Why the SSX? [New Members Read This]

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Why the SSX? [New Members Read This]

PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2005 7:56 pm

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Padishar
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SSX-Killjoy wrote:To those who have been part of the SSX for awhile, or even long enough to remember when we were SSC, the question may seem silly. "Why SSX? Why not?!" would be our reply. I fall into this category, having been around for long enough to remember when it was cool to have 10 people in an ICQ chat window.

But, this post is for the others. For those who haven't had a chance yet to read every nuance possible into BD's well written About the SSX. For those who have been invited here by someone who is their friend telling them how cool we are. For those that just happened to Google our site and were curious. For anyone else I may have missed.

Why SSX?

Because you enjoy chatting and playing with friends. This is pretty self explanatory. We are all here because we are friends with each other. We play with part of all of the SSX in one game or across various games. Just like any good friendship you know, we are worthy of your trust and loyalty. We don't push our ideas on you, nor do we make requirements upon your time.

You play when you play, and if we are on, we play as well. If something comes up in life and you are absent for awhile, you are not dropped from the SSX. If you find that your parents have grounded you from games, we don't remove you from the SSX. Only you can remove yourself from the SSX.

Because you want to be part of something that will stick around longer than the game you are playing. If you have not played a lot of games online then you may not have had the pleasure of being asked to join a guild or group only to have them break apart a month later due to internal squabbles, or lack of playing, or whatever. This is not a pleasant experience. Particularly if you are friends with those that invited you in.

The SSX has been around for a very long time. Although the mantle of SSX is a fairly new, the SSC that we spawned from has been around a very long time. There are people here who are part of the SSX and have been playing games together for almost 10 years! There are more than a few that are called old timers on the forums, not because of our age.

Those who struck out from the SSC to become the SSX have experienced many of the things that happen to online gaming guilds/groups. We have seen mass exoduses, people causing problems for other members, server changes and people leaving only to come back shortly after. We have learned through sad experience how to stick together, and what it takes to allow a group of people to exist longer than your typical guild/group. The SSX is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Because you enjoy having fun! I realize this probably sounds funny, but over the years of being together, the one ironclad truth about playing games is that if you aren't having fun, you aren't likely to play the game. This is true for those that you spend your time with online either in the chats on the forums, or any of the myriad of ways there are to communication on the internet.

Our goal in the SSX is to have fun. For those who are looking for a power gaming group, we are not the ones for you. We are not here to be the best, to make the most in game money, to have the best equipment, or just simply to the best of the best. Again, from sad experience we have learned that this will tear a group apart faster than you can say "Boo!" We have seen it time and time again, and trust us, it isn't worth it.

Because we are organized. "Organized? Where? I don't see any leaders?" you may ask, but trust us, the organization is there. However our organization is not set in stone, as it were. We do have positions such as an Arbiter, Group Leaders (ie those who's whole purpose is to support the group), and Moderators. The main difference between the usual suspects and us is that with us, these are not positions of power. These people are in place because we voted them to be in there, or they are rotated into that position. Outside of the few people who maintain the group websites (or main site) every position in our organization can be held by another.

This may seem a bit odd if you are used to set structured hierarchy of people to follow, but we have learned that this is a very flexible and easy-to-maintain system. Because games come and go, as well as people, we are never stuck with a gap in our organization. If someone leaves, we can vote or rotate someone into their place quickly and efficiently. It also helps promote the idea that it is up to everyone to help others.

Because we believe in helping the little guy. Everyone no matter how many years they have been online playing games can't help but be made to feel like a newbie in a new game. Although play mechanics are not all that different from game to game, the nuances in a game make a big impact. We as the SSX believe in helping the next person in hopes that in helping them we ensure that they enjoy their time in the game.

Depending on the game, we may help by providing funds or equipment, or follow you through the world showing you cool things, helping you gain experience, or more. Often times were out there in the gaming worlds helping those who aren't even members of the SSX. We believe in spreading the fun to everyone in any game we play in. Sometimes helping others has helped us gain members, sometimes it hasn't, but we definitely have gained great reputations in the games we have played because of it. In fact, if you check the credits for Freespace 2, we have a mention in them under the name Shattered Star Confederation, a title deserved by the current SSX members.

