Public Apology, Re: Recently

[Loxmardin]

Hello everyone. I find it midly ironic that I recently made a blog post about apologizing and doing so effectively, since I'll be the one doing so publicly for the Overseers.

The recent promotion of Forum Helpers was a very rushed decision on our part. I plead a lot of guilt in pushing it forward so fast since we were doing the Trial GM promotions at the same time and felt rushed (and overly excited, perhaps). Our bad, entirely, and we went forward with the promotions without consulting the rest of the staff to the extent that we should've. It was our mistake, and we sincerely apologize for it. We will learn from this experience and not repeat the same mistake again.

We have heard many complaints either directly or by proxy following the recent promotions and it has supposedly damaged the overall faith that people have in the staff as a whole. First of all, I would like to remove the blame from the GMs, since the hasty decision was our fault (and mostly mine). I do ask that people keep their opinions to themselves and give the candidates a fair chance. You're not always going to like the people who are promoted to staff, and if any real problems should arise between you and them... You tell us. Or the big red guys, if you can't approach the Overseers or the GMs about it. The choices of the staff aren't always going to be the most popular, but we ask that people keep an open mind and give the benefit of the doubt.

And that you, if you have problems with people, report it when it happens and don't count on others to deliver your reports for you. We don't see or hear everything, as much as we'd sometimes like to. When something happens, report it, and don't wait until, say, a promotion happens to come forward and tell us about how bad they are and all the things they did that we've never heard of before. Report when the incidents occur, or don't be surprised when people aren't reprimanded earlier.

All that aside... In light of this, we will be reviewing the way that we recruit our Forum Helpers to rework the system and prevent something like this from happening again. We know that we made a mistake and we are going to take the steps we need to ensure that it won't be repeated. We apologize for the troubles that this has caused, any hurt feelings or damaged bridges. Know that we know and strive to improve and fix it, and give our new staffers the fair chance they definitely deserve.

Love,
Loxmardin & Reigen

[Sorum]

You are still humans.

[Delta]

Not sure that I understand what prompted this. I'm cringing a bit for the sake of the Forum Helper being apologised for, and because those who complained about him might have unwittingly named themselves here.

Can we ask what happened?

[WindZealot]

To my knowledge, there was an issue concerning the choice of one of the forum helpers. I'm unaware how, but this somehow led to one of my best friends on the server getting banned…again.

[Xigo]

I forgive you. But mark my words GM team. If you disturb my roleplay again, I will destroy you.

@Delta and friends. That's probably being kept confidential out of some sort of respect towards the folks who have been flipping out. Generally apologies don't include finger pointing.

All we're probably going to know (and be able to deduce) is that some people (and one recently banned chap) flipped tables over recent additions to the staff.

Though I honestly think they should be the ones apologizing.

[Delta]

That's what I assumed, but with no context, this is a very cryptic announcement to the people who have nothing to do with any relevant party. I'm not asking for names, dates, logs, and a public hanging, it's just... a little bit confusing.

[Loxmardin]

It wasn't one isolated complaint that lead up to this announcement, but the details are intentionally vague for the sake of people involved. If you've any questions about it, it's better to come to us and ask in private than humour a rumour mill. Of course, I can't guarantee particularly informative answers depending on who asks and about what, since some things just aren't up to us to share.

[Edgar]

Don't you dare beat yourselves up about this, you nubs. You're awesome, and awesome people still make mistakes.

[Rae]

(and one recently banned chap) flipped tables over recent additions to the staff.

Though I honestly think they should be the ones apologizing.

If you have something to say to me, say it to my face. I can see more then you think. All I want are the specifics on why I was re-banned, not to start an argument.

Anyway, have a good one you lot!

-Kage

P.S. Don't message my account. I can't look at the messages x3

Er oops. Something I forgot. GMs, don't loose the reports. I know that a couple of mine weren't ever jotted down and then dismissed because you had forgotten to add them to your folder. Yes, we need to make reports, but you should also remember to write them down.

[raerae]

I'd like to note for posterity that while they are borrowing my name, I have no idea who the above post is...

[Harmonic]

Sounds like.

Blah blah Orwellian blah blah CoTH is bad blah blah.

Sorry, but it's not as bad as everyone says. This is coming from an oldie that was banned and came back without having problems, and as someone that's seen both sides of the fence.

I guess people have to find something to whine about.

[Grakor456]

Simply a disagreement on how we handle bans. Some people want a detailed list of infractions, while we value protecting our current players by not revealing names and specific incidents.

No need to throw jabs at banned players. Just makes things worse. Best to just move on and let things go.

[Aisha]

There, there. We still love you guys, am I right?

It's only normal that some people may be upset with certain decisions. There will always be those whose opinion differs and it's okay as we are all different. The important thing is to be polite and clear with your opinion and not bash someone because they gave you a bad look and if you don't have anything constructive to say it is best to stay quiet and not spark drama. I agree that everyone deserves a chance, who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised.

If there's anything I learned in 5 years here it is to stay open minded. It proved useful in the long run. So thank you guys from the staff, I personally still love you just as much as before and thank you for being so open and honest.

P.S. Typed from phone so sorry for any mistakes.

[Xigo]

(and one recently banned chap) flipped tables over recent additions to the staff.

Though I honestly think they should be the ones apologizing.

If you have something to say to me, say it to my face. I can see more then you think. All I want are the specifics on why I was re-banned, not to start an argument.

Anyway, have a good one you lot!

-Kage

P.S. Don't message my account. I can't look at the messages x3

Er oops. Something I forgot. GMs, don't loose the reports. I know that a couple of mine weren't ever jotted down and then dismissed because you had forgotten to add them to your folder. Yes, we need to make reports, but you should also remember to write them down.

Hold on then mate. Ill find a picture of you.

[Vladdy]

It's all good on my part. I myself like these new folk on the staff, so I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.