Ominas wrote: ↑Tue Apr 19, 2022 10:28 pm
The toxicity is a problem but it just makes me apathetic more than anything. I suppose because I genuinely do care about the game and the community. So it’s sad to see it where it is, with it being as small as it is. I don’t get my feelings wrapped up in what others think of me personally. But I understand why others do.
I'll quote Ominas here because he articulated my demeanor towards the game lately. I haven't "quit".. but I'm not as active as I have been over the last year. The weather turning nice and being more interested in my RL social circle and interests had also has an impact on my activity. But why am I not on Mondays through Thursdays after work and getting my cave dwelling teen kids fed before they disappear?
I'm a social player first and foremost. Those who know me know I'm down for almost anything. Whether or not my own skill level meets the task, I'm down for my friends and acquaintances. That's been largely lost as almost every one of my homies has been driven away in one form or another. The rest of this thread is a testament. I myself have quit before for a couple years due to the constant toxic, unconstructive bitching (that no one wants to hear anyway) and seeing others bullied for this or that frivolous, telephone game reason. This hasn't changed and in my eyes feels like it's gotten more focused (especially on people I happen to call friends) and intense. People are getting constant pressure even for who they're friends with (as if that's anyone's business). It's a fact that there are some who get off on the drama and openly and actively perpetuate it. Most people who I am not tight with, probably 99%, are super nice to me personally and those who aren't don't bother me very much. I have a thick skin and can clap back; I even have fun with it. But I do see the ugliness. It's not even a matter of trash talk and oversensitivity, although a couple people truly are oversensitive and should toughen up. It's just not fun for people to log on, to relax after work, after kids go to bed, when your honey is busy, your precious few hours... only to be inundated with bitterness, faction pressure, complaining and whining, threats, intimidation, alt stalking spreadsheets (wtf?), etc. People really need to lighten up and understand that there are other people, not villains, behind the keyboard. Let's stop acting like we're in highschool.
The second reason is the huge number of changes that, for me, seem to be very overwhelming to the point where I feel why bother learning new zones, new weapon stats, whatever else. Usually just ask my friends but they're largely gone. I legit have nfc what is even going on anymore. I don't have time to re-learn zones even to the fucky level of knowledge I previously had. Not that I ever had a Phd in wotmud to begin with. I just feel so lost with anything but RP which is more or less stable and based on the books. The less I play the less up on changes in game code, mechanics, and RP state of nations and relations I am. Getting further left behind. It is a snowball. The documentation for mobol for processes in the Tower is upkept by players. Players who slowly are no longer playing and therefore capable of updating said document... I only play Jenda so I don't know about other classes but I feel like playing Jenda lately I just get wtfsmushed.. it's all a bit frustrating.
So my only reason left to log on is to check in on apprentices in my Ajah. As they can hit me up on discord or mail, I don't feel it's worth dedicating any time to even idling anymore than 10-15 minutes occasionally to see if I'm needed.
That said.. if I am invited for an excursion or roleplay, or needed by an initiate or apprentice, I'll absolutely log on and I'm usually on discord if you want to chat.