(Hiei beat me to it… :()

Okay, I try not to complain about everything (not that I've complained about a lot recently,) but you're not really going anywhere with the members of the forum who AREN'T in the rpg. I mean, sure, there're graphics forums, but how many members really do that? Five, maybe six, but most of them have left. There's nothing here that really attracts the attention of new members. What new members that do come to this forum, let me tell you...

Staff, I'm not trying to flame or anything, but you guys are f*****g dicks. A new member will come along and make a character, not being aware of the rules (which are in a forum that's sooooo cluttered and hard to find, I don't even see why we have any,) gets flamed. Now, a person like me even, one who has contributed multiple posts to the forum, and expressed my opinion on multiple issues, I might get better treatment. At least, you'd think that I would. This forum and its staff has a bad habit of sitting back, and letting the members get so out of hand, that when you do step in, you end up flaming and suspending people that could've easily been corrected days prior to them breaking the rules.

Now, one of the issues I'm trying to address with this post is the staff's unwillingness to try new things. When it comes to things like the RP, they try new things because they've already had the RP before. However, look at the "Eh..." topic in Requests, Complaints and Help, it was pretty much decided by MEMBERS that the forums should be, as suggested, removed. Do you see any progress made towards that decision?

When I previously tried to bring attention to the topic, this is the response I get...

I can take that, no problem, it was my fault. However, this is the other bad habit I'd like to address in the staff.

That's a little unnecessary, but let me just say... LMFAO. (Read the times morons. You know that people can't post, and go back in time.) The problem here is that I'm still considered a new member in his eyes, and because I wasn't here at the time of those events and the members that were in the staff at that time, I was shut out by a staff member. Just because some one is a n00b, or doesn't know what the hell they are doing do to the unorganized, and somewhat very complicated forum, does not give you the right to criticize every post they make.

This forum has what I would consider to be a staff with enough experience to run a highly successful forum, however, the staff is arrogant, incompetent, and lazy. Thus, this forum is spiraling downwards to the ground. Graphix Fantasy had a team of inexperienced n00bs... The difference in between GF and FEW, is that at GF, we got stuff done, and made changes. If we made a mistake, we didn’t want to admit it, but we knew our faults, and eventually we would always go with what the members wanted.

Another thing I have to say about the GF staff, is that we were kind, and welcoming to new members. We would spend 50% of our posts in the staff forums, and 50% getting to know new members, making them feel welcome. At FEW, they’re just turned away because they’re n00bs. I can understand that sometimes, but I mean, look at the darkhero factor. He tried his best to improve, and because he wasn’t, members made fun of him.

I know you guys apologized for the topic that was posted in the veteran chat, but come on. You gotta be more welcoming or no one is going to join and stay at FEW. Personally, in its current state, I wouldn’t blame them.

Now, I’ve posted things saying this exact same thing dozens of times here, and the staff has too much power, giving them room to be biased. Don’t think you’re biased?

SOME of you admit it when you make mistakes or doing something no one else wants, but often, the staff doesn’t. Another example would be the whole Aien factor. He was banned three times, and each time he came back, and was almost immediately put in a staffing position. Now, I understand that he would be unbanned, he contributes a lot, but not every person would immediately be put back in a staff position.

This forum has had the same layout for the two years I’ve been here. I have nothing about the skin, but the forum arrangement could be approved upon in many ways. (I’m not going to list them, because I could easily go on for another few pages of word, but I want to close this up soon.)

Try everything in that post. I think that, because all of it is true. If this staff starts getting stuff done, not only will I be happy, but members will be happy also.

Hold. Aien isn't staff.

... Umm, I sort of agree. Sort of. I've been thinking over this situation for a while, and if I see one more... thing that upsets me, I'm talking to the admins about this personally. I really think there needs to be someone to watch over the admins' behavior. There have been at least a few accounts where topics have been locked by a staffer with a flame, which could obviously not be replied to. I don't care how upset someone makes you or how inappropriate someone's topic was, the least you could do is handle it without getting upset at them or swearing. Honestly...

If you don't believe me, look:

Here

And here

I'm sure I saw elsewhere, but I'm too lazy to look. Thanks for your time. :/

Although he should be reinstated to his fucking post after Ultima's really damned dumb decision to demote him.

You aren't a noob, hell I *think* your Kaden. My remark, you took it like a Republican taking Kerry's most recent remark. You misinterperted it, that was actually a comment on the staff, if you were to read past the first couple of lines, I was unsing the Elibe's to introduce into the staffing problems, and someone had also said that there was only two Elibes thus far, which is also wrong in itself.

Fact Check/Reading before accusation please?

Eh, I've gotten over that remark. You somewhat misinterpreted my remark in that topic. I posted before pondy posted, and you only saw the topic with the replies. My point I was trying to make I posted in the "What do YOU want?" topic, was that no one had posted in the topic yet, when it wouldn't be to hard to at least respond and let me know it's being discussed. I was aiming at the staff in that post, and you accidently misinterpreted it. That's cool though, we both agree on the staff issue.

@Sara: That's one of the main problems in my oppinion, the staff has no way of being controlled. People can try to respond, but they're just shut out or ignored.

