PS3 report (Gaming)

by Kermit , Raleigh, NC, Friday, January 17, 2014, 08:17 (3970 days ago) @ Cody Miller

Yet another thread that veers off into discussing your communication style. I try really hard to take the high road with you, and honestly, I've heard nice things and like to think that if I'd been more active, and connected with you in the early days of our Bungie fandom, we'd be friends now. I still hold out hope.

Alas, responses like this grate. You remind me of the "cool kids" in grad school who routinely, in their snarky responses, communicated how they assumed they knew more than anyone in the room before the conversation ever started. The conversation is worthwhile, though. I love discussing the merits and flaws of artistic works.

Here's a take on your initial response and how it does and doesn't contribute to civil discourse:

Not sure there's much to respond to?

Translation: No conversation is necessary because Jilly's right. (-10)

It's not a good game.

Translation: This is a statement of fact. [The habit of referring to subjective opinions as if they're factual statements is the most irritating element of Codyspeak.] Notice the period. Move along. No disagreement with this is reasonable. (-10)

My favorite criticism is that from Tevis Thompson.

Translation: I won't spend too much energy typing a response to your post, even though I did recommended several games when you first asked. (-5)

I'm focusing instead on your inability to recognize the TRUTH about BioShock Infinite, and here's a link explaining the truth so I don't have to. [For having some argumentative backup even if it's not your own, +5. This sentence might have even been a totally positive sentence (on the civil discourse scale) had you introduced it with "don't have time to respond at length" or maybe even some modesty "Tevis Thompson says it better than I can." ]

Companion cube in a corset indeed.

Translation: Obligatory snarky tag line. Funny, though.(-5)

I respect you, Cody, and I think you care a lot about gaming and spend a lot to time thinking about games. It is possible that there are other thinking people who see things you don't see, or perhaps bring a different frame of reference, and therefore have a different appreciation. It's also possible that their frame of reference and knowledge is lacking compared to yours, but don't assume. I try not to just say I like or don't like something without some reason offered. Give me that much credit.

It's even rarer than I pronounce a truth, except maybe that "Were it so easy" was the worst line to be repeated in a Halo game. :)