An apology

[LPhillips]

Well, Zorro pointed something out to me:

I've been a bit of an ass. Forgive the language. I'm not denying it; in fact it is plainly obvious to me. So I'd like to apologize.

1) Trash talking: It's fun in person, among people you know well. It's poor in text, where emotion is lacking and everything is open to any possible interpretation. I can say that it was all intended in good fun, but it has gone over very well with some people and very badly with others, depending on how they interpreted it. It showed poor judgement on my part, and I'm sorry for offenses caused.

2) Complaining: I do complain. Too much. I hate to lose, and the truth is that I'm not good enough to win all of the time. I also hate being ganged up on. In the current FFA system, someone who gets out ahead and/or seemingly outplays others early on becomes a target. I absolutely despise elements of unfairness, such as leaning on others when you fail to win for yourself, and dishonesty in diplomacy (as most of you do). Either one can elicit loud complaints where a more mature outlook might produce silence. Zorro has had enough of being provoked by my complaining, and had the balls (or concern?) to call me out for it. This is the only appropriate way I know of to set things right.

It's just a game, and either can be positive or negative: overwhelming odds can be seen as a grand challenge or an unfair disadvantage; dishonest diplomacy can be seen as a dire betrayal of trust or an opportunity to be as ruthless and cunning as you wish. I'm guilty of a grossly overgrown competitive spirit over a friendly game.

I've been wrong to behave that way. It's easy to be cavalier with people you don't have to interact with personally, and I am sorry for behaving that way. You can expect better of me now that it's been pointed out to me -twice.

[girafot]

Hi,

I don't want to turn this thread into soap opera, but I do want to apologize LPhilips publicly (as I did in private) for attacking him during peace. I terribly misjudged his intentions (the poor judgment was clearly my fault) when he moved the troops in my direction. LPhilips, your language afterwards was justified.
It was two months ago, but it kinda bugs me as I generally disregard dishonesty in that game.Once again - sorry.

On the other hand I've got different experiences with honesty of players, most of them did not break any peace during plays with me. But I think there should be system of "renown" or "honesty ladder" in Beta4.

[SnotlinG]

Just a short comment.
My understanding is a big part of these heated emotions are because of broken alliances etc.
In beta4, when in an agreed non-aggression-pact, it will be impossible to attack the other player for as long as the pact lasts.

[ezras]

Well done Phillips.

[KGB]

LPhillips,

The first thing to do is realize that FFA games are purely for fun. I've posted about this before but the only true test of skill is 1-1 games and potentially team games in Beta4 where the players involved are reasonably matched skill wise.

FFA games are where I evaluate other players skills for potential 1-1/team games, try different strategies/tactics, practice diplomacy / handling 2v1, 3v1, 4v1 and recently a ridiculous 6v1 gang up that no one could win LOL.

Once you accept that fact you won't fret near as much about what happens in FFA games. Plus as I also wrote, once Beta4 gets released I expect the number of FFA games to drop dramatically as players simply play 1-1 and team games.

KGB

[LPhillips]

Yes KGB, FFA's are definitely not a place to take things seriously. Lesson learned.

Girafot, your conduct was understandable and your private apology was ample. Be sure I carry no hard feelings over to other games. It is a far cry from the one player I carry a real grudge against, who was only able to remain in the game (a different game) because I had mercy early on him, then turned on me at my most vulnerable moment. It'll be the last time he gets any such consideration, and probably the last time pity/friendliness completely dictates foreign policy!

[ezras]

Don't talk about me like I'm not here!

[kenc80]

lol

[LPhillips]

Hahaha