I don’t ever get involved in stuff like this, but I feel like I need to say something this time before we tear each other to shreds.


I know none of you know much about me, and that’s how I’ve always wanted it to be. I’m an outsider, one that’s ironically been on the site for 2-3 years at this point. I’m an outsider with laughable creative skills. I’m an outsider that roleplayed in one of the most inactive groups and failed miserably at leading it. I’m an outsider that really doesn’t know anything about you, your past, your visions, etc. Frankly, I doubt anyone will open up this thread.


That being said, I want to try to spin the last few days in a more positive light. This explosion clearly been building up for a long time. It sucks that we did not find a more effective way of letting off steam, but this is what we have. And it’s good that it’s happening now. Why? The events of the last few days are the result of years (months? tbh I really don’t know) of build-up. It’s awful now, but think of what this would have been like if it happened in 6 months. Even worse. 12 months? I don’t wanna think about it.


I know it’s tough, but try to think of the site’s collective outcry in a positive light. We’re really blowing off steam. We are losing some members, and that sucks. I’m sure we’ll miss all of them, but think about the members that are still here because we are letting off the steam now. We’ll survive. It won’t be in one piece, but this community will survive. We have kept this site alive for 10 years and I’m confident we can keep it going. This is another test of our will. I’ve seen smaller, more cliquey sites climb out of a pit like this five years ago.


I believe we are looking too much at the problem. For example, take the thread about a voting system for staff. The thread started off as solution oriented, but has descended into a cesspool of people offending people. We need to refocus on the solution. I understand that the problem needs to be addressed, but it should not be the primary concern.


Stop trying to blame the current administration. I’m sure it’s beyond painful for them to see these threads being posted on the site the care so much about. They want what’s best for the site. Yes, sometimes they lose the path, but I’m confident in their abilities to find it again as an admin or a registered user. They have as much of a say in this new Classic as anyone else. Let’s make this site less toxic for them. Let’s enable them to speak their mind. Let’s listen to them as equals. Anything less would perpetuate the values we are trying to rid ourselves of.


There is no reason we can’t pull ourselves out of this, and don’t convince yourself otherwise. Don’t get in your own head. Don’t start playing the blame game. It never ends well for anyone, and it will only serve to drive us apart. Ad hominem attacks are never a good plan. I know we all have empathy, so it hurts everyone reading the thread in some form.


We need positive and solution-oriented thinking. We need empathy and a powerful will to make this site a better place for everyone, including those we may try to blame. Everyone is an ally here. We have a common goal. Let’s focus on that goal and not on each other.


Here are my challenges: don’t try to pin the blame on someone or a group of people. Think about what kind of community you are encouraging when you post on one of these threads. Ask yourself if your message is meant to tear down or build up. Don’t launch accusations. Be someone you will be proud of when this storm has blown over.


I guess that’s all I have to say. If you read this much of my writing, props to you. I know I’m a passive writer with atrocious grammar, so thank you for soldiering on anyway. Thank you for really considering what I’ve decided to say. I hope you take it to heart.


I know we can make this site a place we can be proud of. Let’s make it happen.