Total War Center: An Anthropological Study (Member Questionnaire)

[Zuwxiv]

Members of TWC, lend me your ears... and Opinions!

General members? Please use this thread!
Citizens? Please go here!
Staff? Please go here!

As a learning exercise (and not as a formal study) I am working on a project studying the Total War Center community, for an Ethnographic Field Methods class I am enrolled in. I'm interested in getting the opinions of members on TWC of all kinds - from senior staff to general members.

If you have the time, I would love to get your responses to some of my questions. Absolutely any input and opinions are greatly appreciated. (If I can, I'll try to +rep everyone who responds!) You'll find the list of questions here as well as information about what exactly I am doing.

By the way, you don't need to answer all questions. (It could take quite some time!) If you just have a few things to add, I would still appreciate it greatly.

I also am interested in interviewing several people on the site, over AIM or ICQ or any type of chat. It wouldn't take more than about 10 minutes, but if you have more to talk about, I'd be glad to listen. If you're interested, PM me.

Information about the Project

If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me or reply here.

The nature of these questions is along the lines of what sort of identity members have here, and how that possibly differs from their real life identities. I want to know what interests members about TWC, and what they think of our democratic system. I'm also interested in studying the class differences within TWC - what the general members think of Citizens and Mods, and vice versa.

Part of this entails having complete anonymity. Anyone who wishes to participate will not be mentioned by name or even online identity. If you wish to respond privately, I would be glad to be PM'd your answers to these questions.

I would be conducting this all under what is called "informed consent." This means that everyone who participates must know exactly what I am doing, how I will use the information, and who will be able to see it.

I promise you: This information is confidential and used only for the purposes of my assignment and learning practice. My professor would be the only person to read my final paper, and nobody will be mentioned by name. This simply will not be published anywhere.

Questionnaire

You don't have to answer all questions. Answers can be PM'd to me or posted here.

First off, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I really appreciate your help and your time. You don't need to answer every question if you don't feel comfortable or if you simply don't want to - but of course, I would really appreciate complete responses!



1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.)

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

• What do you think of general members?
• What do you think of Citizens?
• What do you think of Moderators / Staff?

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)

• Do you favor a particular forum?
• Do you notice any differences between forums? I.E., are people in the Thema Devia different from those in the Mudpit?

6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?

• What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
• Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?

8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?

• Why are you here?

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to help me out!

[thatguy]

So, if its confidential do I answer here or PM you?

[Zuwxiv]

It's confidential in that my report will never mention anyone by name. If you want your answers to be private, you can PM me them; otherwise, you can just post them here.

The way that anonymity works out online is a lot different than how it works in person - that's one of the main difficulties (and most interesting aspects!) of doing this sort of thing online.

Thanks for your interest!

[thatguy]

I'll do it then!

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.)

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

• What do you think of general members?
• What do you think of Citizens?
• What do you think of Moderators / Staff?

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)

• Do you favor a particular forum?
• What sort of differences do you see between subforums?

6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?

• What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
• Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?

8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?[/fieldset]


Thanks to everyone who takes the time to help me out!

1)
Yeha pretty much, seems to make sense to me.

2)Yeah I do, I think I'm a lot different in realy life.
I think its because I have trouble forumlating responses on internet forums, or convey things. Also I find it hard to try to type what I'm thinking when I believe someone is sayign somehting stupid.
Somethings can only be said, y'know?
So, yeah Ithink I'm more different in real life, I'm much more successful in arguments or discussion in real life.
Heh, though, On the ofrum i do get the bonus of being able to think of my answer easily (you know hwo you have an arudment in real life, and two hours later you think "Ahhhh I should have said that instead!" ?).

3) I wouldnt say I have friends here (as in I dont talk with one specific person more often) as I do on another forum. Although, I would say I value what some members say and who they are over others, because I've usually seen them say valuble, well thought out and written posts in the past (linking this to a later on question, msot of these are either citizens or junior mods).

