Demi-Pharaoh/Jan2010-Blue Moon

Final Candidates for the 2nd DP Contest of January 2010 (aka the Blue Moon election) include: Hanid, Murtha, Reyzer, blondie, Trillian, Shebi, and Lukeera.

Feel free to post your views here candidates!

Some basic questions people can expect to answer:

• Tell us a little about yourself and what you like about ATITD
• What you feel the role of DP is
• Why you think people should vote for you

(You may be asking what is a Blue Moon election and why is this DP election described as one. This is the first month this tale we have 2 DP finals in the same month! And like a month with 2 full moons, we are calling it a Blue Moon election. Exciting isn't it?)

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Lukeera

• I was originally brought into the game in Tale 3 by the man I married almost 2 years ago. I have always been a compulsive crafter in MMO's, so the whole concept of building from the first brick up really appealed to me. Telanoc and Nox took me under their wings and made me feel right at home, introducing me to people and making sure I knew what was going on. I discovered the fun or research and digs and best of all mentoring. I really love the more people oriented disciplines best. Leadership and Worship are my favorite disciplines (even if Leadership feels like Politics as often as not).

In real life I am a homemaker because the job market is non-existent where I currently live. I have a lot of time, and Egypt provides me with entertainment and engagement with other people. I know that many people dismiss online friendships as trivial, but I find that I share more with many of my fellow Egyptians than I do with my next door neighbors.

• Demi-Pharaohs are the arbiters of Egypt. Occasionally they are the executioners of Egypt, as well. A DP should be someone that is able to engage others' viewpoints and help arrive at solutions to conflicts without imposing their own opinions too strongly on the situation. I found in T3 that in most cases the job was just listening to someone's complaints. More often than not, in the process of explaining the problem, the plaintiff arrived at their own solution. Often with active listening to both sides of a dilemma the solution becomes apparent to all parties involved. On the more rare occasions, a behavior is so intolerable that it warrants a ban. The addition of temporary bans is a great boon for enforcing a cooling off period. Thankfully, Egyptians are a community minded lot on the large, and bans are rarely an issue.

• I know myself to be capable of listening and helping people come together on solutions. I believe that I am approachable, reasonable, and open minded. I am also capable of doing unpleasant things if they become necessary.

Murtha

Hello egypt!. I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend the debate. Anyway, alot of you know me as the Mom of a litter:). I am the Mom of 10 kids, all of whom lived to adulthood. Before you faint, most were adopted and my rainbow family is my biggest and best accomplishment! I'm an older player (agewise) and also a retired psychologist. I love the creativity and social aspects of the game and plan on being here a very long time. I take the DP role very seriously, I see it as rather a parent of egypt trying to help mediate disputes and conflicts with a minimum of drame and healthy dose of humor. I've spent my life pouring oil over troubled waters. I am able to listen to both sides objectively and have come down on friends and guildmates if they are in the wrong. Other players find it easy to talk and confide in me because they know I'll listen and consider carefully. I've even had folks from other regions chat me up for advice. My career,both past and present is listening/negotiating/resolving issues and I put that experience to good use here.

My special delight is in mentoring new players and watching the lights go on when they get it!!

I think the ban is useless as the players that have been banned in the past have wanted to be banned. Their moment of glory so to speak. Social isolation works much better in my opinion. And while every problem can't be resolved, I will call in help for fresh viewpoints/advice for those issues that I can't resolve on my own.

If you have any special questions/comments/concerns please feel free to chat me anytime.

Thanks for listening to me

Trillian

• Hello :) I am a stay at home mum and live in the UK. In the game I love the wonderful puzzles and buildings we can all create. I love learning how to do the vast amount of tasks in the game. I've dabbled with most aspects of atitd but still have a ways to go to really learn some of the trickier parts. I enjoy meeting the huge variety of people in game, everyone is so different and I enjoy getting to know a lot of people on various levels. I like to feel useful and enjoy helping other players in any way I can. I mostly love the way the majority of atitd community all help each other in many ways. I'm enjoying learning how to 'work' the wiki, how to set up tables and add to maps, I like to update stuff here as much as I can, I felt a bit lost when it wasn't working recently and realised just what an important aspect it is to the game and players. I help with many guilds in sunny Shabbat Ab and really enjoy working with my neighbours on projects and assisting people with trades as a teller for the goods and newer folk with how to use the goods website and service.

