Frances - Moderator Application

[Frances]

Server Moderator Application

 

Basic Information

Byond Account: Isuckatroleplaying (also FFrances, which I ran out of character slots on)

Character Name(s): Megan Manson, Emily Saville, some other minor characters nobody probably noticed.

AI Name(s): NOPE (Engineering Cyborg)

Preferred means of contact: PM is best, Pager second (either Isuckatroleplaying or FFrances). I also have a skype though I don't always check it.

Age: 11

Timezone: EST

When are you on Aurora?: It honestly varies a ton, though I'm usually there for the deadhour rounds, among others (I noticed there's not that many current staff but a lot of trial staff for deadhour)

---

---

Experience

How long have you played SS13?: Since times immemorial (not really, I lost a fight to a maintenance drone)

How long have you played on Aurora: Since spring of last year. I've been playing more actively in the past few months, I just don't talk in OOC a lot

How much do you know about SS13 (Baystation build) game mechanics?: I lost a fight to a maintenance drone.

Do you have any experience moderating for an SS13 server?: A little, I was on staff here for the best part of a year (I left to pursue my dreams.)

Have you ever been banned, and if so, how long and why?: Three-day ban for the adventures of Tpr Cena & co. (I was actually merely his sidekick.) And there's all the other stuff with the bald chucklefucks everybody knows about. Had a short talk with Tenenza, he convinced me Aurora had seen enough bald action for a while. (He was surprisingly chill while explaining the whole thing, too.) I won't do it again, mum.

---

---

Personality

Why do you play SS13?: It's a great game to construct stories and meet people in, and there's a few issues I have with traditional roleplaying that SS13 thankfully answers. I also like how the game doesn't get old because the content is created by the players, we have an active community, and we can even dev for it and basically make the game ourselves. Woo!

Why do you play on Aurora?: Because Citadel Station's nagas scare me (no but honestly, Aurora is also a decent server).

What do moderators do?: I believe moderators are there to help people. Some really important (and underappreciated) qualities for a good mod are empathy, patience, and open-mindedness. It's honestly a more complicated job than just "enforce the rules and try to follow common sense", because what "common sense" actually is can be hotly disputed. Too often, I've seen mods lose their spirit and forget to have fun with people. It's not a job, it's something you do for fun. The responsibility part, while essential, should only come after an actual desire to do this stuff and help people.

What does it mean to be a moderator for our server?: Well, HRP mods actually have it easier than LRP mods, because there's a lot less chaos to deal with in HRP. I believe the offside to that is that there can be some really varied ways to interpret what is "good roleplay" or not, and sometimes none of the options are fully good. There's a lot of grey situations, like when two people roleplayed and filled the role they had, yet are still unhappy with how some events turned out. I think one of the things mods on HRP servers specifically should do is help facilitate communication with these people... get them to understand each other and see that even if they disagree they shouldn't be mad or assume the worst out of the other.

Why do you want to be a moderator?: Because a lot of older members of staff seem tired with their jobs and have quit, and I've never gotten tired of it myself. I also changed my mind a lot on what a good mod should do since I was headmin - I wish mods could be nicer and friendlier, and I'd much rather be able to show example by doing what I want to see staff do myself than constantly put out complaints.

What qualities do you possess that would make you a good moderator?: I'm outgoing, patient, and easy to reach. I try my best not to judge people on first impressions, and get to the bottom of every situation I encounter. I also try not to leave people hanging, and keep an eye out to make sure every situation gets handled, and everybody gets listened to. Some people might be thinking that I disagree with staff for the sake of it, but I only really look out for the underdog when I believe the underdog deserves being heard and no one is paying them any attention. When I agree with staff, there's not much of a use in saying anything, because what I agree with has already been said. (I do try to encourage staff when I see them do something good, though!)

How well do you handle stress, anger, or insults?: I try to be friendly more than aloof. Sometimes, a stupid smiley like v.v or -_- can go a long way towards showing people you're not out to hate their guts even if you disagree with them. Defusing stressful situations is actually an important skill when dealing with people - you won't get anywhere by pushing back when people put you under pressure, but if you give them time to calm down you can actually get surprisingly far with people others would have banned or muted in a heartbeat.

