View Full Version : DISCUSSION about behavior of moderators!
Ok, there`s a deal - Mr. MOD (GOD) BB_Azariel said me:
If you want discussion please then open a thread for discussion. Your previous thread was opened for complaining about moderation, not discussion.
Feel free to open a new thread if you believe you can be objective and constructive on this issue or just answer one of the many existing threads.
Closing this again as it is a complaint and not a discussion. Please do not make me close another thread of yours or I'll ban you from the forum.
BB_Azariel
Ok! So, now I am opening the new thread for discussion. For discussion about behavior of MODs. So, what is your experience with MODs and their "God-known-reasons" of banning players? Because, my experience is like from the novel from George Orwell.
Feel free to discuss about it. I am looking forward for your opinnions - players (not MODs)!
Edit BB_Aza: linking posts of complaint is complaining x)
BB_Azariel
29.02.12, 10:08
You are asking players about their experience with moderation... This is still not a discussion.
To make this a discussion please make the theme clear, give an objective and constructive opinion and then add a question that will frame the discussion.
Right now, by asking about people's past experience with moderation, you are encouraging players to complain about moderation... And I'll have to close this again if that happens.
BB_Azariel
Realy? And what is it, if not the discussion? I think, the theme is clear enough. The only problem is, that you should allowed to discuss about it, but it is impossible.
I gave also the objective and constructive opinion, but you erased it, so how can I do it better?
Feel free to close this, if you think, that I am not polite. Feel free, if you want to bann me from the forum. You just should realize, that I can be your paying customer...
BB_Azariel
29.02.12, 10:44
http://cache.ohinternet.com/images/thumb/7/73/JeanLucPicardFacepalm.jpg/618px-JeanLucPicardFacepalm.jpg
Was just trying to help you actually, pointing out how this could become a real discussion... I would like to have more serious discussions about topics like this with players. I'm not trying to make it so you can't express your feelings, I just will not allow people to vent their anger in a non-constructive way.
Oh well, I'll leave this thread open for now in the hope that something good can still come out of it.
Best,
BB_Azariel
Abide by the rules and you won't need Moderator intervention. Cross the line and be prepared to be spanked. Simples.
It's not the moderators that are at fault here.
I agree with Tierarzt.
Lets not discuss moderation, but rather community behaviour as a whole.
Being an MOD is often not an pleasent experience, first you get loads of complaints about the game and you get the same question over and over again. Then you have to deal with people who are just out to make trouble, it takes a while to realize that they are not really out there to have fun playing but they are out there to have fun making a mess and wrecking havoc. In my experience the Mod_hammer is the best solution, just kick them off the chat or silence them.
After you have had a couple of those in a row your patience get a bit thinner, and you whack the wrong guy.. Just a nice guy trying to make a small joke is getting whacked also, who sometimes is going out to complain. So sometimes the wrong player get whacked. And ofcourse also MOD can make mistakes.
So, shall we go without MODS then?
If everyone was a nice person, who didn't break rules, we could go without. Most of the guild channels don't have an mod. Ahum, troublemakers are typically just throw out of the guid. Something an mod doesn't do that much. So, also guildchannels have mods. As long as there are rules, we should have people who made sure that the rules are being followed. So actually you are not talking about the behaviour of the mods, but the rules of the channels. Its simple, no rules, no mods needed. But remember this.. sooner or later an gang of no-good-guys will take over the channel and wreck havoc. Have seen this happening in the channels of the testingserver.. Some guys repeating over and over and over again the same unreadable dribble..
In my opinion MODs are overwhelming all the game chat and forum. They are everywhere, and sometimes I feel like they read every single word I type. I know, I know... Thats the way they work - but in every single MMO game you cannon experience such "invading" moderation like here.
And you have to interfere like this? I mean every single time if someone said a word in "non-english" language you have to warn him not to do so in public? If there are 2-3 players that are chatting and joking around a little bit you have to stop them (coz a joke was a little racist...) You know what? Thats annoying. Thats repels me from posting a single word on World channel, because I can be banned (got 24h ban for writting self-filtred f@#%@%) The reason you ban people are funny. You just hammer one and another with your MOD_hammer. Thats not the way it should be. You should be somewhere around - warning people in private, if they are really stubborn and continue to spam and/or use "non-english" you should warn him for the last time and if thats not helping THE LAST EXIT leads to the ban...
And you know, that banned person cannot use trade? This can mess someone's game if theyr economy is based on a trading. 24h ban without trade was really annoying for me and nearly made me to leave Settlers at all.
I'm not sure we should start an "us vs them" type thread as banning clearly depends on the moderator in question.
PennyUK and Captnfox are extremely helpful, only ban when necessary and do an all round great job of moderating ESPECIALLY considering that no MOD is paid. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of other MODerators, who have banned without warning for disproportionate amounts of time, ban discussions of topics they don't like and are rude to players.
2 examples:
There was a (civil) discussion about religion a few days ago which was cracked down on for no particular reason, when I questioned it I was told to "go read the rules" which have absolutely no mention of banning talk about religion. When I said that I didn't see any mention of it in the rules I was ignored.
I write 3 words in caps get a warning not to use caps, say "OK" and get banned for 30 mins. I was not spamming caps or being a nuissance to other players yet I get a ban anyway.
I'm not saying MODerating is easy, but banning people and controlling the flow of the chat does become extreme at times. The job is to moderate, not control every word that is said. I would like to see less banning in general. Say if someone writes non-english things more than 5 times there should be a ban. But there are people who are banned without warning for just a few words in a foreign language. It seems excessive and causes unnecessary annoyance (hence this thread!).
Yes there are chat rules, but not all infractions should result in a ban. The reasons behind the rules are what really matter. Spamming and too many caps makes it difficult for players to read the chat, speaking in a foreign language means the MODs can't do their job etc etc. Only when an infraction of a rule becomes a problem should banning be used
The conversations I see most frequently on the chat are actually complaints at MODs or the rules (which one could argue is spamming of chat caused by certain MODs). More leniency would definitely help. Perhaps better MOD training for some too.
Luuk_The_Great
29.02.12, 17:24
Okay, question to the complaining ppl: Have you ever broken the rules, or do you think something in the rules is not correct? And is it true that you would normally don't follow some rules, but now you have to because MOD's are watching you?
Please a fair answer:P
I dont get the problem, why do people feel the need to always b&w about the MODs?
99% of the bans are just. True one MOD has more patience then the other. And true, this makes the action of the firm MOD look less nice. But do not forget the MODs are not your friendly customer service at your service. Aspecially not if YOU are the one who breaks the rules. They are here only because we as a full community seem unable to behave in a civil matter. unable to follow some very easy and streigthforward rules. Yes they are pegi7, if you dont like it stay in guildchat or/w.
Internet is a funny thing. It being annonymouse makes some people act like retards. Those persons enjoy breaking or bending rules, upsetting other players etc. We all know them, they are our beloved trolls. The more succesfull trolls break rules, only get caught every now and then and then only then the succes comes when they can complain about the rules being enforced on them. Then we get to see a nice rant of it all being unjust blablabladiebla.
If you are man enough to break some rules be my guest.
So when you get a warning for talking about religion and then you reply with caps and get a second warning not to use caps. Then why do you even concidder replying in caps for the 3rd strike again?
