Open thread on staff improvements

["User"]

Speaking of mods, the issue of mod appreciates has been brought up to me by more then one individual.  I think that expanding the staff to include mod "rookies" that mod one, two, or three sections of the board (depending on how busy they are) would be an excellent idea.  Even when all of the full mods and admins are active some days or even entire weeks (as is happening right now) there is far too much going on for us to effectively police the place at times. 

Doing something that like would be almost the same as how the KLA runs it's staffing system.  We already have RP mods that monitor the RP section, why not expand on that?  When the board gets an average of a few to several hundred posts per day I personally think it's justified to add more staff to accommodate the increased load. 

Thoughts?

[Guest Mr. Mario]

Starzone wasn't locked due to inactivity, Harmony wanted it shut down.

OK....

There are 4 RPs running, plus the Complex. That's our technical maximum for how many are allowed to run at once. I'll ask about adding an additional RP Mod, or see if one of the Full Mods wants to step in and help a bit, so we can run more RPs, but we're all pretty busy.

Now there is 6 RPs running (Counting the complex)...isn't that sort of breaking the rules a bit? There's Stranded, Starzone, The Mimic, Devils and Demons of the Dark, The next generation chapter 2 and the complex. I don't think something's right there....

Speaking of mods, the issue of mod appreciates has been brought up to me by more then one individual.  I think that expanding the staff to include mod "rookies" that mod one, two, or three sections of the board (depending on how busy they are) would be an excellent idea.  Even when all of the full mods and admins are active some days or even entire weeks (as is happening right now) there is far too much going on for us to effectively police the place at times. 

Doing something that like would be almost the same as how the KLA runs it's staffing system.  We already have RP mods that monitor the RP section, why not expand on that?  When the board gets an average of a few to several hundred posts per day I personally think it's justified to add more staff to accommodate the increased load. 

Thoughts?

I guess it would be sort of a good idea.

[Sarita]

Now there is 6 RPs running (Counting the complex)...isn't that sort of breaking the rules a bit? There's Stranded, Starzone, The Mimic, Devils and Demons of the Dark, The next generation chapter 2 and the complex. I don't think something's right there....

It certainly is. It's really up to Fira and Sylum if they think they can handle that many, though. (I wasn't counting Demons of the Dark because it hasn't been posted in in a while )

With Christmas holidays coming soon, we definitely at least need to do some temporary staffing, as myself, Steve, Fira, AND Asper will all be inactive for the duration of the holidays.

[Fira-Astrali]

Now there is 6 RPs running (Counting the complex)...isn't that sort of breaking the rules a bit? There's Stranded, Starzone, The Mimic, Devils and Demons of the Dark, The next generation chapter 2 and the complex. I don't think something's right there....

The complex doesn't count for the RP count, it just hasn't been stickied because I haven't felt the need. Starzone should have stayed locked and got back into the que but since it was already running it was simply unlocked.

[Fluxy]

Speaking of mods, the issue of mod appreciates has been brought up to me by more then one individual.  I think that expanding the staff to include mod "rookies" that mod one, two, or three sections of the board (depending on how busy they are) would be an excellent idea.  Even when all of the full mods and admins are active some days or even entire weeks (as is happening right now) there is far too much going on for us to effectively police the place at times. 

Doing something that like would be almost the same as how the KLA runs it's staffing system.  We already have RP mods that monitor the RP section, why not expand on that?  When the board gets an average of a few to several hundred posts per day I personally think it's justified to add more staff to accommodate the increased load. 

Thoughts?

I actually had the same thought, surprisingly. I think it would be a good idea.

[FoxMcCloud]

I second Nick and User, I  mean with the Holidays coming around, it would be good to have some backups, or even temporary positions

[The Shaper]

The more RP mods we have the more Rp's we can run, everybody's happy.

[Steve]

Actually, guys, do remember you all agreed on having the RP place almost self moderated. With that in mind, we are discussing what we are going to do in the staff forum. Most likely, the RPs will be increased to 6, we won't need more RP mods since you guys already chose people to help with the "self moderation".

So far, this seems to be the best thing to do.

As for the moderation team being out for holidays...I was already planning to put another global mod. I am not going to disappear since we need an admin to take on the heavy management in the forum, so I'll probably do weekly checkups or something.

[Fluxy]

Actually, guys, do remember you all agreed on having the RP place almost self moderated. With that in mind, we are discussing what we are going to do in the staff forum. Most likely, the RPs will be increased to 6, we won't need more RP mods since you guys already chose people to help with the "self moderation".

So far, this seems to be the best thing to do.

As for the moderation team being out for holidays...I was already planning to put another global mod. I am not going to disappear since we need an admin to take on the heavy management in the forum, so I'll probably do weekly checkups or something.

Yes, that is being remembered. I honestly could care less right now about more RP's, or RP mods, but I still think User's idea would be nice.

You even said it yourself in one of the previous Dermot threads, questioning where all the Mod's were for keeping it under control. And only when it finally got resolved, did User come in and lock it.

With that in mind, I think it is a good idea to have in place.

[Sylum]

The more RP mods we have the more Rp's we can run, everybody's happy.

Incorrect. Like steve said, you guys moderate. Fira and I are back-up. Also the more rp's there are, the more the players are spread thin and lose interest, then the quicker an rp dies that could have lasted a while.

[Guest DRL]

Mmm...

The problem in self-moderation lies in that,

What to X is fine, to Y it may be wrong.

Having been through my recent RPs, I can say

that the Mods need a stronger presence in the RP board.

For one, if any big issues arise then they can handle it

quick 'n fast. This self-moderation can not do, specially

when the GMs are also players...

I am not saying self-moderation is bad. I am saying it is

like community policing. It works to an extent.

