Halx

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Tilted Forum Project,

In the changing environment of the internet, discussion forums have risen and fallen in popularity throughout the 6 and a half years of the TFP's existence. We've survived this long and we have a very bright future ahead of us, but none of that is a certainty without a little direction. From the fateful Sunday morning when the Tilted Forum Project was thrust into the eyes of thousands of visiting surfers, the users have embraced its name to mean something special; something different. We're not straight, aligned or even; we're tilted. That means something to people who are tired of being ordinary. That has been the edge that members use to set this forum apart from all the others. Its now important that we define and enforce what it means to be Tilted so that we can push forward through the crowded space of the social internet and maintain our spirit and charm.

Being Tilted is not easy. It takes a lot of passion to endure the standards that you'll be held up to. As a Tilted member, you will be challenged to participate thoughtfully and with maturity. In the afterglow of making your magnum opus of discussion posts, you will have it debated, dismissed and discounted. This is the nature of standards - tempering in the fires of clashing opinions. It takes a strong will to accept the criticism of your efforts and learn from it rather than rebel. In the beginning, this was the strength of the TFP. It was a bustling discussion forum, filled with healthy debate and astounding maturity. When this works, the community as a whole is a wonder to behold because each member carries with them the pride of living up to its standards.

Many people credited the moderators with the gracious state of the forum, but as an observer I can tell you that the moderators were only a small part of this. The community itself, as a function of the pride that everyone was feeling, did most of the police work. When a person was out of line, other members would swiftly correct them instead of waiting for a moderator to pick up the trash. When users had problems with each other, they would hash it out in private and come to a mature understanding. Everyone was willing to compromise. Everyone was willing to help. This was a well-oiled machine and there is no reason why it cannot be restored to its original condition.

The internet is an environment like any other. The trends we see on the websites around us affect how relevant we are. Social networking sites make it easier for people to connect. There are a thousand sites that allow you to post your writing, artwork and photos. You can create your own full-featured and customized blog within minutes elsewhere on the net. There are dating sites. There are flirting sites. There are gaming sites and sports sites and car sites. The variety of the internet makes it possible to attend to your interests by just maintaining a simple list of bookmarks. So, where do forums fit in? Or rather the question should be: how can OUR forums stand out?

The defining characteristic of the TFP has always been the maturity that everyone carries themselves with. Being Tilted means that as a part of this community, you are free to respect and be respected. Any disagreement you have will be met with an offer to come to an understanding. As a member, you are obligated to make and accept that offer. In that way we can grow together stronger. Our forum will not be about the agenda of our majority, but of the ability of the majority to welcome the opinions of the minority into the discussion. Our forum will be about the constructive criticism and guiding advice that our members expound to each other. Our forum will be about people always getting a thoughtful response to their discussions and inquiries. In a vast space that is crowded with voices, the TFP is and will always be capable of hearing each and every one that speaks. That is what sets us apart.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being members of the Tilted Forum Project. I hope that you all hear me loud and clear. This is what it means to be Tilted. This is what I expect from every one of you. Make everyone around you proud.

-Hal

As an addendum, I would like to display for you all the moderator job description. This is a little bit of transparency to show you what we in the staff are focusing on when we log in every day. We strive to make this a great place to be and I hope you'll all take the responsibility of being a member on your shoulders.

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-The Administrator
[Don't Feed The Animals]