- Does it help your community to talk about right/left political agendas? (in society: YES, in WormNET: NO)
- Does it help to talk about Hitler? (in society: YES, in WormNET: NO)
- Does it help to talk about religion? (in society: YES, in WormNET: NO)
Absolutely. Not to mention, even if you want to talk about these topics with your fellow wormers, there's nothing stopping you from doing it elsewhere, like on a Discord server.
People tend to leave your community when they don't like its atmosphere. It is not about growing a pair and being tough. It's not about ignoring what you don't like. TRUST ME! I've ran this show for 15+ years. People have left the community in front of my eyes. Many of those who left were not even the target of some beef. They just didn't like the atmosphere of people pulling each other's hair.
100% truth! You can add me to that list as well. Before my return around December 2023, the last time I was properly active was in 2019. I quit back then because 1) A good portion of my wormer friends became inactive. 2) I had unpleasant experiences with some wormers, directly and indirectly.
You may call me a p*ssy or whatever for quitting for these reasons, but honestly, I have finite time in this world and near infinite ways I can spend that time, so why should I settle for a shittier option?
And you know what made me return? Friends! Adame, aka LeTotalKiller, messaged me around November and we had a bit of a chat after not speaking to each other for a year or two. We reminisced about the good times we had and decided to make a comeback. So yes, atmosphere is EVERYTHING! Moreso for a 25 years old game like W:A.
The topic freedom of speech is a very Important value to me and I can get very passionate about it.
I understand how you feel, Kradie. I live in a country where almost all political parties seem to adapt an authoritarian approach, whether they lean left or right, and I saw the negative consequences of it, so I also prefer freedom/liberty whenever possible. But considering WormNET, and how much people at top (MI, Deadcode, etc.) listen to community, I don't think we will ever have an oppresive police state in W:A. It is a valid concern, but I don't think no moderation is the way to go.
Unlike country politics where everyone abides to same laws, you can always create your own community. There is nothing stopping anyone to create their own TUS. Also, W:A already gives so much freedom. For example, replay system allows anyone to start their own competitive outlet. If I don't like the way leagues/cups/tournaments/challenges work on TUS, I can create my own (and I actually created a private UC league with a different ELO system).