Network and Thrive: Discord Servers for Editors
You may have received an email or two from EFA saying they’ve created a Discord group. If you haven’t already joined, then I highly suggest doing so. As of writing this newsletter, the group has over 500 members, and plenty of conversations on all sorts of topics are taking place. But EFA isn’t the first to use Discord as a place for editors to hang out, and I wonder what took them so long to create one.
Here are two other Discord servers for editors with smaller communities that you may enjoy.
Red Pen Resort - join here
This is the first server created for editors, established in October 2020 by yours truly. The group had reached nearly 200 members when the moderators agreed to prune the members who had been inactive for at least six months. This reduced their membership down to about 70 active members. It’s a very casual and friendly group. A few of the most active chatrooms are grammar and usage, spellcheck won’t save you, job opprotunties, vent, stetpet, and of course, general. Also, there are four attentive moderators who don’t hesitate to jump in when someone is being inappropriate.
Editors Lair - join here
Editors Lair was originally a Facebook group that was founded by Crystal Watanabe. It was moved to Discord in July 2022 for more live interactions. Their membership grew rapidly and is now at around 130 members with five moderators, but it’s difficult to know how many members are active. For me, this group doesn’t feel quite as casual as Red Pen Resort, but there are some interesting chatrooms. For example, you’ll find chatrooms called crafty corner, tune town, and boob tube. I find myself checking on what’s happening at least a few times a week.
Moderators Matter
I mentioned the number of moderators in each group because it’s an important aspect of any Discord server. Moderators at Red Pen Resort have had to intervene in about one situation every three to six months on average. So not often, but it’s still crucial for actions to happen swiftly and delicately.
To give you an idea, late one evening a new member decided to make sexual remarks at another member. Multiple moderators quickly jumped in. I privately spoke to the offender, told them how horribly inappropriate their actions were, and permanently banned them. While that was happening, two other moderators spoke with the person the remarks were directed at to make sure they were okay and for them to know we wouldn’t allow that person to do it again.
These swift and compassionate actions are an important element to the community feeling safe, and I bring this up because it seems the EFA server has only one moderator. The good news is they appear to be looking for more, but just be prepared for the possibilty of drama until they have at least six moderators.
Join Us
I hope you’ll take the leap and join at least one of the Discord server. I truly believe they are a wonderful way to not only network but also find good friends who will accompany you in your editing journey. I know I’ve made plenty, and I can only imagine how less fulfilling my life would be without them.
I hope you’re having a wonderful week, and please, don't hestitate to reply to this email with any thoughts you have.
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