Good morning, McCoven:
I wanted to take this opportunity to let you all know that I am taking a step back from community projects. There have been some things that I have continued to do as a member of the community since becoming the deputy editor of the site. However, I’ve learned that it was often assumed that I was doing those things in my capacity as a member of the staff, rather than as a community member, which places certain expectations on me that I can’t always live up to.
It seems like that causes more problems than it solves. When you’re a people-pleasing type of person, you often just keep saying yes to things and before you know it, you find yourself stretched too thin, time filled to capacity with emotional labor, and unable to be all things to all people and you realize that something has to give.
I love this community, and I have no intentions of ever leaving. But I’ve realized that my role within the community needs to change, or else I won’t be able to make anyone happy, least of all myself.
Going forward, things that have been traditionally handled by the community (for example the McCoven Awards, community organizing, off-topic fan posts for Champagne Threads/TV shows/other sports, etc.), will need to be taken up again by the community.
I’ll still be around and will support whoever takes those things up as much as possible, but my focus is going to have to be on the things that are part of my job. Because as much as I love doing it, this is my job, one of two, and a podcast, and a cat that misses me terribly.
Anyway, that means that I’ll still be available for anything that requires staff attention. This is especially true with regards to moderation issues, where I can be contacted via email or on Twitter for any urgent needs. Both contacts are linked in my profile page, which you can find under the masthead. I’ll continue checking for flags periodically as well, so please make sure you are continuing to flag posts, even if they don’t require urgent attention.
I love you all, and I hope you have a great day and I hope that Will Smith gives you something to cheer for tonight in the All Star Game!