#devart

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#devart is deviantART's Official chatroom, it is advertised as such on the Chat homepage, and we encourage people to join and 'meet fellow deviants'.

A concern we've encountered is that #devart is not always very welcoming. Over time the enforcement of some of the room's rules has become very lax, and the room can at times be intimidating for new members.  Recently we have been exploring ways to improve on the culture of #devart and make the experience more welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.  I appreciate there have been some confusing messages and that's why I'm posting this to explain the direction going forward and get the community support we need to drive positive change.

First and foremost, it's important to note that these aren't exactly 'changes'.  These are policies and rules that have always been in place, but for one reason or another, haven't been upheld as they probably should have been. As #devart is a part of deviantART, it is subject to all of the policies in place for the site itself which include the Etiquette Policy.

As #devart is meant to be a general chatroom for everyone, certain etiquette rules need to be adhered to. Overtly sexual themes, harassing or threatening commentary, hate speech, racist or bigoted remarks and slurs, and overly offensive language are areas that volunteers and staff will be looking to address.

I fully appreciate that people swear.  I swear - a lot.  However, as the Official chatroom of deviantART, #devart is not exactly the appropriate place to be throwing around the ugliest of words you can come up with.  There's also a vast difference between swearing to someone and swearing at them. So yes, swearing in context could be fine but if you're asked to tone it down, please do so.  This isn't about a power struggle, it's about trying to find a comfortable level for everyone.  

This is a work in progress, and there are going to be questions. People are going to ask me about specific words and whether they're okay.  We are not banning words, we are looking at context and excessive usage and I feel that common sense will win the battle here.  I'm confident that our community has enough to make this an achievable goal.

I would also like to look at running more events in #devart, and would welcome your participation in the planning and execution.  If you have suggestions for the sorts of things you'd like to see there, please contact me via email at moonbeam13@deviantart.com or leave your thoughts in the comments below,

We are asking for your participation in making #devart what it was always meant to be :)

Thank you!
:heart:


© 2013 - 2024 moonbeam13
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