User blog:LostInRiverview/Questions about community discussions

On The Sims Wiki, we've had an issue of decreased participation in community discussions. Since there are a great many things discussed and decided in that venue, I feel it's important to figure out exactly why so few regular editors choose to contribute there. However, rather than starting a community discussion about it (since that would by its very nature lead to a small body of responses), I'd like to start a dialog about it here on this blog instead.

So, if you're an editor on The Sims Wiki and you don't participate in community discussions, I'd like to know why. Any issues you might have with the discussion process should be out in the open so we can resolve any problems. I've listed out some issues that I can think of for why this may be happening. What I'd greatly appreciate is some feedback by way of comments, towards a particular point or set of points. The points I've come up with are:
 * 1) The current forum structure is limiting or confusing
 * 2) Most discussions do not seem relevant to me
 * 3) Most discussions end without a decision, so I don't feel as though my contribution will matter
 * 4) My opinion is already stated, so I don't feel the need to repeat it
 * 5) I don't keep track of on-wiki discussions or am not made aware of them
 * 6) Discussions are handled unfairly, to reflect the wants of the person leading the discussion
 * 7) My input won't be heard or appreciated

Additionally, I've set up a poll, just in case you'd like to respond anonymously. I would strongly encourage a comment on this blog as well, to clarify any issues you might have. What is the main reason why you don't participate in community discussions? The current forum structure is limiting or confusing Most discussions do not seem relevant to me Most discussions end without a decision, so I don't feel as though my contribution will matter My opinion is already stated, so I don't feel the need to repeat it I don't keep track of on-wiki discussions or am not made aware of them Discussions are handled unfairly, to reflect the wants of the person leading the discussion My input won't be heard or appreciated None of the above All feedback, even negative feedback, is appreciated and important. Your voice will be heard, even if you think we won't like what you have to say.

Before wrapping up, I just want to reiterate the importance of many discussions held on the wiki. Discussions establish policies and precedents and determine how the wiki is managed. Discussion is an integral part of an open wiki like TSW, so that all users get to control the way that things are done.

-  LostInRiverview talk • blog  •  contribs 17:02, June 9, 2015 (UTC)