Ideas to Better the VMK Community

[Goofy05]

I'd like this thread to be used for anyone who has something constructive to say in regards to vmk. Any ideas as to what changes should be made, how those changes should be implemented and what exactly we as a group think a CL should do.
I would hope everyone would keep on topic and not just defend or criticize without something constructive to say. The previous discussion (sadly, now closed) was heading in the right direction. I hope the Dis'ers who posted to that thread some great ideas, will bring them here for discussion.
I'll start off by saying I am a CL and have been since August, 2005. I try to follow the vmk values as written and read each and every newsletter for any changes or updates to the game. I do play each minigame, although I am horrible at them, so that I can tell a new player how to find them and how to play them.
A little background information from my experience as a CL...I did not get anything free. The only thing I have different now from before being accepted as a leader is the Sorcerer Hat Icon and the CL_ before my name. Any items or credits I have, I earned on my own. Get that out of the way up front, so there's no questions about that later. LOL
Okay! Ideas anyone? How can vmk revamp the CL program so that it's actually useful? How can VMK better inform players as to changes in the values?

 

[SkippyPaul]

I'm not exactly sure what the function of a CL is other than to keep the vmk community a safe place for all concerned. Unfortunately like in everything else, there are good and bad CL's. Some who only hold the position for personal gain or status. This is my opinion judged on what I have seen in the past year I have been playing. I cant tell you how many times i was involved in disputes, for instance on the pirate dock, with a leader next to me but sadly they were to involved getting their credits, or hanging with staff. I've seen this to many times.

Ideas.....
* Maybe disney needs to be more selective in hand picking CL's and have some sort of training for them.
* Perhaps give CL's a values room...with the walls posted of the values and the updates.
* Assign CL's a shift and work hours...after all we all need "play" time.
* Watch the CL's interact with the community for a month. If they do not benefit the CL program terminate their status. After all it should not be a popularity contest.
* I see some very nice CL's. Perhaps they need some discipline powers...ie...a time out magic they can give to an offending player.
* Maybe vmk needs an age requirement on CL's.

Bottom line is if we would be polite to each other, respect each others views, treat each other as we want to be treated vmk would not need CL's in the first place. But sadly we do need them, and vmk needs to better prepare them.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Bugdozer]

1. If there is a change to the VMK values please notify everyone via log on pop up for several weeks after new values are implemented.

2. Any changes to values should be clearly posted on home page.

3. all community leaders should be evaluated quarterly. Their playing time should be monitored to see if they are in the game enough to be there to help. If they are truley there to help you must be playing the game to do that help.

3. A certain amount of their time should be spent in public areas. There many people who need help just wandering the streets of VMK who can not find leaders that are in private rooms only.

4. Their should be a clear policy as to what leaders are to do and not do. When a person becomes a leader they must click a box that they have read the policy and will abide by it.

5. I find there are not many leaders in the game compared to the number of people who play. They should now pull all leaders names see who is inactive and pull the CL status from non active players. Then appointed new leaders.

6. I feel you should have to play the game for at least a set amount of time like 6 months before you can be considered for a CL. This way they know the game and can be comfortable answering questions. Pay their dues so to speak.

7. Probably won't happen but would be nice if there was a surprise visit from a staff to do a quick 3 or 4 question test sort of like an interview before being appointed a CL.

8. I would not like to see a big heads but Staff can not be everywhere. Leaders should not be just the "popular" players but the players whose true heart is to benefit the game. They should be able to give direction if stated so by staff and members should be aware of this. I think the staff need a hand sometimes and leaders could be a great help to them.

9. There should be a way for leaders to have a button to contact staff on an instant basis if there is a problem. If this was abused then you loose the CL.

10. Any CL Policy should be clearly written somewhere on their web page.


Ok I was not going to get involved but i did. So thats where I stand. An observation if I may add:

I have sat and watched CL_Slinkyman for the last 4 days. It was an eye opener. If I could have a dollar for every question he has answered I would be a rich person right now. He even came to be 1 day and said he feels bad for staff and what they go through. I have seen first hand that when a CL walks into a room there is a greater respect for them as I feel there should be. Players will and do stop to listen to them. With the right leaders this could be an awesome help to the staff. Being a leader should not be a status symbol but something that is earned with sportsmanship, love of the game, high values and a true genuine want to help others.

This post is solely my opinion not intended to hurt anyone. I have a great admiration for the hard work that staff Yavn and behind the scenes people do to make this game for us.

Thanks,

Bug

 

[astrostan]

I also think that CLs need more power. Not banning but maybe a freeze room or like put a player in time out , but they could have player who is being disrespectful and make them inactive for a certain amount of time.

 

[Bugdozer]

Ideas.....
* Maybe disney needs to be more selective in hand picking CL's and have some sort of training for them.

I love this idea

Bug

 

[souper]

I do understand that the CL's volunteer their time. And I am very grateful to the help I have received from community leaders. I have only had positive experiences with CL's.

