
(12-22-2014, 06:02 PM)Aya Wrote:Okay so  I went back to check out the thread you mentioned to see if I had indeed done what I've been accused of. It turns out not -- hell I even said 'But we can say what we think about it!' at the end of the second post.(12-22-2014, 05:52 PM)Berrod Armstrong Wrote: I did not invalidate anyone's opinions, silence anyone, tell anyone to go make their own game. I stated something that is true. An irritating and uncomfortable truth for some, which is why I can understand the heated -- and awfully presumptuous -- responses.Alright, Berrod, that's fine. However, I've seen multiple cases lately (including in this thread, and in your responses in C'kayah's thread last week) that boil down to, "You cannot have that opinion." I have been terribly disappointed to see that, and it really does not seem like an isolated phenomenon, but instead what is becoming an expected reply to an opinion that is disliked. "I disagree with X, but I don't want to explain why I disagree with X, instead I will explain why X is not an opinion that someone should have." That is not discussion, it is not constructive, and it is not an approach that should be taken within a respectful and friendly community (it is also offensive to the idea of free and open discussion).
My point of view is that people ought to be able to freely express their opinion, and discuss why they hold it without the threat of being held underwater for doing so. There are a lot of people disappointed about the Au Ra ranging from eye-rolling to distraught (okay maybe not that much!), and there are people who are really excited for them. I found it interesting to see the two opinions expressed, and why, and it has even lead to some interesting discussion pondering the origin of the race, and how they will be represented in the game. This is all well, and good, in fact it is the very wonderful purpose toward which a discussion forum is designed.
On the idea that you've expressed here, that's all well-and-good, I suppose, but it doesn't seem to really mean anything. I may as well tell you that if you want a non-bulky male option to play that you should make your own MMO. Is that any more responsive to what you've said on the previous page, than what you said in your reply? Has it added anything to the discussion?
My sidelong opinion is also a part of the discussion, regardless of if it is a popular opinion or not -- turns out it's not! At least, assuming it's read correctly. And I find it particularly intriguing that I'm being called out on for invalidating someone's opinion (which I have not -- it's good to recognize an opposing stance for what it is)...and then told in the same post that the idea that I have expressed here doesn't mean anything.Â
If I'm not mistaken, that is a splendid example of trying to invalidate someone's opinion. HOWEVER! I don't have anything else to say on that matter really, the discussion seems to be back on track in the thread and that's a wonderful thing. I do hope that my opinions expressed going forward, even if popular, are deemed as valid.Â
Thank you for your concern.