Hopefully this site hasn't stuck in the 19th century. (1800's)

I additionally think you're making these statements without knowing much. The staff are very active. Plus, the site has changed a lot since 2002. There are a lot of things that attract people to this site.

You know what? This is one of the only Animal Crossing sites I saw that doesn't use a preexisting template. Most of them use a standard template for their site, but ACC went up and beyond that. Most of the strictness is that everyone feels safe, and is treated kindly. Though, there are 1-2 issues that could be fixed, but would need time.

This statement personally offends me, and simply taking the time to write this means you think otherwise. You must not have spent much time on this site to make this statement.

^ What he said.

^^ Agreed!

There are inaccuracies and accuracies and bias and non-bias in every opinion and discussion.

The fact of the matter is, while the site has had some improvements, they haven't been as frequently released as they would like to be. That's an issue but it's an issue we've been working to fix. The staff (we) are not perfect. We are humans and we have flaws. We shouldn't be put up on a pedestal and we shouldn't expect your "worship" but we don't deserve your harsh criticisms either when we just need equal understanding, not admiring understanding.

Believe it or not, there is a difference. The rules are also an issue. They're archaic and they should be amended. Of course, that ranks down to discussions. Just because they are what we have now doesn't mean that's what we should have forever.

Times change and this site needs to change with it.

I totally agree with AlphaWolf.

I look at it this way. If this site is sooo dead and sooo bad, JUST GO. You will not be missed.

And to the staff members: Kudos for doing such a wonderful job!

I found it interesting that someone who joined the site in July of this current year (2014) prescribes to the opinion that nothing on this site has changed in years on years on years.  I can personally attest to the fact that ACC has made several advancements/changes in the time since I myself became a member.  Some I agree with some I'm sure I don't; but the creator of the site and the Staff work together to bring about the best of the changes that they can.

Have you heard of a duplicate account, Mamanator?

Why yes.  Yes I have.  I've also heard that such things are a big no-no here.    That's like a basic rule.

Well of course. But with rigid and outdated rules you wonder how people end up in the places they're in.

Escope

"The staff don't even communicate with their members at all, and just sit there and do nothing at all, which makes the excitement of this site drop beneath negative infinity."

What could we do to improve the communication between the staff and members?
You guys see things with a fresh perspective and therefore could be part of creating a positive change in how the site is run.

Would you like there to be more of a transparency about what features are being discussed and created?

Crystallize

"Well of course. But with rigid and outdated rules you wonder how people end up in the places they're in."

Can you expand on this point?
The 'same gendered relationships in fan fiction stories' rule is currently being discussed. Other than this particular rule, are there any others that you feel are still 'outdated' in your opinion?

"Well of course. But with rigid and outdated rules you wonder how people end up in the places they're in. "

Crystallize, Perhaps I'm as outdated as the rules then because I find that the rules are something that can be found and read quite easily.  It would seem to me that [some] rules that are broken are done so because the poster opted to go ahead despite the rules as they felt so strongly about what they want to say.  In that scenario they need to realize that actions have consequences and they just have to brave what comes of it.  If the infraction were innocent and unintentional the member needs only to reach out to the Staff through the ticket and begin a discussion about it.  Tickets have been known to be reversed if debated honestly and with clear heads.

Someone who has made a duplicate account is doing so knowingly and with intent [depending on the person it is also done out of malice].  True, its been a number of years since I joined ACC, but I thought that the rules pop up as a "please click here to show you've read the rules and understood them."  Now, if a person checks that without reading it's not right to blame the site.  Nope.  Nyp.  Nup.

And again, I reiterate, if you want to affect change to something that has been done x years a certain way than you need to bring forth your issue with composure and patience.  If you can do that then the Staff is more apt to listen because it shows them that you are serious and you aren't being condescending or vicious.  A rabid animal is put down without a second thought.  A dog that bites an intruder is given leniency because the situation as a whole is viewed and the dog's intent is considered to have been protective in nature, not malicious.