• The role of a DP? I see the DP role as one of a facilitator of peaceful resolution. Many people in this community fill the role without being named DP's within their own circle of friends and guilds but having 'official' named players give options to all players on who they can seek out to help if conflict arises. A DP should be open, fair and impartial in all disputes. They have ban sticks, which should only come into the equation for serious and ongoing griefing where a player is ruining the enjoyment of the game for others and will not even begin discussions on how to resolve the situation, it is of course a last resort in any situation and all other means of resolution should be attempted first. As DP's cannot be banned by their fellow DP's it is also important that they try to avoid personal conflict and seek out help to resolve situations swiftly from other DP's. I think a DP should not get involved in resolving disputes where they may be seen through personal connections/history to favour one party over the other even if they can be fair and impartial in the matter, as the community may not view it this way whatever the outcome and this could create more drama instead of peace.

• I am approachable, open and fair minded. I think I will be able to listen and evaluate facts and take a thoughtful and impartial view of situations and can help people to come to a peaceful compromise over disagreements. I will continue to conduct myself in as friendly fair and helpful manner as, I hope people who know me would agree, I do at present. I would use a ban if its completely necessary as discussed above, I would treat it very seriously, as it in affect removes a player from their 'life' in atitd and don't feel it should ever be used without serious thought and discussion with other DP's if possible.

Shebi

I find the term "DP role" a little misleading. As we know, the only real things attached to the title are the ban and the immunity from the ban. All other aspects of "DPness" come from our general inclination (for good or ill) to give extra credence to statements coming from someone with a title. (Ok, in fairness, the ban stick does mean a lot, but given how infrequently it is used or even threatened to be used, I don't really think that's what makes folks listen to DPs.)

That said, I agree that as such DPs have, can and should:

• be involved in facilitating disputes when they occur;
• be able to hear what isn't said, to recognize what the true issue may be beneath the surface level;
• be able to articulate their opinions clearly, rationally and without partisanship, with appropriate respect for dissenting opinions.

These are things I feel I can do well.

This is the first time I've actively pursued advancement, after playing for two and a half years. Generally, I am content to participate and support from outside the center. I consider myself a casual as opposed to power player (in the sense that I am not concerned about passing competitive tests), with a strong avocation for wine-making and wiki updating.

Recently, however, after participating in several of the shard-related discussions, I realized that people seemed to respond well to what I have to offer. I encourage folks to chat me if they want to hear more about me or my philosophy, or feel free to chat folks in any of my guilds. I expect they will give you an honest opinion (potential warts included!), so that you can determine whether I meet your own idea of what makes a good DP. Thank you.

Reyzer

Greetings :) Thank you for taking the time to read about myself and the other DP candidates.

I am currently a UK based player and live with my lovely wife blondie ( who is also a finalist, so I'll have to tread carefully ;P ) I say currently, as I have lived and worked in quite a few different countries. By profession I was a deep sea commercial diver but have changed direction and work for myself now, which means I can set my alarm for those graveyard-shift mushrooms without feeling guilty! I do miss being out on the ocean though.

Game-wise I started in Tale 2 and was hooked from the first time I finished the body initiation. The sense of community in the game was immense and impressive and helped me to hurl myself headlong into everything I could try. I took a small break in T3 during the infamous mid-tale content drought, as I'm sure many of us did. There are many things I love about Egypt----too many to list and some are closer to the heart than others but the fact remains that it is special and I feel special to be a part of it.

The role of DP: I'm not going to bore you with fluffy ideals that don't have anything to do with being a DP. I think a DP is three things---a mediator, a deterrent and a comforter. A mediator to deal with disputes and other confrontational issues/grievances. A deterrent to players who might otherwise not think twice about griefing. A comforter in the fact that players know that there is someone who has the power to deal with serious issues on their behalf. Banning is always a talking point but is very rarely ever used ( although, anyone beating me to my last spiderling shroom might be sailing close to the wind ;P ). In my experience, 99% of issues can be solved by discussion. I've known some players who have been written off as " noob trouble makers" but have turned into pillars of the community by having someone listen to them and carefully walk them through the difficult starting phase.

As far as me being a DP, I know that I have the experience. I know the game like the back of my hand by now and what issues arise from choke points and other recurring disputes. We all have different styles of playing which often clash but I don't begrudge or judge anyone their style, as long as it doesn't cause harm to others. I relish the challenge of reaching an amicable outcome to any dispute/grievance. That being said, as in RL, I often have to make important decisions and am not afraid to do so here.

I hope I have shed a bit of light on who I am and what I am about. Best of luck to the other candidates and thanks for reading :)

blondie

• Hi all. Thank you for taking the time to look at this dp round's candidates.

I started playing this game in the middle of Tale 1 and pretty much straight through until today. This is my first mmorpg and I fell in love with it after planting my first flax bed, my first gin, and many, many more times particularly after meeting players who have become longtime friends.

