These days we’re far too busy fitting solar panels to the roof of our gas guzzling 4x4s or twittering our bowel movements to care about manners. Where are manners when we’re barging our way onto an overcrowded commuter train at rush hour? How can we commit the faux pas of elbows on the dining table when an evening meal is consumed on a sofa watching “World’s Ugliest Brain Tumours #4”? Manners in modern day living are an afterthought. But in the online world, they’re pretty much nonexistent. After all – why learn the intricacies of Afternoon Tea when you can spend an evening tea-bagging instead?
A couple of nights ago, I was merrily playing away on Mercenaries 2 (a brilliant bundle of fun, may I add) I was playing the single player campaign by myself, nearing the end of a particularly tricky mission. I needed to navigate a speed boat through waters populated by trigger happy terrorists and floating mines – all under the watchful eye of a countdown. It was my third attempt, and I could see the finish line before me. But alas – suddenly, the text on my screen flashed up that somebody was joining my game for co-op. The game, noting this, instantly cancelled my mission, and my beautiful little boat exploded into a thousand pieces. Seconds from victory. I was absolutely furious.
I was furious because I had never INVITED this person into my game. True, they had sent me a message ten minutes ago, which I hadn’t bothered to read (I woz playin’ a game, OKAY?). But since when did a lack of response turn into an invitation? You wouldn’t ring up your friend, get no answer, and barge into their house regardless, would you? Well, maybe you would. But you would be bad.
Later, discussing it with my friend, the argument arose that it was I who was at fault for not initially responding to the game-wrecker’s message. Also, by setting my status as “online” and playing a game with the ability for jump-in co-op, I had given out mixed signals. My small online hiccup was growing into a dirty glob of social etiquette gone wrong.
So, in a weak stab at bringing some form of coherency to the madness of the online world, what etiquette guidelines would you draw up for all to obey? How would you bring order to our digital chaos? Here are a few titbits to keep you thinking:
1) Mass messaging your friends list – yes or no?
2) Item drop collections in co-op – take turns, or a free-for-all?
3) Finishing off your friend’s kill in shooters – a helping hand, or stealing all the glory?
… But no matter what our debate, let us ensure that we debate politely!
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