WTH (Ombudsman) nomination discussion

[DaDigi]

Sooner rather than later, somebody will want to rage about the WTH nominations. All discussion, arguing, debating, and useless banter can be here.

Oh, and good luck to those who are running!

[KnowLedge]

who is running?

[Colton]

useless banter can be here.

How do you pronounce Ombudsman? o_O

who is running?

Applications are here. viewtopic.php?f=101&t=136423

[KnowLedge]

i dont think we need one, its not like the past few did anything ever against the mod's will.

its just a stupid title that has no job.

[thaltek]

assassin your acting like this is a payed position cut it out....

[S1eepy]

How do you pronounce Ombudsman? o_O

Oh-Mah-Gawd-Wot-Da-f-Man

[Colton]

i dont think we need one, its not like the past few did anything ever against the mod's will.

its just a stupid title that has no job.

I think it's important and if I didn't have dialup, I would be applying for it myself o_O

After conducting with several players I wish to nominate myself for the role of Ombudsman.[...] I am online a lot and browse through these forums for 13h a day.[...]

Is that even possible? O_O!

..and I thought I went on these forums alot.. o_O

How do you pronounce Ombudsman? o_O

Oh-Mah-Gawd-Wot-Da-f-Man

[Mordack]

i dont think we need one, its not like the past few did anything ever against the mod's will.

its just a stupid title that has no job.

I wouldn't say that. The previous ombudsman overturned the warnings of several users, and established the controversial procedure through which banned users can 'appeal' to the admin for reinstatement.

[Juliette]

:smt011 assassin your acting like this is a payed position cut it out....

Or apply for the position, if he knows how it should be done..




To start of some serious discussion.. those who nominated themselves are free to reply, as I am curious to see what your responses are.

1. Experience:
[spoiler]I think the Ombudsman should have no SGW moderator experience. Real life experience with solving situations far outweighs the 'experience' of being an SGW mod. Let's face it, what benefits does one who has 'moderator experience' have? Aside from having strong ties to the one institution the Ombudsman is required to have no ties to? None..
Real life experience in problemsolving is much more valuable as knowing when to delete what, who and when to warn or know the rules by heart so much that you can practically wake up (if you ever sleep) and recite them all.
We all agree, Real Life is far more important as the game or these boards. You do agree with that, do you not? Is it not natural that we look for one who has real life, hands on experience in actively resolving issues?
Of course, knowing the rules is important.. but do not make the mistake of seeing knowledge of the rules as 'experience'. Anyone with a peanut-sized brain can look up the rules thread, and anyone with a walnut-sized brain can look for precedents. So the most important experience one can have is having been a mediator of sorts in real life.[/spoiler]
2. Mediation:
[spoiler]Being able to mediate between people is important. What? It is the job description of the Ombudsman! To mediate, you should not be stuck to the rules as if they were a Sacred Book. Anyone who is absolute in their interpretation of the rules makes a lousy ombudsman, for the simple fact that if the rules were that straightforward and clear under all circumstances, there would be no need for an ombudsman.
Mediation requires an open mind to the problems of everyone.
Mediation requires patience.
Mediation requires effort, and the will to sit around the table into the late hours of night to solve an issue.
Patience. That means the ability to sit and wait while others talk, argue or fight. What the people need is not someone who antagonises people by their nature, or someone who is so very mellow you can knead them like cookie dough.
Patience.[b] Mediation. The two are that much intertwined, that by default, one who is prone to impatience doth not a mediator make. Do not make that mistake.[/spoiler]
3. Eloquence:
[spoiler]In the most broad sense of the word, eloquence is the skill with which one strings words together to efficiently and effectively transfer their thoughts to others.
English. It's the language of these boards, and generally the language we all use. Whether we love it or not, the Ombudsman is in a position which requires nigh-[b]absolute clarity in their words. Imagine this, the Ombudsman presents an issue to the Administration and there is confusion about what the actual issue is, would that be conducive to a rapid resolution of issues? Key to swift resolution of issues presented by forum members or moderators is communication. Key to good communication is absolute command of the English language. Like it or not, this is the language in use on these boards. What we need is a near-native speaker of English, or someone who is hardly ever misunderstood. People with a history of being misunderstood, whether by their own fault or by the ignorance of their conversation partners is not a good choice as Ombudsman.[/spoiler]
4. Prioritising:
[spoiler]As an Ombudsman, you will receive hundreds of complaints. Many of those will be relatively unimportant, but all of those complaints deserve an answer. Imagine someone comes at you, complaining about how the mood on the forums is angry. While this is not something you, as an Ombudsman, have anything to do with, it is someone's problem. Treat it as such. Answer it honestly and in good faith, even if you suspect the complaint is merely an attempt to waste your time. You do not have the luxury to neglect the complaints of individuals.
What you do have, is a responsibility to treat the most urgent issues with the most urgency. To properly do that, you will need to prioritise. Prioritising requires of you that you can estimate the impact an issue has on the general public, how disruptive it is, and the impact of the possible consequences. Generally, you should aim to address all complaints within a week from receiving them. 'Address' is used lightly, this means you should respond to complaints in any way; basically 'acknowledging receipt' is sufficient. 'Solving' the issues is another matter, you will not be the Messiah, Saviour, come to rescue us from our issues. You are a middleman. A filter, if you will. But most of all, you are part of all of us, staff and regulars alike. [/spoiler]
5. Accepting adversity:
[spoiler]Do not needlessly continue on a quest to solve an issue. If you cannot accept an Administrative ruling, by all means, appeal it. But don't keep appealing if your case is a clear cut lost cause. Accept 'defeat', not all problems can be solved.
Understanding that you cannot always 'win' is another important quality in an Ombudsman. It is almost as important as realising that you are not 'the People's Advocate', but someone who negotiates. Your goal is not to have the complainer get compensation or a solution, your goal is to assess and address complaints and forward relevant cases to the Administration.[/spoiler]


