So the Forum has gotten a reputation, rightly or wrongly, of being a forbidding place. A place where newbies are eviscerated for asking a simple question. A place where players are made to feel unwelcome. A place where threads devolve into personal battlegrounds. We need to change this.
And I recognize and acknowledge my part in making it seem this way. I have a hard time walking away when I am attacked or insulted, especially when it comes from someone who hasn't played the game very long and responds to feedback with arrogance.
The problem is that there is no way to stop new players from coming on here and either asking "stupid" questions, posting half-baked, non-formatted proposals or getting their backs up when they don't like our answers. We can't fix them. The only thing we can control is how we, as experienced players and frequent contributors, react to them. We haven't done a very good job at that. I may not be the worst offender, but I am right up there.
So here's my "proposal" for all of us frequent responders. Let's stop it. Not stop responding originally, that wouldn't solve anything and would make the Forum a pretty desolate place. No, let's stop responding in kind to the less mature people that occasionally visit the Forum. Let's walk away. Let's quit having to have the last word.
It won't be easy. We've gotten into a habit, and habits are hard to break. I know that for me it will be extremely difficult to do. But I am convinced that unless we take this step, the Forum's reputation will continue to deteriorate, and become an even more toxic environment than it is now.
So, who's with me? Who will pledge to stop the unnecessary snark directed at newbies? Who will pledge to answer questions, even stupid ones, as if the person genuinely needs the help? Who will pledge to give honest, respectful feedback to newbie proposals and then walk away if it is answered with a personal attack? Who will join me in trying to make the Forum a kinder, gentler place? Who wants to start a new day, a better day in the Forum? Anyone?