Why I Decided to Become an Elitist

[ThirdChild_ZKI]

I have several friends whom I care about very deeply but when they ask for help I know for a fact they're going to still (after months of content being out) have put forth absolutely no effort into getting up to speed. I don't mean "they haven't logged 50 hours reading guides and watching videos". I mean they haven't even said "hey can someone explain this mechanic to me".... in the MONTHS the content has been out and they've been sitting in social shells complaining about A) they can't ever get anything accomplished and B) there's no one talking when they're on (literally the only two things they'll say).

Then if i do go insofar as to actually be guilted into helping these people. They will completely not listen to anything I try to tell them (sorry i wasnt paying attention to your briefing), or worse yet: "eh, its old content so i dont need to learn it".

THESE are people I know and give a "care" about. Somehow, the community expects me to go above and beyond and carebear some random with the same sense of entitlement? I think the "abhorant elitests" might make up 3-5% of the "people who try" whereas the "entitled carry me's" make up double digit percents of the "casual community". THAT is a much broader brush and I don't appreciate all the devil's advocates enabling excuses by implying the OP is just generalizing.

This sums up my struggles perfectly, and I thank you for sharing it.

This has been my problem with my FC for a LONG time. I'm not going to force anyone to do anything in the game, but if they want my help in clearing something, it's a very unwelcome surprise (especially in old content) if they STILL don't know it, or have not actively made an effort to learn it. I've never turned anyone away as far as helping them learn, I encourage people to try things with or without me, pick my brain, help arrange a learning party, etc. But when we go into Turn 5, and people still can't handle fireballs/conflags properly, yes, THAT is upsetting. THAT kills the fun quick.

I went from complete MMO newbie to "hardcore" raider in the 2 years I've been playing so far. . . And EVERYTHING I've done, I worked for it. No bought clears, no carries (by me or for me), just pure effort. Trial and error. Approaching new content and not just playing it but pushing myself to understand it. Even now, I continue to just push myself to learn. Can I do it as a Bard? Good, now do it as a Ninja. As a WHM. As a tank.

I won't claim myself as an elitist, but I will say this: While I'm far from boastful, I AM proud of the work I've put in to achieve any and every victory I claim. The gear and spoils are completely secondhand to that. I don't expect perfection, even from myself, but I expect preparedness (that is, if we're not running something clearly intended as a learning party). I'm good because I MAKE myself become good. If I can do it, then anyone can. . . IF they work for it.

[Mature]

This sums up my struggles perfectly, and I thank you for sharing it.

This has been my problem with my FC for a LONG time. I'm not going to force anyone to do anything in the game, but if they want my help in clearing something, it's a very unwelcome surprise (especially in old content) if they STILL don't know it

This is the reason why people cannot learn it. If you refusing help how do you expect people to learn?. It's all nice and lovely to ask someone : have you watched a video? And EVEN if they did they don't get help. Plus practice makes better. a video can support the knowledge of the fight but without having someone to put it practice what do you expect?. People in general should be more helpful like they were helpful to YOU. (because we all need help in this game no one was born knowing all the mechanics)

[ThirdChild_ZKI]

This is the reason why people cannot learn it. If you refusing help how do you expect people to learn?

You misunderstood me there. Immediately after that, I did say I've never turned anyone away when asking for help, and I encourage them to try, with or without me.

When I said "I don't force anyone. . ." this was with regards to the fact that quite a long time ago, many in my FC made it quite clear that they weren't interested in raiding. One of my friends told me that they simply weren't interested in Coil, and I respect that. I don't ask her to run it, and I don't force her to join any learning parties for it or anything. . . However she DID recently take the initiative and with help from me is now up to T7. I'm proud of her for that.