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ImDeity Staff's Worst Mistake: 2 Years Later ~by Driver_X

Discussion in 'Kingdoms General' started by Driver_X, October 12, 2015.

  1. Driver_X

    Driver_X

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    October 12, 2013, on this date, it was announced to the public that this server's staff had made a decision, a decision that would affect this server in many ways. Now, 2 years later, I think it is time for me to talk about it a bit and, hopefully, make up for some of the damage caused by this unfortunate happening. What was that decision?

    2 years ago, Driver_X was selected to be a moderator... Oh god... Couldn't anyone see how bad this would turn out?

    Haha, jokes aside, it's already been two years as mod, over three since I have registered here, dang... Time flies.

    When I was selected as moderator I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it. I thought the responsibility would be too much and that the server would soon stop being fun and become the opposite, become a burden, an obligation... and I was right.
    At first, being a moderator was quite fun, despite the list of commands and rules I had to read and memorize, I was glad that I could somehow help the server to be better and safe for everyone to enjoy, but time goes by; novelties become routine, tasks become chores, occurences become annoyances, fun becomes work and soon you forget why you signed up for this in the first place.

    When that happened I said to myself that that wasn't how it was supposed to be; that moderating shouldn't be hard, boring, annoying or a constant fight, but still it was. I couldn't figure out why it felt like that or how to fix it and I made the decision that I would simply give up and leave the server.
    I gave up my town and was ready to retire when something happened that made me stay, but more than that, made me see where I went wrong, why being a staff member became such a burden; made me remember that the whole point of the server is to have chats, make friends - sometimes where you least expect, and just enjoy yourself and this simple reminder changed everything.

    I know for sure some dislike the way I moderate chat, for example. Some even say I don't moderate chat at all and I love to hear that because I know what I do and that is enough for me. I don't feel like I need to keep showing everyone I'm doing something, nor try to act like I'm a perfect mod.
    I know how many people I mute or ban when necessary, I know how many times I have talked to or warned people privately so that I would not interrupt the other players who were having a nice conversation, or how sometimes I simply ignore small chat offences for that same purpose. Having the chat moderated and running smoothly is my objective and I believe I can achieve that.

    I see no need to public declare I have muted a player, or to lash out someone because they may have used the wrong chat channel once. I don't want to be that big bad moderator whose path you don't want to cross. I have the position that respect is different than fear and that they are incompatible, which could very well be why sometimes we see well known players, who obviously know the rules, disrespect them when they believe they won't be caught or when pushed a bit, becauce, once the fear of the punishment is gone, all that is left is the complete lack of respect.

    I see no need to tackle down every minor offence with full force or to try to predict that this or that line of chat could maybe somehow be interpreted as a provocation to this one person/town. This server and its chat is made of people, with their imperfections, grudges, competitions, exaggerations and dramas and to try to fully control that with yells, sarcasm and fear in an attempt to keep chat completely asseptic, is to limit people from simply being.

    Before someone tries to pull a straw man off what I have just said, read it again, I am not saying everybody becomes a saint for being human, nor that rule enforcement should stop. What I am trying to say is that, in my view, moderating is about keeping things at a moderate, balanced level, what should be obvious since it is right there in the name.

    So yea, 2 years later, this is my view on what it is to be a moderator and if what I have written here somehow makes me a bad staff member in the eyes of you players, please, let me know. If my way of thinking is not aligned with what you consider optimal, I'd love to correct it, and if I am too far from what is supposed to be the behavior of a moderator it might be easier to leave it all behind, move on and leave room for someone more fit for the job.
     
    cobrex, CTTheSchism, Mojinax and 22 others like this.
  2. Driver_X

    Driver_X

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    Now I'm going to be cheesy and thank some people who have been with me in these last two years and who will be part of my memories for years on or even through my whole life:

    @FaTd33r , @iSquared , @Arwenden , @Gwenhywar

    My fellow staff members who, in my eyes, are examples to be followed. I can safely say I owe to you much of what I am now as moderator.
    Thank you very much


    @Niall4igoe , #1 bae
    @i_dorkypandaz , bean defender!
    @The_Yogs , oh, Mr. President, you so hot
    @SouthPawRabbit , how fare thee, sah
    @SpeedyGonzales9 , wait, why is this guy here? He's annoying.
    @Goober , Another annoying guy. 1v1 me on spleef m9
    @bran_bash , young Will! Focus on your school
    @xKade , My lank fellow! - This one is annoying too. I think I need some new friends.

    I'm sorry I am not being too specific about ya, but know that each one of you, on your own way, is special to me and I'd like to thank you for all the fun moments.


    @BarryX15 , @Savie2424 , @FlashCrystal , @frezvine , @Piggy123 , @TwilaIzCool , @NiceraIzCool , @legoazurp , @Chasermistrz , @SonnyBassPlayer

    You have made my stay in Veligrad one of the most important and mind changing moments I had in this server. When I was ready to quit the server you gave me a new boost to keep on going and changed my perspective on many things, much more than you can imagine xD
    Thank you all for some of the most unpretentious, fun and dear times I've had.


    @Gawkan , My ace friend! All these years together, through all the ups and downs, you were always there with something light and nice to say. I am certain that if I hadn't met you that day, when you needed someone to build you an 'ace spawn build', I wouldn't have made it this far.
    The only Brit capable of putting Niall to a second place. Watch out for those high speed curves man.

