Community Moderators

I don't see a tread on this yet so, I'd like to know what you all think about it, and who you'd choose for a CM if you had the choice.
I just feel that we should have some input since how we are the ones who's been playing this game for years now, and know how people act when they get upset or frustrated. lol.. we don't need angry kids with hammers running around.

Personally I don't like the idea at all, but I kinda saw this day coming. I guess if I would nominate anybody it would probably be Melorr. As far as i know she's not guild bias, she knows global better than anybody, and therefore knows how to sift the jokesters from the trouble makers.

I really hope this doesn't turn into a PvP CM guild battles, and I don't really trust anybody who 'wants' this power. I find it disturbing.

So, what do you all think?

it seems the company has given up. it probably won't be too long before they axe one of the US servers

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Originally Posted by G_F_M

it seems the company has given up. it probably won't be too long before they axe one of the US servers

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yup. much less mod activity, lack of real contests, creation of CLs and chat mods...these things show that settlers is broke and/or losing money and is being abandoned. i checked out the soccer event on test and there seems to be a trend in the game towards focusing on the players who spend big money. this means the game will likely be around for awhile longer, but will become less enjoyable for free players and those who only occasionally put money into it. there are a few other ubisoft games that have gone this route retaining few casual players while keeping the 'whales' to pay for upkeep and maint, etc.

I personally do not see the need for "volunteer mods". Ive been around many internet chat forums and (Ares) is one of if not the best mannered forum Ive seen. However having said that there are obviously disruptions on occaisions and the player base needs a place to go to for "quick" help.
But having the power in the hands of someone "looking for power and recognition" (or a wannabe as I call them) seldom works. At least with the CL job description you could make a case that they will have some real responsibilities but you cant do that with the "chat mods".

Aqua-Dogs statement "I really hope this doesn't turn into a PvP CM guild battles, and I don't really trust anybody who 'wants' this power. I find it disturbing. "
hits the nail right on the head. An example already in the game is guild leaders. So many want to be a leader but so many fail.

I don't really see the need to have designated "chat mods". I thought this was one of the duties of the CLs seeing as they have more direct contact with the BBs. Beyond the normal /report function. But even before the CL program there have been players (myself included) that try to moderate the chat rooms a little. Such as reminding players not to post trade offers in help tab.

I mailed to ask questions but no response yet but the idea of some of these people having that power disturbs me. The BB's don't know any of us well enough, especially since they are rarely here anymore, to choose one that wont play favorites somehow or another. I already see with CL's some have gotten "big heads" and/or arent here either. Also a couple that don't like conflict therefore refuse to deal with issues. If this program goes thru and I have to listen to certain people on a power trip I will take what little money I have elsewhere. I find this whole idea pretty disturbing as do most of you I notice:)

not sure what FinderWyvernspur thought the CL program was, but i knew when i voted for CL that they did not have anymore power compared to a regular player. I think that BB needs to choose the volunteer chat mods wisely (more than they did the CLs, no offense). I think that the decision of who becomes the volunteer chat mods will make or break this game.

I'm against this idea, and here's why.

I've been a volunteer chat mod on 2 games, because I loved the games and wanted to keep the disruptor trolls out of chat. I rarely had to formally warn or ban people, other than the occasional 'i came here to offend people' multi accounts. Yet the experience as a whole was very difficult.

You're caught in the middle, expected to uphold the rules as unbiased as possible, yet hated by players for being an enforcer. I tried my best to be fair, listen to both sides and help resolve disputes, ask people nicely to stop what they're doing in chat. Even when you word things very carefully, players don't like being called out, even in whisper, for any reason. If it's a game employee, that's one thing. But if it's another player...the player mod is going to be accused of bias no matter what they do.

Even the most well intentioned player...is still a player. We enjoy the game and are loyal for various reasons, which include social ones. Every single player has friends, and has people they may not like or that may not like them. We've probably all made mistakes or had misunderstandings along the way. That's human nature. How could any player NOT be accused of playing favorites, no matter how hard they try to be fair?

I don't think BB realizes the situation they're wanting to put players in. The CL are expected to help people, don't have ban powers, and they catch flack from other players. How much worse will it be for player mods?

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Originally Posted by psaltery

The CL are expected to help people, don't have ban powers, and they catch flack from other players. How much worse will it be for player mods?

