As I stated before.. everyone is entitled to their
own opinion, none of which can be stated as
fact. The way you see something, isn't necessarily a view that would be shared by all. Your view, stems from that of being a staff member.. where, you are expected to some degree, to not have any issues with the shard. While us players, have every right, to expect more or less. I'm not debating the intentions of Excelsior, if it was anything less than what I thought it to be, I certainly would not be here.
I wouldn't quite use the terminology "taking advantage of", when it comes to us players being here on Excelsior. You, along with the rest of the staff team, have designed and orchestrated virtually one of the
best servers available today. This is a
free service, so in no way, can this shard ever truly be taken "advantage of". It is an "opportunity" as you partially described it.
Once again, you misinterpret what I stated.. I never said that Excelsior would fall should every player leave. Heck, there are easily a dozen or so shards out there
now that have just their staff team enjoying the "creation process". I'm merely saying, that Excelsior would not be where it is
today if it were not for dedicated players, and those who have donated, such as myself. Much like you, I'd enjoy the company of a few good friends.. but for myself, I'd enjoy that company of a few good friends, over that of a hundred morons.
As far as the codex goes.. I don't see where this ties in with the subject really. Unless you're making reference to my remark about "fear of having opinions". There may be a codex set in place here, or on any other shard.. but the one thing an owner/staffer can never do, and
shouldn't do, is take away the God given right of an opinion. Which is simply what I've demonstrated in this thread. To
me, despite how Excelsior is run, I see it as a
democracy, whereas you.. see it as a dictatorship. That is the beauty of life, as well as gaming.. one's right to have an opinion, and a hearty discussion.. without fear of reprisal..
I do like your ironic referral to Excelsior being a charity service. You mentioned you do this out of the kindness of your heart.. me, personally.. when staffing, I do it because I
love to.. not because I feel I need to, or to be "charitable".. But see, that's just another example of one's opinions.
Your reply, so far hasn't really covered my actual point; and that is, our opinions (the players), are what matters here. Staff can call it a dictatorship, but that typically comes from those who are all about the
power that comes with staff.. and
that is not only the dictatorship you speak of.. but it's also a "scare tactic".