Why am I posting this? I generally try to avoid the forums.

[Tom]

2-4? No.

5 imm can't...

We need...

I'm not attacking you. I'm not trying to be mean. I want to help you realize what Chayesh is talking about when he disagrees with you, just so we can stop hearing about it.

Speaking in extremes like the examples above makes you appear as if you're in charge, and are dictating terms to the IMMs, who are in charge. They just are. They decide. We suggest, they deny, we shut up. We suggest, they implement, we shut up. That's just how it works. Your suggestions will carry much more weight if they really were suggestions.

[Behrens]

It is a rule that IMMs cut off all OOC contacts about the game except with other IMMs, and we have many other rules that mitigate the effects of the powers that IMMs have.

However, one of the things that we cannot do is control them all the time. A 60 can't spend the time to monitor all the other IMMs constantly, so we have to have people we can trust to be "alone" on the MUD. The rule we IMPs have is that if we can't trust that person to be the only IMM logged on for any hour out of the day, they aren't going to be an IMM.

That may seem harsh, but we can't just look at how good their RP is, I wish we could, and I wish that I could RP with all of you 24/7. I really do love running RP plots and making new areas, but I can't. My time is spent at my job and working on code issues so that RP and PK stuff you do goes along more smoothly.

If I had my way, I'd spend most of the day RPing with you guys, and making new plots, playing morts and building new areas. I've got an area I'm building, but it's taking forever because I just don't have time.

And because I don't have time, and Chay and Mal are the same way, we can't just "bring on" new IMMs, because new IMMs need guidance from IMPs, which is one of the things we do. A 52 left alone might not be able to crash the MUD, but he can certainly do a lot of other damage.

We do bring on new IMMs, but not in packs. We've got some very solid ones right now, and we will bring on more as we need and are able to.

I spend what free time I have giving back to you guys in the form of coding, because it's what I like doing, and because I appreciate the time you guys put in to making this a vibrant world.

(And my current staff suits the size of the pbase fairly well, although if someone really shines, we very well may bring them on)

[Psycho Child]

I think what we really need are more players, not more imms at the moment. I'm not sure how we can get more, we are consistantly in the top twenty of TMS, and I know there are muds ranked far lower than we are that have alot more players. If we could get the average number of people online up to about 50 (which we were at for a brief time awhile ago) than I think you would see alot more rp plots and tea parties and all that other stuff people like (not to mention massive bloodbaths as the cabals go to war). If we did get the average players online up to that kind of number, then I am sure Berhens would recruit a few more imms to manage things and would be able to do so without harming the playerbase to do so. Not to mention this would keep the Tribunal far busier, and pretty much solve most of the problems people have I think. So go enslave your friends and make them play.

[Fīv]

I think what we really need are more players' date=' not more imms at the moment. I'm not sure how we can get more, we are consistantly in the top twenty of TMS, and I know there are muds ranked far lower than we are that have alot more players.[/quote']

It's a big circle. More players = more imms/RP. More imms/RP = more players. We won't get a bigger pbase without a better mud. But people say we won't get a better mud until we get more players.

[Psycho Child]

It's a big circle. More players = more imms/RP. More imms/RP = more players. We won't get a bigger pbase without a better mud. But people say we won't get a better mud until we get more players.

We have an excellent mud, with a far better pk system than most. I agree with you that the more players we have the more we will get, and having more players would make it a better game. There has to be a way to break into the cycle...maybe Chayesh knows.

[Fīv]

It has to come from the Staff/IMP side. Players won't come out of no where. So the staff is the side that has to give in and do something if they want a bigger pbase.

[Psycho Child]

Such as what? They are doing alot to give us the best game they can. What do you think they should do to get more players? Strip shows?

[Fīv]

No need to be sarcastic sir.

Things they 'could' do.

----------------------

Build areas.

Log on more often.

Don't be wiz invis all the time.

Come down to check the players desc. Don't sit up on high and do it.

Bleh, those are just generic things, and my opinions.

[Behrens]

I'll take my shirt off.

Seriously, though, what more do you want? We did a huge RP plot that introduced a new cabal, remade the face of all three cities, and we're in the process of introducing a new quest race/class.