The only reason why is cos your challanging the MOD to do his job. So dont complain about it. You got caught, take it like a man. Wait 30 minutes and move on.
Why do you expect a private, perzonal treatment and polite warning when you break a rule in public? I dont get it what makes you special that you deserve it?
the modding itself might need some attention indeed.
Its not that MODs enforce the rules that ppl get to complaining so much. Its the way it happens. Its inconcistant.
I vote for a simple solution.
Get all MODs to respond the same way in chat: 1st warning, 2nd warning and BAN. No more extra patience. No more trying to explain it over and over again or debating about rules/bans etc.
For this to work BB will need to get a better MOD coverage for all times of the day...
Then secondly keep a Db of ppl who get bans and every next ban the new ban takes longer, 5th ban should be permanent.
Bans that get undone because the ban was unjust dont count ofcourse.
Is this a hard ruling? Not realy, if you get past all these warnings your a fool asking to get yourself removed . So only the real stuborn, or the ones looking for the confrontation get what they deserve.
No matter what people please do stop the B&W @ the MODs its useless and only anoys other players. Makes you look foolish to be honest.
wtf.... mod's are just normal people who like to play this game and in the meanwhile invest their own free time to overlook going becuz some people tend to act stupid when in a chatroom... might be a disease but its plain annoying for other people who really like this game and wanna chat without being interrupted by idiots....
so stop whining and if u feel that de mod's are following u they might have a good reason....
Trobwal -->admin of a verry busy visited forum in belgium.... so i know how much time it take's to get the job done... RESPECT....
Try to keep calm. I'm not trolling I'm just voicing my opinions which happen to differ from yours. These concerns are shared by many in the community whom I have talked to and are worth discussing to try to come to a better arangement. Like you say, lots of people are complaining so why not try to make it so there's nothing to complain about?
I disagree with the claim that its inconsistancy in the banning which bothers people.
Being banned for small infractions detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
Being told not to talk about a certain (pegi7) topic detracts from my enjoyment of the game.
Having someone with the ability to ban talk rudely to me detracts from my enjoyment of the game.
Excessive banning results in a waste of everyones time (for those that complain and for those that need to read the complaints and determine if they are justified which is why I have never formally complained about any MOD).
Excessive banning results in, as you put it, "b&w about the MODs" which clearly annoys some people.
As for your comment about rule breaking, I will refer you to the rules:
"Excessive use of capitals or caps-locks can result in a short to long term ban. Length of the ban will be decided by the MODs present and is not up to debate.
Common expressions or abbreviations usually written in capital letters are of course allowed as long as the player does not abuse of them."
3 words is not excessive.
OK is a common expression and was used once, clearly not "abuse".
Please note from my tone that I am not seeking confrontation but resolution to a problem which DOES bother a lot of people.
I am rather calm just regard it in a different matter.
Its not my goal to go directly at you Dweeble. I did however Hijack you example to state an other view on what can happen and why i think its not working.
As for your comment about rule breaking, I will refer you to the rules:
"Excessive use of capitals or caps-locks can result in a short to long term ban. Length of the ban will be decided by the MODs present and is not up to debate.
Common expressions or abbreviations usually written in capital letters are of course allowed as long as the player does not abuse of them."
3 words is not excessive.
OK is a common expression and was used once, clearly not "abuse".
Here you have the exact reason why I say it is inconsistant. The rules leave a lot of room for intuitive behaviour with the MODs.
1: When is something excessive?
Maybe I only regard abreviations as ok. You say 3 words (a sentence) is more then ok. Different opinions, same will happen between MOD or between you and a MOD. etc etc.
2: Ban can be short or long.
Again its up to the MOD at hand, his/her mood etc.
And so on. There is to much room for variation. Small childeren are very sensitive for these kind of differences, so are online communities. They know perfectly how to use and abuse these rooms. And they will use the differences in MOD behaviour to state they have been treated wrongfully.
And so on. There is to much room for variation. Small childeren are very sensitive for these kind of differences, so are online communities. They know perfectly how to use and abuse these rooms. And they will use the differences in MOD behaviour to state they have been treated wrongfully.
Yes, but this ALSO happens when people genuinely think they have been treated wrongfully. I am stating the difference between MOD behaviour because I do not think there is a general problem with moderation, only with certain MODs. A much more childish/simplistic attitude would be to group mods in one category and attack/defend them as a group.
The rules leave a lot of room for intuitive behaviour with the MODs.
The rules are also intuitively interpretted by the non-MOD players who are clearly going to be a bit confused if they are banned for abiding by the rules as they understand them (and to be honest, I think you'll be hard pressed to find someone that thinks 3 words in caps is excessive). I do not think the rules need to be rewritten I just think that some MODs shouldn't ban as quickly as they do. Of course this is my opinion, but I very rarely see people complaining that MODs don't ban ENOUGH.
You could be right about making a more formal method for banning though that limits the MODs freedom. For instance someone could say something extremely racist or pedophilic but not be banned because they have not been warned 3 times.
Well if you feel certain MODs act wrong you can still only appoint them because they behave differently. So in fact we are saying the same there. But its the solutions we think of that do differ.
if you read my poin 1 you see i stated debate between player and player - mod. So here we agree as well. Hence you support my point even if you dont support the idea (not sure where you stand)
On the extremes you pick i am certain the rules are more strict then for the use of caps. The extreme do not state my suggestion to be wrong or insuficiant it just states, different offence need to be acted upon differently in the rules.
And as for more bans... Well i want the mods to be more constistant in there responce on what happens in chat. And yes in some cases i would like to see bans kick in faster and more. This not happening is one of the reasons why I and many others avoid Global-1 chat.
Lord_dragonito
29.02.12, 20:58
wtf.... mod's are just normal people who like to play this game and in the meanwhile invest their own free time to overlook going becuz some people tend to act stupid when in a chatroom... might be a disease but its plain annoying for other people who really like this game and wanna chat without being interrupted by idiots....
so stop whining and if u feel that de mod's are following u they might have a good reason....
Trobwal -->admin of a verry busy visited forum in belgium.... so i know how much time it take's to get the job done... RESPECT....
could not agree more here my friend,we know dont we.and here to they know what i mean with respecting the wkole team.
wtf.... mod's are just normal people who like to play this game and in the meanwhile invest their own free time to overlook going becuz some people tend to act stupid when in a chatroom... might be a disease but its plain annoying for other people who really like this game and wanna chat without being interrupted by idiots....
see and that's the problem ... "normal people who like to play this game" they can be players or mods .. not both, u can't do a job well if your distracted with something else
secondly "but its plain annoying for other people who really like this game and wanna chat without being interrupted by idiots" mine point too, how can u chat with your friends if some yellow always jumps in your conversation and says "not allowed" , "last warning" , "ban hammer".
what for is that world chanel there .. if u need help > help chanel , trade > trade chanel , world channel > silence ?
PS: being a admin on a very busy forum is not the same as being a ... in a mmo ^_^ .. u can't lock the whole chanel if a flame war breaks out ^^
I think, that almost everyone of us understand the rules and the fact, that work of moderators is not easy, that they are not paid for their work and time, etc. etc. But, the problem is, that there are also a lot of people, who were banned for absolutely stupid reasons. I am not only one with this experience. I absolutely agree that, there must be the rules and no one wan`t to be interrupted by idiots. Rules are right! But, there should be also little bit of patient and polite behavior from the MODs side.
