I think some people are under the false impression that other people are directly dictating what their fellow role-players are able to do. Nobody can force anybody else to do anything and that's certainly not what's happening here.
Let's look at this thread as an example of what I'm getting at:
http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=9690
Or if that's not enough, let's toss this one into the mix as well:
http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=9312
Both threads contain a lot of rants fuelled by frustration. People vent, then they move on - and it's really no different when it comes to role-play. I'm not going to lose any sleep over someone playing their full-blooded Garlean as an experienced mage but I'll certainly raise an eyebrow, offer some criticism and maybe make a playful jest or two at their expense.
Just like I'd expect people to criticise my character if I decided to play him in a way that directly contradicted the lore. Also bear in mind I'm not referring to genuine mistakes here, but rather the willing and continued defiance of established lore.Â
If it's any consolation I often poke fun at myself at my own expense too. It's just how I am and my sense of humour is very British. A lot of us are like that - and if people do something bizarre we tend to laugh, criticise and then move on.
I really can't stress how important I think that is in a community like this. You've got people from all sorts of different backgrounds, expecting them all to operate and think in the same way is both inefficient and rather concerning.
Let's look at this thread as an example of what I'm getting at:
http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=9690
Or if that's not enough, let's toss this one into the mix as well:
http://ffxiv-roleplayers.com/showthread.php?tid=9312
Both threads contain a lot of rants fuelled by frustration. People vent, then they move on - and it's really no different when it comes to role-play. I'm not going to lose any sleep over someone playing their full-blooded Garlean as an experienced mage but I'll certainly raise an eyebrow, offer some criticism and maybe make a playful jest or two at their expense.
Just like I'd expect people to criticise my character if I decided to play him in a way that directly contradicted the lore. Also bear in mind I'm not referring to genuine mistakes here, but rather the willing and continued defiance of established lore.Â
If it's any consolation I often poke fun at myself at my own expense too. It's just how I am and my sense of humour is very British. A lot of us are like that - and if people do something bizarre we tend to laugh, criticise and then move on.
I really can't stress how important I think that is in a community like this. You've got people from all sorts of different backgrounds, expecting them all to operate and think in the same way is both inefficient and rather concerning.
