Author Topic: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request  (Read 5446 times)

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Offline Natura Wolf

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Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« on: June 05, 2013, 09:17:31 am »
Hey there Furtopia team.

In light of the recent events in regards to the role play forum group that have cause havoc for players GM’s and even that staff of Furtopia.
So forgive my brain but it has been storming for ideas and the following idea occurred.
What if you create a voluntary staff role for ‘RPG moderator’?  Basically a staff member who’s objective is simply to look after the RPG forum sub-section for both RPG and the adult room (if ever needed as such ^^)
By creating this role you can then release staff duties away from the RPG group and sustain relaxation in the tasks that the staff want/need to achieve.
Depending how far you wish to give this role you could either then allow this role group to request with a higher member to postpone or ban users from the forum or allow them to fill out a report and do it themselves.

Would that be more beneficial?


Offline Jackie

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2013, 09:19:26 am »
Seems sensible when you compare the amount of activity in the rp section to the rest of the sections.

(P.S. I think you mean sole rather than soul ^^)
« Last Edit: June 05, 2013, 09:21:33 am by The bear guy »
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Offline Natura Wolf

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2013, 09:23:11 am »
Thats what I'm thinking.
There are furries that specialise in art, there are furries that specialise in conventions, socialisation, roleplay, etc.

If you had moderators who souly looked at these departments based on interest then perhaps it will take the stress of others.

If not then at least role play cause i do feel there are some staff members who are feeling pressured and weighted down with the role play issues and spars that appears and I believe they are getting fed up, which is fair enough.

But I hope we can sustain the RP because there are many who RP just for the fun and have been careful and polite.  Plus it keeps my belief about Furtopia being a haven for furries :)

Offline Ziel

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2013, 06:48:28 pm »
This is my personal opinion and not a reflection of the staff as a whole, so don't treat this as law or anything.

The suggestion here, to me, is exactly what the GM role is intended to be. The GM is responsible for running and maintaining the roleplay. If they have difficulties with this, then they may bring it up to forum staff, who can intervene as-needed. So, in a sense, the GM is the Mod for their specific thread. Other participants should listen to them as such.

I think it's more an issue where some GM's haven't fully understood their responsibilities as a GM, and some players haven't fully acknowledged the power that a GM should hold over their RP.

I'll get with the rest of the staff, though, and see what the overall thought on this is.

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Offline Jackie

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2013, 07:03:25 pm »
I agree, but there are so many times when an admin or a moderator have to step in, and whenever an argument is supressed, it ends up flaring back up later, and then comes te staff review of posts, etc..

Also your dog pictures are so cute ^^
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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2013, 07:15:49 pm »
Something like this has been suggested in the past I believe. I'll look into it.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2013, 07:18:40 pm by Weisseman »
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Offline Kobuk

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2013, 09:19:15 pm »
This is my personal opinion and not a reflection of the staff as a whole, so don't treat this as law or anything.

The suggestion here, to me, is exactly what the GM role is intended to be. The GM is responsible for running and maintaining the roleplay. If they have difficulties with this, then they may bring it up to forum staff, who can intervene as-needed. So, in a sense, the GM is the Mod for their specific thread. Other participants should listen to them as such.

I think it's more an issue where some GM's haven't fully understood their responsibilities as a GM, and some players haven't fully acknowledged the power that a GM should hold over their RP.

I'll get with the rest of the staff, though, and see what the overall thought on this is.

I like and second what Ziel has said. ;) The parts in yellow were highlighted by me.

I don't think a new group of staff should be needed just to watch the RP's. It should be EVERYBODY's (GM and players) job to watch what everybody is doing.

It's kinda like the way the staff ask members to use the Report to Moderator function here:
http://forums.furtopia.org/administerial-roars-and-woofs/in-case-of-trollsspammers-abusive-forum-posters-etc/
.........to help keep an eye on what happens around the forums.