I was born in Honduras but moved to the New York when I was ten years old. I've spent most of my life in New York and New Jersey. Last year I moved to the UK to be with my rl and game husband Reyzer. I'm currently working at home and getting used to living the rural life with the horses, deer and pheasants that occassionally appear outside my window.

I have enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds and continents through this game. Part of my love for this game comes from that, as I would not really have a chance in rl to meet with so many of the people here. It gives me joy to feel comfortable with people I may otherwise feel intimidated by as I am mostly a homebody and have kept to myself.

I like feeling like I can assist both old and new players even if it's just to share frustrations in the game or at moments of sadness and happiness stemming from outside of the game.

• I believe the role of DP is i would ideally like it carried out by a player is for a DP to treat others players with respect and tries to understand different types of personalities and different play styles.

I think DP's are around to comfort other players when they feel alone and frusttrated by situations arising in game and on some occassions situations outside of the game.

I would not want a DP to spread him or herself too thin by being the best of friends to everyone and being available all the time. Yet, it's definitely appreciated when a DP makes him or herself available when other players have issues which concern them greatly and they are in need of some assistance. A DP should be a listener and be as objective and understanding as possible to other players' issues.

• I think people should vote for me because, for the most part, I am a people person and like to meet new people, share good times and bad times with old and new friends.

I am also a very loyal both to friends and to this game and I would not leave a project or fail to keep a promise unless I was unable to help when a rl situation may arise. I can be trusted not to violate others' privacy or misuse/abuse someone else's account.

If a situation comes up and I cannot assist someone because of my lack of knowledge on a subject in the game I do my best to get the answer from someone who may know the subject better.

I play this game for fun but I also try to be fair and be serious when the situation calls for it. I try to rectify mistakes I make or errors in judgment. I care greatly for this game and for the people playing it.

