talking politics, you're either preaching to the choir or talking to a wall.

I know it might sound arrogant for me to say that, as it sounds like I'm saying 'I'm right and I'm butt-hurt because they didn't see I'm right'. Normally that is the case, but in this specific situation my exact opinion changed. The issue itself is no longer important, just the feeling the WotC boards have been giving me.

Does anyone have any advice on the issue? Should I be choosing my battles more? I don't want to change everyone's opinion, but I would like to have the logic of my arguments acknowledged from time to time. I'm not always right, in fact lately (due to the pain killers) I've been horribly wrong. My goal, though, is to be logical, and to explain myself thoroughly. That's all I really can do.

I was looking for a macro which read something along the lines of 'If you win an argument on the internet, you're still retarded'. Maybe someone can find it for me, cause I need to print it out and hang in by my computer to remind me.

[Ishmayl-Retired]

I don't know what to say, Kap'n...  I haven't been able to enjoy a conversation over there in awhile now, and just prefer talking here, and occasionally (but not that often anymore) EnWorld.  Sorry that's not much help, that's all I can really say on the subject...

[sparkletwist]

I did not come here by way of the WotC forums and have never posted on the WotC forums... and after reading lots of these kinds of threads, probably never will.

This is a great site and community and pretty much fills the "RPG design" niche for me. :)  Who needs 'em anyway!

[Raelifin]

The solution? Ditch 'em.

[spoiler Try to Avoid...][/spoiler]

[Ninja D!]

The WotC forums will not often give you feedback on crunch, either.  If you want to critique, I encourage that.  If you want to debate...why?

[Nomadic]

I only lurk there (I don't even have an account). I did find the CBG through a signature there and I do read some stuff. However I never got an account as they come across as too full of immaturity (this coming from someone who once co-admin'd a board that had an average member age of 14).

[Acrimone]

What's crunch?

[Nomadic]

Crunch is the hard numbers and rules of a setting that make it effective to play. On the other hand fluff is the stuff that makes the world more than a set of rules.

Crunch:
AC = 10 + armor + dexterity

Fluff:
Sir Jonathon Aegris lord of the mark who is renowned for his skill in battle.

[Ra-Tiel]

Uhhh.... what the heck is your problem? :?:

It's a normal discussion. Are you angry because they didn't completely agree with your point within 10 posts or what? :huh:

I really don't see any problem with that thread. If you want to see a thread with issues, peek into the First Impressions thread. ;)

[Xeviat]

Ra, I believe it was the mass of "nu uh" "yeah hu" posts that pushed me over the edge.

[Nomadic]

Hey now lets play nice. The harsh words should stay in the other fortress... you know... the one by the coast that may or may not contain wizards... :P

[Pair o' Dice Lost]

Hey now lets play nice. The harsh words should stay in the other fortress... you know... the one by the coast that may or may not contain wizards... :P

You mean the Sorcerers by the Sea? Totally different ;)

On a more serious note, I have been (and still am) fairly active over at WotC.  I don't have a particular preference for 3e vs. 4e, so I just kind of ignore all the "4e killed D&D!" "4e is the best thing evar!" stuff when it comes up--unless it involves one of my pet peeves about either system, in which case I say my part and get the hell out.  The explosion of trolling and flaming and all that followed the 4e release has somewhat died down, so it's not as bad there, but I agree that it's not exactly the friendliest forum out there.

[Moniker]

I don't participate on the WotC forums any longer. The majority of campaign and CRUNCH development talks I have here, and houserules over at ENWorld (despite the site's supreme lag issues).

I cannot abide the sort of arguing and namecalling that takes place on the WotC forums. I don't have the patience to discuss something I care about with fools.

[Pellanor]

I tend to only ever frequent the CO boards. Those entertain me.

[JackOfTales]

I post occasionally on those boards and frequent the Optimization boards alot. I always avoided the "4E Rocks" or 4E sucks boards. I mean...can't we all just accept that everyone has a different opinion? How boring would life be if everyone agreed that I'm the best person in existence? It may be true but..it'd be dull. I think WoTC is filled with one of the difficulties of life, the fact that many people fail to notice that everyone has a unique opinion and that opinion is warranted and right for that person. Yes, I may not agree with your view of politics but I'll fight to the death for your ability to spout your nonsense.

Anyway, the CO boards rock :P. I love looking at all the nifty builds you can make with 4E. I definitely feel that almost any build works in some way now with only a few things truly 'gimping' your PC.