Post by Mod Geno on Jun 22, 2011 16:30:52 GMT -5
WELCOME, ONE AND ALL!
Today on Mod Geno's, we're going to go over a few common mistakes that some people may make when using this forum. Now, before we get started, let me just say that I am not a mean person. I'm generally happy; jovial, even. If you've talked to me on Skype or had a chance to chat with me in the cbox, you'll probably recognize my whimsical tomfoolery no matter what name and icon I use. That being said, I am the attack dog of the forum. I discipline those who get out of line. I deal with social issues. And most importantly, I deal with everyone's shit. ANYTHING that happens on this forum eventually lands in my lap. That's why I'm making this list. The less shit that drops into my lap, the less time it takes for me to clean up, and the more time I have to do fun things, like post ponies and roleplay a tosser.
Many of you have used forums, and many other forms of internet communication, in the past. Some of you may have even been leaders in these communities, and it has been your responsibility to make sure everyone had a good time while using the place or places you were monitoring. For those of you who have done this, the list you are about to read will likely be a no-brainer, and you may even have your own additions that you'd like to suggest. Those of you who are anywhere in the teen-zone, have severe self-diagnosed Aspberger syndrome, or generally act like a twat, however, will want to pull up a chair and read this ever-expanding document VERY CAREFULLY. This is not a list of rules. This is a list of suggestions to keep yourself on my good side. You can feel free to ignore, though I would highly advise against it, for your own sake. Anyone who has a real problem with this thread, please remember Rules 8 and 9 of the Internet.
NO FLAMING
I know this probably need not be said, but we can all sometimes stumble into territory like this. Someone starts gushing on and on about how they love something that you hate. You comment about your distaste, and before you know it, everybody's dug in and wearing ballistic skullcaps. This is not usually any one person's fault, but a collaborative effort to get to the point where flaming takes place. Remember that, no matter how much you love or hate something, Your Mileage May Vary, so keep it civil. Any matter of taste, INCLUDING sexuality, politics, and religion (yes, these are ALL based on personal opinion when you get down to it), are to be discussed in either an academic matter, or at the very least with the spirit that the conversation is not serious. This is the internet here, people, nothing you say EVER changes someone's mind. Rule 15. Flaming will be dealt with via me doing whatever it is I feel like doing at the time to end the "discussion", and then stuffing my pant leg halfway through the offending user's digestive track. This also includes excessive, mean-spirited trolling. I define what that is, not you.
NO BULLSHIT
This one is also pretty vague, but that's intentional. A LOT of stuff can be bullshit. GodModding is bullshit. Lying to me is bullshit. Making or playing a Mary Sue (except for laughs) is bullshit. Arguing with me is bullshit. Insulting me (or others, I guess) is bullshit. I've been around for quite a while, and I've seen and experienced plenty enough to know when something is, in fact, bullshit. In other communities I've moderated, I've had to deal with people who would point-blank lie to my face about stupid, inconsequential garbage, and then attack me personally with what they thought would be scalding hot wit and deep wounds. I became mildly annoyed, and then dealt with them accordingly. I then proceeded to laugh about it. Long and short, I only think bullshit is funny after I've dealt with the source. Don't be the source. I might be courteous enough to deliver a warning if you're starting bullshit, but don't count on it. Your best bet is to just say no to bullshit.
NO SHITTY ROLEPLAY
We are not all experts. We are not all perfect. We are not all talented.
I happen to have none of those qualities.
And yet, I still manage to write a cohesive narrative that flows easily from one post to the next, keeps track of details, and allows other rpers the freedom to play their characters, and the story, in a direction of their choosing, when it is their turn. These are the necessary elements of collaborative storytelling, and when you don't have them, it makes things very difficult for people to enjoy. Remember that your characters are not real people who can be harmed indiscriminately and irreversibly. If you have a problem with the way someone is roleplaying alongside your character, let them know. If someone comes to you claiming a problem, listen and try to work things out. There's nothing that pisses me off more than one person running up to me, crying that such-and-such is being a royal bastard in their thread, and, when confronted, King Jackass claims he is doing nothing wrong, and that if Crybaby doesn't like it, that's his problem. That then takes my time, having to comb through their entire thread, looking for whatever it is they can't agree about, and that only makes me want to stuff purse dogs down both their throats. When you are accepted to this site, you proved that you could roleplay stylishly and soundly. Remember that. When you suck at roleplaying, you ruin the roleplay for more than just yourself.
NO BEGGING
I know this should probably go under NO BULLSHIT, but I think I needed to specify it in its own topic. While it does not happen often, I have had certain instances of people, usually younger persons, come to me and, because they assume I have power to do so, they expect me to shower them with gifts aplenty at the first request.
FUCK THAT SHIT
I do not grant advanced membership level unless you deserve it. I do not hand out points unless you earn it. I do not give people skills or equipment unless they buy them. The more you beg me, the more I'm going to say no. Trying to convince me to give you free things is ARGUING, which falls under NO BULLSHIT. You get what you deserve, and if I'm in a good mood, maybe a little extra. Begging instantly puts me in a foul mood. Put in the effort and time to properly grow your characters, and it will be much more rewarding.
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Alright, I think that's it for now. If you guys can come up with more categories to include, I will consider doing so.
~ Mod Geno
