Magdalena - Overloaded Moderator

[Magdalena]

Ok, I asked everyone else to post their WoW work overload and ideas for improvement so it's only fair that I go first.

What do I currently do for the guild?

Moderate and keep topics on the forums daily, sometimes hourly.
Keep loot attendance for raids
Working on a website for better loot attendance tracking
Field a ton of first and 3rd party complaints, issues, etc.
Bring those issues to the table at meetings


Where are my problems?

Currently spend too much time on the game. From work, in the car on the way home, when I get home, all weekend, etc. Too many things hitting me, whether directly or through Trixster, who I'm married to. Any problem that hits him also comes to me and visa versa.


What changes need to be made for me?

1. Forum Work
More help is needed on keeping items updated on the forums etc. Babydolly has recently gotten mod priviledges and started helping me with this for which I'm very greatful, but we need a rotation here and people willing to take turns keeping tabs on everything constantly up here.

2. Loot Tracking

People need to learn and help keep track on this. I have no problem keeping the spreadsheet for weekend runs, but I'm human and as such I tend to make mistakes. Learn how to tell if you cut someone out, the same spreadsheet I use is there for you to see. Let me know if I make a mistake or if there's something I need to know before the decision is made. Bottom line is you don't have to know the math or anything like that... watch your attendance and items won. As long as those are right, your % will be right as I have a formula in there that does that part automatically. If your T1 CO (Cutt Off) is lower than their T1 %, then you cut them out for T1 Items. Switch over to T2 columns for T2 items. The only additional rule is that if there are people with over 15 raids, they have first option on T2 items. Something I've forgotten a few times as we haven't had people with over 15 attendance for very long and there aren't that many items that count as T2 where we've been. Also, an officer intervention can be called if necessary. If 100% of officers agree then an alteration can be put in place. We've never used this before, but it's there as a just in case. Bring it to me and I will start the discussion in officer chat for this.

My new rule for this will be if you did not bring it to me before the decision I will not listen to or accept any complaints on any level. If I hear of someone complaining about this again I will bring them out about it in front of the entire guild. I feel bad enough when I make mistakes, but it can't be held all on me. The past week I've gotten word through a 3rd party (the people involved didn't even have the courtesy to bring it to my face) that there were people flipping over such mistakes I've made. These I will not state because I hadn't said this before, but starting forward in a situation like this I will pull them into vent with everybody else and ask them what is going on as well as tell everybody what was told to me. If people are that upset over distribution of items, something needs to change either in our system or in their attitude. If someone else is filtering data through and putting problems to 3rd parties that don't exist or have been drastically exaggerated, that person(s) needs to be stopped from creating discord within our family. Sorry, this is still very fresh and hurtful as I did everything to try and correct it as soon as I caught it and to my face was told it was okay and cleared up. What was already agreed upon for one I'm sure all of the officers will agree will stand for both and they will get the next of that item. This however is the last correction I will make as I am laying it into each individuals hands to know and view their standing and voice beforehand if they feel they should be getting the item by default and why. This isn't something to pull willy nilly, if I get too many unjustified requests from someone I will question whether this is the right guild for them, no matter who they are or how much I like them. I will however let you know if your request is unjustified.

3. Website

I honestly don't know when I'll have time to complete this. For now the spreadsheet is there and has to work. If someone wants to take this on themselves they're more than welcome to. Get with me and I'll explain what we've been working on. I have other things for mine and Trixster's jobs coming up that will be taking priority.

4. Dealing with Issues

Honestly, I believe people need to learn to settle problems on their own more. I'm still willing to help where you can't but need to see that you've at least tried to work it out on your own. Trying doesn't include ignoring that person. I also will no longer take 3rd party complaints or problems. If you report that so and so isn't happy about something I will assume the problem you have is with them complaining about it and suggest the two of you discuss that or pull you two into a room and walk away. Things get worded differently, exaggerated, etc when put through third party channels. This is something I think needs to stop across the board. Also don't whisper it to your circle of friends and say nothing to that person or to the complete group about the problem. This creates divisions and isn't healthy for the group. This includes the officer channel and officers. A general topic brought to the floor in officer channel and narrowed down for easier voting is good... a complaint about person(s) is not. Most of us have been guilty at one point or another. News flash, our groups overlap and it still gets out and usually right back to that person. I don't claim perfection... this is something I'm willing to work on as well to see this group succeed.

