I would have to say that this article is one of the best I have read on this site in quite a while. Thank you very much it was an excellent thought provoking read. Something we don't get much of these days.
Dude..what the hell are you talking about? Making bad design decision dose not equal drama. Jesus what is with the mindless Cryptic bashing of late? If you want to wish to bash, bash them on something logical like rushing their last two games out before they were ready. Leave the Ignorant hyperbole for Smart and Allen.
Now back on topic. Remember when gamers played games and were not tabloid enthusiast (or writers) market researchers, social engineers or trend analysts? I do and it was a better time.
This sword here at my side dont act the way it should Keeps calling me its master, but I feel like its slave Hauling me faster and faster to an early, early grave And it howls! it howls like hell!
Power struggles over corporate governance are not uncommon. What is uncommon is needlessly and intentionally taking a dispute public, throwing written temper tantrums and generating litigation because of it. People at that level usually know better and recognize its bad business. The fact that Derek Smart doesn't understand this tells me that he lacks the experience and temperment to effectively manage.
Couldn't have said this better.
Derek Smart is not a professional and his endless narcissistic diatribes across many forums including this one, has done nothing but hurt the Alganon name more. His temperament is that of a 12 year old spoiled brat that takes all the glory when things are good and passes the buck when things are bad.
His inability to control himself will inevitibly affect his ability to manage effectively.
Excellent article Jaime. One of the better ones I've read here.
Einherjar_LC says: WTB the true successor to UO or Asheron's Call pst!
First, the very WORD is a discrimination. Why is someone seen negative a female, a queen? It is the same as "you are so girlish". Bad things start with bad words, because they subtley alter the meaning, the thinking, and all of a sudden things are turned upside down. Like when a war becomes a tactical operation or a harrasment a dispute or a human right a special right. Be alert with words!
Second... it is a matter of perspective. When IS someone a drama person? Sure, often it seems what is of little importance to one person is of the greatest importance to another. Some used to rude and rough social environments have gotten so insensible they regard name calling as normal, but for others it may not be so. Who is the sage and master so wise and impartial as to set a standard what IS important to fight over it? When a person's heart is deeply moved, when someone sets a value for himself and says, to this point and not further, come there what be, who of us is to be judge and king to say for sure it is pointless drama? If a discussion really does not mean anything to you, leave. There is always the way to go. But who has the right to call another "drama queen" or anything like it?
The thing I DO agree with however is, that hate should not be nurtured and preserved. Like the SWG thing. People who after all those years still perpetuate the anti SOE creed and the SWG drama. That is something pityful, a person so locked into one particular event for years and years. A tought fight is one thing, and to be done when its on the table, in the moment. But years of preserved hate and venom is something that helps nothing and no one.
People don't ask questions to get answers - they ask questions to show how smart they are. - Dogbert
ROFL, just because you don't like their games dosn't mean they're drama queens. Infact cryptic has been a rather stable company even after they broke away from NCsoft. No the two companies in the article are the closest things to Drama Queens... I think you may need to reread the article.
Also I agree lol these guys are Drama Kings (not Queens). Which funny thing is kings are usualy more powerful then most queens which shows that these MEN take it way to far. Most Drama Queens just keep it with their friends... oh well its a problem with our culture so you can't pick at it to much unless you want to tear at our culture which in my mind is all far because I'm right there with you.
Well in all fairness about Cryptic, they have had a few pubic incidence talking about their feelings being hurt, and they can't believe how much flack they are getting for CO and Star Trek... a little drama.
parrotpholk-Because we all know the miracle patch fairy shows up the night before release and sprinkles magic dust on the server to make it allllll better.
I could care less if the developers don't get along. Really, I have my own life and issues and at the end of the day I just want to sit down, play a game and unwind.
How many people don't like their boss, or know two managers at their work that hate each other or try to sabotage each other. The world is full of these people.
I think a more compelling article would have looked at the social dynamics within guilds. That seems more relevant to the typical mmo gamer's experience.
First, the very WORD is a discrimination. Why is someone seen negative a female, a queen? It is the same as "you are so girlish". Bad things start with bad words, because they subtley alter the meaning, the thinking, and all of a sudden things are turned upside down.
I banish thee, demon of rampant political-correctness!
Or perhaps, "lighten up francis!" and go have some frozen tofu or something....
