This article was written when I returned after a year absence from playing here. It was written earlier this year about my observations I noticed in how 'power/authority' was handled.

The Evolution of Whining- FUMBBL Takes a Step Backwards

After a return to FUMBBL after a year, I found myself quickly scolded for my actions in the main chat channel in IRC. After ‘swearing” or “pestering admins” I received a couple kick/bans for this. Sometimes my behaviour warranted it; sometimes I just scratched my head in how other coaches and I were treated.

Of course, I understand the issues. We do not want the main chat channel to be a sailor house full of insults, bad words or flames. However, I noticed an increased authority and presence when it came to language. [No, cursing in blogs isn't allowed either /admins] and those famous four letter words were not allowed, as always. As hard as I try to censor myself, I type as a talk. Maybe it’s the North American mistrust of authority or government in me, but I admit I push buttons and limits with those in power. Punishments for certain behaviours varied from admin to admin, often done without warning or chance to explain or apologize. The rules for effective punishment was tossed out the window and often enacted in a more childish or ‘bad’ manner as the behaviour if was meant to deter. The issue became so bad that I witnessed a coach ask for a list of prohibited words and others joking about saying [not here either /admins]. Other coaches brought up the use of words (sometimes by admin) that appeared more insensitive and insulting than others, such as the term ‘tard’. The main channel became less of a social aspect and less fun of a place to spend some free time from the [... getting repetitive /admins] world in which we live. The channel became less of free speech and more about limitations and boundaries- Often done through the eyes and filters of Christer and some of his staff. I understand the need for limits and boundaries; I do not understand the need to be as strict.

The response to this, a call to stop “whining” or a poll on the main page about coach’s most favourite topic to complain about. The message seems too be framed in the manner of dissenting opinions/feelings being labelled as whining. I understand Christer is the boss and he makes the rules and chooses who his helpers are. One fact is I have, and others have, donated money to allow Christer to self-gratify himself for his hobby (a hobby I benefit and enjoy from, thus forms a symbiotic relationship). Yet, I am expected to have little or no say in how I am treated by him or his help. My feelings or objections are identified as whining. While my money I donated in no way allows me special privileges or immunization from poor behaviour or special rights, it does place an added responsibility on Christer. Lately, this responsibility seems to not be lived up to. I have never complained about how many teams allowed in ranked, the coach ranking system, what computer parts to buy, the turn time limit or anything like that (The Poisoning of Open Sourced Code). I can choose to play here if I do not like those rules. But to now, to start micromanaging what coaches say in chat appears, well stupid.

I continue to play here (as permitted) and will not change who I am or what I am. I am a “redneck” Northern Canadian, very educated, got a spouse, work and have a child. I mean no personal offence to anyone in chat and if I did, you would know about it. I enjoy or am not offended by 99% of the conversation in chat, if I am angered or object I would settle it directly with that person. I don’t have to agree with what is said, but I will respect others. Please, stop treating me like a child. I play games like this to stay young, socialize and watch pixels disappear, not to relive my childhood with bad parenting or condescendence.