Hello everybody!
I have noticed that there are currently a few heated debates going on, based on a similar scheme of mutual denouncing and attacking. Whether it is ASCII compared to graphics, danger room users and evaders, or other similar choices players make for their own playing experience, discussions that may have some useful aspect (e.g. which advantages has ASCII, which advantages have graphics, are danger rooms realistic) regularly seem to turn into brawls. I admit that I have also engaged with fervor in such discussions and I probably also allowed myself to get pulled into the emotional side of things and may have said things that have not been necessary. All I can say is, that I wish to apologize if I insulted someone and that I regret having let go of myself.
Personally, I think that this is a great community for a great game. Seeing how people scramble to welcome new players and help them get used to the game really makes me glad. Dwarf Fortress itself is also a very tolerant game in that it allows us to play it in so many different ways, both in the meta-game aspects (mouse-usage, graphics, etc.) as well as in the in-game aspects (mass murderer or hero, cat fortress or cat leather fortress, constant warfare or peaceful trade, etc.). Therefore, I am saddened by all the hate exchanged between members of the community.
Can't we just all accept that others see the game differently? Can't we just say, "I have my way of enjoying the game, and others have their own ways of enjoying the game, which may be different from mine."? I want to appeal to all members of the community to think about this, and maybe, just maybe, try to encourage such an atmosphere of tolerance.
Thank you for your attention,
Deathworks