MOD EDIT: Join the V2 forums beta today! https://forums.escapistmagazine.com/ Check the announcements thread to get your legacy badge.

I still check the forums multiple times a day, but am usually disappointed to see very little activity on the site. Right now the community page shows 21 online users.

Things are pretty dire. Nearly everybody is gone. Most of the time I'll start thinking about someone I used to like reading comments from and check their profile to find they haven't even logged on in months. But sometimes I'll see posts on the Newscapist ZP or even on Youtube amazingly from people who were banned a long time ago or just left, like DVS BSTrD and Not G. Ivingname and that makes me smile.

So anyway, let's do a poll. They actually do still work, but there's a trick to finding it.

Please vote here: https://v1.escapistmagazine.com/surveys/view/40848

Not-Mod Edit: Quoted news from later in thread

Nick Calandra:
Hey all,

Since this thread is pretty active, figured I'd post this update here. After a very long wait, much longer than I had anticipated, the new forums are finally coming together and we we expect to launch them in the next two to three weeks.

This isn't a wishful date either, I'm working on the new forums with tech as we speak to get them ready. They're already up and running, we just gotta get everything prepped on the tech side and we're good.

It's all on modern software and I'm really excited to get them going, but there is a few caveats to getting those new forums started.

1. We ARE going to attempt to migrate things from here over to the new forums, but it will not happen at launch. The software these were built on is very old at this point, and we also have to be VERY careful with the transition to not affect Google rankings. When the site was moved from V1 (this site) to V2, we took a huge hit from that, so this isn't something we can rush.

2. This forum will stay ONLINE and it won't be nuked or anything like that. It will act as an archive until we figure out how we can safely migrate everything over.

3. When you create an account on the new forums, users from this forum will receive a "Legacy" badge. I know it's not the same as having your whole history come with you, but for now it's something.

I personally apologize for how long it has taken to get this done, just lots of projects going on at Enthusiast Gaming (our parent company). My lack of communication is also down to just how busy we've been on the site! We're actually doing quite well and growing, and are even introducing a couple new shows very soon along with our feature-length Darkest Dungeon documentary.

I noticed quite a few comments indicating that we "look down" on this community, but that really isn't the case. I've had my hands tied on getting these forums ready and have been pushing for months to get it done cause I wanna get you all over there and have an active community again.

Anyways, they're finally just about here and I'm looking forward to interacting with you guys more regularly on the updated forums.

I'll look into starting to invite longtime users from here in the next week or so to start testing the forums and providing feedback on things we can add / improve.

Look for that update in the Site Announcements thread on the main forum page.

Thanks all,

Nick
Editor-in-Chief

This site has been a glorified user group for about 5 years now.

Marik2:
This site has been a glorified user group for about 5 years now.

Oh yeah, user groups used to be a thing around here. They were pretty rad back in 2013-2015, you know, when people still posted in them.

Can these forums even be considered active anymore? The forum games, one of the most previously active forums here, is now a literal graveyard. It's almost to the point anyone who posts anymore knows everyone else since there is like forty of us.

Elfgore:
Can these forums even be considered active anymore? The forum games, one of the most active forums here, is now a literal graveyard. It's almost to the point anyone who posts anymore knows everyone else since there is like forty of us.

This place is so dead I rarely even check there when I do drop by here. Lot of old names I miss, like mPara...

To the extent: will I ever get to 20k? Probably not. Do I care? Even more not. *slow shrug*

Elfgore:

Marik2:
This site has been a glorified user group for about 5 years now.

It's almost to the point anyone who posts anymore knows everyone else since there is like forty of us.

There's like less than 20 now. It was like 30-35 when the wild west was alive. Like it or not, lots of people left or got banned when it closed.

SckizoBoy:

Elfgore:
Can these forums even be considered active anymore? The forum games, one of the most active forums here, is now a literal graveyard. It's almost to the point anyone who posts anymore knows everyone else since there is like forty of us.

This place is so dead I rarely even check there when I do drop by here. Lot of old names I miss, like mPara...

To the extent: will I ever get to 20k? Probably not. Do I care? Even more not. *slow shrug*

You're closer to 20k than I am to 5k. Considering our join dates, I put your chances as better than mine. *shrug*

It's deceased but I like that I can't check the site for over a week and the threads I posted in are still at the top. xD It's the opposite of like Reddit where I think it's pointless to even post anything b/c threads get swarmed right away and no one reads anything beyond the top 3 posts.

I wouldn't consider myself a regular anymore but I have been checking a bit more lately

Marik2:
Like it or not, lots of people left or got banned when it closed.

Lots of people got banned, period. Nothing to do with the wild west. Moderators on The Escapist are some of the most unforgiving that I have ever seen, and with absolutely no regard for the fact that those people are the reason why the website fuckin' works. And their criteria for banning hasn't changed despite the fact that there's barely anyone left. You can't just permaban people and expect to have a community. Why are permabans even a thing is fuckin' beyond me. IMHO, they should unban everyone. But if the powers that be aren't interested in having a community, then that's on them. They just shouldn't expect to survive much longer.

