The politics of games.

[pevergreen]

I agree.

Having them apart not only helps people keep their thoughts in each respective area, but makes it a lot neater!

[CountArach]

A Backroom Arena sounds good to me.

Oh, and Games Workshop, I'm coming after you!

[Warmaster Horus]

Agree. Not that I'll post often, but I think it'll be easier for all of us (the actual game topic will be in the Arena, whilst controversial discussion in its backroom; thus we should know where to post what kind of message.)

[Banquo's Ghost]

I think you are likely to create a trend towards multiple "backroom" type fora. This brings extra work and increases the chance of bad behaviour spilling out across the org.

It's perfectly possible for people to come to the Backroom to discuss such topics - we can even create a special sticky thread, if necessary. Access to the Backroom is regulated, so posters consistently stepping out of line can be controlled. Because of the nature of backroom topics, we are stricter than most fora. I suspect that if we had proliferating "backroom" versions of other fora, standards would vary and members would become confused - or play the system.

Come to the Anarchy of Hatred and Dissent for your gaming politics. It's nice and warm, and we have pitchforks.

[TinCow]

If that happens, I would greatly ecourage a loosening of the rules on piracy discussion in that forum. Piracy, copyright, and DRM are the major topics that this forum would cover and a bit more freedom would be required to allow the discussions to blossom properly. IMO the only things that should be blocked in such a forum would be instructions on how to commit piracy. General arguments about whether it is right or wrong, legal or illegal, etc. need to be allowed. If you're not willing to open up the discussion like that, I wouldn't bother with an Arena Backroom.

[Caius]

If that happens, I would greatly ecourage a loosening of the rules on piracy discussion in that forum. Piracy, copyright, and DRM are the major topics that this forum would cover and a bit more freedom would be required to allow the discussions to blossom properly. IMO the only things that should be blocked in such a forum would be instructions on how to commit piracy. General arguments about whether it is right or wrong, legal or illegal, etc. need to be allowed. If you're not willing to open up the discussion like that, I wouldn't bother with an Arena Backroom.

I agree with TinCow there. We should have a "special FAQ" for the new backroom fora (if its going to be used), whcih states to discuss about piracy without going too far.