Out-of-game Moderation

[Iron adam]

...

I think I speak for a lot of people when I say this.

We don't want you to step aside unless you feel it is the best thing for YOU. Do not step aside if you think it is the best thing for PkHonor. All we ask is that others are empowered to do things that will grow the server. I don't think there is anyone in this community who has as much knowledge about running an RSPS than you and Rapsey. PkHonor needs that knowledge in order to survive. I think simply empowering others will result in more content/progress, which will reduce the negativity around the server, which will make it easier on you and Rapsey.

Right now we need to sort out two things:

• We need to de-bottleneck development and we need clarity on the staff team. If that means that developers can release updates on their own, or it requires review from 1 additional developer. Whatever it looks like, we need to make it happen.
• If you guys believe in Jayden (which I think most of the community does), then he needs to be promoted to staff manager. The lack of clarity has been causing numerous issues. We need strong leadership now more than ever.

[Will be ok2]

I understand that there's currently a lot of frustration by the player base, the staff team and the developers (basically the entire community) in regards to how things are currently being run. Due to the mental health issues that I have been facing the past two years, and which have not fundamentally improved (my dad's worsening heart condition hasn't helped in that regard either), it's really hard for me to be actively involved with the server. I really want to help Brant finish the client which I'm thrilled about releasing, because it's another huge step forward for the development of the server, but I just can't find the motivation to do so.

As one of the founders of the game back in 2009 - when the second generation was launched by myself, Hamade and Sami - I want nothing more than to see this server thrive. As such, I agree with the sentiment that a strong executive leader with a good feeling for the game and its community should step up and help run this game. I don't want my mental health issues to stand in the way of the success of this server, and as such I would like to, at least temporarily, step aside as owner and lead programmer, so that someone else who is more capable than myself can take my place and give this server the boost it needs, in terms of community management, staff management, development and marketing. I'd still like to stay active as an unpaid volunteer, so that I can help our developers when they have questions on pieces of code or are stuck on certain complex tasks, but I believe it's in everyone's best interest if another (paid) lead developer would step up and help Rapsey to run the game.

For several months (maybe longer, I don't quite remember), I have been a strong believer in putting our faith in our developers (both current and aspiring developers) and to give them all the access and tools they need to not only develop, but also release updates as they see fit. The lack of trust I had in this regard in past years has clearly gotten in the way of progress, and I want that to cease. Of course, there's always risk when trusting people, but that's something I'm more than willing to take, if it means that PkHonor can move forward without having to wait until I get better, for we don't yet know how long that will take.

Raj, you've been an incredibly helpful and loyal moderator and developer and I wish you nothing but the best. It pains me to see that the underappreciation of your work has led to this point, and I really understand that you feel the way you do. We will never force you to do anything that you don't want to do, so if you feel like you wish to stop developing and to remove any and all work in progress, then I don't blame you for it in the slightest. It's your work, and you can do with it as you see fit, you are indeed under no obligation whatsoever.

I hope we can come to a proper resolution to the stalemate that currently has this server in its grasp, and I truly hope Rapsey and myself will be able to work out the needed solutions in short order. We will keep you guys posted when there is news. I wish you all the best.

Sad to see you’re still struggling with your mental health and irl issues, happy that you’re being proactive in matters you’re able to.

Unsure as who would be a good fit to take over as an owner besides @Jayden ? Looking forward to see’ing the decision though!

[Hunkofman]

...

I think I speak for a lot of people when I say this.

We don't want you to step aside unless you feel it is the best thing for YOU. Do not step aside if you think it is the best thing for PkHonor. All we ask is that others are empowered to do things that will grow the server. I don't think there is anyone in this community who has as much knowledge about running an RSPS than you and Rapsey. PkHonor needs that knowledge in order to survive. I think simply empowering others will result in more content/progress, which will reduce the negativity around the server, which will make it easier on you and Rapsey.

Right now we need to sort out two things:

• We need to de-bottleneck development and we need clarity on the staff team. If that means that developers can release updates on their own, or it requires review from 1 additional developer. Whatever it looks like, we need to make it happen.
• If you guys believe in Jayden (which I think most of the community does), then he needs to be promoted to staff manager. The lack of clarity has been causing numerous issues. We need strong leadership now more than ever.

this..

