Why the need for confession?

[Mark]

"I'm done talking!" was just an example to demonstrate that a "kiss off" might not really be a "kiss off".

I agree with you, overall. The thing I would add, though, is that the person posting (IMHO) isn't necessarily sure that they're done with the system. Sometimes we think we're done when we really just want another perspective. It's happened to me!


RC

Well, I'm done with reading your posts, or do you think I am not because I will explain why if you disagree.

 

[pawsplay]

But isn't it, in theory at least, only creating more and more 'of the 'Great Schism'? In speaking of community, they're not talking about the great games they're now having, many of them are bashing the game they used to play. That's not something I'd want to build a community around. But perhaps it's easier to build around dislike of something rather than enjoyement of it?

No, not really. Two people can disagree on their favorite game systems and still agree that gaming is fun and interesting. Why does it have to be hateful? People are allowed to not like things as much as they used to.

 

[Raven Crowking]

Well, I'm done with reading your posts, or do you think I am not because I will explain why if you disagree.

Welcome to the mess that is human communication!

 

[Pseudonym]

People are allowed to not like things as much as they used to.

I like pie.

 

[JoeGKushner]

No, not really. Two people can disagree on their favorite game systems and still agree that gaming is fun and interesting. Why does it have to be hateful? People are allowed to not like things as much as they used to.

Of course. But the posts generally don't talk about the fun of gaming, they're generally about the lack of fun.

Maybe I'm just used to seeing all the negativity and it sticks in my mind more.

 

[Will]

The opposite of love isn't hatred or anger, it's apathy.

People often rant about how they are leaving games because they are jilted lovers.

 

[pawsplay]

Of course. But the posts generally don't talk about the fun of gaming, they're generally about the lack of fun.

Maybe I'm just used to seeing all the negativity and it sticks in my mind more.

I don't see any way of saying, "I'm thinking I'm done with X," without some negativity toward certain aspects. That doesn't make someone a negative person. "I would like to have more fun gaming," is not an unworthy thought.

 

[Rechan]

@ the OP: If you can answer the question "Why did you feel the need to start this thread", then I think you will have also answered your question.

He asked a question. He was confused.

THat's radically different compared to just stating an opinion.

Of course the OP sticks around. Either to defend his stance, or to bask in the agreement of others with his opinion. If someone has the gumption to post on a forum announcing their opinion, they're not going to just give up on it if someone presents a good argument. They haven't given up on the FORUM, just the game. And they don't want a general discussion about RPG, except probably what's wrong with the system they're quitting. Or whatever.

Using my original analogy, the person wants to come back to see others saying "indeed, too much chocolate is bad."

But "discussoin" implies something more to it. THere's no "Here's my view - what's yours?" There's no "Well here's the topic". It's all about the individual.

And for the record, I don't go into those threads either. I try to avoid feeling any needless negativity, and I know what threads are going to bother me.

 

[Hairfoot]

I think the confessions are largely an obligation of group membership. If you're part of any community that celebrates a particular "thing", there's an expectation that you'll give a decent reason for dropping out.

Pretty much all the confessions these days are about 4E, AFAICT. Since this site is mostly populated by 4E fans, people want to explain why they're breaking ranks, why they're not enjoying the system any more, and that there are no hard feelings.

The edition wars have been vicious, and because of the partisanship they inspire, no-one wants to be seen as a traitor if they just suddenly stop being a member of their "side".

 

[Raven Crowking]

He asked a question. He was confused.

THat's radically different compared to just stating an opinion.

Really?

The question -- well, the series of questions, really -- he asked were pretty loaded, though, weren't they? They were potentially derogatory, too. One might almost suggest that the questions posed, as posed, do more to shut down opposing views (Looking for sympathy? Putting on the public face of "I tried it." for future conversations? Adding another tally to the internet edition non-flame wars?) than the posts he's compaining about.

Mind you I've got nothing against him, it just seems... odd.

Or perhaps it would be better to give Joe...and the folks he is asking about....the benefit of the doubt? That's all I'm saying. Especially on the InterWeb, with no body language, no tone of voice, no immediacy, and no guarantee that the other person is a professional writer, we would all do better to try to assume the best possible reading, rather than the worst.

And I am guilty of assuming the worst, too. Far too often. But I'm trying not to.

YMMV.

RC