A series of five threads and subsequent discussion on The Forge in November 2002, examining major topics of the Forge in relation to one another, and in particular topics regarding the social community of the site. They are considered vital reading for those seeking to understand the norms and goals of the site. They also showcase the Forge at its very best and (fairly close to) its worst and thus provide a good introduction for those who are considering participating.

References:

• The Infamous Five (The Forge, Feb 2004)
• #1: PUBLISHING
  • Mainstream: a revision
  • Production value
  • Promotion
  • Active vs. passive entertainment
  • The Store
  • What would make a non-role-player buy your game?
  • The game that would sell to non-role-players
  • The importance of play
  • Accessible? To whom?
• #2: ACTUAL PLAY
  • Actual play in the stores
  • Mainstream media
• #3: RPG THEORY
  • Social Context
  • Gay culture / Gamer culture
  • Self-image
  • Christian gamers and self-esteem
  • What does role-playing gaming accomplish?
  • Sexism and gaming
• #4: GNS MODEL DISCUSSION
  • Vanilla and Pervy
  • Pervy in my head
  • Combat systems
  • Cannot stand cutsiepoo terms
  • Pervy Sim, points of contact, accessibility
• #5: SITE DISCUSSION
  • The Forge as a community
  • The five percent
  • The Forge and cultural bias
  • Off-the-cuff Forge cultural analysis
  • Relationships at the Forge