Ahrism Unveils Fresh New Look For Popular Emote Collection
Ahrism Steps Forward with Ethically-Sourced Icons
Ahrism is thrilled to unveil a fresh, new, and shiny set of Ahri emotes! This latest collection boasts a range of adorable and engaging emotes and stickers designed to capture the heart of the community. While these additions are set to become instant favourites, some may seem familiar, as some might notice that four of them are lovingly crafted replacements for existing ones.
Online communities are often defined by the unique elements they adopt, none more visually representative than their emotes. These expressive little images serve as a microcosm of a community's culture and spirit. However, the integrity of these symbols can be compromised when their creator falls under the shadow of serious allegations. Such is the predicament that the AhriMains Discord server finds itself in.
The emotes in question were crafted by Quiet Hush, an artist who once enjoyed significant patronage. Quiet Hush's designs are now at the center of a controversy that has led to their complete digital erasure. The artist's social media presence, including accounts on Ko-fi1, Twitter, and Discord, have all been purged following grooming allegations. This move has sent ripples throughout the communities that once celebrated their work.
This development raises pressing questions about the role and responsibility of a community when faced with such a controversy. It is a test of values, a call for transparency, and a reflection on the actions—or inactions—of those in positions of influence. The situation at AhriMains offers a stark look into how online platforms grapple with ethical issues and how they communicate with their members in critical times.
The Emote Controversy
The emotes by Quiet Hush were some of the more popular in AhriMains. Yet the bright and animated expressions of these digital creations have been cast in a pallid light following the allegations against their creator.
Despite the deletion of their introductory announcement, the emotes in question are still in circulation within AhriMains. This decision to silently maintain the status quo is a curious one. It reflects either a cautious approach to avoid disruption or a reluctance to address the potentially problematic association with Quiet Hush.
The use of these emotes is a complex issue. On one hand, they are ingrained in the server's culture; on the other, they now carry a legacy that some members may find objectionable. The lack of open dialogue within the server about the continued use of these emotes is a matter that deserves scrutiny. It poses a question of ethics and community governance that remains unanswered.
AhriMains' Silent Continuation
AhriMains' administration has not publicly addressed the controversy. This silence is notable, especially given the proactive steps typically taken by online communities when faced with similar situations. For over a year, there has been no formal announcement, discussion thread, or acknowledgement of the potential discomfort this situation may cause within the community.
The implications of this silence are multifaceted. For some, it may seem a minor oversight; for others, it represents a failure to confront a significant ethical challenge. The decision not to inform or engage with the community about the artist's allegations and the server's continued use of the emotes is a decision—one that can have lasting repercussions on the community's trust and the server's reputation.
In contrast, other servers have taken decisive action when faced with analogous situations, often opting to remove or replace content that becomes controversial. Such actions typically come with a cost—be it financial, in the loss of the content itself, or in the effort required to transition to new materials. AhriMains' choice to retain the emotes without public discourse may be interpreted as prioritizing convenience over the potential need for moral alignment.
The Price of Exclusivity
Ryan- who goes by theryan- a prominent administrator within the AhriMains Discord server, had previously sought to distinguish the server by acquiring exclusive emotes from Quiet Hush. The transaction—amounting to $150—was a substantial investment in the community's virtual expression toolkit. However, this pursuit of exclusivity now places Ryan and the server in an uncomfortable spotlight.
The financial support extended to Quiet Hush, while understandably made without prior knowledge of the allegations, raises questions about the ethical considerations and transparency surrounding such dealings. It underscores the importance of reevaluating such support once allegations come to light. In such situations, it becomes crucial for administrators like Ryan to consider their ongoing association with the artist and whether it aligns with their values and principles.
Ryan's investment reflects a common desire within Discord communities to provide members with unique and engaging content. Yet, it also highlights the precarious nature of such investments when creators are embroiled in controversy.
Community in the Shadows
The lack of communication from AhriMains' administration to their community members about the emote controversy is an issue that warrants attention. Transparency is a cornerstone of trust within any community, and the absence of open dialogue on such a significant matter is a departure from this principle. It leaves members in the dark and potentially compromises the integrity of community interactions.
The decision to maintain the emotes, effectively making a statement about the server's priorities and approach to governance without informing the community, leaves members in the dark and potentially compromises the integrity of community interactions. They also deserve the opportunity to voice their opinions and participate in the decision-making process regarding the content they use to represent themselves and their community.
