Staff Feedback Thread

[Luke.]

I personally understand the idea that everything should be public, or nothing should. That's a valid point. However if you are reporting purely to make sure someone is punished which is the impression being given here, rather than for the betterment of the server and people learning from mistakes, then I think that breeds the very same negative environment as the questionable sanctions did, imo.

I'll premise the rest by saying that perhaps this has accidentally been how certain sanctions have come across, at which point we should review that going forward. Once again, a valid observation. Also once again, erroneous decisions have been made as of late that were unfair or too harsh, even if intent from staff is to course correct the server from continuing down a path that it's not supposed to rather than appearing to smite certain people. Regardless, mistakes were made. Collectively, staff have apologised for that. You don't have to grant forgiveness, but it's about as much as they can do alongside changing the decision and discussing future steps which, to my knowledge, did happen and is happening. If you happen to have issues with individuals, then maybe it's best to, instead of waiting for server-wide operational changes, message those members of staff directly via Discord or whatever else and iron out grievances. Personal relations are separate. At least they should be anyway. I have nothing to do with that, so I don't know but I can't help but feel that continually pointing out individuals and memeing/attacking them isn't productive either.

Staff's goals are not to make sure particular people get hurt. It's not about bias. Staff decisions are made collectively (not just by the one that posts the sanction) via votes and discussion via two different mediums. If people are sanctioned multiple times, or particular groups have more watchful eyes on them and reports that come through regarding their behaviour are more regular, then that is because they are clearly seen as an issue by the community as well. Unfortunately some will bend or breach rules more than others. That's just how it is for any community in any game. Compromises can't be made when some should know better as they've been around a longer time and/or have been sanctioned before. We all like to play games after a busy day, but rules are rules. They exist to ensure that everyone can enjoy a game after work. Together.

The idea and system is never about unfair treatment or making an example of people. At no point is it about finding a reason to punish people where there isn't one, but is rather based on evidence given and what is found through investigation. Private warnings are usually given in instances of first-time offences by new players, not wanting to make them feel bad for an honest mistake they weren't aware of. The public sanction system as I said previously, is for more official warnings and onward. To re-iterate, none of this is to say that the system is working all the time, hence the extensive discussion that you don't see. The public sanctions are just how it's been from the start and has carried over throughout all these years. Antiquated? Maybe. Unnecessary? In this day and age, perhaps. Again, maybe there is room for change on that front. That's once again part of ongoing discussions. As is probably obvious by now, there's a lot of talking points at the moment. Staff also have lives on top of large topics like this requiring a lot of work though, and so it's not as fast as you'd perhaps like it to be. I wish we lived in a world where unmitigated speed was still possible but we're not young and free of responsibilities anymore. The bottom line is though - we are listening.

I'll end this on a personal anecdote - I for one know what it looks like from a community perspective. It's the very reason I left back in 2016 when the "heavy decision" you've referred to happened the first time. A lot of drama followed. A dev strike, and more. I vacated Disco alongside others, not willing to put up with it any longer. Despite that, even I am not seeing that same cycle beginning to happen having applied for staff not long after coming back as a more grown-up, matured and less antagonistic person myself who just wants to lend a helping hand. I want the best for this server and community as one of the last standing of a game we all love and wish to see flourish again, as much as you do.

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