One thing that might help new players would be if vmk set up and "in game information desk" area. Something similar to the information desk/area at the end of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Then CL's and others that have time and want to assist new players could go to that area.

I feel this would not only help players, but could also reduce the amount of email messages going to vmk staff via contact us.

 

[mikeyandscoobyx2]

well, i dont have those kinds of ideas, but i do have one. make a clear all button for rooms.. it gets me so bored when i have to clear EVERYTHING from a room..

 

[Pirate-Emery]

* Watch the CL's interact with the community for a month. If they do not benefit the CL program terminate their status. After all it should not be a popularity contest.
* Maybe vmk needs an age requirement on CL's.

BINGO.

 

[Goofy05]

Pretty amazing ideas already! I have helped in guest rooms set up as 'information booth' type rooms and really love the idea in a public area! Easy to find a CL, for sure. I also agree there should be some way to make sure CL's are being helpful, even when we're trying to earn credits. I have noticed some CL's who have ignored other player's questions, although when you've got a pirate's game window open, it is difficult to see them.

A "clear room" button would be awesome! I hate to have to sell off rooms to gather inventory from them, unless they're skull rooms, of course. LOL Yes, that would be a nice feature.

As far as CL's in the public areas. I do see that often, however that may be because they are myself and some CL friends of mine. There are SO many instances of each public room, it's possible there's a CL in the other instance from which you are in. I think this is why the info booth appeals to me so much.

Great ideas! Keep them coming! Hopefully, we can pull something together that Yavn or another of his staff will possibly read and act on to better the entire VMK community.

 

[Bugdozer]

BINGO.

Not sure I agree on the age requirement. We have a diverse community with many ages. Sometimes kids relate to kids better. I think with proper training guidance and supervision all can be well. Also some kids are more mature then others and can handle the job.

Just my thought,

Bug

 

[dizanimator]

I'm not a CL, but I think that maybe giving them to put some type of flag or marker on a person that is causing problems might help (even if the flag on a person's character can only be seen by staff). The staff could then know that a leader thinks that the character is doing something either directly against values or that if the VMK values haven't been broken yet, they probably will be. Then the log of what that character says or does should be reviewed a bit by staff to see if some action like a warning or ban should be given. This should probably be for major problems only, or have some rating by the CL for how bad the situation is. The way for rating could also be a simple reason to flag the player with different option to select like swearing or looks like the peson is trying to cheat people in trades. It seems a bit like the current reporting, but maybe with this the really bad things being reported might get moved to the top of the staff's check out the reports pile to get dealt with earlier. Of course, any leader who abuses this should stop being a leader since those flags would mean more effort by staff to monitor those players more closely.

Part of me thinks an age requirement for CL's might help, but there are prbably some people below whatever line would be set that would make excellent Leaders in the game. Maybe when selecting leaders staff should also go th the character with a new-looking guest character and see how helpful the person tries to be or see how that person acts when asked basic questions in game. If someone won't try to help much before they get a CL badge, why would they behave differently after the badge?

This is just my opinion, and I hope that all the good CL's who have been doing a great job working to keep VMK a safe and fun place keep doing just what they have been doing.

 

[VMKaddict]

Not sure I agree on the age requirement. We have a diverse community with many ages. Sometimes kids relate to kids better. I think with proper training guidance and supervision all can be well. Also some kids are more mature then others and can handle the job.

Just my thought,

Bug

I agree with you. I honestly dont think there should be a age requirement for CL's.

 

[allyoopcat]

Although I know volunteers are awesome, I think the CL's should be putting in time some to keep their status. I am not sure if that means signing up to take a time via email to help out with new VMK players or assisting with VMK sponsored quests.

I know a lot of CL's do a lot of wonderful work and time to help others and are ALWAYS pleasant.

I have also seen first hand being totally ignored as well.

However, I am very thankful for their time and effort.

A featured CL would be great as well as articles written by CLs too.
I don't know if they will accept that idea but it would be very cool to hear from our community leaders to know who they are, what they like and different information they have about VMK.

Reading the newsletter is one of my top priorities so seeing articles written by community leaders would be very cool in my opinion.

 

[StephenTXT99]

A featured CL would be great as well as articles written by CLs too.
I don't know if they will accept that idea but it would be very cool to hear from our community leaders to know who they are, what they like and different information they have about VMK.

I like this idea but dont forget about the cry babies. I can see it now "omg not fair. CL_soandso was chosen this week and not me and I KNOW i sent in my article first. not fair time to complain!! boo hoo!!"

it starts too much drama for "some" people is why they wont do it.

 

[PrinceLegolas]

Also not a CL, but they should have more power than a badge! If I was a CL and I could do nothing more than I could as a normal player, I would be bummed. Here are my suggestions:

• Set up an information desk
• Give the CLs a training class
• Give the CLs the ability to Log-out trouble players

These were already given yesbut I wanted to show my support for these Ideas.

