Selvarian {IMC}
Cadet
Joined: August 18, 2001
Posts: 1242
From: GA, USA
|  Posted: 2001-10-09 23:59
New Moderators
- The first step should be to determine the various roles moderators fulfill in order to determine the number of moderators necessary for the proper functioning of DarkSpace. It was suggested that enough moderators may already exist to fill all necessary roles and then some.
- The new Moderator selection process should consist of some sort of player and/or moderator sign-up/nomination and feedback form on the web site. This could include a rating system for existing mods as well. However, outright democratic elections as a sole determining factor were, for the most part, rejected. This feedback process would provide necessary information to PaleStar, who would then make the final determination on whether to grant/remove moderator status based on all available information. Players could also be encouraged to utilize the feedback system to provide positive feedback on moderators who do an exceptional job.
- Certain specific criteria were suggested concerning the selection of new moderators: such as time zones, languages, et cetera.
- A suggestion was made that a possible system for accepting new Moderators would be for 3 existing moderators to nominate another player. Concerns were raised that clan members (who were already moderators) could abuse this process by nominating more of their members, thus "polluting the pool". Such may only be an issue if the process was automated or even if it was manual, if it involved little more than "rubber-stamping" nominations. Another suggested solution to this problem would be to only allow 1 vote per clan.
- It was suggested that potential moderators be put on a list which would be examined by current moderators, who would recommend some of the players on the list to be endorsed ultimately by PaleStar. A side note was added that the administrators could create the list from those players offering to become moderators. As time goes on, Moderators with more seniority may be asked about the performance of the newer Moderators.
- A suggestion was made to discuss potential Moderators in the weekly Moderator meeting.
- It was asked if the existing Moderators had any issues with revealing their real name, age, et cetera to the other Moderators and Administrators.
- A point was made that there may be a significant number of "bad" [ineffective, inactive? -Ed] Moderators at this point.
- Citing concerns about the level of responsibility of younger players, a minimum age for moderators was discussed. Suggestions ranged from 13 to 18 years of age.
- A suggestion was made concerning the addition of an "away" command in the chat room, so that those players / staff who are logged in, but "away from keyboard" could easily signify such with some sort of obvious indicator. This would allow other chat room participants to ascertain the fact that the player / staff member in question would not respond to questions or other prompting at the present time.
- Suggestions were made concerning using color-coding of the person icons and/or chat text based on several criteria: role (webmaster, news poster, faq checker), newbie status (orange), moderators (white) . In addition, moderator chat text while in a game should stand out (color: green,white, blue, red?), like before, and should be carried across the special ("/yell","/faction") commands as well.
- Alternately, a number could be posted by the name of each person in the chat room (or in the game) which gives the length of time (in days?) that a user has been registered in DarkSpace. This would allow Moderators to get a [very -Ed] basic idea of the player's skill level, allowing Moderators to tailor their responses based on this information.
- An issue concerning Moderators "poweridling" in the lobby and doing little, if anything, to help players with questions/issues was brought up.
- A point was made that Moderators should make a sincere effort to keep up-to-date with current changes.
- A suggestion was made concerning the creation of a special "Newbie Chat Room" where moderators can commit to staffing at certain times.
- The subject of newbie "companions" was brought up, where a Moderator acts a a tutor/mentor for one or more newbies, demonstrating how to play DarkSpace, much like an interactive tutorial. [I am interested in teaching an "Advanced Engineering" class on a fairly regular schedule, for example - Ed]
- The creation of a public list of Moderators with their ICQ number and conversant languages was suggested.
- The idea of "dividing" [categorizing? -Ed] Moderators into groups on the basis of specific areas of knowledge each possesses was brought to light. The concept is to help players identify Moderators who may most likely know an answer to a particular question about a problem with the game or about the game itself. Moderators who have a broad base of knowledge could be designated "General Moderators". This should have no effect on how any particular Moderator responds to a player's questions; it is intended only to aid players in selecting the correct person towards which they should direct their questions. If a moderator is asked a question to which they do not know the answer (i.e., is not within their specific "area of knowledge"), or are not sure of the answer, then they should (if possible) direct the player to the best possible location/person to find the answer, or attempt to answer the question while impressing on the player their uncertainty about the accuracy of the answer. Nothing more can be expected of a Moderator, excepting courtesy and patience in the delivery of such an answer.
- Captnsmooth offered to develop a Moderator help list, which will enumerate the basic steps Moderators can take in helping players with different questions.
- It was suggested that a field be added to the player profile which allows the player to list the languages in which he or she is conversant.
- In the meantime, until a system for the procurement of new Moderators is established, recommend any players with good moderator potential to Sunshine. Sunshine will also be making an effort to cull poorly performing / inactive moderators from the list on an ongoing basis. [Perhaps inactivity / deficiency criteria for moderators needs to be established as well? -Ed]
_________________
Selvarian
Prime Engineer
Caitian Defense Corps
Founding Member - Interstellar Mercenary Corps
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