This is a serious question to the community, and I would like you guys (and gals) out there who reply to give me your honest thoughts and opinions as to how I performed my role over the past year, and how you would like me to perform my role over the upcoming year.
My role
(as interpreted by me)
Link to the VCL Handbook and Conduct Guide.
First and foremost, I feel that my role on the forums is to further discussion and increase the community. I feel that I am lucky in that the regs in the DDI forums tend to be very much open to discussion in the fist place and the overwhelming majority of you understand that, sometimes, people just don't agree. There is very little flaming or attacking going on, and the few times I do have to Put on my VCL hat, it is accepted in the mood that I intend it. Not as a rebuke or a scolding, more as a gentle reminder. Discussing things that we are passionate about makes it easy to slip into emotional reactions and attacks, and I commend all of you for making my job easier.
Edited to add - I also have no problems admitting when I am wrong. See the SoW forum. I was originally against it, but there were enough people interested in it that I figured it couldn't hurt. Well, I was wrong about it. My hats go off to the SoW players for creating a vibrant community.
I also further discussion by starting Directed Discussion threads. I tend to do only a few of those, as I feel that they should be reserved for topics that really impact and have an influence on the community as a whole. The response to those from you guys has always been great. The discussions have been interesting, great ideas have been brought up, and internal responses I have gotten from DDI staff and Solice said that they were really well appreciated.
Another big part of my job is to act as a liaison between the forum goers and DDI devs, through the D&D Community Manager (Bernie Stokes, and before him Solice and Gamer_Zer0). I regularly
My Presence on the forums
I interact in threads that have topics that interest me. I discuss things with people with
Self Review
Personally, I think that I have done a good job. There have only been 2 complaints about me (that I know of), and the CM staff at WotC have (seemed to) appreciate the job that I do.
Question 1: What things did I do last year that you want me to continue doing this year?
Question 2: What things did I do last year that you don't want me to do any more?
Question 3: What things would you like to see me do this year?
I would really, really appreciate it if you guys post any thoughts, concerns or opinions you have on what I have done the last year.
If you are not comfortable putting it on a public forum, you can always send comments about me to the D&D Community Management team through the "Contact us" page.
I posted a link to it in my area, but, in retrospect, you are right. I will move it.
Actually, not knowing that he has his own area, I wouldn't think to look for it there.
as for your line of work, i have only one complaint, and you already got it via PM a few weeks past.
to rephrase it here, i feel that the whole team of VCLs. NGs etc. are overly protective of WOTC. instead of just letting people rant a bit and hint them to the facts, you get into discussions where you try to persuade people of your standpoint.
this is something i'd doom in official spokespersons, and is greatly annoying (to me) in semi-officials as those VCLs and NGs are.
Edit - This is aimed at the DDI community.
Question 1: What things did I do last year that you want me to continue doing this year?
Question 2: What things did I do last year that you don't want me to do any more?
Question 3: What things would you like to see me do this year?
1.Keep sending information to the top. This is what I percieve as your most valuable contribution to the forums (i.e. acting as a filter between us and the powers that be at WOTC). I know that they don't have the time to read all the threads and I think that having someone elses' eyes and ears processing this stuff is helpful. Asking for feedback in an open forum takes some serious stones, my hat's off to you for that.
2.Everyone is entitled to their opinion on things. What worries me is when opinions are pressed by those with (even unofficial) titles. The WOTC folks attempting to sway opinion is understandable, it's their paychecks on the line. Not sure if that made any sense or not (damn cold meds).
3.Macarena? Seriously, I'm not sure but I bet that there's going to be lots of fires to put out, just like last year. I'm sure you'll do fine.
Question 1: What things did I do last year that you want me to continue doing this year?
From my personal experience, you promptly got the attention of Solice, and I was able to have a concern addressed with my Insider account. Thank you. It would have been a challenge for me personally but your help made things a breeze. Honestly, all I can say here is: Keep up the good work ;).
Question 2: What things did I do last year that you don't want me to do any more?
No problems in my experience. You have always seemed more than willing to help anyone in need.
Question 3: What things would you like to see me do this year?
Here's a concern that you might be able to help with (I'll try to explain as best I can ;)): There are a few threads in the D&Di forums discussing people being automatically charged again because they are unable to cancel auto-renew online (the site has apparently been "loopy"). Yet, the ORCs seem unaware of the problems, insisting that "clearing all cookies, etc." will solve any and all problems.