"The staff don't even communicate with their members at all, and just sit there and do nothing at all, which makes the excitement of this site drop beneath negative infinity."

Personally I think there is a fair level of communication going on between Staff and Members.  The front page of ACC itself is a treasure trove of information of what is being considered and what has been done.  Then they go on to include specific boards where we can educate ourselves on what is being done and what is being worked on.  I don't need to know the "he said she said" of their discussions; I like learning what they want to do and what they've been able to do.  And keep in mind, Escope, that the Staff are Regular People who aren't paid for their positions but are volunteers.  They have off-site lives that pull at their attention to ACC as well.

"Can you expand on this point?"

I've known people to get in trouble for 1.9, and because there's proof, aka, a shared IP, they don't get to explain for themselves. The staff doesn't want to believe it, because you know, there's "proof". In past accounts, (I might as well start up this here because I'll re-mention it later on.) I've used other people's phones/computers while on the go, because my phone has probably the worst battery, and I want to check in and it's not unusual to another user to want to randomly check on the site. But once, the staff tried to persecute someone on this "proof" when in actuality, it was really me all along. In regards to my actual account loss, that was due to poor moderation and a backfire of rigid rules, but mostly in part to a half-assed execution of Essie's moderation style. Essie's moderation style has been around for a long time and it punishes both the OP of a thread anyone who participated in it, rather than pro-actively attempting to keep a good discussion. Nintendude64 is famous for also using this.  On occasion, I've iolite and VK and SeaLion take a more positive approach to keeping discussion well and rounded, although SeaLion loves to flip-flop back and forth. And no, it's not because I practically worship iolite that I approve of that moderation style. (iolite still the queen thou, I don't care what any of y'all say.) I admit, yes, my ban was deserved, but it wouldn't have gotten that way with proactive moderation and semi-reactive.

"The 'same gendered relationships in fan fiction stories' rule is currently being discussed. Other than this particular rule, are there any others that you feel are still 'outdated' in your opinion? "

1.14 Topics Not Allowed, 1.17 Posting Friend Codes, 2.3 Not Using Stickies and Official Threads, and 2.10 Backseat Moderating could all use a rejuvenation.

1.14 needs to be more accommodating to current events if you're going to have an off-topic board. People will make threads about these things. They are real-world events that will happen in real time. Instead of pushing it entirely out of view, the rule should be as a guideline of how not to react. Stuff gets taken down on the idea of being controversial when for a long time there was actual, constructive discussion. Yes, I know, it's to try and prevent the spread of false information, but with good moderation, constructive discussion is possible. That's what moderation is, avoiding extremes to keep it good and constructive.

1.17 is basically pointless when it comes to Dream Codes. Yes, I understand the usefulness in keeping them in the FC tool, but it's really still pointless. Dream Codes were meant to be more open. 2.3 Either needs to be better explained and better enforced, or removed all together.  

2.3 is so poorly enforced. All the time the site is flooded from threads that belong in stickies on the idea that they're a sticky. Either modify the rule to be more useful, or remove some of the stickies and allow for a wide range of discussions for a singular topic. We have an entire board or three to discuss Animal Crossing so a couple threads about a singular topic isn't that bad. But if it's about being cleaner, enforce it and make people learn to put them in their respective stickies. (Although doing it via notifications is still quite off-putting.)

2.10 needs to get it's stuff together. People like Dalek are still acting like Admins and basically anyone helping keep the /SS/ boards together (because you know, the actual staff are often nowhere to be found or make such a minuscule presence) can actually be categorized under 2.10. It needs to be better explained, and also if you're going to have a rule, don't make it so that only have a few have a loose interpretation and others have a strict one. Be consistent. Telling someone that their thread is on the wrong board is considered 2.10 but it's actually hugely useful for the general populace to do it cause the staff sure won't do it and will give a notification to the poor confused kid when they actually see it.

