Nation Threads and Their Role in the Forums: A Critique

[Smeags]

With the discussion about done, I guess I should end with a few thoughts (as I've already said enough ).

• I think there's an interesting dynamic between veteran users who were here before the Nation threads took hold, and newer members who have come after the Nation threads took hold.
• I wasn't surprised by how each fanbase reacted to the thought of their Nation thread's fate. I get that these threads are complex machines of time, dedication, and "outside" circumstances, situations, and overall culture. I understand how important many Xbox members see their Nation thread, and why it's so important to them. So in that case I expected some empassioned (and even confrontational) replies in defense of it. And I was more than happy to read them and see the point of view from some folks on the inside.
• Culture is ever-evolving, but I believe that outside of extreme circumstances, culture only sees gradual changes at a time within its community. For example, VGChartz doesn't have the greatest amount of actual game discussion (we do reviews and sales discussion very well though...), but I think we'd be a better community if we had more game discussion. So recently I brought in a thread to help support gaming related topics. Do I think that the implementation of that thread will change VGChartz's discussion culture overnight? No way. Do I think the thread itself will solve all the problems? Heck no. But I think it's a step towards making changes in our own culture. And we have to take steps if we want to make changes towards the future. I critiqued Nation threads because I think there's some issues that need addressing. Do I think this thread will change things overnight or in itself solve every problem? Of course not, but I think the discussion is one worth having, and therefore I see it as a step towards something more posivite for the overall community.
• The biggest issue that I'm hearing from the Xbox crew is that once you leave the safety of the Empire, the rest of the forums foster a negativity that makes outside Xbox discussion toxic. And therefore the Empire is one if (if not the only) place to have positive, solid Xbox oriented discussion. I think there's truth to that viewpoint. But here's the thing, if you continue to only foster positive, solid Xbox discussion in the Empire... the overall problem will never be solved. If Xbox members can't go out into the greater forums with the want to foster a better community, then nothing will ever change. You will encounter opinions that may be critical, harsh, or even unsavory... but it's only out in the greater community that change can truly take place. So it's either being safe in the confines of your Nation thread and the overall outside issues stay the same, or you encounter pushback, criticisms, and trials outside of the Empire, but strive to cultivate a better culture. And we can argue whether mods should go first or the community should go first, but I do think that this is something that should me met hand in hand.
• Other than that, I once again appreciate the solid back and forth between the community here. I was a bit hesitant to post this at first, but I'm glad I did.