Introduction
We don't make specific rules about P Mod
behaviour, however we do have the option
of removing the Mod status if we feel that
the Mod has acted in a way which is
particularly 'unmodly'. By 'unmodly' we
mean acting in a way which may cause
players or ourselves to be concerned about
the behaviour. In the main, this will be a
judgement issue, and all we suggest is
that P Mods bear in mind that they have an
elevated position in the community and
that people who hold that position, would
usually conduct themselves in a certain
way.
We are not suggesting that you always use
the very best english when you type in-
game - in fact we have no problem with P
Mods using abbreviations or words such as
'noob'. We are fine with P Mods killing
other players, refusing to trade, running
Clans - in fact anything that regular
players do!
However, if a P Mod was swearing and being
abusive towards players all the time -
then clearly that casts a shadow over the
P Mod community. There is a difference
between telling a player 'soz can't help
you now' - and throwing out a nasty put
down or very off hand comments all the
time!
Although some negative behaviour won't
affect your Moderator status (we
understand that everyone has 'off days'),
some might. In particular, repeated
instances of a P-Mod acting
inappropriately may prompt us to contact
you and ascertain if you want to continue
with being a Mod or not.
Part 1: Interaction With Players
We recommend that you don't threaten to
report/mute players, in almost every
situation - this will just antagonise
things!. If they are breaking the rules
you can decide whether to report it or
not, if you choose to send a report in
just send the report (with a mute if
necessary according to the current Oracle/
Guidelines) - and then get on with what
ever it is you were doing!
Experienced Moderators tend to not gloat
after they have muted and/or reported a
player, and again, we find this approach
is a pretty good one to adopt!
If players are pestering you with
questions that you can't or don't want to
answer, then one suggested approach is to
add them to your ignore list or tell them
to check the Knowledge Base.
If players are just irritating you, then
we advise that you add them to your ignore
list anyway - your eyes will thank you!
If you feel your temper rising the best
thing to do is just try to remain calm -
you can do this by either
- using your ignore list,
- logging off and taking a break,
- changing worlds
- teleporting to a different location
Ignoring a player either by not answering
them or adding them to your ignore list is
not rude. After all, it is probably better
to say nothing, than to say something rude
or inappropriate.
In summary:
You do not have to talk to every player.
You do not have to respond to anyone pm-ing you.
You do not have to respond to every
question.
If you choose to respond to players, be
yourself - and if you can't help them or
deal with the issue just tell them the
truth and move on.
Part 2: Trading
P Mods are free to trade in-game using the
same guidelines as we apply to regular
players.
It’s fine to capitalise on high prices of
new items introduced to the game as long
as you are honest about the item, it’s
properties and availability.
Similarly, P Mods are welcome to be part
of, or run, Merchanting clans which act
within the game rules.
P Mods are also free to lend or borrow
items and trade freely within the limits
set by the game.
If you are offering advice to players
about what items to buy or sell - it is a
good idea to be clear that this is your
own opinion - some players think that P
Mods may be privvy to 'inside' information
- and your suggestions and advice are
likely to be interpreted as 'insider' or
'strong' information.
Part 2: Trading - Trust Games
A P-Mod cannot take part in trust games as
they are generally perceived as scams and
doing so puts the reputation of the P-Mod
team as a whole in jeopardy. However, a
P-Mod can sell in game services (such as
dungeoneering floors, loaning items) as
these are not considered scams. Although
selling services like this may not be how
the game was designed to be used, it is
not against any rule to use content in any
ways for which it was not designed.
Part 3: PvP (Duelling and Pk-ing)
Taunting in PvP areas is perfectly
acceptable and normal, but anywhere else
it can look quite rude.
If you want to goad or taunt other players
in a PvP situation, we suggest that you
keep the language fairly friendly, focus
on game topics rather than real life
aspects and try to keep things in context.
So whilst it would be fine to taunt a
rival clan member just before battle - it
wouldn't be so cool to walk up behind a
complete stranger in the GE and declare
them a 'stupid noob in welfare armour'.
Part 4: In Game Behaviour
We find it helps to use humour whenever
possible. Making a person laugh is the
surest way to defuse a situation, and find
new friends.
It's a good tip to not be 'ultra serious'
all the time. This is a game after all.
Players often have wrong expectations of
what P-Mods are, and showing them that you
actually like playing the game and having
fun will change many player's attitudes
about P-Mods in general.
And remember, you are players and not
obliged to deal with anything you don't
want to - but if you want some hints and
tips on how we might deal with a
particular situation - feel free to get in
touch.
Forum Conduct
When posting on the forums you can not be
identified as a P Mod - so we recommend
that you don't say you are a P Mod on the
forums - as it can be a bit confusing for
players when they can't see a crown!
However, if you have a particular P Mod
topic to discuss on the forums, post it in
the private Mod forums and one of your
friendly Curators will respond (if required).
Part 5: Confidentiality
This one is pretty simple. There are only
three things which are confidential, the
guidelines, how the guidelines are applied
and anything else we specifically say is
confidential. You are more than welcome to
continue to discuss any other aspect of
being a moderator.
If a player asks you a question and you
feel that you might let something
confidential slip if you answer it - feel
free to just evade the question or ignore
it altogether. If you get really pressed
and feel you must respond you might want
to say something along the lines of 'I'm
sorry but I can't tell you that'. Most
people respect an old fashioned bit of
honesty!
How to become a Player Mod!
The whole section was devoted to mods recommending other players to become mods.
