Some individuals are creating magazines using the names of well-known subreddits but without any content or even basic sidebar information such as descriptions and rules. Presumably, they are name squatting with the intention of gaining influence over future content moderation on kbin anticipating the growth of their magazines as more of Reddit jumps ship and searches for familiar pastures.

A community’s identity lies in its content and culture of engagement, not just its name. Sure, utilizing a popular subreddit name for a magazine will initially attract users. However it’s the community engagement, not the name, that motivates posters to share content. Inactive magazines void of content and engagement will discourage potential contributors. The proliferation of such dead magazines will turn people away from the site altogether, and in the process crowd out genuine initiatives by mods who actually are putting in the effort of building their community here.

If you have taken up moderation of a community, invest effort in creating a welcoming environment. This includes adding a proper description, magazine icon, and rules, as well as populating the feed with a welcome thread and some initial content. Instead of waiting for others to come and post content, take the initiative and get the ball rolling.

I understand that some individuals are name squatting preempting the name from falling into the hands of trolls or power-hungry mods and are willing to switch out when a suitable moderator shows up. The above still applies, and I request you to work a bit on your magazines as well. If it seems like too much work, consider initiating a thread on @kbinMeta offering up the post and switching out with a user who is genuinely interested in moderating and contributing to the magazine instead of leaving it dormant.

    • assbutt@kbin.social
      4·
      1 year ago

      I read your post, now I’m challenging the ideas you put forth in that post. Are you going to discuss them with me or just stamp your feet and whine?

      I’m requesting mods who mean to actually be mods of their community to take the time to add the initial content.

      Yes, I am aware of that, that’s why I asked what I asked. If you won’t do anything to develop these communities, who are you to removed? If you don’t like the way they’re running things, do something about it instead of just complaining. If you think you can do a better job, prove it. If you won’t do anything to help the situation yourself, you don’t get to complain about it.

      If time cannot be devoted towards moderation, don’t take it up. Should be that simple.

      In the time you’ve spent on this, you could have posted a shitload of content in a shitload of mags. Why didn’t you?

      I am motivated by engagement. If I won’t get that, what’s the point of posting?

      Yet you won’t do anything to promote or foster engagement. How do you not see the disconnect here? Don’t fuckin’ talk about it, fuckin’ be about it.

      At any rate, I am not ignorant of your arguments; I simply disagree with them. I’m telling you that I disagree with them, and why I disagree with them. This is your opportunity to clarify and defend your arguments, but instead you’re doing…this.

      If you wish to have a discussion, I am ready and willing. Otherwise, peace homie.

        • assbutt@kbin.social
          3·
          1 year ago

          I think we agree more than you realize.

          If I take up the task of fostering engagement in a bunch of mags that interest me, does that then justify my complaints in your eyes?

          That is what I’m saying, yes. If you were doing the work while the owners and/or mods did nothing, you would absolutely be justified in your grievance. You would be more deserving of a lead position for that mag than they are, and I would stand behind you if you wanted to take it over.

          ‘Shut up’ is not an argument.

          Debatable, but my argument was ‘Shut up if you’re not willing to contribute.’ I really don’t think that’s a wild take. If I’m not willing to put forth the absolute minimum effort of posting an image or a question or something, I have no business removed about a lack of content and engagement.

          people who took the time to create the mags should take a few more minutes to slap an icon, a description and a welcome thread. Basically not appear dead. If you think that’s a stretch, then we can just agree to disagree.

          I don’t disagree. I actually agree with just about all of your gripes, people who create a community should take ownership of it or hand it over to someone who will. What I have a problem with is doomposting about a situation that the poster has done nothing to remedy. We’re all equally capable of contributing. I have even less excuse than you do, I have a couple mags that I need to work on. They have icons, at least a basic description, and general rules, but that’s it. I’ll find some time this weekend to flesh them out, been a busy week for me.

          Look, despite my name I’m really not trying to be an ass. I admit I may be a bit charged about this. This week is very likely the first week I’ve completely abstained from reddit in the last 12ish years. It’s not that I miss it, it’s actually the opposite; I really really don’t, and I really don’t want to see those parts of reddit manifesting here. This is a brand new place, and it’s not reddit. I feel that we should go into this with few expectations, just see what it becomes. Content federation is a whole new thing (I mean it’s not, but for the purpose of this conversation…you get my point), so let’s not expect anything from it or try to force it in a direction just yet.

          No hard feelings dude, and sincerely this time, peace homie 🤙

    • Pilirin@kbin.social
      2·
      1 year ago

      soooo what you’re saying is that you want other people to do unpaid homework for your pleasure and you’re not willing to lift a finger to help but would rather just whinge and moan? okay, got it. thanks.