flame/whine/criticize? by Sirant

[Iusedtobesomebody]

After months of meticulous (yeah right) observation of this forum, I've decided that most questions are the same so here is a little guide that I will refer to to save on my typing.

Q1:

So and so skill is too powerful. Why don't you change it?

REFER TO A1

Q2:

So and so is not roleplaying like I want him or her to.

REFER TO A2

Q3:

Look at this. Neat, huh?

REFER TO A3

Q4:

I would like a reward. Reward me.

REFER TO A4

Q5:

Can I get further information on X?

REFER TO A5

Q6:

I was punished wrongly.

REFER TO A6

Q7:

I've noticed a crash.

REFER TO A7

A1:

If above skill is a bug (Bug is defined as an unintended by the coders and unwanted by the Immortals exploitation of the code.) then refer to A1.a

If the above skill is not a bug, then refer to A1.b

A1.a

"help bug"

A1.b

Did you just get PKed? Wait 24 hours and then refer to A1.b

Check the forum to see if this complaint has been addressed before. If this is not the case, then proceed to A1.c.

A1.c

How to draft an complaint:

1- Figure out a way to word your complaint in one concise sentence.

2- Provide about one paragraph of the evidence you have collected.

3- Provide a possible solution.

4- Proof read your complaint for emotion, profanity, and bad logic. Do not reveal any secrets of the game that are not apparent from help files accessible to everyone. Any of these will seriously detract from your argument.

A2

Decide whether one of the following recycled statements applies to you:

*Roleplaying in the realm is a personal matter that varies with the person's skill and motivation. Keep this in mind if your interaction is not what you expected.

*If you want someone to roleplay with you, start roleplaying with them. It is often easier to continue roleplaying than to start it, so this might get the response you are looking for.

*There are some jerks in the game. We try to get rid of them. Note us _in the game_ or pray _in the game_ if this is a frequent case and we will divert attention.

If none of these apply to you, then decide whether your concern is to the Immortals or to the playerbase. If it is to the Immortals, write us a note. If it is to the playerbase, refer to A1.c

A3

Neat is a subjective term. You will generally be ok, but if "neat" includes one or more of the following your post may not be approved and you may get unwanted feedback:

*Look at me, I am better than most of you.

*Haha, look at person X. Let us embarass person X.

*Here is a weird use of a skill/spell/song. REFER TO A1

A4

Asking for a reward is the easiest guarantee not to get it. How to get a reward:

*Be active. The playerbase is growing so it may be difficult to notice unsung heroes, especially ones that only log on 2 hours every fortnight.

*Send a copy of any RP notes to the Immortals you want to notice you. Sort of like a CC to let the Imm "eavesdrop" on a conversation that doesn't necessarily affect them.

*Strike up a conversation with Immortals close to you (your deity and/or cabal Imm)

*Never ask for a reward. NEVER EVER.

A5

Try: "help X" If this is not satisfactory, refer to A5.a

A5.a

If you have not checked the forum to see if X has been addressed, REFER TO A5.b

Is this a question that only one Immortal can answer? REFER TO A5.c

Is this a question that is best answered by a wide variety of players and Immortals with experience in the subject? REFER TO A5.d

A5.b

Check the forum to see if this has been adressed. REFER TO A5.a if this is not satisfactory.

A5.c

Consider an email to that Immortal or note in the game.

A5.d

How to poll opinion on a topic:

1- Figure out a way to word your question in one concise sentence.

2- Provide about one paragraph of elaboration about your scenario.

3- Remain open to criticism as asking the public may result in unwanted responses.

A6

Most players do not maliciously commit wrong, so it is natural to feel angry when punished. Keep in mind the following points:

*Immortals work to better the entire mud, so although the punishment has harmed you keep in mind that it is most likely benefitting the majority.

*Ignorance is never an excuse for the rules. Please take this as a learning opportunity and familiarize yourself with the help files of: ROLEPLAYING, RULES, MULTI, ALIGN

*Mortal Justices are not Immortals. Laws are a roleplaying construction to provide realism and fun. Rules are a construction to make sure people do not cheat at the game. Immortals provide punishment for abusing rules. It is perfectly all right to roleplay an outlaw who abuses the laws- you will be hunted by the faction of Justice, but Immortals approve of this sort of roleplaying.

*Making this into a large issue is rarely worth your effort. Immortals generally stick together and you will often incite a swarm of other Immortals to further punish you. Learning from this and ignoring it otherwise is a good way to move on, improve, and repair your reputation.

*If you have been banned it is because you have commited repeated infractions with no sign of improvement. You represent a player with no respect for our rules and we suggest you leave. Special case: You found yourself banned one day without doing anything. REFER TO A6.a

*We suggest you do not delete your character in a fit of rage over a simple punishment. Players often regret this. We further suggest that you do not systematically delete ALL of your characters. Players often regret this as well.

*If you log on another character to spout profanity or further nonsense, you will risk being banned. Refer to previous point regarding bans.

*Respect the Immortals. Each Immortal was specifically chosen for the task due to demonstrated experience. We often speak with wisdom gained from many years of mudding and perhaps being punished at one point as well.

*It is possible to recover your reputation from being punished. Showing improvement is the best way to do this. Be sure to never commit the same infraction you did and try to demonstrate extraordinary effort in roleplaying.

A6.a

Note or email the Immortals with your IP and characters' names to have this remedied.

There should be no reason to post on the forum if you feel you have been wrongly punished. In very VERY VERY rare circumstances, your punishment will be an example of an Immortal abusing their powers. If you are mistaken you will be in much more trouble. If you believe you are correct, send a note or an email to an administrator of level 59 or higher (ie: Kaogalan, Sirant, Drenaar, Crypticant, Virigoth, Athaekeetha pretty much in that order) You will write this note NO LESS THAN 24 HOURS AFTER THE EVENT OCCURED. This is for your benefit as your emotions will likely discredit your valid points before this.

A7

If an Immortal checks the forum then odds are they can also check the game. Sit tight and we are probably on it.

I hope this has been entertaining if not useful. I will attempt to add to this as I see fit.

[killalou]

you're Sirant the physicist?

[a-guitarist]

I believe he's Avarial the winged neutral who is also chaotic.

a-g

[Iusedtobesomebody]

Merely an old ingenius post by Sirant.

It still applies.

I was [59 Angel Mnk] Avariel.

[Mali]

Nice post and thanks to Sirant for the old shoutout. I expect great things now that you are back Av. I've seen old man poking around and there are some really good players on recently both new and old.