[LoD]

Much of it will definitely fall down to preference.

Look at sports fans. The people they support all play the same game. Their players generally pursue the same endeavors, wear similar clothing, inhabit a similar environment, and play by a similar set of rules. Yet, many of them will argue to the point of riot and physical violence over the superiority of their "team" to that of another, espousing that the opposing "team" is garbage compared to their own.

MUDs are not so different. MUDs that classify themselves as RP-whatever generally have the propensity to soak up a lot of your time and, therefore, demand that you make a choice if you really want to get a good experience. And these are very personal choices. It's difficult enough for many people to debate instead of argue, and even harder still when personal feelings, pride, and passion enter the mix. We certainly all feel proud of the game we play -- otherwise, we would play somewhere else.

It would be nice to see more debates over the individual features and components of RP-whatever MUDs without being interrupted and overrun by people who cannot seem to keep an open mind. I enjoyed reading most of the responses to the discussion on permadeath as an element of a MUD. However, I believe the eventual degradation of most debates is as inevitable as that between two rival sports fans asked to discuss their favorite player.

-LoD