I do what I can... provided I have the time. :/

Actually, now is where I'd like to ask what I'm not doing, as well as what I'm doing incorrectly; I've always known that member input is much more important to improvement than anything I could tell myself. I catch flames, and see what I can do around the forums; closing topics, moving them, etc. I also greet members, when time allows, and I do help those who PM me with questions. However, if there's something more you wish for me to do, then by all means, tell me. I'd like to help in any way possible, and I'm sorry you all feel so demoralized.

Had I been informed beforehand, I would have fixed my errors sooner, but... :unsure:

Again. What do you want done? Input is always the most helpful thing.

What else do I see that you could do. Given what you have and know, I'd say you're doing just fine. This forum needs people to not just run it, but also moderate it, there is a difference. The admins are the ones that run the forum, they get to keep things going. The mods have the responsibilty of keeping things clean, safe, and enjoyable. The two should have to rely on one another, but the admins rely on themselves more than they should. Spread the wealth people.

Kurai, IMO, with the time you have you're doing fine.

What are you not doing though?

I'd like to see mods giving more input. I see it in topics already started, but I don't see them making thier own topics to get things done. If you see something that needs to be done that isn't possible with your amount of power, or needs verification before you do it, open it up for discussion. You're the gateway in between the members and the admins, please do your best to keep it open.

Okay, let me defend myself.

First of all, there isn't a soul on God's green Earth that isn't biased. It's simply human nature, and I'm definitely human.

Secondly, I'd like to start by saying that I'm more intelligent than I act on FEW. It just so happens that I'm book smart and I have more logic than most pencil pushers. So, not only is that second part untrue, but it was, as people are saying here, arrived at due to a "lack of knowing the facts".

Not very productive, eh? Glad to know that Hiei sees everything in Exec. I hate to let it out now, but it was my idea for the new reset, and I and going to be doing the reset almost single-handedly.

I don't like admitting to my mistakes. Name one person that does.

Now, give me a fucking break. Jesus Christ, I feel like nobody appreciates everything that I'm trying to do for this forum. Just ask Lionheart who approached him on AIM and said "FEW is dying, I think we need a reset.". :angry:

Excuses? Come on. I know that everyone is biased, it's part of being a human. You may do things, but you don't always think them through 100%. Now, about the part about you being intelligent... you haven't done anything to give us a reason to believe that you're extrememly intelligent. I mean, you're no less intelligent than an average member from what you've shown us, but you're also no more intelligent than that.

Abe Lincoln?

Defending yourself and saying what you've done isn't going to make things much better. I mean, it's not just you. By defending yourself and making excuses, your placing the blame on yourself which isn't really there. It's not just on you, chill.

That's the thing, though---it's mostly on me. I'm the only Admin that is being reccomended to be completely cut from the staff. That's bullshit. I never did anything to make anybody believe that I was an incompetent staffer.

It's not just you though, everyone has thier faults. I don't really see the point of having 'Ivan as a full admin, and I also don't see the point of having Strike as an admin. Two are needed MAX, based off of FEW's activity level.

And you've never done anything that maked you look like an incompetent staffer?

Eh, I unno, have you?

The current staff has the experiance, but they're not staffing to thier full potential.

The current staff needs a damned overhaul.

Give 'Ivan the damned root, we were going to do that a year ago, I think.

At least half a year ago.

At least he's got balls, and he'll use them.

I got something that may fix the problem. I was just talking to Reyde, and I know something that can hopefully make a huge difference in the forum... YOU HAVE A STAFF FORUM! USE IT! It takes forever to get things done here. Taking things up with the members is great, but it's also good to get things done. Feel free to bring things up in the staff forum, it works really well. USE IT!

...Did you just relate Pondy to Lincoln? Where's the hat I ask? Not in sight!

Pondy, get a hat.

(Yeah I haven't posted in awhile, so don't mind me)

but I think Kaden would make a good mod. If you do take that to mind its up to him if he has time or not

:o DT?!?!?!?!? OMG! I unno if I'm quite mod material for FEW though. :(

And I wasn't comparing Pondy to Lincoln, I was saying that Lincoln admitted his mistakes. :P

Why don't we let the members decide who are the best people to be staffers? We can let people pick who they wan't to see in power. I mean if all we are going to is bicker like children then lets just settle this in a dignified matter, and besides the reason FEW is supposedly "Dying" is because all we now days is for the most part inactive staff, Ignorant people making stupid topics and flaming why not solve the problem from the inside out instead of pointing the finger at everyone else?

I would like to have the people pick the staff, but we could then end up with a terrible staff. I mean, look what happened to democracy. Democrats took the house, I'mma have to move to canada now. :(

There are many ways to solve this, but none of them are going to make the entire forum happy.

Well then should we nominate people first with set requirements. You know like picking a staff that is Active, Fair, and Willing to do thier jobs. That is the best solution IMO

Oh. Well, my second point still stands. He needs a top hat XD

Too bad that wasn't even my idea XD So no need to open your mouth.

