Disclaimer: Yes, in fact, this is a blog depicting an annoyance for those who consider themselves better than others while online. Do not read if not interested.

Remember the days of Warhammer and D&D? Remember a time of feeling out-casted and 'uncool'. Until my late teenage years the collecting of Magic cards and a following of Zelda was worthy of a back alley beating. The daily heckling from the jocks and in-crowd were considered a part of life and accepted by friends as a minor annoyance easily forgotten in the presence of more like-minded brethren. However, today's day and age brings gamers into a whole new light. The skills and talents required to be a serious competitor in the gaming world have finally proven to be strenuous and worthy of notice, therefore gamers have found a badge of honor they can proudly display. Congratulations. I applaud your hard work and dedication. However, what happened to the inclusiveness I once felt within the gaming community? There was a time when, rejected by all others, us outsiders could turn to gaming for friendship. I know it sounds cheesy and desperately lame, but it was once a reality. Together we would slip into our fantasy worlds and create life as we wished it to be. I grew up with way cool older brothers who rarely allowed for their precious consoles to be touched by annoying little sisters. When I had the opportunity, I snuck in some game play on our Sega with Sonic or Ecco, but mostly though I watched. I remember in 7th grade I received Aladdin on SNES for my birthday. However, my excitement was met with disappointment as my brothers beat the game before I had the chance and then let me in on game play leaving no opportunity for me to enjoy figuring things out on my own. Truly, I only bring this up as it sets the stage for my current gaming dilemma. In a nut-shell I am no good with games. I've watched for so long that I have become addicted to gaming, but when handed the controls I am a beginner. If I play, I play alone and on my own time. I don't share my experiences with others as I feel shunned by the gaming community when I ask advice or try to partake in conversations relating to gaming in general. I remember the first time this happened; I had posted regarding some advice on Knights of the Old Republic and was met with hostility and put-downs from those who had (seemingly) already completed the mission which I had inquired upon. I was shocked and confused. What had happened to those I remembered from my childhood? Those who felt the harshness of being shut-out by others who declared themselves better than oneself. I stood back and watched as those who once banded together in nerdiness became elitists. I find myself watching from the wings afraid to ask questions or state my opinion for the blow I anticipate receiving to my ego, and essentially my interest in this subculture, I know will most likely be devastating. I am as crude, fun-loving and enthusiastic as the next gamer, however with no credentials I am nothing in your eyes. This is saddening, however I mostly wonder where the nerds of my children's generation will go. Take this rant however you wish, but know that it it based mostly on the idea that we are all alike, and what used to hold us together was the fact that we all remembered this.

Lastly, why a girl can't be a raunchy as the boys and not be ganged up on for this I will never understand, but it has hurt my post-menstrual feelers.