I'm Leaving Goodbye Forum Users

[Swoop 2,276]

There's only drama if you allow there to be.

That sums up my feelings quite nicely, really.

 

It is fitting for members to notify others of their departure, whether they choose to do so by a thread, blog, or PM.

It is not fitting for members to propagate drama by way of departures - don't take your own personal problems and make them everyone else's problem.

 

Instead of opting for a blanket-cover measure on those taking their leave publicly, or simply channeling such content into blogs in the hope that the drama will somehow dissipate, I believe the moderation and administration should instread reserve the right to remove any goodbye blogs, statuses, and threads that are intended to cause general unrest or dissent within the community under our stance on 'abusive behaviour', whether it be directly expressed, such as:

 

I've had it with these forums, the members here are all asshats, the mods are biased, the admins are incompetent and the character limit frustrates me to no end.

Or indirectly implied though a general lack of information:

 

Community Status updates:

User 1: Goodbye MLP Forums.

User 2: WTF? Why?! D:

User 3: Get on Skype now, we need to talk.

*enque comments of shocked inquiries, bickering, and back-and-forth comments, potentially spilling over to other status updates*

Communication is important; if you're going to be inactive - be it periodically or permanently - then letting others know is the considerate thing to do. However, if you're not capable of doing so in a manner that isn't going to stir the proverbial pot, then it's probably best that you keep your sentiments to yourself.

 

If we can nip the drama mongering in the bud, I'm confident that departure threads can coexist peacefully within Life Advice.

[Killian Jones 2,653]

Whenever I have seen a leaving topic not within Life Advice I have reported it as not being a blog post or not in Life Advice.

 

And honestly they are annoying, especially if you see a member with Squirrel rank go on a rant why they are leaving. I find the whole situation ridiculous, There needs to be a clear way for members to post these, and I agree with Zoop on this, blog posts are the way it should go. It hides the drama somewhat.

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

I just think we should use that one Status update/Blog automated message on them. Even if they don't monger drama, people usually regret making the thread later and make fools of themselves. People who make the threads don't leave - it's people who leave silently and disappear in the shadows who are usually gone forever. And honestly? We already use those on personal topics that don't really fit a thread. We're just kind of making an exception for the goodbye threads in this case.

 

Also, consider this: the more goodbye threads there are, the more are made. It's self-perpetuating. The Ask a Pony section started with one Ask thread, which then escalated into an endless and long fad. (Not saying it's a bad thing, but that's how it began.) It might be a while before this goodbye thing ends. And it might even get worse. People see other people doing something? They'll do it themselves.

 

I'm surprised we haven't done this already. I was under the impression this was one of the many reasons we got blogs in the first place.

[AntiDentite 37]

Well, I'm new. Like fresh-out-of-the-womb new. So, I guess for everypony you lose you snatch up another.

 

And I have no intentions on leaving this space any time soon. Lack of new episodes is a bore, but c'est la vie.

[FedoraMemes 582]

While I do find that there isn't much to discuss episode wise, I still wouldn't leave the forums over it. I know of a few people who have left until Season 3 airs, and haven't made big threads about it, just PM'd people who are good friends.

 

I really don't think that locking up threads saying goodbye is really gonna do anything. If someone genuinely is leaving, then it is nice to know that they are leaving (I really shouldn't have said 'nice' there) and we may not see them around, especially if it was a really high ranking member.

 

Although, we could always argue that there are people who don't leave, and all these threads are pretty much turning into spam.

 

I don't know, I suppose we'll just have to keep them and then see what happens next.

[SBaby 660]

I don't know. Hiding 'unnecessary' goodbye threads and keeping others is alot like favoritism. Moderators couldn't really call themselves impartial if they did that. It's like Field0 said. It would have to be all or nothing. Either the site allows the threads to be made, or it doesn't allow them to be made.

 

But before you make that decision, ask yourselves. What problems are these threads really causing? How are they really interfering with the site? And does it really say anywhere that you're required to read every goodbye thread that is made?

