Mordiggian locks the 'player retention' thread

Not surprisingly, some people take issue with others wielding power, authority, secrecy, and judgement over them. It doesn't matter how noble the intentions are, or the direct form it takes (I'm convinced some of the account note vitriol is just a proxy for a general sense of resentment), it's going to ruffle some feathers. Whether or not this is finally a problem worth addressing is up to the staff, but I'd say it is.

I don't think the staff are doomed when it comes to this problem, but it may take a pretty big cultural shift.

• Understand that when players get upset about stuff, it's probably because they're passionate about this game, their character, or whatever. Try and channel that passion, rather than shoot it down with style and sarcasm.


• Most staff should focus more on facilitating, less on enforcement. Code, and tell stories.


• Get out of the business of RP critiquing entirely. We can do workshops on the GDB or in special in-game sessions if people feel really strongly about wanting feedback.


• Account and player notes should be based exclusively on objective data.


• Set up a thorough enforcement policy for offenses that steps outside the veil of staff-player secrecy and empowers players. Set up a system of warnings that ranges from, "We noticed something fishy; feel free to submit an explanation to your clan staff," to "This is your third and final warning, if this behavior continues, a formal complaint will be sent to Nyr and the enforcement team." If you're going to accuse someone of doing something wrong, you have to bring them into the conversation as an equal partner. Do it person to person, not player to great and powerful Oz. Do it on Teamspeak, or Skype if desired. Include an appeals process, and an option for impartial third party mediation, not a peer, friend, and co-volunteer of the great and powerful Oz.


• Engage with players differently, enable players to assist with the game in ways that share the workload. Minimize the distinction between player and staff and give players the benefit of the doubt based on their experience and participation. How about: player, volunteer, assistant, builder, legend, storyteller, administrator, producer


• Promote staff and player engagement outside of clan management. How about regular clan staff-player meetings, just to shoot the shit during the World Series, or to talk about different aspects of the clan on an OOC basis?

Players, too, have to alter their ways some.

• Let go of the past


• Stop trying to get the last word in in request and GDB exchanges. Make your case, respond one time if clarification is needed, then let it go. Seriously, chill.


• I'm sure there's more, I may ninja edit them when I have more time.

nyr was a pretty responsive/good st as well when he started, from my memories with salarr. then he killed the expansion division and for that i will never forgive him

But, Morrdigian is no bad guy, no boogeyman... he's just struggling to do the best he can with issues he inherited upon taking the position.