Is the word "user" negative?

[sunshinenbrick]

I just want to bring to attention the trend I have noticed the past weekend and what has divided the community.

 

I feel it comes down to the fact that there is a view that there are mod creators and then there are.... USERS!

 

Now while I agree that some people just consume without regard, but then equally some create and never really play the game much and "use" mods.

 

My point is it is all more complex than this and perhaps we could find a way of relabelling the "user" in a more broader and considered sense.

 

EDIT: I think many fall in between the two. It is a hobby, we play, we experiment with modding our games and we offer help and support to both "parties" whenever we can.

 

Suggestions:

 

Member

Contributor

Promoter

Sponsor

Donator

 

 

Just a few. What does everyone think?

[Dark0ne]

• Mod users are typically classed as members who download mods, but don't make mods.
• Mod authors are typically classed as members who make mods (and likely use them too)

 

I don't really see the problem?

[sunshinenbrick]

My point is not every "user" just uses and disposes of mods like a hungry caterpillar, which many people seem to be suggesting.

[Legotrash]

You make a good point but personally I don't think it's the label's fault. I'm afraid it's the way some people use it. :/

You know what, I'll just say it: A few authors who want money use the label in a way to present others in a negative way which is simply wrong. Mod authors aren't the only contributors and that's a fact.

 

Give it some time. Modding will remain a hobby, they'll get tired and move on. When that will happen things will get better. :)

[McclaudEagle]

The ones you suggested could only be applied in limited ways. It has, for as long as I can remember, always been 'mod authors' and 'mod users', and I don't see any problem with that.

 

Member - Too broad, as everyone on here is a member, so you'd be lumping everyone into the same category.

Contributor - No one except those who make the mod or test it are generally contributing; they're downloading and using it.

Promoter - Can only really be used by those who endorse or write reviews for a mod.

Sponsor - Not really sure what criteria this would come under.

Donator - Could only really be used by people that have actually donated assets or time to the mod, or money to the author.

 

Really and truly, I can't think of a reason to change what has already been around for so long without problems.

[Lisnpuppy]

Not to mention we would not be able to police such a broad-base word connotation nor would we want to do so.

 

Most people do not look at the term in such a negative way and many on this site have their mother tongue as a something other than English. As such the possible negativity would perhaps not even be an issue.

 

I at least, would be far more concerned with all the post around the word "user" than with the possible connotation of the word itself.

[sunshinenbrick]

Perhaps having three "tiers" then? Contribute enough and you become a "Contributor".

 

I mod a lot and mess around with everything I can manage and have the time and skill to do, but I do not consider myself an "author", nor do I like the connotations many people apply to the word "user"

 

I do not just use mods with no regard for what goes into them, even if there is a minority who do. One does not become an author overnight

 

Do authors not use tools to create their mods? And I can believe some more casual authors do actually use other people's mods in their games when they play them.

[sunshinenbrick]

Not to mention we would not be able to police such a broad-base word connotation nor would we want to do so.

 

Most people do not look at the term in such a negative way and many on this site have their mother tongue as a something other than English. As such the possible negativity would perhaps not even be an issue.

 

I at least, would be far more concerned with all the post around the word "user" than with the possible connotation of the word itself.

 

Then one needs to police the posts, and people should have a choice and and chance to give their opinion. If its disagreed with then that opens discussion which may help either side think of things in a different light.

 

If I have learnt anything this weekend it would be that.

[Oubliette]

:huh:

 

I've been around a long long time and calling mod users exactly that is nothing new. I've been far more annoyed with the new trend for people who only use mods to call themselves modders a term that used to be reserved only for mod authors. But I've learned to let it go, there are far better battles to fight than that one.

 

As a long time mod user, author of absolutely nothing I've bothered sharing (mods only I do share my books :sweat: ) and occasional, mostly forgotten, contributor to projects now and again I've got no problem with the term mod user.

Edited April 28, 2015 by Oubliette

[sunshinenbrick]

Well from what I've seen the past two days it looks like there is a real rift appearing, so I guess I would say I see your point but do not totally agree with it.

 

Suppose that is why it's important to have these discussions.