Jayde's DMA Platform and Q&A

[JaydeMoon]

Hello, ALFA,

I am running for the position of DMA during the remainder of the April to September term. Below is some information regarding myself, my qualifications to lead the community in this capacity, and my platform (as it were).

Thank you, Rusty. Despite issues and concerns, he got the ball rolling on a lot of things and following the good will be a challenge. While his gruff manner might be off-putting at times and even though I had my share of disagreements with him over certain issues, his contributions as the DMA are undeniable.

Most of you know me as Jayde Moon, though folks around these parts simply call me Jayde or JM. My real name is Danny. I have been a member in good standing since before the first NWN1 servers went Live. I have also been a DM in ALFA since before NWN1 servers went Live. I have been an HDM (of Waterdeep), have built areas for a few servers, and DMed on more than 6 different servers over the course of my time here. I currently am an ADM on Shadowdale and Sembia for NWN1 servers and an ADM on TSM for NWN2. I am a 'player-oriented DM' that enjoys advancing personalized plots while also crafting the larger story.

As a tenured DM, I have insight into a lot of the issues that face ALFA from the DM's standpoint. I understand the frustrations that come with service to this community and I know well the DM's desire to simply 'play the game we love'. I have an excellent grasp of the game mechanics and DM interface for NWN1 and experience with the DM interface for NWN2. I have kept up on many of the technical issues facing Cipher and his team as well as the DMA-centric issues that the DMA must focus most of his or her attention to. I also have a firm grasp of the atmosphere of ALFA and what the community wants.

I am a capable leader and understand what it means to be a leader. Cliche, perhaps, but I have served as a leader in the Military and have seen many 'types' of leaders. I have found the style that works best for me; one that I believe gets the best results. The best leaders guide and inspire. My leadership style is inclusive. It values the experience and wisdom of others and this will show during my tenure, if I am elected. I will not micromanage, but grant our hard working DMs, builders, scriptors, and players the trust they deserve.

Finally, I greatly understand the spirit of ALFA, what ALFA is meant to be when you strip away the bureaucratic hyperbole, 'daunting' standards and guidelines, and necessary infrastructure: A fair and fun place to play Dungeons & Dragons.

Following is my stance and views on some of the issues facing ALFA today:

Stewardship - While a precedence has been set that the HDMs do not own the servers that are given for ALFA to use, they are the entrusted stewards of that server. Not the 'King' of their domain, they are never-the-less granted broad authority to adjudicate matters on the server that they have taken on the responsibility of maintaining.

Part of recognizing that is by giving them a full voice in all matters pertaining to the DM Corps. I expect the DM Corps to know what issues are cropping up and to speak on them when they have an opinion. The sum opinion of the DM Corps > DMA's opinion.

Another part of recognizing that trust is allowing them to pick their DM team. The HDMs decision to sponsor an ALFAn to DM on their server should carry the most weight in determining if that member should be given the opportunity to DM. So long as the member is in good standing and agrees to abide by the standards set forth by ALFA, there will be no other hurdle to jump.

The applications process will still be maintained for those who are interested in DMing but do not have a direct HDM sponsor. In that case, the application will serve as a means to notify the HDMs of a members interest and allow them to decide to pick up on the member as a DM.

Server Selection - Members should be welcome to take the initiative to build servers. There should be no hurdles to jump, outside of building an excellent server up to the standards of ALFA while not overlapping the boundaries of other servers. I would only ask to be informed of an intent to build so that I may steer other builders your way if they evince interest in the same region.

Standards and Training - I can not express how important I feel the standards and training process is. I am a DM who enjoys rewarding PCs tangibly. There are some who will tell you that I have been heavy-handed about it in the past. They would not be wrong. I did not have a solid idea of the worth of certain items and effects, their intrinsic value.

While I learned slowly, the inclusion of pricing standards to tell us the worth of an item, wealth standards to tell us how much 'stuff' PCs should have, and distribution standards to show us the most proper way to grant it has given me a complete awareness of what is and isn't appropriate.

ALFA is not traditional PnP, with a handful of players and one DM. It is important to have as level a playing field as possible so that DMs know what to expect when players they are not familiar with walk into their plots. They should not be surprised by over- or underpowered PCs.

