the details aren't super important and i'm not going to go into particular depth here but, in summary: i am on break. the burnout is quite bad. the "avalanche analogy" is pretty apt for what i'm dealing with here.
if you've never heard the "avalanche analogy" before, it is this: no individual snowflake is the problem, but the accumulation in an avalanche is still catastrophic.
individually, nothing i have dealt with so far―technical stuff, users, situations, arguments on here, etc.―have been issues that make me want to not use the site. the accumulation though is currently unbearable, even on this fairly small size. effectively all the time i―or any other admin, for that matter―am on here, i am being constantly paged with things to handle; people to sort out and placate; content to remove; bug issues to delegate; and all while having hundreds of people make contradictory suggestions to me i have to make sense of, balance, and generally hear nonstop while being expected to act like a service worker. it's pretty draining!
accordingly, i have not logged in for about a week (or really done anything with the site, for that matter) and even thinking about it is exhausting. so things aren't great. it's pretty clear i need to extensively step back―which i've already been doing because i'd like to actually, eventually use the site i help co-run here again. i don't feel good about just dipping without saying anything longer than i already have though, hence this post.
i'd ideally like to be back sometime next week, but i obviously can't promise that. it'll happen when it happens. please do not page me in the mean time with site stuff―it will be ignored.
thanks
I commented on your chat thread the other day about getting over burnout myself, so I entirely get how quickly things add up and what that can do to you in addition to the context of daily life that keeps happening as well. You absolutely deserve a break and to just enjoy this thing that you have made massive contributions to on only your own terms for as long as you need. You are a huge part of why I am so enthusiastic about this instance because I identify with your passion for this project. I know how it can look when literally all you are interacting with on a daily basis are the problems (because that's my job in my career as well), but please know that from the user side this is an incredibly well run and respectful space. Your efforts in setting the tone at critical times is a big part of what we can enjoy now. You have accomplished major and important things here already, and you deserve all the time you need for yourself.