Each of us that have left had our own reasons. Some of these reasons overlap. I have seen and heard quite a lot of speculation on why the others have left but, so far, I have not seen anything that is actually true. If any of you really want to know why they have left beyond what they have stated in their threads, ask them in private. It’s that simple. I will not go into all the details of why the others have left but I will explain some of why I am leaving. ----------------- “Above all, be respectful. We work very hard to create a friendly and comfortable environment within the guild, and to keep drama to a minimum. As a member of the Skjaldborg, you will be expected to uphold a principle of common courtesy and respect. We have a zero tolerance policy on personal attacks, clique politics, and backstabbing. We don't expect you to love everyone equally, but we do expect you to respect them equally.” “Bring up your issues in private with officers. One of the many reasons we have officers is to deal with the various issues that are bound to arise. Don't start drama in in-game chat or take your issues up with other members, and please don't simmer in silence until the frustration boils over. Speak with an officer with whom you feel comfortable, and they'll work to mediate and resolve the problem. “ These are very important parts of the Skjaldborg CoC. Unfortunately, even the best CoC is worthless if officers (especially high ranking ones) do not properly uphold it. I have met some very nice people since joining the ‘borg. I have also met an awful lot of bitter and quite offensive people as well. I personally have never reported any of these people for a couple reasons. 1) The issue was too common. An example of this is the constant, toxic bitching about PGI/MWO. When a TS channel or unit forum thread feels like you’re on official game forums, it’s a problem. Add to the fact that some of said people are officers of various ranks. How is one supposed to report that? Add various racial, sexist, etc. comments and other such discussions, it makes for a very uncomfortable environment. 2) I have watched friends go through the stress and frustration that comes when an issue is reported and, rather than talking to the person reporting it to fully understand the situation, the officer simply rejects it. This has even been done in a condescending manner which is even more aggravating. The CoC says to speak to an officer with whom you feel comfortable, what if that officer has also been getting ignored? Looking back, I truly do wish that I had at least tried. However, when I look at what my friends have gone through, I doubt anything would have changed. Overall, I do not feel that the Skjaldborg is the place for me. Also, I can't leave out Mr. Douglas Adams. "“For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen.”
I broke these out because all of them basically hold the same theme, 'because [insert excuse here] I didn't report it', if the problem bothers you to the point you're considering leaving the unit because of it, don't you owe it to yourself if not to the unit as a whole to at least make the effort? It may lead to the same conclusion if the system doesn't work the way it should, or even just the way you want it to, but 'I didn't try' seems to be the ongoing theme here with a good number of the people, whatever their overall reasons for leaving are. The only legitimate excuse here is number 2, and while some might say the last bit of number 1 is the same, it really isn't, officers are not immune to the rules and if one of us breaks those rules you have every right to report them, even Dihm. Number 2 is only as legitimate in that if the officer in question then goes out of their way to block any attempts by you to follow up the issue with another officer. The system isn't perfect, anymore than anyone person is, and if you can't have an issue resolved to your satisfaction it may be that the Skjaldborg isn't the right place for you, but 'because [insert excuse here] I didn't report it' should never be the reason. If you run into number 2 then do what you can, in the end it's your choice and your decision to stay or leave. I hope this doesn't come off as too harsh, but while I'm sorry to see you go, I can't help but hope someone staying will read this and decide they'd rather speak up than remain silent the next time someone runs into an issue that has them considering leaving for -any- reason.