However, I take note that the Standards under the DMA may have gone too far and overstepped its bounds. This is something I am going to look into, discuss with the other Admin, and make a decision regarding.

Transparency - I will look into making DM rules publicly viewable to enable transparency among the community.

Staff Code of Conduct - I will attempt to institute a 'Staff' Code of Conduct, based on the input of the current Staff. This is in response to a statement made once that the DMA was not subject to the DM Code of Conduct.

ZOMG, PA is mah Girlfriend - I ask for maturity from the community and for the constituency to look at my ability to lead as DMA and my love for this community, one that I have been a dedicated member of since before live. I hope that the PA has shown herself to be level-headed and with integrity. The main effect our real life relationship will have on our positions will be a friendly relationship as perceived by the community. You can bet DMA and PA will not be mud-slinging at each other on the forums. A second effect will be fast communication.

IF the three other Admin determine amongst themselves that there is a level of impropriety occurring due to the relationship between the PA and myself during my tenure as DMA, I will vacate the position immediately, a promise that I will give Lead full authority to enforce.

Divisive Issues - ALFA will always have its fair share of divisive issues. On them, I will represent the desires of the DM Corps.

I welcome any questions you may have of me.

I would like to thank everyone else who is stepping up as well. They are all stand up individuals. Good luck!

Thanks all,
Danny

[HATEFACE]

ZOMG, PA is mah Girlfriend - I ask for maturity from the community and for the constituency to look at my ability to lead as DMA and my love for this community, one that I have been a dedicated member of since before live. I hope that the PA has shown herself to be level-headed and with integrity. The main effect our real life relationship will have on our positions will be a friendly relationship as perceived by the community. You can bet DMA and PA will not be mud-slinging at each other on the forums. A second effect will be fast communication.

Oh lawd. I predict someone sleeping on a sofa soon enough.

[psycho_leo]

I question you sanity for running sir. But on with the show.

1. Training requirements for PADMs. What's you opinion both on the need for this and on what's currently in place?

2. You mention that standards may have overstepped its bounds. As a member of that group, what exactly do you believe should be it's purpose?

3. What would you do to attract more DMs? Or do you believe that at least in the case of NWN2 it's a problem that will only be resolved with more servers?

4. Cake or pie?

[JaydeMoon]

I question you sanity for running sir. But on with the show.

1. Training requirements for PADMs. What's you opinion both on the need for this and on what's currently in place?

I am a firm believer in 'training'. The bulk of training should be the responsibility of the PADM's HDM and DM team. I believe a standards exercise is useful in showing that the PADM has a basic grasp of our wealth and XP standards.

2. You mention that standards may have overstepped its bounds. As a member of that group, what exactly do you believe should be it's purpose?

Let me reiterate, Standards under the DMA may have overstepped its bounds. There are aspects of standards that fall under the purview of other Admin roles. I support opening standards up a bit more to include input from the other Admin. It's purpose should remain as it is.

3. What would you do to attract more DMs? Or do you believe that at least in the case of NWN2 it's a problem that will only be resolved with more servers?

I do believe that more DMs will be forthcoming as we have more Live servers. However, I am willing to look into 'incentives' for all ALFA staffers.

4. Cake or pie?

The cake is a lie,
Bring me some pie!

[Vendrin]

Do you intend to DM on a NWN2 ALFA server? If not, doesn't this represent your ability to reflect the NWN2 ALFA DMs?

Do you believe the future of ALFA is improving and expanding on it's NWN2 servers?

[psycho_leo]

2. You mention that standards may have overstepped its bounds. As a member of that group, what exactly do you believe should be it's purpose?

Let me reiterate, Standards under the DMA may have overstepped its bounds. There are aspects of standards that fall under the purview of other Admin roles. I support opening standards up a bit more to include input from the other Admin. It's purpose should remain as it is.

I'll rephrase. A standards group was created ages ago and according to at least one of the original members it's purpose was to provide DMs with standards for wealth and XP rewards. When I joined it was already around, but was mostly a pipe dream, as nobody ever followed it. That changed under Rusty as now DMs are aware and generally follow them, at least in regards to the upper levels.

At some point though, the standards gruoup under the former DMA was tasked with discussing the implementation of mostly everything that has to do with the game. Not only gear properties, but also classes.

I take from your answer that the particular subject of classes/races should not be a decision left to the DMA alone, right? So, Speaking generally, what are the things that fall under DMA purview alone?

