Staff Feedback!

[Abominal SnowTaz]

This isn't an excuse for you regular members to join in, so please knock it off.

My bad bro. Just lost it for a sec.

Oh and this is a staff matter, this does not give members permission to start flaming theresearcher. I understand you're pissed off with him slagging off the forum, I understand perfectly, but be aware that by attacking theresearcher you are breaking the forum rules. I will have no choice but to hand out strikes if it continues, so leave him be.

Sorry.

Edited July 12, 2012 by Abominal Taz

[theresearcher]

No.

Yes, I am the one that caused this topic to exist in the first place.

I know, I am being looked at as the jerk that thinks he knows what he is doing but in the end just all talk. But I am seeing improvements already. Sure I had to sacrifice things but it seems to have been better in the end.

I am caught in the revolving door on the way out. That is hilarious, it really is. But I think I am standing infront of the door before I leave.

[Sean]

This is going to be the last time I make a post or ever log in

Can you please just stop making a fool of yourself already like you promised you would four posts ago? Cut the dramatics already, you're not as important as you're making yourself out to be.

[Roarey Raccoon]

Yes, I am the one that caused this topic to exist in the first place.

You still haven't learned anything XP. You aren't the one who caused this topic to exist, we had other members like DQ bring up the same points long before you did and I was getting sick of seeing the same bullshit. So I figured I'd make a topic and get everything out in the open to see what's what, then take the time to explain to members why certain things take place. You didn't cause this topic to exist, I did, because I made the bloody thing.

Anyway, you're now disrupting this topic, it's not about you it's about feedback from everyone. Expect a ban if you keep it up.

[Diz]

I always had the feeling that you joined/stayed this forum for the wrong reasons. Even if you seemed to change your mind somewhat shortly after joining, you acted as if you were still on a mission. Try to forget about the staff for a while, just hop into the topics and join discussions, partake and contribute, be a part of the community and have an awesome time. =)

Although it seems like you are leaving or taking a break, if you are coming back later, try to relax and do not focus on investigating, just hop in and try to have fun. At least seems like the majority here are having a time of their lives whenever they browse here, so we must be doing something right.

Edit:

I dont know what to say about that... I did not expect that kind of answer... Perhaps I was here for the wrong reasons. But its too late to turn a leaf now. I have everyone hating me.

You are not the only member who feels they have had a bad start, but there is not much to do about that. You are still a member of these boards, so you are still game, and anything can happen. I do not think members will keep hating others who change and do efforted contributions, become a warm part of the community, etc. I was hated by the staff, and yet, here I am, teehee~

[theresearcher]

Can you please just stop making a fool of yourself already like you promised you would four posts ago? Cut the dramatics already.

Well I cant argue with that. I shall do as you say. Good bye and have fun.

@ dizney... I dont know what to say about that... I did not expect that kind of answer... Perhaps I was here for the wrong reasons. But its too late to turn a leaf now. I have everyone hating me.

Edited July 12, 2012 by theresearcher

[Chris]

I know, I am being looked at as the jerk that thinks he knows what he is doing but in the end just all talk.

That's because you are all talk. You're 16 -- nobody at that age knows fuck all. You think you do, but you really don't. I didn't either.

[Roarey Raccoon]

Right, that's enough, clean slate for this topic. The previous posts will be left up but no more of this pointless cack from or to do with theresearcher. I will simply delete the posts.

This topic is for member feedback, not one kid getting pissy. End of, now.

[Danielius]

Well, it's hard for me to hold on now but I can't so I will say something in general!

For everyone (You-Know-Who just lead my opinion to this): Just try to imagine if you have been forum moderator for 8 years. I could (though I don't believe I'm saying this) become pretty much lousy. So yeah, I get where this all come from but as I understood people are nicer here now than it was in the future.

So, harsh language leads to two options: The person calms down and doesn't write anything or the opposite thing happens - it gets all emotional.

