Hi everyone,
Here we are into 2024, weeks way from the first episode. I'm here to deliver the update to what's happening in Discussions. But first, allow me to explain where it began: several months ago many users across the wiki complained that discussions were getting overcrowded by spam, non-Hazbin-Hotel content, inappropriate posts, and needless drama because people were using the off-topic to write literally anything. On the opposite side, people were advocating keeping off-topic posts because it was the only place they could go to relax and blow off some steam after a rough day to hang with friends.
Both sides were arguing, but neither seemed to acknowledge who was in the middle -- the people who were trying to keep the community open and stable. These were the people who took the time to read the rules and the staff whose purpose is to make sure users are safely communicating with each other. This was drowned out by the constant arguing, and as a result, put the wiki in a bad place that dissuaded newcomers and old to even stay for long.
So we tried to remedy this into a single off-topic thread. This thread stayed open for every month, and required everyone in it to follow the rules to a T - that meant no spamming or nonsensical writing, no NSFW, and absolutely no disrespect or arguing with each other.
The result was, sadly, more of what was already a problem, and everyone continued down the slope ignoring the warnings given. The difficulty to diffuse conflict was so frequent and turbulent, that many of the moderators grew concerned about how traumatic the posts were. It was as though it urged people to forget the rules here meant to allow positive interaction. And that led to more punishment, which none of us wanted to do. As a final test, we asked you all to go three days without insulting anyone to affirm whether the off-topic thread was a good thing. At the end of the first day, however, this quickly failed; it was clear that no matter how we tried to look at it, off-topic was not going to benefit the community staying open. Intentional or not, the thread conversations insinuated that ignoring the rules in favor of rude, disparaging behavior is okay because the show does it. This is real life, where would that ever be okay?
After this experiment had run for six months, we had come to the decision to retire the monthly off-topic thread permanently. It's done far more harm to everyone here, and become an excuse to indulge or hurt other people. None of us should be able to tell you how to act. You are people, and you can talk to other people with civility every day, this place is no different from showing that.
This will be understandably difficult news to take in for some, that is why I bear good news. We are in the process of reformatting the off-topic category entirely into new threads that are geared toward specific topics that encourage more conversation within the limits of Fandom-acceptable topics. These threads will also be designed for more positive social engagement and urge you guys connect more. We will be delivering the new setup sometime before the end of the week. As I close this, I implore you all to remember, we can only make discussions a place for all fans if we all put in the effort to change for the better. It's not just the staff's responsibility, it's each one of you who can be your best self.
Until next time, hope you all have a great week and a happy new year!