In a recent thread there was a discussion about post quality. Since that time I have seen a lot if comments stating "good luck" "how sweet" "free bump" all linking back to friends of the OP. When I look at a giveaway or villager trading thread I have no desire to sort through the clique bumps to get to the meat of the issue.
There seems to be a lot of talk but no noticable changes. I am a member of two other very different boards and have been since 2005. It is very hard as a newbie entering a board and being taken seriously. This is true especially when the mods and admin have open friendships with a select few. I try my best to follow the rules even though there are gray areas surrounding them. On one board we got to put a heart by our name after every 1000th post. Soon those with no hearts complained and the board went to heck pretty quick.
Just saying, post quality is what matters. What year you joined is cool but shouldn't discourage new members from trying so hard to fit in. I've backed off of here due to comments and PM's I have received. Wish it was different.
Looking forward to any possible Easter events!! Have a great day.