Positive Reinforcement

[NonSequitor]

Last night I was tooling about in a certain corner of Sirius in my BH persona. I was following some leads concerning the whereabouts of some miscreants, both of which have hefty bounties on their heads. Apparently another bounty hunter was in the area as well, attempting to hook up with the local lawful authorities. One particular authority's reply was succinct and biting, something to the tune of "We don't need your capwhoring help."

As I was eating my breakfast this morning, this episode came to mind. That lawful faction pilot could have given a much more rp answer and at the same time help the other player gain a stronger understanding of server rp. For example: "Sorry sir, the costs of this operation must be kept to a minimum. We simply can't afford to hire your services. Now, if you were commanding a gunboat or smaller, we could come to an understanding." Or something less wordy. Even a simple "Sorry, not interested, you need a smaller ship" would be a move in a better direction.

Positive reinforcement does work, albeit in many cases slowly. Insulting people may be mildly satisfying in the short run, but in the long run it may make server rp more difficult to learn and accept. What do you respond to better, the stick or the carrot? What do you listen to most willingly, snarky, self-righteous snippets of wisdom or the thoughtful council of a friend?

*Stumbles off soapbox, dislocates right shoulder*