Everyone can make a mistakes. And also players can make mistakes - broke the rules - even accidentally. It is normal, because we are humans. But there should be also some warnings according immediate banning. The way, in which the channels is moderated in this game is wrong! It harms the game... People don`t feel comfortable on the channel.
what realy put me off global-1 is not the MODs, they try to do teir job, some are better at it than others, and some are more "egger" than others. We all make mistakes, moderators are only human and have good days and bad days, and some times take the wrong decision, we all do. Generally the banned is the first to take the wrong decision. I can live with that.
What i can not live with is the amount of span coused by the "would be MODs". Often, very often, some one will pop in to the chat and brake one of the so called rules, imediatly, faster than lighting, no less than 6 or 7 "would be mods" will charge with the remaider "agaist the rules". And it dosent end there, after the -no caps- only english- and all that, they then procede to give the audency an lesson about the need of reading the rules and folow then and this and that, and allways the same. And when the moderator finally get involved, they dedicate the time to seccond every single word of the motherator, this sitattion some times lasts for hours. That is spanning too, yet these spanners never get, never mind a ban, they never get even told off.
this needs to stop too, is not helping anyone, indid is not helping the chat at all.
What i can not live with is the amount of span coused by the "would be MODs". Often, very often, some one will pop in to the chat and brake one of the so called rules, imediatly, faster than lighting, no less than 6 or 7 "would be mods" will charge with the remaider "agaist the rules". And it dosent end there, after the -no caps- only english- and all that, they then procede to give the audency an lesson about the need of reading the rules and folow then and this and that, and allways the same. And when the moderator finally get involved, they dedicate the time to seccond every single word of the motherator, this sitattion some times lasts for hours. That is spanning too, yet these spanners never get, never mind a ban, they never get even told off.
this needs to stop too, is not helping anyone, indid is not helping the chat at all.
This made me laugh quite a bit. So very true.
that work of moderators is not easy, that they are not paid for their work and time, etc. etc. ....
moderators are only human and have good days and bad days, and some times take the wrong decision
somehow this don't make sense .. it was theyr own choice out of own free will do to something for the game and community .. OK .. so there are consequences to this and some restrictions
when they are MODing they stop being humans .>. so no emotions are allowed ,
if they had a bad day don't even log in if u can't keep it out of the game
if your kid made her first steps .. keep it for your self
they should remain calm and above all things , thinking twice about every decision cos they are in power to make someone else very unhappy (ruin someones game) if they do something to a person witch did a minor thing and they severely punish punish him
U don't say to a cop "hey its ok that u shot mine short sighted granny cos she didn't see the red light" .. u had a bad day .. np .. live goes on
But, there should be also little bit of patient and polite behavior from the MODs side.
agree +1
when they are MODing they stop being humans .>. so no emotions are allowed ,
[...]
if your kid made her first steps .. keep it for your self
Why? They have just as much right to chat about stuff.
CaptainFox
01.03.12, 01:23
Hi. I prefer to leave this discussion go on between everyone here without much input from myself. However, I do just briefly want to pick up on this:
U don't say to a cop "hey its ok that u shot mine short sighted granny cos she didn't see the red light" .. u had a bad day .. np .. live goes on
This is generally not how moderation happens. Most of the time, in my experience, we attempt to give people warnings about rule-breaking behaviour before acting. There are exceptions if we feel that conversation is particularly inappropriate for the game's age rating or that a user should already be aware of the rule they have broken, e.g. previously given a warning/ban for said behaviour.
In most situations it is a temporary ban which is issued to make a user aware that certain things are not acceptable in the chatroom. If there are more serious concerns about a player's conduct then sometimes a permanent ban given. It is impossible for decisions to be flawless 100% of the time though, even in law, but things are generally not about "shoot to kill" and all decisions can be reversed by someone in support if it is felt that a ban was given in error.
Anyway, I will leave you all to discuss :)
-CF
Just wanted to add that through the many hours i have played i have never ever seen a MOD or BB say anything inapropriate or disrespectful
and al the bans have been justified by several warnings beforehand.
The only thing that can annoy me a bit is the wanna be MODs that step in lightning fast to correct players who
uses caps or non english language for example, leave to the assigned MODS!
I see no harm in correcting your peers as long as the correction is within the rules.
The wannabe MODs mostly exist because there are so many (unintentional and intentional) breaking the rules. Aspecially while MOD coverage at times is low.
Because the MODs are players and BBs have other work to do chats just dont get moderated 24/7.
Those voids attract wannabe mods just as much as it attracts players using the voids to break 1 or more rules. And once used to correcting your peers the habbit stays.
I do not dispute the need for moderation. I clearly see the need in games that are targetted on a broad audience, including teens. There is a big difference in behaviour in chats between timeslots and weekdays /weekends- suggesting that this assessment about audience has some merit at least.
But as in all things, moderating does have some drawbacks- both for the moderator and for the moderated. I have seen times where mods (bad mood/fed up or just not the right person) come down hard in chat on every (perceived) infraction, swinging bans and such like there is no tomorrow- This turns the people away from the concept and you get a different mood in chat as well. Other times you see 2/3 or 4 mods busy moderating on top of each other leading to the feeling of mod flood and then other times there is nothing- even when you know a mod is around.
Drawback for a moderator is loyalties, perceived loyalties (mod is in guild xyz etc) and the inability to participate in banter without opening themselves up to comments about breaking rules etc. So the price they (can) end up paying is a lesser enjoyment of the game in all it's facets and the next step is- what happens when someone decides to step down as moderator - harrassemnt /comments etc- or even worse when someone is removed as mod.
Basically i would like to see 2 things adressed in the moderating, which imo would improve the situation.
1) Instruct moderators/coach moderators to act more in line with the mood in chat, the occational language booboo or stars or derailed topic does not warrant a hard reaction, neither does the occational trade in wrong channel or misschanneled guildchat. Also, behaviour that is in strict accordance to the letter of the T&S but only serves to needle people etc or has that potential shoul dbe adressed much earlier than it is now (at times) Basically- coach for chats to become the balanced environment that serves us all best.
2) Maybe look to give moderators a specific chat moderating account (without game) which they can have open in separate window in browser with the option to have all chatwindows available to browse through if needed. That way they can play the game without problems/gold text participate in the community without the drawback of "moderating" 100% of their online time (or chose to be quiet) and still can look at their mod tools every so often to correct/switch tabs to moderate. The fact that the mod is now anonymous is neither here nor there, because for 90% of the time mods are anonymous to people as well, just some name in chat- especially if they are playing on another server
I see no harm in correcting your peers as long as the correction is within the rules.
The wannabe MODs mostly exist because there are so many (unintentional and intentional) breaking the rules. Aspecially while MOD coverage at times is low.
Because the MODs are players and BBs have other work to do chats just dont get moderated 24/7.
Those voids attract wannabe mods just as much as it attracts players using the voids to break 1 or more rules. And once used to correcting your peers the habbit stays.
It is not about wannabe mods, sometimes it is just so irritating that corrections need to be tried by non mods. If i look at global-7, this is 80% (or more) self moderated and when people go off topic too much, others (and not always the same ones) will request to get back to trading chat. At the end of the day, people will always "moderate" unmoderated chats for stuff they think is inappropriate (or decide to leave).
