It really wasn't worth it, was it? Finding out the in-joke, I mean.
As for your tactic, it might be more effective, but it also leads inevitably to comments like Ardmore's. That's kind of the cost of it, and referring to its efficacy doesn't really take the cost away, or dismiss his comment. If you don't like his comment... maybe try a different tactic that doesn't have that cost.
It actually doesn't lead inevitably to comments like Ardmore's. For one thing, inflammatory personal attacks such as name-calling are against the forum rules, although some individuals seem to feel that they're above these rules. Posting a completely off-topic insult is bad behavior, period.
For another, there is a certain substrata of abrasiveness on this forum. It would be lovely if the atmosphere around here were relaxed and friendly at all times, but alas, that's not the case. Unfortunately, I myself get caught up in this undercurrent from time to time, which is a character flaw, but let's not pretend that I'm the only one. I can construct a laundry list of posts directed towards myself that were abrasive, vaguely insulting, or condescending, when such was completely uncalled for.
Other than administrators and moderators, I consider other posters here to be equals. I don't need lecturing from anyone about OOC matters (such as this one) on the basis of their join date being listed as 2008 or earlier. Only in matters relating directly to the game itself will I defer to any other poster, period.
Finally, there was clearly a breakdown in communication on my part regarding the in-joke. It's sometimes difficult to distinguish tone on the Internet. I chose my words badly, because it's plain that they were interpreted as an insult to the person posting about loading guns with barrels, rather than deliberate obtuseness on my part. I would have thought that, at the very least, my follow-up comment would have made it clear that I was joking, but I was mistaken.
I'm not saying I don't make mistakes or that my behavior is always perfect. However, the appropriate reaction is to: 1.) report my post to a moderator, 2.) send me a PM with your concerns, or 3.) post in the thread with a reasonable response, rather than hurling insults or resorting immediately to condescension.
That is all.
