GMs deleting posts that criticise them

[fohkure]

be honest... it was my flower picture that made you delete it wasn't it?

[Kelven]

I think the forums require a new section called: If you think the world revolves around you, post here.

Inside, new posts are automatically deleted 30 seconds after being posted, because that's where this belongs.

[Lazortag]

So far very little evidence has been provided that meaningful posts in the petitions/exploits forum are "unread" and "unacknowledged". There is a pretty transparent system for seeing if GM's respond to posts (a) reporting players that commit offenses and (b) disputing bans/suspensions etc., because you can see how many views a post has gotten. As was said, proving you were trained, getting some views on your petition but no responses doesn't mean that the GM's did nothing about it - it just means the GM's don't have the need or the time to disclose someone else's punishment.

The thing is, Everquest is a pretty addictive game and for most players, not being able to play for a whole day is like the end of the world, so they make posts whining about how it takes "forever" to get their issues resolved when the staff is so ridiculously overburdened with shit already. The staff has already said that they like to deal with issues in a triage-like manner: the most important/easiest stuff ideally gets resolved first, with updates/bug corrections coming second, and then if there's time to acknowledge your request to know if someone who trained you was banned or if your last name can be changed, they might help you out, but don't count on it happening within a short amount of time.

While I don't like the facile responses from GM's about how it's their server and they can do what they want (which is trivially true and not really addressing the real issue - of whether it's okay to censor criticism, especially considering the time it must take to delete all critical posts), I think that most people here are either overreacting or need to provide more evidence for their claims. The server is fine. I've gotten screwed a few times, I've bitched about it (that's what guilds/moms are for), but I still can't genuinely say that I have any significant problems with the server.

TLDR: people, quit whining and learn to use "evidence"; GM's, it looks bad when you censor criticism rather than engaging with it.

[Rogean]

Originally Posted by Lazortag [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

GM's, it looks bad when you censor criticism rather than engaging with it.

And it looks even worse when we can't defend ourselves due to non-disclosure.

[Lazortag]

Originally Posted by Rogean [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

And it looks even worse when we can't defend ourselves due to non-disclosure.

Oh, I do sympathize with that, but I think you can just say that a particular decision was motivated by facts that you aren't willing to disclose, rather than deleting the posts in question.

[Appollo]

Originally Posted by Lazortag [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

So far very little evidence has been provided that meaningful posts in the petitions/exploits forum are "unread" and "unacknowledged". There is a pretty transparent system for seeing if GM's respond to posts (a) reporting players that commit offenses and (b) disputing bans/suspensions etc., because you can see how many views a post has gotten. As was said, proving you were trained, getting some views on your petition but no responses doesn't mean that the GM's did nothing about it - it just means the GM's don't have the need or the time to disclose someone else's punishment.

The thing is, Everquest is a pretty addictive game and for most players, not being able to play for a whole day is like the end of the world, so they make posts whining about how it takes "forever" to get their issues resolved when the staff is so ridiculously overburdened with shit already. The staff has already said that they like to deal with issues in a triage-like manner: the most important/easiest stuff ideally gets resolved first, with updates/bug corrections coming second, and then if there's time to acknowledge your request to know if someone who trained you was banned or if your last name can be changed, they might help you out, but don't count on it happening within a short amount of time.

While I don't like the facile responses from GM's about how it's their server and they can do what they want (which is trivially true and not really addressing the real issue - of whether it's okay to censor criticism, especially considering the time it must take to delete all critical posts), I think that most people here are either overreacting or need to provide more evidence for their claims. The server is fine. I've gotten screwed a few times, I've bitched about it (that's what guilds/moms are for), but I still can't genuinely say that I have any significant problems with the server.

TLDR: people, quit whining and learn to use "evidence"; GM's, it looks bad when you censor criticism rather than engaging with it.

I appreciate a well thought out and intelligent post. Furthermore, you even added a TLDR line. I'm not that considerate, so props to you, my friend.

I believe the portion I bolded sums up what I've experienced. It's amazing how this stuff works: if your claim is supported by sufficient evidence, action can be taken. If your claim is based upon conjecture and hearsay, action will not be taken.

[Bardzilla]

Originally Posted by nilbog [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

The server is just fine.

Its the fucking players that ruin it. Just like planet earth.

Ultimately, players assume they know everything. They don't.

We don't announce worldwide suspensions or bans for the 45kish characters we have in the accounts table. Does this resonate with you? We don't get paid, and ultimately I will spend my time developing content. If you expect us to read random rants and flames about what you *think* is wrong, when there is no petition, then it will continue to go unanswered. I have better things to do than try and find out the truth. Bring it to me with evidence.



Sorry you feel this way. We don't.



Sorry you feel this way. We don't.

Thanks for everything you do for us. And thank you more for your position on this and several other issues. The one thing I hated most of all about 'that game that shall not be mentioned' was the feeling that if you got enough people to rally behind a cause, they would make the change/nerf, be it in the true benefit of players is argueable. The player base has no business making "the rules/mechanics", thats like giving the wolves a key to the hen house. You have set your vision, and have at least for my brief time here been consistent with that vision. Its not perfect, but the one thing EQ never was, was perfect.

[Insedeel]

Originally Posted by Aeolwind [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

This doesnt include players i drop off cliffs or summon under lava for being general jerks

HAHA! Epic... You should make an event of it sometime, have a list of people that have been major jerks, and have an execution per say over the lava pit in LS for those on the list that are online at the time. I'll bring the popcorn!

[Aeolwind]

Originally Posted by Insedeel [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

HAHA! Epic... You should make an event of it sometime, have a list of people that have been major jerks, and have an execution per say over the lava pit in LS for those on the list that are online at the time. I'll bring the popcorn!

I have that list already =o. Nilbog would stroke however. That or bring beer, not sure which. Would depend on the list I think. [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[Nocte]

Originally Posted by Rogean [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

And it looks even worse when we can't defend ourselves due to non-disclosure.

"Your issue(s) is/isn't being fixed/resolved. We cannot disclose full details regarding our actions toward your petition, but we have received it and have/haven't taken action accordingly."

The above phrase would go a long way, I think. Obviously, it'd have to be tailored to whatever the petition is about, but just something that says "I got it. I understand what's going on," might make players feel less ignored.

Hell, if you want a forum-relations person to do this for you, consider this my offer to volunteer my time towards this.