Thanks for the great meeting tonight, guys!

And to reiterate what was shared at the meeting:

The deadline for the current round of hires is June 2nd. We will be interviewing in June, with the goal of hiring new GMs for late June/early July.

Thank you,


GameMaster Helena Kaboli

Helena says, "And everyone get your fidgets out of the way as we'll be quieting things down in a minute."
Reexa says, "I never planned weddings."
Conning says, "I never have to fidget until after the room gets quiet"
Yonde says, "odd, I thought you were on the wedding team... sorry"
Javers says, "Nhia"
Yonde exclaims, "he scares me!"
Seei says, "We are being outnumbered by GM's .. its a trap of some kind"
Reexa says, "I've done some work to help them, but no, not officially on the team."
Javers says, "traps are fun"
Helena says, "Oh no, Solomon wants a job again."
Helena says, "Ok, hi everyone. :) Thanks so much for coming! We do these informational meetings every so often to answer questions and update you on hiring needs."
Helena says, "We are currently looking for some new GMs to join us in late June."
Helena says, "We're looking to fill quite a few Customer Experience GM spots and also fill some Development spots."
Helena says, "We will not be recruiting as many Development positions as Customer Experience."
Helena says, "Now, one question I get a lot is "what's the difference between the two teams?""
Helena says, "So I want to share the little description that I share with all interviewees about who we are and what we do on staff."
Helena says, "And I've asked Audacia here tonight in particular as she does work closely with me on hiring but also because she's on the Shifts team."
Helena says, "And I wanted to tell you all a bit more about what our Shifts team is."
Helena says, "And after that, we'll open up the question list."
Helena says, "There is no silly or dumb question."
Helena says, "Please ask as many as you wish."
Helena says, "SO let me do this little overview of our staff structure. :)"
Helena says, "For the purposes of discussion, let's give the DEVELOPMENT (dev) side the north. They're the background people ... they don't get out in front of the public much, they prefer to be buried in code and doing the primary creation and maintenance work on the game. They create areas, systems, languages, history books, spells, critters ... they build our little world. And they do the bug fixes, make improvements, expansions and so on ... they maintain our little world. All DEVELOPMENT staff are GameMasters."
Helena says, "South of the equator, you'll find the CE side ... Customer Experience. At the foundation of that structure would be the mentors -- players who volunteer to help other players with practical tips and advice, etc. Mentors use their own accounts, their own time and their own (generally well known) characters."
Helena says, "Next in line would be our Board Monitors. Board Monitors track and review our Boards, ensuring that the lively dialogue there is appropriate, productive, and within our set guidelines. They read and read a lot."
Helena says, "Then there are the hosts -- players who volunteer to handle assists, and other customer related work. Hosts are given a special host account, and have a special body in which they do their hosting. Most of the hosts are also mentors in their PC body. "
Helena says, "And then, the GMs on CE: they handle customer contact ... from events, weddings, and invasions ... to assists, referrals, consults, etc. So, they are the "people people" ..."
Helena says, "There are, as I mentioned, teams within both teams ... on PD, you'll find World Design, Paid Events/Quest Team, Guild Development, System Development, Cross Team Support and Cross Product Development. We also have the new Guild Advocate team, which merges together the traditional liaison and guild development roles into one team.""
Helena says, "On CE, you'll find Host Administration, Technical, Info, Waerd Aev, News, Premium, Platinum, Weddings, Paid Events, (Free) RP Events, and a Cross Platform team that encompasses Mentors and ALAE. "
Helena says, "We also have a cross-instance hiring and training team with leadership and contributions from both CE and Dev staff."
Helena asks, "Any questions on all of that?"
Helena says, "Well, you can join the queue if you have questions."
Helena says, "Now not all those teams are entry level teams."
Helena says, "A newly hired GM, for example, is not typically going to move into an Advocate area, nor do we tend to hire up GMs to work on the hiring and training team."
Helena says, "Those are examples of teams that require some background as a GM for a while."
Helena says, "Now as I said, we are hiring a group now for a late June start."
Helena says, "And I'd like to see all submitted applications by the end of this coming weekend, so by June 2nd."
Helena asks, "And what do we need?"
Helena says, "Well, we need help everywhere, of course, but we have a particular need for strong Customer Experience GMs."
