NationStates Jolt Archive

With all the talk lately about increasing quality in the International Incidents and NationStates forums, I began thinking...

So the mods have neither the patience nor the time to police roleplays. Understood and realized.

Well, how about we let volunteer players do the job? The could be classed as Game Masters or Roleplay Police or Roleplay Moderators.

Ideas for priveleges:


Ability to lock and unlock threads in International Incidents and NationStates only.
Ability to move threads between NationStates and International Incidents, and delete spam threads or just threads that do not belong. Also could clear out the extremely bad roleplays that are clogging up II lately.
Would have to have official power over roleplays and be able to enforce decisions. Maybe moderator or [violet]'s backing?
Would have to have a good, clean roleplay history. "n00b-itis" could be excused though.
Player elected positions?


That's all I can think of. Maybe others have more suggestions.

It would probably be difficult at first, but once it gets going, we would have MUCH better roleplay quality and much less crap. Plus, the mods would have more time to handle other matters.

Opinions anyone?

So it would basically be adding new moderators that only did role play enforcing?

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108372 <-- Take a look at that.

Well, the last time this was tried, we got this:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=59907

Well, the last time this was tried, we got this:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=59907

Now that Kits is gone, its not really being talked about much any more, is it?

Well, the last time this was tried, we got this:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=59907

Now that Kits is gone, its not really being talked about much any more, is it?

No, no it's not.

I thought that the more pressing concern is the general forum, having almost no mods who venture there except on modalert business. (TG and Steph aside, who turn up there quite often actually). That was the impression I got from The SLAGLands post that he made breifly after he left.

I like. (i happen to have n00b-itis, but i'm working on it)

I thought that the more pressing concern is the general forum, having almost no mods who venture there except on modalert business. (TG and Steph aside, who turn up there quite often actually). That was the impression I got from The SLAGLands post that he made breifly after he left.

Well, this would free up mod time to concentrate on General more.

I thought that the more pressing concern is the general forum, having almost no mods who venture there except on modalert business. (TG and Steph aside, who turn up there quite often actually). That was the impression I got from The SLAGLands post that he made breifly after he left.

I think we should make the link to general forum a redirect to an entirely new forum just for you general conversation.

I thought that the more pressing concern is the general forum, having almost no mods who venture there except on modalert business. (TG and Steph aside, who turn up there quite often actually). That was the impression I got from The SLAGLands post that he made breifly after he left.

Well, this would free up mod time to concentrate on General more.

Indeed, but I don't think we should appoint mods for an issue that can be resolved with violet making a thread saying "Listen to these people" and a special forum title.

I thought that the more pressing concern is the general forum, having almost no mods who venture there except on modalert business. (TG and Steph aside, who turn up there quite often actually). That was the impression I got from The SLAGLands post that he made breifly after he left.

Well, this would free up mod time to concentrate on General more.Or you could appoint general forum mods, hit the problem at the source so to speak.

Problem is, not many appropriate candidates among the general forum posters (who there are an elite(ist) few). Even of the moderately rational people, I dunno quite how or anyone else'd feel about Parratoga as a mod, y-know.

Indeed, but I don't think we should appoint mods for an issue that can be resolved with violet making a thread saying "Listen to these people" and a special forum title.

Well, what good is a thread and a forum title if people know you have no power to back it up?

Otherwise, it'd clog up moderation with "These people aren't listening" threads...

Indeed, but I don't think we should appoint mods for an issue that can be resolved with violet making a thread saying "Listen to these people" and a special forum title.

Well, what good is a thread and a forum title if people know you have no power to back it up?

Otherwise, it'd clog up moderation with "These people aren't listening" threads...

Hmm.. could be.

I thought that the more pressing concern is the general forum, having almost no mods who venture there except on modalert business. (TG and Steph aside, who turn up there quite often actually). That was the impression I got from The SLAGLands post that he made breifly after he left.

Well, this would free up mod time to concentrate on General more.

Indeed, but I don't think we should appoint mods for an issue that can be resolved with violet making a thread saying "Listen to these people" and a special forum title.Ditto. "Forum advisor" or something. Could even potentially be a new, lower rung on the mod ladder, to kinda reduce the division between players and mods.

Problem is, not many appropriate candidates among the general forum posters (who there are an elite(ist) few). Even of the moderately rational people, I dunno quite how or anyone else'd feel about Parratoga as a mod, y-know.