Debate Log

DP Debate Sunday January 31 17:00 UTC

Dreasimy: ~~~Hi Folks the DP Debate is scheduled to start right now but one of the expected guests isn't online yet, so I'll give her another 3 minutes.~~~ Dreasimy: Welcome to the Blue Moon DP Debate, this is the first time this telling we've had a final debate twice in the same month! We expect to have 5out of the 7 final candidates in attendance. Murtha is unable to attend as she is working. Hanid chose not to participate as "good people are running" and she "can't debate against close friends." The rest of the candidates who agreed to participate include Reyzer, blondie, Trillian, Shebi, and Lukeera. Dreasimy: If you have questions for the candidates please submit them to E! or, to me via chat (if you want to remain anonymous). **Please** submit them sooner rather than later so I have a chance to use listener questions instead of my prepared questions where appropriate. Dreasimy: Debate starting, other posts will be held (but feel free to use GOO for other announcements, like shroom/herb/critter sightings, in the mean time. Just type /join GOO) Dreasimy: Let's start with an easy pitch: Tell us a little about yourself and what you like about ATITD. Shebi: I started playing in July of 07, which in hindsight was about halfway through T3. I am a fairly private person in real life, and that carries over in-game, where I do a lot of solo activities like wine-making and Body tests. I also enjoy collaborative activities like Worship and love working Thought puzzles. Overall, however, my focus is not on tests or planning too far ahead. I really enjoy watching how things evolve, seeing how the players can figure out what is going on behind the scenes. The average intelligence of folks in this game is amazing, and it's always a pleasure to talk or work with them. I'm also a big-time wiki editor; I am a user interface design in real life, so I enjoy documenting our findings and making sure they are as useful as possible to other players. Dreasimy: P.S. I'll be posting answers on behalf of murtha (and Lukeera) when available :) Trillian: Hello :) I am a stay at home mum and live in the UK. In the game I love the wonderful puzzles and buildings we can all create. I love learning how to do the vast amount of tasks in the game. I've dabbled with most aspects of atitd but still have a ways to go to really learn some of the trickier parts. I enjoy meeting the huge variety of people in game, everyone is so different and I enjoy getting to know a lot of people on various levels. I like to feel useful and enjoy helping other players in any way I can. I mostly love the way the majority of atitd community all help each other in many ways. I'm enjoying learning how to 'work' the wiki, how to set up tables and add to maps, I like to update stuff here as much as I can, I felt a bit lost when it wasn't working recently and realised just what an important aspect it is to the game and players. I help with many guilds in sunny Shabbat Ab and really enjoy working with my neighbours on projects and assisting people with trades as a teller for the goods and newer folk with how to use the goods website and service. Dreasimy: murtha: Hi Egypt!. I am one of the older players (both age and time in game). I joined Egypt near the beginning of Tale 2. I love the creativity and community of the game. I've made many friends here and hope to continue to make even more! Dreasimy: Lukeera: I was originally brought into the game in Tale 3 by the man I married almost 2 years ago. I have always been a compulsive crafter in MMO's, so the whole concept of building from the first brick up really appealed to me. Telanoc and Nox took me under their wings and made me feel right at home, introducing me to people and making sure I knew what was going on. I discovered the fun or research and digs and best of all mentoring. I really love the more people oriented disciplines best. Leadership and Worship are my favorite disciplines (even if Leadership feels like Politics as often as not). In real life I am a homemaker because the job market is non-existent where I currently live. I have a lot of time, and Egypt provides me with entertainment and engagement with other people. I know that many people dismiss online friendships as trivial, but I find that I share more with many of my fellow Egyptians than I do with my next door neighbors. blondie: I started playing in T1 and have been here ever since. I am an American who now lives in the Uk with my husband Reyzer. I have never played any other online games and was hooked from the day I started playing. I like interacting with people from all over the world and helping them out if i can. People would be surprised to learn that I am shy in rl. In this game I've had a chance to get to know people and speak out more freely than I've had the chance to in the past. I try to do my own thing and not get in the way of others. Reyzer: Hi all :) I've been playing since T2. Taken small breaks to recharge the batteries but always get pulled back in. I love the game for the fact that it can change my way of playing all the time. When I get a bit bored, I try something else. Like now, I was at a loose end at what to do and thought I'd try beer again. Now I'm loving the challenge of making some fine amber nectar. I also love the adrenaline spike of seeing a shrrom in the distance and wondering, for those few seconds, if it's the one I've been after for aaaaages. The community makes this game, where would we be without the wiki, shroomdar etc. Dreasimy: Thanks everyone! Now can you share with the listeners what you feel the role of a DP is (should be?) Shebi: Other than the ban, which I'm sure we'll get to shortly, I feel the "role" of a DP is determined collectively by the players. In my experience, that means that the DPs are available to act as a facilitator, mediator or even arbiter to help out in conflicts between players when requested. They need to be good listeners, including having the ability to get beyond the actual words used to discover the underlying issue. This is especially important in an online society, where we lack the visual and auditory cues that are such a big part of communication. And as they listen, they need to be able to articulate clearly what they are hearing, without coloring things with their own perspective, respecting dissenting opinions and trying to see all sides of the problem before offering any solutions. Beyond that, because (for better or worse) having the title may mean some players imbue their words or actions with added