Ofc there are also people that will (using the dreaded phrase) backseat moderate as another tool to grief players-
@qualan
I never played MOD for this game, but im told the MODs do have external tooling for the MOD job. But i also understand they get to watch all channels for more then 1 server. If I would be modding here i would object to this. To much stress. I prefer they would devide the channels (in practice they might just well be doing this i dont know).
Maybe even get MODs from Northisle to MOD Newfoundland and viseversa.
It all depends on the mods and each have their own way of going about doing things. In my past experience playing a lot of games. there are times I have good relations with mods and at times not so good. So it is hard to generalise about this. But Mods are essential to the game.
that picture must be something like... Z z Z z Z z Z z Z or embarRasSing
made me laugh for some reason :D
FrostNight
01.03.12, 11:21
I've pretty much given up on Global-1, as it is just not a pleasant place to chat. If I have a need to chat, I'll use Guild chat or simply a completely different, offsite-chatroom. I disagree with several of the rules of the chat, and since we are not allowed to discuss them or voice our disagreement, I keep out of the chat. We are not allowed to do any form of roleplay (which insanely enough will also include the words "Hello xxx, hugs", for reasons I cannot even begin to fathom), so I keep out of the chat. I find the tone and behaviour of some of the MOD's unpleasant, as if on some sort of powertrip, so I keep out of the chat. Considering that a ban will also take away your access to trading (which also makes no sense whatsoever; remove a person from Trade channel fine, but why from all forms of trading??), and since I need to do quite a bit of trading, I keep out of the chat.
I could go on for quite some time, but I guess my point is clear. If not, I'll elaborate just a little: For my personal part, it's not so much the behaviour of the MOD's or of the occasional chat troll, it is the whole package. The rules of the chat system are of such a sort that it deters me greatly to use it; I feel greatly restricted which again leads to frustration - which can again lead to a ban, should I get frustrated enough to actually say something negative about the rules, the chat or the actions of moderators. The entire chat system is one big flaw, and as a consequence, I've stopped using Global chat altogether. I see people complain about the rules and the moderation all day every day (yes, I do lurk a lot), and to me this is a very clear indication that it is not working very smoothly. Nor do I feel we are met with any form of understanding when voicing our disagreement, it feels more like we are gagged and threatened to stop complaining, or we will be banned.
For my personal part, I don't make much use of game-chats on any game I am playing or have played in the past, but I like to be able to do so should I feel the need. On this game, that is an absolute no-go, as the rules, the moderation and the general feel of being shutted up no matter what you post, removes any want I could have to use the chat. Do note, I have taken the consequences of this and, as mentioned, stopped using the chat. But it does detract quite a bit from the overall "score" of the game, and for some players this might have a greater impact, causing them to eventually quit.
/rant over, back to lurking the chat and avoid posting. I need to trade my stuff away on occasion, after all.
A cleaner chat room is a healthier chat room. The Mods do what they can, the best that they can, with the tools they have.
It's up to us, the players, to moderate what we say and help the moderators do their job.
It's no use shouting at the Mods because they won't let you swear. It's your duty to be polite and gag yourself or the Mods will do it for you.
I always find it a bit amazing that a small vocal minority always makes it unpleasent for the majority and cause rule changes to take place which often hit a minority who aren't causing the problems.
I have seen numerous people (though not a large number compared with the number playing the game) who have moaned because they have been muted. I saw one case where a player was asked if he was doing something, the person very sarcastically replied he was and got banned. On returning to chat he then moaned about unfairly being banned . . . I mean . . . ???
Often people moan they got banned with no warning - this I have seen happen when they join a chat that is being calmed down and warnings have been given - a sort of well if you jump in with both feet without looking back, or waiting to see what's happening, well no sympathy here!
As trength of weakness, depending upon your view, are the personalities of the actual mods online. It doesn't take long to get used to them though and how they act - it's called a life skill! The one thing I would agree is that for whatever reason there are often long periods of time (in excess of an hour at times) when there are no mods around, then chats sometimes get a bit out of line and need sorting.
Improve - people on the whole after a couple of days know most of the basic rules, so stepping outside is either accidental (e.g. change map and you change out of whisper back to global without noticing) - many players acknowledge immediately and apologise - or deliberate. This is often to bring the chat to a frenzy and then try to say, it wasn't me why should you ban me?? - BB seem to be recruiting more mods from different time zones so hopefully a visible presence at all times will be there - atmosphere in chat does calm down and improve when they are present. If people know there is a mod online, then perhaps they won't feel they need to help loderate the chat because no one else is. The best scenario of course is for people to grow up and not cause outrage by their trolling and spamming, then people won't have to "self moderate"
Monkey_Man1123
01.03.12, 13:52
I apologize if this has been asked/answered many, many times - but what specifically about the MODS and the chat system itself is the group (large or small) complaining about?
I generally just lurk in the chat while I wait for stuff to build..and what I generally see are these issues or "violations:"
- use English only in Global 1
- no cursing
- no talk about drugs
- don't be abusive/be "nice"
- Reminders to go to Global 7 for trade stuff
- Reminders to go to your Guild channel if you don't want to follow these rules (or something like that).
Other than that, what I generally see when I am on are a lot of very friendly conversations between all the players, many of which include the MODs.
So I'm guessing I am missing something here or am playing at the "wrong" time when these things happen that make all of these players so mad at the MODs/chat.
Any insight would be appreciated.
thx
It is as unlucky says a minority with a hard voice that complaints ;)
ooh and you forgot the rules:
- no religiouse discussions
- roleplaying in G2 only
Hey all,
lots of opinions but no numbers. Do you think there is too much banning or not enough?
Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XRT5S22
Hey all,
lots of opinions but no numbers. Do you think there is too much banning or not enough?
Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XRT5S22
It's not a case of too much moderation and banning, it's a case of too many people breaking the rules.
Follow the rules and there won't be the bannings. How hard is that?
It's not a case of too much moderation and banning, it's a case of too many people breaking the rules.
Follow the rules and there won't be the bannings. How hard is that?
Yes, thats your opinion.
It's not an opinion Dweeble, just simple facts. If people followed the rules, we wouldn't need the moderators.
Lord_dragonito
01.03.12, 16:39
You are asking players about their experience with moderation... This is still not a discussion.
To make this a discussion please make the theme clear, give an objective and constructive opinion and then add a question that will frame the discussion.
Right now, by asking about people's past experience with moderation, you are encouraging players to complain about moderation... And I'll have to close this again if that happens.
BB_Azariel
Indeed BB_azariel,complaints about mods are not to be encouraged here ,this is not the right trea/place for it.alow me to say that since the day i started here,i can only say congratz to the moderating team and the BB team aswell.I am a admin myself and do also moderation on my own forum(nothing special;) this forum of mine )so i know wath time it needs and how to behave.No i think we dont need to discuss mod behavior here.That is something we do on support.
It's not an opinion Dweeble, just simple facts. If people followed the rules, we wouldn't need the moderators.
cos the only way to not break chat rules is not to use chat .. cos everything can be considered abusive or insulting to someone
Monkey_Man1123
01.03.12, 17:35
In the replies since, I'm still not seeing what the big issue here is? Am I just incredibly thick or missing the main post(s) on this?