Offline SkyFire

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2013, 12:12:46 pm »
But kobuk, there is a problemo with the GM-thing.... We know each other and we don't see Sledge as the GM in war wolves, we see him as sledge, the guy who plays blight in CBR and a host of other characters... We don't see them as GM's, we see them as people. Just like i see staff members as "Kobuk the admin" as opposed to simply "kobuk". We are NOT professional at all towards each other like we are towards staff. You get where I'm going with this? I hope I'm not offending anyone. I personally think it is a good idea. Now, the final decision is yours, but seeing as how some of the biggest RPers on the forum are requesting this, I'd say it'd be a GOOD IDEA TO DO THIS.
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Offline Jackie

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #8 on: June 08, 2013, 12:15:48 pm »
Although i posted that i think it is a good idea earlier, I feel ziel and kobuk are right in that it is also the players responsibility to treat the GM's Like GM's, rather than what you said.
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Offline SkyFire

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #9 on: June 08, 2013, 12:26:58 pm »
Well, it is a responsibility that usually is NOT upheld. I personally find it incredibly hard to see GM's as mini-staff members, for lack of a better description. I see them moreso as my friends. This will likely end with an RPG board moderator not being appointed, and the problems with the RP Board will continue, just like usual. If you even try this for a little bit, you'll find that it will produce some pretty good results, mark my words.
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Offline Jackie

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #10 on: June 08, 2013, 12:31:33 pm »
Well, it is a responsibility that usually is NOT upheld. I personally find it incredibly hard to see GM's as mini-staff members, for lack of a better description. I see them moreso as my friends. This will likely end with an RPG board moderator not being appointed, and the problems with the RP Board will continue, just like usual. If you even try this for a little bit, you'll find that it will produce some pretty good results, mark my words.
I guess we will just have to wait and see what the admins think then
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Offline Loc

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #11 on: June 08, 2013, 01:54:27 pm »
I'm with Ziel and Kobuk on this. It's stated in the rules that it is the GM's job to look after their RPs and enforce rules. If the GM doesn't think they can do that, then they probably shouldn't start the RP on this forum, or ask another member of the RP to be GM and help them.

I also second Kobuk's reminding people of the Report to Mod button.
« Last Edit: June 08, 2013, 02:28:43 pm by Loc »

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Offline Kobuk

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #12 on: June 08, 2013, 10:52:10 pm »
@Skyfire (and anyone else) -

Once you or anyone else creates a role play game thread in the rp forum, you are the GM. Not me, not Loc, not Weisseman, and not any of the other staff. It is not our responsibility to manage and control the RP's and tell people how to play, etc. That responsibility falls to you or others. The staff will only intervene if the situation is deemed necessary for us to do so.
Once you or others create an rp thread, you have to moderate it. No if's, and's, or but's. The players must follow and respect the GM's decisions, regardless of whether you are friends or not.
If friendship is getting in the way of managing an rp, then don't create or play an rp. And if GM's can't or don't want to manage their RP's or fail to do so properly, then the staff will control them (I don't relish this as the staff have enough work to do as it is.) or you have the options to pass GM'ing to another person, or the thread can be closed.

Offline Natura Wolf

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #13 on: June 09, 2013, 06:56:57 am »
It's not that i disagree with what your saying Kobuk,

But I remember yourself making a questionnaire about the RP and there was a suggestion of moving the RP to another site suggesting slight aggravation.

I just don't want the whole of the RP section to be questioned and quarantined because of developing outburst that have been occurring.

I mean it's standard procedure that has been shown in many cases where if something goes wrong the whole group becomes questioned which is again reflected in a post you made recently when  you warned all role players (not all of us need warning).

My final point is though the idea of placing each GM to have soul and complete responsibility over their own RP.  There are facts that there will/was/are some players who do not have the responsibility (either due to age, time , just unable, or don't want to) to A). Moderate a role play or B). Respond respectfully with a GM/other players wishes.

In short there are people who are just role playing and enjoying the experience.  It's not fair to make outwardly warnings to ever role player because then it comes down to categorization, and it's fine to say its in the rules but the point is there is always going to be a moderator, administrator, etc.  To see it through.  In certain cases the GM's own words just won't cut it.

