Community Manager - Personal Anecdote

[marimbamonk 1501]

Personal Anecdote – Server Community Manager

life and stuff

 

In our lives, sometimes these waves of work or stress roll in that make IRL a much larger priority for us. For this past month-and-a-half, the waves were really rolling in for me, and I found myself wishing I could clone myself so I could still be around to help make LotC a better place.

 

But then I realized something about my mentality, and one of the reasons why I become so inactive on the internet sometimes.

 

I. The Problem

I often become so obsessed with maintaining high production quality in my work that if I can't manage to make something absolutely amazing, or say something absolutely amazing, or do something absolutely amazing, I should just save my energy and create, say, and do nothing at all. I've set such a high expectation for myself that it's easier to just do nothing than it is to attempt to reach the expectation!

 

Those of us with this mentality tell ourselves, "Not creating at all is better than failing to create our best work."

As IRL stuff piled on, this mentality was one of the factors that contributed my inactivity this past month too. I would tell myself, "Not being around for this community at all is better than failing to be the best I could be for this community."

Despite its intention, this mentality is self-destructive, and easily traps a person in exactly that: a state of... just doing nothing at all. Often for extended periods of time! This is fairly common among artists, and honestly I think it's the part of my persona that holds me back the most.

 

II. The Solution

I think the new standard we should hold ourselves to is this – even when we don't have the inspiration to create or do or say something great, the moments when we're just feeling "okay" or even plain feeling bad or uninspired are still worth sharing. I believe it's a part of humanity, and we all go through it, and that alone makes it important. 

 

I'm saying all of this so that if anyone else out there finds themselves becoming inactive, or not creating or doing as much anymore because of this mentality, know that you could end up waiting forever for your best work, or your inspiration. When it comes, it comes, but when it isn't there, it's still just as important (if not more important) to continue creating, to continue doing, and continue putting yourself out there. You mean a lot more to your community than you might think – you guys really helped me realize this.

 

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So with or without the Community Manager tag, I want to continue doing what I had been doing to contribute to LotC. As I pick back up again, I intend to continuing streaming LotC, LotC Talkshows, and posting videos or discussions with all of you.

 

Have a nice day, and see you on the flipside!

[Dromui 755]

I can relate on a subatomic level to your feelings, brother. I'm glad to see you back and hope to work closely with you in the future!

[Nonival 147]

Ok this is important. Like... really important. This is exactly what I've been struggling with in terms of art lately and why a friend of mine had been waiting over a month for a piece they requested. I find it's even harder to share your creations if it's for someone else and not your best.

[Kaelan 1918]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.