Hello Mods! I would like to throw my name in the hat for the Advisory Council. I think I would be willing to positively contribute to the discussions mentioned on Pinzu's blog & other core TG topics based on my experiences both on and off this website. Even if I am not selected, I thought I could briefly mention some things I would suggest for the Council/Mods to consider.
I joined the website in the summer of 2013 and have heavily involved with the website ever since. I'm experienced with shops when it comes to gifting, posting for public and for competitive purposes, I've hosted 2 seasons of 100 Days of Voting to help bring a whimsical game onto the blogs pages, and I've really watched the culture of TG shift throughout the years. Even if I'm not actively in games, I still am watching the blogs and staying engaged with the community.
One topic I am very eager to see being discussed is the topic of pedophilia / sexual conduct. I would be able to speak from experience on this topic since I was a victim of predatory behaviors / grooming while I was 16/17 on this website. I know how it feels to feel powerless in those situations so I think providing a safe space for people to privately report issues would be incredible. This past year, I have spent quite a bit of time researching the warning signs of grooming, predatory tactics and I truly think TG should try to work on the prevention of predators instead of punishing them afterward. I know there is the WAP group, but I think there should be a more official communication that helps minors pick up on the red flags before it is too late. Prevention is better and easier to moderate than punishing/curing.
Regarding design rules, I also believe I have a unique perspective on this. I've had 10+ gifting shops, competed while there were mods and while there weren't mods, and I was at one point the main source of communication for designer Hannah_Banks2250 when people wanted permission. I understand that requiring permission from active designers makes the shopping game harder to break into, but designers won't make new designs if they continue to be cropped. I've spoken with HB2250, Rodulph, and gagaluv and have heard their perspective on designing if people continue to crop/steal. It does seem like a very tricky topic because you can't please everyone, but I would love to participate in the discussion. I have quite a few different ideas when it comes to communicating with designers/the public if anything is put in place.
Finally, Tengaged as a whole. In the past, I have used TG as an escape from real life as I'm sure many others have. However, it seems like the culture of the site is much, much more negative than it has in the past. One aspect that I think I'd bring to the table regarding this culture is looking at it from a mental health perspective. I'm by no means a professional on the topic, but I am fairly well-researched. My senior year of college I did a massive project and young adult mental health and a portion of it focused on how social media plays a role in mental health. My research/writing was even published! How does this relate to TG? I think the social aspect of the site could use some cleaning up as well, especially when it comes to harassment that is often dressed up as "trolling". The research also taught me to really not take things on this website personally or be deeply impacted by what people say/do. However, not everyone is of that mindset, especially the younger members of the community who are often involved in drama. Overall, I would definitely try to approach things in a way that is able to create a more welcoming and safe community to everyone, but especially those who don't have as much hard life experience.
In full transparency, the only problematic part of my past is the occasional mutli use when mods aren't in power. I had 4 multis this past Summer/Fall, but I, of course, no longer use them. When it comes to personal issues / problematic drama, I very rarely involve myself. I truly don't hold any grudges on this site, I'm 24 years old and I've learned that holding grudges toward people online does nothing. So I promise I wouldn't have any personal bias on any issues revolving any problematic users. When it comes to being confidential, I work for a corporation that I can't even tell people outside of my company (friends, family) about upcoming changes or it could literally be a legal conflict of interest. You wouldn't see me making custom "TG Council" sweaters and posting them in shops, I promise.
I appreciate your time reading through this novel. I've always enjoyed trying to create fun on the site through long blog games and Easter egg hunts but I think helping in a more official way would be incredible. I also think I would be able to contribute to mainstream issues from an unbiased yet educated point of view. There will be no hard feelings since I know there are many good candidates, I am just happy to see the website being moved in a positive direction for once
