IMPORTANT: Regarding the Focus on Spam

[Rare Addict]

This announcement is to address spamming on the forum, and what is going to be done about it.

It should be noted that this doesn't necessarily mean traditional spam (ie, unrelated messages in topics, or constant, annoying posts, etc, etc) but instead means what the site has considered to be “allowed” spam, such as the Forum Games and Spam board and, to a degree, the General Discussion board. While other boards are partial hosts to some mild spam, the aforementioned two are by far the worst.

Again, no one has technically been doing anything wrong according to the site's rules. Heck, I myself have been guilty of the things that I am about to mention. That being said, I feel that the majority of subject matter on the forums now needs to be addressed. While I understand that members need places to talk about general topics, or to post random, silly things to prevent spamming of other boards, I've taken notice to the fact that these places have been receiving far more activity than other boards. And it's been decided to take action on this point, hence, this announcement.

I feel that rather than posting in the How's the Weather-style threads, posts could instead be made in Midna, Gaming, or Media boards, to at least generate intelligent discussion and ideas. What I most fear is that this type of activity is a result of focus directed towards post counts, which shouldn't be the case. While I understand the mindset of getting to that next rank, the phrase kept in mind should always be “Quality over quantity;" I hope that if you think of this, then the general state of the forums will improve to match the main site activity!

I trust that you all will help balance things out yourselves, but to help the process along, moderators will be cracking down on spam, and will be a tad more selective when determining what constitutes an acceptable post or thread, especially on the General Discussion board. Additionally, if the Forum Games and Spam board continues to lead the way in activity, I will more than likely remove it from the forums, simply because it shouldn't be any forum's primary focus.

The Secret Base and Heavy RP boards will be removed. The former will be permanent; if you wish to discuss topics found in the Secret Base, please use PM's or chat. As for Heavy RP, it will be removed until interest is shown in it once more. The only active topic was Yitik's practice RP for newcomers, and even that has only had one post in the past two years or so.

I hope these steps will help to improve forum quality, especially to guests and potential members! I know you all will do your part to make the best possible impression for everyone! So thank you, and let's get Midna back!

[Xytox]

Mmm, this means we will be picky, so consider what you are about to post before you do it. There will be no more five word posts with images slapped on them. Funny images and YouTube tags are still allowed, taken that your posts actually are relevant and contributes to the topic in a meaningful way. You're gonna hear a word or two from me if that would not be the case, trust me. *Shades on*

Also, if you don't agree with a moderator's or admin's action, then you're free to argue against him or her in a PM. Off topic discussions should be held to the minimum, so please keep them out of threads where they do not fit in.

But I mean, you already knew these kind of things, right? There's nothing out of the ordinary here.

If there's anything you wonder or feel is wrong, post away in here. \^__^/

I'll say right off the bat that the return of a heavy roleplaying forum is one of the things I'll strive for. If I’m alone in this, then so be it; I can live without it. But role-playing isn’t just a hobby and pastime of mine, it's a passion as well as training--for writing, acting, and character development. It's a major part of my life on the whole. I understand it's removal, but that sole post was my own.

Aside from this gripe of mine, I agree with what the changes imply or enforce. Personally, I don’t come here to spam, I come here to talk seriously, particularly about the Princess.

And, one day hopefully, to roleplay in a slightly more serious environment.

[Midnaroxursox]

This is probably a good thing. There's definitely been quite a bit of unrelated posts going around.
It's probably due to the fact that the site's activity has decreased and the most of the moderators have disappeared.
However, I wouldn't go so far as to remove the Forum Games and Spam. Instead of doing this, is there a way that you could limit daily/weekly posts in that board? This would allow for some downtime and goofy fun while also pushing members to post in other boards either before or when they run out of posts to make in the Games/Spam board.

If I can ever get firemaster to come back on, he'll also be willing to participate in the Heavy RP thread. He's a hardcore LARPer, so he'll be interested. I also think Midnafan10039 also showed some interest, but I could be wrong. Getting those two and Monolith together should be enough for them to breathe life back into the RP forums, and their activity could potentially spark interest into other members.

However, I wouldn't go so far as to remove the Forum Games and Spam.

It's not being removed. We just want much less focus on that subforum and much more on all of the others.

[camarosquid]

If I can ever get firemaster to come back on, he'll also be willing to participate in the Heavy RP thread. He's a hardcore LARPer, so he'll be interested. I also think Midnafan10039 also showed some interest, but I could be wrong. Getting those two and Monolith together should be enough for them to breathe life back into the RP forums, and their activity could potentially spark interest into other members.

You know I also think I mentioned interest in the Heavy Roleplay section as well. I could be a little wrong though on that in that I might have never openly said it. Anyways I would love that as it could add new life to the boards. I for one have a bit of interest in Heavy Roleplaying. I don't have any experience but I could learn. On a side note though I really have been not used the forum games and spam section of the forums as of lately because of this news.