The two forums have a completely different atmosphere, imho. I think some people tend to prefer AB, while others prefer AR. Because of that, I don't think the forums should be merged.
If they were merged, I wouldn't visit "The Forum" much at all, because the AB forum is just way too big, too busy, and has too many "strangers" for me to feel comfortable. For me, it's one thing to grow with a forum (my experience with AR), but it's another to join a forum right before its population explodes (my experience with AB). I'm just not comfortable with the latter, but I still care about Abandonians, and am glad when we get the occasional visit at AR.
Regarding the commercial-turned-freeware issue... I don't have a problem with commercial-turned-freeware being hosted on AB. Regarding the commercial-turned-freeware issue, my only problem was with the first time it came up - when it was possible that AR wouldn't be allowed to host commercial-turned-freeware. I debated many days to allow AR that privilege from Kosta, because I felt it would be beneficial to our growth as a site, and I would still fight for our ability to host commercial-turned-freeware if the possibility arose again that we may not be allowed to host those games. As such, I do understand why Abandonians feel so strongly about Kosta's decision that commercial-turned-freeware should go on AR only.
Even though I do understand why people are upset, I also strongly believe there is no reason to fight amongst ourselves over this. Kosta made the decision that all freeware should go on AR (most likely because the clear dividing line created by legal status), and until he changes his mind, that's what he wants to happen, and it's his call. However, even if an accidental freeware update occured at AB, I personally wouldn't start a witchhunt, and neither would the rest of the AR crew.
Most of all, I do wonder why there is all of this AB vs. AR posting. AFAIK, we don't post anti-AB post in either forum. However, I have noticed anti-AR posts on occasion. Not enough to really consider it abject hostility except from a couple of members, but enough that it's noticible.
Like it or not, AR is here to stay. We're a growing site, and we're starting to cultivate a lot of interest and support from the freeware game making community. If AR isn't your cup of tea, just don't go there.
However, if you are interested in seeing other AB sister sites in the future, I suggest that you treat your first sister with respect. We've worked incredibly hard to get where we are, regardless of the occasional negative attitude thrown our way from our "big brother", and even if we were an unassociated site, we would deserve respect for that. The way I see it, AR came from AB, and I personally respect AB just for that fact, not to mention everything else AB has done for the gaming community.
The bottom line is that it's okay to be unhappy with the situation, but it's not okay to attack us over this. Focus your energy on positive and productive courses of action that might actually result in a beneficial result instead.
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