Demipharaoh Debates/2012 05 16

Debates scheduled:

• Sunday May 13th 2:30pm GMT JosS & Chet (10:30am Eastern Time (US))
• Sunday May 13th 11pm GMT Archipelago & Philadelphia (7pm Eastern Time (US))

Dreasimy: Welcome to the1st Debate in the 5th Election for Demi-Pharaoh of the 6th Tale of ATITD! For the duration of the debate normal Worship Station posts will be halted (you can use L2PBS for this purpose during this period) and only debate-appropriate posts will be let through. Our candidates for this debate are Chet & JosS!

Dreasimy: For those who have never had the opportunity to interact with you before can you share a little about yourself, what you enjoy about ATITD as well as how long you’ve been playing?

Dreasimy: you've* :)

Chet: Greetings fellow Egyptians,for any that missed my last 2 times at bat: I have been playing ATITD since T2, off and on, including the ill fated Bastet. There are lot of things I enjoy about this game, and a lot that drive me crazy (like dark night) but what keeps me playing is the community. It reminds me of family in many ways, fight and argue then work together to get things done.

JosS: I have been playing since mid Tale 2, settled down in Sinai, always stayed there. What I most enjoy is the friendship I have experienced over the years with the people of Egypt. It is always good to be here

Dreasimy: If you win this election you will pass the test of the Demi-Pharaoh and be our 5th DP of this tale. There are a variety of points of view on what the role of DP should and shouldn't be, what is yours?

Chet: If this sounded canned, it is. 3rd debate still haven't a better answer.

Chet: With much power there comes much responsibility. The ban stick is an awesome power, real people are on their keyboards behind our little avatars and many take this game very seriously it is therefore important that DP's take it seriously and use that power with as much care and wisdom as possible. Obvious cases like Geodude don't happen often, most disagreements here are more error than malice and things can be worked out, I see it as a duty of the DP to try that first.(and perhaps second and third)

JosS: I think a DP can help people find the joy of the game back, whenever they might have lost that. Listening to their worries, helping them out with any disputes or troubles they might have. And....if necessairy, use the ban with the most prudence, but use it if needed

Dreasimy: How would you handle it, as DP, if you were involved in an interpersonal conflict with another player?

Chet: If I am involved in a problem I should (and will) recuse myself and request another DP to handle things.

JosS: I think most problems occur because we only can interact in writing. Words are so easy misread, so it is always good to try to get the words right. Did the other person really mean what I read? Talking to eachother, seeying eachother makes interaction so much easier, but is not always possible.

Dreasimy: How would you handle it if a close personal friend or guildmate made a complaint, or had a complaint made against, seeking your intervention as DP and possibly a ban?

Chet: Like being involved myself I should, and would, recuse myself. However in this case I would offer the handling DP(s) whatever insight I could about my 'friend'.

JosS: Not different from what I wrote before...try to get the words right, to let people refrase their words and again, to be sure that all is sayd the right way. Listen to both parties, try to let them speak with eachoter carefully. Its best when the anger could be left out, so a cooling-down period would also help

Dreasimy: So, would it be fair to say JosS that even if you were personally involved or one of your good friends were involved in a situation elevated to DP intervention, you would continue to participate in the situation and not recuse yourself as Chet would?

JosS: I mis-understood the question then...sorry. When I am personally involved in the dispute myslef, or a good and dear friend, I would not try to solve the matter myself ofcourse, beiing to close in that case

Dreasimy: Ok let's move on to the AGA!

Dreasimy: Under what circumstances would you consider utilizing the tools created by the Anti-Griefer's Act (AGA) law? In other words, what do you consider 'griefing'? Do you feel it has been used well so far?

Chet: The AGA should be used,imo, when the issues include 'cleaning up messes' left by a griefer, or if the griefer is particuarly good at evasion. In general tho it seems a way for the DP to avoid responsibility for thier actions and I wouldn't use it unless the other circumstances are met.

JosS: When a person keeps acting in a way that other people cant play anymore, or lose their joy and fun, like Geodude did in the recent past, I call that griefing. Whenever it is physically impossible to use the ban-stick, I think a law could help, but only as a last resort. I agree with Chet that it can never be used to avoid responsibility

Dreasimy: If a person were submitted as a griefer under the AGA, and egypt voted AGAINST banning them, but you still felt they should be banned, would you? What if the general consensus of the rest of the DPs were that that person should not be banned, but you felt strongly that they should? Do you intend to make decisions unilaterally, or in concert with your fellow DPs?

JosS: I dont think that would be wise. A DP is not a dictator and should always listen to other DP s and the people

Chet: If Egypt decides via a vote that a person is not be banned I would not consider overriding it. I do think some discussion among DPs is useful and improtant. But the one that does the deed takes responsibility.

