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I'm beginning to get really tired of the abuse you get from some people who have no idea about anything in the hobby. our game group meets in a 'questionable' part of town due to the availability and the price of the hall we meet at, the carpark of which is often used as a shortcut to foot traffic and they can see right in.

The amount of crap people shout at us is crazy and sometimes we get the odd ones that even wander in and threaten our members/ models. I often think that if I wasn't there to stick up for my gaming buddies things would be a lot worse for them (im a large man with tattoos, another stigma in itself) and they have had to call the police on several occasions when I haven't been able to make it for the Friday night sessions. I don't consider myself a tough guy type but I feel I have to put on that persona as its a constant threat to my gaming friends.

I would list what they yell at us but most of it would be a violation of the forum swearing rules Most have the word nerds in there somewhere though. But the worst instance (for me) was getting called a paedophile when I had to unlock the hall one day and only a group of our younger members turned up so I stayed to supervise/ref/help with tactics (I had to stay either way as the hall was my responsibility that day). I kept a brave face, but when I got home afterwards honestly, i cried my eyes out.

Its beginning to become a problem I cant handle on my own and when the police have been called on those few occasions (when they start hanging out outside the hall and not going away) my mates say the cops come with a "You bring it on yourselves" attitude.

Anyway what I want to know is: if any of you have faced similar situations, and also how you managed to deal with it and some advice on how my buddies and I can put an end to this.

People how have no basis for drawing their conclusions in a given matter, and then sprout judgements are to be ignored.
It is as simple as that.

If they are threatening you call the police, and you call them every time. Make sure the police take a report on the incident.
Keep calm, even in the face of provocation, and politely ask them to leave. Film if possible.

As for name-calling and jeers....why do you or anybody care about what those idiots think?

Sheesh, a difficult one. The only case were we've had problems was when we used to play during lunch break at a school club. But then again, it was at a school and it was run by an enthusiast teacher so its not exactly a public situation.
There's a couple of shops around here like vagabonds which are good, but we don't go there much due to personal preference. Its normally at one of the guys houses. I'm thinking that that's not really an option for you in this case. If you can't change the location (and I imagine to hecklers are inebriated so hardly reasonable) the only thing I could suggest is getting some drapes or sheets to put over the windows.

I would agree that something needs to be done though. The saying of sticks and stones really doesn't apply, anywhere for that matter. Especially when you look at the number of people with social anxieties and depression due to verbal taunting.

Steelmage99 wrote:.
As for name-calling and jeers....why do you or anybody care about what those idiots think?

I would normally say the same but it just getting ridiculous, is constantly interrupting our games and intimidating people. the paedophile thing just got to me because I had to assure these youngsters I wasn't and I feel I shouldn't have to be put in the situation where I had to do that. Also some members have had enough verbal abuse in their daily lives just for being a bit different and certainly don't need it when they are supposed to be in a happy safe environment.

rahxephon wrote:Sheesh, a difficult one. The only case were we've had problems was when we used to play during lunch break at a school club. But then again, it was at a school and it was run by an enthusiast teacher so its not exactly a public situation.
There's a couple of shops around here like vagabonds which are good, but we don't go there much due to personal preference. Its normally at one of the guys houses. I'm thinking that that's not really an option for you in this case. If you can't change the location (and I imagine to hecklers are inebriated so hardly reasonable) the only thing I could suggest is getting some drapes or sheets to put over the windows.

I would agree that something needs to be done though. The saying of sticks and stones really doesn't apply, anywhere for that matter. Especially when you look at the number of people with social anxieties and depression due to verbal taunting.

Thanks for the insight, the sheets idea is a good one thank you.

No problem, generally a visual barrier is all that's needed. It was a lot better when our flgs moved from a main street front shop to one a floor down, so you only see the stairs. Just removes some of those uncomfortable situations.

Wow Robzie, that sounds rough. But really man, kudos to you. You're not only sticking up for what you believe in, but you are setting a good example for the people you play with that otherwise would not have the confidence to stick up for themselves. I'm sure you help out more than you know, especially to some of the younger folk.

I will say that the only time it happened to me was when someone asked my group of friends and I if we were, "some kind of f*gs or somethin." We stood up straight, made eye contact, and told him he wasn't welcome and (perhaps more awesome) told him he wasn't worthy of such a game. I recall one of my other buddies calling him out on not having the emperor's guidance. He had a surprised look and walked away. But there were 4 - 5 of us, one of him, and we're all in our late 20s so we could stand up for ourselves if it came to it. Otherwise, I dunno man. People suck sometimes.

