The "I Didn't Comment in Another Thread" Thread

[overgeeked]

In another group set up to discuss a specific game system, some people seem to be very concerned that everyone in the group properly "honor" a particular contributor. I mean, I like the guy and all, but I don't put any of the creators of my media on a pedestal. If I'm in a group about a particular game system, I'm there to talk about the game system; spending pages of posts and comments talking about how much you respect a particular creator seems... I don't know, unhealthy, maybe? Like, people are people -- with flaws and merits and all that. These posts smack of some weird virtue signaling that I don't understand.

For a lot of people it’s not sufficient that you like the thing. You have to love it. Love it so much you prove it by showing the group just how much you love it. Tons of posts displaying conspicuous consumption is one way. Being the most consistent defender of the faith brand is another. We see that here quite a bit. And of course heaping sufficient praise on dear leader the creator of the thing you love is another. It’s all really weird and cultish to me. You like the thing, cool. Engage with the thing. But don’t identify with the brand so much it consumes your identity.

 

[prabe]

In another group set up to discuss a specific game system, some people seem to be very concerned that everyone in the group properly "honor" a particular contributor. I mean, I like the guy and all, but I don't put any of the creators of my media on a pedestal. If I'm in a group about a particular game system, I'm there to talk about the game system; spending pages of posts and comments talking about how much you respect a particular creator seems... I don't know, unhealthy, maybe? Like, people are people -- with flaws and merits and all that. These posts smack of some weird virtue signaling that I don't understand.

There is at least one prominent game designer (whom I will not name) that I am convinced does not always understand his ideas, especially the good ones.

 

[RealAlHazred]

For a lot of people it’s not sufficient that you like the thing. You have to love it. Love it so much you prove it by showing the group just how much you love it. Tons of posts displaying conspicuous consumption is one way. Being the most consistent defender of the faith brand is another. We see that here quite a bit. And of course heaping sufficient praise on dear leader the creator of the thing you love is another. It’s all really weird and cultish to me. You like the thing, cool. Engage with the thing. But don’t identify with the brand so much it consumes your identity.

I just don't see the value in elevating someone. I thought Empire of the Petal Throne was a great setting for instance, but that didn't make me equate MAR Barker to some sort of saint or something; and he turned out to have very human flaws just like everyone else. But by the same token, when those came out, I could still appreciate the stuff I like about EPT while resolving to make sure none of my money supported the political causes he espoused. They're different mental buckets for me, is what I'm saying, and I don't think it's a mentally-healthy idea to mix buckets. Just my $0.02.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Like, people are people -- with flaws and merits and all that. These posts smack of some weird virtue signaling that I don't understand.

Parasocial relationships are wild. It's a whole thing nowadays, supercharged by the internet. You see it in politics (lordy, do you see it in politics), pop culture, YouTube and everywhere else.

 

[soviet]

There is at least one prominent game designer (whom I will not name) that I am convinced does not always understand his ideas, especially the good ones.

Most second editions show us this.

 

[Umbran]

Being the most consistent defender of the faith brand is another. We see that here quite a bit.

Mind you, that goes both ways - we see here quite a bit that failing to agree with negative statements is seen as fanboying for the brand/creator.

Folks are more than willing to attribute disagreement to a character flaw in the other person.

 

[trappedslider]

But don’t identify with the brand so much it consumes your identity.

 

[Ryujin]

Harley riders really didn't like it when I pointed out that they were dressing like rugged individualists, just like every other Harley rider. There may have been thinly veiled death threats involved.

 

[payn]

Harley riders really didn't like it when I pointed out that they were dressing like rugged individualists, just like every other Harley rider. There may have been thinly veiled death threats involved.

Motorcycle clubs dress in way that you know who they are without knowing who they are specifically.

 

[Ryujin]

Motorcycle clubs dress in way that you know who they are without knowing who they are specifically.

Either that, or they like living up to the name that many riders like to give them; Pirates.

Then again sportbike riders are Power Rangers.