Helena says, "Those are Events, Shifts, Premium/Platinum, and Weddings GMs."
Helena says, "But of course, if you are a strong coder or a strong writer, we want to hear from you too."
Helena says, "Unless specified, we hire into general CE or DEV areas."
Helena says, "And as we train you and get to know you, we then finalize your eventual team area."
Helena says, "So don't apply thinking that you are suddenly going to be the Uber Cleric GM."
Helena says, "We may not need another Uber Cleric GM."
Helena says, "What we want are Uber GMs who want to work on guild development."
Helena says, "Being flexible is very important."
Helena says, "Let me also say something very quickly about your application."
Helena says, "While we can't compensate you as much as we wish we could, this is a job."
Helena says, "And please treat it as such."
Helena says, "Trying to joke around in your application or write very incomplete or incoherent writing samples will not help you."
Helena says, "I am not impressed if someone writes "Well, I"ve been playing DR for 7 years and I think it's just time that I become a GM now.""
Helena says, "That doesn't tell me about you. :)"
Helena asks, "What is required for a GM?"
Helena says, "Well, we ask for at least 20 hours a week."
Helena says, "We ask for different things depending on your team, but it can include working on shifts, doing events, writing or correcting code, etc."
Helena exclaims, "I think that's all I can remember offhand. I wanted to pass it to Audacia really quickly so she can tell you about our Shifts team!"
Audacia exclaims, "OK!"
Audacia says, "You will hear it said that CE GM's are the "People" GM's, their jobs mainly being geared towards direct interaction with the players themselves. "
Audacia says, "Shifts GM's are the "people people" of the CE side of things. "
Audacia says, "We deal with the majority of the problems, both player-driven as well as technical, and must have both a keen empathy at the same time as we have the ability to stand firm on the rules and policy."
Audacia says, "A logical mind helps as well in being able to understand and interpret the finer nuances of the policy, which we are set to enforce with consistency."
Audacia says, "A "Shifts GM's" is the behind-the-scenes person who hopefully catches problems within the game before they start."
Audacia says, "We keep an eye on the basic aspects of the game that keep it running smoothly and efficiently for the players, monitoring potential bugs, mech-abuse and policy violation."
Audacia says, "We deal with the players on a personal basis in an OOC manner, handling technical, policy and mechanical questions and problems."
Audacia exclaims, "We do everything from fixing your buggy shield to sorting out multi-player PvP messes where everyone is upset and blaming the other!"
Audacia says, "It can be very rewarding as well as very nerve-wracking. It takes patience, a natural flair for Customer Service, a desire to help people as well as the ability to stand firm on the rules in the face of players who are very upset."
Audacia exclaims, "Don't let this scare you off, because shifts are a whole lot of fun all in all, you get the opportunity to meet some really great personalities!"
Audacia exclaims, "Plus, in addition to shifts, the world is open to you!"
Audacia exclaims, "You can still code, write areas, create items, run events, work with the Mentors and hosts, champion a race, as well as running events, and creating merchants and shops!"
Audacia says, "If you have any questions about "What a shift GM does", please feel free to join the list."
Audacia says, "Thats about all I have."
Helena says, "Thanks, Audacia."
Helena says, "I wanted to add that becoming a GM is a very important decision."
Helena says, "It transforms your playing experience."
Helena says, "In fact, it evolves."
Helena says, "You can't consider yourself a person who plays the game. You are a person who works on the game."
Helena says, "Of course you can still play occasionally, but playing becomes secondary."
Helena says, "So before you apply, make sure you are ready for that."
Helena says, "Make sure you are ready to stop playing."
Helena says, "and also make sure you really have the time."
Helena says, "Those are two big hiccups that new GMs run into."
Helena asks, "Did any of my colleagues here want to add anything to the life of a GM?"
Reexa says, "Just because you make the transition from player to GM does not mean that the "fun" aspect of DR is lost."
Reexa says, "It just morphs into something new. But please do understand, being a GM takes a LOT of work. If you aren't ready for that, be honest with yourself."
Reexa says, "Otherwise you'll get lost in the training process, and that's the last thing we want to see happen."
Solomon says, "both CE and Dev GMs have lots of responsibilities as well as requirements that you need to keep up with...if you can't commit to it, then it won't be a good fit"
Reexa says, "Keep in mind, too, that while you are hired and placed into a specific spot, that doesn't mean you are forever pigeonholed into that one task."