If it's a ton of different people and you are constantly subject to their abuse, is there any way you could put up curtains or some kind of blinders as to avoid people from looking in? It might not work for the first week or so, but after that people will forget and move on with their business. Or, I dunno, I would try to give that a shot.

citadel wrote:
Wow Robzie, that sounds rough. But really man, kudos to you. You're not only sticking up for what you believe in, but you are setting a good example for the people you play with that otherwise would not have the confidence to stick up for themselves. I'm sure you help out more than you know, especially to some of the younger folk.

I will say that the only time it happened to me was when someone asked my group of friends and I if we were, "some kind of f*gs or somethin." We stood up straight, made eye contact, and told him he wasn't welcome and (perhaps more awesome) told him he wasn't worthy of such a game. I recall one of my other buddies calling him out on not having the emperor's guidance. He had a surprised look and walked away. But there were 4 - 5 of us, one of him, and we're all in our late 20s so we could stand up for ourselves if it came to it. Otherwise, I dunno man. People suck sometimes.

If it's a ton of different people and you are constantly subject to their abuse, is there any way you could put up curtains or some kind of blinders as to avoid people from looking in? It might not work for the first week or so, but after that people will forget and move on with their business. Or, I dunno, I would try to give that a shot.

Thanks for your support man. Its always different groups that's half the problem, we could just put an individual group up for harassment but alas we don't know which delights will grace us with their presence. your scenario sounds awesome I bet he didn't know what to make of that. and yeah our own sheets seem to be the best bet short of changing venues, I have thought of it but doubted its effectiveness. definitely worth a shot though.

Are you allowed lock the door from the inside? It just gives you an extra barrier and you can then only allow in certain people?

Of course, clarify if this is allowed because it mightn't be cool to lock yourself in a room with children. You might need to get yourself one of those licenses that says you're capable and legally able to supervise children.

Ideally have two adults before you start supervising children.

That's really rough, never really seen it myself and it sucks that you'd have to hide yourselves away just because of stupid people that don't get it, but it may be the best solution - out of sight is out of mind after all and people with a lack of brains will probably just shout at what they can see (and hopefully forget you were there)

Change venues if at all possible as you're never going to feel comfortable where you are

Howard A Treesong wrote:Ideally have two adults before you start supervising children.

Ideally it wouldn't be my responsibility at all, but their parents just dump them and run. to clarify though, the older members normally outnumber the young bloods but it was just a day I wound up babysitting.

SoulDrinker wrote:That's really rough, never really seen it myself and it sucks that you'd have to hide yourselves away just because of stupid people that don't get it, but it may be the best solution - out of sight is out of mind after all and people with a lack of brains will probably just shout at what they can see (and hopefully forget you were there)

Change venues if at all possible as you're never going to feel comfortable where you are

Yeah im going to have to look into it. I don't organise the current arrangement but I might take the reigns in the club as our 'leader' seems to be getting sick of the hobby and only shows up for games once a month or so.

I've seen this sort of abusive stuff happen at the old GW location in Bristol UK, with some chav kids shouting abuse.

Some oddballs or drunks might have wandered into the flgs back there whilst it was open, but it was adults mainly in that place, and that did wipe off the smile of some that stuck their heads in to potentially cause grief. We'd get the odd trio of yobs wander in, but they were disinclined to mock once they realised they were more than a bit outnumbered and being stared at and made to feel like the outsiders.

You need more grown-ups, and I'd strongly suggest a change in location. These people will target when they feel they have the edge or advantage but you also need to talk to the rest of the older gamers and adults about unified reaction to anyone coming into the club and challenging or threatening to assault you.

Also you should be logging each incident, each incident resulting in a police call out and keeping pressure up on the cops to patrol the area frequently.

Lastly consider if you really do want to be left in a position of parental care for kids, I know I wouldn't (mainly because I dislike them, but also for the legal ramifications) should something happen to one of those kids and you are the only adult there. You could find yourself in a nasty situation. I would suggest putting an age requirement on the attendees, unless accompanied by an adult, do that for your own protection. If some of these people wander in and there's an altercation or a fight or something should happen to one of those kids, you may well be held accountable in a court, I don't think that's fair so take some steps.

Change locations.

Yeah, surely changing locations is an option somehow? A slightly higher price for a better location could make the entire experience nicer.

Fair play for sticking up for your friends, but just be careful. Idiots being idiots is not worth getting too angry over.

This used to happen a bit in the GW in Swindon. It was one of those elongated rectangular rooms with windows all along one side, thinking back it was less like a shop and more like an enclosure at a zoo.

My advice to you would be to either move (if viable) or to call the police personally and insist they report the incidents, as someone else said filming them might also help but it's possible that it too could aggravate some passers by.

I don't know if this is even an option in Australia, but what is the financial feasibility of hiring an off-duty police officer to work security for a few hours?

