I'm posting these observations in an attempt to get a discussion going on online conduct. Here are a few bullet points to get the ball rolling.
1) There is no standard number of games you should expect to get when you challenge someone
I see this kind of rhetoric where people feel that you owe them a certain number of games. Of course, this is crazy and completely false. This magic number is imaginary and is never communicated beforehand. If you don't reach that number, the other player will then make judgements about you and your game play. Generally speaking, a FT5 or FT10 is expected. Reasons for this NOT happening are many:
- Your connection to the other player is garbage and it's just not worth it to continue
- Your skill level far exceeds your opponents and it's just not fun or value added to continue
- Their skill level far exceeds your own and it's just not fun or value added to continue without going into the lab to understand a certain tactic or setup
- One of your fellow clan members or person on your FL challenges you and you'd rather play them
- Something in your real life needs attending to and you've got to go
Just to summarize, you don't owe anybody anything. It's your game - play it how you want.
2) Give your opponent the benefit of the doubt if you get the "game session is no longer available" message
In the online world I find that people are quick to think the worst of eachother. There is a big difference between "your opponent has left the game" (rage quitting) and "game session is no longer available" (disconnecting). While sometimes it can look VERY suspicious (eg, just as you are about to win), more often then not there is a legit reason for the disconnection. It's not a good look to roll around the planet earth thinking that everyone who disconnects from you is a frightened scrub who can't stand losing. Think better of your community.
3) Saying "ggs" is nice, but not necessary
There's really no reason not to send a "ggs" message after a great set. However, not receiving one doesn't necessarily mean that you are being disrespected or that your opponent is too salty to play nice. They could have jumped right into the next game or left to take a piss. Don't assume the worst of people.
That's it for now. I'll add to this if I think of anything else.