4) I guess I'd identify more with just general members then the others, being one of course.
I feel the same way about the general members as I do with most people: Some are douchebags, some are awesome, some are jsut dumb (in my eyes). With mods I guess I've always liked the Junior mods more, as They're the ones I see posting more often, and saying some interesting things. Citizens, well I dont exactly know what they do at all, But most of them say some retty good htings, So i guess thats why?

5) I havent really seen much on how different ranks are treated to be honoust, though I've never really been in the posistion where I'd see any favourtism. I've never been in big trouble by the mods, just once for calling Erik a dumbass cause he insulted me, and once cause I swore just a bit too much in a thread, And I dont now if Erik was warned either so I dont know if he was treated better/worse *shrug*.
I guess I'd favour the themia devia, Ethos/mudpit, game forum etc over others. As for differances, well they're all about differnet things for starters.
Though, I will say the Mudpit/ Ethos have one definite thing in common: Stubborness and Misunderstanding

6) No I dont, I dont think I've been here that long and its pretty much been the same to me.

7)
It all seems pretty fair from what I've seen, though I've never been in trouble enough to hold a grudge, or think its unfair.
I think my TWC rights seem fairly good, I get free speech aplenty in the Mudpit/Ethos, aside from the obvious censorship of swearing, but this is a forum and I can understand that, unlike in the realworld

8)Heh, guess its fairly different.
In the realworld I've got a bit of a reputation for being intelligent, but I dont think I do here, so pretty much the bit in question 2.
Most of the reputation points I've gotten have been cause I said something funny, or agreed with someone, or said something witty.

9)Oh man I spend alot of time on TWC, I can spend HOURS here.
I have no idea how or why, it just happens.

10) I guess my Patriotism thread a while back was pretty interesting.
Opened up some insights on peoples feelings about patriotism, and being a Patriot myself, was quite informitive, especially on how some people diddnt quite understand the whole "We dont want a queen" thing. But In hindsight I dont really hold anythign against any of them, its just one of those you have to know first hand, as I feel the same about "How can you still want a queen".
I wasnt born in England, so I dont really know why they would want one.
The only thing that really annoyed me was I think I was called a Nationalist in that thread. I htink its because I wanted Australia to be ruled completely by australians, and about representation.
But then, I htink the poster who called me that must of thought I meant white australian. Which Ididdnt, They could be aborigine or of Italian blood for all I care, if they where born here, its fine by me.
Thats not nationalism, thats just wanting osmeone who was born here, and would understand the country better to be in charge.


Well, there you go!
I hope I helped, and I hope you get a good mark!

[Mega Tortas de Bodemloze]

Members of TWC, lend me your ears... and Opinions!


1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.)

Yes, No worries....

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?

No not really. I have a big mouth in real life too and most of the time have trouble keeping it shut... I throw one liners in real life to. Here Thanatos has a habit of setting himself up for innuendo one liners and I have a habit of stepping on them. Hope he doesn't mind,{} cuz I think some of them are a scream...


3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?

I'm pretty familiar with the places I frequent, but I must admit that I only have been able to visit a small part of TWC... Yes I have several friends here witch I genuinely care for and them me as well. I wish somewhere down the line I could have them privilege of going to visit them all.

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

• What do you think of general members?
• What do you think of Citizens?
• What do you think of Moderators / Staff?

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

Who me...I'm just a regular shmoe..Ignaremus...one of the guys/gals.

Regular members - the ones I've met, Pretty neat in general.

Citizens - Regular folks that wear a badge and vote on stuff..... They have a voice in the formation and running of the site I suppose...

Moderators/Staff- Very hardworking and under appreciated folks. They don't receive any credit for all their time and effort they devout to making TWC what it is.


5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)

• Do you favor a particular forum?
• What sort of differences do you see between sub forums?

Wow...really getting in the sticky ain'tcha.... TWC in general? It's a wondrous manifestation. The membership system and the different ranks? The system seems to work fine and I hadn't really given much thought to the other. Auzzie's are notoriously laid back ya know... Favor a particular forum?....reference my signature.. Differences between sub-forums? {That question is very Vague.}


6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?

