[crote]

It's gatekeeping. Don't be surprised when your pet project slowly dies because potential new contributors choose to join less hostile communities instead.

[gsich]

Gatekeeping is not always bad.

[aboardRat4]

Gatekeeping is only good when there are no easier options.

When IRC is the only instant messaging system, and it has an entry barrier, clever people will pass this barrier, and stupid people will not.

But when there are easier alternatives, clever people won't bother.