First, the very WORD is a discrimination. Why is someone seen negative a female, a queen? It is the same as "you are so girlish". Bad things start with bad words, because they subtley alter the meaning, the thinking, and all of a sudden things are turned upside down.
I banish thee, demon of rampant political-correctness!
Or perhaps, "lighten up francis!" and go have some frozen tofu or something....
I knew this would come. It is a pity that in our days it seems to be only extremes, either you stand idle at the manipulations by speech or you are an evil PC person. There is plenty of proof that manipulation and hate are rooted in the usage of words first. It is a serious matter, even if you dont see it.
People don't ask questions to get answers - they ask questions to show how smart they are. - Dogbert
I knew this would come. It is a pity that in our days it seems to be only extremes, either you stand idle at the manipulations by speech or you are an evil PC person. There is plenty of proof that manipulation and hate are rooted in the usage of words first. It is a serious matter, even if you dont see it.
You're right, this is Serious Business. If we let this anti-royalist slur against queens stand then before we know it someone will be inspired to bring out a guillotine. It is time for all us monarchists to stand together against the republicanism on display here!
People who want to run companies always have a little megalomaniac inside them. The good ones keep in under control. I don't think that these particular people here are truly unique. NVIDIA's CEO (and company as a whole) has been throwing mud in the face of AMD and Intel. Steve Ballmer has always enjoyed acting as a bufoon. I admit that Derek Smart is over the top, but his track record does show one thing: he's very persistent and has done a good job in the past selling bad games.
As for the community, I agree with the analysis here that the smaller and more tight knit the community, the more such things will affect it.
I knew this would come. It is a pity that in our days it seems to be only extremes, either you stand idle at the manipulations by speech or you are an evil PC person. There is plenty of proof that manipulation and hate are rooted in the usage of words first. It is a serious matter, even if you dont see it.
Of course you did, that is why posted it in the first place. Otherwise who would notice how noble and well-intentioned you were on the way to forum martyrdom?
There is even more "proof" that those who seek to control the use of language and regulate what words we are and are not allowed to use are in fact themselves narrow-minded, rabid fanatics who want to silence through guilt anyone who doesn't buy their particular line of BS.
PS Yes, this whole topic is a complete derail that has nothing to do with the original article; except of course providing a fine example of pointless drama.
People need to grow up as well, and stop trying to make these developers into something other than people making products, currently bad ones at that, and trying to sell it to others.They are NOT heroes.They are NOT leaders.
What they currently are, is a small bunch of people who thru connections and cash are harming the very industry they are selling.
And if some group of MMO devs does come long some day and actually manage to turn out a good product,they will still be nothing more than people making and selling a product.No more special than the people who run a company that turns out toasters ,or any other consumer good (or service)
I agree completely. Yes, I find the forum behaviour of Mr Smart reprehensible at times (not sure yet about Mr Allen), but no more reprehensible than the behaviour of lots of gamers. I don't expect someone to behave differently just because of their position in a company, and I won't be judging the game nor its community by the standards of those in charge.
In other words, I look for and enjoy polite friendly behaviour from everyone I interact with regardless of their position (whether in a company or in society in general).
I knew this would come. It is a pity that in our days it seems to be only extremes, either you stand idle at the manipulations by speech or you are an evil PC person. There is plenty of proof that manipulation and hate are rooted in the usage of words first. It is a serious matter, even if you dont see it.
Of course you did, that is why posted it in the first place. Otherwise who would notice how noble and well-intentioned you were on the way to forum martyrdom?
There is even more "proof" that those who seek to control the use of language and regulate what words we are and are not allowed to use are in fact themselves narrow-minded, rabid fanatics who want to silence through guilt anyone who doesn't buy their particular line of BS.
PS Yes, this whole topic is a complete derail that has nothing to do with the original article; except of course providing a fine example of pointless drama.
My goodness, what a lot to unpick here!
Firstly, I also noticed the phrase "drama queen" and felt it stuck out like a sore thumb in what was otherwise a well-thought out article (although I didn't necessarily agree with it all). I don't like the use of these sorts of cliched labels; they are reductionist and often imply a common understanding amongst the readers which probably doesn't exist. I particularly dislike cliches which resort to using one gender only to represent a behaviour which is common to both.
The reason I didn't bother to post any comment is precisely because of your resonse, which resorts to using yet another commonly used cliched label, politically correct. I have never been "correct" in my thinking in that I have never followed any dogmas which require correct adherence, and any attempt I might make to discuss aspects of a forum post which irritate me for whatever reason have nothing to do with any notion of "correctness".
