Criticism: The Playground mentality.

If this was a playground and someone said something mean to me, then I would assume they fancied me (especially if it was followed by hair pulling or some stick poking). At least that's what I remember from school. Or reading in a book. Or something.

And if it was a playground and someone didn't want to play the game I wanted to play, I could take my ball home. Only we were too poor to have a real ball. And had to make do with rocks, or failing rocks, with imaginary rocks (because they were free, and the best, real rocks were usually all taken).

If someone is doing something I personally find "quite at odds" with the Blizzard Lore (and sometimes even the server lore, there's a difference, and it's important to realise I think in "new interactions" - our "general" perceived direction for the server isn't the same as everyone elses (these forums even show that from time to time)) or is being naive (I remember when I thought LOL meant Lots of Love) then I will whisper them in a friendly manner and try and explain why their action or words are at odds with the world.

If they don't like it, then fine. I tried. I can then assume IC that their character is a fruitloop and plot some experiment on them involving a partial lobotomy with shears and an electric enema. Grufftoof can always use new subjects.

If they like it maybe some new RP happens. And everything is groovy. In fact it is groovier. And that is almost twice as groovy as groovy was previously.

However, I do not expect someone to change or even take note. They are paying to play the same as me. But rudeness from someone when you're trying nicely to help is a pet peeve of mine, and I would tend to knot my brow and sigh. And then just as easily as they are flippant or angry, I can walk away. My nose retaining it's original epidermis.

All the above is on the proviso that I actually want to speak up. Sometimes I don't. Sometimes it just isn't the right time or place. Sometimes I don't want to. I can shut off the world in game just as much as the world outside it. We all can. None of us are RP superheroes. Though I do have an idea about a goblin called Bruce... (that's a joke, by the way... I think, if not it's my idea and I trademarked it right now...).

My random waffle is almost done and maybe now I will say something about the actual original post. It's not helpful to draw lines in the sand or little fences. It's more realistic (such a bad word) to have interactions from sources you wouldn't always expect. Passing strangers or nosey neighbours.

There's obvious times we want privacy or seclusion. A specific story, or time with a person or persons (not always with Worm Caves, but sometimes). And if people interrupt there it can be annoying. But an OCC whisper or an IC brief discussion should be enough. Anything "pushed" by the approaching person is in a way, griefing. And that's not fair on anyone.

Seclusion and barriers and prissy little blockades only weaken the RP of the Realm. They can help personal RP, sure. But there's different times for different things. Different strokes for different folks. To pick and choose who you interact with in a public arena only makes the realm less alive (I mean the space in which you are IC - the Cathedral Square for example, or Orgrimmar Goblin Slums, these places would be thronged with people, and people interact, bump into one another, have conversations they want, or don't want to at times...).

I may not want to talk to the crazy budgie lady on the bus. But she talks to me. And that makes my life more alive. Even if it makes it more strange and sometimes scary.

Your character can of course choose to IC snub or shoo away someone who is there (I don't count people bunnyhopping or sitting on you or something). But that's a brief interaction that helps keep some RP at least. Rather than a bitchy whisper or just plain ignorance.

This can still be done IC and with politeness.

And there's always time for a post from me making no real sense on the matter.