Just for the record I'm a mod of three different forums of varying size and this is by far the most permissive site in terms of content discussion and issues. Blue is extremely patient and tends to err on the side of discussion but there are limits.

This topic is a good example on why sometimes, maybe even Blues needs to be content moderated

Disagree. I think it's important to always be reminded of how unhinged and irrational some people's opinions are. And Blues IS moderated. Verno deleted the worst of his bigotry. It is just much less strictly moderated here versus elsewhere. Completely not allowing him to have his say however is a bridge too far for me.

Sgt. Rock wrote on Jun 5, 2023, 09:12:
They get their "news" from Facebook and Twitter.

Unfortunately, this describes far too many people.

SabreT wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 11:27:
ja nee, tiepies

This explains it (it's Dutch). This is what we call in the Netherlands a "wappie" or crazy person in English.

They get their "news" from Facebook and Twitter.

So you can pretty much ignore what he/she/they/them says.

eRe4s3r wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 12:33:
This topic is a good example on why sometimes, maybe even Blues needs to be content moderated

Nah, I think it's better to just leave things as they are with people having different opinions on heated subjects.

I like seeing both sides of the medal, it's a good read. Besides, this thread will die in a few days by its own.

BigVlad wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 16:56:

SabreT wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 11:10:
"social constructs" what ?

You are the one thinking social constructs trump NATURE... The law of the world.

Ahh, the "natural law" argument. Just about any atrocity can be justified by deferring to "natural law".

The irony is that gender fluidity of all kinds is natural law thanks to sexual reproduction and genetic mutation.

Prez wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 15:44:

Seems it also knows you're cocky

It might have been right there, but it totally screwed up in assuming I was a Quake champion. The only tournament I ever entered I lost in the first round 24 frags to 1. The only reason I even got one was complete luck. Take that fake news!

EDIT: Also, isn't using a mod in a tournament cheating?!? I KNEW fake Prez couldn't lose in a fair fight!!

ChatGPT is well known to hallucinate. And apparently that can't be fixed.

SabreT wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 11:02:
Something that requires surgery to exist = not normal

Then, by that rationale, humanity is abnormal since most of us do require surgery to exist. Whether that be cardiac surgery, surgery to repair broken bones or damaged organs caused by an automobile accident (for example), cancer treatment, gallbladder removal, PCOD treatment, spinal repair, rotator cuff repair, muscle reattachment...need I go on?

Let's be really clear about this: you are a bigot. You are a particularly closed minded and uneducated one at that. Not attacking you, merely making an educated observation based on what you have posted in this thread alone.

I am probably the crankiest old bastard on this site now. Lots of shit should bother me. Most doesn't. Is having same sex romance options in RPGs shoving "a media agenda down my throat"? Nope. It just acknowledges that some people have different sexual interests than I do. By the way, it should be pointed out that homosexuality was also classified as an aberrant psychological disorder at one point, too. Guess what? It was removed because it isn't. Compare the DSM I, II, III, and even parts of IV to modern clinical diagnosis and you'll realize we got a lot of things wrong in the past.

Me, personally, I want my brothers and sisters to have a seat at the table. Be they CIS, non-binary, queer, trans, or whatever label they choose to identify with and/or as. The only people I don't want at my table are those that would deny the existence of others or the dignity and human rights they deserve. At the end of the day, we all want the same things. We want the freedom to be ourselves, to pursue meaningful happiness, and be secure in our existence. It is up to neither you nor I to stand in the way of it. If we have any sort of ethics, we feel obligated to help those who have been denied the very things we enjoy.

Let me tell you a story. When I was younger, I used to be transphobic. Trans folk creeped me right the fuck out. They were alien to me and I automatically "othered" them. That was terribly wrong of me. I tackled that by making an unlikely friend. A trans woman. She was a friend of a friend. I was upfront about my discomfort but explained that she didn't owe me a single damn thing just to exist. However, I wanted to know more because I don't like fear and I don't like not knowing. It was tentative at first but I remained polite and respectful. I learned a great deal and, over the years, we built a damned tight bond. I love her to death. She's been to my house and ate at my table many, many times. Best damn thing I did was to tackle my own problems, not project them out on to someone whose life was exponentially harder than my own simply because she had the audacity to be.