Also, the nice way is preferred to do in the first place but if it doesn't help harsh language can help. Though this was obvious this time that it won't help. (I'm not criticizing, just trying to analyze xD)

Besides that, there is another great option - ignorance but that will lead to the problem - that you will look ignorant.

So... labels, labels, labels. You'll never get away from them -.- No matter what you do, you will ALWAYS look bad for certain amount of people.

I guess you don't use harsh language if there isn't serious problem and try to be nice, yes? If so, this is good for me!

I'm also satisfied the team took into account to be nicer to new members as from first sight when I came here (and sure i'm not the only one) everything looked so strict and I read someone criticizing this forum though I don't see big deal why as everyone seems to have fun and staff is nice to people who don't repeat the same all the time and don't come to any conclusion. I'll be honest, I was quite afraid to openly express my opinion in the first place (because it is sometimes weird, pathetic and RANDOM to others). Now I kind of do.

P.S. Usually the rules are read of those members who actually care about others behavior and general respect for forum members, staff so MAYBE (I'm not acting as a specialist here) a little re-writing of them would be a good thing(?). Those who are jerks won't read them anyway, when they register here so even witty, harsh(?) language won't help.

P.S.S. I know it's hard to change after many years but my wish for you is always try to find a way how to make everything better for yourselves and to others. Hence, I would never write in such topic if I wouldn't care of community I just joined in. So, peace.

Edited July 13, 2012 by Danielius

[Danj86]

Well, it's hard for me to hold on now but I can't so I will say something in general!

You're a braver Dan than me to step in, after that tense situation. I can't let my fellow Dan step into the pit on his own, so I'll jump in too. There is something that was mentioned a couple of posts back that is really bothering me...

I was hated by the staff, and yet, here I am, teehee~

You where hated?? But your delightful! I just find it hard to believe...

I don't really think posting in this topic is like "stepping into a pit", that's just my little joke. Truth is, I have confidence in the staff and their abilities as well as their professionalism. Despite what may have happened in the past and what might happen in the future, I still believe my opinion wont change. That being this...

At the risk of sounding like an echo, I have to agree. The staff are fucking awesome! You can't improve on perfection!!

That's my original reply to this topic. Does anybody else see the irony of re-posting a post where I express worry about sounding like an echo? lol I didn't edit it or anything. That is what I said. So "whats my point?" I hear you cry. Well it's this:

I gave my opinion of the staff, but neglected to delve deeper as to why. Basically I didn't give reasons, and feedback comes in two forms, the bad, and the good. I was a fool to forget to give reasons, so I figure now is the best time to do it.

While I could give praise to each staff member individually, sadly I wont be able to, as I have yet to properly interact with everyone of them. That's not their fault, it's my fault.

I usually only see a post from Remy when he's locking a topic, but speaking of Remy, I didn't express this at the time, but I found it hilarious when I designed a pony of him which was based on his avatar. It was because he changed the avatar a couple of days before I had finished and I failed to notice until much later. lol I think that's irony again, it tickles me.

Not really proper feedback...I'm getting sidetracked as usual...

I've seen Sean talk a member into sticking around when they felt like they weren't fitting in or being noticed. I have noticed some might consider Sean to be one of the harsher staff members, but I know better. People are getting confused over a wild sense of humour being an act of aggression. It's like a mask he wears. I forgot to mention it at the time, but the pony I designed of him was wearing a mask, to signify this. Although I have no proof, that is just my suspicion.

To me, Cardo is the one that comes across as the most professional. To the point that he's almost intimidating. I don't know why I said "almost". I'll just admit it. Carbo still intimidates me. That's not technically a bad thing. Sometimes a good motivation for behaving better, is fear! Saying that, I am a timid one in nature anyway...

Flyboy Fox is a sweet staff member that will get involved deeper with members, I've seen lots of replies in the Express Your Emotions topic where she encourages people to open up more or give advice. Even though she has difficult problems of her own. Truthfully, if may be her influence that encouraged me to kinda take her place as a voice of reason and support in the Emotions topic when shes not around.

Are you still there? Maybe you should go get a sandwich or something, we're almost finished...

