Policy Discussion

[singularitymods.livejournal.com]

Some of Singularity's players have questions about the game policies on AU character applications. This post has been put up to allow players to approach the staff to ask questions, offer suggestions, and voice concerns regarding those policies. The moderators are also available via IM/PM [contact information] if any player does not feel comfortable discussing their concerns in public.

As of the end of this application round (August 15th), AU applications will be closed until this matter can be resolved. This ban on AU apps does not apply to the exceptions listed in the AU policies (malleable protagonists and canon AUs).

Comments

[savor-last-shot.livejournal.com]

Yes, I agree it's very subjective. But I think all application processes are subjective. When it comes down to it, the mods are making a call about whether or not they think a character or concept or player would make a good fit for the game they run. I don't think it's a judgement call on whether the AU is a "good" one, or not.

I think that decision rests with the group supervising apps. As I mentioned, even if we went to a system where the entire game got to throw input into the app process, we'd still have disagreements about what does or doesn't make a good AU. And ultimately, we'd still have to work them out (although in that case, it'd probably simply be by virtue of a majority vote or what have you).

[quarkylass]

That's true! And I suppose that someone always comes out with the proverbial short end of the stick. It just feels like some of the hesitations that the mods have against AUs are a little too stringent, perhaps even biased against certain types of AU characters. But then again, I have no idea what goes on behind the scenes, so I don't really want to point fingers, just bring it up as a thought.

Oh god the entire game voting on AUs would be positively horrible.

[singularitymods.livejournal.com]

'Any biases that moderators and app team members may have, whether it be regarding types of AUs, particular canons, or particular characters, are left at the door when we process applications. AUs are not judged based on whether we like them or not, but rather whether they will fit into the setting of the game without disrupting current or future players while still remaining recognizable as said character.

[theuserabides]

Man-D, unless you mean the previous app team (who can speak for themselves if they like), I have never discussed apps with you, and I don't appreciate the implication. I hope it was inadvertent.

[memorymodus.livejournal.com]

Mmm no I don't mean you at all! I am purposefully keeping everyone vague, and whether it was the current or the past team I won't even say. It hasn't happened in a great while, though, and I do believe the situation is resolved. I am just admitting that I have had things spoken to me before that seem to go against this belief, and if I am going to get attacked just for saying that, I really don't feel comfortable discussing this any more and I will go delete that comment.

[theuserabides]

You made a public accusation of unprofessional behavior that was phrased vaguely enough it could have meant me. This is not an attack, and I do think you're far too nice to do something like that on purpose, but I'm not going to mince words about it, either.

[memorymodus.livejournal.com]

It was specifically phrased so it could've meant anyone, and I apologize if it felt unreasonably accusatory. I admit that it was rather hurtful, and I'm sorry. I don't want to step on anyone's toes, so I'll go ahead and delete it, if that's alright.

[theuserabides]

I'm not upset, and I hope this gets resolved in a suitably Zen fashion soon. ♥

[singularitymods.livejournal.com]

In the future we would prefer if people did not delete comments on discussions, regardless of whether or not issues arise with them. We would like to keep our record of the discussion as whole as possible.

[memorymodus.livejournal.com]

If it's going to make people mad and also make me upset, I'd rather not have it stick around. Sorry if you wanted it kept, but I just don't feel comfortable talking in this forum any more, and only this request is really keeping me from deleting all my responses in this thread.

[singularitymods.livejournal.com]

Would you mind IMing me? This is Vic (vicioushallway on AIM). We would like to look into this, if it's a particular member of the team.