You get back from the game what you put into it, whether it be the ability of your 'flying' based on the time spent learning or the online reputation you gain by how you present yourself in the arenas or on the boards here.
It's about as simple as that.
How much that matters to you is also up to you.
When push comes to shove, most folks can also recognize that someone's online persona isn't always representative of them as real people.
In the end, I think the majority of people here are good quality people.
I have witnessed in the past six weeks the very best of what the Aces High community has to offer since the loss of two of my kids. Between folks here and my old Airwarrior friends, I've found a far larger support system then I ever realized I had.
That in itself speaks highly of the people here. I think it a mistake to make sweeping statements about the decline of the game or the people. It is, what it is, and again it reflects what we each put into it.
As with any activity, the new kids will reflect the old timers, so it still comes down to each of us deciding how we act and what we'll contribute to what in the end is still just a game.
I can't control anyone elses actions, but I sure can control mine, so I have to start there and hope that others might do the same.
