Questions for DMA Candidate: Curmudgeon

[Zelknolf]

Few obvious questions because it's election time and we have multiple candidates, huzzah.

1. What makes you preferable as DMA when compared to the other guy?

2. What do you plan to accomplish in the next term, if elected?

3. A few proposals have been floated in recent times, while some seem dead horses surely, what are your thoughts on
-- Alternate PCs (if conditional on rules about how alts may be used, what sort of rules?)
-- Removing or reducing travel restrictions across servers
-- Regas' revived proposal to remove the password from a server (it's an old one, link here)

[Rotku]

Here's one I'm sure you'll love, Curm

Where do you stand on putting in a formalised complaint/review system for the DMs, such as the PA currently has for player complaints?

[Curmudgeon]

Few obvious questions because it's election time and we have multiple candidates, huzzah.

1. What makes you preferable as DMA when compared to the other guy?

You mean besides my charm, evident good looks, and scintillating personality? I suppose there's my experience in the position and the fact I haven't tried to blame my problems on previous DMAs.

2. What do you plan to accomplish in the next term, if elected?

Help bring Amn to Live. Try to find a team willing to build an Underdark server. Cleaning up some of the hanging proposals in Standards. Brokenbone has agreed to stay on for another term as Head of Standards, and will be leading this effort.

3. A few proposals have been floated in recent times, while some seem dead horses surely, what are your thoughts on
-- Alternate PCs (if conditional on rules about how alts may be used, what sort of rules?)
-- Removing or reducing travel restrictions across servers
-- Regas' revived proposal to remove the password from a server (it's an old one, link here)

Alternate PCs I'm undecided on, though it seems to me that as it is contrary to Pillar #5 it needs some serious community and Admin support. I'm also wary about how it might impact our infra structure.
Travel restrictions I feel are presently minimal and do not need further loosening.
The proposal to open up a server to the general NWN2 population on a limited trial basis is one I've supported in the past (see the prior discussions on horses).

[Curmudgeon]

Here's one I'm sure you'll love, Curm

Where do you stand on putting in a formalised complaint/review system for the DMs, such as the PA currently has for player complaints?

Should I be re-elected, SSM has agreed to serve as my Head of DM Discipline and Training. A review of this will be one of his assigned duties.

[boombrakh]

1) Is there any room in your platform for change, evolution or progress other than more of the same? What I am curious to know is if your views and opinions on/about ALFA as a community are the same as they've always been and if this will reflect on your potential umpteenth term as DMA. As AnalogKid points out (perhaps with a bit too much "doomsday" than needed) in another thread, this place isn't exactly taking any new steps to grow in any other sense than as I wrote above, more of the same. Do you have anything new, any (for you) "revolutionary" new ideas on how to bring this community back from the ledge?

2) You are notoriously black/white and people either love you for your uncompromising methods/views or hate you for it. Do you believe that in a small community such as this that there is room to be uncompromising or will you try to take steps and evolve not only as an admin, but as a person and be more open and approachable to people of different opinions and views? I am of the opinion that in a small organization such as ALFA, to distance yourself in the way that you do, only serves to divide and to work against progress.

3) I don't know if it has been suggested already but there has been small talks now and then about proposing a change in the ALFA charter on how the administration of ALFA should work. The idea is change the electorial process and instead of having a new election ten out of twelve months a year, we would have one election a year and the people running for Admin would run as a team rather than as individuals. The idea behind this is that instead of having people who due to personal opinions work against eachother, you would have a team of five with a clear and focused "mission" where they get the time they need in order to reach their goal. Do you believe this is a good idea? Yes/no and why?

[Castano]

I'd like to see a platform with at least a set of goals from both candidates. Do you plan to publish a short less than 300 words list of goals for your 6 month term? I would propose that the goals be achievable within 6 months or at least milestones within a larger goal achievable in 6 months.

