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.

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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.

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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.

It is the way of life, in a forum people like to show their worst. Calling everyone not agreeing with them more or less charming names.
There are those that complain how hard/boring this game is and it ABSOLUTELY needs to be changed according to their wishes.

The few threads that are positive really are good to sea. Just. Those always whining people that need to vent into those threads deserve a newspaper over the butt and a water spraybottle usage to their face. "No bad kit... whiner" *psht psht* (scurries away)

mostly ranting for the drop rate :/

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Originally Posted by Sheer

In-game, I notice people having a good time, laughing, joking around, helping each other out.

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In game for me most players just playing solo or afk with a lot of grayed out names (offline).

Hm, alright. It seems a number of you confirmed my assumptions (the general consensus being that people only go to forums when they're irate) - thank you for the feedback. I myself personally enjoy the game but stop by on forums to stay informed and interact with the community, so perhaps it's because of my habits that I was concerned regarding the shift in atmosphere between forums and in-game.

To those who post on forums with purpose other than to vent, whether you've posted on this thread or not, you have my appreciation.

I believe forums are to post things that are wrong about the game. Things that need to be improved. Also, It's only natural that you complain less in game since you have a much smaller audience, limited to your circle of friends and to random FC/LS buddies.

Another main reason you see a lot of complaints on the forums is because everything is archived. And it's easier to find like minded people who are having the issues as you do. That and the devs actually read these forums rather than some random chat in game.

I hear a lot of people complain in game.

The thing is though, people will complain about anything - no matter what Square Enix does there will always be someone not satisfied and will just complain for the sake of complaining. really, the only ones complaining on this forum are actually not representative of the overall community - most players don't bother coming onto this site.

The ones complaining (and I don't mean those who are pointing out minor issues and giving ideas for how the game could be improved), are really just a small but highly vocal and vitriolic group who will never be happy regardless of what Square Enix and Yoshi-P do. And even SE are aware of this and the futility of it, hence these players are generally ignored, which sadly only makes the situation worse. It's a vicious cycle that can't be really broken.

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Originally Posted by Enkidoh

The thing is though, people will complain about anything - no matter what Square Enix does there will always be someone not satisfied and will just complain for the sake of complaining. really, the only ones complaining on this forum are actually not representative of the overall community - most players don't bother coming onto this site.

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Sad but true. People can be so negative. We seem to be more vocal when complaining than expressing happiness when something goes right. I'm one of those people that will take a moment every now and then and just "appreciate". Life is too short. :cool:

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Originally Posted by Lumiin

I hear a lot of people complain in game.

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Yupp, log in at the right time and be at the right place, always that one person complaining.

But really since I don't log on at that time all the time I usually see people having a good time in-game, and most negativity on the forums. I'll just go in here to stay updated and to read posts in the informative sections, and to ask questions in those sections.

I have a bad feeling about where this thread is going...
:P

There was a thread last week about forum behavior. It got axed for some reason, so NO ONE TALK ABOUT IT!
And there are a few threads where people posted something like "I just have to say I love this game!" but they usually get buried quickly.
In general I think it is mostly that the forum posts are just when people really feel they have something to say .. which is usually when someone is upset/bothered about something rather than generally pleased.

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Originally Posted by Sagittarian

I have a bad feeling about where this thread is going...
:P

There was a thread last week about forum behavior. It got axed for some reason, so NO ONE TALK ABOUT IT!

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For what it's worth, you have my word that this thread wasn't aimed at starting a deliberate debate or getting on someone's nerves.

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And there are a few threads where people posted something like "I just have to say I love this game!" but they usually get buried quickly.

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Interesting. I don't seem to happen upon those threads, but I'll take your word for it.

There is nothing wrong with telling SE that following a generic clone will fail them instead of sticking to Final Fantasy Route.

I always thought it was because the ones who complain and stuff dont get the time of day. so the only way they can even hope to get anyone to pay attention is to post it as a thread. You know with those "THE GAME IS GOING TO DIE" threads and "SE DOESNT UNDERSTAND GAMES"

Its probably a combination though. I check the forums for dev updates mostly, Cuz outside the devs its usually just full of whining. I do look for those good threads with meme's and friendly talk.. problem is, to do that you must navigate through the minefield. Tread carefully my friend.

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Originally Posted by Sheer

Interesting. I don't seem to happen upon those threads, but I'll take your word for it.

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Here are some cheerful/supportive threads expressing pleasure with the game/world:
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...s-amazing-game
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...unity-everyone
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...ead-this%21%29
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...oshi-and-team.
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...ss%21%21%21%21
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...ng-around%21-D
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...d-excercise%21
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...%28Hyperion%29
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...n-Theme-Lyrics
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...onberry-Minion

All of the "Show your <x>" threads..
All the screenshot threads..
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...phers-Guild%21
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...-s-findings%21
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...bo-Bardings%21
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...some-Vday-love
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...eenshot-thread

And amusing ones:
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...-one-of-my-LSs
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...yer-FC-Housing
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...-is-an-outrage
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...Valentines-Day
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...age-companion.
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...-is-so-real...
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...Overpopulation

And my own which was intended as humor - http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t.....-distressing

This ignores all of the threads that are people making suggestions about what they would like to see added no matter what the tone of the thread.

I find that the world is what we make it. The forums also.

Even when I find a negative thread, I find that there are always ways to approach it and see the positive in it. Even the threads where people are upset about something in a game, it's pretty easy to see that they're upset because they were and still are fond enough of the game to feel let down in the first place and then to want to improve it. Even the people that outright hate the game and want to leave you kinda have to be happy for in a way. If they really hate it, it's good that they're leaving. They're not having fun and I wouldn't wish that on anyone in this context. This will be much better for them and they'll be happier for it and those that love it will be able to continue on quite happily without all of the negative rolling in. :)

I know that's some serious mental gymnastics there, but I find it makes me a lot less stressed and unhappy about the forums and life in general to look at it this way. :)

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Originally Posted by Chihaya

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

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