Out of the loop. Why did b4nny even say that to begin with? What was the incident he was responding to?

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Engineering firm in the Netherlands: http://www.differ.nl/

I use mibbit too. :3

This is really insightful. I've thought a fair bit about that balance between skill and compatible personalities before. It's interesting to see it in someone else's words.

And then there's this kind of thing. I wouldn't want anyone to see shit talk emanating from my team and be like, "Yeah, what a bunch of shitters. Wouldn't want to play with or against them, really." Ya knooww?

Nonetheless, I think I will probably rescind my hard and fast rule and just call my dudes out when/if they take it too far.

So, it comes at the expense of the other team? Does that make people wanna play you less?

This seems to be a common theme in the responses. Where do you think that line is? It seems like lots of people have different interpretations of when something's all in good fun and when the person's just an asshole.

As a team leader, I've always had certain policies in place in terms of how my players behave. It doesn't matter what they do: we don't throw, and we don't talk shit to the other team. I see it as a way to keep us focused on the game instead of petty shit and to show respect/good sportsmanship. Overall, I've had positive responses to this, both on my team and from other team leaders.

Recently, though, a tryout really didn't like the rule, saying that shit talking 1) isn't serious most of the time 2) boosts morale 3) is ubiquitous anyway, so no point fighting it.

I suppose I wanted to get a broader sample of how people feel about the place of shit talk in comp. Love it? Hate it? Why?

This will probably get the least traction of anything I'll ever post on this site, and I don't really wanna bump this thread, but I thought someone should say it.

It bothers me that something like trying to invalidate the identities of trans people you call out *by name* is viewed as being on the same level as trash talk. Make fun of peoples' aliases, sure. Tell me I'm awful at medic--whether it's true or not.

People will dislike you, but the other thing is just on another level and is a big part of what takes this post from a weak joke to something really detestable, imo.

This so much.

I totally agree that it's gonna be pretty personal. Like, music works for some people, but I find it completely distracting and never use it while playing, except when doing something semi-mindless like jump maps.

I've personally come to view the ability to stay cool as just another skill that you can develop in this game. I used to knowingly let my composure go in less serious practice settings, e.g., I would get annoyed and check out when playing lobbies/pugs with people I perceived as less competent. Later, I realized that those mental habits have a way of creeping into your more serious play, not to mention deflecting your attention from what you yourself could be doing better, so I've tried to use those 'bad games' as opportunities to get better at staying focused on the objective.

I knew a dude who ran marathons, and one of the things he said about it was that you shouldn't change anything up on the day of the race. Even if you just got a pair of better shoes, if they're not the ones you're used to, it will likely work to your detriment. I guess the analogy is that you should probably do what you're used to on match days and not try some wacky new thing to relax. To me, anything "special" heightens the feeling that it's this big, separate event from what you've practiced, which can contribute to nervousness.

Another thing I have found to be hugely important is finding the right teammates. While you should definitely take responsibility for your own reactions to things, it can get really difficult if the people around you are unsupportive. I've had a couple of teammates who will actively deride me and our other players when things don't go their way, and it saps everyone's focus. Find people who treat others the same when they're losing as when they're winning, and try to be that person too.

I'm still working on all of this stuff. Thanks for this thread. :3

Feces is in the perfect spot right now to learn a ton really quickly with the right team! She's super pleasant and fun on comms and will brighten up any mumble.

Deserves some nice low-mid gamers who won't bait her. :3

Turns out that we will be needing a demo as well. My girl Kitten has been our loyal damage distributor for two seasons, but she needs to step away from comp, at least for now.

Such a great dude. Would take him on my team in an instant if we were high open.

Really cryptie is my fave tho

Yo, we are in need of a pocket for open S20. It'll be our first season in open, but we've been scrimming irc throughout this past season in UGC, and we stack up right around mid for now. Open experience is optimal, of course, but mainly I need someone with a good head on their shoulders. Someone who can get sweaty without getting salty and who will focus hard on improving with the team/as an individual.

If you're just looking for a mumble channel with your name on it to chill in with your badass skills, we also could use a couple all- or most-class subs. :)

Scrims Sun-Thurs

Scouts: Zacice, Percy
Roamer: Raphiam
Pocket: Morin
Demo: Orbit
Medic: Differ
Backups: KutchKutch, Smarty, you?

Reach me here: http://steamcommunity.com/id/differ-del
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Edit: Yo, just because I don't require you to have open experience doesn't mean I will try people with no comp experience at all. Please take that into consideration before adding. Thanks. :3
Another edit: We are now also looking for a demo.
Another another edit: Found our demo and our pocket. Might need a roamer?
LAST EDIT: Calling all backups! We especially need backups who can do demo and/or scout!

This has now been fixed.

What kind of code is this? I'm trying to figure out how to make the names left justify.