[Patel]

I understand that there's currently a lot of frustration by the player base, the staff team and the developers (basically the entire community) in regards to how things are currently being run. Due to the mental health issues that I have been facing the past two years, and which have not fundamentally improved (my dad's worsening heart condition hasn't helped in that regard either), it's really hard for me to be actively involved with the server. I really want to help Brant finish the client which I'm thrilled about releasing, because it's another huge step forward for the development of the server, but I just can't find the motivation to do so.

As one of the founders of the game back in 2009 - when the second generation was launched by myself, Hamade and Sami - I want nothing more than to see this server thrive. As such, I agree with the sentiment that a strong executive leader with a good feeling for the game and its community should step up and help run this game. I don't want my mental health issues to stand in the way of the success of this server, and as such I would like to, at least temporarily, step aside as owner and lead programmer, so that someone else who is more capable than myself can take my place and give this server the boost it needs, in terms of community management, staff management, development and marketing. I'd still like to stay active as an unpaid volunteer, so that I can help our developers when they have questions on pieces of code or are stuck on certain complex tasks, but I believe it's in everyone's best interest if another (paid) lead developer would step up and help Rapsey to run the game.

For several months (maybe longer, I don't quite remember), I have been a strong believer in putting our faith in our developers (both current and aspiring developers) and to give them all the access and tools they need to not only develop, but also release updates as they see fit. The lack of trust I had in this regard in past years has clearly gotten in the way of progress, and I want that to cease. Of course, there's always risk when trusting people, but that's something I'm more than willing to take, if it means that PkHonor can move forward without having to wait until I get better, for we don't yet know how long that will take.

Raj, you've been an incredibly helpful and loyal moderator and developer and I wish you nothing but the best. It pains me to see that the underappreciation of your work has led to this point, and I really understand that you feel the way you do. We will never force you to do anything that you don't want to do, so if you feel like you wish to stop developing and to remove any and all work in progress, then I don't blame you for it in the slightest. It's your work, and you can do with it as you see fit, you are indeed under no obligation whatsoever.

I hope we can come to a proper resolution to the stalemate that currently has this server in its grasp, and I truly hope Rapsey and myself will be able to work out the needed solutions in short order. We will keep you guys posted when there is news. I wish you all the best.

Sad to see you’re still struggling with your mental health and irl issues, happy that you’re being proactive in matters you’re able to.

Unsure as who would be a good fit to take over as an owner besides @Jayden ? Looking forward to see’ing the decision though!

Feel like an owner would be too much, in the sense that they would hold the position hamade once held. But staff manager for sure, community manager is basically implied with that role as well.

[Ephriam]

When it comes to staff and owners I don't have an issue with anyone my main issue is with the toxicity that has plagued the game for years. A small outspoken group of players have continuously lead to the downfall of the game. The staff has no power to ban or mute those who are consistently toxic/baiting. In my opinion the game has become a hostile place. I love this server and believe It has a lot to offer. I have made a lot of longterm friendships from the game but why play a game that always decides to silence the person who's being targeted versus the aggressors. Yes you might lose some players but you'll gain others that will stay. Set a precedent and create/build a positive culture. Yes content is important but honestly culture is more important and ya'll have avoided focusing on that for years.

[Patel]

When it comes to staff and owners I don't have an issue with anyone my main issue is with the toxicity that has plagued the game for years. A small outspoken group of players have continuously lead to the downfall of the game. The staff has no power to ban or mute those who are consistently toxic/baiting. In my opinion the game has become a hostile place. I love this server and believe It has a lot to offer. I have made a lot of longterm friendships from the game but why play a game that always decides to silence the person who's being targeted versus the aggressors. Yes you might lose some players but you'll gain others that will stay. Set a precedent and create/build a positive culture. Yes content is important but honestly culture is more important and ya'll have avoided focusing on that for years.

Much this. I feel like we swing back and forth hard on this. At one point we gave crazy punishments for benign insults. Then we became far too lax. Not to mention - the relationship between rules and players is dynamic. Players find ways around rules and guidelines have to adapt to how the playerbase is negatively impacting the game. Yes, you can definitely make better rules that capture a wider breadth of situations, but the situations themselves change with time.

Long way of saying rules can't not change because people do.

[Will be ok2]

When it comes to staff and owners I don't have an issue with anyone my main issue is with the toxicity that has plagued the game for years. A small outspoken group of players have continuously lead to the downfall of the game. The staff has no power to ban or mute those who are consistently toxic/baiting. In my opinion the game has become a hostile place. I love this server and believe It has a lot to offer. I have made a lot of longterm friendships from the game but why play a game that always decides to silence the person who's being targeted versus the aggressors. Yes you might lose some players but you'll gain others that will stay. Set a precedent and create/build a positive culture. Yes content is important but honestly culture is more important and ya'll have avoided focusing on that for years.

