Hacking is not evil

In my experience with the Guild of Writers, one thing that stands out most is the constant criticism of anyone who disagrees with hacking, or any level of hacking. To set the record straight, I love my Guild. Writing ages is one of my favorite hobbies. However, It is the belligerent attitude and complete lack of tolerance at times that often turns me off to the guild.

While claims have been made by the leaders of the guild that "We value freedom of expression", this obviously only applies to expression that conforms to their own opinions. Personally I'm not against hacking, that is not all hacking. Most hacking works for the benefit of the guild and even the community. It is when hackers begin to throw away all standards and do what they please with Cyan's work, without considering who they may be hurting that the problem arises.

Even the original Guild of Writers had standards. The Art was viewed as something sacred that should not be abused. In the words of the Watcher, "Writing of links is a gift to be cherished". However making Hex isle "ages" convertible and other such wanton actions performed simply for their own sake far from respects the creators of the games. Not only does it go completely against canon, it seems to have no apparent purpose but for the sake of making anything and everything possible.

As far as canon goes, many people claim that "canon is already dead so why bother?". Although there are cracks in continuity in URU from cyan, it has stayed for the most part intact. The only mistakes are fairly trivial and do not destroy the storyline or realism. Running around on cakes and swimming in cheese however destroys both storyline and realism. It's true if one does not want to visit such "ages" they do not have to and may change single player URU as they wish. The problem lies in the act itself, not in how many use it.

Now about "Cyan worshiping", respecting and wishing the best for a company that has made the games we all love is not worship, but rather common courtesy. Condemning Cyan and being a fan of Myst and URU is as contradictory as hating a theme park but enjoying all the rides.

Coming to the crux of the issue, it is obvious that most of us will never come to complete agreement in any or all of the areas debated on. However smearing people's reputation or making fun of their beliefs will obviously not make an opinion any more credible, but rather make it's owner look all the more immature and unable to have a civil conversation.

Phrases such as "HAXOR1NG IS K1LLING URU", not only makes fun of those who disagree with hacking, but also create a straw man of anyone who disagrees with any form of hacking. The poster of such phrases, and pictures of "Dr. Hax" show themselves to be exceedingly unintelligent, and being unable to come up with a valid point, would rather poke fun of and smear their opponent.

In conclusion, whether everyone agrees or not, resorting to cheap blows on people's character and smearing opposition is most definitely the wrong way to run a guild that claims to value freedom of expression. alienating fellow writers far from achieves the guild's goal of writing ages, and creates an environment of hostility where there should be hospitality.