TheOnlyAni

I get the rage... like I REALLY do. I hate I'm in a world where I have to have a conversation with my 9yo son about preditors online when we're just trying to enjoy our game time. The whole situation has made me SICK. I've had endless DMs "why haven't you said anything".... I have, on stream which is where I'd usually have my 'rants' and keep them off socials (now a days).... but either way, I've REALLY struggled to find the words for socials on the whole thing. I will say, focus on the abusers, report any evidence/all information you have to the CEOP: ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre… and get these sickos locked up. Please don't attack others by association. I know what it's like to find out someone you respect is a complete scum bag. With reguards to Rare, I'm watching. I know 1st hand (as an ex employer) that in the UK, companys have to go through these processes/investigations and prove they are carried out unbiased, which means they can't imply that actions that are carried out as a result of the investigation were pre determined/decided before the investigation is complete. I.e. they CAN'T say anything... I was GENUINLY shocked they shared the Community Values Post. I have absolute faith that as a result of all this, things will be shaken up. Things have been off for some time, I've kept myself distant from the groups for quite a while now and I've personally said for years that the whole creator/partner/community programs needed a shutdown and re-set but was always accused of "wanting to take oppertunites away from others". But curated 'oppertunities' and positions of influence should only be given to those who are approved and part of an official program. When I got partner, we had to have our account approved by Microsoft and they looked into our accounts (and linked accounts) history's before being approved... This should be applicable to ANYONE who is part of any kind of affiliated group with rare moving forward in my opinion... No 'program' should ever accept people based of vibe check/community engagement (I know this will upset folks) but it opens the door to people who are masters of manipulation and take advantage of people's generosity/innocence. I keep getting pressured to, but I'm not going to stop playing SoT/step down from Partner. If I did, it would be due to pressure from people online and not my own decision which isn't right. This community and game is still special to me, I agree things NEED to change... but I also know this isn't a true reflection of the whole team, game and community I love. I don't want individuals ruin this for everyone and I promise, as a partner, I will push this message. But basically, all this has reminded me that no one online can be trusted/is always who they seem to be. I said earlier this year I was going to try collaborate more and connect with more creators and community but now I just want to lock myself away to my small bubble. Stay safe. Don't defend people blindly online. Educate young people around you. Emotions are rightfully high but remember it's about protecting young people online and bringing abusers to justice. Try to keep that focus and don't attack others for 'not speaking out'/dealing with all this in their own way. Sorry for the essay, I've retyped this so many times and struggling to know how to get my thoughts worded.