Feedback on Moderation, FTUE, Uninviting and Discouraging Experiences

[rough dust]

So far, I have been in this server for 5 years. From the days I considered game development a hobby up until today, a career. I think I deserve to have a say in this matter, at least this once.

Most of us joined this server to be part of a Game Dev community we truly belong in. In the essence of Game Development, we want a community that is passionate, creative, and energetic.

However, with the server being 99% a help forum (which I have no problem with), it leaves little room for a sense of community. Everything is so tightly categorized that I can't even share a simple game idea without it being considered off-topic.

For context, I was warned by Fogsight for sending an off-topic message that went exactly like so:

Weird question, but would you guys be interested in a skiing game where you have to race an avalanche? It would be a cinematic, first-person perspective, story-driven game about outrunning an avalanche—basically this part from Battlefield 5, but the entire game.
(Video link goes here referencing how I want the gameplay to be)

I wanted to share the idea because I thought it was neat and cool concept that I would wholeheartedly love to share with a community as passionate about games and making them as I am.

I understand that an off-topic channel can bring out the worst in the community as mentioned in the FAQ, but punishing one of the core aspects that make us game developers, the passion and ability to share ideas freely, should not be the way forward.

Now I can accept my fault was to not make it a thread. I still don't think being threatened with a ban by Fogsight for “spamming” despite having only sent four messages was fair. Immediately after, I was threatened again if I dared to criticize or stand up for my point. In no time, did he corrected to the right outlets(until I read the channel description out loud for him).

There are various channels where professionalism is preferred, and I support those efforts. But let’s remember that this is Discord, an app made for community and socializing. Never was for strict professionalism. Denying a safe space where people can safely express their passions, creativity, and all that makes them game developers seriously damages the community.

Now if you don't agree with what I proposed, I understand as this is my own take and my own vision of a better community which may not line up to yours. I do look at the efforts made to keep the server safe and inclusive. I whole heartedly believe a more healthy and well knitted community does come a long way, while it might takes more work for the moderators. But a small request of compassion shouldn't be too much to ask for as a start.

[sudden wraith]

To be clear about this. You were not warned for making an initial off-topic post. Because asking "would you play this game?" is not a game design question.
You were warned for continuously trolling and posting off-topic in the channel after you were already told not to post off-topic.

And since you were already here for 5 years you might have bothered to read the server rules. #📖┃code-of-conduct

[rough dust]

I did game design as my job title in a pretty big company might I add and ideation is indeed and DEFINATELY part of game design.

It is pretty much what we do to start with, we think of an idea, and wage it with others to see if it is cool, that is what pitchs are for entirely.

Asking would you play a game could be me trying to see an elevator pitch reaction.

And no I was not "trolling", so far I seriously have a problem with you, why do you go after such small harmless parts.

Please point of the part in the Code of Conduct you want me to acknowledge because I have actually scan through it after you told me to.

And I would think you yourself would also benefit from the Code of Conduct

I don't think I am the first to have a problem with you, I don't believe this is the first time someone has called you out for your tone and reaction. Please with all due respect, I wish you think about that for a while. Maybe show initiative with your learning and fix the problems many have with you.

[sudden wraith]

I could not care less about you having problems with me personally. If you continue boundary pushing again you will be removed from the server. I hope the off-topic rule is clear enough for you now as well.

[rough dust]

This is why I wanted to bring this up. Because as much as I appreciate the helping you do around here; it is INFURIATING to tip toe around you while you punish the passionate and well-meant people.

This thread was not made with you as the subject. You are just an example and this thread is meant for other members to voice themself about this problem, if they have the same problem and how similar it was to previous problem.

You are a person lack of compassion, failed to see that I am here as a Game Developer too, just as well meant for the server, maybe in a different way and without the moderator tag. If you are going to remove me for well...sharing a game idea, then so be it. But know that I'd think, and many would agree that it is outrageous to do so without having an outlet for me to do so.

[shadow flume]

there is #1180170818983051344 for that, if you follow through with said game idea
most of this server is indeed a help forum, aside from project showcase and general

[rough dust]

Obviously but I refuse to tip toe around this server because when I want to do something that is normal, harmless and on topic with game development in general.

At times my interaction with mods, I straight up just feel that they are powertripping with no compassion whatsoever.

[sudden wraith]

Meaning you are well aware of the rules and each time you come to the server you are trolling on purpose because you don't like server rules. Duly noted.

[rough dust]

again, first one is because I want to share an idea, second one is because I...said hi to you?

because let me remind you, the context of the convo before I said hi to you was WebGL builds on Unity. HOW IN ANYWAY IT WAS OFF-TOPIC?

game design? sure. (you never correctly diverted me to create a thread)

I come to this server to share my work, to contribute to conversation and to spend my freetime. I have no idea why you are so pressed when people are SLIGHTLY off-topic. The only part that was off-topic on this convo, was the other guy saying that my artstyle was cool! And if you think that is something that step out of line. You are seriously delusional and power-tripped