Aces High with it's MA and hosted events is a place where people from around the world can come in and do something fun on their own or with a with a large group. Some of the squads in here have been together for many years and friendships have resulted because of it. Many have met in the outside world and many have not. I believe that we all look forward to going into the game to escape our day to day and pit our skills against others, share stories with our squaddies and generally just have a little fun.
There are times though when I log into the game and things don't go like I want them to go and I get frustrated to the point where I just need to log off and do something else. I will say that for me personally, my frustration may have nothing to do with the game and more about what is happening in my life. And while I may offer a curse or three during the moment of said, "Where's my check 6? or I hit him squarely 3 times, nothing, and I get hit once! or Where the hell is he?" I don't reach out verbally with anything more than a 'sigh' and perhaps a <<S>>. I've been on both sides of said equations so acting out and calling someone derogatory names or accusing them of cheating is beneath me and I will have no part of it. Occasionally I will fly Knight on Friday night with my FSO squad and I have to laugh when I hear the same exact complaints that I heard earlier from my Bishop brethren. And the constant complaining and droning on of some of the "lifers" in here during a battle is sometimes overwhelming, especially on the ground where you really need your ears to hear movement. I admit I get a little noisy on the vox sometimes, but it's usually all in fun, and I try to keep it tame when thing's get heated.
So, what is my point? Well, it is Festivus and the airing of grievances is one of the norms. Sometimes I think that so many of you bring the real world into a place where that should be left behind. Perhaps you believe that Aces high is solely for your enjoyment when it is in fact meant for all who come in here. Some good natured ribbing is to be expected, but some of you are just downright awful. Perhaps there is something that is happening in your real life that you are dealing with and it is causing you so much stress that you come in here and lash out at those who are just trying to have their little slice of enjoyment. And perhaps you are one of those who won't take crap from anyone whether it's in your world or the Aces high world. Some of you may be alcoholics and you just don't care about anyone in here, at home or even yourself. Whatever it is that you are dealing with, I hope you are able to confront your real world problems and realize the potential that you have in your real life. I believe that most people in here are decent people. But the demons that possess them can ruin more than just someone's fun in the game, it can have real world consequences.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and Festivus. Peace.
Bannor
Rich Harrison