 

People go to these threads because they choose to go to them. If you don't like these threads, you are by no means obligated to click on them and read them. I mean, the titles of the threads usually tell you what the thread is about. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I honestly don't know what people are expecting when they click on them.

 

Not to mention, I think you are overblowing the situation quite a bit. I've seen far more people joining the site than I've seen people leaving it. And as long as FiM is a meme, it's likely to stay that way. But that brings me to my next point.

 

Personally, I think that if anything, we should have a specific section for people to post 'goodbye' topics in. This way, they're all in one place, and the people that don't want to read them can simply avoid that section. Anyway, it's just an idea.

Edited September 17, 2012 by SBaby

[Pinkie D Pie 1,035]

Alright, can I make a suggestion about the goodbye threads. How about one big thread, for every goodbye post. That way we can get rid of the clutter of them, and people want have to worry about endless ones popping up. It is also another way for people to find out what member have left, and a way for people to say there goodbyes. Just a suggestion, but you know, could work.

[The Milkman 186]

o mayun its so sad 2 see dat ur leaving Dxxdxd

pls come back sooen liek dis if u cri evrytiem xDDdDD

-

I agree with what fox said, those threads should be erased.

The replies are alwaaays the same, it's only to get attention

"oh man bye good luck"

"(the typical huge text just to say good bye and look epic... no offense)"

"when are you gonna come back"

So, yeah.

Edited September 18, 2012 by The Milkman

[XUNUSEDXXX 3,459]

I just think we should use that one Status update/Blog automated message on them. Even if they don't monger drama, people usually regret making the thread later and make fools of themselves.

 

This. I do this all the time when it's nighttime (not making goodbye threads, but posting and saying stupid stuff to people :x). I think people need to, if they have had a bad day or two, give it a few days of sleep and meditation before they make a drastic decision like this, only to regret it the next morning.

[Fox 5,330]

I've now added a poll for people to share their thoughts on "Goodbye" threads!

 

What I would do, is just contact closer friends and message them prior to my departure, and maybe make a status update. Also, edit my profile and update my "About Me" page to inform other users why I'm gone, and what not. If I were to become inactive/busy/decide to leave the forum. In all honesty, if I ever leave I'd probably want to make a thread, but I AINT GOING ANYWHERE. So, it's not really too big of a problem for me. Who doesn't want to make a thread when they leave?

[Somebody 570]

People who make the threads don't leave - it's people who leave silently and disappear in the shadows who are usually gone forever.

 

Who doesn't want to make a thread when they leave?

 

For what it's worth, I actually did leave a decent-size forum I was very prominent in. In fact, I was the forum's head administrator and founder. One day I was so fed up with the place, I just disappeared. I left no messages, no threads, no status updates, nothing. I simply vanished. This had been coming for months, and everyone involved knew exactly why I left.

 

I was someone who just disappeared into the shadows, and I had no intention of ever returning. The only thing that brought me back was a random phone call from one of the staff! Yes, they tracked down my physical phone number. They convinced me to return, and I still talk to them on Skype frequently, but as far as that particular forum goes, I'm basically a ghost now.

 

To me, a goodbye thread is like a suicide note detailing exactly when and where the suicide will take place; people who write those don't really want to kill themselves. The note is a very desperate cry for help. People who leave goodbye threads are usually somehow crying for help... which is why I try to help them as opposed to saying "see ya, don't let the door hit ya on the way out." Personally, that's the message I think locking the thread would convey to them.

 

Just my two bits.

[Jokuc 8,172]

edit

 

actually nvm I'd go with a blog since a thread would probably get locked and shit :3

Edited January 2, 2014 by Jokuc

[Clarity 3,094]

I'd just like to bump this thread if it's alright, because lately a lot of users have been leaving or threatening to leave, causing the word "drama" to appear in every place and its mother. Status updates about so-and-so leaving have thrown many members into starting a campaign, crying in their own status updates, and other ridiculous stuff. To be blunt, not everyone's going to care if you're leaving, and I'd suggest limiting it to your closest friends rather than causing an uproar.

