Hey folks,
I have been wrestling with this idea for a while now and need to get some input from the people it would affect.
A little over a year ago, I got the Big Idea to start this forum as a way for people to share their ideas and love of table-top games - RPGs, TCGs, wargames, board games, etc. - without locking in to any of the big social media platforms and independently of specific groups or locations. It’s never been my intention to tell people how to gather and communicate, just to make space for that to happen.
In my excited rush to make something to address that end, I named this site one of the first and most generic things that came to mind, and not necessarily one that I was enthusiastic or satisfied with.
Since then, my hasty naming of this site has shown itself to be a limiting factor and a regret.
So I’m asking you, the people who have signed up and who use this site, what ideas you have for renaming it.
Reasons for a change:
Geographically Limiting - Our social circles aren’t limited by borders, and using the state name of “Ohio” (or any of its nicknames) in the title draws a needless and unwelcome boundary around who this site is for.
Ambiguous Mission - Lots of groups lay claim to the “gamer” title, and not everyone who enjoys games identifies with the term “gamer”. There are some types games and gaming that simply are not included in the focus or mission of this site. Gambling and video/computer games in particular aren’t primary categories this site was ever intended for. Also, there can be a lot of baggage around the term “gamer” and folks who just enjoy getting together for some table games don’t (and don’t have to) consider themselves “gamers” to be welcome here.
Personal Identification - Understand that what follows is my opinion, and only my own. If it upsets you, let’s sit down, break bread, and work to understand one another better. I am ashamed and furious at the personal and public behavior of Ohio’s governmental leadership. They have actively and knowingly promoted baseless, dangerous, corrupt, and antisocial policies that undermine the principles that are foundational to the ideals of democratic (lower-case ‘d’) self-determination. At the risk of painting with too broad a brush, they are without honor. It is unlikely that anyone would confuse this weird little space with the state itself, but associating - even remotely - by name, is objectionable to me and, I am too well aware, others whom I care about.
Future Unknown - I have a permanent residence in the state, but “permanent” doesn’t necessarily mean “eternal” and there are, have been, and are continuing to be numerous, significant changes that undermine that permanence in meaningful ways. Should the day ever come that “upping stakes” is necessary, it won’t be done with gladness and gratitude.
Thank you
Thank you for being a part of this and many other communities. Thank you for being friends, for supporting this weird corner of the internet, and for being someone who agrees that games of make-believe aren’t a thing anyone should ever “grow out of.”
What You Can Do
Reply to this topic with ideas for names. It doesn’t have to be a fully-formed idea or name, anything will help
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