 

[chexie]

Also not a CL, but they should have more power than a badge! If I was a CL and I could do nothing more than I could as a normal player, I would be bummed. Here are my suggestions:

• Set up an information desk
• Give the CLs a training class
• Give the CLs the ability to Log-out trouble players

These were already given yesbut I wanted to show my support for these Ideas.

i agree with you completly took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[Goofy05]

Also not a CL, but they should have more power than a badge! If I was a CL and I could do nothing more than I could as a normal player, I would be bummed. Here are my suggestions:

• Set up an information desk
• Give the CLs a training class
• Give the CLs the ability to Log-out trouble players

These were already given yesbut I wanted to show my support for these Ideas.

I'm not so sure about this one. This would make CL's more like paid moderators. I like the info desk idea and the training session, but not giving CL's any special powers. We are only there to answer questions and guide new players. I really think this is how it should stay. Players who are distinguished by a badge and title that new players can ask questions of without fear of being booted from the game. Just my opinion. I do think there should be a better way for CL's to contact staff other than via pm's in game. There are far too many CL's who don't have access to staff. I think staff should be more accessible to ALL players.

 

[Anime_is_Rad]

I have a question. How long do you have to play until you can become a CL? I have been playing for almost a year, but VMK says I have to play longer still. I am confused, or is there an age limit?

 

[|Becky|]

Ideas.....
* Maybe disney needs to be more selective in hand picking CL's and have some sort of training for them.
* Perhaps give CL's a values room...with the walls posted of the values and the updates.
* Assign CL's a shift and work hours...after all we all need "play" time.
* Watch the CL's interact with the community for a month. If they do not benefit the CL program terminate their status. After all it should not be a popularity contest.
* I see some very nice CL's. Perhaps they need some discipline powers...ie...a time out magic they can give to an offending player.
* Maybe vmk needs an age requirement on CL's.

Hi =]!

Well, before I give my two cents about my opinion on some of you all's posts, it only seems fair I give a quite brief introduction. Heehee. Here we go: My VMK name is CL_Becky, and I've been a "community leader" since August 13, 2005. I do always try to uphold the Values, do my part in the community, reread the Values often, read the new newsletters, etc. [for all you TiVMK people out there, you know I read the newsletter! Haha] If you think I'm a bad leader, okay [tell me how I dan do better !]. If you think I'm a good one, thank you [but, there's always some place to improve, so tell me how I can improve ]! All right, too much info! Haha. Here we go:

"Maybe disney needs to be more selective in hand picking CL's and have some sort of training for them." I completely agree. Not all the leaders are horrible; some are okay, some are great, some are "eh.. I dunno", and some just.. aren't doing well at their job at all, and it amazes you how they are even leaders. I suppose the VMK Staff figured those questions you had to answer and the "why I want to be a community leader" were suppose to help them decide if someone had what it took. It looks as though they guessed wrong. I believe they should, as you said, Skippy, have some sort of training. You know, have stages of some sort:

I. Pending Application - Review of applicant's application and decision if they go onto II goes on in this step.
II. Training - Prepare the individual and see if they are brushed up on their knowledge.
III. Interim Decision - Decide if the individual moves onto a temporary leader.
IV. Temporary Community Leader - Walk around the kingdom for a week, and the Staff watch them "from the shadows".
V. Final Decision - Decide if they are really ready.

I might just be a dreamer, but that's all I have to say. LOL.

"I see some very nice CL's. Perhaps they need some discipline powers...ie...a time out magic they can give to an offending player." They are some wonderful, wonderful community leaders out there, no doubting that! However, I believe that, although they may appear as "little angels", the player might do something.. eh.. bad. lol. This also might go beyond the "CL's are regular players, just like you. They simply have the 'CL_' and sorcerer mickey badge to identify themselves as willing to helping you." [I made that sentence up, since it's true, but it's basically the jist of what I mean to say. lol]

"Assign CL's a shift and work hours...after all we all need "play" time." Although it's a great idea, I just find it stressful that someone would have to lay out down in their [maybe] busy schedule, whether a teen [or younger] or adult.

"Maybe vmk needs an age requirement on CL's." This is just a "biggie" for me, I suppose you could say, that I'm wholeheartedly against. I don't believe you're allowed to say your age in the posts, but let's just say I'm a young teen. Would that be fair if they made the age requirement, say, 16? That's excluding some who might have the ability or chance to show they're ready for the community leader program.

Ah, anyway, I'm done. I just quoted one person, because I'm super lazy at looking at all the other posts. All right, thanks for listening [heehee.. or watching]!

-Becky

 

[BriarRosie]

There are some really great suggestions and comments out there.
Some I agree with, regarding training and such. But I agree with Greens
that CLs shouldn't get Admin tools. There's a huge potential for abuse.

I still stand by my earlier post from the closed thread about making
game-wide pop up alerts, where you have to click out of them to continue,
similar to the other alerts we've seen in the game.

And not just once, either. Perhaps staff can set up the auto-trigger
like they do when an entire room gets a warning not to give out personal
info! If players talk about being "taken", the alert can pop up.