Ladies and gentlemen of JvS...we need to talk.

First off, let me just say, this was very eloquently put. Very diplomatic and very to the point. I appreciate you offering your opinions on the matter of JvS. So, as a ten year veteran of the site, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to see you voice your concerns. Much love, Ade.


Now on to my opinion of the state of the site; for the longest time, I was a horrible recluse. I started with JvS back on Facebook and ended up falling in with an absolutely outstanding group of people. Some of the most memorable times I had ever had on JvS were with them. They inspired me to push the boundaries of my creativity, encouraged me to not be so hard on myself, and above all else, they taught me to respect my fellow writer and lend a helping hand wherever I could. Having said that, I managed to keep striving for excellence in my abilities to write. But when we transitioned over to 1.5, our little group steadily fell apart. I was left holding a place where we as a team had created something beautiful. And they were gone. I was honestly very lost. I felt helpless and slighted by being 'abandoned' by this wonderful group of people. I refused to give up my little slice of the galaxy and I held on to it as tightly as I could, trying to relive what was. Alt after alt, I tried to keep the activity alive, but in the end it was to stagnant for me. I could do it. I disappeared, due to lack of interest in writing and real life. Then came the crash, and then 2.0, some time afterwards. After taking some time to adjust to the new site and familiarize myself with the layout, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone. I was greeted with open arms, by Sinistra and Gideon. They gave me a chance to start fresh. Unfortunately, life pulled me away and I was unable to continue. Upon my return, I looked up the next person down the chain of command for Sinistra's Empire. I found Nicademus. He welcomed me into the fold and from there, it gave rise to the First Order. I am grateful for the opportunities to write with some of the best people to ever grace the boards with the presence. Since the inception of the First Order, I have tried both as Viox and as his writer, to get involved with the community and help heal it. I have invested ten years of my own time and energy into this place, through the relationship I have forged and the stories I have written...

...so with that said, I am not going to sit by and watch this site slowly wither and die. Which brings me back to the topic at hand. The issues that have plagued JvS for some time now. Each and every issue that Ade has pointed out are very, very real. Having been made aware of these issues, I have been closely observing the interactions of others here on the site and in Discord. I needed to see this for myself first hand, because I didn't believe it. And yet, here we are. I have watched several people leave since I started taking notice. And I have noticed other issues as well. Issues that should never, ever happen. Especially if this is the community that we claim it is. I've witnessed people being bullied into making decisions that were more beneficial to one party than the other. I've seen ideas for new characters shot down because 'its be done before and it failed' or 'it didn't work out so well last time due to lack of interest'. That's not being supportive of our fellow writers, not in the slightest. That's essentially taking someone's idea and tossing it aside because it doesn't 'fit' with the direction of the site. To which I ask, what direction? In all honesty, JvS has been slowly circling the drain for a few years now. Because people have an idea as to how this site should be run and how new people should be included. Which is complete and utter bullshit, in my opinion. This site can go in whatever direction it chooses, provided it is beneficial to everyone, not just the select few. Take Viox for example. I've worked hard to get him where he is today. And? If someone came along tomorrow and decided to take it all away from me, I'd roll with it. Why? Because I can do it again. Because I can always build someone up again. I'm not afraid to break the monotony and shake things up. If things remain the same for far too long, we end up stagnating and reaching the point we are at now.

When I did the Roll Call thread, for the most part, people were polite and offered up a quick response. To which I appreciated. But there were the odd few that took issue with my request. Why? I honestly have no idea. I wanted an idea of who was still active, regardless of if they were in their own little group and did their own thing. I was greeted with hostility due to it, and I in turn, responded in kind. Which was wrong of me to do. I later admitted that and apologized to the individuals that had recieved my rather heated response. I owned my mistake at being an ass. And I did my best to correct my outlook on the site so that it would happen again.

Anyways, I think I've ranted enough for now and I've strayed from my point. My point is: Ade is correct with what he is pointing out, whether everyone wants to admit it or not, these are serious issues. Issues that can be fixed if we strive to do better. I will not call anyone out on a public thread and I will not blame any single person or group for the state of the site. Simply because we have all contributed to it in some way, shape or form. All I ask is that we take a good look at the state of things and try to remedy them with the interests of the entire site at heart. There are those of us that are willing to fix these issues and do our best to be unbiased when it comes to rectifying these issues.

