EPT
The senseless, endless arguing that goes on in both BW and SC2 forums is just plain ridiculous. Aren't you people sick of it already? Many are bashing on each other without having given either games much of a chance. If you've never watched or played it much, try it. BW fans, try watching some SC2 games that are recommended. Despite its interface and some visually and audibly less-pleasing experience in my opinion, there have been several games that I felt were rather remarkable and entertaining. Don't hate it without even trying to understand the game.
Likewise, for SC2 fans, please do not step all over the BW fans. Every few days, there are reports and news that aren't very good for the BW scene, like BW pros playing SC2 and possible switches, etc. We are afraid. We don't want to see our BW scene get slowly forced out of our grasp. And there you go, rubbing salt on the wound, making rude and thoughtless comments like "I hope BW scene dies for the sake of ESPORTS!" No, that's not something a true ESPORTS fan would say. That's something an immature, selfish person would say. Please, think twice before posting. That act alone can save a lot of trouble for banlings and mods, as well as ease the tension between the two communities.
If you still dislike the game, then keep it to yourself. But if you want to comment on why you dislike the game, do so with respect. Don't go screaming "lol MBS is just shit" or "bw has shitty graphics, it should just die". Be rational, thoughtful and most importantly, respectful. Give proper reasons, not "it's bad because it's bad and it's bad because fifty thousand other people say so". It's really saddening to see that it has gotten to the point where people are telling each other how to post and how to be respectful towards each other. TeamLiquid was never such a community. Discussions were actually thoughtful and progressed somewhere. Now it's no different from any other website. I had and still do have high regards for TeamLiquid, and its position as the #1 ESPORTS website that the world has to offer. But this cannot be done by just moderators' and banlings' efforts alone. Before SC2, most moderation was self-done. People knew what to say and not to say, people knew where the boundaries were. But now, it has to be pointed out in every sensitive threads. With the influx of SC2 fans, it was inevitable, but surely, we all have some general consensus with regards to morals and e-social etiquette?
I still believe TL.net can continue to be the website that all ESPORTS fans will recognise and hold with high regards. But it requires the effort and mutual respect by both communities, and I believe this is possible. Look at some of the BW threads lately. They're about SC2 fans wanting to know more about what makes BW so great and the best RTS game ever (this is subject to my own opinion, please don't discuss this here). And just look at the responses. Every single one has been informative and welcoming, posts made by helpful and passionate fans, old and new alike. SC2 fans, BW fans don't hate you. In fact, we welcome you so that we can share our passion with you. We really don't mean any harm, irregardless of how we may think about BW and/or SC2. But think about it, if we started insulting SC2, the scene and its community, won't you get mad and offended? Put yourself in our shoes.
The SC2 community is great as well. I made a few questions in LR threads and streams because I don't keep that up to date with the latest patches, changes, metagame evolution and such (yes, I used the M word!!!!!), but people have helped me with equal passion and enthusiasm as BW fans. I thank you all for that, on behalf of other SC2 "noob" fans.
See, we're not that much different, actually. I may like macaroni, you may like spaghetti, but in the end, it's all pasta. Why can't we just appreciate the fact that we're pasta fans, not elitist, individualistic, self-centered and rude people who hates everything that doesn't revolve around their own taste and preference? Both communities are really just great, so why not appreciate each other and share our passion?
I still believe that one day, we'll all be able to call ourselves not a "SC2 fan" or a "BW fan", but an "ESPORTS fan".
TeamLiquid, I believe.
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Many people in Korea didn't or hardly watched football before this. In 2002, they all came together, old and new fans, hardcore or not, irregardless of whether they lived in the country or overseas. One day, we will be like this.