Just judging from my personal experiences, there are some definite problems with the service side of D&Di; the proposed fixes simply don't work as well (or at all) as the ORCS are indicating. We're not making this stuff up ;).
So, basically, I'm asking: Is it possible for you, in your role as DDi VCL, to make the ORCs (or whoever is ultimately in charge) more aware of those kind of issues? It's my impression that they don't see a problem where one clearly exists. Board chatter is hard to cut through-- that's were I'm hoping you can help the most ;).
I would really, really appreciate it if you guys post any thoughts, concerns or opinions you have on what I have done the last year.
Your work on the DDi forums has been stellar in my opinion. In your own way, you've made this feel like a real community. Thank you, mudbunny.
i believe this was initially posted not in ddi general, but somewhere else, some of those community boards i never frequent (as many others don't).
It was originally there with a post in this forum directing people there. It is marginally on-topic here and more on-topic there, however a post from Zherog and a bit of re-thinking made me move it back here.
to rephrase it here, i feel that the whole team of VCLs. NGs etc. are overly protective of WOTC. instead of just letting people rant a bit and hint them to the facts, you get into discussions where you try to persuade people of your standpoint.
this is something i'd doom in official spokespersons, and is greatly annoying (to me) in semi-officials as those VCLs and NGs are.
I am sorry you feel that way. I have thought about it a lot, and it is not something that I am going to change about me. and the way that I operate on the forums.
1.Keep sending information to the top. This is what I percieve as your most valuable contribution to the forums (i.e. acting as a filter between us and the powers that be at WOTC). I know that they don't have the time to read all the threads and I think that having someone elses' eyes and ears processing this stuff is helpful. Asking for feedback in an open forum takes some serious stones, my hat's off to you for that.
I read/browse/skim almost every thread in the DDI forums, and every thread in DDI General.
2.Everyone is entitled to their opinion on things. What worries me is when opinions are pressed by those with (even unofficial) titles. The WOTC folks attempting to sway opinion is understandable, it's their paychecks on the line. Not sure if that made any sense or not (damn cold meds).
I think so. Let me see if I have you right. You have no problem with me having my own opinion and supporting WOtC products, you just want me to be aware to not push too hard and make it feel like dissenting opinions are not wanted or accepted. I don't think that I have ever done so, and if I have made people feel as if it is that way, I humbly apologize. I will try to keep this thought in mind from now on. It being a very subjective opinion, I can't guarantee that my definition of "pressed" is the same as yours, but it is something that I will keep in mind.
3.Macarena? Seriously, I'm not sure but I bet that there's going to be lots of fires to put out, just like last year. I'm sure you'll do fine.
You don't want to see me dancing. Think stereotypical white-guy lack of rhythm and locked hips.
From my personal experience, you promptly got the attention of Solice, and I was able to have a concern addressed with my Insider account. Thank you. It would have been a challenge for me personally but your help made things a breeze. Honestly, all I can say here is: Keep up the good work ;).
I do what I can. My PM box, email inbox and AIM account are up there for people who have concerns, and I do what I can.
Here's a concern that you might be able to help with (I'll try to explain as best I can ;)): There are a few threads in the D&Di forums discussing people being automatically charged again because they are unable to cancel auto-renew online (the site has apparently been "loopy"). Yet, the ORCs seem unaware of the problems, insisting that "clearing all cookies, etc." will solve any and all problems.
Just judging from my personal experiences, there are some definite problems with the service side of D&Di; the proposed fixes simply don't work as well (or at all) as the ORCS are indicating. We're not making this stuff up ;).
So, basically, I'm asking: Is it possible for you, in your role as DDi VCL, to make the ORCs (or whoever is ultimately in charge) more aware of those kind of issues? It's my impression that they don't see a problem where one clearly exists. Board chatter is hard to cut through-- that's were I'm hoping you can help the most ;).
It is something that I have included in my PM to WotC_Bernie this week about concerns and notes about DDI for the past several weeks. They people in charge are aware of it (or they should be soon, depending on how many things are backlogged due to the long downtime at WotC). My fears is that is is something that will be so intermittent that it will be hard for WotC staff to catch and reproduce from *inside* WotC. Have no fear though, it is being poked and passed on.
