Common courtesy isn't so common anymore. That's a sad fact of life. And it's no worse now than it was after the newness of GW wore off 18 or so months ago. What I've noticed is that most of the time (about 80% I'd estmate) when trading, people will say "TY" after the deal is done. When I answer questions while in town, the "TYs" don't come nearly as much, maybe 10% if the time.
I don't randomly give things away. I have in the past, but I have been generous to people who turn out to be slime-balls. So, now I wait until I've got a good feel for a person before I decide to give them anything. Since I made this rule for myself, every time I've given away something, the person who got it avidly expressed their appreciation.
Behavior Experiment in Guild Wars
Kook~NBK~
The Risen
Well put Manitoba.
blood4blood
I've gotten lots of grief giving stuff away randomly, whether its people PM'ing me for more stuff constantly (pure greed), people cursing me for not giving them other/better stuff, or people just shutting the trade window and running away. I'll include many/most former guildies in that "randomly" group too. On the other hand, after joining a PUG, noticing that someone could use a little boost (whether it's a better weapon, some crafting materials, or just advice on skills or tactics), people have just about universally been thankful, receptive, and respectful. Bottom line for me is if you give something for nothing at all, expect nothing good in return. If you work with someone toward a common goal, then give them some help getting there, that's when they'll be thankful.
Nemo the Capitalist
humans r a capitalizing and ruthless race ..thanks is rare
What is good in life Conan?
Crush your enemies,
See them driven before you,
and hear the lamentations of their women!
What is good in life Conan?
Crush your enemies,
See them driven before you,
and hear the lamentations of their women!
Sofonisba
Whenever I've given things away, to guildies or to random people, or helped people, I try to convey the best way to thank me is to (cheesy, I know!) "pay it forward." I've heard that phrase a lot in GW, and I like to think I had a little part in that.
Meanwhile, in the "it's not easy being generous" department...
Wintersday 2005, Lion's Arch.
Someone approaches me for a trade, they put up 1k in the window. I'm like, what's that for? He says, I'm giving 1k to one of each profession as a present. I thanked him profusely and wished him well, as 1k was a lot to me at that time.
Wintersday 2006, LA, Kamadan, Shing Jea, Ascalon.
I hope to emulate last year's person, since I am in the position to now. I approach lots of random people in trade and put 1k in the window, and whisper "Merry Wintersday" to them. Soooooo many afkers, so many non-talkers. It got really hard to give it away. The people who actually were there to take the money, I think all but one thanked me.
(It wasn't completely random--I chose people with levels less than 20, and with no guild tags, thinking they'd be most likely to need/appreciate the gesture.)
Meanwhile, in the "it's not easy being generous" department...
Wintersday 2005, Lion's Arch.
Someone approaches me for a trade, they put up 1k in the window. I'm like, what's that for? He says, I'm giving 1k to one of each profession as a present. I thanked him profusely and wished him well, as 1k was a lot to me at that time.
Wintersday 2006, LA, Kamadan, Shing Jea, Ascalon.
I hope to emulate last year's person, since I am in the position to now. I approach lots of random people in trade and put 1k in the window, and whisper "Merry Wintersday" to them. Soooooo many afkers, so many non-talkers. It got really hard to give it away. The people who actually were there to take the money, I think all but one thanked me.
(It wasn't completely random--I chose people with levels less than 20, and with no guild tags, thinking they'd be most likely to need/appreciate the gesture.)
KamikazeChicken
Some random person gave me a holiday ale after a Gaile visit, but I at least remember saying thank you. o.O