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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JohnRTroy" data-source="post: 1994745" data-attributes="member: 2732">I think it comes from something I've observed.  GMS is on the right track, but it really doesn't have to deal with "being bullied", because I've seen the behavior outside of gaming.I think when people are serious about something, they dislike perceived threats to that something.  If you are a fan of a TV show, for instance, you might be sensitive to the fact that either the TV show is not successful and could be cancelled, or you might be sensitive if the show is being criticized by the press.  If a TV show was once good, but stopped being good but was still popular, you might be critical of the "unwashed masses" who still accept it.Ideally, we usually want our hobbies to be successful, and to continue, to not be criticized, and to be popular.  The exception would be if you enjoy being "in the minority" for a coolness factor, but that's usually a reaction to being unpopular.This definately translates to gaming.   2nd Edition and 3rd Edition ended up replacing 1st edition, so all the die-hard fans who dislike the change usually berate the changes, and a lot of the times the people who play it, and wish for better times.  I know some just keep playing the game, but you can't really get involved in a Dragonsfoot conversation sometimes without somebody taking a shot at the new game.  If you play a non-D&D game, a lot of the fans talked about D&D being "for kids", etc.  There are so many controversies over Greyhawk that I don't ever think that setting can have a united fan front.  I came to the realization about this in my late 20's.  Now I really don't care whether or not my particular interests are popular, successful, or survive.  If they do, that's great, but I don't want to get caught in the bitterness level of thinking.  I support Gary Gygax as a writer, and I wish he got more interest in his new games, but I no longer take offense if his stuff doesn't turn out to be popular anymore.  If they screw up my favorite TV show, I'll find something else to watch.  There are always substitutes, compliments, and it's okay if your particular viewpoint "doesn't win".</blockquote>

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