Post originally by Netzilla at 2004-07-29 13:31:16
Converted from Phorums BB System

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Yes. This is the UMPTIENTH time I am trying to get this point across to
Helstorm. Unfortunately, he believes that there are only heroic D&D style games
out there.
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That's not what he wrote. I don't think it's even implied by what he wrote. What he wrote was, "Practically every game uses them, and for good reason. It allows you so many more options than the way they did it. It doesn't mean you have to throw realism out the window."

His own statement acknowledges that non-HP systems exist (by using 'practically every' rather than 'all'). Also, his statement specifically referenced 'realism' as opposed to 'heroic'. You're the one who inferred 'heroic'. You appear to be arguing against things he hasn't said.

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The fact that he doesn't buy something doesn't make it unrealistic, or wrong. If
he didn't buy that the planet is round, that still doesn't mean that is relevant
to criticising a game that says it is flat.
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Actually, he didn't say 'unrealistic'. He pointed out one area of realism that he thought TROS hadn't handled as well as it could. That's a far cry from claiming TROS's system is unrealistic. It does suggest, that on the spectrum of unrealistic<--->realistic, there are more realistic systems out there but so what? Do you think that's really a strong enough knock against the system or it's creators to warrant being rude in your responses?

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Helstorm wrote the review we're discussing here. It can be expected that he
knows the rules. It was my very point from the beginning that he lacks
understanding of both the rules and the conventions of the game.
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If he makes a mistake in regards to the rules there is nothing wrong with pointing that out. However, when you get to the point of being patronizing and insulting about it, you're no longer being civil. Again, I think your points could easily be made without descending into incivility. Point out the mistake he makes in a polite fashion and those reading the review & attached threads will note the reviewer's error & take that into account. Being incivil only serves to piss people off and alienate you from the other readers. That works counter to your purpose of informing the public about the merits of the game & the factual mistakes in the review.

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Been there, done that. Demonstrably false.
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Not in my experience. I've participated in mailing lists, message boards, usenet, etc. Time and time again, those who make their points with the least invective are the most respected & heeded. Those who become incivil tend to be labeled as trolls and their arguments disregarded even if well-founded.

Deric