It has evolved....I think we've lost some outstanding people since I came on board....

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?

• What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
• Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?

Outstanding. Yes. they have what they need to get the job done. free will of thought and action. Scales of justice to weigh the consequences of one's behavior. Haven't been anywhere else. Don't particularly feel the need to either.


8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?

I would say I definitely pull more weight around here than in RL. But I'm working on that too...

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?

Daily....It depends, I'm not considered a TWC Crack Addict...yet...


10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?[/fieldset]

It seems to be a pretty neat place. For the most part the people here are genuine, warm friendly and caring folks, and I'm proud to be a part of that....


Thanks to everyone who takes the time to help me out!

Ya...No Worries...Hope it helps you out...

[Philos Sophos]

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.)

Yes, I think I can understand it...

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?

Well,I try to be more civilized on the internet because otherwise I would bring bad reputation for my country.And my identity here is pretty much the same as in real life.

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?

Well,I am familiar with TWC,but as I would like to be a citizen one day(),I try to be friendly and give smart answers.But because I'm lazy,I haven't read the constitution.Besides,how many people have read it properly?

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

• What do you think of general members?
• What do you think of Citizens?
• What do you think of Moderators / Staff?

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

Well,I tend to identify myself as an ordinary member,but as many other n00bs I would like to be a citizen.But only time will show what will happen...

1.General members tend to be in 2 groups-those who are educated and post smart posts and are in mods etc and those who just spam and stick around in the Thema Devia...

2.Well,Citizens are usually smart people,who know how to act on the forum and they don't insult anyone or make useless posts.But there are some arrogant members as well,but I'll guess they think of the ordinary people as morons.

3.Well,moderators are all pretty much civilized,they aren't arrogant and they judge members without any personal feelings.And I think 90% of the criticism on them is usually BS.

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)

• Do you favor a particular forum?
• What sort of differences do you see between subforums?

Well,I think that TWC is the best forum for TW gamers,and I like that there are many sub-forums about almost everything.Also,the membership system is good,but as everything in the modern world,the quality of the Citizens has fallen down greatly,but I hope they will fix that problem.

I stick around in the AAR forum,where I am involed in many RPG's.That usually takes all my time here,so I don't play any games at all.

The differences between the sub-forums are huge.For example,there is an M2TW mod forum and on the other hand,there is a Political forum where everyone can discuss the current politics in the world.


6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?

I think yes,because many things had been made,like the AAR forum and there is now even a Graphics Workshop,so it has changed alot

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?

• What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
• Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?

I think that I have enough rights on TWC,because if I had more I wouldn't be an ordinary member.The system here works well,so it doesn't need any changes.Maybe a few reforms,but that's all.

8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?

Well,on real life I aren't so popular,but on TWC I have some respect in the RPG's because my "activity" () and because I have been for a while there.But on the other sub-forums,I'm just an ordinary newb.

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?

That's an easy question-alot.It even distracts me from doing my homework and studying and I have fun here playing the RPG's.Also,I can whine to my "friends" that I have here so that I don't need to do that in RL.

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?

Hm...not really.But the people here are usually friendly and don't insult you so much...well,the extremists do but they aren't ordinary members.Also,I got to know a few Estonians here,so that's a positive thing as well.

PS: Don't kill me...

[rusina]

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.)

Pretty much

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?

Little different. Because.

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?

Not really friends, but some kind of companions.

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

Member

• What do you think of general members?
• What do you think of Citizens?
• What do you think of Moderators / Staff?

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)

• Do you favor a particular forum? Vestigia Vestutatis
• What sort of differences do you see between subforums? Different kinds of people
  

6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?

Much

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?

• What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
• Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?

8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?

It's pretty same

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?

Almost everyday couple hours.

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?[/fieldset]


Thanks to everyone who takes the time to help me out!

[wilpuri]

You're allowed to do that? In my sociology class back in "high school" (Lukio/Gymnasium), we weren't allowed to conduct interviews over the internet because the results would not be reliable.

