[Election-VIII-2012] CdeC Debate Thread - Voting begins April 19

[Navajo Joe]

Are you predisposed to consider applicants contributions in some areas as outweighing contributions in other areas? There have been recent applications (within the last few months) where applicants are more active in less, shall we say well-trodden, areas of the site than others, and although their contributions in those areas are extensive, these are seen as less useful than more contributions in high traffic areas?

To be specific, say an applicant is a local moderator in a M2TW mod, and involved in M2TW but not much else, but they are extensively involved in their chosen area, are you going to consider that less worthy than an applicant who makes a lot of posts in T&D that are essentially replies and not actually original and thoughtful responses.?

Ybbon66,

A Moderator is invaluable to TWC, whether they are in a low traffic or high traffic area. Let us not forget that these individuals are experienced, knowledgeable and make important decisions daily. I do not consider the post quantity to be a contribution, a mixture of quality with quantity is more valuable. I frequent Stainless Steel forum alot and there are posters with thousands of posts, however very many of those short and insignificant. I value posters that spend time helping in Bugs Section and providing feedback in sub mods

[Lord William]

My answer to all your questions

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Caution may contain some mature themes

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Major Darling]

Lord William, how do you think your answer will help voters take you seriously?

[Genius of the Restoration]

Are you predisposed to consider applicants contributions in some areas as outweighing contributions in other areas? There have been recent applications (within the last few months) where applicants are more active in less, shall we say well-trodden, areas of the site than others, and although their contributions in those areas are extensive, these are seen as less useful than more contributions in high traffic areas?

To be specific, say an applicant is a local moderator in a M2TW mod, and involved in M2TW but not much else, but they are extensively involved in their chosen area, are you going to consider that less worthy than an applicant who makes a lot of posts in T&D that are essentially replies and not actually original and thoughtful responses.?

No, but simply having lots of replies in the D&D isn't enough for me anyway. There has to be some serious debating going on for those applicants IMO. I judge the value of the contribution by what I perceive it to add to TWC. The subfora that these contributions are found in isn't really what I'm looking out for. Hope that answers your question.

[Ybbon]

In the way you laid it out no. However define extensively in their area? Work in local moderation is say less quantifiable than modding or content staff contributions thus it is more difficult to see just how much that person has contributed. However if it well documented that their contribution are extensive then I personally account them equal to anything else.

Well there is the rub, quantifying it and what is extensive - and that has the be the judgement call of the CdeC member but yes you've answered my question.

Ybbon66,

A Moderator is invaluable to TWC, whether they are in a low traffic or high traffic area. Let us not forget that these individuals are experienced, knowledgeable and make important decisions daily. I do not consider the post quantity to be a contribution, a mixture of quality with quantity is more valuable. I frequent Stainless Steel forum alot and there are posters with thousands of posts, however very many of those short and insignificant. I value posters that spend time helping in Bugs Section and providing feedback in sub mods

Thanks for your answer which gets to the point I was asking about.

No, but simply having lots of replies in the D&D isn't enough for me anyway. There has to be some serious debating going on for those applicants IMO. I judge the value of the contribution by what I perceive it to add to TWC. The subfora that these contributions are found in isn't really what I'm looking out for. Hope that answers your question.

I didn't mean D&D specifically, just a forum that is high traffic but again answered the question. Thank you.

[Lord William]

Lord William, how do you think your answer will help voters take you seriously?

Why so serious? Darling

[m_1512]

Are you predisposed to consider applicants contributions in some areas as outweighing contributions in other areas? There have been recent applications (within the last few months) where applicants are more active in less, shall we say well-trodden, areas of the site than others, and although their contributions in those areas are extensive, these are seen as less useful than more contributions in high traffic areas?

To be specific, say an applicant is a local moderator in a M2TW mod, and involved in M2TW but not much else, but they are extensively involved in their chosen area, are you going to consider that less worthy than an applicant who makes a lot of posts in T&D that are essentially replies and not actually original and thoughtful responses.?

For one, if posts are to be contributions, I am pre-disposed towards well-thought out ones, or even practical and proper ones, no matter they are replies.
Things such as "lol", "lmao" etc. simply would not count.

