Chess site community comparison

I feel that chess.com has a fairly toxic community over there. They seem to have a lot of pettiness going on. Has anyone experienced this?

I've seen a bit of it there and a bit of it here, but I suppose it really depends on which part of the community you choose to engage with. That's true of most websites with an open forum or the ability to chat. I would say find people you know that you can engage with and stick with them. Magnus Carlsen is quoted as saying that one of the first things that attracted him to chess is that it brings you into contact with intelligent; civilized people. These people exist online too, but for many, the extra layer of anonymity brings about a certain behavioral brashness that they may not otherwise exhibit. By these standards, I couldn't call the community there or the community here toxic despite seeing certain toxic elements at times. Over there, I found active members that I knew immediately both from my experience in coaching and through the USCF group, whether they be masters I have crossed paths with, or in some cases, my own students. I've also noticed that certain streamers tend to have more tame communities, and if you contribute a bit of your time, they will let you into that world. It can be hard to ignore the trolls and witch hunters at times, but it's a decision I make. It comes down to whether you are willing or not.

Well said, thanks

I was a long premium paying member on Chess.com. They do have great material etc but I too found that people are pushy, edgy, rude and sometimes outright harassing lower-rated players. As anyone can see from my ratings on any of the chess sites I am below average at best yet I continue to love to play. I came to Lichess and became a patron for many different reasons; Less rude people here, really worldly focused versus location focused, no ads, etc. I agree with @TPP-Social to just find people to follow and regularly play that has the same mind frame as you and are uplifting while staying out of the cesspool of negativity. Always uplift people regardless and enjoy the game as much as you can.

I agree with @lucius_beach2 , I was too a premium member of chess.com.

Yes, the rudeness over there is extreme. Rage quitting and taking the max time to move in a lost game is also common.

They also seem to have a large number of right wing hate mongers who make it their job to "ugly American" whenever possible. I know Rensch is a neo con trump type. It seems that site caters to those types.

I didn't realize those people played chess lmao

They certainly do

As a mod looking in the forum gives me the worst nightmares I‘ve ever had.

Oh? Why is that?