[The Leafeon Pinkeh 3,602]

A full detailed report on why they are leaving, and how the community will benifit/collapse due to thier departure. Have them please highlight all key points and avoid using "I" or "me" as it will be a formal report. Most impotantly, use evidence to back any claims/complaints. As for where, all of the above. Personal messages, blog, status, thread, everywhere. Good luck! Cheers!

[Shift 4,271]

Oh THANK GOD you aren't leaving.

 

Anyways, I'd probably post a blog and, um, well, leave. And unlike most members here, I love internet fights / flame wars / watching the world burn. So normally when I see one of those 'Im Leaving' threads I post in it, sit back and watch the world burn. #typicalshiftproblems

[Clover Heart 978]

I think that any of the above are acceptable except making a thread. Blogging and status updates are sorta your own thing, and they're non-invasive, so I feel that you should kinda get to do whatever you want with those, within reason. PMing your friends, again, is non-invasive. It let's your friends, who may wonder where you went otherwise, know what you're going to be doing and allows them a chance to exchange contact info so they can keep in touch. Leaving silently is fine. It depends on what kind of user you are. If you have tons of friends, it might be a little rude to just leave them hanging without a word. However, if you're like me and no very well-known, you can leave silently, and it shouldn't be a big deal.

 

The problem with making a thread, as I've alluded to above, is the invasive factor. Not that you're encroaching on other people's affairs or anything, but here's how I see it. Blogs, PMs and status updates are kinda within your own circle. They're published and out there for all users to see, yes. But unless someone's following you, they're not too terribly likely to see it. And even if they do, it's not the main reason most people come here. Most people come for the forums. So by littering "I'm leaving forever, goodbye!" posts all over the forum invades upon the users' experiences. Most people don't want to have to wade through topics such as these. While your friends probably care, look at how many friends you have versus how many users there are. Are you so important that everybody needs to know that you're leaving? I doubt it. Just leave it to your friends and leave everyone else alone.

 

One thing that I didn't see in the poll but may have been mentioned: I think that probably the best thing you can do, no matter what method you choose to announce your absence (or choose not to) would be to alter your profile to say that you've left. Maybe leave contact info if you feel comfortable doing that. Just so people understand that you're gone and maybe why. You may have missed some of your contacts when you chose to leave, so those who may be wondering about you can read for themselves why you left. Of course, this would require keeping your account.

 

Just my two cents.

[Fubz 300]

I don't know. Hiding 'unnecessary' goodbye threads and keeping others is a lot like favoritism. Moderators couldn't really call themselves impartial if they did that. It's like Field0 said. It would have to be all or nothing. Either the site allows the threads to be made, or it doesn't allow them to be made. But before you make that decision, ask yourselves. What problems are these threads really causing? How are they really interfering with the site? And does it really say anywhere that you're required to read every goodbye thread that is made? People go to these threads because they choose to go to them. If you don't like these threads, you are by no means obligated to click on them and read them. I mean, the titles of the threads usually tell you what the thread is about. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I honestly don't know what people are expecting when they click on them. Not to mention, I think you are overblowing the situation quite a bit. I've seen far more people joining the site than I've seen people leaving it. And as long as FiM is a meme, it's likely to stay that way. But that brings me to my next point. Personally, I think that if anything, we should have a specific section for people to post 'goodbye' topics in. This way, they're all in one place, and the people that don't want to read them can simply avoid that section. Anyway, it's just an idea.

 

It's a problem because it generates a lot of drama and fights, people think because they're never going to return here they can just say whatever they want and leave with an impact. Also they are useless in a discussion thread because there's nothing to discuss and it's basically the reason why blogs/statuses/PMs exist. For the stuff that shouldn't be discussed here. Pretty much what Clover said up above me.

