- soulguard
- |
- Exalted Mythic Member
Stumbled upon this topic, and felt the urge to comment.
On the topic of elitism, there is an almost pride within myself knowing that I've been a long time upstanding "member" for almost 3 years. So I can understand the want of keeping the Join Date. I don't feel that it should be removed, in fact I think it is pretty good the way it is. Although, I have witnessed more then my fair share of "I've been here longer then you" debates, and the "this is my 3rd account" comments is used fairly often.
Yet on the topic of quality of posts, that is something that perhaps will never change. This community is largely diverse, bringing in all age groups. Halo is what brought the majority of "posters" to this forum, including myself, but there are regular "members" that have been here since Bungie's youthful days. I would state that around last year I began to notice a huge difference in "posters" and "members". Posters came to the forums to get info on Halo 3 and news about new Halo 2 maps and etc. While "members" explored more of the community setting as well as feed their "all things bungie" need. "Members" also can someitmes come across as arrogant and mean to "posters"... when we feel that "posters" aren't contributing, simply leeching off the community. But that's just my opinion.
With any community, the seniors always have a way of carrying themselves, while the new guys tend to either make a ruckus or sit quietly on the sidelines and observe. Add the fact of animosity and you'll get chaos from spammers who get bored.
I better get to the point... I like the idea that if someone wanted to know how long I've been a "member", then they can look it up. Then they know that when someone tells them something, there is large chance that this person knows what they're talking about. yet at the same time, there are many people whoare new to the forum and act like "members", and are quite knowledgeable of Bungie and their past... not just Halo. I am on B.net everyday, I scan threads while at work and at home. It is really is a virtual home for me, and when I see "posters" acting up, I ask them to behave... some listen but most don't. In these situations, the Join date helps. Not nearly as much as an administrator's voice helps, but it can be a positive view of Elitism. Not the "I'm better then you, so listen to me" way, but more of the seniority aspect that you could normally only get from say... a big brother/sister.
Did that make any sense?
~soulguard