This might be a vent or a rant, but whatever. This isn't aimed at 'The staff'. It'll probably be a nasty topic, but.. I need to get it off my scales.
We have new players, every day. They're new here, they may or may not be new to NwN, or even D&D but they are people too. They may not understand the social structure, it takes time to accommodate to it for anyone new to one. Some might be better at lurking and reading and acclimating themselves before trying to make a foray, but some might just be anxious and try to include themselves in conversations to try to get use to it that way. I ask that you try to leave behind the years of rancor that you've developed here on the Forum/Game login screen.
It might be Just because you've been here for years, doesn't mean that they understand something has been discussed to death. Nor does that mean you should treat them like dirt when they bring it up. The forums have been pruned, and 'Oh you just need to go read every post on the forums' is a bit absurd, there's too much to read for that beyond the things that are stickied. Remember, new players keep the server infused with vital new energy, keeps it alive, and awesome. Invest some of that passion you obviously are trying to exert into helping them.
I've seen/rped with new players in the past weeks. At least three of those new players that are bringing life to the server and trying to make their mark, and have impressed me immensely, this is what I really like to see; constructiveness, not destructiveness.
I'd really hate to see them run off because someone has their panties in a permanent twist with OOC behavior in game or the way some topics have been going recently.
Be constructive, conducive not destructive, and dividing. Help them, give them a slap with the DC recommend wand, or send them a tell saying Hey, good job, or hey, I like what you're doing. Validation, and acceptance in this way, is -huge-. It makes them feel like they have at least made a connection here, and its those connections that'll bind them in, and keep them coming back, and foster the community.
If a topic rankles you, instead of going in like a dusted up wild boar you should just elect to skip it, or exercise some maturity or self control in your responses, there's been some real (censored)-up exchanges on some of the topics in the past weeks. I for one think its petty, gives the server a bad image, and sets the status quo in the wrong direction. They see this, and think it's okay to do the same. Lead by example.
I'd suggest not lambasting them or even other players that have been here for awhile with a full broadside, people might just not understand, or not be looking at it from all sides. This type of behavior has the potential to drive off people, or infest them with that same type of attitude. Its important to keep some 'youth' in the server, and also important to treat each other civilly.
I know there are longstanding feuds, dislike between people et cetera.. and there always will be no matter when or where.... but please try to take it to PMs or IMs and try to clear the air without being pissy or self righteous.
One doesn't take a dump in their own living room, why do it in the community hall? So why do it in party chat, the person you may be dissing might just be a friend of someone in the party you're in, and begin to think you in fact are a tool. Or here on the forums?
Just Think about what you do and what it does.
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That was just in general.
