Let's fix this

[Garrett Jax]

Yes, it's possible to fix this. I've always told my children that it's never too late to start making wise decisions. In almost every situation, this is true.

Currently, the Community is fractured and angry. It's not difficult to see how this anger has manifested itself. Frustration has caused extraordinary levels of upset. Threats, both personal and general, have been issued, causing at least one Admin to leave.

What is the lesson to be learned here? It's that even good decisions, when handled in a poor way, can end up doing more harm than good.

It doesn't have to be like this. The Community and the Greens can be at peace. Both groups, in general, have the interests of the server at heart. Both groups, in general, wish to have a fun and enjoyable time. Both groups, in general, wish to get along with one another in a productive and satisfying relationship.

So what is the fix?

Suggestions for the Admins:

Be humble. The Community is toxic, no doubt. But, could you have presented the facts leading to the decision in a more clearer way? Were the banned players warned ahead of time that they might be banned? Because right now, every single member of the Community has a right to be concerned that they may be banned at a moment's notice based on the fact that they might have angered/annoyed a player or faction. When a child becomes problematic and troublesome, many times it's the parent that has to make the change in order to see their child improve. Likewise, If you want the Community to be less toxic, it is up to you, as Admins, to start making changes in how you operate.

Be consistent. Nothing frustrates the Community more than to see rules applied unequally. Why do some players seem to get away with murder while others get hammered hard? I realize you made a new revised ruleset, with a consistent punishment system, which I believe can help, but did all the players you banned deserve the same punishment? I know it's incredibly convenient to brush all annoying members with the same paint stroke, but you lose more than you gain by doing so. You've alienated the Community even more and you've shaken the faith of some of your most loyal and faithful members. It takes effort to work with Community members on a case by case basis. However, the Community is small enough that it's definitely worth the effort. Would you rather spend your time helping explain to someone how their behavior is harming server gameplay, or spend your time huddled in your skype chat, praying that this emotional wave of rage blows over soon? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure as the saying goes.

Be courageous. There is nothing courageous about making an announcement with an anonymous Admin account. There is nothing courageous about having your heads in the sand, bitching about how toxic the Community is. You guys, for the most part are fully capable of making good decisions. Make them. Stand by them. Back them up with clear explanations. Everyone knows which Community members are causing problems. If you can't write down a clear and reasonable explanation for why you take a certain action, then the action shouldn't be taken. If you can explain it clearly, then stand by it and own it. That is what good leadership does and that's what the Community rightly expects from you.

It's not too late to fix this. I realize you all may be angry and hurt at the Community's reaction. Please, try to look past that and listen to what I'm advising. I have nothing to gain by posting this. It is only to help the server function in a more productive way in which good Admins and Community members don't leave out of a sense of frustration.

~Bob

---