Outside the US, this act is viewed as a slap in the face to your opponent and very disrespectful. While it may not be an issue in the US, those of us outside the US view this differently.

This is not unlike wiping your nose with a $20 bill and discarding it in public. Regardless of whether or not you can do it, those viewing this behaviour will react to it unfavourably in most cases as you can see from the fact that this thread even exists.

Not all cultures view pride and bragging the same way.

While you are entitled to do this, those of us who aren't necessarily from the US are also entitled to view it as we do.

For those that are arguing about using these coins is the same as using the tokens, I'm sorry but you have missed the picture completely. The range rulers and tokens are provided by FFG and are replacements for the cardboard you get with the original game kit. There is no mention of using coins as shield tokens anywhere. Did they not also give out actual acrylic shield tokens at this event? Those look quite a bit different in both shape and size from the coins don't you think?

There has been some "reflection on character" talk here. It's true, (like most anyone else) I have character flaws. But I'm relieved that some of the people I actually interacted with at Hoth posted here, and didn't find the shields or me offensive. It is intended as funsies and ironic self-mocking of my insatiable lust for those coins.

But this is the interesting post to me. I believe bragging is frowned upon universally. (And that's something I feel strangers are projecting onto me; I don't take myself seriously.)

Clearly, within the scope of American culture, there is pushback as well, or we wouldn't be seeing this thread. While I am proudly American, born and raised, my family were immigrants. Asian cultures are pretty stodgy, but there's room for silly ostentation in the proper context there as well. "Outside the US" is a pretty big place. Could I ask which culture you're referring to? I was not going for "a disrespectful slap in the face" at all.

If a player did this with aloof condescension, I'd be with you. I like to think that my friendly smile and engaging demeanor puts those concerns to rest whenever I set up to play, shield coins or no.

A bit more serious here:

Bragging isn't necessarily a reflection of character, it's just a behavior. Seeing a lot and consistent pattern of bragging is a reflection of character (probably not your case, you seem like an alright guy).

Slapping down store championship coins for shield tokens is bragging, whether it's your intent or not. Bragging isn't good or bad per se, but different people and cultures have different opinions on different levels of bragging, so you'll get different reactions regarding your behavior.

In my family, bragging will get you poked fun at, verbal jabs etc., to inspire a bit of humility in you.

Some people and cultures, take it much more seriously.

You may not get anything in person, and maybe it's because your true friendly character evens it out, but it could be that those people that are miffed or offended are too polite to say it. The anonymous internet takes a bit of that away, and some people are more comfortable voicing their thoughts. Sometimes a bit too comfortable. So "reality" probably exists somewhere between those.

How dare you be so reasonable on the internet, Gather!

Locally, I get made fun of a bunch for the shield coining. It's all a goof, where we (try to) dish out and take our comeuppances with equal aplomb.

I think I'm done here. I'll close out with:

-Thanks to everyone I got to meet and/or play at Hoth; it was a blast!

-Anyone who was offended by the shield coins, I wish I could apologize, but I'll likely do it again at some point in the future (they're actually quite pragmatic; there's never any doubt as to the shield count!)

-It's just a numbers game. If you practice enough, and attend enough events, eventually your luck will hold up as well...and swag will drop! (I feel for everyone that couldn't attend enough events, it did take a certain sacrifice, particularly in "wife points".)

Your friendly demeanor was a reason I was bummed I didn't actually get to play against you. I know it would have been a good AND fun game! I'm sure anyone who was there saw it, even from tables over.

I listened to one of your podcasts, it sounds like once you had a championship and a bye, you would play extremely hard, get top4, and drop and let the bye/plaque situation sort itself out. Admirable!

I like the idea of using challenge coins as shields. I will do that next time I play. Maybe I can intimidate my opponents with Admiral Giambiani's coin, or MG McMaster's. (This is me bragging badly)

Outside the US, this act is viewed as a slap in the face to your opponent and very disrespectful. While it may not be an issue in the US, those of us outside the US view this differently.

It's a competitive game. If you can't showcase your winnings, then what is the point? He can't take his 8 challenge coins walk into a bar slap them down on the bar and have random men and women come up asking about his accomplishments. He's not at work talking to someone and just pulling them out to show them off. This is a small close knit community. The coins only mean something to this community. He put forth the time, effort and money to get said coins. (If you want to blow $400 on ebay, you can get 8 coins pretty easily) Tons of people show off their winnings because this is the only place that has recognition for what it took to get them. Instead of being offended that someone does have the time/money to get them, be happy that they are getting a chance to show off their earnings. Competition means trophies. If you want the trophies, go out and get them. Don't be mad that someone else did.

Outside the US, this act is viewed as a slap in the face to your opponent and very disrespectful. While it may not be an issue in the US, those of us outside the US view this differently.

This is not unlike wiping your nose with a $20 bill and discarding it in public. Regardless of whether or not you can do it, those viewing this behaviour will react to it unfavourably in most cases as you can see from the fact that this thread even exists.

Not all cultures view pride and bragging the same way.

While you are entitled to do this, those of us who aren't necessarily from the US are also entitled to view it as we do.

For those that are arguing about using these coins is the same as using the tokens, I'm sorry but you have missed the picture completely. The range rulers and tokens are provided by FFG and are replacements for the cardboard you get with the original game kit. There is no mention of using coins as shield tokens anywhere. Did they not also give out actual acrylic shield tokens at this event? Those look quite a bit different in both shape and size from the coins don't you think?

