[Custom Channels] Population Cap

[Shiamorah 20]

Simply limit the maximum population of any given custom channel anywhere from 50-100 players.

 

1.) Population Density: 

Those who played retail have vivid memories of packed major cities, players hustling and bustling all over the place, the game seemed very... Alive. Elysium offers populations that are almost 3 times larger than retail! However, the presence of major custom channels, such as the global channel allow players to be very dispersed around the world, while still coordinating with others. By restricting custom channel maximum population, you will be re-invigorating features that go mostly unused -General, Trade, LocalDefense, and LFG. These features are location-based, meaning someone in Azshara will not see General messages from Ashenvale. This feature naturally influences players to stick around major cities, effectively increasing population density. One exception to this that is a great feature Elysium currently employs is that all major cities share the should still exist, if this suggestion is taken into consideration.

 

2.) Draining the Swamp: 

Elysium staff do not have the time to strictly moderate large global channels, and a result of this is less than savory communication. Let's call it...  "Barren-esque". The image that a server represents is a very important concept, and many new players joining Elysium will quickly see a level of unacceptable behavior by visiting global channels. Even if it is just jokes or for the lols, any sort of racist or derogatory language not only makes you look bad, but it makes the server look bad. While restricting custom channels may not eliminate this kind of behavior, it will greatly change the environment and way the community is presented. Basically, in many cases, global chat is what The Barrens General chat should be. 

 

3.) Emphasis on Interaction:

Custom channels like global are no different than social media. By becoming more connected, you become more divided. Restricting custom channels will make players have to utilize different ways of communication, which in turn will create tight-knit communities, albeit smaller. Many players come to Elysium for the nostalgia factor, and a significant part of that has always been interactions with the community. Global channels unaltered allow for many players to come together and talk amongst each other, but creates little to no valuable interactions.

 

4.) Restriction, not Elimination: 

This suggestion does not eliminate custom channels. Players will still be able to create channels for whatever reason they desire, and still have as large of a population as they need for their specific purpose. It comes to no surprise that many view this community negatively, because everyone gets such an exposed view of players who say what they want with no disregard to those around them. This is an easy change to implement, and will help blossom the community into a much more personally tailored experience.

 

I'm sure some will not agree with me on this, but I honestly feel like many enjoy channels like global just because it is for cheap laughs and trolls. You can see drama unfold while lurking, you can advertise your guild and raids at ease, etc... But the reality is that it is not necessary, and I strongly believe it is more detrimental to this community than beneficial. Let me know what you think, whether you agree or disagree. When it comes to matters that greatly affect the community, I believe that the community should have a strong say in molding those decisions.

 

P.S. Notice how trolls seem to have a lot of influence on this server? Look no further than those that spam global nonstop.