At 3/23/23 06:34 AM, jonthomson wrote:Seems like a super weird take. Can partially understand politics being shut, as I've seen that happen in quite a few places simply because it's become such a polarising subject of late and 90% of discussions hit Godwin's Law within minutes (although in the context of a site like Newgrounds it's surely not as bad as other places)

At 3/23/23 10:42 AM, Kwing wrote:There's no way something like this happened after a bunch of small problems. Looking back on the few instances in which things have been removed/censored from the site (The Slaying of Sandy Hook, or not allowing the n-word because it can affect search engine results) it's usually when external pressure puts the site at risk. In all my time here, Newgrounds has been a place where controversy and conflict are accepted as natural and healthy, and removing discourse is done as a last resort for self-preservation of the site.

What does bother me is the ambiguity of Tom's post. I've always appreciated the transparency we're given surrounding these kinds of things (especially compared to platforms like YouTube) and this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

At 3/23/23 10:59 AM, EyeballEarth wrote:WELL that sucks, one of the reasons I found this place so appealing is the old internet vibes it has inclidung the BBS, especially the general section. I hope this isn't an indicator of further 'modernizing' the site and making it less and less interactive like it's a sad and regrettable trend everywhere else on the internet. Discord, or any real time chat, isn't a viable replacement for forum discussion by virtue of being faster and things going out of sight much faster. It's sad to see forums become more and more obscure.
I don't know about the incidents and reasons behind the scenes for this decision but I hope it's warranted and not some shit like cushioning the site for wimpy twitter newcomers or to reduce controversial topics in order to attract investors or something like that.

At 3/23/23 10:11 AM, DioShiba wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:01 AM, DestroyinASentry wrote:

At 3/23/23 09:49 AM, DioShiba wrote:People need to stop saying this is an april fools prank and move on.

its like some of y’all going through the five stages of grief and not get passed denial

But ngl, Tom saying "To get all the sad stuff covered in one post, I’ll also give notice that we are canceling our April Fools plans this year and will instead focus on ongoing projects." does raise some suspicions doesn't it?

No, it isn't suspicious at all.

You clearly haven't seen the drama that unfolded these past couple of days. This isn't a prank too many people have started bullshit over petty situations and it caused more division and confusion than anything else.

At 3/23/23 10:52 AM, TomFulp wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:42 AM, Kwing wrote:There's no way something like this happened after a bunch of small problems. Looking back on the few instances in which things have been removed/censored from the site (The Slaying of Sandy Hook, or not allowing the n-word because it can affect search engine results) it's usually when external pressure puts the site at risk. In all my time here, Newgrounds has been a place where controversy and conflict are accepted as natural and healthy, and removing discourse is done as a last resort for self-preservation of the site.

What does bother me is the ambiguity of Tom's post. I've always appreciated the transparency we're given surrounding these kinds of things (especially compared to platforms like YouTube) and this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

There's no amazing story or secret drama behind this decision, it has been over 20 years in the making. The drama in General this week only helped give it the final nudge it needed.

At 3/23/23 11:22 AM, EyeballEarth wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:11 AM, DioShiba wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:01 AM, DestroyinASentry wrote:

At 3/23/23 09:49 AM, DioShiba wrote:People need to stop saying this is an april fools prank and move on.

its like some of y’all going through the five stages of grief and not get passed denial

But ngl, Tom saying "To get all the sad stuff covered in one post, I’ll also give notice that we are canceling our April Fools plans this year and will instead focus on ongoing projects." does raise some suspicions doesn't it?

No, it isn't suspicious at all.

You clearly haven't seen the drama that unfolded these past couple of days. This isn't a prank too many people have started bullshit over petty situations and it caused more division and confusion than anything else.

What drama happened in general recently? I've just skimmed the board the last few days so I didn't notice anything especially noteworthy.

At 3/23/23 11:14 AM, RoboHex wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:24 AM, Urichov wrote:That one thread of music people were listening to is now locked at around 6,700 posts. We could've ended it somewhere much funnier if we'd had a little warning.

That's the only thread I miss from General.

I guess someone could make a new one in Supporter or Audio?

Edit: Or Clubs & Crews?

At 3/22/23 01:57 PM, TomFulp wrote:Some not-so-fun news today: we have closed the General and Politics forums. These forums will remain archived but in a locked state, where new posts and replies will not be accepted.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed positively to these forums over the years, however we feel these forums aren’t in line with the goals for the site and we don’t have the resources to handle the problems these forums create.