[Icor]

There should be level 51s. They can't harm anything, abuse wise, can still RP with people and start plots, and can be monitored by the entire immortal staff rather than just the imps. Any immortal below level 60 can still report to the imps.

[Fīv]

Note, I'm not necessarily asking anyone to do anything more than they are currently doing. I was stating what I said in reply to how to get a bigger pbase. The game rolling along ok at the moment. My opinions were just ideas on how to be more to come to the game..

[Behrens]

Turns out you can do anything they can at lvl 50.

You just get the full RP experience of being mortal.

51s aren't given anymore for a reason. It's not arbitrary.

Seriously, start a plot and send us notes detailing your progress. Every plot doesn't have to be run by a freaking IMM. We'll chime in if we want, or let you go your own way.

[Iyorvin]

It is a rule that IMMs cut off all OOC contacts about the game except with other IMMs' date=' and we have many other rules that mitigate the effects of the powers that IMMs have.[/quote']

Heh, well maybe not cut off ties but make sure they don't let themselves be known

Getting staff isn't easy. It isn't only about qualifications, it's also about compatibility. If there is no synergy in a team or staff, then there is a distinct line cutting them up into cliques and favoritism, and believe me, we don't want that happening again. So Warpow, just because you see yourself and your friends as qualified, and I'm noone to say you are not, you may just not exhibit the qualities of synergy that the current staff would require.

WC said what needed to be said, but I will add that the players are NEVER satisfied. It wouldn't matter WHO was inducted to become an imm, SOMEONE would be unhappy with the choice.

Regarding emotions, and time put into the mud, well yes, they certainly stir passion. I forced myself to take ANOTHER leave because of that very reason. Six years, over ten thousand hours easy, cash, and way too many friends you meet in game and on the forum to be able to give it up.

FL has became that nagging addiction again that it once was. That's when you know it has renewed its greatness

[Psycho Child]

Things they 'could' do.

----------------------

Build areas.

Log on more often.

Don't be wiz invis all the time.

Come down to check the players desc. Don't sit up on high and do it.

They build as much as they have time to. They log on as much as they have time to. They are not wiz invis all the time, just some of the time because they are busy, or monitoring the players for rp/cheating...etc. And if your desc is good enough, they will come down and do it. Checking desc is a game mechanic, thrus I think it should be done behind the screen so to speak. You have to remember they do this on thier own free time out of the goodness of thier heart.

[Fīv]

You have to remember they do this on thier own free time out of the goodness of thier heart.

I do remember that, don't tell me I forgot.

[Baby Hippo]

RESTART EVERYTHING!

---- I know it will piss off alot of people because of the time they put in etc (hell i'm close to my first pinned character)

-----Make it a race, the 1st three characters to hit the title master quester, get pinned, join a cabal, have a decent PK record = New imms

That would increase playerbase by at least 10 (and you can see who really wants to be imms)

If you don't want to restart... just have it that everyone has to restart with a lvl one (your specifics) and send a note to imm for the "Grand Immortal Race"

With the new playerbase due to the imm race = more imms = more rp = keeps new pbase (imo) = another race once a year.

[Psycho Child]

I speak typicaly in generalities, so forgive me.

[Psycho Child]

And no offense baby hippo, but that is the worst way to induct imms I have ever heard of.

[Fīv]

I speak typicaly in generalities' date=' so forgive me.[/quote']

Right. <3

[Deykari]

I once wrote an advert out for FL that I was going to post in the TMS forums quite a while ago, and mailed it to staff to see if it was fine, but didn't hear anything back. I'll dig it out, and edit it (because I remember looking back there were some serious errors in), get it posted, and see what people think. Quite a few players and Imms on MUDs post their adverts showing what MUDs offer, with links to positive reviews and whatnot. Definately a big help in my opinion, even moreso if done by a satisfied player than an Imm, to get people in. Might be an idea to attract people.

Dey

[Iyorvin]

RESTART EVERYTHING!

---- I know it will piss off alot of people because of the time they put in etc (hell i'm close to my first pinned character)

-----Make it a race, the 1st three characters to hit the title master quester, get pinned, join a cabal, have a decent PK record = New imms

That would increase playerbase by at least 10 (and you can see who really wants to be imms)

If you don't want to restart... just have it that everyone has to restart with a lvl one (your specifics) and send a note to imm for the "Grand Immortal Race"

With the new playerbase due to the imm race = more imms = more rp = keeps new pbase (imo) = another race once a year.

