The forum has existed for years for one thing and has been useful in the past. The idea behind it is not to solve squad issues but to have a forum for those intrested in better interaction with the Staff. To be able have a discussion without it turning in to the same old, same old.(seems like that has been mentioned already) This forum is a joke at the present time and its nice not to have to wade through the soap opera just to have a conversation. Thats why.
So you're hoping to exclude or dilute the soap opera stars? What's wrong with people using PM's to discuss things with staff?
The fact is, any open forum *will* have it's usual cast of characters. This is not unique this BBS or specific forum, either - it's the nature of the beast. The real problem lies with those who cannot refrain from responding when they first see some post(er) they disagree with, or who has posted something off-topic or overboard. Toss in the "us" vs "them" factor and well... you know?
I'm totally in agreement in wanting to see the AVA become used more than it has been, I just would like to see things detailed out so people (who pay the same $$) won't feel that a select and exclusive group, outside of actuall "staff" is "in control."
Again, all of this is possible via the methods we have now. Let me restate this:
So many eyes and fingers pointed outwards when they should be focused inward.
This goes for us all.
I don't see very often setups or settings being poo-filled posts (beyond the dar/icon settings.) Most of the soap opera results from personality and perspective clashes in actual gameplay, i.e., how one flys/plays. I'm fairly certain the only imperative from HTC in this is: fly how you want to.