*hands Tek some Ass-Chap-Be-Gone*

 

Yeah, but I think what you're describing is more a quality of Internet fanboy-ness than Transfan-ness in particular. Go read the talkbacks at aintitcool.com sometime whenever Star Wars, The Matrix, or Lord of the Rings is mentioned. Yikes. Now granted, that's (almost) totally unmoderated, but perhaps it just shows you that much more clearly what people can be like when they're able to hide behind a keyboard. The ability to combine anonymity with maturity and social responsibility is a quality that many people lack, sadly.

 

That being said, I think that discussion and debate regarding Transformers can be a good thing, as long as all parties approach it with an open mind. I like the fact that we have a diversity of opinion here. I think it's cool. But of course, sometimes people aren't very good at explaining their viewpoints, and often resort to ad hominem attacks in order to "prove" themselves right. And for whatever reason, this usually seems to be accompanied by a general ignorance regarding the thing they're arguing against (e.g. someone ripping on a Transformers show that they've never seen). Again, I don't see this as a specifically Transfan-ish problem, but more of a general "people are stupid sometimes" problem.

 

Personally, I try to look beyond the tone with which someone conveys a message, and look at the message itself. Sometimes there's a valid point in there in the midst of all the ranting. Sometimes there isn't. And I try to respond to the message, not the tone. (I'm not always successful at this, but it's what I try to do.)

 

BTW I couldn't agree more about the potential for the TF movie. That's the real reason I'm excited about it. (I guess since the movie's more or less going to be G1-based, I have this inherent belief that it's going to be cheesy, just like all the G1-based TV shows have been.) But my goodness, if the movie does well.... just think of the possibilities for a new series & toy line. :thumb (Of course I'm hoping that they would continue the TF story arc that was begun with G1, but since the movie will have no trace of any "Beast-y-ness" in it, I don't know that they would envision any potential new TV series as a sequel to Beast Machines. meh)

Doesn't matter what flavor it is! It's for my ass! :P

 

I suppose, but there was a point that I came to expect more from the Transfan community. I'd seen the horrors of Star Wars and the like and... gah... it was ugly. The Transfans were a breath of fresh air and were bizarrely welcoming just when I was looking to jump ship from the internet trading communities almost entirely. Foreign or Domestic, I saw people coming together for the same thing and it was what kept me coming back.

 

Lately, I'm starting to see that slip a lot. Which is what prompted me to make this thread in the first place. Much as I "love" coming here to see flames and a polarized community; I'd rather be washing my mouth out with bleach than conversing with some of the people who come on here. I didn't realize that we'd groomed such snobs and jackasses. Most of them show up in other forums which is why I warmed up to this place so much, but we still have our fair share.

 

Debates are healthy and lead to a better general understanding of both sides and the franchise proper, but all too often we get the 'tards running about resorting to mudslinging as opposed to intelligent discussion and thusly there is no debate and only the spark of bitter disdain. I understand that it's only human and I have to admit that it's really easy to fall into the trap of "NO! Your mom!" as opposed to "I disagree, because of..." since such knee-jerk reactions are part of what it means to deal with emotions and humans in general. Maybe I expect too much from my peers for enlightened discussion and friendly, open debates on that which makes us a community... but is it really that much to ask? That's what pisses in my vinegar the most, that decency and loving your fellow fan is like asking some of these people to sow their buttocks together.

Doesn't matter what flavor it is! It's for my ass! :P

HAR! :D :D :D :D :D

 

Yeah, I hear you.

I agree completely. We're smack dab in the middle of the Golden Age of Transformers! New stuff keeps coming out, and yet G1 is not being swept under the rug and forgotten! All is well in Transformer-land, :tflaugh Anyone not able to find something for them right now doesn't need to be buying TF's. And personally, the TF drought in my area has just ended, so all the awesome Energon figures I'd been wanting since April and May are now happily in fighting poses on my desk! (Sharkticon looks sweet holding Doom-Lock's big orange sword!!)

I agree completly with Tekyu!! I have felt this way ever since joining the boards. Just be happy people. I mean, we wanted Decepticon Alts/Binals so quit complaining about which Autobot they "should have" been. I am loving the fact that I have a pretty constant flow of Trans "stuff" into the local stores.