[FoamBats4All]

Do you ever feel that your multiple burdens as both DMA and HDM are too much, or that ALFA could best be served with undivided incumbents?

Do you believe that it is appropriate for an HDM to police himself as DMA?

In a small community with restricted voting and points of view, is it appropriate for one person to hold multiple offices?

Do you believe that your lack of playing ALFA has any influence on your administration?

[maxcell]

Do you ever feel that your multiple burdens as both DMA and HDM are too much, or that ALFA could best be served with undivided incumbents?

Do you believe t.......?

All of the above have a similar underlying theme which marries with my question, though mine is focused as more one of concern, and that is burn out.

I think you've done a terrific job as DMA , and would love to see you play again. I have seen without fail, players become dms then hdms, and then stop playing or dming or hdming or all of the above due to burnout.

Do you feel that it should be up to the individual to decide how much they can take on in a position such as DMA, or do you feel that there should be limitations written into the position which protect the individual from the common affliction?

[Curmudgeon]

1) Is there any room in your platform for change, evolution or progress other than more of the same? What I am curious to know is if your views and opinions on/about ALFA as a community are the same as they've always been and if this will reflect on your potential umpteenth term as DMA. As AnalogKid points out (perhaps with a bit too much "doomsday" than needed) in another thread, this place isn't exactly taking any new steps to grow in any other sense than as I wrote above, more of the same. Do you have anything new, any (for you) "revolutionary" new ideas on how to bring this community back from the ledge?

As long as I've been around ALFA there has been a regular "doom and gloom" faction, who delight in pointing out the failings they see in the community, while those who put forward positive suggestions are jeered at. My opinion of ALFA is that it is still what it has been from the start: A group of intelligent and imaginative role players who enjoy the Forgotten Realms setting and want to make themselves part of the continuing story of the Realms. As with any dedicated and passionate group, there are dissensions and sometimes heated disagreements. There are those who contribute, and those who enjoy the setting, and we need both groups, though I'd rather see more building, storytelling, and adventuring and less arguing over it in the forums.

2) You are notoriously black/white and people either love you for your uncompromising methods/views or hate you for it. Do you believe that in a small community such as this that there is room to be uncompromising or will you try to take steps and evolve not only as an admin, but as a person and be more open and approachable to people of different opinions and views? I am of the opinion that in a small organization such as ALFA, to distance yourself in the way that you do, only serves to divide and to work against progress.

I believe that yes, someone has to have the focus on keeping to the course. I see change for the sake of change as inviting disaster through the Law of Unintended Consequences, hence my tendency to want to look at all sides of a suggestion before moving forward. When I see the chance to make a positive change, I support it - as I did for Temporary Retirement, and as I've advocated in the past for having Open Servers on a temporary or trial basis to attract fresh blood. Things I do not support tend to be those requiring that we abandon the tenets the group is founded on.

3) I don't know if it has been suggested already but there has been small talks now and then about proposing a change in the ALFA charter on how the administration of ALFA should work. The idea is change the electorial process and instead of having a new election ten out of twelve months a year, we would have one election a year and the people running for Admin would run as a team rather than as individuals. The idea behind this is that instead of having people who due to personal opinions work against eachother, you would have a team of five with a clear and focused "mission" where they get the time they need in order to reach their goal. Do you believe this is a good idea? Yes/no and why?

I don't understand that proposal as calling for a "Party System" of ALFA governance, nor would I support such a thing, as I believe it would lead to further dissension, argument, and a splintering of the community. I would and have spoken in support of extending Admin terms to twelve months.

[Curmudgeon]

I'd like to see a platform with at least a set of goals from both candidates. Do you plan to publish a short less than 300 words list of goals for your 6 month term? I would propose that the goals be achievable within 6 months or at least milestones within a larger goal achievable in 6 months.

No, I do not. I feel I have more productive things to do with my time.