Is everyone complaining that there are too many rules in Chat?
That there are rules at all in chat?
That the MODS are too strict when it comes to enforcing rules?
That the MODS are not consistent when it comes to enforcing the rules in chat?
or some combination?
I'm just not seeing anything that specifically lays out what the issue is. I hear people talking around it just complaining about rules in chat, but can't seem to get the information as to what specifically is the issue.
thanks and not trying to start a flame war or anything, just wanted the facts.
thx
I apologize if this has been asked/answered many, many times - but what specifically about the MODS and the chat system itself is the group (large or small) complaining about?
I generally just lurk in the chat while I wait for stuff to build..and what I generally see are these issues or "violations:"
- use English only in Global 1
- no cursing
- no talk about drugs
- don't be abusive/be "nice"
- Reminders to go to Global 7 for trade stuff
- Reminders to go to your Guild channel if you don't want to follow these rules (or something like that).
Other than that, what I generally see when I am on are a lot of very friendly conversations between all the players, many of which include the MODs.
So I'm guessing I am missing something here or am playing at the "wrong" time when these things happen that make all of these players so mad at the MODs/chat.
Any insight would be appreciated.
thx
I see no harm in correcting your peers as long as the correction is within the rules.
The wannabe MODs mostly exist because there are so many (unintentional and intentional) breaking the rules. Aspecially while MOD coverage at times is low.
Because the MODs are players and BBs have other work to do chats just dont get moderated 24/7.
Those voids attract wannabe mods just as much as it attracts players using the voids to break 1 or more rules. And once used to correcting your peers the habbit stays.
Thats is a lot of missinterpretations; If it was one, now and then, that did it, i would understand it, but halve a dozen? always the same wannabe's? What about the rules that they are baracking? span is forbiden, acording with the "rules", and what they do is span, but span in style. And those same wannabe's are the first to call "troll" to any rule bracking sod, in my book that word is an insult, wich by the way, it is also forbiden in the rules that they so happily implore. furder more, who are they to tell anyone off? that same lot of wannabe's when not on "extra offial duties (=pretending to be mods)", are constantly *hugging each other, and again, and againg. more span, ignoring everyone and desqualifying any one that dares not to follow they conversations, some one in this same thread, called them "stupids!" would you belive that?
If this lot is anything to do with the upcomin figure of "public speacker".....
DamianG
To prevent any futher "missinterpretations" as you call them. Please make your post more readable because i fail to see your point this time.
Is your referral to the public speaker aimt at me? Or in general?
the last sentence is a general fealling, meaning that with all these rules that some dont undertand and others dont want to listen to,and others ignore, we are going to have a lot of problems if the public speackers are going to fallow the same line.
why would i make any refernce at you? or anyone else.
K cool,
Well you quoted me, and i am prt of the public speaking group... So just wanted to check to be sure.
I thought posting a screenshot of the typical 5 minutes of Global-1 on the U.S. server where I also play would contrast just how good we have it here on the Northisle server.
The problem with that is it is filled with filthy, disgusting and offensive language. It is utterly depraved. That's not including the dozens of recruitment spams and trade spams. Not to mention the walls of text gibberish and religious/political arguments. I am sure that the Mods here would delete it if I posted it for you to see.
Believe me when I say, the Mod system here is a good thing for all, regardless of it's shortcomings.
We are a community of users, and as such we have a responsibility to each other.
Not everyone has the best people skills, but at least we can try.
You risk having a chat that is so depraved as to be unusable without moderation.
I bristle at being told what to do. Yet I accept the need for moderation.
BenFranklin
02.03.12, 01:10
Here is my thoughts on moderation, and BB thank you for leaving this here as it has become a discussion, and not a place to rant.
Moderation is required by law. In this case german law because BB is a german company. Now the mods are players, who are not paid , recieve a lot of bad rep, and very little thanks. They work for free to keep our chat pegi-7 which is the rating of this game. These guys work really hard.
Myself I would mod, but I would rather just play. I modded during my first tour to afghanistan for Ikarium where I was an It support spcialist for the US army. And no I am no hero. My best friend never went home from that tour. He was a hero, and nobody knows, he was unsung and untold. His name was James Finley and he was a good man.
The only way I would mod is if BB asked me to. I help people all day long, its what I do. But one does not need a banhammer, or in some extreme cases a Ban Nuke. To be helpful.
BB's and Mods Ty for all of your hard work.
As an older father of four, I quickly realized one thing....The mods on our server do a bloody good job of keeping the rules. They warn people all the time but they are ignored, then people get banned and the whinging starts.
As it stands I am in the process of setting my 8 year old up to play this game. There are many games out there for young children which we have stopped him playing, purely because the chat wasn't suitable.
This game has a young rating and as such will attract younger people. The value of having this so low is that it will attract a wider player base, and that can only be good for us all int he long run. The rating has never been hidden and you agreed to follow the rules when you started to play. Why should my child be exposed to swearing or general bad behavior, because you want to say something that isn't suitable for him.
On a regular basis I see the mods telling people to take it to other channels/whispers, but alas it seems even this is too difficult.
Come on folks stop all this nonsense. The Rules are there, you agreed to them when you started playing.
The MODs deserve nothing but our thanks and support. They do something that is not easy and are quite often abused for doing it.
If you want to talk rubbish, swear, insult people to your hearts content then keep it out of the main chat channels.
@qualan
I never played MOD for this game, but im told the MODs do have external tooling for the MOD job. But i also understand they get to watch all channels for more then 1 server. If I would be modding here i would object to this. To much stress. I prefer they would devide the channels (in practice they might just well be doing this i dont know).
Maybe even get MODs from Northisle to MOD Newfoundland and viseversa.
My argument was more that having a non playing account to mod would keep the player behind the mod out of the wind more- So you see Moderator a, b , c etc telling you something while u dont know it is player x , y, or z controlling it- so player x. y . z can play the game and interact without the added bagage of the mod title
My argument was more that having a non playing account to mod would keep the player behind the mod out of the wind more- So you see Moderator a, b , c etc telling you something while u dont know it is player x , y, or z controlling it- so player x. y . z can play the game and interact without the added bagage of the mod title
Yes, this would safe the player behind the MOD out of the wind. but ive seen constructions like this. Community tends to find out who is who. or 'accuse' a non related player to be MOD etc. Then the accusations of favoring friends and other paraonoid behaviour kicks in.
At a 1st glance yes that idea looks great. But expereience tells me it will backfire.
my experiences of the MOD's are very limited, but from watching chat i have to say some of the ones i have seen blur the line between being a player and being a MOD.
Two days ago i saw off-the-cuff remarks from one unnamed MOD as he entered the room, in my opinion - it showed a lack of respect of his position, the fellow players he is there to supervise, lack of professionalism and showed the specific MODs immaturity greatly.
Immediately upon entering the game, the MOD said good morning all and then threatened to ban someone within 10 seconds with the reason (as close as i can remember) "I've just woke up and not banned anyone yet so BE CAREFULL"....
This type of attitude, weather joking or not, is only acceptable if people are not paying to play the game, but the moment i invest real world time and money into something i expect a certain level of professionalism and respect from the people 'in-charge' - this doesn't cut it in my book.