[JaydeMoon]

Do you intend to DM on a NWN2 ALFA server? If not, doesn't this represent your ability to reflect the NWN2 ALFA DMs?

...I have also been a DM in ALFA since before NWN1 servers went Live. I have been an HDM (of Waterdeep), have built areas for a few servers, and DMed on more than 6 different servers over the course of my time here. I currently am an ADM on Shadowdale and Sembia for NWN1 servers and an ADM on TSM for NWN2. I am a 'player-oriented DM' that enjoys advancing personalized plots while also crafting the larger story.

Do you believe the future of ALFA is improving and expanding on it's NWN2 servers?

Yes, I do.

[Lusipher]

Olivia Munn or Morgan Webb?

Ok serious question....

Global Dms...will we finally see them happen in your tenure? Since the HDMs dont own the ALFA servers and DM's are basically ALFA DMs will you allow DMs to DM on any server as long as a basic guideline is followed that wont interrupt/harm current DM plots by "at home" DMs?

ie. Say I was on Baldurs Gate and I wanted to lead a DM session through parts of BG to end up somewhere in the Western Heartlands. Would you have a problem with this type of DMing as long as the DM(s) in question didnt screw up any current plots on those servers and the HDMs were generally receptive to the idea or would you allow it if the HDMs werent too receptive? Yes, their hosting and building, but do they have the final say on something like this? I would think everyone would want to hash out details and agree, but im wondering what the bottom line would be here as to who has final disgression/say so on the matter.

You already answered my other question privately. Thank you.

[Thangorn]

Hi Jayde,

Thanks for running.

I have questions for you big fella.

1. What do you believe is an acceptable amount of time each week to do an effective job as DMA?

2. What do you see as the priority projects of the role and percentage of your time as DMA would you spend on those priorities? I'm interested in project outcomes here not answers like "Talking to DMs", "Meeting with other Admin". From your platform it seems Standards and Training are to be your main focus in terms of your actual workload, is there other important priorities for the DMA apart from training DMs and enforcing/maintaining standards?

3. You've focussed on a couple of pertinent issues in your platform. I wonder what your vision for ALFA is in terms of module builds, servers, players, population distribution? What's your perfect ALFA look like?

Thanks for taking the time to answer these mate.

[JaydeMoon]

I take from your answer that the particular subject of classes/races should not be a decision left to the DMA alone, right? So, Speaking generally, what are the things that fall under DMA purview alone?

The standards that fall under DMA purview is the implementation of standards as they pertain to DM handling.

Most visibly, this includes the method and means by which DMs award XP and wealth.

But whether we allow magic swords is a community decision, ie one which multiple Admin should have a say.

[JaydeMoon]

Olivia Munn or Morgan Webb?

Ok serious question....

Global Dms...will we finally see them happen in your tenure? Since the HDMs dont own the ALFA servers and DM's are basically ALFA DMs will you allow DMs to DM on any server as long as a basic guideline is followed that wont interrupt/harm current DM plots by "at home" DMs?

ie. Say I was on Baldurs Gate and I wanted to lead a DM session through parts of BG to end up somewhere in the Western Heartlands. Would you have a problem with this type of DMing as long as the DM(s) in question didnt screw up any current plots on those servers and the HDMs were generally receptive to the idea or would you allow it if the HDMs werent too receptive? Yes, their hosting and building, but do they have the final say on something like this? I would think everyone would want to hash out details and agree, but im wondering what the bottom line would be here as to who has final disgression/say so on the matter.

You already answered my other question privately. Thank you.

I would not have a problem with it. However, my thoughts on who gets to DM on a given server is that it is up to the HDM of that server.

I personally do not believe that any DM in good standing who wishes to act 'globally' will have issues getting the ability to DM on multiple servers.

[MorbidKate]

I'll be asking this of each candidate:

Seeing that there is currently only 1 NWN2 server in ALFA and a major need for DMs with time to actually DM on that server, would you be willing to push for a temporary change in the rules and allow TSM DMs to also play on TSM, only until a 2nd NWN2 went Live?

A number of people have quietly mentioned they'd be willing to DM but not if it meant not being able to play a character at all in NWN2. Under any circumstances, are you open to the idea and if not, what plans to do have to attract DMs until more NWN2 servers go online.