"Crystallize, Perhaps I'm as outdated as the rules then because I find that the rules are something that can be found and read quite easily.  It would seem to me that [some] rules that are broken are done so because the poster opted to go ahead despite the rules as they felt so strongly about what they want to say.  In that scenario they need to realize that actions have consequences and they just have to brave what comes of it.  If the infraction were innocent and unintentional the member needs only to reach out to the Staff through the ticket and begin a discussion about it.  Tickets have been known to be reversed if debated honestly and with clear heads."

I don't want to be rude but I'd consider you outdated if that's the way you think the rules should work. Rules are supposed to be living, changing, and mould to the current situation. Yes, it will take rule breaks for quite some time for an alteration, but it's the duty of the staff to assess the situation and work out a good result, no?

"Someone who has made a duplicate account is doing so knowingly and with intent [depending on the person it is also done out of malice].  True, its been a number of years since I joined ACC, but I thought that the rules pop up as a "please click here to show you've read the rules and understood them."  Now, if a person checks that without reading it's not right to blame the site.  Nope.  Nyp.  Nup."

It does indeed say multiple times that dupe accounts are banned. That really isn't something they should get rid of though, I will admit that.

"And again, I reiterate, if you want to affect change to something that has been done x years a certain way than you need to bring forth your issue with composure and patience.  If you can do that then the Staff is more apt to listen because it shows them that you are serious and you aren't being condescending or vicious.  A rabid animal is put down without a second thought.  A dog that bites an intruder is given leniency because the situation as a whole is viewed and the dog's intent is considered to have been protective in nature, not malicious."

I'm former staff, I know just how dead and inactive the staff boards can be and how being on staff changes nothing until you're a modmin which is why it's kind of sad to see the Scouts and R&D posting in decent intent but know how useless it is. I've been patient before.

"Personally I think there is a fair level of communication going on between Staff and Members.  The front page of ACC itself is a treasure trove of information of what is being considered and what has been done.  Then they go on to include specific boards where we can educate ourselves on what is being done and what is being worked on.  I don't need to know the "he said she said" of their discussions; I like learning what they want to do and what they've been able to do.  And keep in mind, Escope, that the Staff are Regular People who aren't paid for their positions but are volunteers.  They have off-site lives that pull at their attention to ACC as well."

Not on the part of Modmins. That's the major issues. R&D and Scouts can say all they like but they simply don't know the extent of activity and change like Modmins do. Modmins still live behind completely closed doors and only appear on occasion. And yes, they're not paid and I find that slightly bothersome considering all the extra money Jader makes off this site that doesn't go to real use for the site, because that's the purpose of donating to ACC< no?

Also, I'm bothered by the fact that lewd statements regarding things like cow nipples still stand in this thread, a testament to the half-done moderation this site often offers.

I would take more time to offer you a better written response about all of this, but honestly, I know someone's gonna take this account down. (y)

I'm happy to hear that the same gender relationships are being discussed. They should be allowed, in my opinion. It'd be better if children were exposed to this at a young age. I just think the way the staff handle notifications is a bit extreme. If someone posts on the wrong board, there is bolded red text which draws unnecessary attention to the member. I understand this for the more major rules like swearing on public threads, but why is this for the minor rules? It could have been an honest mistake. The member could have had multiple tabs open, and they posted on the wrong board by accident.

There is also bolded text when somebody edits a post. If anything, the edit was made to correct a typo. There may be other instances in which the edit was made to remove an insult because they wanted to avoid getting a notification. The staff can't see edits made to our posts. I'm aware that the not edited version gets sent to the staff if a ticket is sent in. I just think the bolded text at the top is a bit extreme. I'm not really bothered by it, but it appears every time I edit to fix a typo.

Crystallize, you do realize what you just did in those three posts there.  Correct?  And you do know, by virtue of what you disclosed, that there is a means to editing your original post without posting multiple threads posts? (wrong word choice, sorry)

In my opinion if you had omitted your personal attacks your point would have been better received, but when you call out specific persons and insert your personal opinions in that manner your point becomes skewed and takes on a different tone/meaning altogether.

