I agree most said in jest is from truth......
but seriously you think people are "put off" because of the way some type on the BBS?
if that is true....they have issues.....
(most who come to AH don't even know the BBS exists....)
read some other game forums, 
AH BBS is mild in comparison and can be very helpful/supportive.....
To be clear. No I don't think people are put off events because of BBS BS.
I do think the BBS BS is just another avenue of what goes on on 200 and how many are treating each other in game. Like the Muppets vendetta in the Dueling bracket that got Spek's title turned over to Krup, and how many withdrew from future Duelling brackets because of it. And how the Squad dueling league diassapeared because of all the BS the forced many squads to withdraw, and how KOTH suffer because of the Ventrilo BS that became another soap opera.
There is a change in the culture that no long understands sportsmanship and what it means or why it's important. Too many are wrapped up and invested in the culture of humiliation. Dancing in the end zone, taking your helmet off and running around beating your chest, "Pwn-ing" everyone, trash talking. Winning is defined by humiliating and PWNing your opponent now. It's repugnant.
In a game, the reason for sportsmanship is so no one is fearful of losing, in that way everyone participates. It's for the game's survival. Losing a game isn't supposed be a personal defeat, or character attack expressed through cries of "Epic Fail!" But that's what everyone celebrates now. Now the fun is showcasing the biggest "Epic Fai!" "HAHAHA what a loser", "PWN'D!!" That's what's matters to a generation of punks. So if you can't do it on the field, or in the skies, or even if you can, by all means do it on 200 and BBS. Just keep going until you've humiliated someone! "...Get him a body bag!...YEAHHHHHHHHH!"
It's bad enough when during the heat of competition these things flare up. But to go out and start it on purpose just to watch it all happen is sick.
