There's been a trend of late that needs to stop. This isn't high school and we aren't a bunch of gossiping teens, and yet there has been a trend of behavior lately that is exactly that.

People screw up from time to time, it's human nature. A DM might forget about a tool we have or have a case of tell-hell that causes a hiccup in an event, or a player might miss something said that creates a misunderstanding in PvP or might not notice you standing there not saying anything.

The trick is to keep it "in-house"; if you have an issue with someone, it's between you and them. If it can't be resolved between the two of you, then take it to a DM (or a different DM if needed) or a friend who can help. But spreading gossip and rumor around the server not only doesn't help the issue you have (indeed it can make it worse) but it also makes things muddied and vile for anyone that gossip touches, no matter your innocent intentions to start. We've all played the telephone game and seen how one message can grow, expand and take on a life of its own the more people it's passed through. This happens with gossip too and it generally takes on an ever more harmful tinge.

And if you're on the receiving end of someone else's vent/rant about something that's happened, know what, that's fine! Everyone needs to vent at times and you might be able to help that person a bit. But keep it in-house, between you and that person. Don't spread the gossip and rope others into drama that really isn't theirs to worry about, and really just serves to damage the server environment as a whole.

We're all adults, and I know that you all have the capacity to realize how negativity can spread in such a tight-knit community. Lets keep it positive! If you have problems, speak to the DM team or ONE of your friends about it, don't bottle it up, but please don't start gossip and rumors either. It doesn't do anyone any good in the long run.

I know a lot of people, myself included, have been using Skype or other out of game resources to get in contact with players. Groups are made, people talk a lot, schedule events, and come to know one another much more closely than they might have if they hadn't. These are good things.

But we need to be mindful that even these external resources affect the players in them. Mentalities, rumors, even misconceptions can spread from an out of game resource into in-game party chat, stigmas, and more. Please be mindful that what we say, even in outside resources, can impact the way we enjoy our game here.

I'm regularly available if there's any concerns. Please, please seek myself or anyone on the staff if you're concerned about these kinds of affairs.