Quote Originally Posted by Ayrolen View Post
Exactly. That's not the kind of reputation I ever want this community to have.
I can't remember if it's in this thread or one on a completely different site, but someone said that the players who remain in this game are what Turbine needs to fuel their business model, even if they don't spend money on the game. Having a high population is itself a draw for new players. Because of that, this post goes on to say, the players who remain in the game deserve the garbage that Turbine will throw at them.

I beg to differ on that. It goes along with what Ayrolen says about the kind of reputation the community has. In an earlier post, I said this setting for the game was a treasure to find. Others have said it well, too-- a living, breathing Middle Earth. I'm willing to dig through the garbage to find that gem, to keep this game as a name above other MMOs. The company once was proud of their presentation-- they've created a beautiful setting that goes well with the story. I'm hoping and guessing there still is pride in the work; maybe not from the corporate execs-- it's apparent they could care less about the game than as a dollar figure; but I think the designers and developers still take pride in their created world. I'm sure their questions to the devs when new ideas are presented aren't along the lines of how long will it take, but are more directed to how much will it cost, and that can be disheartening. I'm hoping the devs take heart at what they read in here; I guess, too, at the same time I'm hoping they do read this forum. I'd think they do, even if it's at home after work or before they go to bed at night. The treasure of the game is still there, buried in garbage right now, but still there nonetheless.

Turbine has changed their stated corporate stance about selling stat gear in the store. They can change that stance again. If the player community stands strong in its own belief that a wrong step needs to be righted, there's a chance it can be. Folks, dig through the garbage.