Discord is a popular website and app for creating online places for conversations, very similar to message boards. On Discord anyone can create servers about anything and invite people to join them. Discord added a school hub feature back at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing users to create servers for their schools. Sinclair has quite a few associated servers. To learn what it’s like to run a school-associated server, I asked Caitlin Taylor, the President of the Tartan Gamer club and administrator of its Discord server, about her experience so far.
Q: How has the server affected the club?
A: Having a server for the club has helped a lot with getting more people interested in the club. It also allows us to still have meetings if someone is sick, or if someone can’t drive to the Dayton campus to have a traditional face-to-face meeting – as well as helping students find others to play with on their favorite games.
Q: How has being club president been?
A: Being the president of a new club definitely has its challenges. This experience has been very rewarding. I’m hoping to set a good foundation so when I eventually leave Sinclair, this will be something the college is known for. At least that’s my personal goal, which I’m aware is quite ambitious. Although I’ve had to jump through many hoops, this is something that was going to get done no matter how long it was going to take. When I get something in my head, it’s going to get done.
Q: Favorite thing about the server?
A: Having an easier way to connect with people from school and being able to meet with them in person to play. The sense of comradery has been fantastic! Especially with the past few years!
Q: Most challenging thing about the server?
A: Starting anything new always comes with its challenges. Especially getting people interested. It had a bit of a slow start, and since most people don’t attend summer classes, it wasn’t very active. With fall term just starting, gaining interest into the server/club has been a lot easier!
Q: How has your time at Sinclair been like in general?
A: As someone who decided to come back to school after taking a break for 3 years, I was nervous about “fitting in” and being able to make friends. However, I can without a doubt say that I have felt very welcomed here. The server and the club have definitely helped with that a lot as well!
Q: When are the club meetings?
A: Club meetings will be once a week. We are planning on amending the constitution officially this Friday. Most likely, we will have meetings once a week on Discord, with a gaming session following said meeting. Meetings previously have been held on Friday nights at 7pm, although we may change whether or not it will be every Friday at 7pm during our first meeting. eSport players will be expected to attend a higher number of meetings than casual players, but the exact number hasn’t been decided yet.
Q: What’s the club environment like?
A: I would say we have a good mix of both, casual and competitive players. With the club having casual players and those interested in competing in eSports, it allows us to have a good mixture of hyper and laid back students.
Q: What skill range do the club members have?
A: We have everything from beginners to highly skilled players I believe. Since some players may want to compete, but may not be the best, we are hoping to have a system similar to the traditional college sport. So, varsity and JV.
Q: What’s the gender makeup of the club?
A: Currently there are a lot more he/him members in the club but the club is open to anyone and everyone! When you join our server you are able to add your pronouns and what gaming platforms you play on! I did this to ensure everyone felt welcomed and included.
LeAnne McPherson
Staff Writer