Beware of Ranks!
Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:06 pm
Hi guys. I have a particular philosophy about rated games and rankings in general. Because AOE3 is a game--and games are, according to the dictionary, "activities engaged in primarily for amusement or diversion"--I recoil from the ranking system. I am reading a book about power and discipline at the moment, and I am confirmed in my thinking about ranks: "...Distribution according to rank (or grade) has a double role: it marks the gaps, hierarchizes qualities and aptitudes AND punishes and rewards...Discipline rewards simply by the play of awards, thus making it possible to attain higher ranks and places...Rank in itself serves as a reward or punishment."
How often, after a rated game, have you felt "punished" if your rank declines? On the other hand, have you felt "rewarded" if your rank improves? I know I have felt this way, and then I remember "this is a game" and I wonder why I let myself have these negative emotions. Since joining N30, on the other hand, I have largely escaped the rank business, and I am enjoying AOE3 as I never have before for what it truly is: an activity I engage in for amusement and fun! Sure, I'll play a rated with my buddies once in a while, but in case you ever wonder why I play mostly unrated, it's based in principle :-P Just thought I would share that you with you all.
How often, after a rated game, have you felt "punished" if your rank declines? On the other hand, have you felt "rewarded" if your rank improves? I know I have felt this way, and then I remember "this is a game" and I wonder why I let myself have these negative emotions. Since joining N30, on the other hand, I have largely escaped the rank business, and I am enjoying AOE3 as I never have before for what it truly is: an activity I engage in for amusement and fun! Sure, I'll play a rated with my buddies once in a while, but in case you ever wonder why I play mostly unrated, it's based in principle :-P Just thought I would share that you with you all.