Nah, all that would prove is who has the most time off during the reset period. As well as make countless people leave, bitch, and solve nothing.

[Baby Hippo]

ahh you shot down my idea...

And you are right.

[brsingr]

RESTART EVERYTHING!

---- I know it will piss off alot of people because of the time they put in etc (hell i'm close to my first pinned character)

-----Make it a race, the 1st three characters to hit the title master quester, get pinned, join a cabal, have a decent PK record = New imms

That would increase playerbase by at least 10 (and you can see who really wants to be imms)

If you don't want to restart... just have it that everyone has to restart with a lvl one (your specifics) and send a note to imm for the "Grand Immortal Race"

With the new playerbase due to the imm race = more imms = more rp = keeps new pbase (imo) = another race once a year.

Nah, all that would prove is who has the most time off during the reset period. As well as make countless people leave, bitch, and solve nothing.

I dunno, I like it. However, instead of that, copy the same MUD to a different connection, do that on that client, and THEN, afterwards, it could be a test server open to the public, where we could try, rate, and report bugs on coming features.

Also, I think strip shows would work. : P

[Baby Hippo]

I'm all for the strip show!

[Chayesh]

Mmmm...beer brought up something that exemplifies what we mean by trust.

You mentioned a 15-minute timer for IMMs before they log on to a mortal character from their IMM character.

If I have to regulate your behavior with a timer, I don't want you on my staff. If I can't take you at your word and trust you aren't taking advantage of your position to influence your mortal play, you have no place in the Higher Planes.

NOTE: "You" is not you, MMMBeer. "You" is a generic, conversational you.

Another good point made is that the playerbase is never satisfied. Unfortunately this is true and something I've struggled many times with excepting. No matter which way the staff jumps, someone (often the same persons who complained before) find something else to complain about or complain about the change entirely. Tribunal is a perfect illustration. Viri first put forth the idea of a merging of Royals and Justice. Now, it's been realized and we have about infinity posts about what's wrong with it, why is it this way, why'd we do it, etc. Same thing with liches. And blademasters. And ferals (which seem to suck then rule then suck, rinse repeat). And healers. And IMMs. And this and that and this and that. I think you get my point.

Also mentioned was the old adage of Viri leading a staff of over 15. Maybe overstated, maybe not. But we have a staff of comparable size with a smaller playerbase. Three always seems to be the number of IMPs, more or less. We have 1 59, 2 55's, 4 54's, and a 53. This is after the retirement of Krounoi/Kaz. So Behrens leading a staff of ten currently? With a playerbase roughly one half of what it was in 1.0 online average? Easily sufficient for current size needs.

What it always boils down to is trust. Viri and Lunicant entrusted Behrens, Malchaeius, Caimor, and myself with their creative "pride and joy" so to speak. They trusted us not just to not "ruin it" but to care about it like they did and to run it "the FL way". They also trusted that we would stick by it. We feel a real responsibility to bring on IMMs that we trust the way they trusted us. It's also about synergy as already mentioned. It's also about conduct. Can you maintain professionalism in the face of some of the complete ***-like behavior of players at times because, as a low level, you will garner no respect 9 times out of 10. I get involved in discipline when necessary and it's usually when a lower IMM has told someone what the deal is and gotten nothing but sass back. Either that, or the offense is serious enough to warrant my involvement. People who made the statement about IMMing not being all you romanticize it to be are right. It's very rewarding, very fulfilling, very fun (everyone on staff cracks me up...some of the funniest laugh filled conversations I've had), and also at the same time, very negative, very frustrating, very annoying and very stressful. Dealing with constant negativity and put downs and attitudes wears on even the thickest skin which is why sometimes you who do this have been the target of a scathing rebuttal from me. Sometimes enough is enough. But this is just a bit of what IMMing entails. You love it and hate it all at once. My love for it far outweighs my hate of it because I want to see this game continue on and love to hear how much you all enjoy it.

Anyway...enough of my babbling.