It not necessarily need to be appointing a new staff but allowing a current staff to be recognized as overseer.

Please think about it for the sake of all RP'ers reputation.

Offline Ziel

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #14 on: June 09, 2013, 12:39:43 pm »
It's not that i disagree with what your saying Kobuk,

But I remember yourself making a questionnaire about the RP and there was a suggestion of moving the RP to another site suggesting slight aggravation.

I just don't want the whole of the RP section to be questioned and quarantined because of developing outburst that have been occurring.

I mean it's standard procedure that has been shown in many cases where if something goes wrong the whole group becomes questioned which is again reflected in a post you made recently when  you warned all role players (not all of us need warning).

Sometimes a general notice to all members is more appropriate than calling out a select few. Like in high school when a group of 10 students get caught doing some kind of prank or something, and the principal makes a school-wide announcement that that sort of thing won't be tolerated. Those who it is more-or-less directed to will know it. And those who have been following the rules all along will know that it wasn't necessarily directed at them.

Quote
My final point is though the idea of placing each GM to have soul and complete responsibility over their own RP.  There are facts that there will/was/are some players who do not have the responsibility (either due to age, time , just unable, or don't want to) to A). Moderate a role play or B). Respond respectfully with a GM/other players wishes.

In short there are people who are just role playing and enjoying the experience.  It's not fair to make outwardly warnings to ever role player because then it comes down to categorization, and it's fine to say its in the rules but the point is there is always going to be a moderator, administrator, etc.  To see it through.  In certain cases the GM's own words just won't cut it.

It not necessarily need to be appointing a new staff but allowing a current staff to be recognized as overseer.

Please think about it for the sake of all RP'ers reputation.

If a GM doesn't have the time or ability to manage an RP, then they shouldn't make that commitment. I know that sounds harsh, but that's just the nature of having an RP. If somebody has an idea for an RP, but they don't feel able to GM, they should bring it up to somebody else who can make that commitment. Or perhaps post their idea and say that they're looking for participants as well as somebody to step up and GM for it. But then the person who came up with the concept needs to realize that they aren't running the game anymore, so if the new GM takes it a different direction than they intended, they just have to roll with it.

Frankly, being a GM is about more than just coming up with a concept for an RP. It's kind of like buying a puppy. You can't just go buy a puppy and expect to spend all your time with it just playing with it. You still have to feed it, walk it, take it to the vet, and clean up after it. There's responsibility attached to being a GM. But based on what we've seen, and what you've said, people aren't accepting or acknowledging that responsibility.

It's in the rules that the GM functions as the lead for the RP, and that they have the final word when some sort of direction is given. And the staff have reiterated this a few times in the past couple months. Would it really make that much of a difference to have a colored name watching over that board specifically? Do we really need to pull a staff member away from their duties on the rest of the forums just so they can watch over the RP section and ask "What did the GM say?" any time there's an argument about something?

I think that this discussion, combined with some past experiences, could actually serve to help people understand these roles and responsibilities. And that is the ultimate goal, here. There should be a decent degree of autonomy within the section.  And I think that once these are generally understood, the RP section will be healthier for it.  It's just been a bit of a rocky road so far.
« Last Edit: June 09, 2013, 12:41:17 pm by Ziel »

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Offline SkyFire

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #15 on: June 09, 2013, 01:14:59 pm »
And lo, the city refuses to pave the rocky road once more, with valid points being made by both sides as to why and why not. The admins have spoken, their minds are made up, there is nothing more we can do. The thread may not be closed, but the discussion is. Again, good debate, but no permanent  solution has been found. Therefore, this thread can be tacked up as to one of the many draws in terms of debate, and nothing will be done to solve the RP board problem.
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Offline Natura Wolf

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #16 on: June 09, 2013, 02:05:58 pm »
Fair point Ziel I just one request then.
That is whatever has been happening/happened/will happen may I request that it is not reflected onto roleplay or roleplayers as a group.

