Be a Felicity (MESSAGE)

Hi guys,

I only joined Reedsy around 4 months ago. I have been embroiled in some really crazy politics here, and I just wanted to share my opinions on some topics. First off, upvoting. Upvoting insane amounts is not good for the site, as it makes people more paranoid about their points and more willing to beg for points rather than earning them through writing. Critiques, on the other hand, are like teaching a man to fish rather than giving him a fish. Upvotes can be doled out in small amounts, and a strong sense of community should be the binding force, not a sense of protection of points. Let me make myself clear: REEDSY. IS. A. WRITING. CONTEST. Not a point contest (Zilla would totally win XD) but a contest based on good writing. It is not right to have a ton of points but very little stories and, even then, stories of questionable quality. We need to maintain the purpose of the site and stop worrying about the points. If anyone needs critiques, I'm here. Secondly, about the Marshmallows. I was one of the founders and people have come to think of them as role models and helpers of the community. However, there are other ways to do this. People argue that Marshmallows are good for people. There are other ways to make people happy, and there are certainly better ways to include someone in the community. Felicity Williams, one of my most devoted followers at the beginning of my account, did not make me happy through upvotes, but by being positive, complimenting, and giving helpful critiques. By being HELPFUL and INCLUSIVE, we can gain a better community and better collective happiness. If upvoting is your way of doing that, then you can continue. However, we are no longer an upvoting group. We are a group that makes a community and love. Lastly, the Age issue. If you are on Reedsy and are less than 18, I believe that is permitted by the rules and by my standards. However, do not expect to, even if your writing is über-awesome-amazing, win a contest. I hope you all understand that what I'm saying isn't to shut anyone down but to redirect you, to show you a better way. If you want to continue to upvote habitually, that's fine with me, I won't call you out. I'm not a cancel-culturer. However, I do implore you to see reason. Felicity Williams, an author no longer active on here, is the paragon of what I am saying. She gave me inspiration and love as a fledgling author and she complimented me. Just having her pay attention to my stories made me want to be her friend. Take her as an example. I would like to label this new idea of how to create a sense of community as inspired by Felicity Williams. Please take her example and take my and Upvoter's example. This is a consensus between me, Upvoter, and an unknown person on the leaderboard who has created the alt account of Prove me Wrong. Be a Felicity.

I love you all and wish you the best health (physical and mental) and happy writing,

Luke.

P.S. Think about what I have said