Reexa says, "I don't think there is anyone on staff currently that isn't involved in some other area aside from their specific hired position."
Helena says, "We're joined by the assistant team leader for hiring and training, GM Reexa, and our hiring specialist, GM Audacia. And our wonderful product manager, Solomon, is with us as well. :)"
Helena exclaims, "I am sorry I didn't introduce them at first!"
Helena says, "We do tend to sound quite serious when sharing information about becoming a GM because I think for a lot of us, we think that GMing may be the next level of gameplay after years of being a player."
Helena says, "and it's so much more than that."
Helena says, "So I really hope that some of you will apply and let's see how much more we can share with these questions. And let me see if I remember how to do this....."
Helena exclaims, "I did it!"
Conning says, "well, let's see, howdy, folks."
Solomon says, "Some people, as Helena said, think that GMing is "the next step"...once they're done playing, they think they're somehow supposed to become a GM...those folks usually don't last very long."
Conning says, "I was curous specifically about the placement part that you folks were talking about"
Helena says, "Ahh great question."
Helena says, "Well, we are doing something new now."
Conning asks, "is that as broad as, we hire you, and then decide you'd fit best in dev/worlds/CE?"
Conning says, "or we hire you for one of those three spheres, and then place you within that particular team"
Helena says, "Well, technically it's two teams, but yes, within DEV there is the creative writing/QC aspect and the Development/coding element."
Helena says, "We don't want to hire up too generally, but we ask for a specific interest in CE or DEV to start with."
Helena says, "And we narrow it down usually to a couple teams."
Solomon says, "TECHNICALLY, it's one team...."
Helena says, "But we don't tie you to that team 100%."
Helena says, "Yes it is, Solomon is spot-on."
Helena says, "So for example..."
Helena says, "I interview someone who is itnerested in CE and thinks they'd love to do Weddings or Events."
Helena says, "And we love that person and hire them up."
Helena says, "Well, during the training process--the process that all trainees follow--I am watching them closely."
Helena says, "I see how they do in the Events class or in the Weddings training class."
Helena says, "I see how they are with players and how comfortable they are on the specific competencies you need for either team..."
Helena says, "And I see how they are feeling, after they have had time to get a better idea of what each team is like..."
Helena says, "Because what you THINK a team is like now as a player is rarely what you realise it to be once you're on staff."
Helena says, "But it's a juggling act."
Helena says, "We can't have all 6 hired up GMs be on the same time, such as all of you working on magic."
Solomon says, "I think it's much easier on everyone when we hire the right person for the wrong team than it is when we hire the wrong person."
Helena says, "That's not balanced."
Helena asks, "Does that help, Conning?"
Conning says, "it does."
Conning says, "and I thank you for the explanation"
Helena says, "Also, please don't apply for something you really aren't ready to commit to."
Helena says, "It'll end up disappointing you."
Helena says, "Thank you."
Conning asks, "a follow up?"
Conning says, "or not."
Helena says, "Oh sure."
Helena says, "One sec, Barola."
Solomon says, "Definitely...don't apply for a CE position, thinking you'll just "get your foot in the door" and then move to where you want to move later on...that's....problematic"
Conning says, "go ahead. solomon brushed up against what I was about to ask about. just not the foot in the door part. was thinking that you would recognize coders for coders and move them cross team if nessicary"
Solomon says, "if someone on the CE team shows a proficiency for coding, we can find lots of things they can do"
Helena says, "We do have that happen sometimes."
Helena says, "I've hired up folks that seem good for everything."
Helena says, "And we move them in the right direction."
Helena says, "We want to keep you on staff, no force you into something that'll make you unhappy."
Conning says, "I won't monopolize your time. thanks for the time, folks."
Helena says, "Your questions are probably shared by everyone, so don't worry. :)"
Helena exclaims, "Ok, Barola!"
Solomon says, "Dartenian is a good example...he started out on CE..."
Barola says, "I've been sitting here trying to figure out how to word this properly and failing utterly."
Barola says, "I'm primarily interested in Events, and secondarily interested in development. Which I realize are not really grouped together. But be that as it may, "
Barola asks, "I finally feel like I am ready to apply. At this point I was wondering, would you guys rather have a player who tries to drive events, or another Events GM application?"
