TheRandomMan1000
Ellie
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2012
- Messages
- 1,986
- Reaction score
- 2,055
So I figure I should start something, or at least write something of substance for these wonderful 'ol forums. So many of you likely remember the time about a year ago to around February of this year on the forums. While I know that time can cloud the truth about a memory, as far as I can tell, the forums were a much more viable source of both information, and conversation.
Some History
A quick, what I struggle to call, a history lesson for those of you who don't remember what I'm talking about. Around the time we left the summer of 2012, the in-game community took a bit of a hit, losing a good deal of players to school, and the amount of community relations in-game suffered, and even TeamSpeak took a slight drop in activity. Around this time more and more people began joining, and using the forums. Quickly many personalities formed (too many people to name) and for a time, for me and many others these people were most definitely the face of our community.Some History
As time passed we hit a golden age, suggestions were great, the staff was quick and responsive, and overall a positive attitude existed. Very few posts had to deal with flame, and almost every new thread was original and often bore 2-3 pages of conversation. Around the time Bajan joined MCSG, the community turned ever-so-slightly bitter. For the first time people had to pick sides, know what was worth complaining about, and while it wasn't really much of a hit for the diplomacy of the forums, it planted the seeds that took root in the following months.
The months leading to the real community rifts in early 2013 include a few situations. Questions of what is right, taking sides on the many pardons of Bajan's rule-breaking, as well as that of his fans. Questions of loyalty, when the hive came about people began to leave. Many stayed, and a great deal of community members were lost, and those who stayed at this point were ready to argue and willing to bash the other community. Over this time the staff was forced to make some questionable choices, and a mixture of miscommunication and rash decision making led to a definite turning point in the community. People were banned, some left, some stayed but had little to discuss with many quality community members leaving. Slowly the integrity and quality of forum posts went down, and over time the forums became vacant and almost underused. Which leads into the point of this thread.
The Initiative
So finally to the point! As many of you know I've hoped very much for a while that we could move back into that community of the past. While I know it's not totally possible, I would like to see an effort from everyone I know from the past, and maybe some new, passing faces, to see these forums once again shine with the great content of the past.What I suggest from anyone that wants to help is the following --
A. Mention the forums to an offhand friend. Someone who plays MCSG but doesn't have account. Let them sign up.
B. Post more content regarding the games, the forums, and your experience. Steer clear of "What's your favorite" and "Top _____" threads. Focus on writing about experiences, players you know, and simply discuss the game. This type of civil conversation will increase interest for those visiting the boards.
C. Keep a steady flow of civil critique on the feature suggestions and finished map sections. Knowing people care, and by giving advice and praise, people will post more and likely be more thoughtful in their actions.
D. Be yourself, don't abide by a school-style writing piece on the forums, and don't try to please everyone. Write when you want to, in your voice, with what you want to say. Be creative, share experiences. The thing that pulls us together as a community is our originality.
That'll be it, if you'd like to help, post below. Feel free to give your own advice, and most of all, have a great day
