- Credits
- 20
So, I have an idea. I was reading through a thread called "Change is Good" posted by @Saraceaser a while back, and this thought kinda came to me. Also, I saw @Dom mention that he liked to be tagged in new ideas, so there you go, man.
One big thing that I've noticed here, and in a parallel that I've drawn to other competitive scenes I've been a part of (like Smogon U, Smash Bros and Street Fighter) is that our community as it stands now is almost solely concerned about talking shop about Pokemon. Which is definitely not a bad thing. Obviously, Pokemon is the reason we sought out, found, and subsequently settled in here. But when it's the only thing anyone really feels they have the leeway or reason to talk about, it creates a divide. It does make it easier for older, more experienced players to create a close, interconnected network of people and friendships. But it means newer people who must learn enough things or get enough experience to talk the same shop feel like they can't contribute and stay silent, not being given that opportunity to assimilate into these networks. Or worse, they give up, and just stop playing. And this is the nature of the beast. It's just how things tend to naturally progress.
But that doesn't mean it's the best way to do things, or even a good way. This kind of structure inhibits growth. Growth that we are seeking, that we need. And if we look closely at the communities that are growing, we'll find they have other auxilliary groups or networks that link together. One example would be Smash Sisters, a group that seeks to support new and old female smash players, and help them integrate into what can definitely seem like a very intimidating scene.
What if we made an LGBT group? It's something that's deeply personal, and integral to who these people are. And it gives a lot of common ground for members to share, especially members who might not normally communicate. Players from different teams, of different tiers, shoppers, sellers, staff and newbie. Doesn't matter. Even LGBT Allies.
This is something that I think is pretty important, and could lend a sense of solidarity and real community to the people on this site.
One big thing that I've noticed here, and in a parallel that I've drawn to other competitive scenes I've been a part of (like Smogon U, Smash Bros and Street Fighter) is that our community as it stands now is almost solely concerned about talking shop about Pokemon. Which is definitely not a bad thing. Obviously, Pokemon is the reason we sought out, found, and subsequently settled in here. But when it's the only thing anyone really feels they have the leeway or reason to talk about, it creates a divide. It does make it easier for older, more experienced players to create a close, interconnected network of people and friendships. But it means newer people who must learn enough things or get enough experience to talk the same shop feel like they can't contribute and stay silent, not being given that opportunity to assimilate into these networks. Or worse, they give up, and just stop playing. And this is the nature of the beast. It's just how things tend to naturally progress.
But that doesn't mean it's the best way to do things, or even a good way. This kind of structure inhibits growth. Growth that we are seeking, that we need. And if we look closely at the communities that are growing, we'll find they have other auxilliary groups or networks that link together. One example would be Smash Sisters, a group that seeks to support new and old female smash players, and help them integrate into what can definitely seem like a very intimidating scene.
What if we made an LGBT group? It's something that's deeply personal, and integral to who these people are. And it gives a lot of common ground for members to share, especially members who might not normally communicate. Players from different teams, of different tiers, shoppers, sellers, staff and newbie. Doesn't matter. Even LGBT Allies.
This is something that I think is pretty important, and could lend a sense of solidarity and real community to the people on this site.