^DiZnEy^ is harder for me to read. He's always come across as kind and ready to share ideas, but he threw a curve ball at me in this very thread. lol It's true that people change, the same post he made gave me the impression he's patient, understanding and intelligent. That doesn't mean the other staff don't have qualities like this. I'm only scratching the surface of the humans put in charge of this blue place. And as everybody should know, humans are complex.

Pelly shines on all things internet. There is also a warmth and kindness as well as a sillyness that comes with her. This must be what members meant by "having staff with personality". As you can laugh and joke with the staff as much as you want. Despite what she thinks of herself, she is also capable of being a leader, as a recent pony based thread project proved.

Now I'm starting to repeat myself as Wolfy has also displayed the same characteristic as ^DiZnEy^, and I think Chris is the same also. But just like an elastic band, if you keep pulling on it, it will eventually snap. I'm not saying Chris or Wolfy are angry mods/admins, the elastic band analogy works with all the staff. All the staff deserve respect and they will always give it in return.

*Edit*

Actually the elastic band analogy can work with every human if I think about it. As all elastic bands are different, some might snap sooner than others.

Bmn is a shadow admin. I don't mean like Shadow The Hedgehog...I mean, like a ninja. You don't see him much, but you know he's busy doing something important. I've seen several projects that have been made possible because him. So you could say he is like oxygen. If he was gone, we'd all be doomed.

Lastly is Roarz, I will mostly appreciate him for letting me add my artistic "talents" to the SSMB banner. I don't think I've said anything that couldn't also be applied to Roarz. Except for experienced. He's like everyone's big brother, he'll look out for you. But if you piss him off, you'll regret it. I suspect that is why we don't see Dreadknux much. Because our leader knows that everything is in the capable hands of Roarz.

I think I'm finished now...it's not really useful information, but I still felt the need to say it. Have I really been typing this for 3 hours?! 0_o

*Edited because of stupidity*

I knew I'd forget somebody, and in this case it was Patticus.

I feel like a fool. He stood out to me because he's interested in history. I'm used to being around people that hate education and all the subjects that go with it. So meeting people with interest in those types of subjects are a pleasant surprise. So I guess the best way I could describe him, would be similar to ^DiZnEy^, Wolfy and Chris.

Summary:

As I said earlier, "I'm only scratching the surface of the humans put in charge of this blue place." but the evidence I've supplied here, makes for good proof why these people have earned their staff qualifications. This information wont be new to Roarz, but it does give insight as to the type of people that get the job. Something for other members to think about.

I imagine the route to becoming a staff member be a grueling one indeed.

...why am I picturing an obstacle course?

Edited July 13, 2012 by Dan-imation

[Danielius]

You're a braver Dan than me to step in, after that tense situation. I can't let my fellow Dan step into the pit on his own, so I'll jump in too. There is something that was mentioned a couple of posts back that is really bothering me...

[..]

I think I'm finished now...it's not really useful information, but I still felt the need to say it. Have I really been typing this for 3 hours?! 0_o

(I have been typing for an hour with pauses so you have my respect.)

I wanted to give a positive feedback but ended with negativity as usual.

That's what I also meant with my post. Just to let it out. Still, as long as everyone respect each other - everything is cool. Staff is really nice when it comes to civil talk. I also noticed the "Personal Discussion" thread and I already find something common with some moderators (I prefer not say who) as well as some great members. They're awesome people with their own flaws.

When the bad comes, each person reacts differently. I wanted to give positive feedback but ended with negativity as usual.

Though I must say I loved your speech as you pointed out every single person controlling this forum. I would go and cry of happiness if i were in their places (but I'm not).

I also noticed ^DiZnEy^ is really nice in the way he explained everything to YOU-KNOW-WHO. I think it is enough to express your opinion once (maybe few times) because if you repeat yourself it gets frustrating. Some hide their temper, some just can't and it's OKAY. When one is good at one thing it can be awful at another and opposite.