weight, they should try to always be aware of how they are presenting themselves within the game. Reyzer: I'm not going to bore you with fluffy ideals that don't have anything to do with being a DP. I think a DP is three things---a mediator, a deterrent and a comforter. A mediator to deal with disputes and other confrontational issues/grievances. A deterrent to players who might otherwise not think twice about griefing. A comforter in the fact that players know that there is someone who has the power to deal with serious issues on their behalf. Banning is always a talking point but is very rarely ever used ( although, anyone beating me to my last spiderling shroom might be sailing close to the wind ;P ). In my experience, 99% of issues can be solved by discussion. I've known some players who have been written off as " noob trouble makers" but have turned into pillars of the community by having someone listen to them and carefully walk them through the difficult starting phase Trillian: The role of a DP? I see the DP role as one of a facilitator of peaceful resolution. Many people in this community fill the role without being named DP's within their own circle of friends and guilds but having 'official' named players give options to all players on who they can seek out to help if conflict arises. A DP should be open, fair and impartial in all disputes. Trillian: They have ban sticks, which should only come into the equation for serious and ongoing griefing where a player is ruining the enjoyment of the game for others and will not even begin discussions on how to resolve the situation, it is of course a last resort in any situation and all other means of resolution should be attempted first. As DP's cannot be banned by their fellow DP's it is also important that they try to avoid personal conflict and seek out help to resolve situations swiftly from other DP's. Trillian: I think a DP should not get involved in resolving disputes where they may be seen through personal connections/history to favour one party over the other even if they can be fair and impartial in the matter, as the community may not view it this way whatever the outcome and this could create more drama instead of peace. Dreasimy: murtha: I think DP is a parent of Egypt, pouring oil over troubled waters (or maybe sand in this case). Having raised children from all over the world, there was usually some dispute. Much like Egypt:) blondie: The one thing we can do that other players can't do is the dp ban and I would use that after carefully considering other options. For the most part I think dp's can be mediators when other players are having issues they cannot work out. blondie: For me it's a comfort to know there are other players who stick around even when the game can be a drag. That's one expectation I have for dps. I can know that they are accessible and won't just run out on the game. Dreasimy: And our missing Lukeera has joined us, let's hope the power stays on for her :) Lukeera: DP's are listeners before anything else. Many issues resolved themselves simply from being aired out. Dp's are arbiters second. When asked, they may facilitate communication. Lukeera: A very distant third for DP's is the role of enforcer. It is rare that anything in Egypt gets so far out of control as to require an enforcer, but it is a part of the job. Dreasimy: Great, thanks everyone. With a shiny new shard imminent, do you see your playtime on this shard decreasing, increasing, or staying the same? Would that plan change if you were chosen as Demi-Pharaoh? Shebi: I plan on staying here - I have a lot invested here and want to see it through. I may pop over there briefly at the start to create a trial and prevent the name being used by someone else. But if I decide to pay for another account, I'd rather reanimate my dead spouse here. :) blondie: My playtime would remain pretty much the same. My plans wouldn't change if I were chosen as a dp. I am somewhat curious as to what may go on there so I may pop in there at some point just to check things out. Reyzer: My dedication is to this one. I have no desire to go across to the other "shard" I know starting out from scratch is exciting but I'd like to see things through before starting a from year dot again Lukeera: I am likely to have an account on the other shard as a means of helping it get on its feet, but I don't see myself leaving this one. I wouldn't expect any drop in my play time here, though WoW may suffer drastically :) Lukeera: I do hope that the second shard goes well as I would love to see more Egyptians total, and I am not convinced that the new will take much from the old. Trillian: I see my playtime remaining the same , it does fluctuate a little with the school year but that's my norm :) If I were to become a DP I don't expect it will change the hours I play as they are pretty much at the maximum now, if real time allowed it I would play a little bit more ;) Dreasimy: Thanks candidates. Next question: Does anyone other than you have your ATITD login information? Trillian: No Shebi: That's an easy one: No. :) Lukeera: Nope :) blondie: other than my spouse no, but he wouldn't log on me unless i allow it blondie: Things would also change if either of us came to be dp. We're less likely to log on each other. We usually just help each other out in things like festival. Reyzer: No-one except my wife blondie. We respect eachother's privacy and don't log on without permission Dreasimy: And now a word form our sponsor: Pluribus: Nope Dreasimy: Thanks Pluribus! Trillian: lol Dreasimy: What special 'ability' (banning others/immunity from banning) that DPs are provided by the game is most important and why? Shebi: That's a tough one, but I'm going to go with the immunity. In my experience, the players we tend to elect are not generally ones to arbitrarily abuse the ban. I think it's more likely (and more difficult to deal with) a DP who "goes rogue" on us. Not that I expect that to happen - again, because those types of players don't tend to stay around long enough to get elected DP. Usually. But it's always a risk, and I'd like to state categorically that if I ever get disillusioned by this game, I'll just stop playing. I have no desire to go out in a blaze of glory. :) Lukeera: The special powers are really not important to the role DP's play 99% of the time. Listening and helping to mediate disputes are things that all of us do with or without a title and a ban stick. I never expect to do anything so anti-social that someone might want to ban me, so immunity is immaterial to me. The ability to