Barola asks, "Or put another way, should I put off applying until I've basically flogged the player run events thing to within an inch of its life?"
Solomon says, "you shouldn't apply based on what WE want to do..."
Solomon says, "or what we want you to do..."
Helena says, "Well, we do need GMs who are interested in helping us run events."
Helena says, "And a good Events GM is someone who is a team player."
Helena says, "It's not about being the star of the show."
Helena says, "It's about working toward a shared aim that will be fun for players."
Helena says, "It does involve development of a storyline and can include some coding (for the event) or writing (for an area or during an event)..."
Helena says, "I think what does confuse people is where the overlaps between customer experience and development start and stop."
Helena says, "As Solomon said, it's one team."
Helena says, "But we have just designated AREAS of responsibility only."
Helena says, "So..."
Reexa says, "So to add to that, if you feel like you are ready to apply, maybe a question to ask yourself is "how many of these player driven event ideas that I have could be something I could do as a GM?" In other words, would you have the same enthusiasm for them no matter who you were in presenting them? IF yes...that could be y our answer."
Helena says, "Say Audacia here with her Shifts work decides she wants to write a spell."
Helena says, "Is she forbidden? Not at all."
Helena says, "As long as she meets her primary job requirements, she can do all the fun extra stuff."
Helena says, "I think Reexa just made a very important point I'd like to elaborate on."
Helena says, "This happens a bit with Events."
Helena says, "Sometimes we are a player who is very heavily involved in major storylines in game, both GM and player driven."
Helena says, "And that doesn't necessarily mean we'll make a good shift to GMing with Events."
Helena says, "It can be that we are not ready to let go of the rich RP experience..."
Helena says, "Or we may have to experience being the beginner and more anonymous."
Helena says, "And also, as it's a team effort, you may be helping with events that you are not driving, you are not designing...."
Helena says, "It's a wonderful yet challenging position."
Helena asks, "Did that help, Barola?"
Reexa exclaims, "But it is SO much fun to take a general event idea and then watch what you guys do with it. The conspiracy theories!"
Helena says, "It's amazing"
Helena says, "I love when things never go the way I expect or design."
Barola says, "I think so"
Helena says, "Rejoin the queue if you need more clarity."
Barola says, "I will ponder all of that"
Barola says, "Thank you"
Helena says, "And I'm going to give you all my email address so you can ask me questions."
Yonde says, "Hello, and thank you for this opportunity. I have a few questions."
Yonde asks, "What are the scheduling requirements? I understand shifts I think, since I m a nurse. Is there a requirement of what time of day ? Or a commitment to weekends and holidays? Do you commit to 4,8 or 10hr shifts?"
Yonde asks, "Secondly, you say it s a huge commitment of personal time . In that light, can you tell us exactly what is the salary, if any? Or, are GM s volunteers?"
Solomon says, "GMs are contractors and can be eligible for some minor compensation, however, it's defintiely not a salaried position"
Helena says, "You have the capacity to earn more--though still minor--compensation if you take on added duties or responsibilities."
Helena says, "I would not recommend that anyone quit their regular jobs."
Yonde says, "What is meant by minor compensation? "
Helena says, "Well, we give a percentage of revenues to a pool that is then shared with all receiving GMs in the form of "shares"."
Solomon says, "Most GMs who are eligible for any amount of compensation are...yes...what she said"
Helena says, "The amount of shares received differs depending on the position and rank."
Helena says, "We also provide complimentary playing accounts to staff."
Solomon says, "These days, depending on where you live and what you drive, for many of them, it's gas money"
Reexa says, "It's not going to pay your rent. It might help with a bill. At this rate, it MIGHT even get you a couple gallons of gas, but don't count on that staying true long."
Helena says, "It's not what we wish we could pay our staff. I always say to people, this has to be a hobby or labour of love."
Helena says, "It's a way to contribute to a game that you love."
Yonde asks, "and the "shifts?"
Solomon says, "For the MOST part, you can work whatever hours you want, as long as you're putting in at least 20 a week"
Helena says, "Well, the way that that works depends on the team. Let me outline how things tend to go for a CE Staff and then a DEV staff."
Helena says, "Usurper."
Solomon says, "If you have an assist/referral shift, we do like you to SORT of commit to the same sort of times whenever possible, so we can put it on our schedule and work with it"
Helena says, "For staff with rotating schedules, such as nurses or fire fighters, we have rotating schedules."
