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If you like the idea of the reputation feature suggested in the comments, why not share some thoughts on it on this thread?
Hello folks, I'd like to talk about something that concerns me. There have been quite a lot of people who have mentioned the Aywas community has not felt the same and has seemed, almost... colder and ruder.
In the beginning, we all knew each other from a small handful of common sites. We recently passed 30,000 users - so we've grown a whole bunch from the original beta testers, and people from all kinds of sites have joined and made Aywas their home.
With more people, the original family feel gets diluted. I suppose that happens when you have so many people coming in. We can, however, all work together on that.
First thing is, for those of you coming from more aggressively moderated sites, you may not know that the moderators are all really, really nice people. If someone rubs you the wrong way or behaves disrespectfully to you, our staff is always here to help. We've seen a large number of these sort of reports lately and we encourage you to keep reporting. We want to help!
Second thing is, we have always required that members be mature and respectful - it's a staple of our TOS . It's kind of awkward phrasing, but I think it's still a decent description - to show respect to other members, the staff that works hard to entertain you, and the site as a whole.
This seems to be slipping. More and more, there are people who are not acting mature and/or respectful. We've seen a larger increase of individuals who express damaging and hurtful comments in public places, on and off site. This also contributes to an overall feeling of coldness and breeds pain and anger, because whether it's here or not, it still affects all of the community in the way that it infects. We encourage thoughtful feedback, but we don't tolerate bashing and mindless insults, whether here or elsewhere. That hurts our community feel, and does not represent a mature and respectful attitude.
While we want to welcome everyone, maturity and respect is necessary to keep our community thriving, and keep that family feel we all yearn for. The best way to ensure this is to report inappropriate behavior and contribute ideas, not venom and hatred.
That said, please remember that Aywas is a private website. It's one of the things that sets us apart from other ones - our ability to filter registrations. That doesn't end at the sign up page, though. We want a community full of awesome people who have fun together and are, of course, mature and respectful. Please remember to be mindful of how you treat others, the staff, and the site - everywhere. Our community does not welcome hurtful attitudes, and we as staff will step up and do our best in preserving the purpose of our filter.
Your reports are the most helpful in aiding us there - whether it's someone speaking in chatspeak or someone who acts disrespectfully toward you, site, or staff, your reports can make or break our efforts.
I think our community needs healing, but I know we can do it. :) Thanks to all for reading. Now let's do our best!
Posted by Jack
(#1) on Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:33pm
- wolfcat
(#177)
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Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:39pm
I've only had 2 people bug me in like the whole time the site has been up so... I hadn't really noticed a change, but I don't use forums much.
- Bri&Nikkidee=AFK
(#268)
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Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:42pm
-hugs everyone and shares love- ;o; ilu all. Let's be nice <3 -Brianna
- Ace Hart
(#20278)
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Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:42pm
I like that the site is growing, though I'm shy about welcoming newbies, partially because I don't want to make a friend only to have them decide they don't like the site. So I wait a bit longer until it seems like they're going to stay. I hope that doesn't make me cold...
- Raptue (MIA) & Frey
(#1034)
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Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:42pm
Vouching doubly hard for the ' the mods are totally awesome and friendly' bit.
Seriously. Mods here rock. Never be afraid to talk to them (unless you've done something reprehensible haha).
-R
- King Sombra
(#382)
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Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:42pm
Ive found most people on here friendly. What I will say is there seems to be a slight issue between old and new members. While the old tight knit family is nice, it could do with a little expanding (openess towards newer users). I hate when I see users sterotyping other groups of users (Ex: all new users beg and feel entitled, its too easy for them now, they dont deserve nice stuff Ive been here longer, etc) Everyone joins to have fun and be part of a group/family. I havent found a person on here yet who doesnt want friends.
- Kita🦊
(#3988)
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Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:43pm
I've never seen anyone act bad or rude to anyone or in general. I've seen a pretty stupid comment made but I think they admitted their comment was worded badly. Maybe I missed it. D:
- Kei 🎃
(#4690)
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Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:44pm
Aww~. This is wonderful. ^^ It made my day.
- Namine + Marluxia
(#702)
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Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:44pm
We need a +like button -Senpai
Ive found most people on here friendly. What I will say is there seems to be a slight issue between old and new members. While the old tight knit family is nice, it could do with a little expanding (openess towards newer users). I hate when I see users sterotyping other groups of users (Ex: all new users beg and feel entitled, its too easy for them now, they dont deserve nice stuff Ive been here longer, etc) Everyone joins to have fun and be part of a group/family. I havent found a person on here yet who doesnt want friends. -Portal
^Agree with these~
- Empty
(#1364)
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Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:44pm
-runs around spreading love- I shall contribute to the healing!
Posted on: Mon Sep 5, 2011 8:39pm
I think a lot of people have the mentality that just because a site is growing and gaining new members very often means that somehow they're being invaded. This always made me sigh and roll my eyes. If you have a site that's intent on providing a family feel, then what's more family-feeling than welcoming someone new to the family? This isn't a sorority, there is no hazing, there's no logic behind hating newbies just because they're new. WHY CAN'T WEEEE BE FRIENDS? /smashmouth