Pessimistic vs. Optimistic Atmosphere?

In-game, I notice people having a good time, laughing, joking around, helping each other out. On forums, it seems I can't see one forum page without there being a rant (if not multiple rants) or a poor attempt at insulting the game "because it's boring". Maybe it's just the time of day I'm around, but is this accurate by any stretch? Is the forum community just toxic, or do I happen to miss the times in-game where people express their utmost hatred for this game?

This is not to say I don't think people who find something wrong with this game should be silenced. It's just that it's uncommon to find someone expressing their dissatisfaction in a logical manner.

Well you gotta think about it this way:

If I am having fun I am playing the game.

If I am not having fun I am either offline or on the forums complaining that the thing ruining my fun changes.

Rarely do you think to yourself "I am having so much fun let me go post on the forums about the fun I am having"

Unfortunately for almost all games, the forums is a place where people vent their dissatisfaction. People that are enjoying the game are... well... playing the game.

I read/reply to forums mostly for entertainment values, though there are some good information threads under some sections. I think the only decent thread in General Discussion is the animated GIF thread :x

Your assessment is accurate.

Misery loves company. Besides, how many times do you try and cheer someone up when their down when they say, "blank you this blanks!!!"? Once? Twice maybe?

In turn, how many times do they try and bring you down when you're having fun? ....

....x's infinite.

But I met few people in-game that weren't satisfied with it. I always wondered why they play it if they don't like it. Thankfully, my FC is optimistic with the game.

You know those bumper stickers commercial trucks use that go "How's my driving? Leave comments at 555-555-5555"

Do you honestly think anyone ever calls that number to say "You're a good driver! You followed all traffic laws and didn't endanger anyone."?

Two things: one what mazi said, two the people who make threads set the tone.

When like most of the threads are either whine threads or "a bad thing happened to me" thread how does that encourage positive discussion? The responses solicited are argumentative and when so many people post e/n posts (everything to the poster/nothing to the reader aka blogging posts) it just makes replies apathetic in nature.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SarcasmMisser

Two things: one what mazi said, two the people who make threads set the tone.

When like most of the threads are either whine threads or "a bad thing happened to me" thread how does that encourage positive discussion? The responses solicited are argumentative and when so many people post e/n posts (everything to the poster/nothing to the reader aka blogging posts) it just makes replies apathetic in nature.

---

I disagree with you. It isn't hard to read the OP and then try to understand where the he or she is coming from. The OP didn't make you or anyone to reply back in a rude way or leave a idiotic remark you or that person chose to reply back in that way, there for setting the tone of the forum not the OP.

Nah that thread was pretty stupid, sorry you're bringing your grief to other threads over it.

Well, the forums are probably the best way to communicate your thoughts and feedback to developers. And well, when you complain about anything on the internet there always has to be someone who downplays your issue, no matter how significant it might be, which makes people immediately defensive.

Obviously some issues really should be downplayed because someone is making mountains out of molehills, but on an internet message board it is uncommon to communicate with someone who listens with the intention of understanding rather than replying.