I find your attempts to psychoanalyze the personality and motives of Elikal laughable at best and insulting at worst. They say more about you, ericbelser, than the person you are trying to ridicule.
Finally, I don't agree that posting a reply which attempts to set out reasons for disagreeing with some aspect of a post is an attempt to derail said post. My own intention is simply to express and hopefully discuss something which has irritated me (in this case the OP's use of "drama queens" and your attack on someone who responded to that).
I agree completely. Yes, I find the forum behaviour of Mr Smart reprehensible at times (not sure yet about Mr Allen), but no more reprehensible than the behaviour of lots of gamers.
Do you often find yourself posting rants online about guildmates you're unhappy with and accuse them of illegalities and advice any employers not to hire them..? Among the millions of MMO gamers you could count the number of equivalent examples to Smart on one hand, possibly on one finger.
Smart's behaviour isn't merely reprehensible, it's completely beyond the pale for what's acceptable - especially in business. How would you like it if your boss posted messages online claiming you were a crook and shouldn't be hired?
I find your attempts to psychoanalyze the personality and motives of Elikal laughable at best and insulting at worst. They say more about you, ericbelser, than the person you are trying to ridicule.
I can only reiterate, "lighten up".
This is a purely optional, by choice, opinion and BS forum on games and gaming...don't like the authors' choice or words or title? Don't read his stuff, heck write a counter point argument to it yourself.
I find attempts to regulate what words are and are not acceptible by self annointed elites to be insulting and insufferable. I'm sick to death of the people who have taken it on themselves to assign the worst of motives, thoughts and feelings to anyone who uses some common phrase or terminology that they deem "offensive". It's a shallow attempt to grab some imaginary "moral" high ground and put the other person on the defensive/silence them through their presumed sin of bigotry.
Anyone with even a tiny amount of creativity can be insulting or derogatory using even the most polite and stilted forms of language, the answer is not to ban the words but to learn to be a tad less sensitive.
“A case history about the troubles and problems Mr. Smart encountered during the development of his flagship game, BattleCruiser 3000AD, commented that "... almost everyone would agree that he is probably the best known, most divisive personality ever to participate in an online gaming community.”
An accolade which is a rather double edged sword in the world fantasy MMO’s. But he does not give you the usual PR spin whenever he talks about his games and that is refreashing these days. I just wish he could stay calm while giving us “The truth as Sue C’s it.”
It is the player communties I feel sorry for and the lesson they may learn from this is ‘why bother to have a community?’ We need to keep gaming communites strong and doing a drama queen does not help to do that.
“A case history about the troubles and problems Mr. Smart encountered during the development of his flagship game, BattleCruiser 3000AD, commented that "... almost everyone would agree that he is probably the best known, most divisive personality ever to participate in an online gaming community.”
An accolade which is a rather double edged sword in the world fantasy MMO’s. But he does not give you the usual PR spin whenever he talks about his games and that is refreashing these days. I just wish he could stay calm while giving us “The truth as Sue C’s it.”
It is the player communties I feel sorry for and the lesson they may learn from this is ‘why bother to have a community?’ We need to keep gaming communites strong and doing a drama queen does not help to do that.
No way!? (re: the part in yellow)
As for the other stuff, I agree that it's refreshing to have someone say it like it is. we need more of that. However, there is also a certain level of professionalism that can really back a person's words.
As soon as I see someone use derogatory remarks or attack someone or just behave like a 10 year old with issues then I just cease to take them seriously.
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Comments
I would have to say that this article is one of the best I have read on this site in quite a while. Thank you very much it was an excellent thought provoking read. Something we don't get much of these days.
And the Drama Queens Award goes to.... CRYPTIC!!
Really? i haven't heard anything they did or say to get that award. The only people who deserve it are devs of Mortal Online.
Dude..what the hell are you talking about? Making bad design decision dose not equal drama. Jesus what is with the mindless Cryptic bashing of late? If you want to wish to bash, bash them on something logical like rushing their last two games out before they were ready. Leave the Ignorant hyperbole for Smart and Allen.
Now back on topic. Remember when gamers played games and were not tabloid enthusiast (or writers) market researchers, social engineers or trend analysts? I do and it was a better time.
