The question I have is this:

If the forum community is bad here, and the Community Managers are responsible for the community, does it mean they are failing at their job?

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It's my opinion this is one of the worst forum communities I've ever tried to be a part of. It's filled with vitriol, stupidity, and inanity. If I were a competing developer reading these forums, I'd scoff and laugh.

I've been part of political boards that talk about much more incendiary matters and things are handled much better there, with greater debate and sharing of information. It might just be that there are more "grownups" there I don't know. However, when things start going off the rails the moderators get it back in line. Over time, the ground rules are laid, which provides for a nice environment. As a result people share information, dicuss, learn together, and hopefully have some sense of fun.

I think the CM's here can protest all they want but the proof of the pudding is in the tasting. These forums taste bad to many and I seriously think they should question their approach. They way it's been directed so far has brought us to a bad place.

If I were their boss, I'd call them on the carpet and ask them what the heck they are doing. In short, the forums make Blizz look bad and I'd want some changes made.

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Here's things they could consider:

1.) add a lounge for social and jocular threads/posts and send all the "chuck norris" clap trap there.
2.) reward well thought out posts with Blue Text that actually stimulates discussion.
3.) zero tolerance policy for posts that make ad hominem attacks instead of discussing the merits of the topic and debate at hand
4.) don't respond to fluff threads because it just sends the wrong message. despite the fact that they may think it might look "cute" and build community, it doesn't. If they want to be jocular and part of the fun, send the thread to the lounge and post something funny on a non-blue account so that they have to rely on the humor of their post, not the authority of Blue Text.
5.) At least once a month every class forum should get a "state of the class" post in blue from someone who is responsible for that class's development (or at least someone who talks to the person who is). People need to know what the gamemakers are thinking and to see what direction their class is headed.
6.) Once every 1 to 2 months a lead designer should post something of value on the main forum regarding something that they feel we should or would like to know. Let us know that you hear us and that you are listening, let us know how you are thinking. If there's a raging and ongoing (and often nauseating) debate on a matter, then come on here and say what's going on and end that debate.
7.) Treat the community that acts mature in a mature way. Don't talk down to the customers, many of which have real life accomplishments that are very respectable. Even if you don't agree with your clients, you still have to give them respect. Posts and posters that are childlike can be removed or sent to the lounge.
8.) All alts and mains are linked by account so that by clicking a name I can tell all the other characters someone has. No more posting garbage by hiding behind an alt. Also, no posting from a character less than level 20 in anything but an "I'm new to WoW and I need help" forum.
9.) MVP's that rile the customers and act condescending should lose their mvp status.
10.) Forum assistants can be designated to help moderate the boards and move threads to the appropriate places or alert the supervising mod's to bad behavior so it can be dealt with.

wowcmfeedback@blizzard.com for feedback on Community Team performance. Please note that while emails sent to this address will likely not receive a response, each one will be read and handled accordingly.