5. Meetings

We've tried to have most choices narrowed down to 2 for ease of voting, with officers discussing and figuring in one form or another which is best for the group. Members wishing to discuss something are asked and encouraged to bring it up on the forums here (its too hard to have a full out vent discussion with 30+ ppl, tough enough with 5-10) Too often the topics brought up are answered by total silence or only a handful of people bringing up their thoughts and suggestions. When given the floor you've got to use it and don't complain when the majority doesn't agree with you. We're adults here, act it, and understand not everybody will see things the same way.

Also, we need to decide a time on these again.

6. Trixster

I can NOT be used as your gateway to him and he can NOT be used as your gateway to me. If there's something he needs to know... tell him... if there's something I need to know, tell me. Most of this area goes back to #4... read it, learn it, live it. People either send them in whispers to me or to him so one of us gets a ruined night... those married know if one's night gets ruined, both do. This combination has resulted in both of us being made miserable a large portion of the times we get online. It also doesn't stop at whispers... it continues on to phone calls etc. We love talking to our friends on the phone, but true friends don't just call when there's something wrong for us to fix.
I will no longer forward anything but good news regarding this game to him, and am fairly certain he will agree to do the same block for me.


For those that can't tell from my post, there are going to be some radical changes to the way this game goes for me. If I can't get cooperation to pull them off, I will be walking away very soon. This is not meant as a threat or slight, it is just some changes I have to make on the effect this game has on me and my personal life or I will be unable to continue playing it at all.

Some of you may say good riddence and the group is better off without me... most of those are ones who have seen the ugly effects the amount of pressure applied can have, and that is why I have to change it. I think most of the EU guys that were leading the pack can vouch for the fact that if it doesn't change, the torch will pass from me to someone else until they can't take it anymore and then you'll lose them too until there's nothing but a shell left and nobody willing to take up these cursed leadership roles. I love this group and don't want to see that happen to it... the decision though lies in each and every one of you whether or not you are going to let it.

[Inquisitor]

I can only speak directly to 1) for now.

Rotate your forum mods, and escalate to me as necessary. It works, and it starts to spread the responsibility amongst members. Sometimes people who are reluctant to do it make the BEST mods.

Food for thought.

[SSX-Killjoy]

I don't have any time immediately, but if you can inform me what you need for 3, I can help out in that department.

[Aoiren]

Some of you may say good riddence and the group is better off without me...

That would truely be a great loss to our family if that were to happen.
I for one was not aware of the pressure that was amassing.

As to your first request, I can help out with updating the forums.

To your second request, you are doing a great job handling the loot tracking. Guildies please understand that the way SSX handles loot was decided upon to try to be fair to everyone who goes on our raids. Mistakes are fated to happen with any loot system so please try not to get upset when it happens and congratulate the winner. The item will drop again.

I have to check to make sure if I have excel at home, but if I do I would not mind updating the sheet and calling out the numbers to the raid leader if you would like me to.

To your third request, I am really not up to speed with Java so I am going to have let someone else at this one.

As to the other requests, I am willing to help out with anything that is needed.

[lili]

yeah mel...the excel sheet can be updated with any computer...personally I always have my Thinkpad and my toshiba tablet running at the same time...easy enough to update and still play.

[Achara]

That was a good post. The only way for people with lots of responsibilities to stay sane is for them to set clear boundaries and ask for help with the things that are too much. Hopefully anyone who needs to will follow suit with a similar post.

It sounds like some of the most difficult things to deal with are the people management and the spousal messenger service issues. Do not feel guilty about reminding people that they can't expect you to solve al their problems and that if they have something to say to Trixster, they should say it to him. You're right to do so.

If you think some dispute resolution guidelines would be helpful, let me know. I've helped to create them for other groups I've been involved in. I'd be happy to put together something for discussion.

Let me know if you need anything.

~ Catherine

[Ismona]

I am sure that some of the STNY people that came over are looking at this post knowing how familiar it sounds. I went through the same thing when I stepped down as class leader for the priests. Burnout sucks, not matter how you cut it.

So, hopefully these suggestions will help out since I know exactly where you are coming from Mel.

1) It is the responsibility of EVERY member of a guild to monitor a website. This is the primary source for all information that the officers need to pass on to the guild and every member should read this at least once a day. Ignoreing communications at any level is not the most intelegent way to go about participating in a guild.

2) Loot tracking is once again a responsibility of all people that raid at any level. If you have a problem, step up and say something. Approach an officer or even a close friend and try to discuss it. If you cannot resolve your problem, talk to the person directly involved. Honestly, all the people in this guild are supposed to be adults, time to start acting like them.

