{OT} What's up with the depressing OT topics lately?

[Zogg]

Ok - first and foremost, I do not intend to insult anyone with this topic. I've noticed that ENworld is a very very supportive forum and there's a lot I like about this place. However, I have noticed that lately there has been a number of OT threads that are a bit on the depressing side. I know that sometimes, life sucks and people need to grieve. However, to what extend should ENworld (a place that is focused on RPGs) serve as a ground for it's users to air it's OT grievances?

Again, this isn't meant to be slanted against anyone on here, it's just a general question that is asking, "What should (or should not) the ENworld forums be?"

 

[Crothian]

They are what they are. I trust the mods to decide what belongs and what doesn't. I think it's a reaction in some way to the huge 3.5 threads, people just need something else to conctrate on and the OT threads are that reaction

 

[BiggusGeekus@Work]

Grievances are more cathartic. If people are happy then they tend to sit in their happy chair and squirm around a bit. If people are unhappy they tend to want to do something about it or at least voice their unhappiness.

But if you want OT happy news, then I can share this: my intended and I went shopping for wedding rings this weekend and we found exactly what we wanted as if fate intervened on our behalf.

 

[KnowTheToe]

Yep, I think you are right. I am sick of 3.5 bashing and all of the Gencon threads (only because I can't go this year). OT seems about the only threads not discussing these two.

 

[Mark]

But if you want OT happy news, then I can share this: my intended and I went shopping for wedding rings this weekend and we found exactly what we wanted as if fate intervened on our behalf.

Congrats!

 

[kreynolds]

Personally, I think these OT threads should....

....you know...

...me being in this thread...

...nothing good will come of it. Nevermind.

 

[MojoGM]

I think it goes to people really feeling they are part of a community, and sometimes wanting to share the good and bad in their life outside gaming.

It always amazes me how supportive the folks are around here. You all are a great bunch of people.

Maybe someday Djeta and I will make it to Gen Con to meet some of you in person.

 

[Bleys]

The other thing to look at, as well, is that people tend to be a little more open with their thoughts and feelings when they have the anonymous medium of message boards at their disposal.

Yes, there are good and bad versions of this. The aforementioned "downer" topics are the good results of the medium, since people can get a release of things that would have been pent up in the past. Munchkin, slay you as soon as you log in, powergamers on any number of mutliplayer online games are the bad results.

That being said, and to perhaps add a bit more levity in light of the depressing topics, our second (and youngest) child celebrates her first birthday today! I swear the first year for the second child went faster than the first year for the first child

 

[Djeta Thernadier]

I think it goes to people really feeling they are part of a community, and sometimes wanting to share the good and bad in their life outside gaming.

It always amazes me how supportive the folks are around here. You all are a great bunch of people.

Maybe someday Djeta and I will make it to Gen Con to meet some of you in person.

I'm hoping we get to go next year I look forward to meeting you all.

...and for some happy news to counter our sad OT post, Monty the puppy is doing much better. Thank you all for your kind words.

 

[Gnarlo]

Congrats, everyone, and to add to the spirit of good news, it looks like my wife and I will sign the contract and get them started building our new house tomorrow