He whom shouts loudth winth the argument. --just kidding. I agree with Shea. No need to attempt to win an argument and carry on when its a simple case of different views that are both equally valid.
I always try to calmly and reasonably persuade people to my view and I know I sometimes suffer from not 'letting go' especially if I feel I've been misunderstood, but sometimes you simply have to agree to disagree (and try not to spam your opinion to 'counter' those that spam theirs hehe).
I just remind them that they arent the ones developing the game, that is if they are stating their opinions as fact or a foregone conclusion. Others just saying they want this, they want that, they think it should be this or that, it doesnt bother me much, i just say what i think and leave it at that.
I think i KNOW what the end result will be and it is apparent that this person has stopped mid-way and cannot see the obvious outcome, so I quietly wallow in giddy anticipation of shadenfrued. But then again cast that thought aside for it is the Devs that wil ultumately make the final decision.
Generally, I try to state my opinion, explain my reasoning, and leave it at that. Sometimes I'll ask questions of people in an attempt to understand their point of view better. I usually don't try to argue or persuade folks too much - I mean if someone's opinion is diametrically opposed to mine, there's not much chance of me convincing them.
However, I have a bad habit sometimes of taking up the torch on things when I see people being very loudly (or nastily) arguing an opinion that I don't agree with. I don't want the "good" to get drowned out by the "bad", so I'll keep talking and responding in an effort to make sure that people reading/watching understand that not everyone feels that way. I'm fully aware that "good" and "bad" are usually completely subjective :)
Also, sometimes if I see a discussion spinning I'll try to bring something new into the conversation to see if I can get people to stop arguing with each other so much and think about things from a new angle. It usually doesn't work, but I still do it.
One thing I try not to do is to attack anyone for how they feel. I figure everyone's got a reason for their opinion even if they don't always state it very calmly or rationally. So I try not to let myself get riled up and be disrespectful. Sometimes it's pretty hard to do that, but I try.
Kilsin said:Community Disagreements - How do you deal with someone who has a strong opinion on a game-related topic that you disagree with? #PRF #MMORPG #MMO #communitymatters
I first ask why does one side disagree with the other. Is it a result of misinterpreting a statement or fact? Of a logical fallacy? Or just someone disagreeing just to disagree (this does happen). I will try to lay out my viewpoint as logically and emotionlessly as possible, avoiding the ad hominem attacks which are a staple of most message board 'discussions' all while first making sure that I understand what the other person is trying to say. On these very forums I've been in discussions where both sides presented their case and I've changed my opinion based on their argument and as often the opposite has happened.
In the end, if we both disagree then we both disagree. It isn't personal and will have no bearing at all in my opinion about that person.
If someone points out that I am wrong about something, and I agree, I usually will state that. However, a lot of people think picking apart someones idea is attacking them, which it isn't. So if peoples ideas are being challenged and they think it is them getting attacked then that is on them and not the person challenging them. All ideas aren't created equally. So if you don't agree with someones idea and you challenge it, then it's fair game on the forums. Don't mean for this to sound harsh, but if you don't want your ideas to be challenged, then don't post them.
If the conversation gets too long winded or clearly no one is convincing the other, then I usually just drop the conversation or agree to disagree.
Oooh nice Kilsin..more philosophy.
Right or Wrong this isn't life or death, its just a game. No matter how concise or long winded I am about a thought or idea that I try to convey there will always be the other 50% of the equation. The willingness of the other person to listen and understand. Until people stop trying to be right and learn to listen and compromise nothing will change. Strong opinions are nice and all, but without facts to back them up they are just opinions. Your best bet is to stop trying to be the alpha dog and except others opinions besides your own.
Kilsin said:Community Disagreements - How do you deal with someone who has a strong opinion on a game-related topic that you disagree with? #PRF #MMORPG #MMO #communitymatters
At first, I'm working toward analyzing and accepting their arguments. Then I'll show them mine and continue advocating for my opinion, probably opposite. If none of my arguments are considered valid, then I'll consider their opinion cannot be changed or altered whatever arguments, work or compromises are made, and I'll move on. Subjects that last too long tends to focus on chosen parts and derivated subjets, and I'm guilty of it too. I'll only re-open the subject with that specific person if it's on another topic.
Initially, I would state my view on the matter in a none conflicting manner, making sure that it's know that I'm not targetting other people directly, by hars or tactless responses
The least I can do is show respect that the other person voiced his/her reasonings.
I would ask for further explanation if necessary.
As this is merely a game forum, I'll handle it as such. So after that, I'ld leave the matter as it is. It is pointless and useless to try and convince people of wrong or right in the context of a forum that is used during a game in development where everything is subject to change.
Kilsin said:Community Disagreements - How do you deal with someone who has a strong opinion on a game-related topic that you disagree with? #PRF #MMORPG #MMO #communitymatters
State my position then let it be. I'm not here to convince anybody of anything. Just want my voice out there on issues i care about, instead of being silent and regretting it later.
Kilsin said:Community Disagreements - How do you deal with someone who has a strong opinion on a game-related topic that you disagree with? #PRF #MMORPG #MMO #communitymatters
I enjoy a good spirited discussion but sometimes you just gotta agree to disagree. You can do that and keep it civil. All you can really do is present your views on the topic, try to make a persuasive argument for why, and if you don't change the person's mind that's fine. Agree to disagree. They don't need to be skinned and flayed if they don't share your view.
Kilsin said:Community Disagreements - How do you deal with someone who has a strong opinion on a game-related topic that you disagree with? #PRF #MMORPG #MMO #communitymatters
Meh it's a game. In the context of player to player, agree to disagree and if it persists in the form of harrassement, welcome to /ignore.
If they are strong disagreements related to a matter of opinion I just leave it alone. I don't need to be bullheaded about anything and neither will bullheaedness convince me to change my opinion.
Now, if in the course of sharing opinions the other party happens to have a big dose of hypocrisy I'll call it out. And if in the course of sharing opinions glaring errors of projection or hugely incorrect perceptions are used as the basis and formation of arguments I will also call it out.
If, however, it's pretty obvious the other party doesn't bother to read what has been written, or glances over the material such that the message is not comprehended I'll just leave it alone. Any kind of discussion at that point is just a dead end.