And we just cannot compare local moderation with posts. It would be like comparing "How many grapes is an apple?"
The thing to consider is his effort and level of involvement.

[Silent Assassin]

When there is a Staff referral, before seeing the title, what is the infraction you don't want to see from a Citizen and why?

[Major Darling]

Insulting Behaviour, everyone has the right to have a happy and normal time on this site.

[Navajo Joe]

When there is a Staff referral, before seeing the title, what is the infraction you don't want to see from a Citizen and why?

I agree with MD, 'Insulting Others', as to be an infraction that is a clear warning sign, that a poster will resort to very low standard if challenged. I also believe 'Defying a Moderator' I cannot believe how many times I have seen this in the past. On one occasion I queried as to why he thought he should speak to a Moderator in that fashion. The answer was 'So What', some people just have zero respect.

[Leonidas The Lion]

When there is a Staff referral, before seeing the title, what is the infraction you don't want to see from a Citizen and why?

obscene content, Impersonation, using another's work without permission, defying moderation, insulting

In that order.

[Genius of the Restoration]

When there is a Staff referral, before seeing the title, what is the infraction you don't want to see from a Citizen and why?

Harassment. It's over a period of time so can't be put down to a heat of the moment comment. Claims of ingorance of the rules would also be relegated to the background because the nature of harassment involves being a meany which is also against the spirit of citizenship.

[Okmin]

Ack, backlog of questions This is what I get for taking so long...

How is your stance towards tranparency of the CdeC, in general, in regards to citizen applications and in regards to disciplinary cases?

The current system clearly works well. I'm perennially in favor of reopening the QP so the plebs can see it, but I know that's not going to pass the Curia any time soon.

Do you think the Curia should take a more active role in day-to-day acitivities of the site? If so, why and in what form? If not so, why?

I'd love to see the Curia be more active in the rest of the site, but I really don't know what the Curia can do that individual members and/or staff can't already do.

What do you think of councillor's freedom of discretion? Do you think there should be some sort of a rule set for the basis of decisionmaking of councillors in citizenship applications and disciplinary cases other than what is lined out in the constitution? If so, why?

Councilors need to keep in mind what is and is not an accepted criterion for gaining citizenship. Disciplinary action is much more open to interpretation, and I'd say councilors should actually be able to exercise more discretion on disciplinary cases than applications.

In your opinion, what is the best possible Citizen behavior?

As someone else said, a role-model for the rest of the site. Limited or no ToS violations, productive, helpful, etc.

What about attitude what should a Citizen always do? and why is attitude important? Because as some of you know when we judge Citizen applications there are two main things that we are looking at.

Attitude is important because, well, people don't like rude people. And citizens are supposed to represent the best TWC has to offer.

So.... Will you please state your policy as it will apply to your accesability/approachability as a CdeC Member. What type of assistance would you be willing to extend{if any} outside of citizenship application reviews/citizen disiplinary cases?

I'd be willing to read over an application, but my moral side tells me I'd have to abstain on the vote (and let the applicant know that, of course). On disciplinary cases, I'd explain the process to someone if they asked, but really there's not much else I could do.

2. Do you think that vocalization{discusion} in citizenship reviews is important, or is should all councilors simply relay their research and findings via their vote?

Discussion is important, at least to convince the other councilors to vote the way you think the applicant deserves. Unless the applicant is a complete no-brainer. Then you can just go ahead and vote

3. What is/are the best ways to destress*, in terms of what works for you? Would you recommend these to everyone?

Throwing random members of the CdeC in the Curatorial dungeon with minimal food and one spear each. But I guess I can't do that anymore (dear successor: you're welcome for the idea though), so um, blackjack I guess.

4. You've just won a three day weekend all expenses paid trip to any where you wish. So where ya going, and throw in some details if ya like...

New York. With certain... significant others

And while you ponder about "accessibility" how is your stance towards helping citizenship applicants with crafting their application upon which you will have to make a decision?

As I said, I'd do it, but I'd let them know I'll be abstaining.