[Zuwxiv]

You're allowed to do that? In my sociology class back in "high school" (Lukio/Gymnasium), we weren't allowed to conduct interviews over the internet because the results would not be reliable.

It's certainly more difficult to gauge responses online - no use of body language, emphasis, etc. to study. I agree with you, online interviews are probably not as reliable. But there is a lot of research being done in online communities (a professor here at UCI is looking at Second Life, and even teaches a class that meets online in Second Life) and my professor allowed his students to do online studies.

It's worth noting, of course, that it's a learning exercise. We don't publish it - and if we wanted to, we'd have to submit it for review first. They would look closely at our methods and, if they were deemed problematic, we would not be allowed to publish it. This procedure would be followed even if I just wanted to post it on my blog, or something like that.

Thanks for all the responses, everyone!

[Erwin Rommel]

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.)

Yes, I am fully aware of what you are doing. You are spreading this questionaire becuase you are part of some ultr-secret survey group hired by McDonalds to gauge out if they still eat burgers.

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?

Hell yeah. For one, I am more "articulate" here in TWC than in RL. WHat can I say? Its the realm of the Internetz, I am anonymous.

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?

WHats weird is, for starters, I never came to this forum to have "friends". After several months to almost a couple of years now, I guess it cant be helped that I got fairly acquainted with some members around here.

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

Member.............in blue.

• What do you think of general members?
• What do you think of Citizens?
• What do you think of Moderators / Staff?

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

I'll have the thought that he has done a lot of good post hence be recognized.

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)

Not much.

• Do you favor a particular forum?
• What sort of differences do you see between subforums?

Yes, I go to the Thema, and the Coliseum forums. Differences are quite apparent. CA Bashers/moaners are congregating in the ETW Sub Forum, Mudpit, has the confrontational prone members, the rest, I never visited much to gain an opinion on it.

6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?

Yup, replies are getting faster, I see a lot of new changes, more "interesting" members, and of course the new sub forums.

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?

The hell do I care if this site is undemocratic. Besides, in the end, only the Czar Garb has the final say.

• What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
• Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?

Rights? The right to post, basic stuff, being handed out to a member and I'm all ok with that.

8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?

Actually, I have no idea. Perhaps I have more "bling" reps here than in RL.

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?

Depends. COuld be hours.......

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?[/fieldset]

This forum is unique. For one, after comparing it with some forums I've joined, after all the ruckus created from nationalistic dick waving. THis forum seems tame. No l33t talkng, no xenophobic threads or anything like that.

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to help me out!

Sure.

[Niles Crane]

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.) No, I didn't bother to read all of it.

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why? Yes, I'm much more sarcastic, mean and dickish here than in real life. In real life I'm a gentleman towards most people.

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends? Even after four and a half years, it's difficult to become familiar with something that is always changing. I have friends here, friends who went on to become administrators, senior moderators and even a Divus. Friends who have long since left out of frustration. Friends who can no longer be here due to problems in real life. The few people I would call true friends include Siblesz and Captain Aaargh! (who despite his antics, is actually a really nice guy outside of his character).

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other) Do you mean what I think of myself as? A Civitate. I was one for two and a half years and I ostrakoned myself. It certainly didn't stop me from still being friends with half the Civitate population.

* What do you think of general members? Scum of the earth.
* What do you think of Citizens? See above.
* What do you think of Moderators / Staff? And above once more. With a few exceptions.

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used) I don't know what to think of it. I have met people here who have shown me different ways of thinking about life. But as continually as I become angry with the system, this is the one forum I have kept coming back to.

* Do you favor a particular forum? [b]Thema Devia usually as well as The Arts.
* Do you notice any differences between forums? I.E., are people in the Thema Devia different from those in the Mudpit? People here are much more relaxed.


6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here? It changed a hell of a lot. I'm member #272 here. There was less than a few hundred members up until the 'Barbarian Invasion' of RTW. Even the political system has changed considerably from what it was in early 2004.

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators? [b]It's a pseudo-democracy. The real power lies in the hands of the administrator. I do like the way though that people in the past have gotten worked up about one person taking all the 'power' for themselves. That's the way most forums work people.

