At our best, we criticize things for being badly-written, underdesigned, lazy, corporatized, none of which is helpful as anything other than a valve for our disappointment. Most of the time, we don't even get that far.
I've already stated that I can completely understand them not posting here, but I have to disagree with your definition of the Codex "at our best". I'd say at our best there are interesting debates on game design, members with knowledge of just about any old RPG I can think of (and I discovered many hidden gems thanks to this place) and useful contributions to the community like mindx2's report which kicked off this thread.
There's lots of shit on the forum but ignoring what good parts there are just comes across as overly edgy.
I was going to post something very similar to this.
Even the Obsidian guys recognized and admitted to me that the Codex is one of the few places where design/mechanics/story/etc. are debated with real insight and solid suggestions given. I am by no means as knowledgeable as many posters here. However, I have learned to listen and respect (even when I disagree) the opinions of such forum posters as
Vault Dweller,
felipepepe,
Grunker,
Infinitron,
Luzur,
Sensuki,
Sceptic,
tuluse,
Darth Roxor and many more than I can count or remember off the top of my head. Do we have our fair share of trolls, of course.... just look at what our mascot is. Do they spew a bunch of vitriol? Yes, but... and this is a big BUT, they can be and are easily ignored and so much useful information can still be seen and obtained regardless. One great thing is that those opinions, suggestions and statements are challenged and posters have to actually debate and support their assertions. We joke about there being a "Hivemind" mentality here but that's a little misleading. What most here do share as far as opinions are concerned is that if you like or dislike something you need to back it up with a solid argument. So what if a few uptight people can't handle a little criticism! If your opinion, statement, criticism is that fragile you deserve to be called out for it. How the heck else are people supposed to grow and learn!!!
I for one am glad that this place exists. We can have these discussion and even sling some mud at each other but most of the time it is in a good-natured or self deprecating way. Where else can I brofist a person's post who jokingly makes reference to my disability? or
Jaesun and his man-love or
JarlFrank and his Fourth Riech or
Infinitron and his Jewish heritage or
Crooked Bee and her feminine side?... and on and on and on... I see the Codex as being one of the most open and diverse places on the Interwebz where there is vast computer game knowledge with people who still have a sense of humor.
Sorry for the rant but I do appreciate this place and "
most" of those I've had the chance to interact with. I hope the Codex never changes because it might upset someone or their fragile
feelings, be they a moderator, developer, contributer or regular forum user!!