Oh, and for refrence sake - none of these things exist in any way shape or form. Loot drops are not real, so why are you obsessing over them and running the risk of damaging a long term friendship over them ? PLAY THE GAME, not the people.

3) You can always send a email to H3rb or Skier. Both are amazing at web design and would probably help you out if you asked. Other than that, I am not too sure who you can ask to help within the guild, but someone should be offering to help more often. One person cannot handle this ammount of things at once, it's not possible.

4) Yes, people should learn to deal with the issues they are having amongst themselves. Almost everyone in this guild is an adult and have the communication tools to be able to handle it. Officers are not priests or your Parents ( in most cases :P ), they are not here to take confessions or solve your problems. Officers are here to HELP you out and try to organize. If you cannot solve your problems amongst yourselves, THEN ask.

5) Mag, might I suggest a " Upcoming meeting discussion " thread ? If you can get issues that need to be delt with ahead of time down in print, it might help speed your meetings along. Also, you do have the ability to global mute the entire group at the start of a meeting. Use it, any questions that need to be asked can be typed in guild chat and dicussed from there.

6) Not sure what you meant and I have not been around long enough to know what your relationship with Trixter is. I am not sure if I factor into this comment or not, if you are not on, I try to dicuss with him or Req an issue, or thought, that I have that I might have to help. As for the rest, I refer you back to my prior comments about stepping up and saying what you need to to the right person.


Now, as for Mag feeling that she is being forced out, not sure what brought that on since I let my account expire not too long ago. I do try to drop into vent from time to time and I am starting to hear the strain in the voices of the officers. People in the guild need to learn to work together and assist the officers a bit better. I am telling you now, if you loose an officer of Mags ability, you are going to seriously hurt your guild in ways that ONLY STNY people can appreciate ( guild folded after our GM burnt out on the EXACT same thing I am reading here ).

Officers have thier heads on straight, and I know that the STNY people have thier stuff together. Axavier and I see each other almost daily and he has not had this much fun in a long time.

As for the rest of you, I am going to be as blunt as possible, get your stuff together or else. You cannot afford to take ANY steps back now since you are moving forward so well.

Mel, if you or Trix need to talk about anything at any time, even if it is just to get grounded or help you sort out an issue, I may not be in the game anymore ( for now ), but I can hit vent anytime you need me. Just let Axavier or Lileth know and they can get to me in under 5 minutes ( since I live less than 10 minutes away from them, lol ).

Hope this helps, if not...well, sorry.

[Brandonheat]

I can always lend a hand, just tell me what to do.

[Bladesinger]

Mel,

Thank you for the post. I'm sorry to see things have gotten out of hand to the point where your enjoyment is being thrown in the circular file. I'm more than happy to pick up mod responsibilities here. I've got a little experience with it.

4,5,6

I hope this doesn't mean an end to Jack's phone calls at random times of the day. When I get my new phone plan I'll even be calling back.

~Phil

[Jophiel]

This is strange and kinda spooky. I left KOA for many of the same reason's that Mel is currently having. I can relate perfectly to you're situation, Mel. In fact, it is quite interesting to be on the other side (member instead of officer). While I can't influence what you ultimately do, I can offer suggestions.

1.As you mentioned above, spread the work around. This guild is different than most, we are family. I think family has more capability to self rule than other more "formal" guilds. There is no reason for you and Jack to have to manage the entire guild from loot sheets to forums. (one of the best things in management is getting people to do that for you while you sit back and watch )

2. If you do get burned out, take some time off and relax. It does sound like you are under a lot of stress as I was when I was in charge of KOA. The guild needs you, Mel.

I have to admit, this post came as a bit of a shock. I saw your post earlier about concerns where the guild was going, but I figured that was a premtive measure. I guess some of the problems with some guildies has been in whispers.

If you do need me for anything, and I mean ANYTHING, I am here to help. I'll do what I can and do it to the best of my ability. I'm sure others would do the same. A guild is a heavy load and cannot be carried by 1 or 5 people, but even more.

[Trixster]

let me state for the record, these issues are not ones that just started. and to be honest they are easly fixable. what mel and myself are trying to do is start something here. they call it comunication, and they say it helps alot.

As many have see as of late alot of guilds are having major issues and are disbanding, what we are trying to do is open the lines of comunication so little issues dont simmer till they blow up in someones face. by doing this we can avoid alot more issues in the furture.

well best way we can try to get everyone to state the issues they see is to do it ourselfs and try to show others its ok to comunicate concerns and issues. there will be no flames to anyone who has issues. the few issues out there now are like i said easly fix. so give the group a chance to fix the problems that have been bothering you.