Helena says, "But most staff commit to a set schedule."
Helena says, "These are 2 hour shifts where you handle player issues and answer questions."
Helena says, "Beyond that we have a monthly events requirement and other added expectations depending on your team."
Audacia says, "Shifts GMs have more committed shift times than say Events GMs, but we all try to stick to the same schedule."
Helena says, "The bulk of your time is loose and easy to schedule."
Helena says, "Yes, since Shifts GMs are primarily responsible for the shift queue, they put in more time."
Helena says, "That's why you see Audacia on shift a lot."
Helena says, "For DEV GMs it's a lot more project based, though new DEV GMs are expected to still work once a week on a GM customer service shift."
Helena says, "They can also work a technical assistance shift where they help our CE shfiting GMs on technical problems."
Helena says, "But for a DEV GM they may have a project that takes them a month to work on, so we might give them til say, the end of that month to report to their supervisor and present a drafted finish."
Helena says, "During a typical CE GM's week, she might do two CE shifts on a weekend, do one event that Thursday, and then spend Wednesday making items for a wedding or making a fun new item for a premium event."
Helena says, "The idea is to set your schedule up so you can be consistent and reliable, as much as possible."
Helena says, "But we have fire fighters and EMTs on staff and they work around it."
Helena says, "But as long as you can spend about 20 hours a week in game, that's great."
Helena says, "But let me clarify how training works."
Helena says, "As you can imagine, training involves a lot of classes."
Helena says, "So during training--especially the first month--I will ask new GMs to be a lot more available than normal."
Helena says, "We work with schedules, but we do want people to be at classes or they can't get out of training."
Helena asks, "Does that answer the questions, Yonde?"
Yonde says, "yes, and thank you again"
Helena says, "And by the way, when I say that it's a big commitment, I just say that to ensure that you realise the commitment."
Helena says, "If you add this to an already busy life and plan to approach it like how you play, it may not work."
Helena says, "If you want to be a GM and then go weeks without GMing... well that won't work."
Helena asks, "Ok then let's get things started! Please tell us a little bit about yourself--what do you do in "real life," why do you want to be a GM?"
Helena says, "That is odd."
Yonde asks, "I was gonna say... ME??? Now???"
Helena says, "I'm sorry! I think my system just pulled up a GM interview script."
Helena says, "Oh that would be horrible of me."
Audacia says, "Aha! Now they can prepare themselves."
Helena exclaims, "I'll have to change the question!"
Reexa says, "That's like getting the SAT in advance..."
Helena says, "I just got a little question whispered to me by a shy person, apparently. :)"
Helena says, "Yes of course everyone can take vacations and so on."
Helena says, "W ejust arrange those in advance, just like you do in regular jobs."
Helena says, "You don't just not show up at work when you go on vacation, do you."
Helena says, "Most of you probably have it set up weeks if not months in advance."
Helena says, "And when a family emergency happens or there is illness, it's also perfectly understandable."
Helena says, "You just have to keep in touch."
Helena exclaims, "Ok, moving along!"
Helena says, "Thanks for those great questions."
Helena exclaims, "Lorgin!"
Lorgin says, "Greetings"
Lorgin says, "First....let's talk about families"
Lorgin asks, "Are there husband/wife teams?"
Helena says, "We do not hire couples up as teams."
Helena says, "But we do have some GMs on staff who happen to be married to each other."
Helena says, "They were all hired up on their own merits."
Lorgin asks, "Do you have staff with family members that only play?"
Helena says, "And at least two couples got married AFTER being on staff. "
Helena asks, "You mean a husband who is a GM and his wife who plays?"
Helena asks, "Or brother/sister, cousins, etc?"
Helena says, "Yes, of course. but we have very strict rules about this."
Solomon says, "Sorry...be right bacl..."
Helena says, "1. You may NEVER share access to your accounts (both playing AND GMing) with anyone at all."
Helena says, "2. You must restrict access to your computer."
Helena says, "3. You cannot discuss any privileged information with that family member. That's grounds for dismissal."
Helena says, "We don't penalise you for having a family member who plays, but there are restrictions, as you can imagine."
Helena says, "It's far more tempting to a spouse who plays to want to know some of the "secrets" on staff than for a spouse who would rather be watching American Idol."