This silence from the administrators deprives members of their agency in shaping the community's response to ethical challenges. It also prevents the community from collectively navigating the situation's complexities or exploring alternative solutions.
Introducing Ahrism's Ethical Emotes
Ahrism steps forward as an alternative, offering a fresh set of proprietary emotes developed with ethical considerations at the forefront. Ahrism's initiative to create and introduce new emotes reflects a proactive community-building approach.
These proprietary emotes are more than just digital icons; they represent a commitment to a safe and responsible community space. By choosing to develop and adopt these new emotes, Ahrism is setting a standard for how communities can respond to controversies and align their practices with their values.
The introduction of Ahrism's proprietary new emotes is an invitation to those who seek a community that not only shares their interests but also upholds their ethical standards. It is an opportunity for members to rally around a set of symbols that they can use with pride, knowing that they are free from the controversy that has mired others.
AhriMains’ Statement
When asked to comment, Ryan- the AhriMains administrator who purchased the emotes and initially promoted Quiet Hush- provided his statement by emphasizing that any ties with Quiet Hush had been severed over a year ago, shortly after the emotes were added to the server. He also mentioned that Ahrism had access to and used the same emotes during that time, questioning the timing of this article's focus on the controversy.
Ryan also questioned the timing and expressed his concerns, stating he thought it would be disingenuous to weaponize a particular group of emotes because of who the creator is, especially when Ahrism at the time had also added those emotes2.
The owner of AhriMains- known as Canti- could not be reached for comment.
Ahrism Responds
In response to Ryan's comment, an Ahrism spokesperson stepped forward to articulate the community's standpoint and the measures taken." Ahrism and the other guys initially acquired the same set of emotes from Quiet Hush. Ryan, however, in pursuit of exclusivity for AhriMains, invested an additional $150 in unique emotes from the artist."
"While it is true that Ahrism, like many communities, once featured Quiet Hush's emotes, our response to the subsequent allegations was swift and in keeping with our core values," the spokesperson stated. "Our commitment to our community's safety and ethical conduct led us to grandfather the existing emotes, thereby minimizing disruption for our members. Concurrently, we undertook the initiative to create new and unique emotes, which reflect Ahrism's uniqueness and commitment to providing a rich member experience."
The spokesperson expressed concern over the Quiet Hush emotes still active in AhriMains, including one of a graphic depiction not in line with the spirit of an Ahri fan club. "It's disconcerting to see emotes like the one portraying Ahri in a pool of blood still in use. It seems at odds with the appreciation and celebration of the character that brought our community together."
Ahrism has taken definitive steps to distance itself from the controversy. "Today marks a new chapter for Ahrism as we retire the original set of emotes and introduce a collection that's not only original but also mirrors the high standard of content our members deserve. Our new proprietary emotes represent the positive and community-focused spirit of Ahrism."
The Director of Ahrism1 personally expressed enthusiasm for the new emotes, particularly the new AhriFall one. They described it as an Ahri-themed version of their favourite cat GIF, which they find very endearing.
Conclusion
This emote debacle mirrors the broader challenges of virtual community management. It is a reminder that this digital realm is intertwined with real-world values and ethics. We invite all community members to engage in a dialogue about the standards they expect and the practices they support.
For those looking for a new digital home where ethical practices are not just an afterthought, Ahrism presents itself as a beacon. It stands as a testament to what a community can aspire to be—engaged, transparent, and principled.
URL: https://ko-fi.com/quiethush (Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://ko-fi.com/?reason=notfound)
Ryan, posting as The Ryan, comment on "Ahrism Unveils Fresh New Look For Popular Emote Collection," Ahrism1 Blog, November 6, 2023, 8:21 PM EST. Ryan expressed the following opinion in his comment:
”I think it would be pretty disingenuous to weaponize a certain group of emotes because of who the creator is— who all ties and mentions of have been severed with might I add— well over a year after they had been added especially when Ahrism had added those emotes at the same time and those emotes have been in Ahrism for well over a year. The fact that they are being mentioned now, despite Ahrism and [Johnny]’s full awareness of the artist’s actions for over a year, shows that my being contacted about them is part of Ahrism and [Johnny]’s intent to write some sort of hit piece and to weaponize these emotes while ignoring his and Ahrism’s longtime use of these same emotes.”