I would like to take a few moments to explain the existence of the recently-locked thread in this forum.
It is entirely true that we come from the same forum, and several of us recently discovered Conquer Club as a place to play RISK. Nevertheless, the dynamics of a forum community are important to us, and one of the best ways to test social dynamics is to immerse a group of familiars into an unexpected and potentially volatile situation. Quagunsan made an "elitist" thread essentially to see the reactions of veteran CC members. The reacitions were not what we had hoped, but approximately what we expected. While some replies indicated lighthearted willingness to go along with the "post and die if you don't know what's going on" attitude, the thread quickly degenerated into a bash-session with wild "multi" accusations, blatant "shove it, newb" attitudes, and blatant attempts to derail the thread and ridicule those of us putting on the elitist facade. While I will openly admit that, as the thread progressed, we helped foster the thread's demise as much as anybody else, I feel it is important to note that all of our behavior beyond the first several posts was determined directly by the reactions we got from CC posters replying to our thread.
It is sadly disappointing that our introduction was so poorly recieved by the community here. While a thread titled I just had myself an invisible poopie can exist and remain open, an over-the-top ridiculous introduction thread is met with immediate hostility, ignorant and completely unfounded accusations of cheating. All we intended was a little bit of tomfoolery -- we like to make a splash, and we wanted to indicate that we would be active, playful community members who could make a positive impact around here. Nevertheless, certain members have decided that, since we are unfamiliar with this community, familiar with each other, and proud to be united in our identities, we apparently pose some kind of threat. And the collective response to this threat was to berate and ridicule, to mock and belittle. Powermongers and forum veterans -- likely those who have a significant level of influence but are alarmed that they may meet a new force with which to reckon -- have instilled from their perspective an instantaneous (and sadly, likely permanent) air of conflict and separation.
I sincerely hope that those of you who were put off by our entrance will find it in your hearts to reassess your own behavior, to look towards the good in your new members instead of assuming the worst without thinking things through. There is a hideously overused phrase that indicates that the "first impression" is the most important one to be made. I challenge each and every one of you to prove such a ridiculous assertion wrong. We may be eccentric, headstrong, talkative, and goodness knows we are certainly argumentative... but we are perfectly capable of being positive community influences to an immeasurable degree. We only ask that you folks allow us the chance to show how a little shake-up can be a Good Thing. For those of you who fear change or your own positions within the CC community -- we aren't here to take over. This isn't a forum invasion. We merely decided that we wanted to make some waves and jump headfirst into the community with a little tomfoolery. Community members who are unwilling to pause and observe and think before making judgements about newcomers will never be able to help further the growth and prosperity of their social environment.
Thank you.
