An Apology And A Request

[Chikachu 402]

Alright, felt like this needed to be shared because it's been irritating me for some time.

I'm sorry to those who were there a couple of days ago when I exploded about my silly trolling thread. The thread itself certainly wasn't worth that and I know that excuses aren't important, but I will still say it was a 06 pretty bad week for me and a pretty bad time of the month as well. (If you don't get it boys, ask Rhia.)

To be honest though, the main idea that fueled my frustration and anger was a valid problem and in my opinion it is probably the worst problem that we GMs have. It's not about the silly threads or the bans or the comments, but more and more lately I have seen gms throwing each there under the bus. Not everyone is guilty, but I think a lot of people can look a bit and see it. We aren't very much of a team at all.

Some examples might be when we publicly post things against another gm in the forum. Since its the example that caused my explosion, sorry Cray, I promise I love you, but like when I posted the trolling definition and crayfish publicly posted against what I had done, saying it was a bad idea. Now of course that's not to say we can't second guess each other, but the Admins are constantly telling us NOT to do that because it shows disunity.

I have seen something backed up with plenty of research that when a groups leadership isn't unified and working together, the whole group 8 going to have a hard time working together. I know that a lot of us want to help the server, and it's certainly frustrating when it seems like the server cannot get along with itself. I think if we are going to fix or change anything around here, the first thing we need to do is fix this team. That's what we are, after all, we're a team.

So here are some of my suggestions to start off. I'd appreciate it if others can post some things they have seen that promote disunity and ways we might be able to fix it.

First, from the example, if a GM has already posted an opinion somewhere, don't post a counter opinion, talk to them about it in private. Same goes for if you disagree with something they've done.

Second, I think we should make a forum post about clarifying the rules and work together on figuring out more exact punishments and what exactly is wrong. It may be the Admins job to make the rules but it's our job to enforce them and we need to work together to be able to do that.

Third, I think instead of handling bans on our own, we should include whoever is available in the decision. It will help to give it more weight when a ban is contested because even if the player complains, more GMs can come forward and say they agree.

Four, I think we need to stop going into battle with each other over issues. We need to work on discussing more than arguing. If the other person doesn't see your side, try explaining it again. If you still disagree, just agree to disagree. If it's about something serious, bring it up with an admin. For the most part though, it's alright if we don't see eye to eye all the time. One GM might find something a serious offense. I know that I find trolling a serious thing, but I know others don't. Just be willing to step back if you need to, and don't hate the person for having a different opinion. Let it go. *insert cheesy frozen reference.

fifth, stand up for each other more often. I don't know how many of you saw it, but earlier today in the LM chat, they were all up in arms over some **** who was being mean to Kalenz. It wasn't a big deal, and even Kalenz didnt care, but the others were angry for it. They cared that some one was being mean to their teammate even though it really wasn't true and bothered no one. When we see something being said bad about another GM, we should never step back and let it happen. Get involved in defending them, even if you hate their guts and you disagree with what they've done, you should still defend them against other players.

We are in a situation that is just like what my parents have always told me. Growing up in a family of ten with eight kids is crazy. Half the time you love your siblings and the other half you hate them. But the only people who I can turn to that really understand what I'm going through with my family are my siblings. We are the best team because we share that in common.

Same idea goes behind the GM team. Who understands better how annoying Adam Barnett is? Who else understands how frustrating and dramatic cyndicate can be? We are the only ones who will understand exactly what GMship is like right now, and not even Aislin can say he knows what it's like to be a GM with these players and this map and these staff. We are all we've got in that department. We need to stick together.

So again, I'm sorry for how I acted earlier, but it led to all this and this needed saying. I'd love to hear other suggestions of how we can promote teamwork and friendship within the GMs and I know it will help us to get the job done easier with a team at our backs.

[Geo 1415]

I only ask for another GM''s opinion for one of my bans when I want it, I really don't want to have other people get involved in MY bans.  Sorry but that seems like a colossal waste of time and effort.  I'd rather have an admin punish me for screwing up a ban than having to spent hours and hours trying to get GM opinions just to ban someone.  Hell no.

[Chikachu 402]

I'm going to add that to the list, Geo. Instead of just saying, "Hell no I'm not doing this suggestion" try: "You know what, I can't see myself doing this because of this reason... but I like this and this idea" or "but maybe this could be added too!" Otherwise you sound like you don't want a team at all you just want to do what you want and screw anyone that tries to stop you.

[Sporadic 2844]

[Crayfishchris 751]

I'm a pineapple. Sorry about the trouble I caused.

 

Anyways, sure. Let's all just work together.

[Telanir 6975]

I agree with your sentiments Chikaea.

 

I believe there is a reason why it is called a team. I speak from no elevation when I say this as well, but I think the elements of trust, diligence, tolerance, and especially unity have been undervalued during our tenure as staff. I don't refer to just the GM team when I say that, I believe that all teams need to value respect and courtesy but undeniably, the first place to begin is the core.

 

I believe that while there are Senior GM's, as there are Junior GM's, each are entitled to the same amount of respect and support as any other. We have a very demanding community, the player base that you must tend to is one that will stop at nothing to get what they want, including coming at your very throats. At the same time, we should all be taught to handle them all very carefully and regardless of their affinity for you or lack thereof, attend to them each equally and always be very composed in your actions.