Much this. I feel like we swing back and forth hard on this. At one point we gave crazy punishments for benign insults. Then we became far too lax. Not to mention - the relationship between rules and players is dynamic. Players find ways around rules and guidelines have to adapt to how the playerbase is negatively impacting the game. Yes, you can definitely make better rules that capture a wider breadth of situations, but the situations themselves change with time.

Long way of saying rules can't not change because people do.

Fully agree with both of you boys, Patel would also be a good fit potentially IMO if he was up to it!

[Iron adam]

When it comes to staff and owners I don't have an issue with anyone my main issue is with the toxicity that has plagued the game for years. A small outspoken group of players have continuously lead to the downfall of the game. The staff has no power to ban or mute those who are consistently toxic/baiting. In my opinion the game has become a hostile place. I love this server and believe It has a lot to offer. I have made a lot of longterm friendships from the game but why play a game that always decides to silence the person who's being targeted versus the aggressors. Yes you might lose some players but you'll gain others that will stay. Set a precedent and create/build a positive culture. Yes content is important but honestly culture is more important and ya'll have avoided focusing on that for years.

Completely agree! Joking around is all good, but the people who are consistently negative towards 90% of players need to be held accountable. Sorting out the staff team will take care of this. We need someone who is empowered to enforce the rules and get rid of the worst offenders at their discretion.

We have so many great members of the community. But the overall vibe has been brought down so low. Even the most positive of players turn jaded and bitter. It is sad to see.

I really agree with @Patel’s philosophy. Staff members need to be willing and able to engage with these problematic players. Get them to open up and empathize. Obviously don’t ban them outright, but give them chances to turn around their behavior. Understand why they act the way they do and try to coach them to be more positive. We have seen the power of this strategy on this thread. Some players who have been seen as a problem by many have shown willingness to change. PkHonor has greatly missed this open dialogue over the past few years.

[Ktm drip]

When it comes to staff and owners I don't have an issue with anyone my main issue is with the toxicity that has plagued the game for years. A small outspoken group of players have continuously lead to the downfall of the game. The staff has no power to ban or mute those who are consistently toxic/baiting. In my opinion the game has become a hostile place. I love this server and believe It has a lot to offer. I have made a lot of longterm friendships from the game but why play a game that always decides to silence the person who's being targeted versus the aggressors. Yes you might lose some players but you'll gain others that will stay. Set a precedent and create/build a positive culture. Yes content is important but honestly culture is more important and ya'll have avoided focusing on that for years.

Completely agree! Joking around is all good, but the people who are consistently negative towards 90% of players need to be held accountable. Sorting out the staff team will take care of this. We need someone who is empowered to enforce the rules and get rid of the worst offenders at their discretion.

We have so many great members of the community. But the overall vibe has been brought down so low. Even the most positive of players turn jaded and bitter. It is sad to see.

I really agree with @Patel’s philosophy. Staff members need to be willing and able to engage with these problematic players. Get them to open up and empathize. Obviously don’t ban them outright, but give them chances to turn around their behavior. Understand why they act the way they do and try to coach them to be more positive. We have seen the power of this strategy on this thread. Some players who have been seen as a problem by many have shown willingness to change. PkHonor has greatly missed this open dialogue over the past few years.

I ageee, but I think the reason why staff aren’t so harsh on the punishments is simply because we can’t really afford to lose anymore players, there are times where I log in and see there’s 20 players online which makes it really demotivating to play and on other reasons. Years n years ago the staff were pretty harsh on punishments simply because they could afford lose a few of the toxic players because the player count wouldn’t of been affected

[Raj]

I ageee, but I think the reason why staff aren’t so harsh on the punishments is simply because we can’t really afford to lose anymore players, there are times where I log in and see there’s 20 players online which makes it really demotivating to play and on other reasons. Years n years ago the staff were pretty harsh on punishments simply because they could afford lose a few of the toxic players because the player count wouldn’t of been affected

I think you are underestimating how severely the player count is effected when people can bully players (and staff/devs) they don’t like out of the community at will and they know it

Edit: inb4 Patel comes in here saying something about quality of the current player base contributing more to future growth than its current size