Slings and Arrows
A Guide to rec.arts.int-fiction for Aspiring IF System Creators

     I assume that you are either creating, or thinking of creating, a
new Interactive Fiction system or language.  If so, welcome!  Writing
your own IF system is a rewarding experience.

You might be considering posting to rec.arts.int-fiction to ask
questions or to get advice on your new IF system.  Unfortunately,
people who post about this subject tend to receive negative feedback.
This guide is intended to help you deal with the negativity you will
receive.

10 reasons why people post negative things
------------------------------------------

a. Some people like being negative.
b. Some people don't like others to succeed.
c. Some people don't like change.
d. Some people have a stake in the existing IF systems and don't want
   to see a successful new system.
e. Some people think that a new system will negatively affect the IF
   community.
f. Some people have built an expertise around the existing IF systems
   and fear a loss in status if a new system were to gain popularity.
g. Some people fear having to learn a new system.
h. Some people think that writing IF is a more worthy task than
   creating IF systems.
i. Some people think that rec.arts.int-fiction is for discussions of
   writing IF only.
j. Some people don't like newcomers to the community.

Negative things that people will say to discourage you
------------------------------------------------------

"The features you want in your new system are already available in
existing systems".  (Fallacy: The only reason to create a new system
is to implement features not found in existing systems.  Fallacy: The
only worthwhile new system is one which is fundamentally different
than existing systems.  Fallacy: The only reason to create a new
system is because the existing systems are deficient in some way.)

"Games produced with new systems are crappier."  (Fallacy: The only
reason to create a new system is to create a better system than those
already existing.  Fallacy: Crappy games hurt the IF community.
Fallacy: Artists create art only so others can enjoy it.)

"We're not being negative or trying to discourage you-- we're just
being realistic." (Beware: Some people disguise their negativity as
helpful or neutral advice.)

"The consensus is that you shouldn't do it." (Fallacy: The experts are
always right.  Fallacy: If everone believes something, then it is so.)

"Everyone who has said that they were going to create a new IF system
has failed."  (Fallacy: It is better to not try than it is to fail.
Fallacy: It is better to succeed at something else than it is to fail
at something you do want to do.)

"We are experts in this field, so you should listen to us."  (Fallacy:
The opinions given by experts are always accurate and neutral.)

"Your system will not be popular."  (Fallacy: The only reason to
create a new system is to have it replace other systems or to have
many people use it.)

"Instead of making your own system, you should help work on the
existing systems." (Fallacy: Ignoring existing systems and creating a
new one is a selfish act.)

"You should spend time writing IF instead."  (Fallacy: Writing IF is a
more worthwhile activity than creating IF systems.  Fallacy:
rec.arts.int-fiction is for IF writers, not IF system developers.)

"There is no commercial market for IF." (Fallacy: The only reason to
create a new system is to make money.  Fallacy: There is no commercial
market for IF.)
 
"You should look at the other systems before creating your own." 
(Fallacy: It is necessary to know existing art before creating new
art. Fallacy: Only people knowledgeable about IF systems should create
an IF system.  Fallacy: Only established members of the IF community
should create new systems.  Beware: This is used as a barrier-to-entry
tactic.)

"People will refuse to use a system that {uses language X, uses
license Y}".  (Fallacy: The only reason to create a new system is to
have it replace other systems and to have many people use it.)

"Why re-create the wheel?"  (Fallacy: Re-creating the wheel is a waste
of time with no benefits.)

"Everyone is happy with the existing systems."  (Fallacy: Everyone is
happy with the existing systems.)

Advice
------

 - You should always feel free to post your opinions about game system
 design theory.  However, if you post before you have published your
 system (or at least a rudimentary version of it), expect the slings
 and arrows to start.  However, to re-iterate, discussion of IF system
 design theory is a valid topic of discussion even if you never intend
 to create a new system.

 - If you post about a not-yet-developed system, try not to mention
 what features you expect it will have.  People tend to view these
 posts as being boastful and/or hype.

 - If you have opinions about existing game systems, in comparison to
 your own system, try not to mention them.  Conversely, try not to
 mention features of your new system that might be misconstrued as
 criticisms of the features of existing systems.

 - You probably have several reasons for wanting to create a new
 system.  However, try not to reveal these reasons except for the ones
 that will be difficult for other people to criticize.  Examples of
 these safe reaons are: Because I want to.  Because it's fun.  Because
 I want to learn language X.  Because I want a system licensed under
 license Y.

 - The amount of discouragement you receive may be great.  Try to
 avoid getting sucked into overly-long discussions with these negative
 people to the point that it takes time away from your IF system
 development.  Try to ignore the slings and arrows directed to you.

 - Realize that it is a minority of people who will respond to your
 posts.  Unfortunately, it is likely that most of these responses will
 be negative.  Please keep in mind that the majority of people
 actually do want you to succeed.