I would like to hear the Candidates' thoughts on these few points. Consider it a 'test'.

[SSG EnterTheLion]

In my view, the administration of the forum must be balanced between the major groupings. I gave up mine to let an outsider be admin, but it seems to have returned to some groups having more power than most. Considering I was hacked using my forum details, I have to wonder if true impartiality is actually the order of the day.

[Mordack]

That's a fantastic post, Universe. Thank you.

I too am curious to hear the responses of the candidates to your points.

[thorslittleworld]

I think I would like to chip in on this occasion.

I looked up to find a good explanation to what an Ombudsman is and this one sums it up quiet well.

"Ombudsmen deal with complaints from ordinary citizens about certain public bodies or organisations providing services on their behalf"

I think this explantion can easily be used. as ombudsman the citizen would be the account holders, as public bodies would be the mods and the organisations would be admin to the forums.

I see this role to bring justice to where an injustice has taken place, to correct what is wrong to lend an ear to those who wish to speak and most importantly I wont look at the name, will not be clouded by association and irrespectfull of whom asks of the service of the ombudsman, they will recieve a truthfull fair and honest return

[MEZZANINE]

1. Experience:
I think the Ombudsman should have no SGW moderator experience. Real life experience with solving situations far outweighs the 'experience' of being an SGW mod. Let's face it, what benefits does one who has 'moderator experience' have? Aside from having strong ties to the one institution the Ombudsman is required to have no ties to? None..
Real life experience in problemsolving is much more valuable as knowing when to delete what, who and when to warn or know the rules by heart so much that you can practically wake up (if you ever sleep) and recite them all.
We all agree, Real Life is far more important as the game or these boards. You do agree with that, do you not? Is it not natural that we look for one who has real life, hands on experience in actively resolving issues?
Of course, knowing the rules is important.. but do not make the mistake of seeing knowledge of the rules as 'experience'. Anyone with a peanut-sized brain can look up the rules thread, and anyone with a walnut-sized brain can look for precedents. So the most important experience one can have is having been a mediator of sorts in real life.

Hmm K, I have NO SGW main forum mod experience, I am a Mod on the FS forum but have a very 'hands off' approach there since we are all friends and no-one really crosses the line. In game as in RL I can see both sides of most situations although being a judgmental B*-**d I usually decide in seconds who is right and wrong, I dont care much for rules, IMO the spirit of the law is more important than the letter of the law. People who try to use loopholes and semantics to get their way just wind me up and get an arsekicking.


Mediation:
Being able to mediate between people is important. What? It is the job description of the Ombudsman! To mediate, you should not be stuck to the rules as if they were a Sacred Book. Anyone who is absolute in their interpretation of the rules makes a lousy ombudsman, for the simple fact that if the rules were that straightforward and clear under all circumstances, there would be no need for an ombudsman.
Mediation requires an open mind to the problems of everyone.
Mediation requires patience.
Mediation requires effort, and the will to sit around the table into the late hours of night to solve an issue.
Patience. That means the ability to sit and wait while others talk, argue or fight. What the people need is not someone who antagonises people by their nature, or someone who is so very mellow you can knead them like cookie dough.Patience.[b] Mediation. The two are that much intertwined, that by default, one who is prone to impatience doth not a mediator make. Do not make that mistake.


I disagree and have no interest in mediation, Mediation implies you should get people to agree or compromise, NOT SO. If someone is unhappy with a Mod action/comment they can make their case to the ombudsman as an impartial appeal judge, Ombudsman will get the Mods response and make a judgment FULL STOP. I dont do patience either, and dont tolerate fools.