 

There is a certain stress with that notion, if we expect GM's to continually accept this funnel of misunderstandings, frustration, and dull feedback, we must also realize that it needs to come out. This means that staff must be able to rant in staff chats about their encounters and experiences, and share their irritations with us so that we may show our sympathy and understanding. The problem with GM chat is that it can leak, and very eagerly will information of what is to be perceived to be instability or resentment for the players spread like wildfire. It is very something very unfortunate, but I do suggest an alternative, speak to the Administration, they're the highest power on LotC and if they wont help you, nobody will. Speak to your colleagues, they're in your boat they know what its like, hell for what little it means I'd offer my ears to your cause too.

 

The first notion that we need to address is that on the forums the GM team must be united and robust. To make it easier for one another not to argue or prattle on the forums is to discuss these things with each other. Add every other GM you know to Skype early so that when necessary you may discuss subjects together, and if necessary, brought to staff chats but only after you have been able to discuss it regardless if you successfully sorted it out or not. Another very important detail to make it easier for one another not to fall for the temptation, is to act as professionally as you think you can given circumstances, and truly consider if what you're about to say reflects on the GM team as a whole. The responsibility is in all of you to uphold that general image of the team, the community should not have to choose favorites.

 

Another point is what I have touched on already, outside of your public face the responsibilities don't end. When staff are discussing things among one another, the environment should be as I've repeatedly stated, respectful, understanding, and willing to cooperate and compromise on your thoughts. If you are not being friendly towards another staff member, you should at least be fair-minded or civil. I believe that the only people in staff that should be able to act demanding or strongly critical of any GM are not any other GM's, but the administration. Belittling one another or trying to take the reigns that are not predisposed to you is a recipe for an environment that is chaotic, contradicting, and uncoordinated. That is something that I have had to learn personally, and unfortunately, the hard way.

 

Remember, that negativity is taxing on our welfare and effectiveness as a staff, and for unprecedented success that we can certainly achieve, we act together like a single family, and cooperate regardless of our personal relations, which we should always seek to mend and improve.

 

 

As a final minor suggestion, I believe that we need to focus more attention on 30326's leave than we may be now, albeit I am not sure about a lack of discussion, I may simply not be hearing it. The reason why 30326 was targeted with DDOS and collective enmity is because his name was engraved on that ban. For those kinds of events, GM's should review and ask for another moderator to act as the messenger, preferably someone on good terms with those banned. The GM that was asked should then inform the person(s) of the verdict, but make evident that it was not their decision, but a decision reached collectively in the GM team, or if necessary, the Administration.

[Sky 0]

I am posting this on my phone, apologies if words are misspelled.

1. I can see where you are coming from but the only time this should be would be if the post was about the team as a whole not individual opinion. If say, geo made a post about how he thinks Scotland is the best country, I would reply saying Australia is the best country (just an example). But if the opinion is supposed to be the teams opinion, then I would keep my comments to Skype.

2. Having that would never really work, since too many times bans are open to interpretation. Though a basis to work off of would be good (which for the most part we have).

3. Eh, I'd rather not have to get another GMs opinion on bans, even more considering my timezone.

[Chikachu 402]

Don't worry Cray, I was set to blow soon you just happened to be the one that set it off. I still love you. 

 

Thanks for the agreement there Telanoob. I appreciate it. 

 

And Sky, I repeat what I said to Geo: offer your own suggestions and which ones you DO like just as much as the ones you disagree with. The positivity will help the situations between GMs LOADS I promise. Just being nice enough to say, "This is a great idea!" makes it ten times easier for people to take criticisms. Also: when I said giving opinions, I meant on topics like rules, bans, and other such, not just any old opinion thing. 

 

 

Edit: WHERE ARE THESE BANNERS COMING FROM. I WANT ONE.

[Telanir 6975]

Don't worry Cray, I was set to blow soon you just happened to be the one that set it off. I still love you. 

 

Thanks for the agreement there Telanoob. I appreciate it. 

 

And Sky, I repeat what I said to Geo: offer your own suggestions and which ones you DO like just as much as the ones you disagree with. The positivity will help the situations between GMs LOADS I promise. Just being nice enough to say, "This is a great idea!" makes it ten times easier for people to take criticisms. Also: when I said giving opinions, I meant on topics like rules, bans, and other such, not just any old opinion thing. 

 

 

Edit: WHERE ARE THESE BANNERS COMING FROM. I WANT ONE.

 

I agreed with the sentiments, but not exactly the approval idea, just to clarify.

 

However, Chikaea, I believe they simply disagree with the proposition, and I found their posts and concerns entirely legitimate. I feel you are overreacting a bit, your notion of warmth and cohesiveness between staff is what I found myself agreeing to. However, I will not comment on the approval idea, it doesn't really concern. me.

[Sky 0]

There is no need to do the whole "praise criticize praise" thing here, I gave you my opinion on the three things that I personally do not stand behind. Covering my point in praise of the other opinions will either hide my intentions or make me seem sly.

[Chikachu 402]

I'm not against anyone here, I'm fine with the disagreement and the irritation. I'm not even saying you should HAVE to do any of these things. You guys are misunderstanding the tone of my posts. Dx. Think doped - up hippy spouting peace and love. I'm just trying to offer suggestions of little things that might help repair relationships.

If you guys disagree with the approval thing that's totally fine. It was just one of the ideas I came up with that I thought might help. I'm certainly not perfect when it comes to brainstorming. My suggestions were an attempt to get the ball rolling on your ideas: I know a lot of you guys can come up with way better plans than me once the creative juice is flowing. I'll try to figure out ways to make my posts sound less passive-aggressive. Apparently that's a big problem of mine. ;_;

P.S. I found the banners. :D

[firespirit44 1323]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.