I think this blog is already in a verbal Civil War. We just aren't keeping score beyond awarding points for Ratings, Reads, and Comments. So I can't tell who is winning. And being a guy, I like to know things like that, so I can get down a bet.
This post is a starting point to reform Open Salon from a blog to a game.
I'd like to call this game Open Saloon and it will be a MUD role playing game. We don't need to change much here because we have already chosen our roles with avatars and descriptions. I think the ultimate goal might be to kill the Editors, and take over the front page and EPs.
First, we need to define the sides which should be numerous like Chinese Checkers, each "team" going their own way and interacting with all the others in the middle. So even if you are on a team playing against an opposing team you can bash anybody in middle, just like we do now.
The minority NeoCons get their own "party" and a homebase on the far right side of the dimensional gameboard. They can be led by somebody like rwnutjob or Noni The Intern (who might just turn out to be a spy).
The majority on Open Saloon are Liberal-Progressive types, but that's too generic a group. So other than placing the LibPros at the left of the board, we need to divide them into other subcategories — like the BiPolar Crazies (like me) and the opposing "Kick The Cripples" krewe.
We need the In-Crowd led by somebody like john blumenthal or Will Someone F The Cat? They will battle for the high ground with the EP Team, although the rest of us need to be aware they might form an alliance, so we need constant vigalance to keep them from blitzing us.
There needs to be a Passive-Aggressive Team. We need an all-male Chauvinist Pig Pen to oppose the Feminists in what will not be a fair fight.
How about a Kinky Krewe? I'm not sure if Moms and Grandmas should have their own societies or not. Maybe a Biker Club. Or One-Issue Wonders. I think we need the Used2Bees and the WannaBees. Or maybe not. We'll know when I put the signup sheet on the bulletin board in the cafeteria during recess.
Now about points. Each flame costs you a point. Each comment supporting your flame gets you 2 points. We need to define things like "maiming the blogger," and even kills that happen when someone is driven off the site. But there should be points for the going away blog, too.
I realize I don't have all the sides and I don't know all that many of the people. So this is just a starting point.
Now, you may think this idea of an Open Saloon Game is silly. But if we all sign up and acknowledge that this is just a fcking game and not the real world, maybe less people will take it so seriously, and maybe less people will be hurt by what happens here.
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David Price
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Comments
Oh, by the way did I ever tell you about this guy, who was screaming down a hole trying to get the squirrel to come out?
I like your definition of the rules, parameters, "teems" and so forth. I really dislike the recent infiltration of wingnuts of late--but as I say that I realize that I sound like a crusty old-timer...so, ok, ok. I'll welcome the wingnuts...with a blast from my enchanted can of whoop ass--I have high marks in dexterity to make up for the poor charisma.
I spent way too much time reading the ins and outs of the latest flame wars the last few weeks. Inquiring minds want to know. But just this morning I was realizing most of it was a waste of time and I feel sort of cheap and dirty having indulged, even though I made nary a comment.
I'm not much of a game player, but if we did have an agreed upon (Ha! Here? Dream on, Marne) set of rules (Anarchy rules!).......Well........
I like the way you broke the main players into teams; Kinkies, Kickers, 1 issue wonders, used2bes, wannabes, Passive-Agressives, et al. That is how it seems to one who has yet to make a post. I mainly read and occasionally comment. OS has so much potential, I've learned a lot and spend way too much of my real life time here.
I went back and actually watched the Destry clip, it almost made me physically ill.
It IS a GAME, people. I'll sign up for the much-scoffed-at, Underdog Peacemaker Team.
Thanks for the thoughts. I hope those who really need to see this, do so, and take Heed!
When I actually sounded out your avatar name to myself, I got a giggle. Bogus, indeed!
I lived in NYC for 14 years, and know Hell's Kitchen well... At least, I used to. I imagine it's pretty gentrified now.
Thanks again for this!
LAUGHTER LIGHT JOY PEACE LOVE
Patton - very cool. Only a light mental adjustment and we're there. I'll ask for some pointers from my older daughter, who has decades of game-playing experience... (In real life, I have been a sad loser in the Games - here there are opportunities for honing my skills...except that I have opted out of the Real Life Games...) (Am a winner anyway! Thru sheer luck rather than cleverness...)
Okay, I'll join a group. Maybe a group called "I don't really need this sh-t but I find it all SO amusing."
Do I have to play in the mud?
Nikki Stern — I think you've created the "urge to action" line as we used to say in copywriting. "Come Play In The MUD — In The Open Saloon" So yes, you have to play. But you can be your own team, and it'll be you against everybody else, which is how many of us feel it is now
R~~
Sheesh!
Of course I rather like being in the out crowd, it makes me feel all "rebelish"and "browncoaty"
With that in mind - Death to kitties!
bobbot — We need a Protest Team where anti-war veterans have a leadership role in defending America against War Hawks Who Didn't Serve like Dick Cheney. When they write about how it is somebody else's duty to die for their geopolitical theories, your team can fight them with words of experience
Stellaa — boy, do I wish we could put the Open Saloon Game in a box and sell it. I could use my share of the profits to buy laundry detergent I so desperately need.
Though, yeah, I suppose everyone has their own opinion of "crippledom" so I may have to give this one more thought
This is going to be sooooooo kewl!!!!
:)