Here in the USA, it would probably cost in the neighborhood of $50-$100 for around 3 hours of security time, and the officer would hang around the entrance in his uniform, complete with sidearm.

Good for you for standing up for your group.

Price/cost is a barrier for some members sometimes.

I vote for curtains and maybe a sign "area under video surveillance"

This may curtail inappropriate behaviour from the local clientele.

Take some cardboard or something and put it up in the windows or find some other way to block the view.

Our store has big windows, so people often stare, but we dont get much in the way of the harassment.
And the pedo thing. That just ticks me off. My cousin once insinuated that all people who play 40k must be like that, because they play with toys

 hotsauceman1 wrote:
Our store has big windows, so people often stare, but we dont get much in the way of the harassment.
And the pedo thing. That just ticks me off. My cousin once insinuated that all people who play 40k must be like that, because they play with toys

And then those same people making that accusation go home and play videogames...

If people staring at the window is a problem, you can always ask the FLGS to put on some curtains etc., too - they want their customers to enjoy playing there and not feel like zoo animals, I imagine.

I agree that video surveillance could help. Other thing is having a locked door - if you don't want to run to the door all the time, you could have a basic electronic lock with RFID tags, in addition to the normal lock. They are not expensive if you know how to put together a kit, and you can easily revoke individual tags, so you can hand them out to a large group of people, set operating times etc.

You could also have your burly tattooed friends to hang around a bit, or hire a few local motorcycle guys to chill out by the door by getting them a couple boxes of beer. I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't mind helping if you say it's a gaming club where large portion of the crowd is kids.

Sorry that this happens to you RobZie, its pretty messed up. I think CCTV would be a good idea, if you cannot move location. Maybe getting more older gamers involved as well could help, like the others said, people hesitate to start gak when they realise that most of the people in there are bigger than them. They think "oh yeah lets go in there and rough up some nerd ass kids" and then they end up getting their asses kicked by big tattooed guys lol.

That's really sad to read.

I know thee exact feeling though, I am ashamed to say I won't visit my local GW because it is in a very busy shopping mall and I am frankly embarrassed to be seen coming out of there.

I much prefer my FLGS on account of it being very off the beaten track, to the point that I don't know of any reason anyone would go to that area at all unless they are visiting the store.

When I picked the hobby back up a few months ago I had no clue where I would find games as an adult (27) having not played since my young teens, I have since discovered a huge raft of my friend play in private, including the majority of my 7 a side football team! It is strange how we keep it so hidden.

Thanks for the advice and stories guys, I have gone and measured out the windows so will hopefully have a world blocking solution before our next meet.

I don't feel so bad now. Our FLGS is next to a tanning salon and you get the occasional buxom hottie walking by.

I'm sorry, what was that? 6 hits on your assault 4 gun? Sure dude, whatever....

 RobZie wrote:
Thanks for the advice and stories guys, I have gone and measured out the windows so will hopefully have a world blocking solution before our next meet.

My friends and I at my club are shocked this is even happening in NZ. Here we have such a nice set up with no problems at all. The town is pretty supportive of our group and at night we cant see out of our windows yet people can see in, and its still not dangerous.

So keep it up. Clubs are hard work but well worth the effort. I hope you can make it work. Be sure to keep an eye out for other locations.

The Kapiti wargames club send you luck!

 throwoff wrote:
That's really sad to read.

I know thee exact feeling though, I am ashamed to say I won't visit my local GW because it is in a very busy shopping mall and I am frankly embarrassed to be seen coming out of there.

I much prefer my FLGS on account of it being very off the beaten track, to the point that I don't know of any reason anyone would go to that area at all unless they are visiting the store.

Why would you be embarrassed about being in the store? Average age of the patrons? I've been in plenty of stores where the average age is well below mine. When I walk into an EB Games, Game Traders or similar store, I rarely see someone over the age of 15. Same with a store like GW or other hobby store, which are no different. Both are selling toys of some kind.

If some random stranger you don't know gives you an odd look, why do you care? All part of being a manchild.

Eh, it happens. I cant tell if its something that also occurs in my local Shop, I havent played a lot there. But playing with Mini's still carries a certain Stigma. Heck, I know people who're still a bit nervous when playing a Handheld in Public, altough that attitude is slowly dying. (Everyones staring at little screens now anyway.)

The thing that annoys me about this stuff is usually how malinformed those idiots are, when screaming their stupidities. You can break almost any hobby down to a point where it sounds silly on paper. Football (Soccer) being 22 sweaty men chasing a piece of cow-skin, for example. It amazes me that some people find the time or the nerve to insult me or my mates for playing and painting Minis.

Two from my recollection of "passerbys" going on my nerves.

