View source for TarValon.Net 2024-2025 Hiatus

A [[Media:Hiatus_Summary.pdf|PDF version]] is available.

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==General==
[[TarValon.Net]] went on hiatus on December 6, 2025, in order to address various problems and situations that had developed over the past 5+ months. The [[Officers]] were dealing with a deluge of problems for months with no time to address one before another began, stemming from a series of actions and accusations from members within the community. The Board and Officers decided to have the community take a step back, and give both bodies an opportunity to address the concerns so we could hopefully reopen with as many issues resolved as possible.
==Announcement==
The hiatus started with a message shared via Site Announcements on December 4, 2024 from Xander Silverstar, Chairman of the Board of Directors:

We are writing to you today with a heavy yet optimistic heart to make an announcement. Effective December 6th 2024 around 7PM Eastern, we will be pausing the social spaces of TarValon.Net. Our forums will be going to read-only, the majority of our Discord channels will be hidden, and our social media outlets will be suspended. This decision has not been made lightly, but we believe it is essential for the long-term health and sustainability of our community.

Over the years, TarValon.Net has grown from two people who wanted to be the first Aes Sedai to a vibrant, diverse, and unique corner of the Wheel of Time fandom. Many of us have grown up within this community, finding not just friendships but chosen family here. We’ve shared countless moments of joy and sorrow, traveling across the globe to celebrate milestones and standing united to support one another through life’s darkest challenges. This bond has been our strength, the cornerstone of our togetherness. Yet now, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where the very foundation of that unity is at risk.

We have survived adversity, leadership change, and even the passing of the creator upon which the community has been built. Yet, we must acknowledge that the demands of maintaining this space and addressing ongoing conflicts have placed an unsustainable burden on our leadership and our members alike. The community in general is experiencing burnout, and the unresolved tensions within the community have made it increasingly difficult to move forward productively.

The metaphor that has come to us is that we cannot renovate a house while it is on fire. At this time, our collective attention is being pulled in too many directions, and we need to step back to address the underlying issues before we can build something better
===Purpose===
;Engage the Membership:
We will distribute a survey through the Officers to gather your input. This is your community, and your voices will guide the restructuring process. We want to understand your concerns, your needs, and your vision for what TarValon.Net can and should be in the years to come.
;Restructure thoughtfully and diligently:  
Guided by your feedback and rooted in the purposes and ideals of the organization, we will reevaluate and redesign the structure of our community. This will take into account the cultural and technological changes that have occurred over the past two decades, ensuring that TarValon.Net remains relevant and fulfilling for all its members.
;Refocus on Purpose: 
We will ask difficult but necessary questions about the role of TarValon.Net within the broader Wheel of Time community. This is an opportunity to clarify our mission and renew our commitment to our ideals.
===Continuity while on Hiatus===
While social spaces will be frozen during this time essential functions will continue:
;Guesting
Guesting will be handled via email and/or Discord to ensure continuity for those who wish to participate in the Tower Initiates process.
;Hiring
The hiring process for {{Cordamora}} will proceed as planned.
;Member Spaces
We understand that some private, member-run spaces like the Tower Initiates server may continue to operate.

While we do not control these spaces, we encourage all members to engage respectfully and thoughtfully during this period of reflection and rebuilding. In addition, our entire membership is feeling the strain of the increased conflict. On our official Discord server, we will be taking a break from the conflict. If critical feedback needs to be shared, it should be shared through other means. All leadership roles, admin and above, will have authority to handle any problems that arise.
===Other Information===
We want to acknowledge the immense strain the ongoing conflicts have placed on [[Cassie_Dainar|Cassie]] and [[Erin al'Denael|Erin]], our {{Amyrlin}} and {{Keeper}}. These issues have not only consumed much of their time but have also undermined their ability to lead effectively. For their sake, for the sake of the entire community, and for the future of TarValon.Net, we must come together to extinguish the fire and rebuild a stronger foundation.

This pause may last several months, but we are committed to taking the time necessary to ensure that the TarValon.Net we build together is one where all members can thrive.
We want to thank you for your patience, your understanding, and your past and hopeful future dedication to this community.

Everyone should remember there are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time, and this hopefully will be a new beginning.

''Yours in the light,<br>
Xander Silverstar on behalf of the Board and Officers of TarValon.Net''

==Action Plan==
[[File:Hiatustimeline.jpg]]

==Big Picture Survey==

==Structural Changes==

==Phase 2 Survey==

==Technology Update==

==Summary==
When we reopened, members were introduced to new governing documents created during the hiatus and reviewed by Officers, Board, and in some cases the moderation team. We anticipate that further changes will be made, and additional documents added, as needed. The [[MM:_Community_Guidelines|Community Guidelines]] replaced our previous Code of Conduct. The [[MM:_Discipline_Process|Discipline Process]] explains what will happen should members not follow the Community Guidelines. An [[MM: Anti Doxing Policy|Anti-Doxxing Policy]] was added by the Board. The [[MM:_Privacy_Policy|Privacy Policy]] was updated to try and be more in alignment with GDPR guidelines. All members are required to read and agree to these documents in order to be members of TarValon.Net. If/when substantive changes are made to any of the documents, or additional documents added, members will be asked to agree again to the documents. Explanations of any changes or additions will be communicated at that time.

[[Category:2024]]
[[Category:2025]]