Comments on: The Melee

By: Jason Scott

Jason Scott — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 04:08:27 +0000

I contend that this environment insists on a level of sociopathic behavior that the “oh wait, a real person is here” aspect is totally nullified. I agree that in the face of reality, many people back down, but the level of unreality to the chatting, names, and guaranteed (due to privacy laws) protection ensures that “Actually, I AM gay” retort won’t work.

By: IC

IC — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:26:28 +0000

It’s amazing how far internet chat has come. Imagine how many flame wars have been abated by this ability to blow your opponent’s avatar to smithereens. It dismays me to see how many people just dive into any random “chattlefield”(to coin a phrase) and start shooting without getting to know their allies and opponents. This to me is missing out on the biggest part of the fun.
(OK I’m being a bit facetious here, but thinking of online games as extensions of IRC makes a lot of sense to me.)

By: Ryan Russell

Ryan Russell — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:18:46 +0000

Yes, I don’t mean to imply that my suggestion is an insurmountable comeback. Certainly there are idiots dedicated enough that this will not be a problem for them. Rather, I mean to say I have seen it work against people who unthinkingly use it as a generic insult.

By: Jason Scott

Jason Scott — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:07:42 +0000

Also, I kind of like playing Halo. Your answer is too pat with regards to responding to "fag"-alicious barraging, and I don't agree with you. Watch http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=6alOnuN-wCY and see how that strikes you.

By: Ryan Russell

Ryan Russell — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:23:28 +0000

A very interesting entry.

I can see where someone who hasn’t thought it through might say “Get back to finishing my documentary, bitch!” But then they miss the point. What if, in 20 years, you want to make a Halo 3 documentary? Well, if you didn’t live it, then you probably don’t deserve to do it. At least, not for the kinds of documentaries you’re working on.

As for “fag.” I have seen a stalemate breaker for that. It involves someone who is actually gay (or perhaps, willing to play the role) and isn’t shy about speaking up about it. So every time someone throws it out there, he speaks up and says “Yes? Were you speaking to me? Are you flirting again?”