Xiris
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Posted - 2004.02.10 15:36:00 -
[1]
Wow! What an interesting thread this has been. It has really helped me understand some things that were bothering me about the whole EVE universe.
I like the idea of secure and non-secure space and the whole pirate/non-pirate dynamic. I like the fact that it is a big universe and all sorts of options are available to me to do pratically whatever I want.
And yet, I have been bothered by the same thing that began this post: is there no moral balance? I admit my perspective is as a person who in RL has worked and taught in the field of criminal justice for most of my career. I understand the dynamics of criminal behavior well. So from that persepctive I have these comments.
I have not been a pirate, so I cannot say whether it is easy or not. I do think it should not be. Crime is never easy, and criminals generally work harder than most people realize. But, hey, lots of people choose that path anyway, and this games allows for it, which is really cool.
Crime is an offense against all of society. There is usually a specific victim, as in this game, but the crime itself is an affront to the fabric of society itself. Hence, the criminal is, and should be shunned by all, hunted by all, caught and punished by all. One of the reasons crime is not easy is because the criminal has chosen to place themselves in opposition to everybody else.
EVE does not do this well. The comments herein about security ratings and ability to commit crime in supposedly secure space and still function freely seem to be well-made. Hector's point in the beginning reflected this, just from a different point of view. Where is "society" (CCP?) and when it will get involved in protecting it's members?
Like any citizen, if I go to the bad part of town (0.1-0.4) I expect to be extra careful because bad things happen. If I go to the totally lawless areas (0.0), I probably have it coming.
If, on the other hand, I am in the good part of town (0.5-1.0) I have a right to be shocked and appalled that bad things are happening and the government (CCP for sure) is not doing anything about it. Whether you call it morals or game balance, it is a valid point of view and a valid question for CCP to answer.
There is no shame in ignorance. But refusing enlightenment when it is freely offered? Well, that is just stupid |