Dreasimy: Let's take a call from a listener! Caller, go ahead:

Dreasimy: GHawkins: A question for the candidates. "What are the qualities that would be good for a DP to possess, but wouldn't necesserily help them to win a popularity contest as the DP election is often portrayed as? How do you possess these qualities?"

Chet: I think being a better listener than talker would be number 1, and obviously from these debates we seem to like talkers in Egypt.

Chet: I think I probably talk too much. :)

JosS: A DP should be a good listener and a person who isnt afraid to take responsibility to act. But formost I think a good DP is a good mentor, helping, whenever and wherever he can. I rl I do these things on a daily basis, working as a team manager at a school (filled with teenagers!)

Dreasimy: Here's another caller!

Hanid: If a majority of DPs agreed to ban a person in your guild who went into hiding, and you bumped into this indvidual would you use your ban ability?

Chet: Yes

JosS: I dont think such a person could stay n my guild, but I would use the ban, yes

Dreasimy: Here's another caller, who has disguised their voice!

Dreasimy: Anonymous: Do you have any issues with people voting/not voting for you because you come from a certian country or speak a certian language or are perceived as a certain gender?

Chet: I hope people don't vote that way. Fortunately we do have secret ballot and people should vote as they see fit. But please do vote.

JosS: I am not against any positive discrimination, as long as this is not the only reason for the vote. But really, people should not use their votes that way.

Dreasimy: Does anyone have access to login to your account? (ie, would any person other than yourself ever have access to your ban powers)? Note: spouselog does not allow access to ban powers.

Chet: no

JosS: no, I changed my password a few days ago to avoid this

Dreasimy: DPs notoriously catch DP disease after becoming DP, disappearing for long periods at a time... it's very mysterious, what do you think causes this condition? Do you feel you are immune? How so?

JosS: I like this place way to much to leave - dont worry

Chet: I have no clue the cause of it, I pray I shall not sucumb. (but for summer I expect a few less hours here and more in my garden)

Dreasimy: Have you played ATITD under other names in this tale or past ones, and if so, what were the names you played under?

JosS: I always used this name, except when I was playing on Bastet: I was Doc there

Chet: Yes, and frankly I don't recall exactly. I generally have a mule with a different name (Chip this tale)

Dreasimy: How many hours a week on average would you say you play ATITD?

Chet: about 30, but a fair amount of that is afk because I am doing other work on the computer.

JosS: that would be between 2 and 5 hrs on a daily basis, a bit more in the weekends

Dreasimy: We have another caller! Caller you are on the line!

Dreasimy: Gyges: DP question: To what extent do you feel it is your obligation as a DP to be involved in disputes? Will you proactively seek out disputes (e.g. by becoming involved in a dispute occurring in guild or regional chat), or will you only involve yourself if you are asked by a participant to provide arbitration, advice, etc.?

JosS: I am not the person to wait till things come to me, so if I have a chance to intervene when I see something happening I would offer my help

Chet: I think one should not stick their nose in uninvited, unless the dispute is spilling over into things like regional chat and causing distress to others.

Dreasimy: Under what types of circumstances do you believe DP’s should use permanent bans? If you are versed in ATITD lore, feel free to give an example from a previous tale where you agreed or disagreed with a ban, if you can’t give examples from the past feel free to just discuss the merits of certain situations (hypothetical or otherwise) over others.

Dreasimy: those little squares are supposed to be apostrophes sorry :)

Chet: I don't think I have enough 'lore' to comment on past, only gossip and rumore. Gossip and rumor should be avoided = especially by DPs.

JosS: I remember a case in T2 (maybe T3) when a couple got married (too soon, as we learned afterwards) and the guy destroyd everything the girl had. He was way out of line there and his ban was a good thing, although the girl was to blame to marry a guy she didnt know well enough.

Chet: Geodude comes to mind as well deserving of permanent ban - on sight. And there was a guy one tale, forget the name, who was always jumping into vigils ...a ban would have been goos there.

Dreasimy: What is your opinion on the use of bonfires to 'claim' clay patches, sometimes weeks before the raeli tech even opens? What is your opinion on 'counter bonfiring' to combat this?

Chet: Its part of the game mechanics for a reason, Teppy and others love the drama. I find it annoying cause it causes some lag but thats life.

JosS: It is not my way of playng this game, but there is no law against this. However, it causes many disputes, and a lot of lag indeed

Dreasimy: We have another caller with a disguised voice! Go ahead caller,

Dreasimy: Anonymous: Do you think the process of considering banishment should be transparent to the average Egyptian or should it be done behind closed doors?

JosS: I think it should be transparent.

Chet: oo What a great question. Would be pretty neat if we handed down written judgements, like a court. But airing peoples dirty laundry would in the end just add to the problems so keeping it private seems wise.

Dreasimy: What have you done, or what do you plan to do, to benefit Egypt as a whole?

Chet: I pitch in where I can, mentor new folks a lot and try to stay outta trouble.

