Introduction
I first came across Joey on TikTok, where his engaging content piqued my interest. One day, I stumbled upon a particularly popular video where he invited viewers to join his Discord server, Oatmeal World. My curiosity was sparked, and I decided to join. In the initial months, I was fairly inactive but found the community to be a fascinating place where people mostly discussed underground music. Some members were already known for their controversial reputations, though I won't mention any names. I wasn't exempt from controversy either; at one point, I faced some repercussions and found myself at the mercy of the "Hell" and "Ring of Fire" roles. However, as you'll soon see, I managed to work my way up.
Becoming a God
Over time, I engaged in a few conversations with Joey himself. We discussed how the server should be run, delved into politics, and he frequently mentioned his blog. Intrigued, I decided to check it out, and it inspired me to start my own. Joey introduced me to Hive.blog, a blockchain-based blogging platform. He patiently explained its dynamics and how everything worked. Thanks to his guidance, I was able to write my first blog post about how I almost set my kitchen on fire. This was a turning point; Joey decided that I should become a "God" in the server hierarchy.
In the following weeks, it seemed Joey took a liking to me. At one point, he even gave me "The King" role and temporarily renamed the server after me! These were exciting times, and the community was incredibly supportive. Joey and I shared our opinions on various topics—politics, Linux, and some of his old content on the internet. When it came time to write my second blog post, I wanted it to spark a dialogue. I decided to make it about free speech, a topic Joey advocates for heavily. This led him to grant me the "Sith" role, a position I had personally suggested. Second only to the "Jedi" role—a role people can only dream of—I held the power to promote and demote gods of my own.
Personal Growth
Interacting with Joey opened my eyes to many new perspectives. I made numerous friends in the server, and perhaps Joey even considers me a friend. My role in the server taught me that leadership sometimes requires ruling with an iron fist. I learned the importance of being just and having valid reasons for promotions or demotions, rather than running the server aimlessly. I'm now realizing that I may even have to set aside my personal biases when dealing with certain members.
Community Dynamics
Positive Aspects
This community holds a special place in my heart. I've made many new friends—namely Dora, whom I promoted to my own apprentice, Berry, Jish, and Tonka. We've shared countless great times together, and they've all been friendly to me since day one.
Joey frequently puts out fun challenges, quizzing us on his past. Many of these challenges are quite difficult and require us to dig through his blog. Though challenging, they are always a fun activity and have cured my boredom many times!
Challenges Faced
The server has had its fair share of obstacles. Occasionally, trolls join the server, accusing Joey of false actions and mocking him. Fortunately, he doesn't let these trolls get to him, and many are promptly dealt with.
There are a select few controversial individuals who are difficult to manage. I had actually become friends with some of these people. I tried to distance myself from their controversies, but I soon learned that it's very challenging to do so. At this point, I was conflicted—do I demote people I consider friends, or do I turn a blind eye? I realized I must rule with an iron fist and hope these individuals don't take it personally. All I can do is hope they change their ways.
Goals for the Server
One day, I hope to become an owner of Oatmeal World. I have several plans that I think will enhance the server, such as introducing new bots that people are interested in and organizing events to bring the community together—like movie nights, Gartic Phone sessions, and more.
Leadership Philosophy
I believe that effective leadership requires a balance of fairness and transparency. I intend to lead by setting clear expectations and being consistent in my actions. Ruling with an iron fist doesn't mean being harsh; it means being decisive and just, putting aside personal biases to ensure the community thrives. I aim to create an inclusive environment where every member feels valued and heard.
Gratitude
I'm incredibly grateful for the experiences I've had in the Oatmeal World Discord server. From engaging conversations with Joey to the friendships I've formed with other members, this community has significantly impacted my life. I've learned valuable lessons about leadership, responsibility, and personal growth. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me.
Invitation
If this blog piqued your interest, consider joining us! We've had many fun times, and we'd love to welcome more members into our community. Come be a part of Oatmeal World—there's always something exciting happening.
👉 Join us at discord.gg/oatmealworld
Thank you for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.