Adam Jensen:

Marik2:
Like it or not, lots of people left or got banned when it closed.

Lots of people got banned, period. Nothing to do with the wild west. Moderators on The Escapist are some of the most unforgiving that I have ever seen, and with absolutely no regard for the fact that those people are the reason why the website fuckin' works. And their criteria for banning hasn't changed despite the fact that there's barely anyone left. You can't just permaban people and expect to have a community. Why are permabans even a thing is fuckin' beyond me. IMHO, they should unban everyone. But if the powers that be aren't interested in having a community, then that's on them. They just shouldn't expect to survive much longer.

Unbanning people wouldn't do anything at this point. I doubt the banned people even still check the place. They should have gotten rid of permaban years ago.

Also there's only like 3 mods who have logged on in the past month.

Not that many people left, but then it's been a dwindling group for these last five or so years.

I wonder if the new management will even ever bother with a new forum. How many new people signed up here ever since the website relaunched as V2? How many people would they expect to come to the new forums when they finally launch? Chances are it'll be the same graveyard that this forum is turning into.

Maybe if they included forum threads as comments under articles on the main website, but then again, not too many people seem to be commenting on those as-is... People would probably just paste the relevant part in whatever discussion group they are already apart of and discus it with people there rather than on here.

I'm still around. Maybe activity here will increase once they port the forum to the new site.

No, just kidding. They aren't gonna.

bluegate:
I wonder if the new management will even ever bother with a new forum.

Good question. They keep saying they'll do it, but it keeps getting delayed.

IceForce:

bluegate:
I wonder if the new management will even ever bother with a new forum.

Good question. They keep saying they'll do it, but it keeps getting delayed.

I was just wondering about that the other day. We didn't even get a monthly update either. Not the best sign ever. The fact JoJo is pointing out there isn't much to moderate also says something. I used to check here daily, but some days I don't check at all. Unless I'm keeping an eye on a thread, I could check this place weekly and probably not miss much.

I was hoping the V2 forum would be here by now. If it came hot off the heels of the V2 site then I think it would've helped a lot. But since it's been this long, it might just release and flop with a wet splat

Adam Jensen:

Marik2:
Like it or not, lots of people left or got banned when it closed.

Lots of people got banned, period. Nothing to do with the wild west. Moderators on The Escapist are some of the most unforgiving that I have ever seen, and with absolutely no regard for the fact that those people are the reason why the website fuckin' works. And their criteria for banning hasn't changed despite the fact that there's barely anyone left. You can't just permaban people and expect to have a community. Why are permabans even a thing is fuckin' beyond me. IMHO, they should unban everyone. But if the powers that be aren't interested in having a community, then that's on them. They just shouldn't expect to survive much longer.

That, I actually can weigh in on. Ultimately, the concept of the permaban is for those who demonstrate that they have no desire to be a member of the community. This naturally includes no-brainers like spambots and people who cross a major line (eg, doxxers, people who advocate legitimately criminal acts, etc.), but it also includes those who grossly violate a site's TOS (eg, spamming inappropriate images) and those who consistently show overt and excessive contempt for other users. Basically it's something for people who cross the line between surly and anti-social, becoming the figurative spoiled apple that ruins the bunch. Whether due to the user's extreme acts or their persistent unwillingness to moderate their behavior to fit the community's rules, the permaban reflects that since the person is/has become a bad fit for the community (and indeed, often have a negative impact on it), they are no longer welcome.

bluegate:
I wonder if the new management will even ever bother with a new forum. How many new people signed up here ever since the website relaunched as V2? How many people would they expect to come to the new forums when they finally launch? Chances are it'll be the same graveyard that this forum is turning into.

I remember when the "Sanctuary" thing was made as a hopeful alternative. I can't even find my posts there, I think I got purged out or something. Account and name doesn't exist there either. You're still active on there it seems... Any idea what happened?

Asita:

Adam Jensen:

Marik2:
Like it or not, lots of people left or got banned when it closed.

Lots of people got banned, period. Nothing to do with the wild west. Moderators on The Escapist are some of the most unforgiving that I have ever seen, and with absolutely no regard for the fact that those people are the reason why the website fuckin' works. And their criteria for banning hasn't changed despite the fact that there's barely anyone left. You can't just permaban people and expect to have a community. Why are permabans even a thing is fuckin' beyond me. IMHO, they should unban everyone. But if the powers that be aren't interested in having a community, then that's on them. They just shouldn't expect to survive much longer.

That, I actually can weigh in on. Ultimately, the concept of the permaban is for those who demonstrate that they have no desire to be a member of the community. This naturally includes no-brainers like spambots and people who cross a major line (eg, doxxers, people who advocate legitimately criminal acts, etc.), but it also includes those who grossly violate a site's TOS (eg, spamming inappropriate images) and those who consistently show overt and excessive contempt for other users. Basically it's something for people who cross the line between surly and anti-social, becoming the figurative spoiled apple that ruins the bunch. Whether due to the user's extreme acts or their persistent unwillingness to moderate their behavior to fit the community's rules, the permaban reflects that since the person is/has become a bad fit for the community (and indeed, often have a negative impact on it), they are no longer welcome.

