Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-26388545-20180124223032/@comment-32545704-20180128130036

Amrosa,

I think this thread is coming to an end. But fine, I never actually offered any suggestions, perhaps because I don't know all the answers. For what it's worth, these are some of my thoughts.

Banning Fandom users might have some positive and negative effects, but I think the net effect would be minimal, and I'm certain it wouldn't solve what some here think it would.

This is straying a little from the OP, but I believe the real issue is the division between regular users, those who use the site most often, and casual users who come and go. One feels the other does not pay enough attention to how the site works, while the other feels they are not taken seriously, sometimes targeted or ridiculed. The fact these two groups largely consist of registered vs unregistered users is possibly what led to the conclusion that this issue is about registration. It isn't, registration is mostly irrelevant. The groups just happen to be very similar.

How to bring the two sides together? I don't know, but the balance of power lies with the regular users, so the onus is on them to make the first move. I believe that means returning to what the site is about, helping each other out, without belittling people, dismissing their opinions, or resorting to being sarcastic or condescending, however tempting it may be.

You have said before that off-topic is not a big deal, and I agree. Even in the most extreme cases I would say it is a mild inconvenience at worst. Along with repetitive questions, these can easily be ignored. If we do respond, we can do so with a patient and helpful tone, and if necessary with a gentle pointer in the direction of where to post or find information for next time.

We know that constructive criticism can make a difference. Unproductive negativity about FM and the game can be tiresome, but everyone is entitled to their opinion, and to post about it. We can respectfully disagree without shutting each other down, or we can ignore it.

Swearing and abuse is not common on this site, but when it happens it is easy to leave for the admins to deal with. They are very good at it, we just have to report it to them. I'm sure the report comment feature could be used more.

Even with these strategies, forums and comments will never be perfect. We should all accept that and let things be.

Most importantly, we all have to set the right example, especially those who carry the weight of authority. Admins do a brilliant job, but it is not only about them, regular contributors also have varying degrees of influence. If we all set a good example, others will follow, and we might find that Fandom Users start to feel more included and pay more attention to the site rules.

You made a point about people losing out because of inaccurate information. I agree this is a possibility, but I don't see it as an issue to worry about since I don't view the site as providing a service. This suggests a divide between us, the service provider, and them, the consumer, and undermines the idea that we are a community of people who come together to share ideas, experiences and opinions. The site is very accurate anyway, but is not a definitive guide to the game, it functions on a basis of trust and we all participate in good faith. I would never blame another member if I lost out because of something I read here. I think it would be underestimating the intelligence of the community to think that they don't understand this.

Regarding this thread itself, it's easy to jump in at the end, tell everyone to calm down, and walk away with a nice fuzzy feeling inside. We've all tried that one before. But threads like this aren't always bad, sometimes it's good to get things out in the open, clear the air, shake hands and move on. I try to be fair and praise peoples' good points if I am going to criticise them. But if I overstepped the mark or upset anyone, I truly didn't intend to, and I apologise.

My personal advice to you Amrosa is simple: Less Is More. You don't need to respond to everything. No one can force you, but you could easily cut out 90% of your forum/comments activity, focus on the background work, and still be just as valued and respected by the community.

To quote Sirebel, "insert RR3DougB quote here."