I'd to address the general tone of cabal chat. Recently we've had some problems and misunderstandings, and I want to talk about how we would like to move forwards.
We want people to be free to talk in the cabal channel. I don't think any of us officers want to have to spend time censoring stuff and repeatedly telling people off. Hell, it's bad enough when we have to tell people no politics in cabal chat.
We want to keep cabal chat positive. TSW is a game which we play for fun. However, that should not be at the expense of someone else's fun. We are not saying that we only want members to be happy sunshine folks all the time. Everyone has bad days, and we know that sometimes it's hard to not just vent a bit in chat. We do want people to try to be aware of the impact they are having on others though.
By all means, talk to your friends, but please think about the tone and the audience. If you're getting into personal stuff, please think about whether a tell or a more private channel would be more appropriate.
It can be very easy to get into the habit of talking with friends in a way which is not appropriate for cabal chat. Many groups of friends use casual insults in ways which would not be appropriate with strangers (I know my social group does IRL!). The problem is that for people outside the immediate group, this kind of behaviour can have unintended impacts. Some people don't appreciate the negativity. Others don't know that it's something originating from a small group and think it's part of the wider norm.
This can lead to a snowball effect where negative language becomes increasingly normal. This can be in terms of insults aimed at individuals, social groups or genders. This is not meant with malice (normally), or sincerity, it just becomes part of the wider attitude of what is considered socially acceptable.
We don't want to police cabal chat. We want people to use it to chat with their cabal mates. But please, keep it positive, and if you have any problems, don't just brush them aside or sit on them. Talk to a Master Commander or the person you are having a problem with. It's probable that they didn't know you're upset and had no intention of offending.
OK, example time. PlayerA and PlayerB have a jokey relationship. After a while, PlayerA then feels PlayerB is taking it too far and has crossed lines. PlayerA tells PlayerB that they aren't happy with the tone. PlayerB does not stop, so PlayerA lets the MCs know. An MC has a quiet chat with PlayerB asking them to stop. If they don't, then there is a clear history for us to follow in terms of official reprimand.
To conclude, please remember to treat each other well and with respect.
AWOL
