Somebody please explain...

[chelle_p]

i only been playing this game for about 5 months and i have crossed paths with many pirates of all sorts. I dont blame you for not needing help on a lvl 2 when your lvl 8. I agree with zeppers and lily 100% even though they are different answers to your question. Many of the times it all depends on the situtation. Like if a random pirate comes up and rep steals i try to talk to them and come up with a solution but lets face it some ppl are unreasonable. I try to treat every pirate i met with respect so i can get it back but if they dont respect me, then they end up in jail some how. However to me, that does not seem to be rude at all. your being honest with them but try not to be so blunt right off the bat.

[Basil Dreadflint]

I think it's the words you use, more than te idea behind it.

"Buzz off" can deffinately be considered as rude. IT would be much better to take the few minutes and explain to them that what they are doing is stealing your rep, and that you would prefer if they not "help" you unless you ask them to.

If they then continue to steal your rep, then it is they who are being rude.

And, I have been in that exact situation, where I am fighting and someone comes by a "Tags" my enemy just so they can get credit for the kill. A lot of times I'll even invite them to do that so that they can satisfy a quest. But someone who does it all the time, they are not your friend.