Like i say, i'm not complaining, having a go or saying its like this all the time - but on my very limited experience, to see something so negative and childish doesn't show the company who creates this game in the best light.
When a game gets to a certain size, paid employees should be the only ones in charge of the community as they are bound by terms and service level agreements - not just how much time they can dedicate for free in their own free time.
(this is why community police in the UK will never have as much respect or power as paid police force - if you want a real world anecdote)
"I've just woke up and not banned anyone yet so BE CAREFULL"....
that's only one aspect of wannabe mods recruited from a player base .. when u think about all possibilities that can come from a too friendly friend of mod .. u can get to a total colaps ..
and the funny think is .. i can't make a screen and show it to all .. it has to be done in private , in silence over the support that to community will not loose faith in the player-MOD system .. this hostile environment is not good ...
I'm not against some sort of control over the world chats .. but has to be done at some level of professionality and control
i'm out of chats on R2 for a WEEK!! for a question that to mine knowledge was not against the Terms of Use .. and it looks that the chats will never return ^_^
@Balgra: similar behavior of one MOD was one of the reason, why I started to be angry! And that is why I started this discussion...
Interesting 2 postings before this one of mine ( would use the quote bit if I knew how!, but make to the point.
I saw the comment quoted and the mod at the time. The problem that is actually there is nothing to do with behaviour or attitude, but one of cultural misunderstanding and possibly that of a generational gap too.
I actually found the comment amusing - it appeals to my sense of humour, and I hasten to add, I can, now in the cold dissection of this thread see why people might have been offended by it. I am 99.99% sure that it was not meant in the threatening mode some actually took it.
One problem we obviously have, is although we are speaking a common language, we don't always mean what other people read into it. This must be particularly difficult for people who don't have English as their first language. I like many others do respect them and are impressed by their communication skills - so well done to them.
Now the problem - consider the phrase "I'll think about it" What does it mean? To most English, English speakers, it probably doesn't mean what is written at all - it becomes a polite way of saying forget about it, I'm not interested, and there in lies the problems in chat about the mods, I think.
Before becoming irate and taking the moral high ground, remember these simple rules - why is the mod doing these things - what has been going on in chat, often over a period of hours with the current chatters or others - is this past bringing something to a head? Stop and think about the language being used - I don't mean profanities etc. but perhaps the more subtle uses of English, say in humour, sarcasim or irony. And here we have a problem because of the the language barriers (sorry spelling!) and the mis-interruputation that can result.
The MODs do do a difficulut job, and I think they get it right almost all of the time. There are times when people can question their judgement and there is a system in place for that, and the simple answer is to use that system if you think you have been wronged.
No matter what you do, there will always be people who will argue against any sort of rulings and regulations, the system will never be perfect - I know I had these individuals for more years than I care to remember in secondary education - ther I was stuck with them and they with me! - here we all have a choice, in the same way that over 1/2 of my friends have voted with the off switch due to rule changes, those who can't cope with the MODs also have a very simple solution - don't log in, don't play, and if they have to play stay out of chat.
The Job of the mods should be keeping it civil. Allow no flamethrolls, no bullying, no racism etc etc.
Are the mods doing a good job? IMO no, they are not. They just hide behind 'the rules'. In fact they do allow bullying. The wannabe Mods who repeat every word of the mods and are too eager on pointing out 'the rules' to someone breaking them are in fact very sneaky throlls indeed. It is annoying.
I find the Mods and their nonsense rules very annoying and they have spoilt the game for me. I will no longer play this game because I was being banned unjustly. If this is how you treat customers then I choose not to play the settlers anymore.
The one rule should be respect. Just ban the ones that bully other people. Allow other languages than English. It's called GLOBAL CHAT!!! Lot's of people don't speak much English and cannot even understand the warnings of Mods to use only english aso they won't even understand why they are being banned.
Have a nice life.
I think it is important to shift the focus of the discussion slightly to highlight just what Mods have to contend with and how that could effect their attutudes.
The poster above me got it right I think when he said, "The MODs do do a difficulut job, and I think they get it right almost all of the time. There are times when people can question their judgement and there is a system in place for that, and the simple answer is to use that system if you think you have been wronged."
So yes, perhaps mistakes are made. There is a way to address those.
Let's not lose sight of the fact that the moderation is for the greater good.
I am also on the US server and will state again that is is horrible. Having that contrast allows me to more readily appreciate the Moderated chat here.
The onslaught of misbehavior will be never ending. That means some few of us will get caught up sometimes, perhaps unfairly, under the bans.
I am willing to take the risk if it means a more wholesome and enjoyable chat atmosphere. I like the chat and interacting with new people from Europe.
Zino, I would ask you what it is you need in order to be satisfied that your grievance has been addressed?
MODs suck the joy out of the chat and game. They often seem the bully's. And god they love their work. Enjoy moderating guys!
Someone mentioned the problem of non english in chat.
A small line of text reading: "english chat only please" or something similar as a small but noticeable heading in the chat window would make it clear to all members and remove some of the mod conflict when chat gets intervened, free up chat a little and keep it flowing. No debate, no reason to grumble, written in plain English.
I know it is clear in the T&C about english, but how many people in reality actually read them? Too busy itching to play a new game to scan through small print.
Just an idea.
------------
Only grumble I've had regarding a mod (can't remember who) was when some players in Global-1 were constantly using it to ask questions. I asked them to use the "help" chat instead.
A mod immediately posted and said "not your call nerb".
When there is no mod around even when requested then who's call is it? I wasn't rude, wasn't personal and was basically just trying to help. Seems the mod was caught napping and didn't like it.
Great way to strengthen the "us 'n them" mentality is it?
Most mods are OK but like any persona on the internet, what we type can reflect our mood at the time.
Have fun peeps.
--------------------------
edit to add: does anyone else find it funny that "Global" chat has to be in English. lol
MODs suck the joy out of the chat and game. They often seem the bully's. And god they love their work. Enjoy moderating guys!
This game (& life) is what you make it.
Chat is OPTIONAL and can be minimised and if mods are taking the joy out of the game then it is because you are letting that thought ruin things for you, it's not any mod. You play your game, not them.
Have fun.
The MODS should realise that people come to this site to have fun and play the game. They DON'T come here to enjoy the rules of Global chatroom. Being banned is a very negative experience and makes you hate the MODS and what they represent: The Settlers.
I suggest you consider changing the rules you have now into guidelines. Only ban the throlls, bullies and racists. (Let's start with the wannabe Mods. They are really annoying)
The English only rule has to go first. If a chinese guy calls me an idiot in chinese I won't be offended becase I don't understand chinese so what's the problem??? And if a certain language becomes very dominant ... just recruit MODS who speak that language. eh it's so simple.
The MODS should realise that people come to this site to have fun and play the game. They DON'T come here to enjoy the rules of Global chatroom. Being banned is a very negative expirience and makes you hate the MODS and what they represent: The Settlers.
Players should realize that you have to follow the appointed rules in order not to be moderated.
Toruko: I would like to point out that this game is a UK based project and that there are others just like it in other languages, like French and German for instance.
I'm all for debate and to question rules as well as authority. But! It has to be done in a constructive manner or all you get is a bunch unhelpful posts.
