Last night I had taken a F4U-4 over a gv battle (hoping to ward off those egging either side) and find none. After AFK for a smoke, I come back and see skyrider on range and he kindly warns me of a Spit16 that is making it's way up to me. The Spit16 sees skyrider and rolls back his way to cherry pick him as he has both alt and E on skyrider. On VOX I ask if skyrider could use a hand (I don't remember what ride sky was in) and he says "Sure". The Spit16 takes a b&z on skyrider and then hauls scalded dog for the ack at the base he took off from right down to the deck. In the F4U-4, it takes almost a sector but we're still a few K from his base and I start lighting him up with 50 cals. He goes vertical and rolls over...skyrider, who was also in hot persuit, quickly tears the Spit16 to shreads.
Why the long story?
It's an example of countrymates working together, being courteous, and helping each other in a positive way.
Skyrider gave me a heads-up on VOX. When the Spit16 turned on skyrider, I gave him a heads-up and asked if he needed help. Between the two of us the con is dead and no one is angry, bent out of shape, or ego bruised because of the respect both countrymates showed in the engagement.
With some people in game think everyone else is supposed to be a mind reader. It doesn't work that way. Short, consice, accurate information can really help. One of the old jokes years ago was "Thou are responsible for thine OWN six".
I can't tell you how many times I DO hear others giving me "Check 6" or equivilent on VOX. I try and do the same for every countrymate I see in peril or possible peril. As a result, I take every check 6 I get as a "gift"...as well as help when I need it and the courtesy of others to butt out if I don't.
Long story short...RESPECT and COURTESY go a long way.
For those who lack the two--just brush it off and go on. Taking the high road pays dividends down the way in this game.
