The Death of Memes

`#memes` was a dedicated channel where users could post their memes and get a laugh from memes that others posted.

## The Death of #memes

On 14 November 2020 circa 10:50 PM EST, `#memes` was removed from the channel listing without any announcement.

In this limbo time without any public announcement or explanation, `#tea-room` became littered with memes as `#media` purists sought to keep memes from flooding the links and artwork present there.

Violet issued this announcement on 15 November 2020 8:03 PM EST:

> Hey everyone, firstly I want to apologize for the sudden removal of the channel `#memes`. (If you have yet to notice, yes the memes channel has been removed) I've seen and heard some of your concerns that have been brought foward and I am sure everyone would like an explanation. To begin, there was a clear lack of communication between me and moderator team as Ran has done his part and raised this matter to me and in that aspect it was indeed my bad. However, the reason why `#memes` was removed was firstly due to the amount of inappropriate content that has been posted which is increasing steadily over time, degrading the server's quality. I know the previous sentence is vague but I do not wish to see the channel turn into one for shitposting in the future, only existing to ruin user experience. Next, the removal of the memes channel will also aid in the server's process of applying for discord partnership.
> "when did discord partnerships become more important than the community we're building?"
> True to a certain extent, however I beg to differ. Us caring about the community is precisely why I want to attempt to get Discord Partner for the community, not only does it provide more tools for community building, perks like a higher bitrate(smoother voice channels) makes it more enjoyable and welcoming for both new members as well as existing members. I am sure that not only myself but also the whole staff team aims to provide an ideal environment for everyone here. The pros of removing the memes channel clearly outweigh the cons of removing the channel, hence the decision.
> I hope to seek your understanding.
>
>

In summation, Violet explained that inappropriate content was being posted in #memes, degrading the server's quality, and that this content was too frequent that it became difficult to moderate. Violet claimed that a channel where people shitposted would ruin user experience. Furthermore, Violet was aiming to build a wholesome community fit for a Discord partner for more server benefits.

## The Takeover of #media

Soon after noticing that `#memes` was removed, users took to using `#media` as their place to post memes. Before, `#media` was a place for quality pictures, art, links, etc. and `#memes` kept the memes and shitposts separate. However, now that memes were being posted in `#media`, `#media` became a mutant mess where you could see high quality artwork of your favorite character immediately followed by an unfunny top text bottom text meme.

In response to the clash between `#media` purists and memelords, Mayo announced on 17 November 2020 8:29 PM EST:

> Hey guys, a lot of things happened recently as explained in Violet's posts. Thus, we definitely need some clarification on some things. As for the future, I would like everyone to know that `#media` is a place for any sort of (appropriate, SFW) images/videos/links that are interesting/funny. This includes, but is not limited to, twitter links, artwork, memes, etc, as long as the media posted is not in bad taste or, in nature, attacks anyone.
> For example, a twitter link leading to fanart is acceptable, or just the fanart itself. An image with text on it that is not transformative or serves any purpose is not acceptable. This last example is what the memes channel had become as of late. Situations like that are gradual. We hope that with the cooperation of the community and the mods, we can prevent this gradual degrading of quality of posts.
> Our overall goal for this community is to make it as comfortable and wholesome for everyone here so we can all continue to enjoy ourselves everyday. That said, if at any time, there is content (anywhere) that is posted that makes you feel uncomfortable or you think is in bad taste, please do not hesitate to contact a mod either with an @ or a DM.
>
>

In short, Mayo asserted that #media was a place for any (appropriate, SFW) media, including memes.

## User Responses

During the November 2020 K-ON! Discord User Survey, it was reported that bringing back the memes channel was one of the most requested suggestions, but it seems like there is no visible action from the administration team to respond or bring it back.

As of 25 February 2021, some 103 days after it was killed, `#memes` had returned.