letting off steam
Matthew said The Steam forums are bad. While it looks as though steam builds up within them, I see them as a neat escape valve for argumentative types to let off steam together. Debating on, arguing over, or complaining about games can be their own fun games themselves.
Another Matthew, economist Matt McCaffrey, has this tweet on a similar matter:
Part of it is consuming games versus "investing" in them. But also, for one group, games are the economic good, while for the other group, just as often it's the outrage itself that provides value.
Say you're a mere consumer. If the Steam forums' atmosphere is too hot to handle, where else could the info you need reside? Other parts of the Steam community like reviews, news, and guides might suit you better. Other parts of your Internet may have even better solutions that don't even touch Steam.
Recognizing complaining about complaining opens the door to change. What otherwise hidden technical info from contentious spaces like the Steam forums could you share elsewhere? The less people have to dig through "garbage" for it, the better.
Valve's allergy to moderation may hint at how containment spaces play an important role in maintaining overall network health. Allocate them wisely such that those best kept contained don't find the need to encroach elsewhere. Investors deserve dedicated spaces like consumers do. An accidental diaspora of either could amount to more than just a shame.
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