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Dec-29-2010 15:19

To some of you, this may sound a bit harsh, but I think it really needs to be said. What does it mean to be a community? To me, a community is a group of people with common interests who support each other and is generally a good thing.

I joined Sleuth a little over three years ago on July 25, 2007. Within a day of my subscribing, I was taken into a top ranked agency, and helped to build my character up. The members of the agency I joined even spoke of how excited they were for the next Sleuthcon. For those of you that don't know, yes there was actually a time when the community was close enough to hold a real life 3-day event!

http://noir.playsleuth.com/map/cityhall/updates/sleuthcon.spy

In the 3+ years that I've been here, I've seen much of that spirit disappear. The "To all my friends" thread became such a blatant slap in the face of the code of conduct by people who I honestly expect better out of, that I stopped looking into the thread.

At the beginning of 2009, when the announcement that Kas had passed away came, we saw a little bit of that community coming back. People wanted to make donations in her name and genuinely showed their support for her friends and those who were close to her.

Lately, there has been a tone of bitterness among the community. People who are supposed to be setting the example. Top ranked players who are well known throughout the community are constantly getting into pissing matches and arguments with each other over the stupidest things. Yes I said it, the stupidest stuff. At the end of the day, it's a game. It's a good game, it's a fun game, but that's what it boils down to, a game. It's meant to be fun, and we shouldn't have the level of drama that I've seen on this site.

I get it, you're bored. I'm bored too. I love this site, but playing cases has become boring for me. I hesitate to say that much of my reason for staying here is for social reasons.

Dec-29-2010 15:19

I've seen plenty of complaints that Ben isn't doing anything, and many of those complaints are with merit. Many of them come from paying customers who have seen little to no change for the duration of their subscriptions and are wondering just what is the next level of challenge?

Let me ask those of you who feel this way: What have you done to make the site any different? Think about what I just said. Most of the reason I hang around anymore is for the social aspect of the site. When the social aspect turns into grumbling, snarling, and complaining, then we lose any semblance of what holds people to this game. Half of the interest in any project or game is the people involved in it. If we don't have a strong community, then why on earth would anyone want to sign up for the site? Moreover, why would Ben want to give updates to it?

Last year, when I ran Survivor Sleuthville, I received both praise and complaints over the challenges. However, the thing I noticed most was that it stimulated the community. Activity rose, people wanted to be judges, people wanted to know if they could be a contestant in the next one, and several suggested challenges.

When ctown did Sleuthtalk radio, people were excited. It was a gathering that brought people together. If nothing else, it gave people something to talk about and I know for a fact I made a ton of new friends though people I met in bar chat during the radio broadcasts.

Someone else may have built the sandbox, but don't pee in it and then complain that nobody wants to play with you. As I said before, I expect better and I am disappointed in many people here, including myself. There needs to be a better example set and a cessation of drama importation. Ben may own the site, but as members of the community we own the responsibility for behaving as adults and creating a positive environment.

We are a community. What that means and how others see us is up to you. I've told you what I think.

Dec-29-2010 15:45

Well said Heim! Thank you!!!

Dec-29-2010 15:57

Thank you Heimlich for stating so eloquently my thoughts. I've been struggling for a couple days to find the words to express that exact sentiment. One of the questions I kept asking myself is "So what if Noir is now in Ben's eyes fully developed? What next?"
When the game was new the players were full of passion......not just about the new developments in the game, but about playing it. Being a part of the total experience. The boards where alive. The joy that they felt about the game was contagious. There are new players logging in daily to Noir.........why aren't they staying around. My guess is that this place feels like a sinking ship. Many of the players are long time players and must be passionate about the game and the friendships they have made. Or else I would assume they would have long since left.
So back to my what next question. Bring the passion back to the game.......let new players experience the lure of the game. Build the community back up, with the same enthusiasm that once greated you. Remember for new players there are many wonderful things to discover......help them find the same passion that you once found. Hopefully the passion you still possess.

This reply has been deleted by a Moderator

Dec-29-2010 16:25

Should read ......greeted you.

I also realize that I have failed to be one of the members of the community who has offered anything to change the community for the better.

Dec-29-2010 17:33

Wrong Nephi!!! I am no coward nor am I a fool. Yes you were deleted. Your intention is to cause discord in the community. Well frankly I've had enough of your bull. Grow up! This game is not about you, nor about your rejected ideas. You are full of venom for the game and a loathing for the community.. You have no passion only self absorption!