Your work on the DDi forums has been stellar in my opinion. In your own way, you've made this feel like a real community. Thank you, mudbunny.
I can't do it alone. A lot of thanks go out to my newsguides, and a whole lot more to the entire DDI community. While I can't help it that some people are so obviously deluded ( :P ), the community that we have here is amazing. Despite understandable frustration with delays and bugs, there is very little (essentially none) anger and flaming when things go wrong. Any that there is is quickly extinguished through the help of any of a number of DDI regs who post a helpful note here, or an explanation there.
The community was always here, I am just a very small cog in it.
I do think you need to examine if your skin is thick enough sometimes. I think it generally is, but you and others get beat up pretty good here sometimes. Is it really worth it? If so, try to remember why you are doing this before answering some of the more trollish commentary.
You have been one of the most helpful people I've ever met in this sort of forum, and it sucks to see your hands tied when it comes to a lot of issues. You are a great community leader, I just wish that we could see more power invested in someone spending so much time monitoring the forum.
Also, make sure WotC reads this thread.
I think you generally do a good job. I appreciate that you are working to improve our relationship with WotC. It's too bad they are not better at interacting with us, frankly (not the volume so much, but the way they've interacted - or not at all interacted with us).
I think that they are doing the best that they can, and they have improved a lot over the past year, but it takes time.
I do think you need to examine if your skin is thick enough sometimes. I think it generally is, but you and others get beat up pretty good here sometimes. Is it really worth it? If so, try to remember why you are doing this before answering some of the more trollish commentary.
Thanks. I will try. For every post I have, there are probably about 2 or 3 that I have contemplated, and then not posted, if only because my job as a VCL is not to make work for the ORCs. That being said, at times it is a tricky balancing act. Ignore the troll who is posting things that are flat out wrong, or post something (a correction, a differing viewpoint, whatever), and get engaged witht he troll and run the risk of enabling the troll.
I think WotC needs to provide more support for you.
You have been one of the most helpful people I've ever met in this sort of forum, and it sucks to see your hands tied when it comes to a lot of issues. You are a great community leader, I just wish that we could see more power invested in someone spending so much time monitoring the forum.
Don't worry, the ability for me to shock people through Teh Intartubez is coming. That and the groupies which will flock to me with the body-part enlargement. Both were promised to me by WotC via email after I volunteered for the position.
In all seriousity, I am not sure I want more power. The ability I have right now (a little bit of name recognition with the WotC Community Management staff, plus some very minor abilities to manage the editorial content of the DDI forums) is all that is really needed for me.
(See the link in my sig for info on what I can and cannot do.)
Also, make sure WotC reads this thread.
Done.
Edited to add - I also have no problems admitting when I am wrong. See the SoW forum. I was originally against it, but there were enough people interested in it that I figured it couldn't hurt. Well, I was wrong about it. My hats go off to the SoW players for creating a vibrant community.
Here's a concern that you might be able to help with (I'll try to explain as best I can ;)): There are a few threads in the D&Di forums discussing people being automatically charged again because they are unable to cancel auto-renew online (the site has apparently been "loopy"). Yet, the ORCs seem unaware of the problems, insisting that "clearing all cookies, etc." will solve any and all problems.
Just judging from my personal experiences, there are some definite problems with the service side of D&Di; the proposed fixes simply don't work as well (or at all) as the ORCS are indicating. We're not making this stuff up ;).
So, basically, I'm asking: Is it possible for you, in your role as DDi VCL, to make the ORCs (or whoever is ultimately in charge) more aware of those kind of issues? It's my impression that they don't see a problem where one clearly exists. Board chatter is hard to cut through-- that's were I'm hoping you can help the most ;).
I just wanted to pop in to let you know that we are aware of the problem and have passed it on to the appropriate people. While clearing cookies and temporary internet files works for the majority of users experiencing this problem, there are some people who may require additional assistance in clearing up the issue.
At this time we haven't discovered the "magic bullet" to fix this particular problem across the board, but clearing cookies and other temporary files works often enough that it is always our first suggestion. We also have people checking these boards regularly to look for people that are having these issues so that we can walk them through other possible workarounds that we have discovered and to help them resolve any account issues that may be on our end. We appreciate your patience, and we will do everything within our power to resolve any additional issues as they come up and are brought to our attention.