I would like to know why you ^DiZnEy^ were hated in first place as I got curious. This can't be true. I know one person (female) with similar traits who always magically calmed everyone down in forums. I always think "How can she do it and deal with all negativity with positive feelings and see good when it is barely seen". xD

Just to be clear I just gave my statements and I respect if you take them into account or not.

P.S. Oh, and I really can really relate to the fact how it feels to be technical guy. No one cares until site brakes down

as it goes really off topic, I will PM one person xD

Edited July 13, 2012 by Danielius

[Roarey Raccoon]

P.S. Usually the rules are read of those members who actually care about others behavior and general respect for forum members, staff so MAYBE (I'm not acting as a specialist here) a little re-writing of them would be a good thing(?). Those who are jerks won't read them anyway, when they register here so even witty, harsh(?) language won't help.

Could you clarify this for me, I'm not quite sure what you mean XP. What do you think should be re-written in the rules?

[Danielius]

Could you clarify this for me, I'm not quite sure what you mean XP. What do you think should be re-written in the rules?

Nothing special. Maybe it could be just short and clear. More formal.

Example:

Spamming will put you on the staff shit list and will ensure a swift trip to banville. The staff care about SSMB, you know, so if you spam it with image macros, videos and other idiotic messages you will end up striked very quickly. Then banned if you don't quit it. This also includes acting like a moderator yourself and posting in bad topics about the fact that it will end up being locked.

I know you want people to get a point but many don't read long rule set (especially those with short attention span or those who don't have time).

This is just my stupid ideas. Now when I'm re-read the rules.. Hm.. On the one hand they're too informal but on the other hand, informally written rules catch attention (for certain people). So, I have re-thought it and maybe it's the best in the way it is. Maybe I was wrong. I guess there should be done a scientific research - in what way the written rules catch the more of peoples attention?

Don't know why I wrote this down.. Inspiration!

MAIN RULES

1. If you want to start using the forum e.g to view, read or post something then you need to register.

2. No posting insulting, obscene, vulgar, aspersing, glorifying violence, detrimentally or in other reasons indictable, inappropriate contents.

3. The topic must be clearly formulated. More info here.

4. Don't write posts which are not connected with discussion. Keep the forums clean!

5. Don't write that topic must be locked, moved or deleted. This is done by xx team.

6. No links to illegal content sites.

7. No pornographic material.

8. No spamming.

9. No swearing (yes, we had this rule though not much followed it).

10. No posting of games, programs and other intellectual properties cracks, serials and patchs.

11. Only English language in forum! Post which are not written in English will be deleted.

12. No double posting. If you really need to add information - use the edit button.

13. If you put imaged in forum, be sure that they aren't bigger then xxx.

And finish everything with general info about being nice, consequences, warnings, bans and other stuff. Sorry for wasting your time.

Edited July 13, 2012 by Danielius

[Carbo]

For the record, that's a new set of revised rules we made a while back just because we got way too many complaints about our initial rules not being encompassing enough and way too formal, and the format you gave us is relatively similar to what we had. I don't think we're going to go drastically rewrite them again anytime soon since it's still rather fresh.

[Roarey Raccoon]

I tried to make the rules a bit more fun to read and to explain each rule and why it is there, whilst at the same time being concise. We did have rules in the past that were just a simple list like the one you provided above, but we had complaints that it wasn't fleshed out enough. I also made sure some rules were positively written so the whole thing didn't sound daunting.

[Danielius]

I tried to make the rules a bit more fun to read and to explain each rule and why it is there, whilst at the same time being concise. We did have rules in the past that were just a simple list like the one you provided above, but we had complaints that it wasn't fleshed out enough.

For the record, that's a new set of revised rules we made a while back just because we got way too many complaints about our initial rules not being encompassing enough and way too formal, and the format you gave us is relatively similar to what we had. I don't think we're going to go drastically rewrite them again anytime soon since it's still rather fresh.

