Maybe we are the cult after all?? Has anyone ever said or thought that?
Yes!
But is it fanaticism or a strong opinion?`Whats the treshold? What are the boundaries? I posted in previous comments how I think that the term is often used wrong because fanaticism is so extreme, so over the top that it can be hardly understood by bystanders who have never been in contact with it. The term is rather used to antagonize, tease or ridicule others same as using "" even tho thats a medical term.
This thread certainly has a
culture thats for sure but atfer 12 versons thats not really surprising. You can call it "etiquette" similar (but not as extreme) to Star Citizen praise channels where you have to provide a certain amount of groveling or crawling in the mud before you can even dare to critizise Roberts or the project. The reactions people get here are not unfounded or unwarranted tho. Its not like somebody posts "I like Star Citizen" and gets drowned in a swarm of ridicule, snark or flames even tho some people seem to perceive it that way. Rather its a "path" these very same people build for themselves. Maybe they start out with simply sharing their good times but soon dig themselves into explaining, justifying and defending the project...thats the problem and you wonder if that wasnt their intention all along when they so easily go back to that base in the end. It wouldnt be the first time someone who "wants" to troll attempts to the "I m one of you guys" routine to drive the knife homer a little deeper.
I m not new to the internet and I have been faced with strong opinions a lot. When in the past I was easily triggered by inpolite or hostile reactions which I considered unwarranted I have come to the realization that "flaming" or "trolling" is a widespread activity these days entertained by many to various degrees. I have embraced trolling on youtube for a time, curiosity, glee, grudges....it soon became too stressfull, too time-consuming and it started to affect my life in less the beneficial ways.
Am I fanatical. Am I part of a cult?
I like to ask myself that question or talk to outsiders getting their opinion on my behavior. They dont need to know the first thing about Star Citizen to give me what I want. A neutral judgement to let me know if I overreact, overdo it. If I get too involved, too triggered, hurt even.
This thread has been a good source for discussion, exchange of views or information in past years. Lots of people have a similar opinion to my own but I know where they are coming from because we asked and provided reasons for said views. I would say I have a "strong opinion" about Star Citizen and I dont even try to present it in a sensittive or polite way anymore. I dont have any problem with anybody who disagrees with me because of it. But people try to antagonize or attack me when they are unable to change my view...often because their own knowledge is inferior to mine and they simply dont have the perspective I have. I have shared that perspective numerous times which
should have made it clear that my frustration and ridicule is directed at CIG, not individuals who opt to support and like the project. On the way I utilize the same strategies and tactics that I receive which is.....eye opening because strangely when I try to "level" the playing field (by adapting to tone and agression directed at me) it usually .degrades the conversation rapidly (aka double bias)
I "try" to be the adult and stay objective, stay level headed and calm and ignore teasing and trolling but it constantly rubs against the "why me...." thoughts and its oh so easy to give way to the frustration and extract revenge against people who overstep the line in the first place. There are limits I m not willing to overstep of course which probably is the controlling factor in shifting to fanaticism. Always be "better". Always turn a blind eye is akin to playing the eternal victim. You will not survive constant attacks if all you do is defend. So you learn to counterattack or use retorts that provide a warning if you will. It helps to reel people back who didnt notice they were going too far but whoever only tries to troll will "go for the kill" smelling weakness.
There are forums where I am kind of a "tourist" at best. Places where I only hop in once in a blue moon and just react to the last page or two because I didnt read up on the current topic or dont bother with the effort. Its kind of a "hey guys....whats new" asking for updates or just driving by for old times sake. If it was a thread I only visited 2 or 3 times a year I wouldnt consider myself "part of that community" but as soon as I recognize people or come back more frequently to check on replies or reactions
I am. So suddenly I become part of that thread or community. When I label it with "these guy suck" I only really talk about myself.
I observe reddit or even spektrum from a distance. I dont log in or post there but I have my view on them which I dont need to share. If I do I m really looking for a fight.
So take a step back and evaluate the people who come into this thread for the sole purpose to throw around accusations and vitriol, drag people into roundabout arguments and create scenarios that enable them to point and say "see, these guys are all haters". The last few pages are filled with posts from people who rewind, revitalize, aggrevate the whole thing one more time and they even try to play the "I am not one of you guys" card which is hilarious when they sit there updating the site waiting for replies they can pounce on.
Are we the cult?
I dont know dude....I dont think so but of course....the cultist usually is the last who realizes it.