Question 1: What things did I do last year that you want me to continue doing this year?
- Yell, Kick, Scream, Poke, Prod, Bash, and Headlock whoever it is that is up the chain from us to get their attention in the threads where it is needed. When a community member brings up an issues that needs some official eyes on it, you get someone by the short-hairs and make sure they look at it. Keep it up. Also, I've not seen anyone else doing this kind of public self-evaluation, but I like it, and I hope others follow your example.
Question 2: What things did I do last year that you don't want me to do any more?
- There was one instance I can recall of you seeming to become overly protective of WotC, and trying to persuade a user to be less critical. I spoke with you about it at the time, and haven't seen a repeat since. So don't do that anymore. Also, don't send me any more youTube videos of you dancing. Ever. I can't afford any more therapy.
Question 3: What things would you like to see me do this year?
- I've never seen you actively push a wotc person for any sort of change that users felt was needed. I would like to see you push a little harder on the higher-ups to keep us(the community) informed. I'm sure you do a lot of this behind the scenes, and its hard to ask you to do it in public, but every once in awhile, its nice for us minions to see that you are fighting our fights, rather than just putting it all on faith.
Am I allowed to answer this? Well, here goes.
You are, but whereas others do it for free, you need to pay. Either you pay me in cash, or I send you another video of me pole-dancing in a thong. And I ain't gonna get the full-body wax job this time.
I am working on something with WotC_Bernie (CM guy for D&D) that might help here. I don't know how it will turn out, but I (and I am not WotC, remember) think that it will help a lot for this situation.
Does it involve any sort of electric shock aversion therapy tied to avoiding the issues people are concerned about?
Failing that, can you at least threaten the WoTC guys with videos of you dancing if they don't start answering some questions?
I think you're doing a good job in general, but I wish I hadn't clicked on the "scary stuff" link and expanded that image.
EVER!
Does it involve any sort of electric shock aversion therapy tied to avoiding the issues people are concerned about?
Failing that, can you at least threaten the WoTC guys with videos of you dancing if they don't start answering some questions?
I think you're doing a good job in general, but I wish I hadn't clicked on the "scary stuff" link and expanded that image.
What with the Character builder getting close to the end of "working on" and approaching "release", I imagine that there is a final crunch going on to fix the bugs, and a lot of the higher-ups are in the process of discussing/arguing on where to go next.
As I said in another thread:
what release schedule of tools (CV, GT, DB) allows [WotC] to keep a steady stream of things going out for our subscribers to use, entices new people to subscribe, and doesn't screw up updates to currently out tools, while at the same time not losing time in the programming.
As always, if you would rather not post in a public forum, you can also provide feedback by PMing me, or by sending a ticket to the DDI Community Management by using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of each page and choosing the following options:
I am bumping this up so that people who haven't had a chance to respond may do so should they desire.
As always, if you would rather not post in a public forum, you can also provide feedback by PMing me, or by sending a ticket to the DDI Community Management by using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of each page and choosing the following options:
You just bumped it to show off your Clippings Addon.
Doesn't respect my authoritay - Yes.
Request authorization for flogging - Check.
Crosses fingers and hopes
Pulls out pencil, report form.
Doesn't respect my authoritay - Yes.
Request authorization for flogging - Check.
Crosses fingers and hopes
*sigh* I didn't want to play this card, but I'm sure it will sufficiently dissuade you. . .
Ooooohh! A flogging? Promise?
*licks lips, bends over*
Oh, you've been a naughty boy. Time for a spanking.
EDIT: This is also just a placeholder, look for another edit here in a couple of hours that addresses the topic at hand, I just felt I had to comment on the hairy man-bondage. Do remember, though: shotgun, chainsaw, katana.
*sigh* I didn't want to play this card, but I'm sure it will sufficiently dissuade you. . .
Ooooohh! A flogging? Promise?
*licks lips, bends over*
::Jumps out of the darkness and flogs mercilessly, although beit a bit late, then disapears again.::
::Jumps out of the darkness and flogs mercilessly, although beit a bit late, then disapears again.::
Who WAS that masked man?
They should be paying you for the amount of time you're putting into this. Frankly I find it bizarre that you and the various VCLs etc are doing the work that paid moderators like the old WizOs largely did.
Knowing that I did my part is its own reward.