06-4-2011 at 6:29 AM

You feel they are baseless. Because the way you feel about my claims matters? <br /> <br /> Shouldn't it be the other way around, especially with you being such a 'high end' staffer? Shouldn't you care/worry/feel bad that I see the site like this(not as a pity thing)? I can tell you if I was in your position with so many disagreeing members and rather fearful members, I'd be looking to change this.<br /> <br /> I come from a background of staff/admin management on an assortment of sites myself, and we were fair people on those sites because if there were any problems they were dealt with right away(and people knew about it too). We were just as much about the community as we were about our staff jobs. With as many staff members and helpers there are, there are so many eyes watching this site I'm kind of disappointed that certain issues weren't caught by just observing. I wouldn't be commenting on things like this unless there was a problem going on.<br /> <br /> Also, I have yet to see a topic entitled anywhere 'CONSTRUCTIVE CRIT ON *suchitem/dog* please '... if people were given the idea of what art was being put on the site before it was slopped on then I'm pretty sure this topic or questioning of the staff wouldn't have arisen. I think it looks pretty.. odd.. to put such anatomically wrong pictures up on a site that is looking to gain value, there were a lot of problems that should have been pointed out and they weren't until it was too late before it doesn't seem like the artists here like to fix or adjust the images to be correct. Personally, I rather hear praise from the community I'm drawing for rather than the staff team's praise. Although just as motivating it makes the community feel involved and feel better about the site.<br /> <br /> I'm sure you'll take offense to that, but hey... I already gave my constructive crit on another board and I was serious about it. I don't really care if you say that my 'voice of opinions' were considered, I feel they have not simply because of how certain staff members are acting with everyone. People may not be restricted by a rule about voicing their opinions but they certainly have been scared into not voicing out, I'm sure quite a few members are thinking along the lines of 'What if a staffer takes my opinion wrong and I get in trouble for it?' Again, they can voice themselves but again who is paying attention and letting the users know they've been heard?<br /> <br /> You can only step on so many feet in a certain amount of time until people start going against you and things start falling apart.

06-4-2011 at 5:38 AM

Inno, I have to say I feel your claims are baseless. Saying none of the staff take into consideration the suggestions or opinions of the community is, frankly, a lot of bunk.<br /> <br /> The art team often goes to the community for ideas and suggestions, but that doesn't mean the entire team is ruled by the community, nor should it be. Suggestions are just that; suggestions. Not demands or orders that all of staff are obligated to carry out. That we do put stock in what the community says sets Alacrity apart from most other sims. But it doesn't mean everyone will get their way 100% of the time, and that also applies to the staff. We're not "gods" who just throw our weight around and never listen to the users.<br /> <br /> As for Hel, there were a lot of reasons she was dismissed by Robyn, not just those that appeared on the surface. There was a lot going on behind the scenes, and it was Robyn's decision to make a change. If you'll remember, Hel didn't put half as much stock into what the community wanted as the current team does. But she has her own sim now, and can do as she likes over there. Alacrity has not gone "downhill" since her departure. If anything, we've gathered together a very dynamic and capable team that is able to put out more items of higher quality every month, we hold meetings to discuss things, and overall we get along and work very efficiently together.<br /> <br /> Also, no one has been restricted from expressing their opinions, as you imply. If they were, threads like this wouldn't even be allowed, so saying no one gets to express opinions or critique is also unfounded and just plain untrue.

06-4-2011 at 1:09 AM

I find a lot of staff just treat the site like a piece of property that only increases with value due to the amount of artwork, time, or coding put into the site. And that if these factors are not updated or replaced then the site diminishes in value.<br /> <br /> Yes, it might in monetary value... But people in charge don't seem to take the community's opinions or allow the community to give critiques on artwork, features, or the time spent on what is being done to the site. <br /> <br /> Can it be denied that without a community that this site would cease to exist...? This is a correct factor, as such when opinions are not asked for or if a community is abused and feels forgotten they tend to turn away from the people who do maintenance on the site which makes those who work so hard feel like crap.<br /> <br /> Someone here needs to change, and I'm afraid I don't really see the community changing their feelings without the staff stepping up to move the change in a positive direction.<br /> <br /> As for Kittybot's mention of allowing the users pick things out, they want to be involved in larger things. Basically, the community has even HIGHER expectations on the quality of coding(although this is questionable, Rob has it pretty much down pat), of art, of maintenance, and of communication than what is expected by those who run/manage/etc the site.<br /> <br /> As for me, everything started downhill in the community when Hel left/was fired/what the heck ever happened. But that's all I'm going to be saying about Hel and that bull.

