Hi Guys,

It seems as though there has been quite a bit of SOE hate recently, and it has gotten to the point where it is taking over the forums for SOE games. As a result, I am creating this sticky where people can vent their frustrations on this subject.

*Edited for Clarity and pasted from a future post:

I think there has been some misinterpretation of the purpose of this thread. First off, let me say that I do understand where you’re coming from and that you have every right to be angry about what happened. In fact, we printed an editorial about this back in November that you can take another look at, here.

The purpose of this thread is for you guys to vent your frustrations in one place. It does not mean that you can never say anything negative about SOE in the forums. My concern on that front is that it is being said over and over again, and the purpose of threads is being lost in the clutter. My concern is NOT that people are talking negatively about SOE. I personally don’t blame anyone who is angry over this issue. You have a valid gripe, and I understand that.

Cheers,

Jon "Stradden" Wood, Community Manager

/Cheer great idea 

No offence Stradden but i don't think most people are inteionally "highjacking" other peoples threads regarding a single "We hate SoE" issue.

Its the fact the whole game - and every last aspect of it - has changed completely, which prompts discussion on almost all threads.

But, heres my two cents.

"1 H4T3 $0E!!!!!1111111111 LAWL!!!".

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Originally posted by Stradden

Hi Guys,

It seems as though there has been quite a bit of SOE hate recently, and it has gotten to the point where it is taking over the forums for SOE games. As a result, I am creating this sticky where people can vent their frustrations on this subject.

Jon "Stradden" Wood, Community Manager

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Sounds like there is a story there... so as News Manager/Community Manager, where is the Story?  I find it interesting that you give us a punching bag yet publish no story of the Majority of SOE players who continue to voice there opposition to SOE are now being called "hate mongers" for presenting honest opinons in various threads?

So, besides the punching bag of this thread, what is your real goal?  Clearly, it isn't just a minority of posters otherwise you'd ban folks and that would be bad for your business....

So, I really want to know what the real motivation is here?

Guess that means there'll be no other threads on this board ever again.

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Originally posted by BadBoyOnFire
No offence Stradden but i don't think most people are inteionally "highjacking" other peoples threads regarding a single "We hate SoE" issue.

Its the fact the whole game - and every last aspect of it - has changed completely, which prompts discussion on almost all threads.

But, heres my two cents.

"1 H4T3 $0E!!!!!1111111111 LAWL!!!".

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I think the point is , When a new potential player comes here to inquire about SWG . They receive many replies from people who do not like the game (because of changes , and what they view as shady buisness practice) . Therefor in many cases they recieve nothing but conjecture from people , who do not even play the current game . .

WHen a person decides to try a game and wants information about its current state . simply saying "oh it sucks it used to be way better ". Imo is not helpful in anyway , Aside form a possible victory for those with an agenda to ensure SWG fails . 

"Sounds like there is a story there... so as News Manager, where is the Story?  I find it interesting that you give us a punching bag yet publish no story of the Majority of SOE players who continue to voice there opposition to SOE are now being called "hate mongers" for presenting honest opinons in various threads?"
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My role in this case is as Community Manager. As Community Manager, it is my job to see that the forums run smoothly and that everyone is following the rules. We have noticed that many threads are being hijacked to talk about people's feelings toward Sony Online Entertainment. So, this sticky was created.

My role as News Manager is different. As News Editor, it is not up to me to judge a company, but rather to report the news as it comes in. When major announcements are made, it is my job to bring them to you. You are free to form your own opinions on any of the news items that are presented to you.

I hope that clears things up for you.

Cheers,

Jon "Stradden" Wood, Community Manager

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Originally posted by Stradden

Hi Guys,

It seems as though there has been quite a bit of SOE hate recently, and it has gotten to the point where it is taking over the forums for SOE games. As a result, I am creating this sticky where people can vent their frustrations on this subject.

Please do not continue to hijack other threads with this issue. Also, remember to have a look at our Rules of Conduct regarding what is ok to say and what is not.

Cheers,

Jon "Stradden" Wood, Community Manager

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I'm kinda confused by the intent of this.  Are you saying we are not allowed to respond in a negative fashion to some SOE-related post in another thread?  That we should only vent our negative viewpoints pertaining to SOE here?

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Originally posted by Stradden

My role in this case is as Community Manager. As Community Manager, it is my job to see that the forums run smoothly and that everyone is following the rules. We have noticed that many threads are being hijacked to talk about people's feelings toward Sony Online Entertainment. So, this sticky was created.

My role as News Manager is different. As News Editor, it is not up to me to judge a company, but rather to report the news as it comes in. When major announcements are made, it is my job to bring them to you. You are free to form your own opinions on any of the news items that are presented to you.

I hope that clears things up for you.

Cheers,

Jon "Stradden" Wood, Community Manager

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I see, so it isn't news that SOE has contributed to such a long standing criticism by veteran players?  Why isn't there  news about that?  Or, are you saying that the only news matters is when SOE announces something?

Again, the fact you had to create this thread suggests a story is there.... but I have yet to see one from MMORPG that reports the veteran players side of what SOE did...

