2024 August-September Reforms

The 2024 August-September Reforms were the second series of major reforms to the community after the March Reforms, over 3 years ago. They were spearheaded by 3 main staff members: Saera, Jasper and Andi, though other staff members like Zt, Zoe and Polaris had a major hand in the reforms as well. While Card0 also played a major role in directing the reforms, he also took a step back and allowed other staff members to take charge.

Background

Although the server, outside of a few major incidents, was largely peaceful since mid 2022, there were some major issues, one of which included a lack of clarity for the rules. Moreover, in recent months, venting became a big issue with several members venting in public, or using venting channels inappropriately. Although stricter rules were introduced with various staff members becoming more active in moderating the server, sentiment for a change in the rules grew among some active members and the staff team. In addition, the debates channel had several issues, leading to many staff members also agreeing with a change in the guidelines regarding that channel.

History

In mid-late August, after a series of venting incidents, Card0 decided to open a post in 852r-forum, asking members to give opinions on what the new rules should look like. Prominent members like Nijo, Eris, Heison, Nox, Cole Park and others contributed, helping shape the new set of rules. Despite this, most of the changes were suggested by fellow Staff members, with many arguing for more clarity and wide-spreading reach to ensure that future incidents would be minimised. One of the most notable changes, suggested by Andi, was the introduction of the "Level V" warning, meant specifically for people who vented inappropriately in the server, in which they would be barred from all venting channels for 2 months. This was done to ensure both that people vented appropriately, while also understanding their situations. A new rule, also suggested by Andi, was introduced to counter backseat moderating, while the rule on intoxication was clarified.

Other new changes were introduced during this period, namely:

• A revive chat ping, to counter rising and falling activity.
• New rules for Debates (these were introduced and approved by the community before the new rules were implemented)
• Overseas events, following demand for them in the 2024 Hongkongggag Census, which would cater towards those living in the West.
• A Vice & Above text channel, alongside the pre-existing Vice & Above voice channel.
• A Marketing Council, created not long after the first sponsorships were created.
• The switch to a custom host by Jasper for the Wiki and the SMP, though at the time of writing the SMP is still being run on Shockbyte.
• The reduction of Mediators and Technicians to subroles, with all existing Mediators and Technicians being granted Moderator automatically.