I've been playing online since 1986 and agree that in the last 5 years, the 'nastiness' has been rising. Much of it stems from a feeling of 'ownership' by people who have played a game for a while. They know and are known by the community and feel a sense of 'this is our playground'. Now, I am not attacking anyone here...I've been here since closed beta...but in the background.
Players' ages are not the factor here. I've seen it from young and old alike. We get protective of what we have established and grown with our online friends. When newcomers start showing up, our collective noses suddenly rise in the air and start excluding others. We forget that everyone was new at one point.
It really doesn't take any effort at all to be mean and nasty to others. But it does take the effort of good people with good hearts to welcome everyone when they arrive at the docks. That newcomer who is off loading their bags could be your best swabbie and mate in the future.
Treat others as you want to be treated. A dubloon's worth of help could help ye gain a treasured friend!
TQQdles™,
Dolnor Numbwit
aka Beth Darkfury
Eternal Testing Swabbie