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This is a very good point, however, as the new chat mod I offer to:

1. Rarely be around
2. Stay out of global-1
3. Occasionally troll and tell people to shut the front door
4. Refrain from banning anyone

Thank you for your votes.

Well the way I see it is that they are preparing to have the BB's play a much smaller role cause our severs are not making enough money to support them. That being said I think CM's 'will' happen, for better or worse, (probably worse) and we won't have a choice in this. But we might be able to help them pick who they will chose to be CM if we nominate somebody. But even this could be guild bias/ favoritism... idk

I agree with what psaltery said...

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I don't think BB realizes the situation they're wanting to put players in. The CL are expected to help people, don't have ban powers, and they catch flack from other players. How much worse will it be for player mods?

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...but this is something that I feel 'will' happen, and we should try our best to get the right person for the job or we're all going to be screwed :(

I also agree that this is a bad idea....a very bad idea. Too many personal agendas, personal rivalries, guild rivalries and people that are just "that kind of person" that wants to tell everyone else what to do. If it happens and one of those people manage to be appointed as a chat mod I PROMISE that I will take my money (yes, I buy gems with real dollars ;-) ) and find another game to play.

That's just it, Dirkjon, even people with the best intentions and who try to be fair, would still have to tell someone 'no' or 'please stop it' at some point. Which can then be viewed as 'that kind of person.' Its a no-win situation.

Varies on the chat moderator, but they could quickly become the most reviled person on the server.

^ what if they already are? ;)

CL's (Community Leaders) Duties are not to moderate the tabs at all. We just report to the BB's what we see if someone violates the CoC or ToS. You shouldn't think that we are the same as Mods because we don't have any powers all we got is Green Letters.

I really, really, hope bb reconsiders this, in any form. its a VERY bad idea, and looking at those who have signed up so far, it even stinks more. BB please spend 1/1000th the cash u got from gem sales recently and HIRE A PROFESSIONAL. Do not, please, fall into this idea thinking its at ALL a good, wise plan. It is NOT.

The people who sign up, are honestly, a nice list of people who should be banned permanently from TSO. Just saying. (Anyone who knows most of the ppl on the list can agree that the ones recognized should not have ANY moderation abilities - but then again, judging from the reactions/actions of some of the BB's ive met ingame, maybe this is just 'more of the same'!)

I really hope they implemented this idea. This is a disaster waiting to happen. Its gonna be fun watching the fallout from this on G1. I mean what could go wrong with players modding other players right? 50% of this game is global chat, whats gonna happen when no one goes to global cause of mods?

I would really like to see the list of players lined up for this. More lurkers/scammers/and the "I'm better than you" crowd. Well to all that appy i wish you luck and a flat tire on a desserted highway with the runs. MUHAHAHAHAHAHAA

I applied for moderator, I was a moderator in yahoo chat and also at cybertown.com if anyone remembers that community. I have been trained on how to moderate chat without overpowering the chat. I think the goal should be to deal with trolls and help teach them the proper way a community should function and act amongst each other without ever stopping an actual good conversation. A good moderator should very rarely need to use moderation tools if he/she just takes a conversation to whisper and has a quick conversation.

I cant promise to be the best at adventures, or even the game.. but I can promise to be fair, to not go crazy with the chance to help out and to do my best to promote the community we have.

I hope that explains it...

You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk?

There is nothing against the rules if someone is trolling...

I'm one of those crazy people who believe that we don't need mods anyway. We already have censors so we are just as good as any cable network if not better, and if we're worried about the young people; well, with the internet, they already have access to all the filth the world can throw at them. Sheltering people doesn't make them stronger, and how can anybody in a chat window of some internet game really have enough power over you to make you quit playing, or affect your self-esteem?
I say bring it all and life will go on, but elect CM's and watch it die. This game mostly attracts adults anyway so I'm sure 99% of the time everything will be perfectly ok, and if you allow the 1% to bother you then that is only a reflection of your own weakness. This is a game, not some religious site, grow up and deal with it, cause real life is certainly worse than some pixels on a MMO game site.

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Originally Posted by Pochucker

You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk?

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you bet pilgram

what list is someone yammering about?

Self moderate........./ignoreadd is the best way to moderate your chat if someone is being disruptive. No need for a Chat Mod.