---

---

Anything Else You Want to Add:

* * * * *

make aurora great again

* * * * *

---

---

Edited November 26, 2015 by Guest

[halorocks22]

Frances for God Emperor of Aurora.

This used to be a great server. Then the immigrants from the pleb servers came along and ruined everything. With Frances's tough policy on tards like me, we can make Aurora great again.

It's also only appropriate for Frances to be the one to permaban me when the end of days arrives and death finally comes to claim me.

 

[Witt]

Alright, so reading over your application as few questions came to mind and I want to bring them forth before I decide to +1 or -1

1. The Age: I looked over this app, your last two and Skype. not a single one is the same, why is that? how old are you honestly? why lie?

2. I noticed you are joining/trying to join the lore team as well, do you feel you can handle both without hating the game and leaving?

3. what do you mean by *make Aurora great again*?

[Frances]

Alright, so reading over your application as few questions came to mind and I want to bring them forth before I decide to +1 or -1

1. The Age: I looked over this app, your last two and Skype. not a single one is the same, why is that? how old are you honestly? why lie?

2. I noticed you are joining/trying to join the lore team as well, do you feel you can handle both without hating the game and leaving?

3. what do you mean by *make Aurora great again*?

1. I actually age in reverse, much like Benjamin Button. The reason why I appear older on my skype is because I made it longer ago.

2. I'm applying on the lore team to help Jackboot with editing (which I've already done a bit of, there might just be more in the future plus if I get accepted I suppose I'll have to hang out with the boys in the lore chat.) Lore isn't a terribly big time commitment, it's mostly a matter of ideas and creativity. And getting work done when work needs doing - which isn't terribly difficult imo.

3.

[SierraKomodo]

Alright, so reading over your application as few questions came to mind and I want to bring them forth before I decide to +1 or -1

1. The Age: I looked over this app, your last two and Skype. not a single one is the same, why is that? how old are you honestly? why lie?

2. I noticed you are joining/trying to join the lore team as well, do you feel you can handle both without hating the game and leaving?

3. what do you mean by *make Aurora great again*?

1. I actually age in reverse, much like Benjamin Button. The reason why I appear older on my skype is because I made it longer ago.

2. I'm applying on the lore team to help Jackboot with editing (which I've already done a bit of, there might just be more in the future plus if I get accepted I suppose I'll have to hang out with the boys in the lore chat.) Lore isn't a terribly big time commitment, it's mostly a matter of ideas and creativity. And getting work done when work needs doing - which isn't terribly difficult imo.

3.

 

So are you actually going to take this seriously, or just shitpost like this? Cause if you're not going tot ake it seriously, why did you even post an application in the first place?

[Frances]

So are you actually going to take this seriously, or just shitpost like this? Cause if you're not going tot ake it seriously, why did you even post an application in the first place?

Literally all of my answers save for my age are serious. Have you actually read it?

Witt asked for the origin of the meme I added at the bottom and I answered.

[Witt]

I asked expecting you to have a serious answer.

and if you can't even be honest about your age, how are we supposed to trust you as a potential moderator?

[Frances]

I asked expecting you to have a serious answer.

and if you can't even be honest about your age, how are we supposed to trust you as a potential moderator?

Because apps need to be so serious.

Half of the apps have little jokes in them. If you want to ignore the entire rest of my application because I wrote "13" as my age, uh, sigh.

Edited November 25, 2015 by Guest

[halorocks22]

I can't believe that people are actually getting on Frances for including a tiny, relevant joke about Donald Trump in the "ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ADD" section and also a little joke about her age.

Lighten up, people. This application is the one of the most serious and well-made of the moderator applications and she clearly dindu nuffin.

[Killerhurtz]

-1 from me, for two main reasons: One thing to consider, for now:

Sure, joking in applications is fine. But it's not when it cuts out relevant, important information.

Second, I've noticed that Frances may have a tendency to bring up old things for their own purposes. And I don't know if I want someone so intent on seeing things through, per se, being a mod.

Edited November 25, 2015 by Guest

[Frances]

-1 from me, for two main reasons:

Sure, joking in applications is fine. But it's not when it cuts out relevant, important information.

Second, I've noticed that Frances may have a tendency to bring up old things for their own purposes. And I don't know if I want someone so intent on seeing things through, per se, being a mod.

