Polite notice about CA bashing

As we enter the run-up to the release of M2TW, it is inevitable that some people will be disappointed in the game and feel the need to vent. I feel this warrants a reminder and further explanation of "no CA bashing" rule in this forum.

I hope members will appreciate that Org staff must walk a tricky tightrope.

On the one hand, we want to encourage discussion of TW games and criticism is an integral part of that. Critical comments will help people understand how key aspects of a game work, may encourage modders to correct what they can and may even encourage CA to correct what modders can't. Above all, we don't want to create an oppressive environment, censoring and warning members who should be able to interact here openly and freely.

However, on the other hand, we do not want to allow a hostile, negative atmosphere for discussing a game that this forum is dedicated to. If every positive post is drowned out by a repetition of tired old complaints, we will drive away fans of the game and become a place where only the discontented hang out in order to moan. Moreover, older members may have noticed that the Org now attracts a lot fewer CA staff posts and interaction than it used to. The last time a CA staffer posted here, he commented how difficult it was becoming to post here (this was not because of negative feedback in that instance, but just over-heated responses to his post by members).

So, how are we going to strike the balance? Simply this: any criticism of CA products must not be couched in derogatory terms. No offensive or insulting words should be used to describe it. If in doubt about this, conduct a thought experiment and imagine that someone is posting about your own work. Those of you in work might think about what would be acceptable comment from your employer or your customers. Those of you still in full time study might think about what would be acceptable in an academic debate or as comments from your professors on your papers etc.

Above all, please think before posting - any substantive critical comment can be expressed politely and neutrally, there is no need to be insulting or offensive when making it.

Thank you.