Consider this situation: somebody's application is based on his staff contributions. Is there a minimum length of time one needs to be on staff so that councilors could evaluate his staff contributions?

Nope. Quality and quantity only.

Are you predisposed to consider applicants contributions in some areas as outweighing contributions in other areas?

I tend to be biased in favor of Warscape modders, but I recognize that and generally try to keep it in check.

There have been recent applications (within the last few months) where applicants are more active in less, shall we say well-trodden, areas of the site than others, and although their contributions in those areas are extensive, these are seen as less useful than more contributions in high traffic areas?

Not at all. I'm actually glad to see applicants coming from different parts of the forum, it makes the Curia more diverse and interesting.

To be specific, say an applicant is a local moderator in a M2TW mod, and involved in M2TW but not much else, but they are extensively involved in their chosen area, are you going to consider that less worthy than an applicant who makes a lot of posts in T&D that are essentially replies and not actually original and thoughtful responses.?

I'd pick the M2 guy over the TDer. The TD isn't really a place where much gets contributed.

When there is a Staff referral, before seeing the title, what is the infraction you don't want to see from a Citizen and why?

Obscene content, stealing, defying moderators, and insulting others. Unless it's a first time insulting others infraction, because those tend to be slip ups. It's the repeat offenders you should be worried about.

[m_1512]

When there is a Staff referral, before seeing the title, what is the infraction you don't want to see from a Citizen and why?

1. Obscenities,

2. Insults to family,

3. Stealing,

4. Harassing,

5. Trolling.

[Empress Meg]

How is your stance towards tranparency of the CdeC, in general, in regards to citizen applications and in regards to disciplinary cases?

Full transparency.

Do you think the Curia should take a more active role in day-to-day acitivities of the site? If so, why and in what form? If not so, why?

Insofar as setting examples of what it means to be a citizen, yes everyday. I believe in leading by example and since this is an elected office a CdeC'er is entrusted with this task. Additionally it is good to involve oneself in other aspects of the site, from moderating a local forum to modding to keeping up good conversation. These all play important functions on the TWC that someone holding this office might do to keep a active touch on the pulse of the site.

What do you think of councillor's freedom of discretion? Do you think there should be some sort of a rule set for the basis of decisionmaking of councillors in citizenship applications and disciplinary cases other than what is lined out in the constitution? If so, why?

This question seems convoluted to me and I am unsure how to answer it, forgive me.

In your opinion, what is the best possible Citizen behavior?

Honesty.

2. Do you think that vocalization{discusion} in citizenship reviews is important, or is should all councilors simply relay their research and findings via their vote?

Sometimes your own council is the best sometimes the council of others has more reason. Case by case basis with views from all involved is a fine middle ground.

3. What is/are the best ways to destress*, in terms of what works for you? Would you recommend these to everyone?

Gardening, watching TV or reading, cooking, even my job is sometimes a stress reliever, talking to a good friend, and cutting up poor bloody infantry in PC land. Nothing calms ya like cold, hard steel!

4. You've just won a three day weekend all expenses paid trip to any where you wish. So where ya going, and throw in some details if ya like...

UK.

And while you ponder about "accessibility" how is your stance towards helping citizenship applicants with crafting their application upon which you will have to make a decision?

There isn't a decision, if your applicant is up for a vote you abstain.

Consider this situation: somebody's application is based on his staff contributions. Is there a minimum length of time one needs to be on staff so that councilors could evaluate his staff contributions?

Relative. Time is sometimes required to season and cultivate a staff member's skills and thus contributions. While other staff member may burn brightly and explode in a shower of totally awesome sparks the product of which astound all who enter the TWC. Both must be judged on their contributions rather than just a predetermined time frame.

When there is a Staff referral, before seeing the title, what is the infraction you don't want to see from a Citizen and why?

Using another fellow's work without permission. This is the modder side of me and the academic. There's no excuse. Followed closely by harassment. A systematic barrage of vileness hurled at one person or a group overtime is cowardly. Additionally it shows the chinks in the ToS.

Devoirs The Empress

[Aikanár]

Most probably a little late, since the election poll will close today, but anyways, what is your stance concerning the process of patronisation as discussed in the current discussion thread?