You're projecting your fear. Stop. Own your fear and address it. Other folks existing, and wanting to be acknowledged for existing, doesn't harm you or anyone you love and care about. Acknowledge they exist and give them the space in your life to do so. This is not a difficult task. And the whole "children" dog whistle is just pathetic and sad. Children are the most accepting demographic humanity has to offer. They have to be taught to "other" different people because they don't do it inherently.

SabreT wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 10:34:
Why the hell should it be acknowledged in a game where you shoot people in the face ?

Why not? Since you are OK with them shooting each other in the face, then it is clear you understand that video games have no behavioral influence over 'children'. Otherwise, shouldn't we remove all the violence before they do those things in real life?

SabreT wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 10:34:
The children playing the game sure as hell are not asking for it...

Oh? What are they asking for and should we answer to the demands of 'children' anyway?

SabreT wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 11:10:
"social constructs" what ?

You are the one thinking social constructs trump NATURE... The law of the world.

Ahh, the "natural law" argument. Just about any atrocity can be justified by deferring to "natural law".

SabreT wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 10:14:
Since when does shoving peoples private sexual preferences in children's faces not deserve concern ?

SabreT, I read all of your posts in this thread, but I'll just respond to this first one here. You appear to have an unhealthy obsession with other people's children's genitals. What do you do for a living? Do you have hobbies? Is one of those hobbies playing Overwatch 2? If it is not... then coming here and joining these discussions seems to have been motivated by your obsession. I'm not sure this is the healthiest outlet for your trans fantasies. Because let's be real, everything that has come out of your mouth is fantasy. You may want to spend more time understanding the topic before you go all Dunning-Kruger in a public forum.

Prez wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 15:44:

Seems it also knows you're cocky

It might have been right there, but it totally screwed up in assuming I was a Quake champion. The only tournament I ever entered I lost in the first round 24 frags to 1. The only reason I even got one was complete luck. Take that fake news!

EDIT: Also, isn't using a mod in a tournament cheating?!? I KNEW fake Prez couldn't lose in a fair fight!!

Oh god, I spawn camped and I cheated.
ChatGPT really has it out for me.

Seems it also knows you're cocky

It might have been right there, but it totally screwed up in assuming I was a Quake champion. The only tournament I ever entered I lost in the first round 24 frags to 1. The only reason I even got one was complete luck. Take that fake news!

EDIT: Also, isn't using a mod in a tournament cheating?!? I KNEW fake Prez couldn't lose in a fair fight!!

This comment was edited on Jun 1, 2023, 15:56.

Prez wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 15:29:

Actually, that's a good idea. Let's see if ChatGPT can help me ship you guys in some fanfic.

Prez and Verno

Who says ai can't write compelling fiction!! Although it is getting a bit eerie how it keeps guessing correctly. Last time it accurately guessed I was moving to New Jersey. Now it somehow knew I was a guitarist for 40 years! Please don't let it expose any more facts about me - this could get embarrassing...

Let's see what else it can make true:

Here is a story I wrote for you:

Beamer was nervous as he entered the arena. He had been practicing for months, honing his skills in Quake, the popular first-person shooter game. He had qualified for the final round of the tournament, where he would face Prez, the reigning champion and his arch-rival.

Prez was confident and cocky. He had won every tournament he had entered, and he was not about to lose his title. He smirked as he saw Beamer, who looked pale and shaky. He taunted him, saying he was wasting his time and that he should just forfeit.

Beamer ignored him and focused on his game. He knew Prez was a formidable opponent, but he also knew he had a chance. He had studied Prez's moves and strategies, and he had a secret weapon: a new mod that gave him an edge in speed and accuracy.

The game began, and the two players dashed around the map, shooting rockets, grenades, and plasma bolts at each other. Prez took an early lead, scoring several frags with his superior aim and reflexes. Beamer struggled to keep up, dodging and weaving to avoid Prez's attacks.

But Beamer did not give up. He used his mod to find shortcuts and hidden spots on the map, where he could ambush Prez or escape from him. He also used his mod to adjust his crosshair and sensitivity, making his shots more precise and deadly.

Gradually, Beamer closed the gap between them. He scored some impressive frags, surprising Prez with his speed and skill. He also managed to grab some power-ups and weapons that gave him an advantage over Prez.

The game reached its climax, with only one minute left on the clock. The score was tied at 49-49, and both players needed one more frag to win. They spotted each other across the map, and fired their rockets simultaneously.