3. Eloquence:
]In the most broad sense of the word, eloquence is the skill with which one strings words together to efficiently and effectively transfer their thoughts to others.
English. It's the language of these boards, and generally the language we all use. Whether we love it or not, the Ombudsman is in a position which requires nigh-[b]absolute clarity in their words. Imagine this, the Ombudsman presents an issue to the Administration and there is confusion about what the actual issue is, would that be conducive to a rapid resolution of issues? Key to swift resolution of issues presented by forum members or moderators is communication. Key to good communication is absolute command of the English language. Like it or not, this is the language in use on these boards. What we need is a near-native speaker of English, or someone who is hardly ever misunderstood. People with a history of being misunderstood, whether by their own fault or by the ignorance of their conversation partners is not a good choice as Ombudsman.


Clarity is important YES, Eloquence, not so much. I'll leave the pretty sounding speech's and poetic descriptions to others. The key to success in most things is KISS ( Keep It Simple Stupid )

4. Prioritising:As an Ombudsman, you will receive hundreds of complaints. Many of those will be relatively unimportant, but all of those complaints deserve an answer. Imagine someone comes at you, complaining about how the mood on the forums is angry. While this is not something you, as an Ombudsman, have anything to do with, it is someone's problem. Treat it as such. Answer it honestly and in good faith, even if you suspect the complaint is merely an attempt to waste your time. You do not have the luxury to neglect the complaints of individuals.
What you do have, is a responsibility to treat the most urgent issues with the most urgency. To properly do that, you will need to prioritise. Prioritising requires of you that you can estimate the impact an issue has on the general public, how disruptive it is, and the impact of the possible consequences. Generally, you should aim to address all complaints within a week from receiving them. 'Address' is used lightly, this means you should respond to complaints in any way; basically 'acknowledging receipt' is sufficient. 'Solving' the issues is another matter, you will not be the Messiah, Saviour, come to rescue us from our issues. You are a middleman. A filter, if you will. But most of all, you are part of all of us, staff and regulars alike.

Prioritising is important, if overloaded with complaints, obviously those who have the most serious consequences ( like bans ) need decisions ASAP where as those who merely persieved an insult or the like can wait. BUT even those waiting need communication so they know they will be or are being looking into and not being ignored. Like I said before, spammonkeys and timewasters will get smacked about by me personally to deter others from petty squabbling. Ombudsman is for serious issues NOT 'he said that', 'they said the other' BS

5. Accepting adversity:
Do not needlessly continue on a quest to solve an issue. If you cannot accept an Administrative ruling, by all means, appeal it. But don't keep appealing if your case is a clear cut lost cause. Accept 'defeat', not all problems can be solved.
Understanding that you cannot always 'win' is another important quality in an Ombudsman. It is almost as important as realising that you are not 'the People's Advocate', but someone who negotiates. Your goal is not to have the complainer get compensation or a solution, your goal is to assess and address complaints and forward relevant cases to the Administration.

Adversity, no doubt. Cant win ? I dont understand that mentality and negotiates ? No, that sounds like 'mediation' again. As ombudsman I would assess the info given by both parties and make a judgment, if my judgment is meaningless then so is the ombudsman position.

Well thats my opinions and NO BS approach, those who agree with my point of view will vote accordingly, those who want a pansy talker type or just want a friend in the position, go vote elsewhere

[semper]

1. Experience:
I think the Ombudsman should have no SGW moderator experience. Real life experience with solving situations far outweighs the 'experience' of being an SGW mod. Let's face it, what benefits does one who has 'moderator experience' have? Aside from having strong ties to the one institution the Ombudsman is required to have no ties to? None..
Real life experience in problemsolving is much more valuable as knowing when to delete what, who and when to warn or know the rules by heart so much that you can practically wake up (if you ever sleep) and recite them all.
We all agree, Real Life is far more important as the game or these boards. You do agree with that, do you not? Is it not natural that we look for one who has real life, hands on experience in actively resolving issues?
Of course, knowing the rules is important.. but do not make the mistake of seeing knowledge of the rules as 'experience'. Anyone with a peanut-sized brain can look up the rules thread, and anyone with a walnut-sized brain can look for precedents. So the most important experience one can have is having been a mediator of sorts in real life.
I have moderator experience and plenty of real life experience. I am the eldest child in a family containing 9, was a school prefect (voted the best by the faculty and the students I add..)...not to mention my life.. has given me experience on how to handle these situations, I dont want to go into detail...but take my word for it. I however agree with your point, it should not just be about modding experience.

