In terms of what players will notice? Not a whole lot. A guide's ruling is still final, and we give our guides a ton of leeway to make their own calls out in the field.
In terms of actual access, guides can't summon items or create NPC's. They can't run queries on the backend (though they do have access to the CSR tools, which is a 'front end' query tool, with prebuilt queries and a GUI), and don't do raid disputes. They handle most of the front line petitions, and are the eyes and ears of the Project 1999 CSR Staff.
GM's tend to handle things on a larger scale. The Great Red Jailbreak of 2014 is a good example of this. Tracking which accounts were logged in and what items were transferred would have been virtually impossible for a guide.
They have access to a wide range of commands to help them in their duties as slayers of evil and keepers of the peace. Guides on Project 1999 have a lot more tools at their disposal than the guides on live ever did, and they have a lot more freedom to use them.
I will be honest, it takes a special kind of person to be on the CSR staff, especially on red. You need lots of patience, understanding, and the ability to view a situation from all sides before making a call. A thick skin doesn't hurt either, because you're simultaneously one of the most respected and vilified people on the entire server. You have to roll with the punches, take what little thanks you get when it comes, and always remember that no matter what call you make, you WILL piss someone off. People will constantly attack your judgement, your decisions, and your character. You sometimes have to wipe months or even years of work and accomplishments out of someones life permanently. There is always someone who will cry foul as loudly as they can, even if your decision is right..
That being said, the rewarding part comes from being able to help the community more than you could in any other position. Being able to affect positive change upon the server and have your voice be heard. Doing good things for the server(s) as a whole, and doing it without the expectation of thanks, with the feeling of helping someone else being your only reward. You will sometimes make someones day just by answering their question. Every time you answer a petition, you are doing a little bit of good for the server.
100% worth it. If you can handle it.
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