Lorgin asks, "Would it be better if the staff member was for one game and the spouse played a different one?"
Helena says, "But the account restriction applies to ANYONE.. friend, roommate, cousin, sister, wife, boyfriend, anyone."
Helena says, "Wouldn't make a difference if you are abiding by the limits."
Helena says, "We don't want to lose any players! :)"
Lorgin asks, "What about different instances...or does that not matter either?"
Lorgin says, "Dumb question....same would apply"
Helena says, "Does not matter."
Helena says, "You will get swollen joints doing that."
Solomon says, "I wish I could share with you the...uhm...situation...we're dealing with right now. It's a wonderful CE Moment in the making."
Helena says, "It's the principle."
Helena says, "Imagine you are in the CIA now."
Solomon says, "Suffice it to say, I've been told I'm a jerk who doesn't know what his job is and Simu will be notified in the morning."
Helena says, "You just can't talk about "work" with the family at home."
Helena says, "Well, you can still apply to be a GM, Solomon."
Solomon says, "I think I'll stick with Hosting"
Helena says, "I thought you were a Mentor."
Helena says, "I'm so confused."
Helena asks, "Does that help?"
Audacia says, "Just a board Mod, but his app is in for host, we are on the fence about him."
Lorgin says, "It sure does"
Helena says, "This meeting is a good example of GM life. Lots going on at once."
Helena says, "We have hired up couples, by the way, but they each get considered on their own merits."
Helena says, "And no preferential treatment."
Helena says, "Ok, thanks for that question."
Lorgin says, "That only makes good business sense"
Helena says, "And no, we don't try to matchmake with staff."
Solomon asks, "Although we've had....5? marriages now?"
Reexa says, "And a few significant others relationships here and there."
Helena says, "Babies."
Helena says, "Mini GMs in the making."
Solomon says, "Lasca and Stefonn, Chakram and Koyta, Melodia and Kotkel, Iayn and Niamah, and...."
Solomon says, "Nhia and Xadrian...yeah..."
Helena exclaims, "Nhia and Xadrian!"
Reexa says, "But they were together before the fact. Not that we're counting."
Solomon says, "I'm available, still"
Helena says, "We count them all."
Solomon says, "plus..."
Helena says, "Next week the "Dating Meeting"."
Audacia asks, "Oh we are deteriorating. Who is next?"
Solomon says, "be right back"
Helena says, "Solomon does that to my meetings."
Helena says, "The last time he came and hung out with me on the first night of a GM group being hired up, the class was 2 hours longer than usual."
Helena says, ""But it was a lot of fun."
Reexa says, "Pardon my early departure, folks. I get up for work around 4 am and I get very cranky when I don't get sleep. Highly bad for a Customer Service rep."
Helena exclaims, "Thanks, Reexa!"
Helena exclaims, "And off she zooms!"
Helena exclaims, "So!"
Helena exclaims, "Seei!"
Seei exclaims, "Welcome to the GM Dating game!"
Seei says, "Oh sure let me go after that.. "
Seei says, "Ok couple questions one which I think I need to whisper"
Helena says, "Sure. :)"
Seei asks, "First I already have an applicaton up on the new system. Is there a way to flag it so as to let you know I want to be considered for the current round of hiring?"
Helena says, "No it's already in there for that."
Helena says, "All the applications being considered for this new round are the ones that have all been submitted on the new system."
Seei says, "Ok so you will review them all for the new round.. gotchat"
Helena says, "We're asking anyone who has NOT submitted via the new system to submit that way."
Seei says, "THis must be thrilling for the audience"
Solomon says, "So much more thrilling if you were watching what I'm watching"
Seei asks, "Second How do I get Solomons job?"
Seei says, "Dont kill me"
Helena says, "Well, apparently his job will be open by tomorrow morning."
Solomon says, "I have to die and you aren't next in line."
Audacia asks Solomon, "Shall I take care of him for you, sir?"
Seei says, "Thats it from me"
Seei says, "Thank you so much for holding this meeting"
Helena says, "Thanks for coming. :)"
Helena says, "And sorry for the silence."
Helena says, "There can be private questions that one might need to ask and that's fine."
Helena says, "You can also email me."
Helena exclaims, "Valona!"
Valona says, "ok.. I pretty much have one question and you did touch on this abit."
Valona says, "Training times. Are they set? "
Helena says, "Classes are often set."