But to me, I preffer a full police officer on every street.

[The Shaper]

One problem I have with a few of the mods is their hidden status. I know it's their choice whether to have it or not but the whole "secret police" style doesn't seem right to me. It makes them harder to get to know and you never know if they are talking to you sometimes unless you read unread topics, which can be a problem to people new to forums.

[Asper Sarnoff]

One problem I have with a few of the mods is their hidden status. I know it's their choice whether to have it or not but the whole "secret police" style doesn't seem right to me. It makes them harder to get to know and you never know if they are talking to you sometimes unless you read unread topics, which can be a problem to people new to forums.

Unchecking that option wouldn't really make any difference in those regards. On the other hand, I've found the ability to hide my status on the site very usefull on many occasions. The prime reason I do it however, will require some explaining, trough story I now will tell.

Ahem, some time ago, a member of this site was working on a big, exciting project. Another member wanted to give his input on it, and sent the first member a PM.

At the time the member received and read the PM however, he found himself busy at his workplace. Without the time to write a proper reply, he decided to instead wait untill he got home and could sit down in peace and quiet. The other member however, saw the message had been read, but not responded to. Furious that he was being ignored, he started a minor flamewar which didn't do any good for neither party.

That's one of the things I'd like to avoid myself, given I'm now in a situation where I have to juggle what little time I have around to make room for other things.

Besides, as you stated yourself, there is the "hidden police" effect. The fact that those among our members who tend to create trouble for the rest of the community don't fully know where I'm keeping a watch on things has helped me more times than I'd care to count.

[Kursed]

Unchecking that option wouldn't really make any difference in those regards. On the other hand, I've found the ability to hide my status on the site very usefull on many occasions. The prime reason I do it however, will require some explaining, trough story I now will tell.

Ahem, some time ago, a member of this site was working on a big, exciting project. Another member wanted to give his input on it, and sent the first member a PM.

At the time the member received and read the PM however, he found himself busy at his workplace. Without the time to write a proper reply, he decided to instead wait untill he got home and could sit down in peace and quiet. The other member however, saw the message had been read, but not responded to. Furious that he was being ignored, he started a minor flamewar which didn't do any good for neither party.

That's one of the things I'd like to avoid myself, given I'm now in a situation where I have to juggle what little time I have around to make room for other things.

Besides, as you stated yourself, there is the "hidden police" effect. The fact that those among our members who tend to create trouble for the rest of the community don't fully know where I'm keeping a watch on things has helped me more times than I'd care to count.

A child is more likely to misbehave when their parents are not around than when they are around thus you will not catch them doing wrong.

[Fluxy]

A child is more likely to misbehave when their parents are not around than when they are around thus you will not catch them doing wrong.

A child does misbehave more then, yes. Two factors that go to show this refference some light though.

1] Not all those that cause said trouble, are infantile, nor are they as dumb and naive as one.

2] When your statment is true, it means we can see who is being a jerk and trying to get away with it or not. It is rather beneficial to those who think other members should be punished more.

The idea of a "Secret Police" should be nothing feared of, or thought bad of. It helps show who is a misbehaving person, and thus get them working on it/dealing with the problem. Secondly, there is nothing to worry about. People shouldn't be posting things in general that would  get them in trouble, so just do as normally, and make sure you aren't a jerk, and you are fine. Nothing to worry about at all.

[Kursed]

A child does misbehave more then, yes. Two factors that go to show this refference some light though.

1] Not all those that cause said trouble, are infantile, nor are they as dumb and naive as one.

2] When your statment is true, it means we can see who is being a jerk and trying to get away with it or not. It is rather beneficial to those who think other members should be punished more.

The idea of a "Secret Police" should be nothing feared of, or thought bad of. It helps show who is a misbehaving person, and thus get them working on it/dealing with the problem. Secondly, there is nothing to worry about. People shouldn't be posting things in general that would  get them in trouble, so just do as normally, and make sure you aren't a jerk, and you are fine. Nothing to worry about at all.

It's a analogy therefore the truth of it is relevent.

[Guest DRL]

I for one do not mind a "secret police"... At all.

I think, however, it is unnecesary.

I will say it again: You do not need to worry about

anything if you have police on the street at all times.

This means more control - yeah - but it allows to strike,

find, and eliminate problems at their core as well.

I have seen it work. Issues come and go, yeah, but they

are solved swiftly and efficently.

[Fluxy]

It's a analogy therefore the truth of it is relevent.

I... I don't understand what at all you are trying to say in relation to my reply to it.

[Kursed]

I agree with you but it was just a analogy i wasn't  trying to say people act or don't act like children.

In Truth all I was saying the first time is it's easier  to catch a trouble maker with a undercover cop than with a normal cop.

[DZComposer]

There will be no "secret police." Anyone who becomes a staff member will be announced publicly, along with what their duties are.

[Asper Sarnoff]

There will be no "secret police." Anyone who becomes a staff member will be announced publicly, along with what their duties are.

The subject at hand here was more that several staff members preferred to have their profile not show up on the "Who is online" list.

[Guest DRL]

The subject at hand here was more that several staff members preferred to have their profile not show up on the "Who is online" list.

Yeah.

[DZComposer]

Well, that's not really a secret police. Only issue I have with it is that if a user wants to PM a mod that is online. I'll bring it up in the staff discussion.

If any of you think we can't view what is posted when we are offline, you are mistaken.

[Kursed]

Well, that's not really a secret police. Only issue I have with it is that if a user wants to PM a mod that is online. I'll bring it up in the staff discussion.

If any of you think we can't view what is posted when we are offline, you are mistaken.

I have my ways knowing whose on so it's not like it's a big deal to me.

[Sylum]

Curiosity strikes hard with this one. What are your ways?