There has been a small exodus, in that a few people have left. Others, I think, are hanging around and watching how stuff plays out. I don’t mean to be invalidating of people’s feelings or frustrations, but I personally don’t understand what the big deal is. The site hasn’t changed that much. I have seen humorous answers, even semi-off-topic answers, left alone in the General section. I haven’t perceived any militant smack-down of people using Fluther as it’s been used. I’ve posted a question or two, I’ve commented some, and I have not been modded once.
There’s just this phenomenon on free websites, where the management will make some changes, and people get all up in an uproar about it. Like every time Facebook makes a small change, people practically riot. Then, after a period of adjustment, things quiet down and people come to accept the changes. I have a feeling that will happen here, too, once people come to realize that their fears of Fluther becoming some sort of fascist anti-humor regime are about as tangible as smoke.
I think it’s been made pretty clear by the Big Cheeses that no one is going to run you out of here because you want to tell/hear jokes, be social, or have a good time. What I took from management’s communications has been that they want a place for those looking for a less serious experience, as well as those who want to ask serious questions. I know it doesn’t bother some people to get puns and jokes when one is trying to get a serious answer, but I think it does bother a significant enough portion of us to warrant such a change.
I, for one, am truly appreciative that management listens to us, is concerned about keeping us around, and that we’re having an enjoyable experience here. I know change gets people all riled up, but can we all just take a breath and chill a little bit?