If you primarily used Newgrounds for these forums, now would be a good time to reach out to your friends and consider something like a Discord group to continue your conversations.

Some of these conversations might find a place in the remaining forums. For example, Jackho’s Reading Challenge thread could find a home in the Writing Forum or Clubs and Crews.

We aren't looking to recreate General and Politics in the remaining forums, however. If you are looking for a new place to argue about politics, we ask that you find it elsewhere. You’re welcome to post about issues that are important to you on your blog but a dedicated thunderdome doesn't belong here.

To get all the sad stuff covered in one post, I’ll also give notice that we are canceling our April Fools plans this year and will instead focus on ongoing projects.

Note: If you have set Custom preferences for the main forum list, you will continue to see the locked forums listed in red. To remove them from view, click the Customize button in the top right corner, then toggle their visibility off with that eyeball button to the right of each forum.

At 3/23/23 11:40 AM, Fro wrote:

At 3/23/23 11:22 AM, EyeballEarth wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:11 AM, DioShiba wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:01 AM, DestroyinASentry wrote:

At 3/23/23 09:49 AM, DioShiba wrote:People need to stop saying this is an april fools prank and move on.

its like some of y’all going through the five stages of grief and not get passed denial

But ngl, Tom saying "To get all the sad stuff covered in one post, I’ll also give notice that we are canceling our April Fools plans this year and will instead focus on ongoing projects." does raise some suspicions doesn't it?

No, it isn't suspicious at all.

You clearly haven't seen the drama that unfolded these past couple of days. This isn't a prank too many people have started bullshit over petty situations and it caused more division and confusion than anything else.

What drama happened in general recently? I've just skimmed the board the last few days so I didn't notice anything especially noteworthy.

That's the best compliment you could give a moderator. The fact that you don't notice it means we did a great job!

Edit* - Also I had nothing to do with any of it. I just like to take credit for things that I didn't do.

At 3/23/23 11:40 AM, Fro wrote:

At 3/23/23 11:22 AM, EyeballEarth wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:11 AM, DioShiba wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:01 AM, DestroyinASentry wrote:

At 3/23/23 09:49 AM, DioShiba wrote:People need to stop saying this is an april fools prank and move on.

its like some of y’all going through the five stages of grief and not get passed denial

But ngl, Tom saying "To get all the sad stuff covered in one post, I’ll also give notice that we are canceling our April Fools plans this year and will instead focus on ongoing projects." does raise some suspicions doesn't it?

No, it isn't suspicious at all.

You clearly haven't seen the drama that unfolded these past couple of days. This isn't a prank too many people have started bullshit over petty situations and it caused more division and confusion than anything else.

What drama happened in general recently? I've just skimmed the board the last few days so I didn't notice anything especially noteworthy.

That's the best compliment you could give a moderator. The fact that you don't notice it means we did a great job!

Edit* - Also I had nothing to do with any of it. I just like to take credit for things that I didn't do.

At 3/23/23 11:37 AM, Wegra wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:52 AM, TomFulp wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:42 AM, Kwing wrote:There's no way something like this happened after a bunch of small problems. Looking back on the few instances in which things have been removed/censored from the site (The Slaying of Sandy Hook, or not allowing the n-word because it can affect search engine results) it's usually when external pressure puts the site at risk. In all my time here, Newgrounds has been a place where controversy and conflict are accepted as natural and healthy, and removing discourse is done as a last resort for self-preservation of the site.

What does bother me is the ambiguity of Tom's post. I've always appreciated the transparency we're given surrounding these kinds of things (especially compared to platforms like YouTube) and this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

There's no amazing story or secret drama behind this decision, it has been over 20 years in the making. The drama in General this week only helped give it the final nudge it needed.

Was there REALLY no other way around this? Like making it supporter only (even though we have a supporter forum) or revising the rules, mod team? Anything? Is there even a snowballs chance in hell of it coming back?

At 3/23/23 12:54 PM, Little-Rena wrote:

At 3/23/23 11:37 AM, Wegra wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:52 AM, TomFulp wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:42 AM, Kwing wrote:There's no way something like this happened after a bunch of small problems. Looking back on the few instances in which things have been removed/censored from the site (The Slaying of Sandy Hook, or not allowing the n-word because it can affect search engine results) it's usually when external pressure puts the site at risk. In all my time here, Newgrounds has been a place where controversy and conflict are accepted as natural and healthy, and removing discourse is done as a last resort for self-preservation of the site.