06-4-2011 at 12:18 AM

Another thing I see is that mods never get in trouble for such behavior, even when complained about by multiple users. Yet, there is no punishment. This kind of drives me insane. I've never seen any form of punishment towards mods.<br /> <br /> Again, I want Ala to be like the community I joined a year ago. I loved all the mods and admins, etc. I still love all the admins, and at the very least have complete respect for all the site artists and newbie helpers, if not love them as well. But there are too many mods that I have no respect for because they show no respect to regular users and let their perceived mod power go to their head.

06-2-2011 at 3:51 AM

I have to agree with what J'aime had said.<br /> <br /> Just about everything she said.<br /> <br /> <br /> HOWEVER, keeping this in mind, I love ala and I'm not saying that all mods are terrible. There are some mods I love to death, others, not so much. But its human nature and no one is content with everything.

06-2-2011 at 1:28 AM

<b>Post should stay on topic. If you like the image, tell kitty by message or scribble, don't post in an unrelated debate.</b>

06-2-2011 at 1:15 AM

I agree with the trend, I used to be so active in chat, now I just don't feel the need. Some tend to just go overboard because they have the power to do so. I think a good meeting with rules needing to be followed and things that aren't considered punishable could be held.<br /> <br /> Just wanted to say to Kitty- I adore the riddler image! Just not for the riddler (: I love how it's drawn and detailed, I just think it needs a little more to do with the riddler itself (:<br /> <br /> *sigh*

06-2-2011 at 1:10 AM

I agree with many of the users who posted on this thread. The admins nor mods as a whole have been actingly poorly. It's simply individuals, but those individuals are a bad influence. Especially if they are staff.<br /> <br /> I have been treated disrespectfully by staff before. One experience rattled me so much that not only did I let my emotions get the better of me and cried, but I also seriously considered leaving my position as a Newbie Helper. It wasn't just a moderator, but a mod and a site artist. I found that to be ridiculous, as site artists and Newbie Helpers have no right to take on a position of authority whatsoever. It's not our jobs. I did report this to Wysper, and I'm assuming that the incident has been taken care of.<br /> <br /> There are mods I avoid like the plaque because I'm simply scared of them and/or just don't like them. However, that also goes for non-staff users. But, guess what? Members should NOT be afraid of moderators. They should respect them.<br /> <br /> Also, what I'm seeing on Ala, no matter how much I love this site, is favoritism and bias. I've seen multiple cases where there is a player misbehaving in chat, but the mod watching chat disregards is because that player is their friend. I feel that is very inappropriate, but it's a case I wouldn't know how to deal with (report to the issue hub, message Wysp, etc.).<br /> <br /> There are staff members I adore and admire. But their are members of their team that help ruin the overall image.

06-1-2011 at 10:32 PM

"In many cases, I don't think staff meetings before punishments like chat bans are possible. If users are arguing heatedly or blatantly ignoring rules in chat, we wouldn't have time to round all the online staff up and discuss it... "<br /> <br /> Oh, no no! Not what I meant. x) I meant general meetings once a month to do a quick go-over of procedure for different things, not a meeting for each rule broken! xD<br /> <br /> That would take foreeeever. o-o

06-1-2011 at 8:46 PM

I tend to post novels, so I'll try to keep this contained to a few topics.<br /> <br /> Part of the reason that members are less listened to now could be our growing userbase. When there are more users, it's much harder to gauge exactly how people feel. I agree there's room for improvement, and I hope to see the polls and news used better, but I don't think we'll ever feel as cozy and listened to as we did when there were only a couple hundred active players.<br /> <br /> In many cases, I don't think staff meetings before punishments like chat bans are possible. If users are arguing heatedly or blatantly ignoring rules in chat, we wouldn't have time to round all the online staff up and discuss it... the longer we take to ban them, the more the behavior carries on and upsets other members. Maybe for things like art theft, forum posts, multiple account creation, and those sorts of things we could have better communication. And though I haven't thought too deeply on it yet, what are the feelings here about division of labor vs. better communication? I think it's unrealistic to say that every mod and admin should have a say in every punishment. Or by communication, do you guys mean better definitions of what breaks the rules and a more regulated way of investigating offenses?<br /> <br /> I want to point out part of Rule 2: "If you do not agree with a Moderator, or feel they have treated you unfairly, please message Wysper (#9)." Wysper's inbox isn't just open now, it's always been open. I feel like Cervine's most recent post is a testimony to this rather than a complaint. She saw a mod doing something she thought inappropriate: blocking members. She took it up with an admin. Wysper dealt with the issue with all of us mods. I don't think a mod should be demoted for one issue that isn't listed in our original guidelines (probably from lack of thought more than anything else).<br /> <br /> On a closing note, I'm upset by the people who feel moderators have done nothing to gain their respect, so they shouldn't respect moderators. If everyone thought that way, then no one would respect each other. Why can't we initially respect each other, then lose that trust if something goes wrong? (And if you lose that respect because a mod does something wrong, it could be worth taking to Wypser.) And really, this extends beyond moderators; I agree with Fyrella and others, we need to take deep breaths and find our peaceful community again. At the risk of sounding weak or whiny, I was really upset by the animosity in this thread. But my anxiety just means that I honestly care, and I'm hoping a lot of good can come from the complaints in this thread.

