Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is backseat moderating, right? Not saying he's not being helpful, just that I've been infracted for similar.

Alright folks, let's see if we can sort this out.

1) Battles with deadlines -- to prevent this from happening, always set a deadline. Period. Even those of us that have been here awhile and know full well we might have to move things set a deadline just so that there is a precedent ready if things get out of hand. It is too late for this, but do remember that in the future.

2) Claiming forfeits -- when there is a deadline this can be done once the other writer is well past their deadline. When there is not a deadline, or the deadline was dropped -- which does happen even with the seniors around here -- generally it is common courtesy to issue at least a couple of warnings to the other writers. Whatever might be the cause, the other writers should be given a "last chance" opportunity to reply and clear up an issue.

3) "No mercy for you" -- No matter what, this is not to be the attitude of the writers. Trust me, there have been major conflicts between the long-time writers here but we keep most things constrained to the appropriate handling of the matter. Here's the problem -- you have an issue with how a REAL person handled a writing competition. Reacting by trying to punish the FICTIONAL character of that person is merely an underhanded attempt at harming them. Do recall that this is a competition won by public voting, and this kind of behavior -- whether you say or it people can just tell -- certainly won't work in your own favor. This is a forum that is designed (or, rather, we are working on making it this way) to help writers learn how to write well, hone their skills, practice with other writers, work in a communal positive environment, and find success with their talents.

3, cont.) Firefly -- I would never recommend trying to "get back" at someone because it won't help you, them, or the greater community. To satisfy you desire for equality, your best course of action would actually be to take the battle seriously and write a considerate and careful battle. By doing this you place yourself on equal standing with your opponent's battle, and stand a decent chance of winning the votes. Trying to get back at him by destroying his character will result in a battle that reflects this throughout, thereby setting a tone that is quite unlikely to gain winning votes.

4) Even with no deadlines -- despite there not being deadlines (and Greek mishandling the claiming of the forfeit by not warning his opponents), it is wise to be considerate. I claimed a forfeit once that the other player didn't really want to give me, but he was mature and considerate enough to realize that it was my right since he had lost his drive to finish the battle several months previously (as a note, I had let him hang on for seven months past the original deadline, just to make a point about "waiting" on others and communicating with them). Thus, if you know you aren't in a position to finish a battle in a timely manner, it is usually advisable to accept -- ruefully -- the forfeit out of courtesy to the other writer. More optimally, of course, is just not taking a battle you may not finish.


Conclusion:
>>>Greek, you handled the claiming of the forfeit improperly by failing to even warn the other writers about this to see if they wanted to try to finish.

>>>Firefly, you have handled Greek's mistakes improperly by resorting to aggressive and vengeful attitudes and behavior that won't benefit anyone -- including yourself -- in the long run.

In light of this:

>>>I would suggest that Greek willingly accept Firefly's desire to finish her side, and consider this in the future. He should also issue a warning to Kamiroo Wolf via PMs regarding the forfeit, offering a chance to finish.

>>>Firefly should let herself cool a bit before writing her battle, and strive to do her absolute best while remaining respectful of her opponent. A simple mistake of etiquette has happened, and show kindness that, as the wise saying goes, "through your kindness you may heap coals of fire upon their head." In other words, acting rude to someone you perceive as being rude to you results in a vicious cycle and lowers your own standards. Showing kindness, politeness, and respect in spite of being wronged shows you to be mature and also allows others to respect you as well, changing the whole tone of the situation.
______________________________________________________________________

I hope that you both take my advice in the helpful -- and somewhat admonishing -- manner it is intended, and resolve this peacefully and respectfully.