|
If I'm just running through an area, and they don't speak, then I just keep on running to where I was going; however, if I'm just standing around, then I'll speak.
So far, the most effective phrase I've found has been: "What would be the basis of our friendship?" That seems to send about 4 out of 5 people running in the opposite direction, without further comment.
I think it works primarily because these requests are coming from 1 of 2 types of player: those who view you as a potential asset to their play of the game, and those who still developing socially.
That first group is well aware of what their intentions are for a basis, but the minute you question them on the subject of intentionality, they'll assume the jig is up and realize they don't want to spell that basis out because it be weighted towards self-interests.
The second group is just operating under the impression that everyone else in the game is part of their shared experience of seemingly unsupervised interaction time with other human beings. In many ways, these MMOs are the cognitive equivalent of "the mall" (i.e. a general public space that is assumed to be well supervised for public safety, enough so that many parents allow their children to begin their forays into the world of unsupervised free time with their peer in these places). By adopting a more formal language structure, you are signaling yourself as outside their peer group (like a mall security guard, or an uptight store clerk), and for the most part they realize on their own that you wouldn't be much fun for them (although, they might just switch over to the first group as their initial response).
The problems start when the interactions carry more value judgments. For the most of the first group, in their minds, they offering to enter into a reciprocal relationship. By denying them "friendship," you are essentially signaling that you think that you could help them but they'd never be able to help you; people never like to be told that someone else thinks they're better than them.
For the second group, they also sometimes react negatively, but it stems from the feeling that you've deceived them because they've suddenly had to accept the reality that the virtual space is occupied by just their peer group. Still, they seem to experience a sensation much like you were hanging out at the secret clubhouse wearing a child costume, and you suddenly stepped out of that costume and revealed yourself as the enemy.
|