In that case I wrote a really useless opinion. Well, at least I can explain my ignorance by being a newbie To be honest I had completely opposite experience and that was the reason to share. After writing I thought - this forum here is for years and they probably know how is the best. Well, too late. Case closed

[Gabz Girl]

Blue Blood's comment a few pages back was, IMO, very harsh against anonymous. =/ That's the type of behaviour on a forum like this I don't want to see from either staff or member (I'm not saying a staffer has ever done this btw!). Aren't we supposed to respect each other here? Love and tolerate!

Then again I don't know this guy so well, so maybe I'm just naive.

[Nicknyte]

I do think the term "dicking around" is not rather appropiate for a mod to give another person when they have offended the rules. While I enjoyed the tone of enforcement of the rules, I think that at the same time, perharps a less sarcastic tone might be used instead of one that sounds like you diminishing the intellect of the poster.

Yea, it mainly was a test of how the attitudes of the moderators were on the boards, but I am glad you are a good enforcer Roarz. Please try to reduce the harshness, but I am sure you deal with quite a bit every day.

In reference to this thread:

Edited July 13, 2012 by Nicknyte

[Abominal SnowTaz]

Blue Blood's comment a few pages back was, IMO, very harsh against anonymous. =/ That's the type of behaviour on a forum like this I don't want to see from either staff or member (I'm not saying a staffer has ever done this btw!). Aren't we supposed to respect each other here? Love and tolerate!

Then again I don't know this guy so well, so maybe I'm just naive.

Looking back at past topics, I kinda knew who that member was, I just forgot about him because he posted less and less. I'm sure bB's reply to him was just in fun not harshness. Of course, it could have been the intention but whateves.

[Roarey Raccoon]

I do think the term "dicking around" is not rather appropiate for a mod to give another person when they have offended the rules. While I enjoyed the tone of enforcement of the rules, I think that at the same time, perharps a less sarcastic tone might be used instead of one that sounds like you diminishing the intellect of the poster.

Yea, it mainly was a test of how the attitudes of the moderators were on the boards, but I am glad you are a good enforcer Roarz. Please try to reduce the harshness, but I am sure you deal with quite a bit every day.

In reference to this thread:

I do think making a topic like that just to see what happens is "not rather appropiate" for a member to give a mod for no reason.

It also wasn't sarcasm, you were dicking around, or messing around, or whatever word you'd prefer to use. You made that clear yourself in the topic, so where's the sarcasm?

[Nicknyte]

Well, you did say you appreciated it. Forgive me if I had assumed you actually did not appreciate it.

I am really not trying to sound snarky here. I just think the term dicking around is not appropiate for a chastisement, but I still got the clear message.

Edited July 13, 2012 by Nicknyte

[Roarey Raccoon]

Well, you did say you appreciated it. Forgive me if I had assumed you actually did not appreciate it.

That's a problem with comprehension on your part, it was appreciate used in the context of 'understand'. As in, I understand that you're messing around, but it's still spam. How you figured I'd actually be appreciative of you spamming the forums (knowingly) is anyone's guess.

[Nicknyte]

I didn't think appreciate meant understood in any synonym of the word.

[Chris]

Yea, it mainly was a test of how the attitudes of the moderators were on the boards, but I am glad you are a good enforcer Roarz. Please try to reduce the harshness, but I am sure you deal with quite a bit every day.

So you posted a thread that could have been explicitly handled via private message to address one member about a trivial statistic that you established for one day, only to "test the attitudes of the moderators"?

If I see any more of this attitude after this whole debacle in this topic (and this goes for everybody, not just you) I'm going to start suspending or worse. I appreciate your 'concern', if it can so be called that, but every Tom, Dick, and Harry doesn't need to go out of their way to get their own feel for how we handle situations. If anything, it's an annoyance -- and a waste of the time of our staff.

Be realistic.

[Roarey Raccoon]

I didn't think appreciate meant understood in any synonym of the word.

Appreciate

verb (used with object)

1. to be grateful or thankful for: They appreciated his thoughtfulness.

2. to value or regard highly; place a high estimate on: to appreciate good wine.

3. to be fully conscious of; be aware of; detect: to appreciate the dangers of a situation.

4. to raise in value.