 

Yeah I had that idea a while ago, lemme find it for you. Ah this was ages ago when I used to type silly: http://mlpforums.com/topic/54085-goodbye-sub-forum/

 

Also it seems this discussion has brought up the conflicting idea of what the forums (not talking about blogs/statuses etc.) should be, a brony socialising site or forums? I'm glad to see a lot of people know what to expect from these forums although the staff are still not 100% in concordance. Although this is just a note from my last thread, never mind me.

Edited January 5, 2014 by Fubz

[Sugar Pea 2,681]

I'd rather a member private message than to tell the whole forum about their sudden dilemma...like you said, it's mostly for attention or forum drama. I mean, they have to consider the current atmosphere and what the forums has been going through. Negativity is contagious! No offense to those who have attempted the following, for I know a few friends who have done this.

Anywho, if it were my case, I would just leave silently than to add poison to the mix. I would let them have their guesses and accept the fact that there will come a time when all of us have to leave, or just don't have the time to fool around with the forums.

I would never leave unless things got out of control. xD

I don't wanna trend.

Edited January 5, 2014 by Kitteh Cakes

[Legacy Dash 438]

I guess really it would depend on how you see the forums, if you consider it more of a social network to catch up with brony friends, making a goodbye thread would seem more appropriate to you, and everyone else that feels the same way about the forums.

 

Others might see the forums as a place to share ideas and talk about topics, not a place to chat away with friends, a person like that might feel it being more appropriate to leave silently or subtly.

 

And I'd say whether you view the forums at a social network or a place to share ideas and talk about topics is purely up the to the user - and in my opinion, it is more a social thing.

[Fubz 300]

I guess really it would depend on how you see the forums, if you consider it more of a social network to catch up with brony friends, making a goodbye thread would seem more appropriate to you, and everyone else that feels the same way about the forums.

 

Others might see the forums as a place to share ideas and talk about topics, not a place to chat away with friends, a person like that might feel it being more appropriate to leave silently or subtly.

 

And I'd say whether you view the forums at a social network or a place to share ideas and talk about topics is purely up the to the user - and in my opinion, it is more a social thing.

It matters what the staff think. It's clearly noticeable that they're split on this, which leads to continuous problems.

 

I think, in threads and forums it's no way a social thing (except in obvious sections) and you've got way more than enough places on this website alone to socialise. Although, I'll repeat, staff aren't united on this. What they apply through rules, we'll follow. We can't follow this confusion.

 

Again the same fault in a different discussion, I hope I'm not ignored this time despite pointing it out several times the last time I brought this up.

Edited January 7, 2014 by Fubz

[Clarity 3,094]

 

 

It matters what the staff think. It's clearly noticeable that they're split on this, which leads to continuous problems. I think, in threads and forums it's no way a social thing (except in obvious sections) and you've got way more than enough places on this website alone to socialise. Although, I'll repeat, staff aren't united on this. What they apply through rules, we'll follow. We can't follow this confusion. Again the same fault in a different discussion, I hope I'm not ignored this time despite pointing it out several times the last time I brought this up.

I'm not sure what you mean. I re-read this thread and it seems to me that the majority of the staff agree that a blog post or status update is the best way to go about this. I saw some disagreements on whether a thread should be locked when based on such a topic, but the consensus is that it should – as it isn't a topic for much discussion.

 

Threads make up the majority of a forum and most definitely are places to socialize. Other than the Forum Games and Lounge, regular discussion about episodes certainly involve socializing as well, because as long as you're discussing things with someone, it's socializing.

[Fubz 300]

I'm not sure what you mean. I re-read this thread and it seems to me that the majority of the staff agree that a blog post or status update is the best way to go about this. I saw some disagreements on whether a thread should be locked when based on such a topic, but the consensus is that it should – as it isn't a topic for much discussion.

 

Threads make up the majority of a forum and most definitely are places to socialize. Other than the Forum Games and Lounge, regular discussion about episodes certainly involve socializing as well, because as long as you're discussing things with someone, it's socializing.

Whoops, I was replying directly to that comment rather than the thread. But yeah I'll stand by my point and say that this was a fairly simple decision. Sorry for the confusion I was speaking off topic.