by Angelito » Tue May 24, 2022 6:55 pm
So, to folks questioning our decision:
Take a note of the date this thread was created. And, this public announcement warned everyone who wasn't in it for a good faith argument.
Besides this thread, we have written to members countless times. Some have been warned. To some, we simply DM'ed them. It's been going for over a year. We hoped people would be the best version of themselves and engage in constructive discussions rather than forging their own narratives.
The fact is, for this past year or so, the forum has been filled with unnecessary trolling, baits, relentless arguments on the same topic over and over and over again.
Those of you who've questioned these bans handed out, you guys have been reported multiple times. For what, you may ask? Well, you guys were reported so you'd at least know for what, eh?
How many of you have heard from us? How many of you have been warned?
Zenith has repeatedly requested you not to succumb to whataboutism and hot-takes. We're not here to one-up each other.
Yet, a certain few don't seem to be in any mood to listen. Every damn thread, you have the same saga going on.
Phil, Ach, UFGN, Nuggets, Jayram, Gonerred, DG, HH—all of you guys have reports to your name in the past two weeks alone. There are others that I'm forgetting. You guys have been reported for various reasons.
Rockape had repeatedly advised Jayram to let go and simply ignore certain posts. He didn't need to respond to every damn post. Nuggets didn't need to bait others in every damn post.
In the past 18 months, we've banned 4 members—three were temp banks, one was a perma ban. 18 freakin months and just one perma ban when behaviors have been on a free-fall.
We all know that arguments can get heated. People lose their sanity in the midst of a discussion. That's absolutely not an issue. But what's expected is to argue in good faith, to ignore certain posts/posters, make use of the Ignore button, concede when the argument isn't going anywhere.
Jayram has been accused as a troll for over a year now. Was he banned before? When every damn thread is Jayram arguing with someone on the same topic, that becomes an issue. When every thread has Nuggets baiting, that becomes an issue.
The Mod team doesn't need to do this. We don't get special perks. Arsenal isn't going to collaborate with GW in exchange of positive PR a la r/gunners.
The uniqueness of this board is its critical opinion and sharing of ideas that isn't derailed by bots or PR campaigns. We're the last of our kind. Reddit has more or less swallowed such niche discussions boards. We don't want another Reddit-esque situation at GW.
Long-term members are aware that this used to be a place where people argued, but they argued on various issues surrounding Arsenal and football. Even during they heydays of Wenger Out debates, the forum had a semblance of critical thinking. There were trolls. There were baits. However, the Reddit-esque one-way blind street that's prevalent today hadn't touched the forum.
We want a holistic place to discuss about Arsenal. We're not interested in glorifying Arsenal to protect the current administration. Nor, are we interested in being overtly negative about Arsenal and its progress.
Arsenal is beyond ownership and regionalism. Let's keep it at that. Let's realize that.
We have defended Jayram when he was called a troll, a baiter, and whatnot. But it's reached a point where something had to be done.
The aim is to promote healthy and holistic discussion amongst fans of the same club. This notoriety won't help anyone and has made the forum a nightmare to engage in.
Enough is enough.
Let's all do our bit in enhancing the quality of discussions and debates.
The Mod team isn't a totalitarian unit as some of you believe. We've let as much flow—having faith in individual characters, in restrain, and in GW members' penchant for critical discourse.
It's all easy to get entangled in useless dramas and debates but when you embrace diverse options, act as fans of this great institution, and not get drowned in your own stew, you will find that we all want the same thing.
Criticism and appreciation is part of being a fan. It's when we identify with ideologies, lose our sense of judgment, become overly attached to one way or the other, that's when we become a victim. And, once you identify as a victim, opposing standpoints appear as attacks.
Please.
Engage. Disengage. But at least respect yourself and respect others.
When you let go of prejudices, you will realize how wonderful it is to engage with your community. To have a place to vent, to appreciate, to complain, to celebrate... We hope this is that place for Gooners.
Acting like a horny bull intent on instant gratification doesn't do anyone any good. Let's respect ourselves. When Arsenal's revenue inclines, none of us gain anything financially. When Arsenal wins trophies, we don't receive medals.
But we're still here cheering for the team. Frustrated, happy, content. Still the same supporters. It's all emotions, the joys of fandom. There's nothing else.
Nothing more.
You guys are smart enough.