Sexypedia Resurfaces After Fandom Takedown: Community’s Fight for Freedom
Fandom removed the Sexypedia wiki without warning. This decision followed a YouTube video by Trig Jegman, who criticized the site for its sexual content. Despite the wiki’s strict PG-13 guidelines, Fandom deemed it too sexual to remain active.
Lee, the site’s owner since 2021, expressed confusion over the removal. They believed the content complied with Fandom’s policies. Unlike Wikipedia, which is run by a nonprofit, Fandom is a for-profit organization owned by Jonathan Miller’s Integrated Media Company.
Many wikis have started moving away from Fandom due to dissatisfaction with its policies. The Minecraft Wiki’s community voted to leave last year, citing Fandom’s focus on its own interests over those of the wiki community.
What challenges did Lee face during the revival of the Sexypedia Wiki after its removal by Fandom?
Interview with Lee, Owner of the Recently Revived Sexypedia Wiki
Date: November 15, 2023
Interviewer: [Name]
Lee: Owner of Sexypedia
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Lee. Can you share your thoughts on the recent removal of the Sexypedia wiki by Fandom?
Lee: Thank you for having me. Honestly, I was taken aback by the removal. We made sure to adhere to Fandom’s PG-13 guidelines, and I believed our content was compliant. The decision came as a shock, especially since it felt like there was no opportunity for discussion or clarification.
Interviewer: Many have pointed out that the issue seemed to arise after a video by Trig Jegman criticizing the site. How do you feel about outside influences affecting such decisions?
Lee: It’s frustrating. While I believe in accountability and constructive criticism, it seems troubling that a single video could lead to such a drastic action. We maintained a set of guidelines that were supposed to protect our content, and it’s disheartening to see our community’s hard work dismissed without consideration.
Interviewer: Fandom is a for-profit entity, unlike Wikipedia, which is non-profit. How do you think this affects the dynamics of content moderation?
Lee: The difference is significant. Fandom is primarily driven by its interests and profitability, which can sometimes conflict with the values and needs of individual wiki communities. Many creators and users feel that Fandom prioritizes its bottom line over the communities it hosts, leading to dissatisfaction and migration to better platforms.
Interviewer: Speaking of migration, you’ve moved to Miraheze. Can you tell us about the process and the community’s reaction?
Lee: Absolutely. Once the removal happened, I immediately started looking for alternatives, and Miraheze stood out as a nonprofit service committed to supporting its communities. We came together as a community, working tirelessly for two weeks to set everything up. The response was overwhelmingly positive—the enthusiasm and dedication of our users made the transition hopeful and energizing.
Interviewer: How was the launch of the new Sexypedia site? What did you do to celebrate this new beginning?
Lee: The launch on November 11 was a monumental moment for us. We celebrated by voting on which character would have the first page, and the Once-ler emerged victorious. It was a nod to tradition and community involvement, and it felt great to have that collective decision-making as part of our revival.
Interviewer: What’s next for Sexypedia? How do you see its future?
Lee: We’re focused on rebuilding and enhancing the community aspect—encouraging more contributions and input from users. The new site is under construction, and we’re inviting everyone to join us in growing Sexypedia into a place that not only respects the guidelines but also reflects our community’s passion. I’m optimistic about the future; we’ve shown resilience, and I believe we’ll continue to thrive.
Interviewer: Thank you, Lee, for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s inspiring to see a community come together in the face of challenges.
Lee: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our journey.
After the removal, Lee immediately sought a new hosting platform with Miraheze, a nonprofit service. The community rallied around this decision. They worked actively for two weeks, leading to the launch of the new Sexypedia site on November 11.
To celebrate, the community voted on which character would have the first page. The Once-ler received the most votes, continuing an ongoing tradition. The Sexypedia is now back online and under construction, signaling its survival.