I wonder how much $OE paid?  They seem to be trying to suppress criticism.  Some of us have come here to avoid the modnazis on the SWG forums.

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Originally posted by Wildcat84
I wonder how much $OE paid?  They seem to be trying to suppress criticism.  Some of us have come here to avoid the modnazis on the SWG forums.

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The fact this thread exists kinda shoots that notion down .

No, this just means that a couple of the SWG-Stratics fanbois have come here and are complaining that we dont all agree with them.

Stratics forum is dead because they squash anyone who doesnt say SWG is the best game ever, this one is alive because people can voice their opinion.

I really think that everyone can use their best judgement. I'm not saying that if someone asks your opinion, you are not allowed to give it. I AM saying that we're trying to avoid a situation wherein every time anyone mentions a game that has involvement with SOE, they are bombarded by un-soliscited advice and flaming.

All that we are doing is trying to provide forums that run smoothly where everyone can have an opinion.

Jon "Stradden" Wood, Community Manager

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Originally posted by Stradden

I really think that everyone can use their best judgement. I'm not saying that if someone asks your opinion, you are not allowed to give it. I AM saying that we're trying to avoid a situation wherein every time anyone mentions a game that has involvement with SOE, they are bombarded by un-soliscited advice and flaming.

Jon "Stradden" Wood, Community Manager

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On any other board I can understand your point. On the SWG board, that's the whole topic of discussion. How $OE has screwed up this game, and when will they realize their mistake and give us our game back.

Hey, be easy on the guy. He just made a thread for venting fustration, and hasn't gone on a SWG moderator ban frenzy (yet).

I agree that the flaming is a bit out of control at times, but at the same rate, it's not unwarranted. SOE has done just as much to anger many as they've done to please people. So both extremes go at it while everyone else gets very little out of it.

The extremes on both sides (yes, fanboy and flamer alike, who know who they are) could tone the flaming down just a bit IMO.

My advise, address issues that are real issues with the people who are real problems. If you see a statement or person you feel is going over the line then say something to that person.

That is the good thing about freedom of speech. We dont have to agree, we can debate, and the outcome can be good. We learn from each other.

If someone is too thin skinned to tollerate free speech then that person needs to exit the closet and live a little.

I hope for your sake this does not mean you will start deleting Anti-SOE / SWG threads, because quit simply, they do apply to & are a value to these forums. I people are angry, and other's express a view that they do not believe, their responses and opinions are just as valuable.

Both negative & postive opinions and interpretations of SOE & SWG are relevant to these forums, it's members and & the game's players.

Questions about SOE & observations about them should be allowed, and do not fall under the topic of this thread.

Last, attempting to silent those who have issues with SOE would personally disgust me, and would turn me against your site, while currently I am a huge supporter of your information and independance.

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Originally posted by MX13

I hope for your sake this does not mean you will start deleting Anti-SOE / SWG threads, because quit simply, they do apply to & are a value to these forums. I people are angry, and other's express a view that they do not believe, their responses and opinions are just as valuable.

Both negative & postive opinions and interpretations of SOE & SWG are relevant to these forums, it's members and & the game's players.

Questions about SOE & observations about them should be allowed, and do not fall under the topic of this thread.

Last, attempting to silent those who have issues with SOE would personally disgust me, and would turn me against your site, while currently I am a huge supporter of your information and independance.

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I really dont see this as an attempt to silence anyone , atleast not yet anyway .I see this as a good move on their part . They probably had two options start deleting /banning Or open the subject to the public eye in a constructive manner . If People want to find out why people are mad at SOE , WHat better way than a sticky at the top ?

It seems they want posts in other threads to have substance other than SOE is the "Devil" . It imo seems as a gift and a warning . /shrug

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Originally posted by Stradden

I really think that everyone can use their best judgement. I'm not saying that if someone asks your opinion, you are not allowed to give it. I AM saying that we're trying to avoid a situation wherein every time anyone mentions a game that has involvement with SOE, they are bombarded by un-soliscited advice and flaming.

All that we are doing is trying to provide forums that run smoothly where everyone can have an opinion.

Jon "Stradden" Wood, Community Manager

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Part of the problem is that SOE (and SWG) *is* in fact the problem.  The market clearly hasn't made them #5 because they are doing such a stellar job.  While I understand what you are trying to do, the problem is SOE has so polarized people involved with any of their games your never going to avoid the flame wars, trolling and hijacking by providing a virtual punching bag.  And clearly, the problem exists in a large enough part of the population, MMORPG cannot go cancel peoples privilages here because that would cause MMORPG problems.

The real solution to you problem, would be to remove all SOE threads from this board since SOE has so polarized its current and former customers  that it is unfair to the other game Producers, their customers and this board to have SOE represented here.

So, while to some extent, I do appreciate the punching bag, I am also under no illusion it will have the outcome you are trying to achieve.

Its about time, this forum has needed this for awhile. /jump in the air and slap hands with Stradden to a freeze frame while 80's rock music plays in the back.