I think Parra would make a decent mod, from what I've seen.

Hell, I'm a Generalite and a Roleplayer myself. I could do both. :lol:

Perfect example:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108373 - Blindcatz spams II. Could have been deleted by myself (assuming I was a new "mod"), and prevented this:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108374 - His report thread in moderation.

Get my drift now? This would save space, save moderator time, and increase roleplay quality, all in one shot.

I think Parra would make a decent mod, from what I've seen.

I think that she would be decent enough as a mod. But I think that some people would react badly and it would increase the number of "OMG: MOD BIAS!!" threads.

Perfect example:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108373 - Blindcatz spams II. Could have been deleted by myself (assuming I was a new "mod"), and prevented this:

http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108374 - His report thread in moderation.

Get my drift now? This would save space, save moderator time, and increase roleplay quality, all in one shot.on an interesting note, he only does this when no mods are on. :roll:

Fyre, tis a good idea, but I don't think it will come to anything. It's been said repeatedly that [violet] is not looking for new mods at this time; and anytime someone is put forth as a good candidate, it makes it that much harder for them to win on their own merits -- their "currency", so to speak, becomes less valuable.

The only way I can see it work is this, and it is an informal agreement: If the person originating a particular thread is agreed upon as a "game master" and is not involved in the role play, s/he oversees what happens between other parties and gives a ruling w/out being personally involved in it.

That, and completely IGNORE bad players. As in, they do not even get flamed -- they just DO NOT EXIST once they behave badly in a thread. They can begin again in another thread, but until they stop acting like asses, simply don't play with them.

It works wonders in the roleplay forum I co-admin.

My $.02.

You know, if Moderators could be anybody then what is the point of having them. They are like an Elite group within NationStates that makes sure we are all kept in line. Sure, their duties are numerous and they may wish for help, but it is that selectiveness that makes the prestigious and feared.

It is their "powers" that keep people maintaining appropiate posting manners. (Not counting those annoying nations that create themselves to be deleted.)

Moreover, if anyone could become a Moderator then what would people look forward in this game. Many people stay on here in hopes of becoming a Moderator. It is their entire goal, and if anyone is appointed that position, then the prestige of the positions loses it's respect and its interest.

Do you catch my drift? I know it may sound confusing, but I can not get the words out of my head.

Fyre, tis a good idea, but I don't think it will come to anything. It's been said repeatedly that [violet] is not looking for new mods at this time; and anytime someone is put forth as a good candidate, it makes it that much harder for them to win on their own merits -- their "currency", so to speak, becomes less valuable.

Eh. I don't know why though. This could really help the site out.

I have my opinions on this, but it's not the topic of this thread, thus I shall try to refrain.

*refrains*

The only way I can see it work is this, and it is an informal agreement: If the person originating a particular thread is agreed upon as a "game master" and is not involved in the role play, s/he oversees what happens between other parties and gives a ruling w/out being personally involved in it.

That's the thing. I don't think informal agreements will work here. Too many ignorant people here.

That, and completely IGNORE bad players. As in, they do not even get flamed -- they just DO NOT EXIST once they behave badly in a thread. They can begin again in another thread, but until they stop acting like asses, simply don't play with them.

This would work if there wasn't so many of them. And if they weren't so persistant in being retarded.

completely IGNORE bad players.

Do what? Ignore everyone? :P

Fyreheart, I think you've got the right idea, and I get so tired of II. More good RPs are moving to the NS forum to avoid the insanities of the II forum.

It's time we did something about it, and this is the first step. :D

It is indeed a sound idea Fyre. I hope you don't mind me adding to it-

Have two different groups of Half-Mods. One for RP, and one for General. Powers of General Half-Mods would include-

1. Moving threads
2. Locking topics
3. Deleting topics and polls
4. Editing posts

Of course, they'd get a cool title under their name too. ^^ These Half-Mods will also (As has been pointed out), bridge the gap between players and mods. Maybe bring it down upon players that Mods are normal players, just like them, with special powers.

I will hope this gets passed, as the ends more then justify the means.

~Bas the Evil Non-Moderator

Have two different groups of Half-Mods. One for RP, and one for General. Powers of General Half-Mods would include-

1. Moving threads
2. Locking topics
3. Deleting topics and polls
4. Editing posts
How is that different from forum mods (except for the rarely used split topic)?

