News Files - Constructive Criticism

Creating and maintaining a positive environment is of paramount importance here at United Heroes MUSH. It's something that every player, staffer, and guest can play a role. This is on all of us.

News Idle Characters describes how to contact someone who has picked up a character that you previously played in a positive and welcoming manner. It also says that to do otherwise can be grounds for a strike (see +news Player Firings). This is not limited to characters you personally played at one time or another.

It can be terribly disconcerting to have someone openly complain about your interpretation of your character, sheet, or decisions. This can easily include the beliefs, development, group membership, relationships, and the ethical choices you've made. Attempting to force unwanted critical opinions like these can be grounds for a strike.

However, this is not meant to stifle discussion regarding characters. Constructive criticism can be hugely beneficial, so long as it remains constructive. We all need to be aware when it is welcome, and when it is not. Should an issue arise, it should be taken to staff. They can mediate and otherwise deal with the situation as a neutral third party.

On further note, there are certain characters and topics that can elicit particularly strong opinions. Previous players have mentioned encountering this on characters ranging from Cyclops, Captain Marvel (Danvers), Power Girl, and Thor, to name a few. Even well-meant jokes can poison the experience when they are never-ending. Some former players admitted they quietly dropped these characters specifically for the reasons outlined above rather than deal with it.

Again we do not wish to stifle people discussing comics. Just be aware that your comments may come across as negative, and can contribute to piling on a player. We are all guilty of wanting to rant about certain comic characters from time to time. But if it happens here, we shouldn't do it in a way that ruins the fun of others.

Thank you everyone for helping to make United Heroes a positive place for gaming.