2. Mediation:
Being able to mediate between people is important. What? It is the job description of the Ombudsman! To mediate, you should not be stuck to the rules as if they were a Sacred Book. Anyone who is absolute in their interpretation of the rules makes a lousy ombudsman, for the simple fact that if the rules were that straightforward and clear under all circumstances, there would be no need for an ombudsman.
Mediation requires an open mind to the problems of everyone.
Mediation requires patience.
Mediation requires effort, and the will to sit around the table into the late hours of night to solve an issue.
Patience. That means the ability to sit and wait while others talk, argue or fight. What the people need is not someone who antagonises people by their nature, or someone who is so very mellow you can knead them like cookie dough.
Patience.[b] Mediation. The two are that much intertwined, that by default, one who is prone to impatience doth not a mediator make. Do not make that mistake.
Well, I have great patience. I spent a year acting as someone else! Endurance I suppose you could claim.. but I can do a Job, and I have already argued on numerous occasions about bending the rules/bends in the rules. Obviously there is always a lot of things to take into consideration when making any and all judgements, however a firm knowledge of the rules is always important as if you want to effectively dance around them and mediate..you have to know the floor you stand upon and the obstacles built on it.

3. Eloquence:
In the most broad sense of the word, eloquence is the skill with which one strings words together to efficiently and effectively transfer their thoughts to others.
English. It's the language of these boards, and generally the language we all use. Whether we love it or not, the Ombudsman is in a position which requires nigh-[b]absolute clarity in their words. Imagine this, the Ombudsman presents an issue to the Administration and there is confusion about what the actual issue is, would that be conducive to a rapid resolution of issues? Key to swift resolution of issues presented by forum members or moderators is communication. Key to good communication is absolute command of the English language. Like it or not, this is the language in use on these boards. What we need is a near-native speaker of English, or someone who is hardly ever misunderstood. People with a history of being misunderstood, whether by their own fault or by the ignorance of their conversation partners is not a good choice as Ombudsman. Meh... no need to comment here. I communicate with the admins and it appears the rest of the community with great clarity...perhaps the tone can be adjusted but that's easy enough.


4. Prioritising:
As an Ombudsman, you will receive hundreds of complaints. Many of those will be relatively unimportant, but all of those complaints deserve an answer. Imagine someone comes at you, complaining about how the mood on the forums is angry. While this is not something you, as an Ombudsman, have anything to do with, it is someone's problem. Treat it as such. Answer it honestly and in good faith, even if you suspect the complaint is merely an attempt to waste your time. You do not have the luxury to neglect the complaints of individuals.
What you do have, is a responsibility to treat the most urgent issues with the most urgency. To properly do that, you will need to prioritise. Prioritising requires of you that you can estimate the impact an issue has on the general public, how disruptive it is, and the impact of the possible consequences. Generally, you should aim to address all complaints within a week from receiving them. 'Address' is used lightly, this means you should respond to complaints in any way; basically 'acknowledging receipt' is sufficient. 'Solving' the issues is another matter, you will not be the Messiah, Saviour, come to rescue us from our issues. You are a middleman. A filter, if you will. But most of all, you are part of all of us, staff and regulars alike. As I said already, I don't do messing about. There will not be a need to prioritise. As my TV counterpart, Dr Perry Cox well demonstrates... we are both capable of handling all and everything thrown our way, no matter its quantity and we always make up for our mistakes.


5. Accepting adversity:
Do not needlessly continue on a quest to solve an issue. If you cannot accept an Administrative ruling, by all means, appeal it. But don't keep appealing if your case is a clear cut lost cause. Accept 'defeat', not all problems can be solved.
Understanding that you cannot always 'win' is another important quality in an Ombudsman. It is almost as important as realising that you are not 'the People's Advocate', but someone who negotiates. Your goal is not to have the complainer get compensation or a solution, your goal is to assess and address complaints and forward relevant cases to the Administration.
as odd as it sounds coming from me, a positive outcome for all parties will always be the goal, however everyone knows I am more than capable of being the hero and the villain.


I would like to hear the Candidates' thoughts on these few points. Consider it a 'test'.

A test. lol... dear you know better than to test me.

Don't worry though, I am not going to take all this 'running for Ombudsman' seriously... im far too unpopular for being honest, blunt, logical and fun to be given a fair chance at it. No doubt all of EPA will vote for Dundee, all of FS will vote for Mezzanine and so on and so forth...history proves this lesson.

Good luck none the less!

[MEZZANINE]

Don't worry though, I am not going to take all this 'running for Ombudsman' seriously... im far too unpopular for being honest, blunt, logical and fun to be given a fair chance at it. No doubt all of EPA will vote for Dundee, all of FS will vote for Mezzanine and so on and so forth...history proves this lesson.

Good luck none the less!

Well thats my opinions and NO BS approach, those who agree with my point of view will vote accordingly, those who want a pansy talker type or just want a friend in the position, go vote elsewhere

I hate repeating myself, dont make me do it again