ban others is important as it is a means of enforcing a certain standard of behavior. I think the most valuable 'ability' is not an ability but simply visibility. People know because you have put the effort into putting yourself out there, that you are willing to go out of your way to help. Reyzer: DP's don't have much in the way of special "abilities" besides those two. I suppose banning would be the stronger one. It's hardly ever used but I think it is a good deterrent, as can sometimes be seen by "threats" given ( though mostly in jest) The temporary ban was a good addition too. Banning, though, has the double-sided addition of granting the banee martyrdom, so really has to be used wisely. Until end-of -tale banning requests anyway ;P Trillian: I think they are of equal importance to myself especially when I'm voting for DP's. I'd like to take the opportunity to say I feel I know all the other candidates pretty well by now and I'd have no qualms about any of the other DP candidates having those abilities, nor myself ;) blondie: Well, if it were to be used maliciously, I suppose it would be that a dp can't be banned. If I did something that was ban-worthy I'm likely to just quit the game. I'm not sure why I would want protection from banning, tbh. blondie: The only other ability I know of is being able to ban someone. If the need came i would use it but it would be after considering other options. Dreasimy: And now a listener-submitted question: Orrin: What's the candidates views on Fertility? Shebi: I've not used it myself, and I lean toward staying away from those pesky Stranger-type technologies. But this IS a game, and part of that game that many folks love is getting thrown a curve-ball and trying to deal with it. So though I'd prefer not to have polluted areas around when I really need those next 1000 cabbage or something, I respect others' right to explore what it does and how it works. I'm very curious about this new "beacon" discussion from Wahim, but I honestly haven't had a chance to think about it much. I look forward to some good debates on the topic. :) blondie: If you mean the essence of fertility, I've never used it. It seems to me it's something brought to Egypt to create some drama. I believe people used it when it came along and half expected it may have side effects but it was a "cool new toy". I hope people will have more care when they use it now that they are aware of the effects of it. Lukeera: Like Hades furnaces, it needs to be studied and used carefully. The pollution level seems to drop quickly, so I don't think there is much to worry about. Of course, that could change or become worse over extended use. Lukeera: I am sure when we know more, we can work out viable solutions for using it. Reyzer: There is little known about it atm, which I think scares a lot of us who have had experience of past additions to the game ( plague, sheep pox, clearcutting) like anything really, we can only try and use it wisely with as much knowledge as possible. But I'm all for additions like this. We have so few, that it does add some excitement to proceedings Trillian: I think it's a new part to the game and any added content is a good thing if we as a community can use it wisely. Many things given as gifts are double edged sword in this world , I think its up to us to beat teppy at his own game and work considerately together so he does not get his 'drama'. On fertility specifically I think if people want to use it in their own camps and away from affecting others its fine. Dreasimy: Thank you candidates, now: Can you give a specific example of in-game mediation you provided? Shebi: Actually, I don't have a formal example, unfortunately. I generally try not to insert myself into someone else's situation unless asked. I have, however, certainly been both a sounding board for one party in a dispute (often trying to act as devil's advocate to help explore the other person's perspective). I can't give any details on those things because they were private. I have also participated in many public debates on various topics such as the shard, and there I again believe I've done a good job of articulating my viewpoint - or even helping articulate an opposing viewpoint more clearly - and keeping it objective. Shebi: I do a lot of facilitating in real life, dealing with the conflicting interests of business product owners, users and development teams for the online software we create, which usually involves coming to a good compromise. So that hopefully carries over to my interations here. Lukeera: This Tale has been blissfully quiet and drama free for me. The closest to any formal mediation for me so far this Tale was over the first Thought Rememberance Ceremony. I wouldn't even call it mediation, really. It was more of a short discussion about giving those that had waited longest, the first spots in a full group and then helping the next group get going. There were nearly a few skinned knees, but everyone was perfectly reasonable about it. Lukeera: Last Tale there were all manner of tiffs from Tact's mining strategy and sales to rogue raeli placements. Mostly this Tale it has been civilized debates. Reyzer: I'm not going to name names. I can think of an intense confrontation at the end of T2 that carried over into T3. It was between guildies and involved a marriage gone wonky with some added theft and antogonism thrown in. It all worked out in the end but it took a long time to sort out and had a ripple effect. I like to think that I had a part in bringing the issues out into the open and helping the affected parties swallow some pride and shake hands. it did result in some going seperate ways but that was for the best Trillian: I don't think I've ever really been called upon to mediate, I have witnessed heated discussions within a group of players on E or in DP rounds, I usually try to break the tension with humour if its appropriate or try to see each sides point of view and ask questions that may help get to the bottom of the matter or give my input if I think the argument stems from simple misunderstanding. It's all general though I've never mediated as such between two players. blondie: For the most part i'm in the background of things happening. If i see something someone being unfairly treated they I step in. Or if i feel someone's been misjudged (because of some misunderstanding) then I step in. I have chatted people privately to diffuse a situation. blondie: I've also stuck around to assist people in game who face frustrations with other players. Dreasimy: Thanks! If all the other