06-1-2011 at 7:22 PM

I've probably said what a ton of other people said, but it's kind of true. Not to be pointing fingers, but it's usually mods and admins who I see demonstrating this behaviour. I know it's bad, but I don't think it's as harsh as everyone makes it out to be. I've seen them be a bit cold and critical in forums, or harsh to newbies in chat, but I don't think it's that bad. 75% of the Mod/Admin team I admire, and the rest I fear. xD I'm quite surprised to hear about all these things I didn't know that happens under everyone's noses, from the blocking to sucking up etc.<br/><br/>Fyre: Yes, I have seen <i>many</i> newbies leave the site, some of whom were friends of mine from other sites. It's disappointing to see that kind of thing happen, and the reasonable solution for it to change, you're probably right-- have Rob talk to 'em. But I don't think we should be to harsh on them because Pelottava might also have the right idea of lack of communication.

05-31-2011 at 5:52 AM

I don't have much to add to this topic that wasn't already said. Yes, some people are mods that perhaps should not be due to a lack of capability to separate their personal feelings from their mod job. Yes, there are far more who are great at what they do! And yes, I do think the solution is to do what's being suggested in the poll - have an outline for mods AND users to show what punishments are to be handed out for what offenses. Also, I think more users need to not be afraid to speak to Wysper, the admin who is in charge of the mods, when they feel they have been mistreated by one. She can't correct bad behavior if she doesn't know about it.<br /> <br /> However, I would like to add something about art changes, as a site artist. Those of you who do not like new artwork and replacement artwork that comes up, such as the new Riddler or the new Porch background, seem to assume that because it doesn't go along with <i>your</i> wishes means that user input was not considered. <b>That is not true</b> and it never will be. It simply means that the user input we did gather leaned in the other direction of your own personal feelings. And yes, sometimes we replace something because we, as artists, feel it does not match up to site standards. The old porch background had a severely wonky post in it that brought it below site standards - if it was submitted as new artwork, Carni would never have approved it. Likewise, the old Riddler image featured an obsolete 'mascot' from the days when Hel was in charge, and was FAR below the site standards for dog art. We replace artwork because we want to improve the site. We replace artwork because users talk about how much they dislike an image or feel it should be removed. We replace artwork because we toss out the idea of doing so into chat and get a positive response.<br /> <br /> We do the same thing with adding new things into the game. New companion species are chosen with what users have asked for or expressed interest in mind. Even June's upcoming monthly theme is something that was suggested by one user and supported by dozens, even hundreds of others.<br /> <br /> Above all, please recall that when you criticize people in this thread, it is *real people* you are speaking about, not some faceless, mindless aspect of the site. We have feelings and we are reading this thread. There is nothing wrong with saying 'I personally do not like the new Riddler image'. But keep in mind that it's just your own opinion, not fact, and that being insulting instead of constructively critical can hurt the feelings of those who've worked long and hard on it. Like me.

05-31-2011 at 4:55 AM

These problems seem to be rather recent as well; I can recall back when I first started really playing alacrity in December that the chat environment was very different.<br /> <br /> I started noticing a different 'feel' to chat around late February/early March. Since then I have been less active there because I have felt unwelcome and uncomfortable. <br /> <br /> I don't know what's in the water here recently, but a lot more people have been getting defensive and aggressive towards one another, and it's not just the mods. <br /> <br /> I think we all need to breathe and be nice to each other. &lt;3

05-31-2011 at 4:31 AM

I was once blocked by a mod, who I later learned had blocked other users. Which I thought was insane, because they were a mod. And I don't think mods should block anyone, because they have to deal with all of the users, both as a whole and individually. They later unblocked me, but only after I had brought it up in a message to an admin. And they are still a mod, which I find insane. If they find users so hard to deal with that they have to block them, I don't understand how they can handle their "modly duties".<br /> <br /> I just thought of this and felt the need to bring it up.