* What rights to you feel you have on TWC? I have the right to speak my mind and insult people without risk of being banned.
* Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online? Only on Ana.


8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC? My reputation is greater here, but the respect is lower.

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here? A couple of hours a day, every day.

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories? Not really. At least nothing that wouldn't make any sense to current members.

[Naturalist]

I think my anth class next semester has something like this... thanks for the project idea.

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.)
YES

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?
I act the same here on TWC as in the real world. I'm generally outspoken on things I dislike in both real life and the internet. My sense of humor seems to translate well from real life to here as well. I'm a bit more outspoken on politics and religion here, but I think that's because I live in a place where most of my friends disagree with my views...here it's nice to find some common ground.

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?
I'm very familiar. I don't like to call people friends that I've never met in person, but some are close acquaintances. We share a lot of personal events and turn to each other for advice on occasion.
4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)
Having been a member (or currently am) of every group you just mentioned, I think that I mostly identify myself as just a member.
What do you think of general members?
A lot of good people looking for a good time. They usually are here for questions about the game...don't care enough to bother with pointless articles and whatnot, and that's not a bad thing.
What do you think of Citizens? Many are pedantic idiots, and many are just articulate.
What do you think of Moderators / Staff? Most are losers on power trips, but the high echelons are usually composed of nice people that want to help their site out.
(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)
It's a fun forum to muck around on. It's great for wasting a day too . . .
Do you favor a particular forum?
The Arts, Athenaeum, and Circus Maximus.
Do you notice any differences between forums? I.E., are people in the Thema Devia different from those in the Mudpit?
The idiot-to-normal person ratio is the same, but the posters are different.
6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?
Yes. Membership has really gone up since the release of M2TW. The idiots are more outspoken because their numbers are greater.
7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?
There isn't a democratic system, it's a forum. Dress it up all you like, if you get your kicks. I do like how you can appeal moderation decisions. There are a lot of overbearing and incompetent juniors mods (you not included, thankfully ), and the Tribunal is a good way to circumvent moderator grudges and missteps.
What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
None...it's a forum.
Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?
Yes.

8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?
Respect wise, the same. I've a healthy social life and known for my humour, and the same goes for TWC.
9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?
Usually daily, for an hour or two.
Why are you here?
Boredom, habit.

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?
not especially

[Zuwxiv]

Thanks everyone! If you have the time to be interviewed (over AIM/ICQ/MSN, etc. for around 10 minutes) let me know. Otherwise, I could still use as many responses as I can get!

[Aonghus G. Friedhold]

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used?

Yeah.

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?

Yeah, it's different. On TWC, I tend to think of myself as nicer and more intelligent. In real life, I'm a sarcastic, cynical, . It's probably because in real life, the people I interact with tend to be rather stupid.

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?

I think of the members of TWC as multiple things. Thanatos is the white stallion, riding gloriously into the sunset, with Miraj on his back, with PowerWizard waving goodbye to the man he so dearly loved for such a short time. Empress Meg is serving beer in the saloon.

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

• What do you think of general members?
• What do you think of Citizens?
• What do you think of Moderators / Staff?

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")
I, naturally, identify with the Senior Moderators most, seeing as the have the power I deserve. Actually, I identify with the members, I'm a member after all.
I don't think of citizens at all, that little "Citzen" banner means nothing to me. I don't want to be a citizen, the perks don't matter to me, I'm fine with not being able to post in the Capitol.
Moderators are just doing their job most of the time, though I still get pissed at them every once in a while.

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)

• Do you favor a particular forum?
• Do you notice any differences between forums? I.E., are people in the Thema Devia different from those in the Mudpit?

TWC is generally more intelligent than the people I interact with on a daily basis. I see nothing wrong with the membership system.
I favor the Themia Devia, though I also frequent the Circus Maximus and the Vistigia Vetustatis. I check in on the AARs and the different game forums, though I rarely post there anymore.
The Thema Devia posters are usually more free to joking, though that doesn't mean the other forums are devoid of humor.