If you believe something got a bad setup or that the rules are wrong you have to offer an alternative that would work just as well or better.
Otherwise all you ask for is for the rules to be discarded, and we cant have that. Because some of the rules are imposed by federal laws.
Anarchy will not work as history have shown on so many occasions.
Can we please stop posting mere complaints and take it to the next level where we actually discuss a solution to whatever you all see as the issue/problem.
Can we please stop posting mere complaints and take it to the next level where we actually discuss a solution to whatever you all see as the issue/problem.
Would you like to discuss my earlier suggestion to the english language issue? I was hoping someone might comment.
I see no problem with it. It's a UK project meant for players who prefer an English speaking community.
As long as that base idea does not change, i will not have any issues with the rule.
As i posted earlier: The game is offered in other languages as well, If you have an issue with the English only here, you might be wise to go elsewhere.
next level
Actually there's a very simple solution to this little problem .. i could live without Orwell-modereted global 1 , if i had a place where i can speak and express mine opinion in mine language with "mine" people. I wrote that to Ravel a week ago ( he didn't even open it nor reply to it since )
So , Azariel posted that theres 30 chat channels .. why are there 30!!! all in english only !!!
so dedicate half of them , each to one language or similar languages , slightly moderated , the basic stuff what is in Terms of Use / §Rules of Conduct
add to ToC that thouse channels are not suited for minors, make them password protected, a window pops up after joining |Warning|, there are ways to satisfy the POSC.
or allow the creation of private channels where the master has rights to kick people from that channels or ban them for a short period of time from that and only that channel.
PS:
Maybe it is a UK project but it has a EU flag on the main page, so when i created mine account i in good faith thought that i was going to play on a international / European server , even the domain is .com , not .co.uk
If there was an international / European server i would love to play and spend mine money there ^_^
mine German isn't so good as it used to be, i can't speak french and russian , and finally i have something agains poland :-)
Maybe it is a UK project but it has a EU flag on the main page,
The majority of the European Community speaks English.
This server is dedicated to the English language.
Why is that so hard to understand?
You'd get the same argument on the French server, where French is the language and German is spoken on the German servers.
It doesn't matter what language is to be used, there will always be the minority that want it changed.
This server cannot handle any other language because the Admin staff and Moderators all speak English.
If you have to play on the English servers because it is more suitable to your needs than the (currently) German, French, Russian and Polish alternatives then you can set up a guild. Within your guild chat you may use whatever language you choose.
Why can't you say what you like, in any language you like, on the public channels? You may have noticed recently that there has been a large debate in many countries about the effect that changes to the laws governing the internet in several places, particularly the EU and the US, will have. Some of those proposed changes make any company hosting an internet chatroom much more accountable for managing the content of views expressed on their products, and there are already examples of companies being brought to trial under existing laws. The owners of Settlers Online may well prefer not to exert strong control over the chatrooms, but as a company feel that they leave themselves open to a significant legal and financial risk if they just ignore it. Unpaid volunteer moderators may apply a slighly inconsistent approach to maintaining control of the chatrooms but fully staffing the chatrooms with paid staff 24/7 could easily turn a modestly profitable game into a financial loss and lead to it being closed permanently. I'd rather not see that happen.
Why is that so hard to understand?
sorry to be born in a non-english speaking country, and be born in a year and state system when was allowed to learn rusian only :'(
@Lymond,
politicians are scared what may happen if too much people talk too openly ?
anyway the reason why the chats are so controlled has to do something with the POSC:CoC Article 9 Content and Protection of Minors
anyway ..
Back to topic
DISCUSSION about behavior of moderators!
The chat was moderated before PEGI issued a rating and gave Settlers a lower age rating than expected. Responsibility for the content of sites you host is set in international legislation, not voluntary online codes of conduct applicable to video games.
If you are russian what is wrong with using http://www.thesettlersonline.ru/ru ?
I give up. The MODS are just not listening.
And the majority of Europe does NOT speak English. Go and travel through Europe and you'll find out.
And the majority of Europe does NOT speak English. Go and travel through Europe and you'll find out.
Correct, But the majority of the Europeans this server is aimed at DOES!
I give up. The MODS are just not listening.
Seems they are, but they refrain from voicing them selves as it's clear that they in turn would not be listened to.
I fail to understand what your problem with the rules of this server stem from.
As i have pointed out earlier. If the English language don't suit you, go to a server that does and your problem would be solved.
This is a Discussion, not a banter.
So Toruko, please quit whining and be constructive.
Toruko, your not my customer, i am a player myself.
And i have been reading this post a few times now and not once have you presented a proper suggestion or tried to improve on the current system. Hence, whining!
My previous thread stated the need to understand your issue with the English only rule.
You are breaking one of the carnal rules for having this thread open to the public.
Be constructive about your issues or be silent (i roughed it up some i know).
To me it looks like you are angry because you got banned breaking the rules and refuse to accept it.
Would you mind enlightening the readers as to why you "nerd rage (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Nerd%20Rage)" on the MOD's, Rules and players asking others to keep it within the guidelines given from the ToC/EULA/Rules?
This is a Discussion, not a banter.
So Toruko, please quit whining and be constructive.
I seriously doubt i'd be left as a MOD if i were one, talking to BlueByte's/UBI's customers in that manner.
I'm going to write a letter of complaint about the Mods and Admin to the creators/owners of the Settlers. I would advice everyone who has been banned unjustly or find their behaviour unprofessional to do the same.
Admin I DARE you to delete this post. (Make my point.)
The MODS and Admin telling you to be constructive is another way of tellling you to kneel before your dictator.
Closing this again as it is a complaint and not a discussion.
THIS IS THE PROBLEM HERE. We don't have the right to complain!!!! We don't have the right to feel angry and upset when we are unjustly banned. The MODS don't even try to understand our feelings. I would be surprised if one of them has reached the age of 15.
Toruko, you just keep confirming my point...
Stop shooting yourself in the foot, no-one is interested in a complaint thread as this has devolved into.
Complain to the ones who can do something (Blue Byte and ubisoft) instead of yelling on a public forum.
IF this thread is closed it's because you cannot adhere to simple advice and structure.
No matter how much you claim closing threads which break the rules are a dictatorship and were all fascists it will always remain your own fault for not questioning the authorities and rules in a manner we all can appreciate and benefit from!
THIS IS THE PROBLEM HERE. We don't have the right to complain!!!! We don't have the right to feel angry and upset when we are unjustly banned. The MODS don't even try to understand our feelings. I would be surprised if one of them has reached the age of 15.
Yes you do, complain all you want by sending a support ticket to the people who run this game.
Posting on the forum is pretty redundant as you get no staff support aside from BB forum admins and a few MOD's.
And these cant help you with your complaints.
NOW do you see why were all on your case?
If I can't 'complain' about the MODS behaviour then there's nothing to discuss....
Point is I COULD choose to click away global chat and just play the Settlers but i WON'T because I'm OFFENDED by the Mods and their behaviour. If you would go to a shop and people that work there tell you you are fat. You don't go to that shop anymore. You go to another shop instead.
Yeah but in our shop we have rules. We must tell people they are fat when they are fat. Rules are rules. Yeah right and I'll just go to another shop and you're shop is going bankrupt if you go on like that.