    @Zeuqzalev , My favorite non-rich Mexican! Sometimes I feel like we live in different worlds, and we kinda do, but somehow I can still relate to you. I really enjoy all the debates we have over the pettiest things or over important things (Cats > Dogs, deal with it).
    Great builder, intelligent and oh my, those legs.. I hate to admit it but sometimes I maybe kinda like-ish admire you. And please stop using Apple stuff. Do it, for world peace.

    @sunnydb0y , Oh god, you: The scrublord, Canadian wannabe. You are awesome, although it is creepy sometimes, I like how we share this uh.. 'Filthy' sense of humor, how I can relate to you in many things, all your random jokes that come out of nothing, your weird challenges, all the inside jokes we have and I know that I could tell you anything and not be judged, even if some roasting could incur.
    Fantastic builder, a generous god (actually that god bit is debatable) and master troll. You should say 'satellite' more often. Thanks for introducing me to bubble tea. And you should quit our current challenge, Zeuq too.

    Last, but not least, @KiddieWish , another example of good moderator I like follow, very charismatic, funny and with your unique fashion style. Sucks that you are not around anymore, and that's all because of me.
    Now I don't know how you doing out there, alone, with a bottle of Frozen bath bubbles in one hand and a Toy Story pillow cover in the other, facing the world, living your life of which I am not part of anymore, nor is this server, I think.
    Whatever you are doing, I wish you good luck, I wish you success and, above all, I wish you were still here, man.
     
  3. BarryX15

    BarryX15

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    *reads the first post
    *likes the first post
    *reads the second post
    *likes the second post
    *reads both posts again, smiles
    *remembers the "who is that guy" question resonating among "regulars" and "veterans" two years ago after moderator promotions, laughs

    Driver, thank you for being that guy. You deserve a pufferfish.
     
    Etherance and Driver_X like this.
  4. Niall

    Niall

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    Drivverrr <3333 Congrats on 3 years and 2 years as Mod :D thank you for letting me join your town a year ago as I don't think I would be here if it wasn't for you :) #1 bae #1 brazilian babe
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  5. Hallideadly

    Hallideadly

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    Grats Driver. There is no weakest link in the Deity Mod chain. Keep up the good work bud.

    *whispers heard coming from somewhere in Deity's Kingdom*

    *unknown by most, forgotten by many. I am here, in the wings - somewhere*
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  6. heinz_gruber

    heinz_gruber

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    Driver you always treated me with respect, and in return you have mine.
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  7. sunnydb0y

    sunnydb0y

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    yeah sunnydboy is a scrub, i heard he worships satan and licks goats, pure hotness
     
    melvin484, FaTd33r and Driver_X like this.
  8. iSquared

    iSquared

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    Yo yo Driver :D

    Congrats buddy! Happy to know you :)
    I'm never mentioned in these kind of threads, so you made me blush :oops:
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  9. Zeuqzalev

    Zeuqzalev

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    Aww. Yeah we do live in different worlds. You come from money and I'm just here lol. And yeah, I'm a pretty admirable person lol. And yeah, I do enjoy winning our debates, especially the dog>cat one. You, scrub, are also a good builder.
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  10. sunnydb0y

    sunnydb0y

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    You both reek of toe jam
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  11. legoazurp

    legoazurp

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    It is truly a pleasure having you as a moderator on the server. Although I am not much active I still appreciate you and your work for this great community. You and the moderators you named in the second post are wonderful and friendly people, thank you for everything you do.:D
     
    Driver_X and heinz_gruber like this.
  12. jdonovin

    jdonovin

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    I'm glad you're a mod here :) you've probably been here for me quite a lot and helped a lot, sorry for not returning the favor :3
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  13. Derekj54

    Derekj54

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    im sorry this all happened to you
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  14. FaTd33r

    FaTd33r

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    Wow, I feel honored Driver!

    You're still my favorite nub though :imdeity:
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  15. ultrathewolf

    ultrathewolf

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    life is a path witch all follow, some succeed some fail, you are one who is still on the path and its your choice whether to fail or not. anyways long boring things aside im glad you were our mod for 2 years so far and you will be there to have a cookie with me one day :p lol GG Driver *smiles and hugs a fake of driver* (don't ask where i got it)
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  16. Qazz

    Qazz

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    puffer.png
    You've kept the streets of ImDeity safe by keeping this dangerous substance away from the public. You've done your duty.

    Grats on two years of "staffliness" Driver ;)
     
    Driver_X and i_dorkypandaz like this.
  17. Serene86

    Serene86

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    We have moderators?
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  18. Mojinax

    Mojinax

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    Congratulations and well said. You always were my favorite moderator :).
     
    Driver_X likes this.
  19. CTTheSchism

    CTTheSchism

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    Love your stance on moderation, man. Not sure if we've had the opportunity to meet, but my name's Caleb. I was a member of the server a long while ago. Last time I was actively playing I think was maybe 2011 or 2012. The latter half of my time on Deity I was a moderator as well.

    Your position on fear vs. respect is something that especially resonated with me. I found that taking the time to treat people with the utmost respect, even where I was disciplining them (and I even hesitate to use that word), was not only an effective way to keep things flowing smoothly in game, but in fact the ethically sound view to hold. Now obviously doing this takes a lot of energy, and there are certainly times where it is simple to be short and harsh with people, but I believe it is the way to go. As a moderator, I did not view myself as above anyone. I was just another player that was entrusted with the goal of reminding people how to maintain a positive server environment. I was always open to discussion where people believed I may have falsely executed punishment or used my moderator tools inappropriately.

    It is so refreshing to see another moderator who clearly values the players and remembers that they themselves are one too. Good on you man
     
    Last edited: March 5, 2016

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