DPs were inactive on this shard and you were faced with someone using explosives to destroy community or other players' privately-owned items, what things would you take into consideration? Would the type of item destroyed impact your actions? What type of actions do you think you might take? Dreasimy: (If there are any other listener questions ask now or feel free to chat the candidates directly after the debate) :) Shebi: Great question! Each situation is different, so it's hard for me to speak in generalities, but explosives is the one area where I lean a bit toward the ban. Because of the immediate and devastating effect explosives have, the situation may need to be dealt with in a very timely manner. Shebi: Given that I'd need to get to the player in question to do anything, I'd certainly prefer to try to reason with them first, get them to stop and perhaps even (after some time to cool down, and after hearing both sides of the story) get them to help rebuild. Shebi: But if there's ongoing destruction, I'd go for the stick if I had to. I don't think the type of item would matter because I can't judge its value to the owner, especially if that owner isn't present. But again, each case would be unique. Lukeera: Like any other issue, it all starts with information gathering. What started te bombing spree? What was the intention? Was it pure malice? a joke like Primoz's CS bombing run? Retaliation for some perceived wrong? a political statement? Once there is more information to work with, one cna determine what actions are warranted. In most cases talking is enough. If the offending party has no reason and no willingness to talk, a ban might be appropriate. Lukeera: DONE Dreasimy: oops (ignore that done stamp) :D Reyzer: Most things are private or communtiy based, so it affects players either way, whether it be a cs, camp or buildings. I'd have a word with the offender and if he/she is unrepentant and completely unwilling to help fix or replace what had been destroyed, then I think I would use a temporary ban. If they showed at least a bit of regret and helped ( don't have to do it all solo) to repair then i would hold off and see if we could restore things back to the way they were. Lukeera: Dreasimy fails but is still loved :) Trillian: Firstly I'd try to talk to the 'bomber' and the victim, if specific person targeted or people in the region/Egypt if more general bombing and see if I can figure out why its happening. I would try to resolve through compromise and negotiation a settlement of the dispute with the bomber and victims with the caveat that the bomber must help restore the damage as part of the resolution even if he had some justification for feeling aggrieved before his grief-ing started. If the bomber refused point blank to discuss the matter and continued to cause damage I would ban him. I would treat it the same way whether it was a single players buildings, a guilds buildings or public buildings which were bombed. blondie: Last telling we had a dp who destroyed someone else's cp because of an ongoing conflict she had with another player (apparently, this had carried over from another telling, from what I heard). I would try to find out the reasons for such actions to justify such behavior. blondie: The typpe of items destroyed that could be replaced I would see about working out with the culprit or find some other way to replace that. Dreasimy: As we begin to wrap up, candidates can you share some final thoughts including why citizens should vote for you? :) Dreasimy: Oops I forgot some of Murtha's prepared statements (eep) here they are starting with the most recent question on explosives: Dreasimy: murtha: As in real life, we are dealing with both good and destructive personalities. In the case of deliberate damage by explosives, that is griefing to the higher power. In my experience, most griefers are attention seekers and usually can't be reasoned with, though i do try. Social isolation works much better, and luckily those destruction personalities don't usually last long. But, if it seems that player is of such a mind that players would not be able to enjoy the game, then a ban would be seriously considered. Then,I would send out a call to egypt to do what she does best-to step in as a community and help the damaged player replace what was lost. I've seen this great community spirit in action many times and it still awes me. Dreasimy: murtha on mediating: There was a new player that build too close to a guildmate's camp. Alot of harsh words and and temper were exchanged, so much that both parties were digging in their toes and not budging. I felt my guildmate was in the wrong for flying off the handle so I went and talked to the new player. She told me that no one was listening to her side and that by being new, she was at a disadvantage in this. So i listened to her, explained the etiquette of building, offered her a nice site near my camp and the mats to rebuild. Unfortunantly, she didn't stay long after that, but the immediate tensions were resolved. Dreasimy: murtha on what's more important the ability to ban, or the immunity from bans: Both are important and egypt should consider past play styles when voting. Having said that- In my opinion, bans are useless since every ban that I can remember was desired by the player. A way to go out with a bang so to speak. But, I think a DP having been elected by the population of Egypt, should be held to a higher standard. Any person in a position of trust and with a special power should be held to that higher standard. Dreasimy: I think we have one more listener question coming so I'm holding the answers to the current question in the queue for now :) Reyzer: As far as me being a DP, I know that I have the experience. I know the game like the back of my hand by now and what issues arise from choke points and other recurring disputes. We all have different styles of playing which often clash but I don't begrudge or judge anyone their style, as long as it doesn't cause harm to others. I relish the challenge of reaching an amicable outcome to any dispute/grievance. That being said, as in RL, I often have to make important decisions and am not afraid to do so here. Dreasimy: oops and I didnt mean to post that one yet (sorry Reyzer) :) Eldrad: Lukeera, you state on the wiki that you believe DPs should "help arrive at solutions to conflicts without imposing their own opinions too strongly on the situation", last telling as a DP you went into at least one situation with a very visible amount of prejudice and anger to handle a