6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?

Yeah, I remember talking to PowerWizard thinking, "Who does this guy think he is? He'll never get far."

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?

• What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
• Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?

I have no rights.
I can't go to other places, TWC doesn't give me the right.

8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?

I have more respect in real life than on TWC. Ironic, really.
I don't get enough reputation on TWC. Why do you think I'm doing this survey?

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?

• Why are you here?

I spend quite a bit of time on TWC. I'm bald now because of it. I pulled out all my hair today when I couldn't go on TWC for almost 5 hours.
I'm here for the rep. Oh, you meant the whole forum? It was one year, five months, and twenty three days ago when it happened. I had recently purchased Total War: Eras, and was looking for a site for tips about it. I was sucked in then and there. The second I clicked the link, my life was over, taken over by the pixels and wit that is TWC.

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?

This one time, at TWC, I accidentaly used wub smily without knowing it was the censor.

[Romanos IV]

I wish to be interviwed!

[Hookah Smoking Caterpiller]

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.)

Ja

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?

Not particularly, I tend to be fairly odd, switching from serious to utterly manic and irreverent

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?

I am familiar with TWC, I do not have friends here, this forum is too large, nor am I one of the privleded citizens

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

* What do you think of general members? An odd bunch, raneging from ultra nationalist spammers to intelligent people

* What do you think of Citizens? not much, they get to have a little badge and feel more secure in their lives, as they have a little badge on an irrelevent board somewhere in the maze of porn, scams and nonsense that is the internet

* What do you think of Moderators / Staff? they like there power, and take things far to seriously

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)

TWC is one of the more intelligent boards, the membership system is a joke.

* Do you favor a particular forum?
* Do you notice any differences between forums? I.E., are people in the Thema Devia different from those in the Mudpit?

I favour the VV, as it tends to have a more intelligent poster, (or did, now its swamped with WWII threads and what ifs?, due to a certain fanatic).

The closer to the Themia devia the less seriuos things become, people regularly flame each other in the pit and acdemey, this never happens in the Circ, the Arts, VV or themia, they are more relaxed, and there for are better im my opinion.

6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?

Its member base has enlaged to its detriment

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?

* What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
I have none
* Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?
In other forums, particularly ones I frequent, everyone is involved in the running, instead of some faux-democratic system which revolves around a few moderators and simetrical fixing things

8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?

For somethings I am respected in RL, my vast knowledge of history, my tendency to share and help peeps out, in other areas I a treated as weird, as i generally reject pop culture outright, prefering to like the things i like. I can be very anti-social and very sarcastic about everything.

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?

If i have nothing better to do, once a day (or there about)

* Why are you here?
I like to post here

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?

Bring back Crandar!

[Logik]

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.) Yes

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why? just be myself.

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends? familiar yes.in regards to friends yes i have a few.yes somewhat even though i don't know alot of them.

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

• What do you think of general members?
• What do you think of Citizens?
• What do you think of Moderators / Staff?
• it is irrelevant to me there rank.i can associate with anyone.no matter there rank i think the same of all members.no bias here.

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")


5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)i think that it is a wonderful and also very insightful site.i am a history buff and there are members on here that are my equal or surpass me in my knowledge on this subject and in many cases i have learned many things as a member.so it is not just a gaming forum but also a place where you can express your inner most thoughts and ideas and to make friends with individuals from all over the world.great job to the staff for and a heartfelt thanks for providing us with such a great forum.

• Do you favor a particular forum?no
• Do you notice any differences between forums? I.E., are people in the Thema Devia different from those in the Mudpit? somewhat

6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?yes it has but i think it has gotten better not worse.

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators? i think that is fair for the most part.no system is perfect and it has a few slight issues but overrall it is a very fair system.

• What rights to you feel you have on TWC? the right to express myself.
• Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?not really.

8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?my respect in the real world comes of the hard work that i do to provide for myself and family and my achievements and accomplishments and because of who i am.Here my Rep comes from me expressing myself.

