On forum bans...

I cannot believe the number of "brigadier generals" that I have seen banned here in the forum. While I won't violate the TOS by naming banned individuals, nor by discussing the reasons for their bans, I will say — without violation — that the very fact that there are so many bans of all levels of players — from the trolling noobs to the most seasoned and thoughtful gaming veterans — the immense number of bans is indicative of a serious need to reevaluate the whole gamut....that of volunteer staff policies, procedures, and screening processes, and of the TOS itself.

Without the ability to be critiqued by the player community, the TOS, game, volunteer staff, and their power, remains unchecked and oft times unreasonably applied. Because of the self-protecting rules against discussing such things, the community — those people who pay the bills around here — has zero power to effect change. And because of those same rules, I cannot use anecdotal evidence to prove my point. Thus I must make my point using only reason and logic.

We can't even speak out against these things without facing the very prospect of being banned for doing so. And even then, were a person to say what they want to say (figuratively offering their own head on the chopping block, as it were) — despite the risk of getting banned — their martyred words can not be seen by others because their precious thoughts can be deleted with the wisp of a moderator's hand, and thus destroyed like some fickle thing....erasing the very existence of a potential truth.

Now, I won't say any more on this subject. But I think it's high time that the powers that be, at Bytro — and her parent corporation — do some self-reflection on this subject, and turn to those whom make their livelihood possible...we the people...that gaming community that reveres this and other games from Bytro and her sister company(s).

We are the community of players. We deserve to be heard. We deserve to be respected. And we deserve to have an honest discussion about the game without fear of retribution by those that wield power over us. Remember, it is not the staff that holds the real power, nor the developers, nor even the board of directors or anyone else in the company. It is the playing community. For without us, there is no call of war.