situation. The result of the situation after your handling of it was the player you thought of as a "victim" quit, which is clearly not an ideal solution. If made DP what steps would you take if any to prevent yourself from behaving in such a way again? Lukeera: The only truly inflamed situation that I can immediately recall from last Tale was one that actually had Teppy on my speed dial. The aggressor quit before the victim, but I do still wish I had banned the aggressor sooner. I hesitated longer than I should have because of a lack of response from other DP's. While ideally the DP's should work together on anything so inflamed, I do believe that a DP must be willing to act alone. Lukeera: If it is the situation that I believe you are referring to, there were many many many more conversations and screen shots than were likely apparent to anyone but the other DP's, though they were posted for anyone that cared to look. Orrin: BTW, Gem glue seems to be a little buggy, about to pester a dev.... Dreasimy: Thanks Lukeera, now I'll post the candidates parting thoughts and why they think you should vote for them (which Reyzer already answered) :) Shebi: I don't really feel comfortable telling people they _should_ vote for me. For one, I'm pretty bad in general at tooting my own horn. :) But more than that, I think each of us has their own opinion of "what makes a good DP." I meet my own criteria of being a good listener and facilitator, of being polite and kind and fair, of knowing my biases enough to recognize when they may be coloring my actions. But each player has to determine for themselves whether that is what _they_ want in a DP. I hope when they think about that, they'll agree that I share those qualities. But we have a great group of candidates this round, so I'm sure Egypt will be in good hands regardless of the outcome. Trillian: I am approachable, open and fair minded. I think I will be able to listen and evaluate facts and take a thoughtful and impartial view of situations and can help people to come to a peaceful compromise over disagreements. I will continue to conduct myself in as friendly fair and helpful manner as, I hope people who know me would agree, I do at present. blondie: I want to think everyone who is listening/reading to this debate. I think all the candidates in this group have given of themselves and if i weren't in the ballot I would have a hard time choosing one for dp. Eldrad: That is not... the person who you had decided was the agressor did not quit. It was not a particularly major conflict but the way you handled it seems at odds with what you say a DP should do on the wiki. blondie: As to why people should vote for me (without sounding like i'm full of myself) : I am in Egypt for as long as I can feel I'm productive here. I tend to hang out with a small group of friends (friendships that take time and some care to delevop). Yet, I am not unwilling to help anyone who needs assistance. I do the best I can to treat people as well as they treat me. Sometimes I speak my mind a little too quickly but I do try to treat people fairly. blondie: *thank everyone for listening (sorry about typo) Dreasimy: murtha: People know they can come to me with issues because I listen to all sided objectively.That and a good healthy dose of humor is usually enough to help diffuse a situation. Even players outside my region/guild chat me up for advice. And their issues are not spread all over egypt. I've had a lifetime of negotiation and arbitration both in my family and in my career. It just seems to spill over in the games I play:) Lukeera: I am afraid without more information, I can't really respond to that Eldrad. I handed off everything that was personal to me to other DP's. Telanoc handled the raeli issue between Ptahra and Balth for instance. Being personally involved does not prevent me from expressing an opinion, but it would absolutely prevent me from using a ban. Lukeera: I think that this is one of the best candidate groups ever. I think that Egypt wins no matter who they choose. We are all dedicated, reasonable, and fair minded people. Egypt knows that all of us are willing to help. The title means very little after that. Dreasimy: Asheara submitted one final question: Crumpled or folded? Trillian: crumpled, for sure ;) Shebi: Wow, had to google that one. If I understand the question, definitely crumpled. Folding would be too twitchy. Reyzer: Hmmm well Ash, if you are referring to...a specific use... paper, I'd opt for folded every time ;) blondie: folded, if it's fajitas. Crumpled if it's leafed basil. Shebi: :D Dreasimy: Thanks everyone this concludes the debate proper, a late listener question was submitted so I'll leave you with that and those able to stay to answer feel free :D Orrin: Would you class yourself as a person that knows a lot, average or less than average about the more complex side of the game, eg Chemistry, cooking, Genomes, dowsing patterns, propsecting patterns, thistles, beer etc etc Trillian: I'd like to thank dreasimy for hosting the debate again and wish good luck to the other candidates :) Shebi: Intriguing. I wonder if guys in general lean more toward folding, because to them sitting down is a big deal. :D But perhaps that's more of a Hive debate. :) Shebi: I second that, Trillian. Trillian: mmh Iwas thinking of clothes :P - was that wrong lol Reyzer: lol Shebi Shebi: As to Orrin's question - I know a bit about most of those topics with the possible exception of genomes and chemistry. But I wouldn't consider myself an expert in anything except perhaps wine making. Dreasimy: E! is open to all posts again thanks for your attention and patience :) Zuna: Excellent candidates all. Well done :) Lukeera: Orrin-I know a bit about most things and look up or refer to the experts for the rest :) Trillian: to orrin - some bits I'd consider myself average with keen interest to keep learning, I like to try everything so not mastered anything , not sure i ever will , I like to be self sufficient so learn things as I need them :) blondie: I would have to say average to a few of those (if i'm put on the spot with questions about those topics). I can think of a few people who would assist in questions i had about those topics, though. Reyzer: Orrin I'd say I know an average amount of the more complex side of the game. At that lvl it's rather specialized but I try as much as possible, if I don't enjoy it then I devote my time to something I do, unless it's necessary for a purpose. I am enjoying thistles and beer though!

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