[Curmudgeon]

Do you ever feel that your multiple burdens as both DMA and HDM are too much, or that ALFA could best be served with undivided incumbents?

At times, yes.

Do you believe that it is appropriate for an HDM to police himself as DMA?

Ideally, no. But I believe the Charter offers ample recourse for an out-of-control Admin or HDM.

In a small community with restricted voting and points of view, is it appropriate for one person to hold multiple offices?

Yes.

Do you believe that your lack of playing ALFA has any influence on your administration?

No.

[Curmudgeon]

Do you ever feel that your multiple burdens as both DMA and HDM are too much, or that ALFA could best be served with undivided incumbents?

Do you believe t.......?

All of the above have a similar underlying theme which marries with my question, though mine is focused as more one of concern, and that is burn out.

I think you've done a terrific job as DMA , and would love to see you play again. I have seen without fail, players become dms then hdms, and then stop playing or dming or hdming or all of the above due to burnout.

Do you feel that it should be up to the individual to decide how much they can take on in a position such as DMA, or do you feel that there should be limitations written into the position which protect the individual from the common affliction?

First, thanks for the compliments. I, too, would love to play again, but I feel that my own rule requiring that DMs not play on the same server they DM effective prohibits me from playing on an ALFA server. I would not be comfortable declaring a self-exemption for this rule. As for how much one person can handle, I feel that they must make the boundaries themselves. DM burnout is one of the most common problems I've faced as DMA. The largest cause for this seems to be Real Life pressures - school, health, family, work - I have always told DMs that RL comes first, that they should never feel obligated to run a session. Secondly there is the DM who drives herself too hard, trying to accommodate the desires of too many players at once - to this I try to remind DMs that they are supposed to enjoy the job, and should not feel guilt for not running a session every night. I've never required DMs to take regular scheduled sessions, as life is complicated enough as it is, but there are those who feel themselves driven to overdo it. And then for all DMs there are certain players they just do not get along with well - for those, I will always support a DM's right to refuse to provide entertainment to anyone.

However, there is much that players can do to help prevent DM burnout. Write up your character's background, and send it to your DMs - this helps them to find ways to add to a character's story. Find things to do in a group with other PCs when there is no DM on, or when a DM is busy with another group, and then write up what you've done and send it to your server DM team. We need your help here.

Don't make repeated demands on DMs - their time is limited, and proper preparation for a session requires a lot of work that players never see. Don't be rude to DMs - that's the fastest way to drive them away. If you have a point to make about an in-game situation, state your case calmly and clearly, and then let the DM make their ruling and get on with the game. And finally, thank your DMs when they run a session for you - tell them what you liked about it.

[boombrakh]

1) Is there any room in your platform for change, evolution or progress other than more of the same? What I am curious to know is if your views and opinions on/about ALFA as a community are the same as they've always been and if this will reflect on your potential umpteenth term as DMA. As AnalogKid points out (perhaps with a bit too much "doomsday" than needed) in another thread, this place isn't exactly taking any new steps to grow in any other sense than as I wrote above, more of the same. Do you have anything new, any (for you) "revolutionary" new ideas on how to bring this community back from the ledge?

As long as I've been around ALFA there has been a regular "doom and gloom" faction, who delight in pointing out the failings they see in the community, while those who put forward positive suggestions are jeered at. My opinion of ALFA is that it is still what it has been from the start: A group of intelligent and imaginative role players who enjoy the Forgotten Realms setting and want to make themselves part of the continuing story of the Realms. As with any dedicated and passionate group, there are dissensions and sometimes heated disagreements. There are those who contribute, and those who enjoy the setting, and we need both groups, though I'd rather see more building, storytelling, and adventuring and less arguing over it in the forums.

