First, we've been working on improving the overall performance of the site. Many of you have reported that page load times have been slower than expected, especially on mobile devices. Our engineering team has identified several bottlenecks and is actively working on optimizations that should make a noticeable difference.

Second, we're introducing new moderation tools that will give our volunteer moderators more flexibility in how they manage discussions. This includes the ability to split threads, merge duplicate topics, and apply temporary posting restrictions to specific users without a full ban.

Third, the notification system is getting an overhaul. We've heard your feedback that email notifications are sometimes delayed or missing entirely. The new system will provide more reliable delivery and give you finer control over what you receive notifications for.

Fourth, we're exploring the addition of a dark mode option. This has been one of the most requested features in our feedback forum, and we're excited to finally be moving forward with it. The initial release will cover the main discussion pages, with full site coverage following shortly after.

Finally, we want to thank everyone who has participated in our beta testing program. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping these improvements, and we couldn't do it without such an engaged and thoughtful community. Please continue to share your thoughts and suggestions — every piece of feedback helps us build a better platform for everyone.

We'll be posting more detailed updates as each of these initiatives progresses. Stay tuned!

Welcome to our community discussion about the upcoming changes to the platform. We wanted to take a moment to outline everything that's been happening and what you can expect in the coming weeks.

First, we've been working on improving the overall performance of the site. Many of you have reported that page load times have been slower than expected, especially on mobile devices. Our engineering team has identified several bottlenecks and is actively working on optimizations that should make a noticeable difference.

Second, we're introducing new moderation tools that will give our volunteer moderators more flexibility in how they manage discussions. This includes the ability to split threads, merge duplicate topics, and apply temporary posting restrictions to specific users without a full ban.

Third, the notification system is getting an overhaul. We've heard your feedback that email notifications are sometimes delayed or missing entirely. The new system will provide more reliable delivery and give you finer control over what you receive notifications for.

Fourth, we're exploring the addition of a dark mode option. This has been one of the most requested features in our feedback forum, and we're excited to finally be moving forward with it. The initial release will cover the main discussion pages, with full site coverage following shortly after.

Finally, we want to thank everyone who has participated in our beta testing program. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping these improvements, and we couldn't do it without such an engaged and thoughtful community. Please continue to share your thoughts and suggestions — every piece of feedback helps us build a better platform for everyone.

We'll be posting more detailed updates as each of these initiatives progresses. Stay tuned!

Welcome to our community discussion about the upcoming changes to the platform. We wanted to take a moment to outline everything that's been happening and what you can expect in the coming weeks.

First, we've been working on improving the overall performance of the site. Many of you have reported that page load times have been slower than expected, especially on mobile devices. Our engineering team has identified several bottlenecks and is actively working on optimizations that should make a noticeable difference.

Second, we're introducing new moderation tools that will give our volunteer moderators more flexibility in how they manage discussions. This includes the ability to split threads, merge duplicate topics, and apply temporary posting restrictions to specific users without a full ban.

Third, the notification system is getting an overhaul. We've heard your feedback that email notifications are sometimes delayed or missing entirely. The new system will provide more reliable delivery and give you finer control over what you receive notifications for.

Fourth, we're exploring the addition of a dark mode option. This has been one of the most requested features in our feedback forum, and we're excited to finally be moving forward with it. The initial release will cover the main discussion pages, with full site coverage following shortly after.

Finally, we want to thank everyone who has participated in our beta testing program. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping these improvements, and we couldn't do it without such an engaged and thoughtful community. Please continue to share your thoughts and suggestions — every piece of feedback helps us build a better platform for everyone.

We'll be posting more detailed updates as each of these initiatives progresses. Stay tuned!

Welcome to our community discussion about the upcoming changes to the platform. We wanted to take a moment to outline everything that's been happening and what you can expect in the coming weeks.

First, we've been working on improving the overall performance of the site. Many of you have reported that page load times have been slower than expected, especially on mobile devices. Our engineering team has identified several bottlenecks and is actively working on optimizations that should make a noticeable difference.

Second, we're introducing new moderation tools that will give our volunteer moderators more flexibility in how they manage discussions. This includes the ability to split threads, merge duplicate topics, and apply temporary posting restrictions to specific users without a full ban.

Third, the notification system is getting an overhaul. We've heard your feedback that email notifications are sometimes delayed or missing entirely. The new system will provide more reliable delivery and give you finer control over what you receive notifications for.

Fourth, we're exploring the addition of a dark mode option. This has been one of the most requested features in our feedback forum, and we're excited to finally be moving forward with it. The initial release will cover the main discussion pages, with full site coverage following shortly after.

Finally, we want to thank everyone who has participated in our beta testing program. Your feedback has been invaluable in shaping these improvements, and we couldn't do it without such an engaged and thoughtful community. Please continue to share your thoughts and suggestions — every piece of feedback helps us build a better platform for everyone.

We'll be posting more detailed updates as each of these initiatives progresses. Stay tuned!

Ranks are not the same as roles. Roles control access, moderation, and administrator permissions, while ranks are typically used to reward engagement, identify member status, and control ability progression over time.

How rank assignment works

A user can only have one rank at a time. If a user qualifies for multiple automatic ranks, they receive only the highest rank they qualify for, not every lower rank along the way.

Rank order matters because level determines precedence. Higher level ranks take priority over lower ones, so if you want a manually assigned rank to stay in place, it should be set higher than any automatic rank that could otherwise override it.

What makes up a rank

Each rank includes a few key settings:

• Name, which is what users typically see in rank related notifications.
• Label, which is what appears next to a user’s name in posts and comments after they receive the rank.
• Level, which determines which eligible rank takes precedence when multiple criteria are met.
• Criteria, which define how the rank is earned.
• Abilities, which control the privileges associated with that rank.

One important detail is that the Name and Label fields do different jobs. The Name is used for achievement messaging, while the Label is what displays in the UI next to the member’s name.

Where ranks appear

Ranks are commonly displayed on posts, comments, and profile areas so other members can quickly understand a user’s standing in the community. They are often used to highlight trusted members, moderators, administrators, or highly engaged contributors.

What happens when ranks change

When a new rank is added or an existing rank is edited, Vanilla can perform a Rank Check to make sure users have the proper rank and update assignments if needed. That process can also trigger notifications for users who have enabled rank change notifications. Rank messages can appear in app and by email depending on configuration.

Best practices

• Keep your rank structure simple so it is easy to manage and easy for members to understand.
• Start with a small set of ranks, then expand only if your community has a clear need.
• Consider dedicated ranks for moderators and administrators so they are easy to identify publicly.
• Use criteria and abilities together to encourage the behaviors you want to see in the community.

In short

Ranks are a lightweight way to recognize member progress, unlock abilities, and guide participation in your community. They work best when the rules are clear, the levels are intentional, and each member can easily understand what their rank means.

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