The rockets collided in mid-air, creating a huge explosion that engulfed both players. They both died, but Beamer respawned a fraction of a second before Prez. He quickly grabbed a railgun and aimed at Prez's spawn point.

He pulled the trigger just as Prez appeared on the screen. The railgun beam pierced through Prez's head, killing him instantly. Beamer had won the game by a hair's breadth.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Beamer jumped up from his seat and pumped his fist in the air. He had done it. He had beaten Prez and won the tournament.

He walked over to the stage, where the host handed him a trophy and a key. The key was for a brand new Ferrari, the grand prize of the tournament. Beamer smiled as he held the key in his hand. He had always dreamed of owning a Ferrari.

He looked at Prez, who was staring at him with disbelief and anger. He felt a surge of satisfaction and pride. He had proven himself to be the best Quake player in the world.

He said to Prez: "Better luck next time."

Seems it also knows you're cocky.
Also, it made me win by camping, basically. Ugh.

Actually, that's a good idea. Let's see if ChatGPT can help me ship you guys in some fanfic.

Prez and Verno

Who says ai can't write compelling fiction!! Although it is getting a bit eerie how it keeps guessing correctly. Last time it accurately guessed I was moving to New Jersey. Now it somehow knew I was a guitarist for 40 years! Please don't let it expose any more facts about me - this could get embarrassing...

Verno wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 13:30:

Prez wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 11:46:
Maybe I've been alone too long but I'm being slightly turned on by Verno right now... 😁

Nothing but love buddy, hope you're doing well and great to see you more active lately.

Awesome to see you too friend. I'm keeping my mind as sharp as I can through Bluesnews 😁

Bodolza wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 14:17:

SabreT wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 10:47:
0.1% of the world is trans...
That's just 8 million people in the WORLD

You (and lots of other people in this discussion) are conflating transgender and transexual. The percentage of transgender individuals in the US is around 0.6%. For those under 17 (which would be the target demographic here), it's around 1.4%. That's roughly the percentage of Americans that are Native American.

Which, if we're honest, how dare they make Tommy from Prey Native American! Shoving his nativeness down our throats!

SabreT wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 10:47:
0.1% of the world is trans...
That's just 8 million people in the WORLD

You (and lots of other people in this discussion) are conflating transgender and transexual. The percentage of transgender individuals in the US is around 0.6%. For those under 17 (which would be the target demographic here), it's around 1.4%. That's roughly the percentage of Americans that are Native American.

Prez wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 11:46:
Maybe I've been alone too long but I'm being slightly turned on by Verno right now... 😁

Nothing but love buddy, hope you're doing well and great to see you more active lately.

Prez wrote on Jun 1, 2023, 11:46:
Maybe I've been alone too long but I'm being slightly turned on by Verno right now... 😁

First, it happens to the best of us.
Second, why are you forcing your sexuality down our throats? This is a video game messageboard, not a fanfic romance messageboard!

Actually, that's a good idea. Let's see if ChatGPT can help me ship you guys in some fanfic.

Prez and Verno

Prez had always liked Verno, but he never thought of him as more than a friend. They had met in college, where they shared a dorm room and a passion for music. They formed a band together, along with two other guys, and played at various gigs around campus. They had a lot of fun, but Prez never felt anything romantic for Verno.

That changed one night, when they were rehearsing for an upcoming show. Verno was singing lead vocals, and Prez was playing guitar. As he watched Verno perform, Prez felt something stir in his chest. He noticed how Verno’s eyes sparkled when he sang, how his lips curved into a smile, how his hair fell over his forehead. He felt a sudden urge to touch him, to kiss him, to tell him how he felt.

He shook his head, trying to clear his mind. He couldn’t be in love with Verno. He was straight, or at least he thought he was. He had dated girls before, and he liked them. He had never been attracted to a guy before. Maybe it was just a phase, or a crush, or a weird hormonal thing. He decided to ignore it and focus on the music.

But he couldn’t ignore it for long. The more he spent time with Verno, the more he realized how much he liked him. He liked his sense of humor

It started to get steamy after that, and ended up hitting a guiderail and telling me it couldn't finish.
I would absolutely see a Prez and Verno band.

Also, please, I know this could be offensive, but I think the two involved would agree this is in dumb fun. I'm happy to take it down if not. And I find it interesting that I didn't specify the genders, just said "write me a short story about a person named Prez realizing he's in love with a person named Verno."