How to deal with hot topics:
Overview:
In this section, you will learn why it’s important for you to get along with the people you are playing the game with. I have seen good handlers never given the chance because of their out of character behavior. Their reasoning is simple, “This is the internet and it’s all fake anyway.” Not true. I feel an E-Fed is a club where you go to have fun and socialize. Yes it’s on the internet where you may never meet any of these people you might spend years talking to on line, but on the other end of that computer is a real person with very real feelings.
Don’t fight in public:
If have a difference of opinion with another handler please do not post your gripe in the out of character area. These areas are for civil discussion and when you address an issue in the forums, you extend the problem to the owner. Why should the owner care? I ask that you put yourself in his position. Here you have a guy spending money on a site, dedicating his time, and offering a free service. The owner takes you into his community, and you thank him by causing trouble. But the issue isn’t only about you and your concerns. When new handlers come to visit the federation they will see a bunch of arguing and the talented handlers will turn around never giving the federation another thought. If this doesn’t make sense, you honestly need to find another hobby or perhaps open up your own federation for others to ruin.
Respect others opinions:
You will not be wrong / right all the time and since this is a world wide game, your thoughts will not necessarily match most of the roster. If someone says it’s red and you think it’s orange, live with it and move on. Do not restrict someone’s freedom of speech because their beliefs are different from yours.
Conclusion:
More often than not, 99% of all handlers are willing to talk out problems and for the 1% who don’t you often find them moving around from federation to federation. On a final note, never underestimate the power of one person to find you regardless of how many firewalls you have up. Be careful of what you say and remember it’s a hobby. Unlike your XBOX, you just can’t unplug an angry person and unless you know the person on the other end, flaming can be a dangerous / illegal pastime. Want to yell at something? Get a dog! Above all, give respect and you will get respect is what I’m trying to say. Poor federation owners allow slanderous bickering on a daily basis but good owners will step in at the right time and cool down the handler controversy.