Some of our members also develop games! There are members of the SSX who are actively participating in the development and releases of games. Not to mention there are more than a few of us who are beta testers for other developers.

Phiew, that was a lot of typing. Now go play, and have fun, and we shall look forward to the day when you join the SSX so we can add another friend to our ever growing list!
Last edited by Padishar on Sat Aug 06, 2005 12:39 am, edited 4 times in total.

PostPosted: Sat May 07, 2005 7:58 pm

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Padishar
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BlackDove wrote: What is and who are the Shattered Star eXiles?

Well we are a group of gamers, thats for sure. We are here to enjoy our time together online. However, there are more things we have in common besides being a gaming group.

Right off the bat, if anyone is wondering why we are exiles or in exile, You should ask the members to shed light on that issue, preferably from more sources, because everyone holds their own opinion and reasoning for our position. The only important thing to say is that we are exiles by choice, not because we were forced to be.

So what are we then? Put simply, were a group of people that is based on the foundation of trust and respect for one another. We dont have ranks, numbers or positions to identify ourselves with, because we treat each other as mature adults with dignity, and contrary to popular belief, this statement does not clash with some of the specific text below.

All of this may sound a little corny, but thats essentially how things are.

As far as gaming goes, we do not perform any type of trial runs in skill examinations or investigations. Age is also not a factor in being one of our members. Everyone is able to join our group as long as they are able to behave themselves in a mature manner. That means there is no room for egos or attitudes, and they are usually not tolerated for an extended amount of time.

We are also big enthusiasts of sportsmanship. That means there is absolutely no room for any type of cheating (in reference to online gaming of course) or spying. While the information gathered from possible hostile groups would be useful, the act of espionage is in itself derisory, and therefore has no place with us. We have no use for such exploits, especially because they require tricking other people into believing a lie.

Purposefully taunting and insulting other individuals inside or outside of the SSX is not something that is condoned as well. While it is true we are all human, and when tempers fly many things are said, it is an admirable attribute to be able to rise above all of it, and maintain integrity.

It should also be mentioned that we are an entity which sponsors moderation as well. The following is a brief outline of how the entire system functions:

The moderators we have are there to facilitate games going smoothly. From experience the SSX moderators and long term members will tell you that for the vast majority of the games we play, it just isn't practical to have a self policing division. The moderators are taken from the membership, and the moderating position encompasses all of the members. Each member is given the opportunity to work for, and with their friends by taking the responsibility of moderating.

The real reason behind having a system of moderation is easy to grasp. We aren't perfect. We make mistakes in selection and people change, but every SSX member who feels that their moderator is not being a true SSX moderator can speak to other moderators or The Arbiter. Understand that moderators are there for practical reasons, not to be the dictator of their selective group. SSX moderators should never really have to be anything more than an example and role model. There will only be moderation in cases where people aren't acting like we expect a member of the SSX to act. I.e. Racism, Sexism, Homophobia and General intolerance. An SSX member should have honor and integrity. They should feel free and equal. When you take the name of SSX you take the responsibility that comes with it. Within the SSX a moderator should never be forced to take responsibility for others. Moderate yourselves, and we won't have to.

Subsequently, the position of The Arbiter should be explained.

The Arbiter is chosen by the entire SSX group (the entire membership count is offered the poll, from all of the games we play) through a vote. The Arbiter is sort of the guardian of the SSX, ensuring things run in the intended way and the community works. This includes establishing a permanent home and domain registration (as well as working together with the technical administrators to keep the sites operational and useful), establishing appropriate discussion forums as required, and driving consensus throughout the community to avoid division and segregation of the overall community in order to facilitate people congregating and enjoying themselves.

That about wraps up the responsibilities that are distributed within our community.

The most important thing to know about our gaming habits as well is that we do not strive to be the best in the community. It is far more important to respect others and to be respected in return. We are not strangers to this, and have friendships with many other clans. Competition is not the most important thing, although it is welcome when it is conforming to the ideas written above.

Were a good group. We have been, for quite a long time. Please take the time and chance to get to know us.
Last edited by Padishar on Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:04 am, edited 1 time in total.

PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2005 3:03 am

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Padishar
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