Dev's Response

[Messianic]

Here's the way I understand the server and what Arcblahblahblah is like:

He's kind of like the guy who owns enough shares to own a tenth of a percent of the company (because people who play on the server benefit it to a small degree, although there is no contractual relationship and therefore no obligation by either party) beating his fist and demanding that things be done his way because "the company needs him and people like him."

Meanwhile, the majority shareholders (those who have an intense amount of time and resources devoted to the server and therefore make the decisions) are no happier if such an individual stays or leaves. In fact, if that individual is a jerk and feels entitled to something, it is a benefit to the group if they leave. I only use this individual's partial ownership as a generous example.

In this circumstance, the Devs hold all the shares. You hold none.

Games that have a good content for the kind of users this server draws (note: not necessarily the most popular games) are run by people who have a vision of what makes a good game for their audience, and they implement that vision with an iron fist without a single thought to the changing winds of "what people want." They have the vision and they put it into play - no apologies or compromises are necessary.

If they wanted to run an MMO which is "what most people want," they might go work for Blizzard and make a lot more money for their time, or something similar.

Again, you can give up your share of the company, but don't expect to wield a large amount of sway when most of the people here don't even worry what the Devs do or complain or question it. They want a classic experience, the devs deliver that, and that's all there is too it. If the devs cease to deliver what they claim to deliver, those who wanted that service will leave.

No democracy is involved, nor is any desired. Your opinion will sometimes be considered and may even be solicited - but it is not in any way binding or authoritative. Your opinion is virtually worth nothing, but the devs choose to value it on certain issues, at their discretion.

If you want to be helpful, treat the devs with the same respect you wish to be treated with. I've never seen them blow up at anyone or bring down the hammer when someone was respectful and actually trying to make a real point (even if they failed), unless they were being incredibly redundant. When they start sticking in jabs or underhanded personal attacks as many of the whiners have, people get banned or slapped down.

Don't like that? It doesn't even matter if you don't like it. The servers that spend their time trying to make the community feel fuzzy about itself instead of simply delivering a specific kind of product are the ones that fade into obscurity. I'm glad Nilbog/etc are dictators. I prefer it that way in terms of video games. Make something I like and I'll vote with my time - but even that isn't binding to the devs since they're not trying to turn a profit.


How is this unclear?