I used to think gatekeeping was just part of the hobby

After seeing how our local shop's new owner actively welcomes new readers, the vibe totally shifted in about six months. He started a 'first comic' shelf and personally recommends stuff, and now the weekly crowd is twice as big and way more fun. How does your shop handle new people?

4 comments

4 Comments

kelly47028d ago

Man, that's such a good point. I see this everywhere, not just shops. It's like some people think a hobby gets worse if more folks join in. My local diner used to have a grumpy regular crowd that glared at newcomers. New owner came in, made it friendly, and now the place is packed and happier. That little bit of welcome changes the whole feel of a place. It's a choice between being a closed club or a growing community.

abbyr5428d agoTop Commenter

Exactly, it's that weird gatekeeping instinct. People get attached to a certain vibe and see new faces as a threat instead of a chance for fresh energy. That diner story proves a welcoming space actually gets better, not worse. It's sad when places choose to be museums for a few regulars instead of lively spots for everyone. Growth doesn't have to ruin the soul of a thing, it can add to it.

hayes.michael28d ago

Honestly abbyr54, I get the point but is it really that deep? Sometimes a place just changes and it's not about gatekeeping, it just loses what made it good.

anthonyrivera8d ago

But isn't that change often just gatekeeping, @hayes.michael?