This sword here at my side dont act the way it should
Keeps calling me its master, but I feel like its slave
Hauling me faster and faster to an early, early grave
And it howls! it howls like hell!
Couldn't have said this better.
Derek Smart is not a professional and his endless narcissistic diatribes across many forums including this one, has done nothing but hurt the Alganon name more. His temperament is that of a 12 year old spoiled brat that takes all the glory when things are good and passes the buck when things are bad.
His inability to control himself will inevitibly affect his ability to manage effectively.
Excellent article Jaime. One of the better ones I've read here.
Einherjar_LC says: WTB the true successor to UO or Asheron's Call pst!
First, the very WORD is a discrimination. Why is someone seen negative a female, a queen? It is the same as "you are so girlish". Bad things start with bad words, because they subtley alter the meaning, the thinking, and all of a sudden things are turned upside down. Like when a war becomes a tactical operation or a harrasment a dispute or a human right a special right. Be alert with words!
Second... it is a matter of perspective. When IS someone a drama person? Sure, often it seems what is of little importance to one person is of the greatest importance to another. Some used to rude and rough social environments have gotten so insensible they regard name calling as normal, but for others it may not be so. Who is the sage and master so wise and impartial as to set a standard what IS important to fight over it? When a person's heart is deeply moved, when someone sets a value for himself and says, to this point and not further, come there what be, who of us is to be judge and king to say for sure it is pointless drama? If a discussion really does not mean anything to you, leave. There is always the way to go. But who has the right to call another "drama queen" or anything like it?
The thing I DO agree with however is, that hate should not be nurtured and preserved. Like the SWG thing. People who after all those years still perpetuate the anti SOE creed and the SWG drama. That is something pityful, a person so locked into one particular event for years and years. A tought fight is one thing, and to be done when its on the table, in the moment. But years of preserved hate and venom is something that helps nothing and no one.
People don't ask questions to get answers - they ask questions to show how smart they are. - Dogbert
ROFL, just because you don't like their games dosn't mean they're drama queens. Infact cryptic has been a rather stable company even after they broke away from NCsoft. No the two companies in the article are the closest things to Drama Queens... I think you may need to reread the article.
Also I agree lol these guys are Drama Kings (not Queens). Which funny thing is kings are usualy more powerful then most queens which shows that these MEN take it way to far. Most Drama Queens just keep it with their friends... oh well its a problem with our culture so you can't pick at it to much unless you want to tear at our culture which in my mind is all far because I'm right there with you.
Well in all fairness about Cryptic, they have had a few pubic incidence talking about their feelings being hurt, and they can't believe how much flack they are getting for CO and Star Trek... a little drama.
parrotpholk-Because we all know the miracle patch fairy shows up the night before release and sprinkles magic dust on the server to make it allllll better.
I could care less if the developers don't get along. Really, I have my own life and issues and at the end of the day I just want to sit down, play a game and unwind.
How many people don't like their boss, or know two managers at their work that hate each other or try to sabotage each other. The world is full of these people.
I think a more compelling article would have looked at the social dynamics within guilds. That seems more relevant to the typical mmo gamer's experience.
I banish thee, demon of rampant political-correctness!
Or perhaps, "lighten up francis!" and go have some frozen tofu or something....
I knew this would come. It is a pity that in our days it seems to be only extremes, either you stand idle at the manipulations by speech or you are an evil PC person. There is plenty of proof that manipulation and hate are rooted in the usage of words first. It is a serious matter, even if you dont see it.
People don't ask questions to get answers - they ask questions to show how smart they are. - Dogbert
You're right, this is Serious Business. If we let this anti-royalist slur against queens stand then before we know it someone will be inspired to bring out a guillotine. It is time for all us monarchists to stand together against the republicanism on display here!
People who want to run companies always have a little megalomaniac inside them. The good ones keep in under control. I don't think that these particular people here are truly unique. NVIDIA's CEO (and company as a whole) has been throwing mud in the face of AMD and Intel. Steve Ballmer has always enjoyed acting as a bufoon. I admit that Derek Smart is over the top, but his track record does show one thing: he's very persistent and has done a good job in the past selling bad games.
As for the community, I agree with the analysis here that the smaller and more tight knit the community, the more such things will affect it.
Of course you did, that is why posted it in the first place. Otherwise who would notice how noble and well-intentioned you were on the way to forum martyrdom?