Good idea both Basenji and Fyreheart. Even though origionally I remember TJHairball did enforce some roleplay in II, it just isn't enough.

But still, for these so-called "Half-Mods", if they are to resolve day-to-day problems in II, they should at least have some RP skills. If they are to advise on "real" roleplay however, they need even moe of that knowledge: what is godmoding, how to make war, etc. Hmm...

For ignoring bad players, you know, it actually works. I ignored a lot of them, and I don't feel very annoyed. It just takes that patience to ignore them :P Or teach them, if they can learn (some do).

It is indeed a sound idea Fyre. I hope you don't mind me adding to it-

Have two different groups of Half-Mods. One for RP, and one for General. Powers of General Half-Mods would include-

1. Moving threads
2. Locking topics
3. Deleting topics and polls
4. Editing posts

Of course, they'd get a cool title under their name too. ^^ These Half-Mods will also (As has been pointed out), bridge the gap between players and mods. Maybe bring it down upon players that Mods are normal players, just like them, with special powers.

I will hope this gets passed, as the ends more then justify the means.

~Bas the Evil Non-Moderator


But surely that would mean that forum mods are pretty pointless, as NationStates is now a hardcore RP forum and they don't do much in Tech or Moderation or issues forums so what what they do?

I would have "Mods" to police the II forum and NationStates forum but general can then be handled by the forum mods.

Just my two cents

I gave it some careful thought, and decided to change my last post. How's this?

All they can do, for mod powers, is-

1. Lock topics
2. Move topics

These Half-Mods would be more for, in II and NS, advising good RP skills and watch to make sure everything stays in line. In General, they would warn people to not flame in arguments, and watch spamers in other threads.

That way, our Forum Mods still are needed, but yet they don't have to do everyday menial tasks.

Better or should I change it more? :)

~Bas the Evil Non-Moderator

Looking at this from a purely technical perspective, I would note that on a board such as this one, moderators can be assigned to particular forums. Mod powers are:

-Lock
-Move
-Edit
-Delete
-Split

I gave it some careful thought, and decided to change my last post. How's this?

All they can do, for mod powers, is-

1. Lock topics
2. Move topics

These Half-Mods would be more for, in II and NS, advising good RP skills and watch to make sure everything stays in line. In General, they would warn people to not flame in arguments, and watch spamers in other threads.

That way, our Forum Mods still are needed, but yet they don't have to do everyday menial tasks.

Better or should I change it more? :)

~Bas the Evil Non-ModeratorWhy not just have more forum mods who aren't distracted by the game tasklist/ greifings/ revivals etc?

I thought that the more pressing concern is the general forum, having almost no mods who venture there except on modalert business. (TG and Steph aside, who turn up there quite often actually). That was the impression I got from The SLAGLands post that he made breifly after he left.

I wholly agree. General is in desperate ned of a mod specifically for that forum only. I would suggest, as well, that any potential candidates for that forum are people who reguarly post in general (imagine how p!ssed of the hardcore generalites would be if some hardcore RPer was the sole general forum mod :P ) and thus know what should and should not be in there. Just an idea.

I'm bumping this so I can get Salusas opinion. Would it be hard to add in a "half mod" to the ranks?

I support Fyreheart's idea 100%. I've been a very vocal advocate for RP policing, and maybe it might actually happen.

For what it's worth, I pledge my support.

Bump?

I support this idea... although it won't do much good. The mods don't want to let anyone else have the reigns of power, it's that damned conspiracy I tell you!!!

But seriously, It is a good idea.

I agree with y'all, this is a damn good idea! Especially advising on real role-playing, and if you wanted to split it up, you could get people who are really strong at war RPing and group others who prefer to character RP. I'd be in to help out, like I'd guess most of the people who have posted here.

Heh, let the mods keep all the real power (for the most part). This sounds more like GM-ing a table top RP or something.

I agree with y'all, this is a damn good idea! Especially advising on real role-playing, and if you wanted to split it up, you could get people who are really strong at war RPing and group others who prefer to character RP. I'd be in to help out, like I'd guess most of the people who have posted here.

But what about General? General is in way more need of its own personal mod than any other forum, IMO.