Dev's Response

[Messianic]

Here's the way I understand the server and what Arcblahblahblah is like:

He's kind of like the guy who owns enough shares to own a tenth of a percent of the company (because people who play on the server benefit it to a small degree, although there is no contractual relationship and therefore no obligation by either party) beating his fist and demanding that things be done his way because "the company needs him and people like him."

Meanwhile, the majority shareholders (those who have an intense amount of time and resources devoted to the server and therefore make the decisions) are no happier if such an individual stays or leaves. In fact, if that individual is a jerk and feels entitled to something, it is a benefit to the group if they leave. I only use this individual's partial ownership as a generous example.

In this circumstance, the Devs hold all the shares. You hold none.

Games that have a good content for the kind of users this server draws (note: not necessarily the most popular games) are run by people who have a vision of what makes a good game for their audience, and they implement that vision with an iron fist without a single thought to the changing winds of "what people want." They have the vision and they put it into play - no apologies or compromises are necessary.

If they wanted to run an MMO which is "what most people want," they might go work for Blizzard and make a lot more money for their time, or something similar.

Again, you can give up your share of the company, but don't expect to wield a large amount of sway when most of the people here don't even worry what the Devs do or complain or question it. They want a classic experience, the devs deliver that, and that's all there is too it. If the devs cease to deliver what they claim to deliver, those who wanted that service will leave.

No democracy is involved, nor is any desired. Your opinion will sometimes be considered and may even be solicited - but it is not in any way binding or authoritative. Your opinion is virtually worth nothing, but the devs choose to value it on certain issues, at their discretion.

If you want to be helpful, treat the devs with the same respect you wish to be treated with. I've never seen them blow up at anyone or bring down the hammer when someone was respectful and actually trying to make a real point (even if they failed), unless they were being incredibly redundant. When they start sticking in jabs or underhanded personal attacks as many of the whiners have, people get banned or slapped down.

Don't like that? It doesn't even matter if you don't like it. The servers that spend their time trying to make the community feel fuzzy about itself instead of simply delivering a specific kind of product are the ones that fade into obscurity. I'm glad Nilbog/etc are dictators. I prefer it that way in terms of video games. Make something I like and I'll vote with my time - but even that isn't binding to the devs since they're not trying to turn a profit.


How is this unclear?

[FitMed]

Good job Dev's and Pax and everyone who supports the project. This is some of the best enjoyment I've had game-wise for years, as I have pretty much stopped playing games alltogether. But this project, this server, has really taken me back and it is amazing and I truly do appreciate it. In fact, im going to even see about donating next month once I move to my permanent residence.

The Devs and Guides spend alot of time and effort and money to give this ability to others and it really is quite remarkable and it is a kind gift. The users, devs, guides, and players to are kind, helpful, respectful, and or supportative really make a great community. Just want to say thank you and looking forward to the future which I hope we all can enjoy.

[Loke]

Ok, I have said time and time again that I greatly appreciate all the hard work Nilbog, Rogean and the whole crew put in to developing, maintaining and policing this project. Without a doubt they are doing something that is bringing a number of people a great deal of enjoyment.

That being said, I'm under no delusion that the development team here shits gold or anything. They're human and make mistakes just like I do. Likewise, I'm not always going to agree with the decisions they make. I don't know how people are approaching the staff here with their problems, but I have to admit that when I approach someone in a civil and respectful manner - I really don't appreciate being told to fuck off, this is a free server, and I should just take my issue and shove it up my ass. Don't get me wrong, if people are spazing out and being dicks, by all means throw it right back at them - but the whole "we're volunteers so that entitles us to be dismissive to everyone who has an issue" isn't really cool in my book.. not just here, but in life in general. I personally feel that everyone should initially be treated with a certain degree of courtesy and respect - until they prove they don't deserve it. That is pretty much all I ask when I talk to the staff here. I know they won't always agree with me, but I just really dislike feeling like I'm being talked down to - be it in eq, online, or in real life - which has happened on occasion.

On the whole I agree with the OP. I think Nilbog especially does a tremendous job here in dealing with both the players and heading up the development efforts. I honestly don't even know the full story behind what prompted this thread - but just wanted to add my 2cp.