Hey. Just wanted to respond to the main topic here.. about noobies being shut down and all. I think the main problem is that we get a lot of dumb noobs, maybe ones where this is their first forum experience. 1/10 is fine and all, but I think it has been more like 9/10 recently. Just kinda frustrating carrying out any kind of discussion when there are idiots looking for the Add Reply button littered all over the forum.

In their defense, the icons are kinda hard to read, being light blue font on blue. I've often mistaken Add Reply for Fast Reply too many times.

We get popular people as staff but not necessarily good people.

I sorta already approached this problem before. Ultimately it's up to the staff anyway the Active ones at least.. <_<

You guys need to stop fighting all the time. It makes me sad. I'm actually a really sensative guy. Fighting is the root of all evil...

You guys should have a big vote on what stays and what goes. Make it a democracy.

Popularity will win, we can't vote. >>

Actually, a lot of our n00bs aren't that bad compared to what I've seen on other sites. FEW's staff has just been too lose and thier friends and a lot of people are just dicks.

The truth is, FEW is a circle of friends. You can't get in, and you can never really get out. The FEW staff is considered to be the veterans, the more experianced members. They are put in charge of controlling the forum and helping new members, if the person isn't in the circle of friends, and they break two or more different rules, they get suspended, and never come back. Face it, name one new member in the past month who has made more than 30 posts.

Going with what Kaden said, if they ARE in the circle of friends, they can break 2 different rules 2, 3, even 40 times and get what, a one week suspension? It is a circle of friends, and thats the problem. "Hey, we're friends so I'll let you slide". No. You have to punsih newbs and vets with the same methods.

By Valters vote, I think he meant issues and such, not the staff.

Put mature people in power that will warn people when needed even if they are friends.

Look. To put a nice counterexample for your first point, I know ZKX in person. He's a good friend of mine, and yet I wouldn't hesitate to warn him if he does something stupid (Like starting a flame war, or something. He's actually got a verbal warning from me on that, and I'm keeping an eye on the friction between him and Aien.). Friends or not, if you flame or break rules, I warn you. Don't all of us do that? o.o

To put it quite frankly, there is a method to the madness. Why are staff members vets? Well, to put it quite frankly (as I see it), those are the members that have been here long enough and shown enough dedication to have earned the privalege and responsibility to help maintain the peace of the board. Would you instate a complete newbie to become Admin as soon as he entered the site? Of course not; you have no idea if he's going to sabotage the board, let alone stay for more than a few days.

Name three people who has broken 'two or more different rules, get suspended, and never come back' who were considered newbies (that hasn't posted inappropriate pictures of some sort).

I didn't make 30 posts in my first month. And yet, I'm still here. What point are you trying to make?

...WHAT!? How dare you!? I never do anything stupid!

That was a little stupid. >>

What I'm trying to say Kurai, is look at Hiei. He, Aien, Strike, and many othre people should have been at least suspended for many of thier actions, and only got verbal warnings (if even.) Now, I know Aien and Hiei have both been suspended or banned multiple times, but most members would just get banned and stay banned. Because Hiei and Aien have friends on the board, they get unbanned, thus, making FEW a circle of friends.

Look at the current staff... or at least the admins. Most of those people, at one time or another, have left the forum, or been demoted from a staff position. At FEW, if you've never held a staff position before (on FEW,) it's going to be really hard for you to get into one. You can be the most experianced person, or most intelligent person in the world, but you'll get pushed away.

The next argument against that, is going to be trust. Yeah, if you're the smartest person in the world, and you join a forum, people won't trust you in your first few days. On FEW, most of the people have been members for a few years, so that's how much time you can expect to spend on here before you 'truly' become one of the members.

On FEW, there's a difference in between vet and the actual group, respected members. If you've done a lot for the forum, but don't really have any friends on the forum, you're not going to be considered either. Here, you can do a lot for the forum, and be here a few years, which would technically make you a vet. The problem is, the group is 'respected members.' Many people here could be considered vets, but they're not 'respected.' Look at the group of respected members. Most have been here for just about the whole two years FEW has been around. How many people have become respected members in the past year or so? Very few.

As for naming three people...

1. Darkhero - Got suspended multiple times, and got fed up with it. So, he asked to be banned.
2. Gale - Wasn't warned or suspended, but he was run off.
3. I'm sure there are more people who have been run off and turned away by the circle of friends, but do I really want to have to go look? Naw.

But, you see, those three weren't considered newbies. :/ You mentioned us running off newbies, see, and I've yet to see that happen. I don't believe we've forcefully banned a newbie for reasons other than posting inappropriate pictures on the site.

Darkhero, in the eyes of some members was still considered a newbie. He was run off in less than three months after he joined. It's happened many times, but because of the thirty day cut-off, and because of the fact that no one has joined recently, I can't show you an example.

Darkhero wasn't a newbie. He wasn't some one that mistakingly made an error and was unfairly banned and left from a broken heart. He was an irritating person that constantly did shit knwoing it was against the rules, then eventually asked to be banned. Any reasons he ran off are all on his head, none of ours.

As for Gale, he wasn't a newbie. He just left.

Neither was really a newbie, but they weren't in the FEW circle of friends either. Both were eventually run off by other members.