Chat mods are definitely not what this game needs. There is no reason for it. There isn't much spamming any more on global. Use the CL's or hire a professional and stop trying to get your work done for free.

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Originally Posted by brockb86

I have been trained on how to moderate chat without overpowering the chat. I think the goal should be to deal with trolls and help teach them the proper way a community should function and act amongst each other without ever stopping an actual good conversation.

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yikes

Hey Settlers,

Complaints have been heard. Questions have been raised. I do appreciate the respectful nature of this thread and as long as it stays respectful, we will continue answering as many questions as we can. Ultimately, all of the program details will unfold themselves in the coming weeks.

Our intention is not to create an over-moderated environment. The volunteer moderators will work closely with our GM staff to promote a more positive community. They will have a protocol to work from and there will be consequences for not following that protocol. Additionally, moderation will be done anonymously so we can separate the mods from any friendships or alliances.

This program is a direct response to the community requests for more moderation. We want to give you, the community, more ownership of your environment. The other regions have used volunteer moderators since the launch of the game. We have held off until now after taking lots of feedback into consideration.

Our community leaders should be helping with community building and projects and should not be responsible for chat topics gone awry. Having volunteer moderators will allow the CL’s to concentrate on more varied projects for the community, which we hope will become more evident in the near future.

Do not worry about Blue Byte staff picking moderators without knowing how they have contributed, or not, in the past. There are only a few slots open for moderators and the selection process a lengthy one. We have access to every chat message, in game mail, and forum post that has ever been made by players and will be reviewing these before making our final choices. We are looking for moderators which are unbiased, objective, and reasonable.

Yours Truly,
Susu, SoSeriously, Sus, Me.

BB_Susurrously has been working very hard putting together the community Moderator program. She has put safeguards in place to assure that the new Mods are regulated. I think the idea is great. It will free up the BBs to do tickets and other things. As a CL I see the need for more support in game and I welcome that.

oh...even better....we wont know who the mods are? Players that might deviate a little and get back inside the rules structure when told by a BB will now have no warning, simply a mail and a ban.

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Originally Posted by Draconus2004

oh...even better....we wont know who the mods are? Players that might deviate a little and get back inside the rules structure when told by a BB will now have no warning, simply a mail and a ban.

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You will not just be anonymously banned or sanctioned. We are not just giving powers to random people, there is a long and vigorous process that we will constantly monitor to ensure all BB policies and procedures are being followed. As Susu explained should any of our moderators abuse or misuse their given abilities we will consequence them properly to ensure we are upholding a standard that has a beneficial impact the community.

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Originally Posted by BB_Susurrously

moderation will be done anonymously so we can separate the mods from any friendships or alliances.

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So this means that 'we won't know' if they are being bias.. right?

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Originally Posted by BB_Susurrously

This program is a direct response to the community requests for more moderation.

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Who?!?!.. Where?!?!

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Originally Posted by BB_Susurrously

Having volunteer moderators will allow the CL’s to concentrate on more varied projects for the community

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It seems that most the CL's I see are kept in the dark about any new developments or projects for the community. I think an example of these 'projects' is in order.

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Originally Posted by BB_Susurrously

We have access to every chat message, in game mail, and forum post that has ever been made by players and will be reviewing these before making our final choices. We are looking for moderators which are unbiased, objective, and reasonable.

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Wow, your going to read every chat, in game mail, and forum post? That does sound like a lengthy processes. No, but seriously Susurrously, this sound like a politician trying to convince the masses to agree with a policy that they don't need, don't want, and will never benefit from. Good luck, but I certainly hope that your choice of community mods has better discernment of rules with regards to their intended purpose than your staff.

Just wanted to thank the BB's and CL's for their input on this thread. I am a concerned player but I do wish you all the best in choosing the right person for the job, if this is something that 'will' happen.

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Originally Posted by BB_Susurrously

This program is a direct response to the community requests for more moderation. We want to give you, the community, more ownership of your environment. The other regions have used volunteer moderators since the launch of the game. We have held off until now after taking lots of feedback into consideration.

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Im not saying your lying here but I've never heard anyone in the community say, "Hey wouldn't it be great if we had more Moderators". I've heard people complain all the time about lag and pvp but never Moderators. I think global already moderates themselves pretty good. And like some one already said in here people can self moderate with ignore add.