Thanks for reading, and I apologize for ranting. If anyone feels the need to discuss what they see as an issue, please, as Ade said, air your grievances and concerns here, or message me personally. I am willing to listen and help where I can.

Sav

This is a wonderful topic and we will definitely be keeping a close eye on it, watching the responses and seeing what we can learn from it as well!

I also feel like this is as good a place as any to get some more eyes on our soon-to-be revamped RPA department, garner interest in that. Mr. Draykon mentioned it, and it's definitely a step many of us feel will lead to long-term improvement as well.

Quick-hit thought: I love the idea of having a thread for newcomers to introduce themselves! I don't remember having such a thing on the old site, but we did have the newcomers' RP area for people to "learn" how to RP if they so chose before jumping into the universe. Not sure if that's something we need to bring back, but an introductions thread is a great idea! Would just have to think of the best, most visible place for that to appear...

Normally, I would typically scan a pot like this, feeling I had little to really say and that others could do a better job of making the needed points. However, I am deeply dedicated to this site, and while I don't really do much for the site such in regards to advertising and other major duties here, this place and my stories hold a major place for me in my life. I'm talking big deal things such as playing in a traveling band, active church member, or any sports. To me, this is far more than a simple hobby that I can come and enjoy from time to time. So, with such a mindset, it is just as much a responsibility in my mind that I actually post and try to convey some opinions.

I apologize beforehand if any of the thoughts start to overlap and get confusing. Trying to organize ideas like these tend to get away from me from time to time.

The first thing to address: New Members.

When it comes to the advertising aspect of things, I have little to offer as I don't explore many other sites over the internet and any people i do interact with in my daily life would have no care for this type of thing, much less have the level of interest in Star Wars that I do. Yet, it is a good idea to try and continue advertising as it has been done thus far. I don't know as that isn't my strongest suit.

As for the new member area, I do believe that is a great idea to have. More often than not anymore, most new names that pop up are usually those you are just adding a new character to their lists or a person who has been involved with the site in the past in some way, shape, or form. We either know, or have a general idea of where to go or what to do to get things rolling with our new character. But for new members, many don't know where to start. With an area just for them, we can help them get started, put them in some "training" scenarios to get them up to speed on what it is to role play here if they're unfamiliar with the art, and overall, give them a place to post and introduce themselves so that we, as a community, can see who the new people actually are and make a better effort at getting in touch with them. this way they aren't left wondering who's paying attention and where t actually go. It also helps to get them in touch with the right people.

Next to follow can relate to both new members and all others on the site as a whole. One of the issues I think we have (not necessarily a big issue) is communication. One of the biggest things I think that drives new members away is the lack of communication. Those that don't make themselves know are indeed hard to get in touch with. But when there are those that post on worlds trying to get started or in the planing area, yet don't get responses, even when there's activity around, no doubt they feel ignored and would rather not be involved with a place that's not going to give them the time of day. I do feel the new members area is the best way to change that.

Communication on the board as a whole is also important. I know that many things do get planned out and are keep up with so that at least those involved with particular rps are kept in the loop. This is more a friendly reminder to keep it up rather than an issue to work on. But it is also good to communicate with those you rp with when RL gets crazy and pulls you away. Sometimes, it comes without warning and can't be helped, including the ability to inform people what's happening. Still, I believe its always good practice to keep those involved in certain stories when you have to step away. It might take a few days to finally do so, but it should always be stated. I don't think it should ever be assumed that everyone understands and is completely fine with a random disappearance. When a story comes to a complete halt that sits around for weeks to months at a time before finally getting a single post, it can become infuriating and cause others to leave.

