It's not unusual for me to spend a LOT of time in a forum- reading and replying to threads for hours at a time. Nor is it unusual for me to suddenly slow my interaction, and then disappear for weeks or even months at a time. It's something I've been doing for as long as I've been on the internet, and though I have several theories as to why this is, it's probably not important. However, this time I've come back to a rather unsettling sight, and unfortunately, it's not the first time I've seen it: "people can't get along, so we've closed the forums."

I'll be completely honest. The environment in the forums was making me uncomfortable before I stopped coming last. I didn't really hide that I didn't like people making separate names and/or personalities for their deer and producing huge posts/threads about them. I don't roleplay. I can't and choose not to keep up with it. I felt offended when I was basically told rather blatantly to leave everyone else alone. So, okay... I started only skimming the forums that stuff took place on, and eventually stopped reading them at all. The fact that I now realize I had actively begun avoiding picture threads saddens me (if anyone knows me at all, it should be apparent why).

I have no idea what was going on in those forums recently. Can't say I'm particularly interested in knowing. As just a thought though, I'll say what I always liked about the Endless Forest community when I was active: The refreshingly candid relationship between the people who created it and the people who play it. The fact that there are people who don't like the game was always treated as unimportant. Mistakes from newbies and old regulars alike were treated as not a big deal, or at least nothing more than something to laugh about with no malice intended. Similarly, discoveries, no matter how big or small, or how well-known it already was, were celebrated with equality. These are only a few things.

Do I think the forums should be re-opened? As an outsider at this time, I can't really say. I hope that if the message was intended for any people in particular, they got the hint. An Endless Forest future without discussion- at least about the features, and about just the simple fun of playing such a simple game, seems really bleak to me. I hope it feels bleak to other players too.