05-31-2011 at 4:23 AM

"Sure, the mods can be a bit harsh with rule breakers, but isn't the point of mods getting everyone to follow the rules? What kind of system would we have without strict responses from mods? Obviously, a system where none of the users listen to the staff because of lack of respect. Often there are serious reasons for tough love, and this is one of them." <br /> <br /> What about the rules for the mod in and of itself. I was chat banned for 3 and a half hours on a FIRST offence. To me that seems a little more than a "bit harsh". Maybe there should be a punishment list so everyone will know what to expect if a rule is broken. Now from what i have seen, most first offence chat banns are one hour. ONE. <br /> <br /> Mods are people as well, they do not have to like everyone and sometimes sway in the way of looking for things to punish a user for if they don't like that user. <br /> <br /> "And just because one has a mod status, or more dogs on the top dawg list, or has more money, or won't talk to you in casual conversation, they still have to abide to the rules and can easily be removed as another can be added."<br /> <br /> I know a mod that wont talk to me in a cashual conversation because that mod dosent like me. How am i to expect fair treatment if the mod wont talk to me at all?

05-31-2011 at 4:07 AM

I just want to state thhis, ala is a great site, yes, but in the eyes of SOME people, there are some flaws that can get worse.<br /> <br /> I for one, and it has been brought to the attention of rob, have been a "victim" of having personal feelings being brought into something between me and a mod. I don't know if its beucase I talk in 3rd person a lot and play around in chat and it makes me look like a kid and thats how I'm viewed, but I find it unfair. On top of that, I find that in some cases, there might be a time when a mod might act as if they are higher than you, but you must remember that they were once a regular user. And just because one has a mod status, or more dogs on the top dawg list, or has more money, or won't talk to you in casual conversation, they still have to abide to the rules and can easily be removed as another can be added. I think that this is a great debate that not everyone will view as being a debate for some may think that EVERYTHING is perfect. Something can go astray in ala, and although we don't know what it is, we can find ways to prevent it. ^^

05-31-2011 at 3:57 AM

I would like to point out that this post was not meant to bash the staff.<br /> As stated in the begining topic is to bring to light the miscomunication, misunderstand and disjunction there seems to be going on with in ala. Not bashing, or complaining.<br /> And yes there are other sites that are much worse than Ala, that is why is of utmost importantce that this issue be adressed NOW before we get that bad.

05-31-2011 at 3:42 AM

In every community that has mods and admins, the staff should (of course) fulfill certain requirements. I full-heartedly believe this is true in terms of Alacrity, and the fact that some people complain more than praise the hard work put into this site really bothers me; as it should you. Sure, the mods can be a bit harsh with rule breakers, but isn't the point of mods getting everyone to follow the rules? What kind of system would we have without strict responses from mods? Obviously, a system where none of the users listen to the staff because of lack of respect. Often there are serious reasons for tough love, and this is one of them. The Admins shouldn't be in this thread at all, because I believe they aren't doing anything worth complaining about. When it comes down to serious decisions about the site, there are polls asking for our opinion (such as new breeds, monthly shop items, etc.). Some of you may have forgotten about this due to the fact that all the staff has been working night and day on puppy images (which we voted for), and the new monthly shop items. We should be grateful for the wonderful work and tolerance the admins have put into Alacrity; after all, they are the ones who made it a wonderful sim! Before you post your complaints about our staff, compare them to the staff on other sites; who often don't even communicate with their users. Think about the hard working, sweet, wonderful staff, and how we should appreciate all that they do to make Alacrity a better site for everyone.

05-31-2011 at 3:04 AM

I would like to think that the Admin's of Alacrity are pretty open minded and fair to everyone.<br /> <br /> I would like to welcome any of you to message me suggestions on how you think that changes can be made for the better.<br /> <br /> I can agree with some of these statements made, and see that something should be done, and fast.<br /> <br /> We want all of you to be welcome here on Alacrity, and if changes have to happen to make it so, then let's here it!<br /> <br /> Message me any suggestions you have for improvements.<br /> <br /> On the subject of art's being changed, I can only say this. We have a head site artist, that makes most all of these decisions. Personally, I was not aware of, or discussed with, the change to the Riddler Image until it was already done. Same with the Porch Background, and Soldier Helmet.. But, there is a Head Artist for a reason, to keep things moving and to keep the best possible art available to everyone to use.<br /> <br />

05-31-2011 at 1:44 AM

Yeah, the site does get run differently at different times of day depending who is online.<br /> <br /> I feel that there needs to be more consistency to the way the mod team behaves. Of course they will always be individuals, but I don't think it's reasonable for me to feel afraid of chat because of certain mods. <br /> <br /> Robyn needs to have a chat with them and start enforcing behavior rules strictly. I have seen way too many newbies leave the site because mods were too hard on them. It's not good for the site, and it's not good for the community.