I'm not shooting myself in my foot. I allready decided NOT TO PLAY the settlers anymore. I'm just hoping the Mods are going to see the big mistake they are making by banning people too easily and thus piss people of and make them hate the Settlers. I really do like the game The Settlers but I'm ABSOLUTELY NOT going to play it anymore if the people who represent the Settlers are acting like this and OFFEND me.
I'm giving the MODS a change to convince me to keep playing the Settlers and at least have them trying to understand us the players. They don't have to agree just listen for once. Understand why we are upset and annoyed by them using their 'banhammer' and hiding behind their rules wich nobody understands.
Toruko: Case and point made.
In fact the only thing you've done so far is say that you consider other players who uphold the rules for the greater good of all (Mod's and regular players) act badly.
You have yet to actually voice a real complaint.
There is no complaint about any moderator or player.
There is no improper behavior or oppressive rule pointed out.
In fact, the only thing you do is mouth about unclear issues.
So, how in gods vast universe would you want anyone to respond other than to ask you to stop whining and get constructive?
After 7 posts on your behalf since i asked what the issue is, i'm still without an answer..
This will be my last try to understand whats going on. In no post have i acted out of bounds, been unclear or unfair (from my perspective naturally)
If you cannot have a discussion but simply want to rave wildly without anyone else having opinions about it, start a blog and lock the comments.
Scrooge
You are a very sneaky flamethroll indeed. My compliments. But unfortunately for you I'm in full control. Your last comment is the last push eh? WHAHAHAHA. You expect me to rant another 10 comments or so? Is that the plan? I admire your skills.
You keep upholding THE RULES and KISS THE MODS ARSES and you'll be allright.
You got to love him....
But you're probably the webmaster using another account.
In my opinion this thread stays open on the good graces of our previous posters.
So, lets try to go back to the discussion.
We got of subject a good while ago from the Moderators behavior, and backseat moderating to bans.
I have given it some thought and come to the conclusion that it's working at this moment.
It's working, but can be improved upon (greatly).
First of all we as a player base do not know what guidelines the moderators are given - even tho it might bring forth a bunch of unsolicited issues i strongly believe it will solve more problems if it were made unveiled than keeping it from the public.
Secondly i would like to see the Bans made appear in the chat system (server message) and the reason behind it. It will give the banned the moderators reason for banning and warn the public about improper behavior.
Onward to the moderators interaction with the public.
I believe the issue needed to be solved here are the illusions of the players who expect anything than human reactions from them.
The 'English only' rule is questioned to the point where not acting in a preemptive manner is starting to look more and more stupid.
Seriously Azariel, whats happening?
Have a publication made clarifying it outside of the forum posts! at Signup/verification email have the rules and a byline informing players of the translated versions of TSO and where to find them! (make sure to summerize it and link to the full EULA/ToS)
And FYI Toruko, I might have trolled you along a bit by accident.
Forum Troll (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet))
Flamer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flaming_(Internet))
There you go, have a nice read.
looks like it is time for this thread to be closed. Too much ranting and no real solutions
before they do close it i want to make my points clear
I am a foreigner language speaker. I dont see any problem in falowing the "only english" rule, i understan that now and then some one will pop in chat using any other language (mostly to ask if there is anyone that speack their language, i must add) what i dont understand is why after been told no to, they continue.
Bans may be a bit harsh, why dont instead give the mods a mute option? I never been banned so i dont realy know if muting is the same as ban. In any case " mute" sound better than "ban".
I am on favor of keeping the moding as it is now, maybe a bit training included. As i have said before, yes they do make mistakes. but who dosent?
The other alternative will be a chat where you pay your way (ie: evony. each sentence cost a speacker, you get some speackers at the begining, so you get going, and after that you have to buy the right to speack. only whispers and clans are free of charge). If you have to pay to speack soon the span will desapear, no more "would be mods", yippy!!
The "caps of" is a great idea, i aprove it totaly, except that they make exceptions. as far as i know some words are allowed, like LMAO, LOL..and that stuff, i dont see a reason why this is so. To many non english natives those things dont mean anything at all, all they see is a word (or words) writen in caps, so they get the feelling the rules can be brocken or twisted. so get rid of tese allowances, after all they are not needed.
To finnish:
keep the mods, keep it clean, keep it free.
Make the rules easier to follow and understand and in all posible langages
stop the ranting and take your isues to suport, where they belong.
get rid of the "would be mods". that is a must.
@DamianG
i'm been "muted" for 9 days now .. u get to the point that the game is actually not playable , u have to make everything your self .. its not different from a offline game. too bad that i can't cheat mine way true it ^_^
A little bashing the mods could help .. cos whats better, to sort it out on a server level, or wait to all the wrongly banned/muted players start spamming the BBs at home and some heads might roll later .
But what do i know what the BBs in Dusseldorf are thinking ^_^
10 pages or so, the thread started off questioning the mods behaviour or such like. In the last 5 pages pages, or so the thread has descended into a series of rants.
Right guys, how do the grwon ups cope with it? Well simple really - Realise that the mods are humans and individuals, just like us. Just like us they see rules and guidelines and just like usdo act differently to them - in their case interpreting them and then either imposing or not imposing sanctions. The trick is to get consistency - as you should ALL agree this is very difficult - remember being at school and how some teachers were consistent and others weren't! - NOT how strict they were! - So how did we cope with it, well some adapted for the inconsitenticies and had a reasonable time. Others didn't make the effort and made life unpleasent for the teacher and the rest of the class (read MOD and chat population for that).
They moaned because they got into trouble all the time, saying it wasn't fair, and why me?
Well if you're grownup, you take note of these things and work with them, not against them. You notice which mods are online and you remember how they react and you make sure that act sensibly.
If you're not mature, but someone with a chip on their shoulder and don't see the need to conform in this environment, then rather than question how the MODs try to make a fun atmosphere, then perhaps the game is not for you and you should move on.
The actions of the powers to be have caused me to loose around 1/2 the people on my friends list. I followed the set down procedure about making a complaint and got a reply. As far as I am concerned, that episode is now finished and in the past - life goes on. - Stop being so bitter and twisted about things - a mature person makes sure that he/she doesn't do what was perceived to be wrong again - a child or petulant teenager keeps riling - grow up.
As I said earlier, the MODs mainly get it right - try to help them get it right more often.
10 pages or so, the thread started off questioning the mods behaviour or such like. In the last 5 pages pages, or so the thread has descended into a series of rants.
You call it rants. I call it honestly expressing my feelings. I feel just as upset about being unjustly banned as the topicstarter.
This website is a GAME. We should have FUN. But me and lots of others are feeling UNHAPPY because those who host the site are NOT creating an HAPPY ATMOSPHERE.
Why do bans last 666 minutes? This makes me really not want to play the Settlers anymore if it's run by satanists.
BB_Azariel
05.03.12, 09:55
Thank you for your feedback guys (even if for some it was more a question of venting their frustration than giving feedback)!
I've read it all and I'm going to address some of the major issues you've mentioned here in the next few days. Some of these you probably won't see publicly, but for others, you'll get a clear indication on the forum (FYI, look out for some major changes in the channels).
Toruko: your way of handling things is appalling and the more threats and comments players make like this, the less credit I give them. Please make a special effort to stay civil, polite and constructive when asking for a major change/rectification.
BB_Azariel
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