I agree that there have always been cliques. I first started visiting self harm forums when I was 16 (12 years ago) and was a regular member of one site for a lot longer than I have been a regular on RYL. There were so many different cliques, as there are on this site too. I do agree with Crys that investing so much time in to sites like these can be negative. I wouldn't use the words sick and twisted but I can definitely see the point being made and agree with it. These sites can be so dangerous for a person's mental health when they are vulnerable. It's all about finding the right balance. I've definitely struggled with finding that balance in the past, but it is important to take a step back and really think about the site and what you actually gain from it, in terms of helping you to be mentally healthier.
More specifically related to the cliques thing though - I've seen several cliques on this website over the past 4 years, some more dominant than others dependant on how many members are included in any one clique. But they happen, and they will always continue to happen. A clique will disappear and another one will blossom in the blink of an eye, and there will always be members feeling left out or irritated or intimidated by such cliques, if they think the forum is being taken over by them.
I don't think that it should be ignored just because it always happens though. I think we all need to recognise that RYL is a community for ALL of us, and to be honest I don't think there is anyone that needs reminding of that. We all know this. But we cannot ignore that the clique thing keeps being brought up time and time again. It obviously upsets people and I think everyone needs to accept that and all come together to try and find a solution. There's no point in beating about the bush. There are several members here who think that there is a clique on RYL that is almost "taking over" RYL, so why aren't we all being mature adults and discussing it together to try and work with each other and bridge any gaps that people feel there may be? We ARE a community after all. Why can't we work together? There are so many things being bitched about on here and left unsaid when there is a chance for it to be said in a constructive way.
I don't think anyone in any clique that people feel exists, intends to make people feel the way they do, and I don't think the people upset by these cliques intend to single out these members in a hurtful way either. It'd be nice if everyone could be constructively honest.
I didn't fully read the thread in question that led to this thread being made, but I know that it most probably stemmed from a difference in opinion that in itself has stemmed from different cliques "clashing". I don't know if I'm the only person making that observation or not.
To be honest, I may have just babbled so much bullshit, but wanted to try and piece together my thoughts as honestly as I could. It would be nice to try and bridge some gaps but I guess people need to remember that in the real world, not everyone gets along with each other. There will always be different friendship groups formed that will naturally clash with each other, but maybe on RYL, we could learn to be more understanding of each other and somehow reach middle ground
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