My friend pointed me to the WGS thread, which led to your blog. I'm a member of KoG, for clarity, and they are aware of that.
First, I hope you're okay. Like, sincerely. It's brave of you to come off anon and talk to people about these issues, but I hope you're prioritizing yourself and your own mental health, you know?
Second, I'd *really like* to come off anon myself, but there's a sincere worry I have regarding being scrutinized. I feel that I've been cold-shouldered before in the guild for asking questions and bringing up what I felt were legitimate concerns. I was treated very differently after I did so. Night and day, even.
This has led me to feel generally withdrawn in the guild, even considering leaving a few times. I feel like I am middling. Though I'd like to get more involved (because there are a few kind souls like yourself there), I also feel like there's multiple layers to the guild and its politics that rub me wrong.
It feels like there's the surface level where people are friendly and helpful and kind, and then the private side, where officers pick and choose who they favor or dislike.
Those they favor can do no wrong, and those they feel are "too difficult" or who they're intimidated by are ignored, talked over in public guild space, purposely excluded and talked about very poorly between officers, who then actively engage in icing out "the enemy". In short, we are not banned, but made to feel very unwelcome on purpose.
Another member that I know personally was brought to tears because they felt ignored and excluded on purpose. This led to them also losing all interest in the guild, which is a real shame as they are a fantastic writer.
This also seems to be a running theme in the original thread. So I know this isn't just me. This is clearly a very pervasive problem.
Can you speak on any of this?
Firstly, thank you for asking, I'm doing alright. Your concern is appreciated though, it's very sweet of you. Thank you.
On to the main part of your ask. I would like to personally apologize to you and to the member you mentioned. The fact that you are feeling this way and that it was caused by actions within the guild makes my heart break for you. Roleplay is supposed to be fun, engaging, and welcoming, and if you are not getting that, then I have failed.
This isn't the first time I've heard this sentiment, and I do feel bad about that. I've personally raised concern a few times about the sections of the guild feeling too secular or cliquey, and I have heard those sentiments raised by others. That's why I've been pushing so hard for inter-group cooperation and work, integration, and a generally less secular feeling to things. It's a long, slow process, but I think I've been making some progress with the help of fellow officers.
We're all people, and no one is infallible. I've certainly made my fair share of mistakes trusting people and believing that they were better than they turned out to be. It's true that I do look out for people who show good leadership potential so that I can recommend that they be added to the leadership team. Not everyone has the traits I would look for, and that's okay! Everyone is different and helps to contribute in their own way.
That doesn't mean that it's okay for anyone to be ignored, iced out, or purposefully silenced. I can personally say that is never my intention and if I have ever made you feel that way, I am sincerely sorry. I can't speak for the rest of the team, but I do feel bad knowing that people have been feeling this way, and I would like to take steps to rectify it.
I would very much like to work with you on this matter if you would feel comfortable dming me directly, however you choose to do so, be it here or on discord. That goes for the other member you mentioned too, if they would like to reach out. Anything you discuss with me will be kept in confidence if you so choose.
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