Loball wrote:

Just wanted to write a brief letter to the forum complainers, cheerleaders and Mods. For the consideration of some of the attention spans I see I will try to keep this as brief . . . but I make no promises.

Complainers
Lets start with them, not because they deserve it or because I agree with them but because . . . . you are just so . . . vocal. When I was in the military many years ago we had a saying "Its not a complaining solider you have to worry about . . . its when they stop complaining you should be worrying". I suppose this sentiment is applicable in various facets of life. For this game there is quite a lot to complain about and many have done it at length. Many of the complaints are rehashed and recycled, passed down from the old exiting players to the new. A cycle of resentment that originated probably before recent players even downloaded the client. So what is the result of all of this puling and gnashing of the teeth? Very little. This only incites them further, fueling their disdain for Acclaim staff. Couple this with what is perceived as a calculated effort to stifle their voices (locking/deleting of threads) and their anger grows exponentially. Eventually all the complainer sees are the problems and everything action Acclaim takes feel like an attack. To them it becomes personal.

The problem is that too often they are blinded by their own rage. They become so passionate about their beliefs and their causes that they sacrifice logic and rationality. Please understand complainers these three simple truths:

1) you opinion is no more relevant than others
2) your critiques will not be viewed kindly by "cheerleaders" and Mods
3) your words will most likely have little impact on the direction this game takes.

I know these are difficult to take but the truth is often that way. Also complainers I challenge you to put your fervor into ACTION. If you find the game unsatisfactory exercise what little power you have over Acclaim. Stop playing, do not purchase items from the shop and write letters to Acclaim staff expressing your concerns. Words without action are meaningless. If you do all of this and still nothing changes . . . . take solace in the fact that a number of games are out there for your enjoyment. Try to remember that games are supposed to be fun

Cheerleaders
Next come the cheerleaders. Despite the cries of outrage that pervade the forums I still think that most of the people that play 9D are "cheerleaders" to some degree. They are the ones to come to bat when Acclaim is called out on a variety of issues. They see it as their personal duty to defend the actions the company has taken over the years and continue to support the work yet to be done. They are very optimistic about the future of this Acclaim version and are patient enough to find out where it is going to go. Like the complainers they are very passionate about their beliefs. It is not uncommon for them to dismiss certain areas of the game that are lacking when they consider all the game does so well.

The danger with overlooking deficiencies too many times is that it becomes habit forming. It is important to remember that necessity is the mother of invention, and if everything is all rainbows and unicorns, very little progress will be made. Blind defense of the business decisions made by Acclaim does not only you a disservice but affects the entire community. Think of the frog in boiling water analogy (look it up if unfamiliar) While many cheerleaders are satisfied with going through this game with "rose-colored glasses" it puts them at odds with those that do not share their opinions. Many of the same truths that apply to complainers apply to cheerleaders as well:

1) you opinion is no more relevant than others
2) your defense will not be viewed favorably by "complainers"
3) you are not an Acclaim staff member you are customer just like everyone else

If you are enjoying your Acclaim 9D experience then kudos to you. It is good when a person can find a small measure of pleasure in this world. Just ask yourself WHY you are defending Acclaim though. Do you owe them anything? Do they care about YOU? Are you defending the game because you are truly satisfied? I say that because it is difficult for many people to admit when they are mixed up in a bad situation. Sometimes they will do anything in their power to justify their own decisions, even to the point of self-delusion. It is important to not fall into that trap.


Mods
Last but certainly not least Note I use the word "Mods" to describe the individuals who are affiliated with Acclaim, paid or volunteer alike. I consider this a catch-all for anyone we encounter on the forums (or in gameplay) that can speak on Acclaim's behalf. Mods find themselves in a sticky predicament with 9D. Constrained by a combination of company policies and their own passion for the game they find themselves at the front lines and catching more flak than any other Acclaim representative. Interestingly enough, they are also the ones with the least amount of leverage over the direction this game goes. They are thrown out to the feverish masses and told to "hold the line". For many this task holds no envy. They conduct business in a professional manner (for the most part) while trying to calm down the mindless rabble. Sometimes they are successful and they take pride in that. Most of the time though they are either, not given sufficient information, or restricted by company policy and have to revert to the old standby "be patient".

It is not that they take a perverse pleasure in denying the community information but in the end that is little solace for the masses looking up seeking it. That does not mean they are blameless though, not by any stretch. Some rules the Mods should remember.

1) you are a representative of Acclaim and should conduct business as such at all times
2) a small measure of consolidation between yourself and the player base goes a long way in building positive relationships
3) you stand as the only communication channel between players and Acclaim
4) your power over the "voices" of players should never be abused
5) check your feelings at the door, see rule #1

You are doing good work for a product you believe in and that is respectable. Also I think it is important for mods to remember that they only exist to provide support to the games customers. Exercising pressure on Acclaim staff to meet that end is a very noble thing to do and will earn loads of respect from the community. Also remember that while most rational people do not blame you for the problems that exist in this game there will always be ignorant people that do. Toughen up, try not to take it personally and keep pushing for the customers.

*note* obviously all opinions stated here are my own. And no I do not think everyone falls into three strict categories. I felt compelled to write this up because of all the fighting I see going on in these forums lately. It is easy to forget where other sides stand. Never forget this game is supposed to be FUN. Hall out.