What does bother me is the ambiguity of Tom's post. I've always appreciated the transparency we're given surrounding these kinds of things (especially compared to platforms like YouTube) and this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

There's no amazing story or secret drama behind this decision, it has been over 20 years in the making. The drama in General this week only helped give it the final nudge it needed.

Was there REALLY no other way around this? Like making it supporter only (even though we have a supporter forum) or revising the rules, mod team? Anything? Is there even a snowballs chance in hell of it coming back?

Yeah, I kinda think there must be another solution, the General forum was always a great place to just piss about, and post almost anything, within reason.

All the other areas are far too specific for just chatting shit. I can't turn up in Video Games talking about how I hurt my foot kicking a wall for example. I could take it to the private supporter forum, but then it doesn't have as large of an audience, so only a select few people will know about me hurting my foot by kicking a wall.

Of course I could use my blog more, but who the fuck wants to read my blog posts! I'm boring, atleast posting in a general forum, it kinda forces people to read about my foot being hurt because I kicked a wall.

It also kills the BBS Awards, which relied on the regulars of General, as it was a melting pot for everyone around Newgrounds.

At 3/23/23 01:05 PM, Wegra wrote:

At 3/23/23 12:54 PM, Little-Rena wrote:

At 3/23/23 11:37 AM, Wegra wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:52 AM, TomFulp wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:42 AM, Kwing wrote:There's no way something like this happened after a bunch of small problems. Looking back on the few instances in which things have been removed/censored from the site (The Slaying of Sandy Hook, or not allowing the n-word because it can affect search engine results) it's usually when external pressure puts the site at risk. In all my time here, Newgrounds has been a place where controversy and conflict are accepted as natural and healthy, and removing discourse is done as a last resort for self-preservation of the site.

What does bother me is the ambiguity of Tom's post. I've always appreciated the transparency we're given surrounding these kinds of things (especially compared to platforms like YouTube) and this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

There's no amazing story or secret drama behind this decision, it has been over 20 years in the making. The drama in General this week only helped give it the final nudge it needed.

Was there REALLY no other way around this? Like making it supporter only (even though we have a supporter forum) or revising the rules, mod team? Anything? Is there even a snowballs chance in hell of it coming back?

Yeah, I kinda think there must be another solution, the General forum was always a great place to just piss about, and post almost anything, within reason.

All the other areas are far too specific for just chatting shit. I can't turn up in Video Games talking about how I hurt my foot kicking a wall for example. I could take it to the private supporter forum, but then it doesn't have as large of an audience, so only a select few people will know about me hurting my foot by kicking a wall.

Of course I could use my blog more, but who the fuck wants to read my blog posts! I'm boring, atleast posting in a general forum, it kinda forces people to read about my foot being hurt because I kicked a wall.

It also kills the BBS Awards, which relied on the regulars of General, as it was a melting pot for everyone around Newgrounds.

Well the BBS awards can at least continue in the supportee forums. Althougb I definitley know the General closing is definitley gonna win event of the year

At 3/23/23 01:07 PM, Little-Rena wrote:

At 3/23/23 01:05 PM, Wegra wrote:

At 3/23/23 12:54 PM, Little-Rena wrote:

At 3/23/23 11:37 AM, Wegra wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:52 AM, TomFulp wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:42 AM, Kwing wrote:There's no way something like this happened after a bunch of small problems. Looking back on the few instances in which things have been removed/censored from the site (The Slaying of Sandy Hook, or not allowing the n-word because it can affect search engine results) it's usually when external pressure puts the site at risk. In all my time here, Newgrounds has been a place where controversy and conflict are accepted as natural and healthy, and removing discourse is done as a last resort for self-preservation of the site.

What does bother me is the ambiguity of Tom's post. I've always appreciated the transparency we're given surrounding these kinds of things (especially compared to platforms like YouTube) and this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

There's no amazing story or secret drama behind this decision, it has been over 20 years in the making. The drama in General this week only helped give it the final nudge it needed.

Was there REALLY no other way around this? Like making it supporter only (even though we have a supporter forum) or revising the rules, mod team? Anything? Is there even a snowballs chance in hell of it coming back?

