When I got here, which was under a year ago, I really didn't imagine that cybering went on around AW that much. It seemed like a different place comparatively because we weren't here to date or meet people, but we were all here for a common interest in some period of ancient history. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

If two people want to cyber and are both willing I don't really see the problem with it as long as they take it somewhere else. The problem comes in with those people who are here only to lurk around and try and find people to cyber with. Quite frankly, go somewhere else if that's what you're into. I've personally been approached/had issues several times with people on the subject of cybering. It's not something I'm remotely interested in. None of it has been connected with roleplay that has gone too far. In fact, most of it has started through a seemingly innocent gram, etc. In my opinion, some people have decided that the natural progression around here in meeting people is introduction, learn a bit of a person's back story, and then when you run out of things to chat about it's the perfect opportunity to turn things sexual.

I'm not a prude, I'm not conservative, and I'm not getting up on any religious soapbox to talk about why this is immoral. In fact, if that's what you want to do, and you don't consider it somewhat of an emotional affair (if you're in a relationship) then that's between you and whoever you're cybering with. I'm 21, I'm in college and not all that much out there offends me that I haven't already seen or heard, but I have to say that this cybering thing has in fact gotten under my skin. There are people that are uncomfortable with declining the advances or don't really know how to respond to sexual innuendos and unfortunately those people have decided it is easier just to leave AW rather than stick around to receive messages that make them feel awkward and uncomfortable. (And yes I have a few people in mind).

So some of you are probably also saying hey, you're a guy isn't this a problem only chick's have? That answer is no. Personally, I know that I, as well as many other AW men, like to joke and flirt with the women around here, but let's not blur the line between what is innocent fun and what is an open invitation to start a "cybering" relationship. I think it's important for everyone to remember that, for the most part, we're all RPing. Flirting at some festival does not later merit spam grams or a dozen scrolls left at someone's domus. There needs to be a clean line distinguished between what is all in good fun and what is something that's getting too serious. Remember, no still really does mean no (even online), and if you overstep yourself, male or female, you can be reported to a demi and banned from the site.

Basically, men and women of AW, let's just remember that we came here with a shared interest in ancient history. This isn't E Harmony. If that's what you're looking for, there's another whole website devoted to it.

**Feel free to join in the discussion whether you agree or disagree here:
http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Thread/1052187