- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Poll: Should the rumor/leaking blacklist rule stand? READ BELOW FIRST [closed]
Total Votes: 32
OK, I understand why this post was made AND why it was stickied. However, I must disagree with it and its intentions.
This is supposed to be a Bungie fan forum; we should be able to (within reason) post on anything related to the forum in which we are currently operating. We get to do only a few things.
1. Suggest ideas for upcoming games (Halo 3) and ideas for improving existing games (Halo 2).
2. Theorize on the greater Halo Universe... topics such as The Ark, Dr. Halsey, Col. Ackerson, etc.
3. Generally bicker and banter
Of course users should be blacklisted if they violate reasonable rules, such as using racist or profane language, avoiding the blammer, spamming, flaming, trolling, etc. However, why take away the fun of researching and debunking rumors?
We all know that we have a long time to wait for Halo 3... probably (no rumors, just speculation) over a year. Yeah, there are a lot of really stupid and ignorant fanboys that post in these forums that will jump on any fuzzy screenshot and claim with certainty that it's from Halo 3, only to be followed by hundreds of others flaming and bumping it without restraint or remorse.
But isn't that our right? Shouldn't we be allowed to research rumors, speculate on their authenticity, and debate their merits? Sure, our input on games is taken into consideration. Yeah, it's fun to theorize on the games. Indeed, I like getting into a debate or a mild fight over someting minor on occasion. But I also enjoy seeing a screenshot, or reading a story, or seeing a page of a "script," and trying to find clues on the Net as to whether it's true or untrue.
Moderators should have every right to delete and close repeat topics on these subjects, and even blacklist users that repeatedly create new threads on an existing topic. But to blacklist someone for simply pointing out a suspicious story or screenshot seems harsh and against the very point of these forums: to give the community a place to hash out ideas with similarly-interested individuals. If something is a fake we'll figure it out, or eventually a weekly update will have something to prove that something's fakeness.
Finally, this new rule is waaaaaay to gray for my liking. Reputable source? IGN and Gamespot have been known to post completely innaccurate stories based on information found on other sites or information passed on from presumed "insiders." What about rather reputable sites that can easily fall victim to incorrect information, like wikipedia, or the halo wiki? Again, I understand why the forum ninjas decided to make this rule, but I must implore that it should not stand.
EDIT: Please note that many of us were talking to and about a now (ironically) blacklisted forum user. Further, note that the rules to which this thread speaks are in the Halo 3 forum (this thread was moved from there).
[Edited on 5/17/2006]