I think that when someone new arrives, they are generally not treated harshly at first, but either given tips or just told nicely to read the instructions. "Someone new" meaning someone with a new IP, or even someone with a common IP (aol, webtv) using a new name. Sometimes this works and new team players are formed.
But when they start to make the same types of plays repeatedly, without acknowledging that anything is being said to them, the yelling begins. Sometimes, it's just a case of the person not realizing there's any chat in the first place, but there are definitely some players who mess up games for fun. I don't really experience this anymore since I mainly play alone, but I'm sure it's exceptionally frustrating to see a potential 1200-point game (or 300+ point word, or whatever) go up in smoke.
Talking to the other players does help -- if you look at the archives, there are far more games over 1000 points nowadays then there were two years ago. Mostly because of newer players who were taught the "better" way to play.
Bottom line though... some people just need to lighten up. Being called a moron in an online game isn't nice, but it isn't the worst thing in the world either. Learn to play a little better, and the insults will likely stop and be replaced by compliments. :-) |