Thanks.

Kate

[JaydeMoon]

1. What do you believe is an acceptable amount of time each week to do an effective job as DMA?

I don't think there is a set amount of time. Realisticall, I think that I will spend a minimum of an hour a day, when things are just cruising. That's browsing the forums, making sure things are flowing smoothyl, we're on point for whatever, and no new issues have cropped up.

On average I envision spending about two hours a day doing DMA work. Some days, of course I will spend more time. As I've said in the past, I already spend a lot of time with ALFA, doing it as the DMA will cause no undue hardship or stress.

2. What do you see as the priority projects of the role and percentage of your time as DMA would you spend on those priorities? I'm interested in project outcomes here not answers like "Talking to DMs", "Meeting with other Admin". From your platform it seems Standards and Training are to be your main focus in terms of your actual workload, is there other important priorities for the DMA apart from training DMs and enforcing/maintaining standards?

It is hard to quantify in terms of percentages what the DMA will need to be doing. I think that besides standards and training, one of the big focal points is getting more NWN2 servers online. That means figuring out what is needed and making that happen. I also think repairing certain rifts and restoring trust in the Office as well as the governing body as a whole is important.

I am also interested in seeing how we can spark more interest in contributors, which is a cross domain issue with other Admin.

I know that this probably doesn't answer your question to full satisfaction, but prioritizing is going to have to wait until I have actually taken the Office (if I am elected) and I see exactly where we are sitting and how receptive the other Admin and the HDM body is going to be to my suggestions and leadership style.

3. You've focussed on a couple of pertinent issues in your platform. I wonder what your vision for ALFA is in terms of module builds, servers, players, population distribution? What's your perfect ALFA look like?

I hope that in the next four months we get at least one more (if not two) servers on line for Live. I would like to see a healthy DM population on each server (at least five, including the HDM) along with cross-server participation, if possible.

My perfect ALFA would be an ALFA that has lived up to its grandiose scheme, to recreate all of Faerun and have 24/7 DM coverage for hundreds of players, and little drama.

Realistically, to have a solid playerbase that can expect to find solid DMing at least 50% of the time in multiple servers, and a community that understands that despite all of our differences in thinking and opinions, we are all here for the same thing, dynamic plots and environments for RPing in Faerun.

[JaydeMoon]

I'll be asking this of each candidate:

Seeing that there is currently only 1 NWN2 server in ALFA and a major need for DMs with time to actually DM on that server, would you be willing to push for a temporary change in the rules and allow TSM DMs to also play on TSM, only until a 2nd NWN2 went Live?

A number of people have quietly mentioned they'd be willing to DM but not if it meant not being able to play a character at all in NWN2. Under any circumstances, are you open to the idea and if not, what plans to do have to attract DMs until more NWN2 servers go online.

Thanks.

Kate

Excellent question, Kate.

I am not wholly opposed to this idea. It is something that I would be willing to bring up as an issue to the rest of the community if I got enough folks telling me that this would interest them.

I would be willing to hear different ideas on how this could work and how to assuage concerns of impropriety.

However, I do not believe that this is wholly the DMA's decision to make, and a caveat is that if something like this were to be done, it would be only for the time that TSM was our single NWN2 server. As soon as a second server came on-line, this waiver of the DM/Player rule would be lifted.

[JaydeMoon]

Because I can't be bothered making a post in each thread:

It was originally estimated that the first servers for ALFA using NWN2 would take 3-4 months to build. While this was a somewhat optimistic estimate, it took a fair bit longer than it should have to get the first live server up and running. Where do you think ALFA went wrong? And what would you have done differently if you were DMA?

It's hard to say where we 'went wrong'.

I think allowing our resources to be scattered as they were contributed. Is that something we could have changed? Maybe not, could be that forcing everyone to work on a single server might have resulted in a loss of builders.

The high learning curve on the toolset has also scared away potential contributors. Not a whole lot that can be done about that.

What CAN be fixed, however, is ALFA's level of distrust. So much of what happens around here is based on distrust, fear that everyone is going to 'pull one over' or do things 'half-assed'. and I think that this is often our most crippling flaw as a community.

We have to replace lost trust, find a compromise that protects the integrity of the community while respecting the integrity of its members (when they haven't given us any real reason to doubt them).