Neopets Community:
Taking action for a safe, inclusive space.
an edited version of /~____isabela____'s page text
We've seen the recent issues on the Neopets boards:
The joy of our lgbtq+ community met with hateful "celebrate cis" threads, rampant harassment, confusing moderation, deleted discussions, silenced voices, and a lack of clear support from TNT. It's understandable to feel frustrated, hurt, and powerless. But we are not powerless. Here's what we, the affected neopets community, can do together to demand a better environment:
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1. Document everything. Be the record keepers.
- Take screenshots: Capture hateful comments, troll threads, deleted posts, moderation actions (warnings, locks), and any inconsistent or confusing statements from TNT. Include dates and times.
- Keep a log: Note when you reported incidents, the ticket numbers (if applicable), and any responses you received (or didn't receive).
- Share responsibly: Organize these documented incidents in a way that can be shared privately within our community to build a clear picture of what's happening.
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2. Flood the report system (Strategically!)
- Report every instance of harassment: Don't let hateful comments slide. Use the report button for each violation, even if you feel it won't make a difference. Numbers matter.
- Be specific: in your reports, clearly state the rule being broken (even if tnt's rules feel un-clear right now). Reference your docu-mented evidence if possible.
- Follow up (if possible): If you receive a ticket number, keep track of it. If there's a way to follow up on your report, do so respectfully.
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3. Demand transparency and clarity from TNT.
- Organized communication: Let's coordinate our efforts to ask TNT specific questions about their moderation policies, who is on the moderation team, and why these inconsistencies are happening. Consider creating a shared docu-ment of questions to ensure we're all asking for the same information.
- Respectful but firm pressure: While frustration is valid, let's aim for clear, respectful communication in our attempts to get answers. Demanding clarity is not harassment.
- Utilize all channels: If TNT has official social media channels or forums outside the Neopets site, consider voicing our concerns there as well (while being mindful of potential moderation on those platforms too).
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4. Support and uplift our LGBTQ+ community.
- Amplify your voices: Share positive messages and support threads from lgbtq+ neopians. Let them know they are seen, valued, and belong in our community.
- Challenge hate directly (Carefully!): If you feel safe and able to, respectfully challenge hateful comments when you see them. However, prioritize your own well-being and avoid engaging in prolonged arguments with trolls.
- Create safe spaces: Explore the possibility of creating community-led spaces (outside of the main neopets boards if necessary) where lgbtq+ and allied Neopians can connect and support each other.
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5. Organize and unite.
- Connect with others: Reach out to other players who are also concerned about what's happening. Use social media, Discord servers (if they exist within the community), or other platforms to connect and coordinate.
- Share information: Keep each other informed about TNT's responses (or lack thereof), moderation actions, and any strategies that seem to be working.
- Strength in numbers: A united community demanding change is harder to ignore.
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6. Consider social media (If necessary).
- Social media awareness: TNT continues to be unresponsive, so consider sharing your experiences on broader social media platforms to raise awareness about the issues within the Neopets community.
- Contact gaming news/communities: If the situation escalates significantly, consider reaching out to gaming news outlets or larger online communities to bring attention to the problems.
This is our community. We deserve a safe, inclusive, and consistently moderated space where everyone feels welcome and respected. By working together, docu-menting, demanding clarity, and supporting each other, we can make our voices heard and push for the changes we need on neopets.
Share this message. Let's organize and make a difference.