Subject: A Final Thought on Cheating Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 14:27:59 PDT From: "Bill Brown" To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com [Issue:Cheating] We fight hunger, disease, and injustice and guess what it still exists, cheating is no different. We can't change people, actually I don't believe they can even change themselves. There is a misconception that they cheat to win money, thats not even close to the truth, they cheat because of a moral and character defect. For example the Long incident, he was 11-0 why would he cheat when it was not needed, because he can't help it anymore. Good people always talk about the tough decision it would be if they found say a million dollars, its the little decisions that define us. People who cheat, steal etc. can't turn it off and on because its not a choice, its a habit perhaps even a characteristic. Its sad that public shame and humiliation are no longer used perhaps it could teach a lesson. I think if anyone warned or disqualified had to wear some sort of "scarlet letter" it would help diminish the allure of cheating. I know some revel in their ability to pull the wool over others but when someone looks at you and you are identified as "morally lacking", it would sting, no one likes being judged. So what if Mike Long can laugh all the way to the bank thats a steep price for character. I can't think of anything more insufferable than to have my friends and family shun me for my poor character. Perhaps if local shops started really enforcing "good sportsmanship" and fair play things would change. Split prizes for winning with the "best sport" and you will see a rapid change in gameplay. The irony is its much more difficult to be a good sport than to win. You can't copy someone elses personality as easily as their deck. Everyone wants to blame Wizards and the DCI but this whole problem could be nipped in the bud by local tourneys enforcing new standards. Stop having sealed decks without registering decks, stop seating buddies in tourneys so they can have an easy run. Do not tolerate bad language and poor sportsmanship, show those people the door. The irony is the local shops are killing themselves by allowing young kids to trash talk and top players to ridicule the less skilled. These players don't spend anywhere near the money your casual player and collector does. I admit I don't want a Lifelace but I know alot of people that value it as much as their Wheel of Fortune from Revised, it completes their set. These people play one tourney and get laughed at and ridiculed and they don't come back and soon they find something else to interest them. So we can complain about cheating or do something, actually our local shops and Wizards are the only ones who can effect change and truly the fate of Magic is in their hands alone, it will be interesting to see what happens. I no longer have casual Magic buddies, they've all left so I hope the tourney scene can change so I can continue to play this great game. William Brown ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com