• We love something so much because it makes us happy, and when we see it moving in a direction that makes us less happy, we get sad, and then angry.
  • We want attention, and nothing gets attention like stirring the pot. Nothing stirs the pot like attacking something that someone, somewhere, loves.
  • We think we’re smarter/funnier/wittier then we really are, when in fact all we do is recycle the same Internet troll tropes like sarcasm, dismissal and denigration.
  • We’re tired of what we have, want something “different”, but can’t tell anyone what that “different” is. This leads to frustration with the status quo, and probably with our own inability to come up with a different way or to actually effect change.
  • Seeing a never-ending stream of ignorance, entitlement and greed exhibited by both companies and consumers in an industry that’s supposed to be about fun and entertainment.
  • We’re egged on by compatriots who reinforce any or all of the above.

What do we get out of it?

  • Hostility.
  • Notoriety of the wrong sort. People we hoped to impress with our “superior intelligence” end up finding us stupid and pedantic when compared to their own “superior intellect”.
  • Dissatisfaction with anything that doesn’t instantly and consistently impress us in new and exciting ways.
  • Disgust with ourselves for supporting “exploitive” business practices, transferred to those perpetrating the practice, while we continue to go back to them for more.
  • Fractured community. For a segment of the population that once banked on it’s solidarity when it was relegated to the fringe, we’re not very good at sticking together against continuing adversity.

What can we do about it?

  • Get over ourselves. We have opinions, and that’s OK. Our opinions aren’t as informed or as absolute as we argue them to be, and it’s OK for someone to like things we dislike.
  • Stop being an ass. Just because someone says something you don’t like or agree with, doesn’t mean you’re obliged to throw your own log on the blaze. See remedy #1.
  • Think about solutions, don’t dwell on problems. As consumers, we may not be able to directly affect the products we use to the degree we wish we could, but telling someone what you don’t like and leaving it at that doesn’t move towards making things better. Neither does resorting to being an ass.
  • Be nice once in a while. It’s really easy to dismiss, but it’s much harder to support, especially in the face of withering criticism and backlash. Realize that throwing the baby out with the bathwater doesn’t hurt the companies you oppose; You, however, miss out on new experiences which may be better then you thought because that one little gripe kept you from expanding your horizons.
  • Be realistic. Hype is fun, but hype is designed to make you irrational. Enjoy daydreaming about the possibilities, but remember that the truth can never live up to expectations. That’s OK! Because it’s not your “dream product” doesn’t mean it can’t be great for what it is.
  • Remember that people are working hard on these things. It’s easy to vilify “Activision” or “EA” over a game or feature, but a lot of someones worked their asses off to do the best job they’re able in order to make that game or feature happen. Maybe you don’t like it, or maybe it doesn’t work as well as it should, but no one is sitting at their desk saying, “how can I totally fuck this up and start a forum shit-storm?”

People will say that we bitch to “hold company’s feet to the fire” and to “make them accountable”, but no, that’s not why. Our personal crusades make us feel better by allowing us to vent in public. Maybe we find people who agree with us, which gives us a feeling of solidarity. Maybe we find a community opposed, which diverts our rage from the real topic to a meaningless Internet slap-fight for a half-hour or so while we cool down. When we go to bed at night and the Internet continues to turn in our absence, we don’t dream of whether or not SWTOR plays like WoW or how avatars run in LotRO. In the morning, we’ll be more concerned with toaster waffles or cereal, getting the kids to school, and the weather…you know, the things that really do matter, and the things we do have control over.

These are video games, which we supposedly play for fun. Debating and discussing them can also be fun. Arguing, name calling, insulting and being total dickwads may be fun for you, but for the legions of people who have to wade through that detritus on their way to their own enjoyment, it’s a real downer. We’re all emissaries for our hobby, to the outside world, and to each other. Being a douche may make you feel superior to someone on the forums or in a general chat, but at the end of the day, you haven’t “won” anything. Try doing a little good instead of whatever else you were planning on doing. It won’t kill you, trust me.