I remember we had gangs for GTA...

[Mister Pink]

I always thought of clans as, in wiki words, people of kinship and descent etc. Not as a group of people playing GTA immitating other gangs or referencing other GTA gangs such as the mafia families we have seen in previous GTA's for fun an pleasure.

 

As a mother and a fireman, I can remember when the word clan was never used on the forums. The gang forums were called the PGC, Public Gang Chat. Now, alot of people are calling them clans.

 

I suppose you can argue that they are the same thing but I always thought the word 'clan' was being misused. Maybe I just grew a hate for the word.

 

For example:

 

Wiki

 

A clan is a group of people united by kinship and descent, which is defined by perceived descent from a common ancestor. Even if actual lineage patterns are unknown, clan members may nonetheless recognize a founding member or apical ancestor. As kinship based bonds merely symbolical in nature some clans share a "stipulated" common ancestor, which is a symbol of the clan's unity. When this ancestor is not human, this is referred to as animallian totem. Generally speaking, kinship differs from biological relation, as it also involves adoption, marriage, and fictive genealogical ties. Clans can be most easily described as sub-groups of tribes and usually constitute groups of 7,000 to 10,000 people.

 

Wiki

 

A gang is a group of individuals who through the organization, formation, and establishment of an assemblage share a common identity.

 

I think the latter is more suitable. My two cents...

 

Anyway, just thought I'd point that out...

 

 

[TommyVercetti.]

I remember the suspense when the unofficial gangs were up for officialness!

 

Damn you LFM!!! (R.I.P. TCB)

[poloclassic]

good point..i dont like clan much either

 

 

so i use crew

[Mister Pink]

@Tommy Vercetti: Lol!

 

@poloclassic: Crew's good:

 

 

A crew comprises a body or a class of people who work at a common activity, generally in a structured or hierarchical organization. The word has particular nautical resonances: the tasks involved in operating a ship, particularly a sailing ship, providing numerous specialities within a ship's crew, often organised with a chain of command. Traditional nautical usage strongly distinguishes officers from crew, though the two groups combined form the ship's company. Members of a crew are often referred to by the title "Crew member".

 

"Crew" is also used colloquially to refer to a small, tight-knit group of friends or associates engaged in criminal activity. Also used in reference to the traditional "unit" of criminals under the supervision of a caporegime in the American Mafia. However, the term is not specific to (Mafia-affiliated) organized crime.

[Slate]

I just say gang becuase that's how I roll

[Ottae]

It's just a word. Clan's the word used for almost all online groups, clans here are simply going with that tradition. Words change meaning all the time. At one time "Gay" meant happy, now look what it means.

 

Who uses the term 'clan' to refer to their family anymore anyway? If it weren't used by online communities, no one would use it.

 

I think the problem is, you're still seeing these groups as being forum only and not relating them to playing online, if that were the case, "group" or "gang" might seem more suited. I also think you're comparing this with the PGC too much, sure, it's the same kind of set up, but the reason for these groups existing differ entirely from the PGC.

 

Just my 2 pence. Or 1, depending on the exchange rate.

[Mister Pink]

I see what you mean but I'm not seeing these gangs as forum only. I'm thinking visually. An Italian Mafia gang, The Warriors, street gangs etc. I would not think of them if I seen them on a street (in Liberty City/GTA or anywhere), having a battle, as a clan. When I hear clan, I just think of something out of Braveheart or something.

 

The Free Dictionary:

 

Clan:

 

1.  A traditional social unit in the Scottish Highlands, consisting of a number of families claiming a common ancestor and following the same hereditary chieftain.

2. A division of a tribe tracing descent from a common ancestor.

3. A large group of relatives, friends, or associates.

 

Gang:

 

1.  A group of criminals or hoodlums who band together for  mutual protection and profit.

2. A group of adolescents who band together, especially a group of delinquents.

(What people will mostly be up to in GTA)

 

Sorry for quoting the 'dictionary' again but it can explain better the feeling I have when I hear these words.

 

I always felt this way but I agree, words change meaning but it probably was by mistake. It probably gained popularity through a mmporg game that had clans in the 'dictionary' meaning of the word and spread over to other games like GTA where the meaning makes less sense. See what I mean?

Edited April 23, 2008 by ThePinkFloydSound

[Ottae]

 

I always felt this way but I agree, words change meaning but it probably was by mistake. It gained popularity through a game that had clans in the dictionary meaning of the word and spread over to other games like GTA where the meaning makes less sense. See what I mean? 

I see where you're coming from, and I agree that "Gang" or "Group" is a better name than clan. When I first started playing online games (I'm not saying you haven't), I thought it was a strange term, but I kind of got used to it. I actually find it pretty strange when people refer to the Z as a 'clan' when I'm on SA:MP or what have you.

 

I still think it's a bit of a nit-picky subject to have a rant about. This is a new generation of gangs and It's their decision what to call their group, whether it be gang, clan, group or guild ( ). I suppose the forum was called "Multiplayer Chat" instead of "Gang Chat" for a reason.

 

Anyway, it's nice to see you around again ThePinkFloydSound, I haven't seen you on for a while. Might have been because of the closure of the Gang forums, I don't know.

[Mister Pink]

Thanks for your quick reply.

 

Yes, it's very nit-picky subject but I suppose I have a strange interest in silly stuff like that sometimes. Just really wanted to hear some other opinions. Yeah, maybe Clan will grow on me, you never know!

 

Good to see hear from you too and congrats on your awards - well deserved I'm glad to be back again. Work, g/f and college take it out of me.