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here? 30min to an hour everyday.mostly late at night when i get of off work or early in the morning.

• Why are you here? well for the main reason that this site was founded to use MTW 2 RTW mods provided by the hard working people of this forum to make my gaming experience that much more rewarding and also to use the opportunity that this site provides to express myself and make friends with new individuals and try in my small part to make this forum the best gaming forum ever.

10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?[/fieldset]none of the top of my head but i am sure that some will materilize themselves eventually.

[Zuwxiv]

I'm sorry I haven't been able to interview people live, but tomorrow (Tuesday the 9th) I'll be online for almost the whole day - from around 4:00 PM to midnight. I'll be on AIM under the screenname AyeBeAPirate, and I'll be on the TWCenter IRC chat. If anyone has the time (about ten minutes), you would become my hero. (You'll get premium signature placement! )

I'm in California, which is GMT -8. Hopefully I'll be able to talk to a few of you!

Thanks to all those who have helped me out with this project.

[boofhead]

1) Have you read the above information about the project, and do you understand exactly what I'm doing and how the information will be used? (See above to read what I'm doing.)

Yeah.

2) Do you think of your identity on TWC differently from your identity in the real world? Do you act or behave differently on TWC? Why?

I'm probably don't argue as much in RL. Mainly because in RL life at a certain point it's better to say 'whatever' than to avoid things heating up too much. On the forum, you can continue to your heart's content.

3) Do you feel familiar with TWC? Do you feel you have friends here, or do you think of other members as friends?

Yes. And yeah, I think I have some friends here, but I'd only classify them as forum friends. You never really know until you meet someone in the flesh.

4) Which rank to you identify most with?? (Member, Citizen, Moderators / Staff, other)

Member / Plebeian

* What do you think of general members?

Most good, a few dickwads

* What do you think of Citizens?

Most good, a couple of douchebags

* What do you think of Moderators / Staff?

All good, at least now. There was one loon a year or so back.

(If you want, you can answer these questions like: "If I told you that someone was a citizen, what conceptions would you have?")

5) What do you think of TWC in general? What do you think of the TWC membership system in particular? (The ways different ranks are treated, or achieved, or used)

I like it in a way. It's interesting / different. Not too sure why some people think they have to become oh so formal / snobbish and humourless the moment they get citizenship, though. Seems kind of plastic to me.

* Do you favor a particular forum?

D&D mainly. That's where I post most, but I probably spend more time just perusing the RTW mod threads, but not posting.

* Do you notice any differences between forums? I.E., are people in the Thema Devia different from those in the Mudpit?

Not really. Just that overly formal affectation in the Civitate areas, really.


6) Do you think TWC has changed much since you first came here?

Not that much, apart from a few faces having permanently disappeared, and others having joined up

7) How do you feel about the democratic system here? Do you think it is fair? What about the power given to staff and moderators?

I'm fine with it.

* What rights to you feel you have on TWC?
* Do you feel this way on other forums, or other places online?

I don't feel I have any rights whatsoever, as the site is privately owned, and I could be kicked off on the whim of the owner at his discretion at any time. So all I really have here a priviliges.


8) How does you level of respect or reputation in real live compare to the respect or reputation you have on TWC?

LOL nothing like it.

9) How much time do you spend on TWC? How often are you here?

I normally drop in twice a day. At 5am before work for 15 mins or so while I have a cuppa. Then after work I'll sit down and have a cuppa and see what's going on. Sometimes only a few mins, sometimes a couple of hours. Depends what's going on in RL

* Why are you here?

I love Total War - and found a fun community to mix with. I live in a fairly isolated and boring place - so a bit of communication is fun. Plus it's great talking to people from all over the world - never had that when I was younger. Plus I HATE all that "l33t" speak crap - barely understand and think it's just . Plus I'm no fan of sites that are just mindless flames and crudity. So TWC fits the bill for me


10) Is there anything special or unique about TWC you would like to share? Any interesting stories?

Nope.

[Ian Altano]

PMed my answers. Happy to help you out!