Hi, long time wow player, RPer here and there, never really considered posting on the forums, but I figured hey, why not. My opinion on this matter is that, while I agree that public ERP, griefing and all that is either inappropriate, or just toxic in terms of the latter- I can’t help but feel this idea of witch-hunting those who do ERP in private, or talking about it in-character is fast approaching borderline segregation of a lot of people in the community that don’t deserve to be harassed or just plain ignored for a choice that has nothing to do with anyone but the two consenting people involved.
I will however state that, while I believe in this, I do recognize that it is important that those in question to the activity are, well, adults in the respective countries of origin, and aren’t bringing it into a public space. Now, I’m going to try and not ‘hate’ here. But, while I understand the ‘PCU’ is meant to be a train of guilds coming together to well, have fun or work together for good RP, I feel the need to point out that as a bystander, on neither side I’ve never wanted to be less involved in the grander RP scene.
And this is for two distinct reasons, both sides for or against seem to be turning almost cult-like, zealously defending or aggravating each other and the other because, if I ‘do’ have a difference of opinion- from my point of view its highly likely i’ll be harassed, bothered, or otherwise ignored by a large group of people that likely know very little about me, as a person or as a player.
But the blurry distinction for most as it seems to me is, you do/did ERP once, and therefore you are bad, and hence i’ll be avoided like i’m a leper or a plague rat. To me, I see some good intentions, but as the old saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and I fear that as time has gone on as I’ve observed these posts gather more and more traction that it will further derail and cause friction in the community, to the point where it may even turn to cyber bullying or something of a similar nature.
What I worry about the most however, is that this sort of ‘hive-mind’ mentality that I have come to recognize is, frankly, frightening. I compare it myself in my head, to things I have witnessed in the past, such as religious groups against the ‘sinners’ and so forth, there is likely a few better examples to compare, but that is the first thing I can think of relating close to this. I’m not saying the PCU should disband, I’m not saying it should remain either. All I am saying is that with everything going on in the world, and as things are in terms of culture across the world-. I find it to be strange and almost sad that things like this are still such a prevalent issue. I see many words of hatred between those on both sides.
And perhaps i’m just imagining this ‘side to side’ kind of thing, maybe it isn’t so bad. But as far as i’m concerned, its getting to a point where people seem to forget why we are on this server, to have fun and roleplay these amazing fantasy characters in this amazing world of warcraft, not to police each other, hate each other, argue and grow distant from those we have very minute differences between. Its obviously difficult to fix, and I dont think it ever will be fixed, we can only do so much.
But my personal feeling on the whole matter is simple. Do as you like, treat others as you would like to be treated, don’t be quick to judge and try to see the point of view of your fellow player. Because in the end we’re all here for the same reasons for the most part, and while I understand seeing and hearing certain things can be frustrating, or borderline disgusting to some, the path that i’ve seen people taking so far will only put the community on a lower descent to an even worse situation.
Sorry for the long post, TL:DR, Borderline cyberbullying, Cult-like activity, Descent into worse situation, we’re all here to have fun, treat each other with respect.
Thank you ^^ And sorry if this upsets anyone.
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