With that being said ok here I go.

Mel stated about 90% of the issues I am having as well. So I will not cover these.

Also please excuse how long this post is. You guys all know I ramble and I am a loud mouth but these are just my thoughts.


First off I do not mind running the raids. As far a giving direction its not an issue. The problem that most do not think about when they whisper me one of the many times when a boss doesnt go down, "We should do it like this" I ask that people understand I take a lot of time during the week at work and at home finding these reading them and memorizing them. Its not the fact that what they send me does not work. Its the fact that I only have X number of each class so that may not be a viable option. So then I have to improvise. If we had perfect mix of classes every week we wouldnt have an issues and every boss would go down minus the few times that luck factors in. When we are having trouble with a boss, I ask that everyone gives me a sec. if you dont know I have spent a lot of time reading every tactic out there on one website or another. A lot of the times we have to mesh 2 or 3 of them together and make it work. That is what happened on our first Garr downing. If I can't see a way for it to work those that have run with me know this line too well. "Ok guys thoughts, ideas, suggestions?" but when we get to that point come up with something original not some thing that was posted on 10 different sites. Chances are that I have read that tactic and there is a reason that it was not being used.



I understand that when we have this time its boring or what ever, but if I dont have to read though 30 tells and have to answer on vent every 5 seconds then I can take the little bit of time I need to make the changes to the game plan that are needed, then we can move on an I can try to respond to the questions asked.



If anyone has an issue on how we do a boss fight, and I know I have asked this before. Pull me aside after the raid before the next one or some time between them. In the middle of the raid is not the time. You can also post it up here on the website. These forums are made to be used by us, so we should use the tools we are given.



I ask everyone to remember when we raid that there are 30+ people looking to me for answers to 100 different questions. I cant always stop what we are doing for 1 person, its not the fact I dont want to wait its the fact that there is a larger group that will be standing still during that time. Heck I dont even get time to use the restroom, the few times I make time you will see I ask someone to keep it going wile I am AFK.



I know some have learned that leading these raids are not as easy as it may seem, you have a lot of people looking to you for direction. May seem fun to some, others know the truth it is a lot of pressure but one I am willing to under go to help us progress. The things I do for the guild are a labor of love, I dont mind doing them but you guys have to help us by making our life easier. As most know I am very easy to talk to and also dont blow up at people with out notice. I ask that people be open about issues and that they are willing to bring them to me or another officer.



In my belief if you have an issue with something going on or with something that happened. And you do not bring it to the attention of one of the officers or the person connected to the issue then you really dont want that problem fixed. You just want to bitch just to bitch about something. If the problem really bothered you then you would bring it to the attention of the person so it could be resolved, and to insure it doesnt happen again.



The biggest key to making everything this group wants to get out of the game a reality is communication. If we know about issues then we can fix them or see what went wrong so it can not happen again. Please remember the people in the officer positions are just human, and secondly we play this game for the same reasons you do, to have fun.



Are there issues? Yes there are.

Can they be worked out? Very easily

What needs to be done? We need to understand each other and talk about issues that come up.



You know what I personally count on 99.9% of a time in a strategy we try on a boss. Its not the tactic its the incredible skill of each of our players. You guys all make it possible to take on anything even when we are no where near the numbers or classes we should have to take on a certain challenge. Knowing this I know this group can take on any issues that may arise if we just get them in the open. Keeping them bottled up will just cause things to fester and finally bust open creating a bigger mess.



In closing to our members I ask that we keep the lines of communication open, I also ask that you wait till after the raid to ask me questions unless it was what your position was or questions on what you should be doing. A lot of these questions can be brought to other officers.



Other officers if there is an issue during one of the raids that I need to be made aware of then please over vent ask me to check officer chat. If it is something I do not need to be involved in at that point in time then please you and the other officers take care of the issues in the manor you see fit.

[lili]

Jack I suggest you put your DND tag on and...please people respect that DND tag.

[undrin]

I would totally agree with Lilis suggestion. the officers can deal with most things that come up. You usually have a raid to set up there is no point in you dealing with things others can assist with.

[requiemdreamer]

I'll keep this brief, I promise

While I have been taking a break for a while these are issues, like Trixster said, that have been present for a while and I have the tolls they have been taking. Just one thing that I can address without breaking out into a really really long "Thoughts of a tired warlock" document (some of you may know what I'm talking about), is about something you just posted, Trixster.