Please don't misunderstand me. I know that that life can cause some serious problems that can cause many to completely leave as well as be gone for a couple days. I understand and respect what happens. However, its a two way street. As those here respect those pulled away by real life issues, these who are still here should still be respected enough to either get a story finished up or pass knowledge along to keep things moving without you, or just to say that things will be on hold so no one's actually staying put and at least engaging in other stories while they wait as some people try not to time jump when possible. As I said, I've very dedicated to this site and am highly active. You can easily see one of my characters on at least a dozen times a day. I make it a point to respond as quickly as possible to a post, usually within a few hours. If I go a day or two without posting, I'm typically apologizing to those involved and explaining why I didn't post that on day, which I know many don't think much on. It's how I am and how important this site is to me and ensuring everyone gets posts in a timely manner. I, myself, being locked in a story that sits for a month dos agitate me, I admit. No doubt others feel the same and have less dedication to keep them around. Also, I do believe for the groups as a whole, make sure you have those who can carry a group in times you need to leave.

Sorry for that little rant. If anything, I believe that's my biggest irk when i comes to the things I'm involved with.

I wish there really was more I could do to give advice on how to improve things. When it comes to the rules, I honestly have nothing to say as I don't feel I've be hindered by the rules. If I've broken them, I apologize. I typically create a character and role with it and use the interactions as a means to correct or balance anything out. And perhaps that is the best advice I can give. Have guidelines to follow, but let things run along if no one comes to have an issue with them. Even things in real life that are considered laws are not even a real issue unless its created into one. The fleet sizes, yes I think those rules should be more strict than most, with the banning of certain things that can easily be abused even with careful storytelling. Super weapons, certain Force powers are usually best left off the boards unless constructed in a closed rp agreed upon by all parties.

Finally for the ideas of characters, unless it is out right ridiculous to the point it will cause problems when interacting with others, I really think no idea should be put down. Every idea should be given the chance bloom and be attempted with positive support. If something seems a little too much, give constructive ideas to help give them what they're looking for while making it reasonable for the boards. I am creating Kyra, an A.I with the intention of becoming fully sentient. I already understood that running with that type of character could be dangerous and was already stating the limits it would have to give i the advantage an A.I could have while still making it work within the boards so its not off the wall or over powered. I can see if I just threw the idea out with bigger ideas or without the limits I added, I could see some people bringing up some red lights. And that's fine provided people help to work to make things work without taking away from what someone wanted to do or be. If that person feels that its too confined for what they want, that's up to them, so long as we as a community are supportive of people's ideas and work to help them achieve them by providing more information or giving them some guidelines to follow.

As for inclusion, I know I have plans to involve Luxeria everywhere I can in the coming future. With her being a Sith apprentice, I am keeping her a bit more bound in what she goes out to do, but once she becomes free reigning as a full fledged Sith, I most certainly want to start up whatever stories I can with whoever wants to do them. Which reminds me, I need to revive an old thread to see about getting a black market dealer and smuggler to help get Luxeria her first batch of poisons without anyone knowing. Could do it by NPC, but its more fun to have others involved.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the matter. I really do hope we can build this site up again. I've been around since the facebook days, myself. I deeply enjoy being here and making post after post. The days where I can't seem to do anything but make posts are the days I'm happiest.

The new members area sounds like a really good idea, as it could really help new members get started if done well. Having a thread for the new members to introduce themselves and maybe include something about what they are looking for could make it easier to either direct them to the right places or players, or for players interested in helping them to reach out to them.

Something else that could be included that might help would be a directory of sorts, that listed the larger groups and who to contact if the new members were interested in writing a character belonging to a particular group. For example, the Jedi could make a list of players to contact if new members were interested in writing a Jedi, with the idea being that the players listed are active enough that the new member could anticipate a relatively quick reply. There is no reason I can not see that, in addition to that directory, any member of the site could not make it a priority to keep an eye on the introduction thread and point new members towards players that could help them get started in different groups. It could help with the perception that our community is not overly welcoming to have such an area set up, and to have all of us agree to make a point of keeping an eye on it rather than expect the administrators to handle it all.

Another good point that was raised was how the rules have come to be perceived as more restrictive than they necessarily truly are. Maybe there could be a way to emphasize the spirit of collaboration or fair play without a need to have a dauntingly large and complex set of rules to familiarize oneself with? More "if everyone you are writing with agrees with your ideas about your character and their powers/ weapons/ ship numbers it is OK", and less "Only this or that is allowed, full stop."

P.S. Thank you Adrien for starting this thread, and thank you everyone else for your feedback. It really helps clarify where I should focus my time and effort.