There has been some "reflection on character" talk here. It's true, (like most anyone else) I have character flaws. But I'm relieved that some of the people I actually interacted with at Hoth posted here, and didn't find the shields or me offensive. It is intended as funsies and ironic self-mocking of my insatiable lust for those coins.

But this is the interesting post to me. I believe bragging is frowned upon universally. (And that's something I feel strangers are projecting onto me; I don't take myself seriously.)

Clearly, within the scope of American culture, there is pushback as well, or we wouldn't be seeing this thread. While I am proudly American, born and raised, my family were immigrants. Asian cultures are pretty stodgy, but there's room for silly ostentation in the proper context there as well. "Outside the US" is a pretty big place. Could I ask which culture you're referring to? I was not going for "a disrespectful slap in the face" at all.

If a player did this with aloof condescension, I'd be with you. I like to think that my friendly smile and engaging demeanor puts those concerns to rest whenever I set up to play, shield coins or no.

I can't speak for all of the British Commonwealth but I would say most English Speaking non-US countries as well as a good number of other European cultures that I'm aware of.

I don't doubt that you are decent folks at all but without knowing you those kinds of things just scream "Look at me, I am so good that I can use these things as Shield Tokens"

I don't find it intimidating at all. I have a bunch of FFG swag but I prefer to use my cheapo 3d printed tokens and such.

I'm Canadian BTW and I'd say most of us are more like the British than we are like Americans. Not necessarily good or bad, just different. We view things differently.

One comedian put it perfectly. Typically Canadian and British comedians tend to make light of themselves while American comedians make fun of others. This is why we tend to be seen as apologetic and humble most of the time. That's just the way we are. It has to do more with culturally accepted manners than anything else. I deal with folks from all over the world in my job. Another difference I've noticed is the response to someone when they thank you. We usually always say you're welcome where I've found a number of Americans I've dealt with just say "uh-huh". We view this is an improper response to a thank you. The correct response is "you're welcome" especially when you are dealing with a stranger. Uh-huh comes off a bit snooty and doesn't sit right with us. We've discussed these things at times to so I know it isn't just me that thinks this way.

There is nothing wrong with pride at all and everyone should have it IMHO. Its just the line where pride becomes bragging is different depending on how you look at it.

No harm or foul either way. I just wanted to provide you an explanation of how some outsiders see that act and why.

It's flashy stuff like this that reminds me of the following Pratchett quote;

‘Who’s this?’ said Diamanda, out of the corner of her mouth.

‘Um, it’s Granny Weatherwax,’ said Perdita. ‘Um. She’s a witch, um …’

‘What level?’ said Diamanda.

Nanny Ogg looked around for something to hide behind. Granny Weatherwax’s eyebrow twitched.

‘Levels, eh?’ she said. ‘Well, I suppose I’m level one.’

‘Just starting?’ said Diamanda.

‘Oh dear. Tell you what,’ said Nanny Ogg quietly to Perdita, ‘if we was to turn the table over, we could probably hide behind it, no problem.’

But to herself she was thinking: Esme can never resist a challenge. None of us can. You ain’t a witch if you ain’t got self-confidence. But we’re not getting any younger. It’s like being a hired swordfighter, being a top witch. You think you’re good, but you know there’s got to be someone younger, practising every day, polishing up their craft, and one day you’re walkin’ down the road and you hears this voice behind you sayin’: go for your toad, or similar.

Even for Esme. Sooner or later, she’ll come up against someone faster on the craftiness than she is.

‘Oh, yes,’ said Granny, quietly. ‘Just starting. Every day, just starting.’

Nanny Ogg thought: but it won’t be today.

But then again, I'm Dutch and we have a history of choosing substance over style, quality over chrome, sober over splash.

I wouldn't be much impressed by someone using coins as shields, but if it makes them happy, no harm in it.

You're not supposed to be impressed. You're supposed to be amused.

Really? Are we actively trying to get pointlessly offended over absolutely nothing?

Welcome to the United States of (Crybaby) America.

I played my first game of the day against Mynock Delta. I thought the shields were entertaining and fun flair. The game was fun and put me at ease for the rest of the day at my first big X-Wing event.

Or, I was so intimidated that it caused me to have a really poor showing for the rest of the day. I am pretty sure that is why I did so poorly. Yep, that's it, now I can sleep at night

Maybe it's just me, but I think "shield coins" exhibits a deep lack of chill and is not very "fly casual."

I say showboat as hard as your can. As evidenced by your response it actually puts some players on tilt. Getting someone on tilt at the start of the game is great, often it snowballs and they make even more mistakes.

By some people's silly logic, playing with acrylic shields, or Worlds maneuver templates, or prize playmats is bragging and not "Fly Casual". What a bunch of BS. Dee and Brad's coin thing was amusing. I took absolutely zero issue with it.

It really comes down to who they are as a player. I know Brad well. He's an amazingly tough competitor, while being extremely friendly the entire time. You can't ask for more than that. I have played against super aggro players who piss me off in seconds. Brad is not that guy, he can table me in a few turns and I'll enjoy the process and learn something. That to me is the perfect embodiment of "fly casual"