In regards to the Moderators not being so visible on the Boards I would venture to say that is due in part to the private nature of the items that they deal with.  We're not supposed to be discussing personal violations et al on the open forums.  Would you really like to see a Moderator post "I just had to ding John Doe because they just don't get it!" or "I really wish everyone would follow Jane Doe because she really understands what is going on and makes my job much easier."  

I've seen public posts from some of the Moderators but you can't expect them to come out about everything they do because it is all "behind the scenes" and that is where what they do needs to stay.  As for the Scouts and R/D peeps and those similar, I'd presume they could be more public because that is their role.  

I don't mind being called outdated because a great part of me is old fashioned.  I know the times and rules change but there are some rules from when I was younger that still exist today and some rules on law books that were made before you and I were even considered that still exist today.  Does it make such laws right?  No.  But it just goes to show that there is a hierarchy to all things and to all things their time will come.

Here.  Let me share something with you that I have been known to say (on occasion):

"Patience is a virtue.  Try to be more virtuous."

"Crystallize, you do realize what you just did in those three posts there.  Correct?  And you do know, by virtue of what you disclosed, that there is a means to editing your original post without posting multiple threads?"

Yeah but I do my style the way I do it because I know I'll be punished no matter what.

"In my opinion if you had omitted your personal attacks your point would have been better received, but when you call out specific persons and insert your personal opinions in that manner your point becomes skewed and takes on a different tone/meaning altogether."

I'm gonna do things my way cause I'm getting banned anyway, and sometimes I think people really aught to be called out. *cough* N64. He should have stayed a scout. That's his place and his power went to his head real quick, not unlike much of the modmins.

"In regards to the Moderators not being so visible on the Boards I would venture to say that is due in part to the private nature of the items that they deal with.  We're not supposed to be discussing personal violations et al on the open forums.  Would you really like to see a Moderator post "I just had to ding John Doe because they just don't get it!" or "I really wish everyone would follow Jane Doe because she really understands what is going on and makes my job much easier."  "

Don't discuss them like that. Be a guide to good. If anything, make use of the well built PT system instead of a broken violation system. Something I've actually seen Modmins utilize but on too small a level.

"I've seen public posts from some of the Moderators but you can't expect them to come out about everything they do because it is all "behind the scenes" and that is where what they do needs to stay.  As for the Scouts and R/D peeps and those similar, I'd presume they could be more public because that is there role."

It is yeah. Doesn't mean it should be. There are people literally putting money into this site and see no change or anything from the people who are supposed to represent the best interests of the community and mould it correctly.

"I don't mind being called outdated because a great part of me is old fashioned.  I know the times and rules change but there are some rules from when I was younger that still exist today and some rules on law books that were made before you and I were even considered that still exist today.  Does it make such laws right?  No.  But it just goes to show that there is a hierarchy to all things and to all things their time will come."

I feel rude calling you outdated since you actually seem to be a decent person who is participating in the community and discussions. But yeah, I know there's things that exist that shouldn't and the point of this thread is though to voice any opinions of things like that so that maybe change can occur although it's basically just a trash bin for people to throw threads into in a pointless attempt to be heard.

"Here.  Let me share something with you that I have been known to say (on occasion):
"Patience is a virtue.  Try to be more virtuous.""

I'm a person who runs out of patience.

And I've also seen modmins talk crap about members. Don't act like it doesn't happen.

The staff doesn't talk bad about us. They are in no position to do that, even if they are staff.

I'M A FORMER STAFF MEMBER I'VE SEEN IT HAPPEN ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME.

I!!!! HAVE!!! SEEN!! IT WITH!!! MY !!! OWN EYES!!!!

You joined a little over a week ago. You couldn't have been a staff member.

Are you iridium because you're pretty dense dude.

I'm even nice enough to give people hints with my avatar, jeeze.

I'm not dense. I don't understand why people waste their time making duplicate accounts.