Thanks for the feedback, it's appreciated. I'll try to answer both points you brought up:

-The only relevant information I cut out is age... which is literally the least important question in the entire app. Age can actually serve as a decent baseline when you don't know the person as it gives you a general idea of what to expect from them, but I've regularly interacted with most people in the community and I think everyone knows what I'm like at this point. Also, people that have given silly answers to much more important questions are currently on trial.

-I'm curious, what do you mean by old things? And for what purposes?

[Guest Marlon Phoenix]

For an 11 year old, Frances is very articulate. Education is amazing.

I'd support her ascension to mod-hood, though my only concern is how well staff and her can mesh. Given that there's a number of staff complaints by you, Joan, are you still able to work under them?

[Frances]

For an 11 year old, Frances is very articulate. Education is amazing.

I'd support her ascension to mod-hood, though my only concern is how well staff and her can mesh. Given that there's a number of staff complaints by you, Joan, are you still able to work under them?

Better, probably. One issue with the forums is that they're so impersonal - and while I resort to staff complaints when I'm unable to communicate properly with the person I have issues with (with a few exceptions, such as a Doomberg complaint - I think - where I wanted to hear additional opinions), it's actually easier to settle things via chat. Rejoining the mod team removes this boundary, or at least gives me more options as to how to approach people (rather than having to make complaints or go through Skull.)

I actually don't think that I have issues with the staff as a whole - simply with small, isolated incidents that I feel are important (as sometimes they're the symbol of bigger problems). I think I've been able to solve all the complaints I've had, save for one that involved Doomberg and Tish telling me off for a LOOC joke they found misleading (and the reason why such a silly thing ended in a complaint is because I was completely shut down when trying to discuss it in ahelps). I've also only written four complaints since August, counting one that was reported by several people. Most of my other posts in the complaints forums involve defending people or bringing attention to facts I feel have been ignored, but as a whole I post pretty much everywhere on the forums.

As for tone, and creating a pleasant experience, I've done my best to remain neutral and pleasant on the forums (i can't resist memes tho) and I actually don't think I'd be causing anyone much trouble in msay, as I did admin for the server for nearly a full year and never had any truly unpleasant experiences with anyone else on staff, even when we disagreed. If there are members of staff who are currently wary about the prospect of modding with me, I'd implore them to give me a chance via trials before passing their judgment, and if you just wanna talk about why you have issues with me, my inbox is open and I'll be glad to listen.

[Killerhurtz]

Alright, for old things, first there's the case in 1138's application where you brought up the CM incident.

For the other main example I'm thinking about, it was featuring another staff member - may have been Suzan.

But yeah - I can see how much I lack evidence on this point, so consider my second point withdrawn until I can find the evidence once more.

(Though to answer what purpose: from what I remember, it was to keep certain users out of certain things as far as I can remember - but as I said, I withdrew that comment until I can find that evidence again)

Also, in light of this, I feel unfair leaving the -1 in - so consider my vote neutral.

[Xelnagahunter]

Frances, I barely know you on a personal level, but I have seen and read the things discussed between you and others. When I was a mod I only had to get on to you once and you pretty quickly saw my reasoning and accepted it, but the whole time I was there I felt like you were "testing" the moderator team on your own terms. I felt then, and still do feel that it was wrong. I know you can give me litterally any reason to explain how it wasn't a "test" for us, but intention vs perception is a real thing. Your intentions may have been good or malicious, but I took it poorly. My perception of you for that incident is poor.

From what I've seen of you in your posting, though at this point I won't go citing examples as I hate digging through tons of old posts and use the forums in the simplest ways I know how, you hold grudges. I'd also like to point out that given past examples from the times you were getting in trouble as a bald recently, I can see that you might hold some strong favoritism.

I'd like to note that my perceptions my be wrong, but they are mine and without proof of otherwise I can't say that I'd be truly comfortable with you as a moderator. Who knows, perhaps you can change my view either before or during a period of moderation, only time will tell that. But now is where I officially state my -1 to your application.

[Garnascus]

I was wondering if you where going to make an application Frances, frankly i would love to see you as a part of the team. I think you have great arguing skills and are able to see an issue from multiple perspectives. You are not afraid to disagree with anyone or call someone out on some BS and i respect that a lot. +1 i think theres enough reason to at the very least give you a trial.

