I originally posted this in the staff forums, I think it would be worth posting to the public. Please read this in full. I have discussed this matter with a few members on the server but I think it is worth repeating here. I have generated very mixed feelings about this whole ordeal.
Preface: I am not interested in starting an argument and would like to keep the following civil, as I have a great respect for the work that each of you has contributed towards the server as a whole. I am also not interested in convincing any of you in one way or another as this issue is obviously not "black and white". Here is my two cents on the matter.
On one hand, generating these kinds of memes (etc) outside of the server parameters is a very different ball game and probably should not be enforced the same way as actions that occur within the community. I also agree that there should have been greater dialogue between the two parties before the actions were taken. It is sometimes really difficult to deduce intention over the internet and sometimes that results in mistakes, the system is simply not perfect nor has it ever promised to be perfect. If this is viewed as a systemic issue for the way in which enforcement is carried out, I would ask that we look into how we could improve the current system in order to improve the workings of the server. I do not know the full story of how enforcers responded to the event, so I do not want to overplay my hand and talk about actions that I know less about. I will leave the enforcers to explain their own actions and illuminate where they believe the mistakes may lie.
On the other hand, these actions can be genuinely hurtful to players within the community and viewed as a form of cyber bullying. I think the group involved with generating these memes has done a poor job acknowledging this possible consequence of their actions. I realize that within a small group these pictures may be "harmless" or "light-hearted", but not everyone may feel this way. You need to know your audience and be aware of how your actions may impact others. For example, I stumbled upon several memes generated by current or former members of the MCME community targeting myself and, as a member that is really just here to build shit and doesn't really participate with groups outside of the server, I found these somewhat offensive and aggravating. If we are being honest the ones against me were in a small minority and were not (comparatively) that bad, so I cannot imagine the discomfort and anger experienced by those who were targeted with images pulled from their personal Facebook. I am aware that these acts are nothing new, it simply highlights a behavior that we, as a community, should reconsider before promoting among small factions. To this extent, I could empathize why the enforcers responded so harshly and enacted such a strong response.
I do not think either side is innocent in terms of how this debacle was carried out. Both sides should be willing to admit that mistakes (however small or large) were made and, more importantly, acknowledge how moving forward we can improve both the system and individual actions to avoid another drama event like this. I believe the "us vs MCME" divide is somewhat silly, given the huge propensity for this server to change over time and respond to public opinion. I hope that some of the staff and members of the community are willing to reconsider their untimely departure from the server, and instead focusing on giving strong feedback and bettering the community as a whole.
I would like to reinforce that I appreciate the impact that many of you have had on the server and I hope that we will be able to work through this and improve MCME has a whole. I look forward to being involved in future conversations about how moderation on MCME could be improved and what we should expect from our community at large.