There is even more "proof" that those who seek to control the use of language and regulate what words we are and are not allowed to use are in fact themselves narrow-minded, rabid fanatics who want to silence through guilt anyone who doesn't buy their particular line of BS.
PS Yes, this whole topic is a complete derail that has nothing to do with the original article; except of course providing a fine example of pointless drama.
I agree completely. Yes, I find the forum behaviour of Mr Smart reprehensible at times (not sure yet about Mr Allen), but no more reprehensible than the behaviour of lots of gamers. I don't expect someone to behave differently just because of their position in a company, and I won't be judging the game nor its community by the standards of those in charge.
In other words, I look for and enjoy polite friendly behaviour from everyone I interact with regardless of their position (whether in a company or in society in general).
My goodness, what a lot to unpick here!
Firstly, I also noticed the phrase "drama queen" and felt it stuck out like a sore thumb in what was otherwise a well-thought out article (although I didn't necessarily agree with it all). I don't like the use of these sorts of cliched labels; they are reductionist and often imply a common understanding amongst the readers which probably doesn't exist. I particularly dislike cliches which resort to using one gender only to represent a behaviour which is common to both.
The reason I didn't bother to post any comment is precisely because of your resonse, which resorts to using yet another commonly used cliched label, politically correct. I have never been "correct" in my thinking in that I have never followed any dogmas which require correct adherence, and any attempt I might make to discuss aspects of a forum post which irritate me for whatever reason have nothing to do with any notion of "correctness".
I find your attempts to psychoanalyze the personality and motives of Elikal laughable at best and insulting at worst. They say more about you, ericbelser, than the person you are trying to ridicule.
Finally, I don't agree that posting a reply which attempts to set out reasons for disagreeing with some aspect of a post is an attempt to derail said post. My own intention is simply to express and hopefully discuss something which has irritated me (in this case the OP's use of "drama queens" and your attack on someone who responded to that).
Do you often find yourself posting rants online about guildmates you're unhappy with and accuse them of illegalities and advice any employers not to hire them..? Among the millions of MMO gamers you could count the number of equivalent examples to Smart on one hand, possibly on one finger.
Smart's behaviour isn't merely reprehensible, it's completely beyond the pale for what's acceptable - especially in business. How would you like it if your boss posted messages online claiming you were a crook and shouldn't be hired?
I can only reiterate, "lighten up".
This is a purely optional, by choice, opinion and BS forum on games and gaming...don't like the authors' choice or words or title? Don't read his stuff, heck write a counter point argument to it yourself.
I find attempts to regulate what words are and are not acceptible by self annointed elites to be insulting and insufferable. I'm sick to death of the people who have taken it on themselves to assign the worst of motives, thoughts and feelings to anyone who uses some common phrase or terminology that they deem "offensive". It's a shallow attempt to grab some imaginary "moral" high ground and put the other person on the defensive/silence them through their presumed sin of bigotry.
Anyone with even a tiny amount of creativity can be insulting or derogatory using even the most polite and stilted forms of language, the answer is not to ban the words but to learn to be a tad less sensitive.
Good points.
“A case history about the troubles and problems Mr. Smart encountered during the development of his flagship game, BattleCruiser 3000AD, commented that "... almost everyone would agree that he is probably the best known, most divisive personality ever to participate in an online gaming community.”
An accolade which is a rather double edged sword in the world fantasy MMO’s. But he does not give you the usual PR spin whenever he talks about his games and that is refreashing these days. I just wish he could stay calm while giving us “The truth as Sue C’s it.”
It is the player communties I feel sorry for and the lesson they may learn from this is ‘why bother to have a community?’ We need to keep gaming communites strong and doing a drama queen does not help to do that.
No way!? (re: the part in yellow)
As for the other stuff, I agree that it's refreshing to have someone say it like it is. we need more of that. However, there is also a certain level of professionalism that can really back a person's words.
As soon as I see someone use derogatory remarks or attack someone or just behave like a 10 year old with issues then I just cease to take them seriously.
Godfred's Tomb Trailer: https://youtu.be/-nsXGddj_4w
Original Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/109547
Serph toze kindly has started a walk-through. https://youtu.be/UIelCK-lldo
" The truth as Sue C's it" comes from Glee the TV show. I do think he shares certain elements of that charecters personality.
Man these comments have a lot of drama queens in them don't they?
Come on, someone had to say it.
Yes Derek, someone had to say it.