Yeah, I kinda think there must be another solution, the General forum was always a great place to just piss about, and post almost anything, within reason.

All the other areas are far too specific for just chatting shit. I can't turn up in Video Games talking about how I hurt my foot kicking a wall for example. I could take it to the private supporter forum, but then it doesn't have as large of an audience, so only a select few people will know about me hurting my foot by kicking a wall.

Of course I could use my blog more, but who the fuck wants to read my blog posts! I'm boring, atleast posting in a general forum, it kinda forces people to read about my foot being hurt because I kicked a wall.

It also kills the BBS Awards, which relied on the regulars of General, as it was a melting pot for everyone around Newgrounds.

Well the BBS awards can at least continue in the supportee forums. Althougb I definitley know the General closing is definitley gonna win event of the year

It wouldn't be the same, although to be fair, most of the nominees end up being supporters, it just wouldn't feel the same, as it excludes a large chunk of people innit.

At 3/23/23 01:09 PM, Wegra wrote:

At 3/23/23 01:07 PM, Little-Rena wrote:

At 3/23/23 01:05 PM, Wegra wrote:

At 3/23/23 12:54 PM, Little-Rena wrote:

At 3/23/23 11:37 AM, Wegra wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:52 AM, TomFulp wrote:

At 3/23/23 10:42 AM, Kwing wrote:There's no way something like this happened after a bunch of small problems. Looking back on the few instances in which things have been removed/censored from the site (The Slaying of Sandy Hook, or not allowing the n-word because it can affect search engine results) it's usually when external pressure puts the site at risk. In all my time here, Newgrounds has been a place where controversy and conflict are accepted as natural and healthy, and removing discourse is done as a last resort for self-preservation of the site.

What does bother me is the ambiguity of Tom's post. I've always appreciated the transparency we're given surrounding these kinds of things (especially compared to platforms like YouTube) and this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

There's no amazing story or secret drama behind this decision, it has been over 20 years in the making. The drama in General this week only helped give it the final nudge it needed.

Was there REALLY no other way around this? Like making it supporter only (even though we have a supporter forum) or revising the rules, mod team? Anything? Is there even a snowballs chance in hell of it coming back?

Yeah, I kinda think there must be another solution, the General forum was always a great place to just piss about, and post almost anything, within reason.

All the other areas are far too specific for just chatting shit. I can't turn up in Video Games talking about how I hurt my foot kicking a wall for example. I could take it to the private supporter forum, but then it doesn't have as large of an audience, so only a select few people will know about me hurting my foot by kicking a wall.

Of course I could use my blog more, but who the fuck wants to read my blog posts! I'm boring, atleast posting in a general forum, it kinda forces people to read about my foot being hurt because I kicked a wall.

It also kills the BBS Awards, which relied on the regulars of General, as it was a melting pot for everyone around Newgrounds.

Well the BBS awards can at least continue in the supportee forums. Althougb I definitley know the General closing is definitley gonna win event of the year

It wouldn't be the same, although to be fair, most of the nominees end up being supporters, it just wouldn't feel the same, as it excludes a large chunk of people innit.

True. Although the same large chunk of people were supporters to begin with anyway. Like I dont even know who on the BBS didnt have supporter status. I just dont want tradition to die out completely

At 3/22/23 01:57 PM, TomFulp wrote:Some not-so-fun news today: we have closed the General and Politics forums. These forums will remain archived but in a locked state, where new posts and replies will not be accepted.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed positively to these forums over the years, however we feel these forums aren’t in line with the goals for the site and we don’t have the resources to handle the problems these forums create.

If you primarily used Newgrounds for these forums, now would be a good time to reach out to your friends and consider something like a Discord group to continue your conversations.

Some of these conversations might find a place in the remaining forums. For example, Jackho’s Reading Challenge thread could find a home in the Writing Forum or Clubs and Crews.

We aren't looking to recreate General and Politics in the remaining forums, however. If you are looking for a new place to argue about politics, we ask that you find it elsewhere. You’re welcome to post about issues that are important to you on your blog but a dedicated thunderdome doesn't belong here.

To get all the sad stuff covered in one post, I’ll also give notice that we are canceling our April Fools plans this year and will instead focus on ongoing projects.

Note: If you have set Custom preferences for the main forum list, you will continue to see the locked forums listed in red. To remove them from view, click the Customize button in the top right corner, then toggle their visibility off with that eyeball button to the right of each forum.