Takeaways so far (mostly just brainstorming):
1)
Dealing with the problem of players that sign up for events/tournaments and never show up.Perhaps friendly reminders not to do this the first time (someone is found to have done it), then some form of sanction for repeat offenders?
2)
Find ways to engage new players and give them a taste of the competitive community.
This requires more of a change in the behaviour of prominent community members. For instance, it involves trying to convince regiment leaders that developing newer players and giving them a chance to actually enjoy the game/get involved is important. We must find a way to balance out the desire to win trophies and be "successful" (nothing wrong with competition, of course) with maintaining and engaging new players.
It also involves actually attracting new players, which is obviously becoming progressively more difficult as NW ages. The use of media (Youtube, Twitch, etc.) has of course proved very successful. I'd like to explore possible ways to continue in this regard and give it a boost.
Lastly, I actually had an idea for an event along these lines. I'm gonna roll it out in a day or two.
3)
The salt/shitposting and its leakage into other section of the forums.There is a potential for concrete action here, but we have to preserve the fine line between being overly heavy-handed with moderation and allowing regiments/players to work out their own problems.
The leakage problem can potentially be mitigated via the reform of forum rules (a project that is also currently being undertaken). Specifically, perhaps we could pursue stricter and more clearly defined penalties for dragging reg drama into other boards. Maybe an immediate snip and watch for taking any sort of drama (especially in a way that violates rule 2 or 4) to another regiment's thread (and warning off others thinking of doing the same thing). Subsequently, anyone violating the rule again on the thread after this initial warning would receive an escalated penalty (larger watch or perhaps even a mute). Of course, this would also involve a re-affirmation to regiments that they are to deal with regimental disputes through the appropriate channels (PM or on the actual event thread). Basically, regiments are left free to sort out their own drama via appropriate channels while mods act to contain the fire when it spreads out of control. We can't stop the drama cold turkey, but perhaps we can get it under control at least to some extent (and prevent it from alienating players, especially newer ones).
I'm interested to see what you think of this actually.