I think the Escapist's more unique take on moderation, tho, was that 8 petty offenses could add up to a perma-ban. I'm actually a fan of perma-bans, cuz contrary to what some folks think, some other folks do deserve it. However, 8 petty offenses don't add up to equal that. That was never a very good system.

OT: Semi-active.

IceForce:

bluegate:
I wonder if the new management will even ever bother with a new forum.

Good question. They keep saying they'll do it, but it keeps getting delayed.

Yeah. It's been like a year or so at this point since the site got New Management, right? And now the forums are shuffled off to the side with nothing to replace them other then some Disqus threads for the front page articles.

For a moment I thought the forums had been dropped, and then I realized there's a link WAY DOWN at the bottom of the front page. And I can't even find a decent way to reach Current Events other then going through the stub in Off Topic, because it's STILL not listed in the dropdown.

Dalisclock:
Yeah. It's been like a year or so at this point since the site got New Management, right?

It surprised me how quickly the new owner just kinda bailed for reasons and then we got new new management. And then the new community manager before our current one that was, well...

Y'all are still complaining in here?

... yeah, not really that great if I'm being perfectly honest, sorry Kyle. New community manager is great though, but I am worried about his current bit of silence. We haven't had a State of the Escapist since December, so... maybe there's just nothing to report. Maybe this is it? I dunno anymore

I will only be here until the election is over.

Been here since over 10 years ago, I never cared to look, still don't lol.

Elvis Starburst:

Dalisclock:
Yeah. It's been like a year or so at this point since the site got New Management, right?

It surprised me how quickly the new owner just kinda bailed for reasons and then we got new new management. And then the new community manager before our current one that was, well...

Y'all are still complaining in here?

... yeah, not really that great if I'm being perfectly honest, sorry Kyle. New community manager is great though, but I am worried about his current bit of silence. We haven't had a State of the Escapist since December, so... maybe there's just nothing to report. Maybe this is it? I dunno anymore

Probably is silent because nobody commented on his other reports. Probably feels like he's talking to a brick wall.

Marik2:
I will only be here until the election is over.

Nooooo D: Why? I mean, apart from the obvious inactivity... :/

Drathnoxis:

Marik2:
I will only be here until the election is over.

Nooooo D: Why? I mean, apart from the obvious inactivity... :/

Because this place is gay, and I like to move to other things.

Haven't seen Saelune in a spell. She leave or something?

Silentpony:
Haven't seen Saelune in a spell. She leave or something?

I was hoping she would be here during elections. Shes probably busy fighting off nazis, bigots, and racists.

Used to post damn near everyday - voted for "I browse but don't post" now because of how infrequently I contribute. Today's the first time I've even checked the website in about two weeks, despite it being a permanently open tab on my browser since I first joined.

Marik2:
I will only be here until the election is over.

Damn, was a long stint, on to new & better things, huh.

I browse three or four times a day, but only post maybe once or twice a week. What with the reduced user base nowadays the few folks that are left only seem interested in having actual discussions and debates with one another (shock!), whereas I'm much more a 'make flippant comment, move on' kinda guy. :)

There isn't that much to talk about. I've mostly turned to Reddit when it comes to current events, but I look up off-topic and gaming sections every now and then.

I think the most recent bailout of users was sometimes last autumn... I dunno. The Escapist Discord requires phone verification so I doubt I'm posting anything there.

Elvis Starburst:

bluegate:
I wonder if the new management will even ever bother with a new forum. How many new people signed up here ever since the website relaunched as V2? How many people would they expect to come to the new forums when they finally launch? Chances are it'll be the same graveyard that this forum is turning into.

I remember when the "Sanctuary" thing was made as a hopeful alternative. I can't even find my posts there, I think I got purged out or something. Account and name doesn't exist there either. You're still active on there it seems... Any idea what happened?

I think I'm less active on there than I am on here, and I'm not very active on here. I pop in occasionally but hardly ever post anything, aside from a few days ago when an interesting topic came up in the site's chat box.

I couldn't tell you what happened on there in the last 12 or so months.

Elvis Starburst:

I remember when the "Sanctuary" thing was made as a hopeful alternative. I can't even find my posts there, I think I got purged out or something. Account and name doesn't exist there either. You're still active on there it seems... Any idea what happened?

I remember signing up for that. Asked a few questions about how abuse would be moderated (in a topic specifically asking for suggestions/ commentary on rules & moderation) and ended up getting accused of all manner of unsavoury things.

The place was intensely hostile towards differing viewpoints on moderation. Sanctuary it ain't.

I still like to check in on the site.

I feel like I learned some things about general debating on an online forum from my time here, I made some online acquaintances, sold some artwork, and had some fun in the Roleplaying Forum for a little while.