[Guest]

From what I've seen of FFrances, they have a dedication to being patient, well reasoned, and gloriously argumentative in a respectful sort of way. +1

[Frances]

Frances, I barely know you on a personal level, but I have seen and read the things discussed between you and others. When I was a mod I only had to get on to you once and you pretty quickly saw my reasoning and accepted it, but the whole time I was there I felt like you were "testing" the moderator team on your own terms. I felt then, and still do feel that it was wrong. I know you can give me litterally any reason to explain how it wasn't a "test" for us, but intention vs perception is a real thing. Your intentions may have been good or malicious, but I took it poorly. My perception of you for that incident is poor.

You're... actually right!

I don't remember talking to you during any specific incidents, but there was a period of time a few months ago where I was playing joke characters and I ran into a very tough spot with the staff, neither of us being really able to solve the situation.

I didn't have any malicious intents when talking to you guys, but the staff actually didn't really contact me about anything for a really long while (which led me to assume they didn't particularly care, so I played my balds with Halo and we engaged in mostly inconsequential chucklefucking), and then eventually a few staffmembers blew up and got really mad at some (honestly) very, very random things which surprised me as I'd much rather they have addressed the issue directly. Eventually, after maybe a month of this, I had a conversation with Tenenza and we finally figured things out.

The staff I dealt with before were for the most part hostile, and the issues they attempted to discipline me for were mostly unfounded or unrelated to the chucklefucking (for example, communicating with another player OOCly to fix a bug, or making an obvious joke about having 300 characters in LOOC). I was, for the most part, waiting for them to realize they were off the mark and bring up the real issues. It sadly never happened with these original mods/admins - maybe I failed in reaching out to them and they thought I was just retarded.

Anyway, I hope that explains things a little. I think it's not as much of a problem anymore, partly because aurora staff actually is doing better right now imo, and partly because I've actually picked up how to deal with angry staff a little (that situation was really new to me tbh). Lastly, I just want to reassure you that I don't have any special "terms" - yes, there's things I'd like to see done differently, but I think the chain of command is important, and general approval is important too. Without them, we wouldn't get anything done! So when Doomberg released unfavorable rulings in the past, and actually said it was his final word as Headmin, I did accept it, even if I might not have agreed and even if I might try to change his mind sometime later.

[Killerhurtz]

I looked into it, and beyond Delta's mod app where you did it, I couldn't find any other examples that happened in a reasonable time frame.

So my vote is staying neutral, if not out of a vague "I don't know what" that rubs me wrong. But hopefully you'll prove me wrong.

[Frances]

I looked into it, and beyond Delta's mod app where you did it, I couldn't find any other examples that happened in a reasonable time frame.

So my vote is staying neutral, if not out of a vague "I don't know what" that rubs me wrong. But hopefully you'll prove me wrong.

Well, I tried to post an explanation on Delta's app - I don't really want to force a super long discussion of two third parties onto his app, though, so if you wanted to discuss this more you could send me a PM (you don't have to, though.)

Something I didn't say but should mention is that my intent by doing this isn't to serve my personal agenda. I don't want for Delta not to be a mod, I just want this server to have good mods. I saw something that I felt was an issue, and so I brought it up. If Delta or the rest of the staff can refute it I'll be super happy - until then, I just believe it's something worth being considered as people look at his app. If that makes any sense?

[LetzShake]

Edit: Withdrawing my +1. Very disappointed

Edited December 1, 2015 by Guest

[EvilBrage]

Wasn't Frances the head admin before, or did I dream that?

If so, I'm not sure why this wasn't instantly accepted - anyone with the masochism to handle that can certainly handle moderation.

[Gollee]

I'm going to have to put -1.

From my interactions with Frances; I feel that she believes that the rules don't quite apply to her; case in point; her recent post in an IR, contravening sub-forum rules, as well as ignoring what I personally told her about reporting issues, in favour of a public spectacle.

[Jboy2000000]

Gollee, our previous headmin actually dealt with Ffrances with this exact thing, and apparently they said that on-topic OOC posts should be allowed in IR reports.

[Gollee]

The rule is neither changed; nor is that complaint closed. The post was also a debate on whether that IR could be considered IC, rather than the previous IR post informing us of the fact that the cause of the IR was OOC.

Two different situations.