As mentioned previously It wouldn't be fair if roleplaying got bad publicity for it.  I agree that the ST/GM/DM have the responsibility for thier own inventions, and we do need to take responsibilities for our own ideas.

And Sky...Don't be so dramatic ^^

Offline Ziel

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #17 on: June 09, 2013, 06:24:54 pm »
Fair point Ziel I just one request then.
That is whatever has been happening/happened/will happen may I request that it is not reflected onto roleplay or roleplayers as a group.

As mentioned previously It wouldn't be fair if roleplaying got bad publicity for it.  I agree that the ST/GM/DM have the responsibility for thier own inventions, and we do need to take responsibilities for our own ideas.

And Sky...Don't be so dramatic ^^

Please do know that we appreciate all of our members, past and present. If it weren't for you guys, this place would just become a dusty relic of the past. And nobody wants that. We're not trying to ignore the RP section, and I hope you don't feel marginalized or ostracized for participating there. Rather, I feel like we've got a bit of an opportunity here to empower those who are into role-playing to help develop and improve that section of Furtopia.

I don't want it to come off as an 'Us vs. Them' debate. I think we actually all want the same thing for the RP section in the long run. But rather than watching over that board like a hawk, I'd rather give you guys the tools to help you fix things.  But if something breaks and you don't know what else to do, then we're still here to help you out.

As for your request, how we choose to handle a situation depends on what that exact situation is. If there are just one or two members at fault, then dealing with them directly is likely the best approach. But if something seems to be reaching epidemic levels (for lack of a better phrase), where it just keeps coming up over and over, then a general announcement to everybody who participates in the RP section might still be deemed the best approach. And this doesn't just apply to the RP section. If for some reason the Fursuit section went rogue, we'd do the same thing.

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Offline Natura Wolf

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #18 on: June 09, 2013, 06:34:42 pm »
fair does and thank you very much for listening
quick question....has the fursuit page ever gone rogue 0.o
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Offline Ziel

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #19 on: June 09, 2013, 06:54:17 pm »
quick question....has the fursuit page ever gone rogue 0.o

Not that I know of. I was mostly just grabbing for an off-the-wall example to both make my point and hopefully bring a little levity as well  :P

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Offline Kobuk

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #20 on: June 09, 2013, 08:06:45 pm »
Just my .02 cents........

This whole thread probably wouldn't have been needed if a few players (And they know who they are.) wouldn't have been arguing so much in the rp forum in past weeks. And ditto if the proper GM's for the threads were doing their job and managing the rp's they created.

If players are going to get into an argument about who said what, or who did what, etc., then they need to go to the GM and the GM will resolve the issue. I have also mentioned the following:


I am going to add the following. It is not necessarily a rule, but rather simply advice.

Quote
If the primary GM (Gamemaster) of an RP hands off their RP to a secondary "interim" person, then that secondary person must be responsible for maintaining the RP and rules as the original GM wished for their RP to be played. And once the original GM comes back, then the secondary person relinquishes control back to the original GM.
Even if a secondary person temporarily takes control of an RP for whatever reason, he/she is not to re-write the RP/rules/etc. and playing it however they choose without the original GM's permission.

If the primary GM fails for whatever reason to come back and/or maintain their RP thus leaving it permanently in the secondary person's hands, then that secondary person is now fully responsible for control of that RP and taking care of it per all Furtopian rules.



Quote
quick question....has the fursuit page ever gone rogue 0.o

It'll be over my cold dead body if it does.  >:( *growls and bares fangs*

Offline SkyFire

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Re: Soul RPG Moderator Staff Member Request
« Reply #21 on: June 10, 2013, 10:04:13 pm »

Quote
quick question....has the fursuit page ever gone rogue 0.o

It'll be over my cold dead body if it does.  >:( *growls and bares fangs*

I can make it happen without killing you.... *smiles devilishly and laughs maniacally* but i'm not going to....
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