JosS: I will continue doing what I do now: to help and mentor people

Dreasimy: What distinguishes you as a DP candidate from the rest?

Chet: A record for most runs this tale? Seriously we generally get good qualified people to this round and think any of them would make fine DPs.

JosS: I dont think that is for me to say - I highly respect the other candidates and this question should be ansered by the people, not by the candidates

Dreasimy: Do you feel there should be a limit on how many avatars one person can run? How do you feel about players who run alt armies that macro constantly?

Chet: I think we need better controls on AFK macroing. The alt armies do give people an advantage but as long as they don't afk macro - they are paying for the privilge.

JosS: There is no law against having a lot of avatars. As long as people keep themselves to the macro rules its ok with me

Dreasimy: We have another caller!

Dreasimy: Anonymous: Who would you vote for if you weren't running this time?

Chet: Can't say until I see the other 'debate'. Silly me wants as much info as possible.

JosS: Sorry, my vote is secret

Chet: oo great answer JosS

Dreasimy: When is the last time you voted for someone to move forward in one of the earlier rounds of DP other than yourself? Can you share who that vote was for and why?

Chet: I make it a personal rule never to vote for myself unless I somehow get stuck trying to break a tie. Atm I can't recall voting for myself. I think I voted for Bryce once :)

Chet: My mule voted for Linsha this last set of rounds, she was only one in channel that tlaked.

JosS: I have never voted for myself. I voted for Chet in the previous election btw :)

Chet: I'll vouch for that :)

Dreasimy: How do you feel about the fact that no one knows who all the GMs are? How do you feel about the fact that players who volunteer for event staff are anonymous?

Chet: Both issues are problematic, but much liek the bonfires an issue for the game designer. Write more petitions!!

JosS: I think we should know who all the GM s are. If that is not hte case (which I dont know for certain) I dont think that is right. In events and/or story it is a different case: people play another role there

Dreasimy: If, during a phoenix race, someone lit a -str incense at CSs and pinned certain racers down with bricks to prevent them from winning, would you consider this griefing, and how would you handle the situation?

Chet: Its within the game mechanics. Not very sportsman like but then neither is over building Obe ... as such its not really my business unless it escalates into personal revenge stuff.

JosS: I hope there is no player that evil - but then: there is no law against it....

Dreasimy: Since real life can affect how people react to things, are you willing to consider RL facts before thinking of banning? If so, how far into a person's personal life are you willing to delve to find out what might be causing their actions?

Chet: Consider, yes. Delve into, no.

JosS: Though you cannot always keep rl out, I think it should not interfere with the game. So I think this player should stop playing untill he or she is fit to resume

Dreasimy: In previous tales we've had laws/features that prevent anonymous use of explosives. How would you handle a situation where you knew someone maliciously destroyed someone's belongings or say, a Chariot Stop. Does the type of item(s) destroyed make a difference in how you feel it should be addressed? If you were DP and the person who used the explosives was a guildmate of yours, what would you do?

Chet: Maliciously blowing stuff up is griefing.

JosS: Ahhh the explosives.... Again, its all in the game, but ofcourse not acceptable, guild mate or not.

Dreasimy: If you have burning questions to ask please get them in soon :D

Dreasimy: We've had some disputes already this tale some over land use (i.e. building in someone else's 'space'). What role do DPs have in these situations, how would you or have you handled these kinds of disputes?

Chet: We all know too well that their is no land ownership here, we simply need to use good sense and manners. Sadly these qualities are often lacking. Chat with the people involved, try to get a mutually acceptable solution going.

JosS: Not different from other disputes: try to get people to act reasonable and find a solution that is acceptable for all involved

Dreasimy: Have you ever authored a petition that has made it to ballot? If so what was the purpose of the petition. Are you carrying any petitions now? If so, what?

Chet: First question: no. Second part - yes, its about use of explosives and suthored by Skyfeather.

JosS: No – no

Dreasimy: Do you want to win this election and become Egypt's 5th DP? If so, why?

Chet: Yes. Geting tired of these debates. I think I can add to the reduction of drama in Egypt/

JosS: Yes I want to win this - otherwise I would be in this election! I am ready to help anyone who needs me

Dreasimy: I'd like each of you to wrap up now and tell Egypt what they will get in a DP by voting for you.

JosS: You get a guy who is willing to listen to you, who is always prepared to help out and teach. I wont let you down.

Chet: No more Chet repeating herself in these debates! A DP who does her best to bring good sense and manners to the table. I hope you all wil get out and vote, way too often we fail to vote then complain about who got elected.

Dreasimy: Ninjas or Pirates? GO!

Chet: Pirates, I like parrots.

JosS: haha me toooo

Dreasimy: Thank you everyone for listening, calling in, and being thoughtful voters! Don't forget to tune in for the 2nd debate 7 hours from now :D

Chet: ANd I am outta here

Dreasimy: Thanks candidates :D