SURVEY RESULTS + DISCUSSION

[truce.]

Okay, lets hope this reply isn't too long but I may ramble so hERE WE GO

Firstly, thank you Van for making the survey and taking the time out to write this all up!!

Covering the problem of cliques, I can see where the problem lies. I know that for me anyways when I first joined FL I felt like it was really difficult to involve myself because it seemed like it was already such an established group. Now that I feel a lot more comfortable in the group, I can see how others may be feeling and sympathize entirely with them. With that being said, I know I may not have been much help in the situation and I am genuinely really sorry if I have ever made anyone feel uncomfortable or left out. I think it's something we all must work on, taking initiative to involve everyone even if you're not quite sure how to respond to something. Because, if the effort is at least there, that may mean the world to somebody else who otherwise may feel left out.

I agree with Hoot's final comment about a buddy system! And with that being said, a buddy system IC and OOC. It may seem a little bit awkward at first OOC but I mean I know it would've been something I would've appreciated when I first joined. Knowing at least one person that maybe you have DM'ed before and plotted with definitely can help with a newcomer beginning to feel more included in the community. Then IC it actually just seems logical to have a newcomer buddied up with an oldie for safety reasons in the Lodge as well as the newcomer getting to learn the ropes of living in the harsh climate. PLUS it may really help with new types of plots too, oldies teaching newcomers the way of the Lodgers etc. I say it's a good idea and something we should look more into.

I won't name names and I'm not saying 'shame on you' or anything for this being the case, but I've noticed on the Discord a huge divide between oldies and newcomers and imo that's not on. We need to do better as a community to merge the two groups to make everyone feel included, and that goes both ways.

With activity, I think it is important to point out that I've noticed certain times of the years as being more quiet and, honestly, I think that is okay. During this time of year, our school/college work should definitely take precedence and I imagine a lot of us are on the homestretch towards our summer break. A lot of us probably have upcoming exams, applications for colleges, coursework etc etc that needs to take top priority. So for those who have become less active around this time of year, it's okay. For those who are still able to be active, you're the backbone of the community right now, keeping it active enough for people to jump back into RP'ing when they are able to. I don't think we can force activity on anybody, and I'm just glad everyone is doing the best we can. That's just my opinion on the whole activity matter - we can't force people to do anything, we can just look forward to their return.

With plotting between FL and other groups, it looks like social events and trading agreements appear to be the most wanted plots between groups. With Bluestem anyways, that can definitely be done and we could plot more between the two groups in the future. With that being said, I think everyone needs to be more involved in inter-group relations and plots. Like, what sort of social events do people want to see? I don't know what people want to see in terms of social events and trading agreements, but I'd love to hear people's inputs.