I love this idea that ALFA is. No matter how hard I try not to, I am still passionate about this community and that makes me have very strong opinions. Should you dismiss my opinions on the sole fact that now and then I fall in the "doom and gloom" category of members? I would think it is a bit naive to simply dismiss someone for being a part of your so-called "doom and gloom" faction on the sole premise that they are pointing out "failings" in the community. If this community is, as you say, composed of a group of intelligent and imaginative role players, then wouldn't it be just as important to hear what everyone has to say, not just the ones you agree with? You will never be rid of critics, you will never be rid of opinionated people. Hell, you're one of them, although not as vocal as some other. But it doesn't change the fact that without everyone here, this community would be nothing but dead dreams and wishful thinking.

Also, I think you dodged the real question here, which was if you had room in your platform for new ideas or if you were just going to keep on doing what you always do.

2) You are notoriously black/white and people either love you for your uncompromising methods/views or hate you for it. Do you believe that in a small community such as this that there is room to be uncompromising or will you try to take steps and evolve not only as an admin, but as a person and be more open and approachable to people of different opinions and views? I am of the opinion that in a small organization such as ALFA, to distance yourself in the way that you do, only serves to divide and to work against progress.

I believe that yes, someone has to have the focus on keeping to the course. I see change for the sake of change as inviting disaster through the Law of Unintended Consequences, hence my tendency to want to look at all sides of a suggestion before moving forward. When I see the chance to make a positive change, I support it - as I did for Temporary Retirement, and as I've advocated in the past for having Open Servers on a temporary or trial basis to attract fresh blood. Things I do not support tend to be those requiring that we abandon the tenets the group is founded on.

The same argument could just as well be used the other way around. Status quo for the sake of status quo or the time old "don't fix what aint broken" is just as bad. Where I am going with this is that it is my opinion that this community you need to get involved if you are in a so-called "position of power" (however ridiculous that may sound). The times of old, when the Admin could/would just sit by and dictate and decide and the masses abided by their rule is a luxury that a small community cannot afford. I am glad that you supported the temporary retirement idea, but to be honest, it was just support. I'd like to see something from you, not just you agreeing with what someone else does. And I would like to see you passionate about something that matters.

[Blindhamsterman]

I've noticed a fair few comments in this thread and the others suggesting that Curmudgeon isn't open to new ideas, and that he isn't approachable... Neither of them are true.

Go to Curm with an idea, demonstrate that you've thought about it, try and beat him to the weighing things from multiple angles, be willing to bend your own ideas a bit too if need be and he's always been pretty open from my own experience.

I've also never had trouble catching Curm for a chat, be it ALFA related or otherwise, just say hi to the man some times, he doesn't bite or grump (too much )

[Adanu]

So now it's 'doom and gloom' faction? Wonderful. So because people aren't perfectly happy with you or other aspects of ALFA, you consider critics to be simply doomsayers. Bringing up the Law of Unintended Consequences goes both ways, and not going with new ideas simply because you think the status quo is better is the very idea of black and white.

From your responses though, it seems like you have no plans to actually listen instead of just paying ear service to such things. Looks like another round of stagnancy in that regard.

I've noticed a fair few comments in this thread and the others suggesting that Curmudgeon isn't open to new ideas, and that he isn't approachable... Neither of them are true.

Go to Curm with an idea, demonstrate that you've thought about it, try and beat him to the weighing things from multiple angles, be willing to bend your own ideas a bit too if need be and he's always been pretty open from my own experience.

I've also never had trouble catching Curm for a chat, be it ALFA related or otherwise, just say hi to the man some times, he doesn't bite or grump (too much )

I spent a solid month waiting on a chance to talk to him about a DM application, and when I get five minutes he immediately has to go again. I was available most of the day during that whole period, but then I wait another week or two for another chance to talk only to pretty much get told he's going to reject me without talking to me again, having made up his own mind on his own in just five minutes... yeah, color me skeptical about this notion.

He's open if he likes you, not if he doesn't. As we're seeing in this thread with 'doom and gloom'.

So there is no chance of you learning to compromise with others even if you don't agree with them?