We don't doubt your ability to self-moderate when necessary, but since chat moderation was removed the Support team has received an inordinate amount of chat moderation tickets. Although players may be enjoying the unmoderated Wild West that chat has become, it is clearly not working for some players. Our responsibility is to protect these players.

The intention was never to allow the chat to go unpoliced for any period of time, but due to various reasons that is exactly what happened. We understand that a majority of those that play TSO adhere to the chat rules, but due to the PEGI rating of the game and the widely-varying age ranges of players within the game, we must have chat moderation.

Please keep in mind that our intention here is not to place unreasonable standards on chat. We must adhere to PEGI7 standards and must moderate based on the idea that children ages 7 and older should be able to play the game without experiencing inappropriate content.

Players are still welcome to talk amongst themselves in other chat rooms or via whisper. As long as players using the standard chat rooms adhere to the policies outlined within the Code of Conduct, the moderators will not exert an over-extensive presence. However, they will be there to stop and curtail chat which breaks the Code of Conduct and ensure that all players, of all ages, can play and enjoy the game without encountering inappropriate chat or being subjected to harassment.

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Originally Posted by Diomes

It seems that most the CL's I see are kept in the dark about any new developments or projects for the community. I think an example of these 'projects' is in order.

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I don't always have an inside track on game changes that are being made, but I am working behind the scenes right now to try to make the "official" guides more accurate and helpful, and eventually to make the forums more useful and better organized. That was the project that I pitched when I was interviewed as a CL, and Rawren has given me the green-light to start getting content and proposed changes together. I'm hoping to have something ready for you guys to see as far as guides in the next few weeks.

So ... that's an example of a CL "project".

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Originally Posted by BB_Rawren

players may be enjoying the unmoderated Wild West that chat has become

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lol... I guess I just had no idea how boring the Wild West was... XD
sry... that's just too funny

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Originally Posted by BB_Rawren

We don't doubt your ability to self-moderate when necessary, but since chat moderation was removed the Support team has received an inordinate amount of chat moderation tickets. Although players may be enjoying the unmoderated Wild West that chat has become, it is clearly not working for some players. Our responsibility is to protect these players.

The intention was never to allow the chat to go unpoliced for any period of time, but due to various reasons that is exactly what happened. We understand that a majority of those that play TSO adhere to the chat rules, but due to the PEGI rating of the game and the widely-varying age ranges of players within the game, we must have chat moderation.

Please keep in mind that our intention here is not to place unreasonable standards on chat. We must adhere to PEGI7 standards and must moderate based on the idea that children ages 7 and older should be able to play the game without experiencing inappropriate content.

Players are still welcome to talk amongst themselves in other chat rooms or via whisper. As long as players using the standard chat rooms adhere to the policies outlined within the Code of Conduct, the moderators will not exert an over-extensive presence. However, they will be there to stop and curtail chat which breaks the Code of Conduct and ensure that all players, of all ages, can play and enjoy the game without encountering inappropriate chat or being subjected to harassment.

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Thank you Thank you. Finally some straight talk from a BB employee. I now support this project.

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Originally Posted by zhuko

Im not saying your lying here but I've never heard anyone in the community say, "Hey wouldn't it be great if we had more Moderators". I've heard people complain all the time about lag and pvp but never Moderators.

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I have seen various players complain a few times when chat went overboard and I don't mean talking in trade chat, spamming trade chat, or getting a little risque in a global, but when an argument has gone way past common senses or when a player is significantly disrupting or harassing other players. If I was chat mod and was told this game was accessed by ages 7 and up, I would have banned (with plenty of warnings) myself and most of the other players on here. Now I understand where they are coming from and that I was correct about them downsizing and cannot do it themselves, I support this project.

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Originally Posted by Pochucker

You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk?

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In answer to your concern, I can in fact walk the talk and chew gum at the same time. That being said how long do you think a corrupt or unhelpful moderator would last on either server before they are removed by BB. I would like to make the following suggestion:


Much like we pick new items to go into the guild market to get rewards and much like wikipedia votes on those it gives admin rights to, why dont we simple have a bi annual or quarterly review of the staff that moderates so the community can give feedback. If the person is helpful, active, and cares about the server then why in the world would that not be fair and constructive. I think anything negative said could then be addressed so that person can either be removed or spoken to. The community needs to bind together and this is one way the input and decision making would have a check and balance