Posted by Kim on December 6, 2016, 9:15pm
Normally during The Festival Of Being Excellent To Each Other, I go on and on about how much I love this community and give some tips for keeping it awesome. But this year, the entire mod team gets a chance to address you and share the Warm Fuzzies!
"I joined the site in its early stages, and spent a lot of time as a member before I was asked to join the mod team. I think what strikes me the most is the fact that in terms of how the community feels -- to be a part of, to moderate -- hasn't changed very much since those humble beginnings. From tens of members to thousands, there is a core warm fuzzy feeling on the RPR. A great deal of it has to do with Kim's diligent work, but it also has a significant amount to do with all of you. You good folks keep the gears oiled, whether it's by welcoming new signups, being our eyes and ears with diligent reporting, or just being nice.
I came from Furc. Throughout that game, a feeling of nostalgia permeates the member base. Everyone is constantly talking about "the good old days." Not here. There are good days in RPR's past, but there are good days now, and better ones to come, and the community -- you -- make that possible." -- Ben
"I've been a part of the RPR community for six years now, moderator for about four of them, and time and time again the community has proven to be one of the most absolutely delightful groups on the net.
We're welcoming to new folks, willing to help others when questions arise, and rarely full of strife; that's with or without moderator assistance! Y'all take charge to help as you see need for it!
Shoot, even times of discontent or disagreement haven't stopped you guys from banding together to see the decency and goodness in each other. For a site as massive as ours, that's extremely commendable! It makes me proud to be a long time member of the RPR, and just as pleased to watch over this community I adore so much." -- Copper_Dragon
"I've been a part of RPR since the early days. We've gone through redesigns, we've grown bigger and we've had so many new features, the site is almost unrecognizable.
However, one thing has stayed the same. Our community is as friendly and welcoming as it always has been. Very few sites can say the same, so I'm proud to be here. Keep up the great work!" -- Darth_Angelus
"When I first joined the mod team I was already really impressed with how friendly and active the community here was. I spend a lot of time on the introductions board and it always warms my heart to see you guys being kind and welcoming each other even if your interests are vastly different. There is a real sense of caring in this community and I'm really proud to be a part of it." -- Loki
"It's been what, half a decade now? And the RPR has been my bastion of joy and stability on the Internet even since those first few months. It used to be such a tiny website, lacking so many of the features we take for granted today. Sometimes it was a pain in the butt. But one thing has been a constant all these years - you guys. The RPR had one of the Internet's best communities even back then, and guess what? It still does.
It always makes me happy to see new members being surprised at how friendly and welcoming this community is. It's in this community that I made some of my best friends. Some of them I speak to every day still. Some of them I don't get to talk to much anymore, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten them. I see new friendships like these blooming every day thanks to the RPR, and it warms my heart. All because someone was nice enough to greet someone new, or engage with them in the chat, or give kudos to a character they enjoyed, or reply to a RP offer.
I'll be perfectly honest - I'm not fond of most internet communities. I've tried to join several of them, and have always ended up leaving them in a matter of weeks, months at most. Sometimes people have cliques going on. Sometimes moderation is lax and people get away with being rude, unpleasant or argumentative. Sometimes there's just a sense of apathy toward people who are not established members. I can't stand any of that. Maybe I've been spoiled.
I've never seen any of that here in the RPR. You guys are warm, nice, fun, funny, and friendly. That's why, after so many years, I am still happy to be here, and proud to be a moderator here. It's a huge privilege to be here and working with Kim, with the other mods, and with you guys, and I am thankful for it every day - even when it gets really hard!
We've never been a better site than we are now. We've never had a healthier community than we currently do.
And it's all uphill from here." -- SeraphicStar
In the last several days of the FOBETEO celebrations, close to 200 kudos have been given out already! If you want to get in on the celebrations, you'll have until December 9th to have your kudos count toward your winter candle accolade. More details on the kudos drive and the winter candles here!
Comments
This was an absolute treasure to read. 
Also seconding Novalyyn's (and ultimately Ben's) comment on nostalgia!
Also seconding Novalyyn's (and ultimately Ben's) comment on nostalgia!
"I can't stand any of that. Maybe I've been spoiled."
this is so well put!
it's great to hear how much fun you guys have on RPR even with the stresses and demands of moderating, and i'm always so appreciative of your eagerness to engage with us. on far too many sites mods can seem intimidating, distant figures who only step in to correct or punish, but i've never felt that here at all. RPR has always been like a huge family gathering.
this is so well put!
it's great to hear how much fun you guys have on RPR even with the stresses and demands of moderating, and i'm always so appreciative of your eagerness to engage with us. on far too many sites mods can seem intimidating, distant figures who only step in to correct or punish, but i've never felt that here at all. RPR has always been like a huge family gathering.
What can we say.
We're darn-tooten awesome.
We're darn-tooten awesome.
Holy poop. I hadn't noticed the nostalgia thing until now. I see that all over the internet, in communities everywhere, this sense that things are not as good as they once were, for once reason or another - but I don't think I've ever seen it here.
That's pretty fantastic.
That's pretty fantastic.
JayBird
December 7, 2016
3:12pm