To everyone participating in the raids...
We have a lot of Officers. A lot of people who are in that position to help you, with anything. Understand that the person who is leading the raid is very busy at the moment. Whispers do not help that person lead the raid. Whether they are with good intentions or they're complaints, concerns, whatever.. Your best move is to bring it up to another Officer. Take it upon yourself to make the raid leader's job easier and to put the other Officers to use. If there is an issue, bring it up with one Officer. Don't slam all the Officers with whispers. Take it up with one, and we will do our job to handle it and do everything we can. Most of us took up this title because we like to help. Let us.

To Trixster, Magdalena, and anyone else leading our raids...
If raiders don't take it upon themselves to use the Officers as medians, maybe it might be necessary to just put up a "/dnd Please speak with another Officer." I say this because our raid leaders are very important, and we want to make their job as easy as possible. But if it comes to it, Trixsters, take action to ensure that this game stays fun for you.


On another note. I'm hoping to be seeing you guys frequently again once I finally figure out how to balance my school work. And my roommate is starting up WoW too and he's bugging me to start playing more since he transfered his character to Mannoroth. But, to sum up, I will see you all again shortly!

-edit-
DAMN. Weili beat me to it.

[lili]

Lol Sean, I'm just awsome that's all. Yes to anyone who read this before the raid tonight. If you have issues with anything whisper me. Jack aka Trix is not to be disturbed for anything. If it's something long and detailed I will discuss it with you either in another channel or after the raid.

[Padishar]

Sean an Weili both pwn'd out anything I would have suggested to Jack about raid tells.
Tho I would also emphasize again to use the other officers more for issue dispersment. Thats why there are more officers to begin with. I know you 'want' to help as we all do, but as Mel stated we are all human... we only have soo much to give. A "I am sorry but my plate is full please speak with another officer" is more then appropriate.

If you have too much on your plate, ask for help (as I see you are doing hehe, suggesting this to everyone before allowing things to wear U down). I can easily remember being the monarch of 750+ people in AC and having to spend hours and hours EVERY SINGLE NIGHT having to work out problems b4 even being able to have a chance at playing. Taught me a quick lesson in watching how big of a piece I bite off before hand and using other assests available to you in the future.

Mel I hope it is just emotion talking and not an actual end of the ropes for you, as you are both loved and appreciated by almost everyone here.
I have a sneaking suspicion that there will be more drama to come on loot issues, even with out best efforts to avoid them. Mistakes happen (there are ALOT of people to keep track off) and please don't take it to heart everytime someone gets upset over a 'game' item mistake.

WoW is one of the main (aside from EQ) MMO's that is 99.999999% hardcore loot centric. Even tho we have the best guild in the game that values relationships and family at the for front, bliz still brainwashes us into chasing loot items in our subconciousness..... hehe
I keep getting reminded of this everytime I hear: "you missed X loot item; main high point of your night was getting said X loot item (finally after 3-6 months); you must be farming rep (instead of just playing) because of X loot item; or a problem that arises from X loot item".
Day after day, night after night.

[RagingDeath]

Sorry to hear about your frustrations Jack and Mel. I wish i could take on more of the responsibilties of running the guild but i get lucky enough to be able to play once in awhile as it is :-(. I also agree that there ARE OTHER OFFICERS in the guild to talk to about anything, so please feel free to give us a chat. First of all, if there is a raid going on questions and concerns should be kept to a minimum. Especially on first boss encounters or tough bosses as we need not only the raid leaders full attention but the suggestor/questioners too. Keep in mind we do have guild meetings on Friday night before we start the weekend runs. So there is opportunity to bring up suggestions and questions. Just keep a pen/pencil and paper handy while you play and jot down any issues that come up during the guild run. I also think we should maybe start looking to recruit more officers possibly a max of 20 or so for the guild, just more people to help out and more overall knowledge. Another thing we need is more feedback for big posts like this to get opinions ideas from more guildys as well cause this guild is growing and most of us would like to hear what the new people have to say. Jack and Mel are a big example of this. They have gave us their thoughts, probs, ideas, and suggetions on the forums for the guild to respond and help fix. IF anyone has a problem we definetly can fix it because like Jack and Mel we don't want to lose anyone in this guild. So in case ya didnt know my main char is Ragingdeath so pst me if you need help. I ll try my damnedest to make your gaming fun and enjoyable :-)

[Achara]

Hi Mel, Jack, et all:

Can we get semi-regular updates on how the changes you've asked for are going and whether the rest of us guildies need to do more?

I don't want to get into a situation where things get better for you guys for a while but then regress.

~ Catherine