- My cousins boyfriend assemlbes modelled Ships. Hes amazingly talented and the things look great. On one occassion, I was invited to a party of his, when later that evening I had planned on painting some Minis at a friends place. He showcased his ships and after a while of smalltalk I grew bored, and as most people left I retreated to one of the backrooms to do some painting. You seriously dont wanna know how many people gave me gak for daring to even pull out my Minis next to "real Models", one older Gentleman actually asking my cousins bf if I was mentally challenged for following such a juvenile Hobby.

- On vacation in the UK, I was watching some Games played in a local storage hall, which was rented for the weekend. It was nice weather outside, so we opened the doors wide and some people played outside to enjoy some sun. I think there wasnt ONE passerby who didnt give us weird looks. And the dude responsible for the Event had to threaten two groups of Teenagers to call the Cops after they've refused to leave. Lots of insults and tough-Guying, you know the Drill.

The thing is, I think its just an easy target, especially for drunks and the "looking for trouble" kind. The only real thing that helps is a thick skin and having one or two Heavy's in your group. In my experience, "Tough Bro" leaves pretty freaking fast if the "Nerd" looks like he can benchpress a Rhino by looking at it. And if all else fails, call the Cops. Its their job.

Swastakowey wrote:

 RobZie wrote:
Thanks for the advice and stories guys, I have gone and measured out the windows so will hopefully have a world blocking solution before our next meet.

My friends and I at my club are shocked this is even happening in NZ. Here we have such a nice set up with no problems at all. The town is pretty supportive of our group and at night we cant see out of our windows yet people can see in, and its still not dangerous.

So keep it up. Clubs are hard work but well worth the effort. I hope you can make it work. Be sure to keep an eye out for other locations.

The Kapiti wargames club send you luck!

Cheers mate, its a bit rough. As for changing location, Kapiti sounds great actually But im hoping the coming winter months will stifle the amount of foot traffic anyway.

Stuebi wrote:Eh, it happens. I cant tell if its something that also occurs in my local Shop, I havent played a lot there. But playing with Mini's still carries a certain Stigma. Heck, I know people who're still a bit nervous when playing a Handheld in Public, altough that attitude is slowly dying. (Everyones staring at little screens now anyway.)

The thing that annoys me about this stuff is usually how malinformed those idiots are, when screaming their stupidities. You can break almost any hobby down to a point where it sounds silly on paper. Football (Soccer) being 22 sweaty men chasing a piece of cow-skin, for example. It amazes me that some people find the time or the nerve to insult me or my mates for playing and painting Minis.

Two from my recollection of "passerbys" going on my nerves.

- My cousins boyfriend assemlbes modelled Ships. Hes amazingly talented and the things look great. On one occassion, I was invited to a party of his, when later that evening I had planned on painting some Minis at a friends place. He showcased his ships and after a while of smalltalk I grew bored, and as most people left I retreated to one of the backrooms to do some painting. You seriously dont wanna know how many people gave me gak for daring to even pull out my Minis next to "real Models", one older Gentleman actually asking my cousins bf if I was mentally challenged for following such a juvenile Hobby.

- On vacation in the UK, I was watching some Games played in a local storage hall, which was rented for the weekend. It was nice weather outside, so we opened the doors wide and some people played outside to enjoy some sun. I think there wasnt ONE passerby who didnt give us weird looks. And the dude responsible for the Event had to threaten two groups of Teenagers to call the Cops after they've refused to leave. Lots of insults and tough-Guying, you know the Drill.

The thing is, I think its just an easy target, especially for drunks and the "looking for trouble" kind. The only real thing that helps is a thick skin and having one or two Heavy's in your group. In my experience, "Tough Bro" leaves pretty freaking fast if the "Nerd" looks like he can benchpress a Rhino by looking at it. And if all else fails, call the Cops. Its their job.

Its definitely not you that is the "juvenile" one in that situation man. thanks for the feedback anyway

 RobZie wrote:

Swastakowey wrote:

 RobZie wrote:
Thanks for the advice and stories guys, I have gone and measured out the windows so will hopefully have a world blocking solution before our next meet.

My friends and I at my club are shocked this is even happening in NZ. Here we have such a nice set up with no problems at all. The town is pretty supportive of our group and at night we cant see out of our windows yet people can see in, and its still not dangerous.

So keep it up. Clubs are hard work but well worth the effort. I hope you can make it work. Be sure to keep an eye out for other locations.

The Kapiti wargames club send you luck!

Cheers mate, its a bit rough. As for changing location, Kapiti sounds great actually But im hoping the coming winter months will stifle the amount of foot traffic anyway.

If you ever come down this way be sure to send me a message. The gaming is great down here. Plus Paraparaumu is full of retired people so its pretty mellow most of the time.