Helena says, "The first week is often set in stone because it's so time intensive and exhausting for the teachers to do too many times in a row..."
Helena says, "But we are flexible as much as we can be."
Helena says, "For example, if you don't want to show up for class because Project Runway is on the tv, then I'll be displeased."
Helena says, "But if you don't show up because your wife went into labour or you had a work emergency, that's understandable."
Valona says, "Is it mostly evenings? Ohh.. no.. see I work this crazy 11 to 7:30 shift"
Helena says, "Yes, mostly evenings."
Helena says, "Around 10 pm ET on weekdays, unless we can do earlier."
Helena says, "We have GMs all over the world. :)"
Valona says, "Ok thanks it. Am pretty simple. Thanks :o)"
Helena says, "It's actually just the first few weeks of being a GM that are often that scheduled."
Helena says, "After that it really loosens up."
Valona says, "Ok"
Helena says, "Thanks. :)"
Helena says, "Good question because scheduling often ends up being my nightmare."
Niaura asks, "So my question is about applicants with past warnings... a tiny smudge in recent history... or a bad ancient history, or both.. or whatever other factors that might be taken into consideration?"
Niaura says, "how do you percieve them"
Helena says, "Well, like everything, we look at it all in context."
Helena says, "A candidate who has a generally clean account (and remember we look at all characters on all linked accounts) but may have had a hiccup 6 months ago is not going to be excluded necessarily."
Helena says, "I may ask you about what happened and why, but we don't want to eliminate without good cause."
Helena says, "But, if you have been warned for bug abuse and locked out recently for scripting and warned again for an unconsented PVP, well, I may ask you to take time to demonstrate you can respect our policies and keep things clean for a while--like a year or so."
Helena says, "GMs are held to a higher standard."
Helena says, "And as far as how we perceive them, well no it's not great that you may have a history of warnings/violations, but we want to see more than that."
Helena says, "The worst thing you can do is hide the fact that you have had warnings or try to gloss them over."
Helena says, "Be honest about them, explain how you saw what happened, and we can talk about it."
Helena says, "We respect honesty."
Helena says, "And no GM is flawless. :)"
Niaura asks, "What say the applicant had almost 20 warnings 10 years ago on a character since confiscated, will that affect theire review in anyway? Say if you're considering the fact they had 2 warnings 2 years ago and 1 6 months ago.. does the fact they were all the same warning penalize them?"
Helena says, "It's hard for me to give a set response because it depends on whicha ccount, what happened, and what's happened since."
Helena says, "But if you are unsure, you can email me."
Helena says, "And I can look into it."
Niaura says, "THanks."
Helena says, "I will say that 10 years ago is a long time ago."
Helena says, "Thanks for the question."
Niaura asks, "should i still mention it on the appL?"
Niaura says, "if its near 10 years ago"
Helena says, "Sure."
Helena says, "If you are thinking it may be an issue, then it probably could be."
Audacia says, "Always better to be honest."
Helena says, "We do a very thorough check into backgrounds."
Helena exclaims, "Ok, let's move on!"
Braunwen says, "Hey there"
Helena exclaims, "Hello!"
Braunwen asks, "Who do I give this endless piece of chewing gum to?"
Braunwen says, "I found this in my inventory today."
Braunwen says, "I think it's bugged"
Helena asks, "This is your question?"
Braunwen says, "No."
Braunwen says, "What qualities are you looking for in a GM in general? I missed the beginning of your lecture."
Braunwen asks, "I mean does it require a lot of multi-tasking skills?"
Helena says, "Actually I didn't really get into that too much."
Helena says, "So thanks for asking it. :)"
Braunwen says, "Well good thing I asked."
Helena says, "Of course, each person brings some unique strengths to the job."
Helena says, "And I can't imagine life without them on staff."
Helena says, "But I'd say a few core qualities seem to run through everyone."
Helena says, "1. Passion. You have to really love the game and care about the players."
Solomon says, "(some of them)"
Helena says, "2. Commitment. You need to be ready to put the time in and see it through."
Helena says, "3. Detachment and teamwork. You can't get to attached to anything you do (as a lot of ideas end up having to be ch anged somehow for game balance) and you can't put yourself ahead of the overall team goals."
Helena says, "4. Sense of humour. We are a little whacky on staff and love a good joke. No sense of humour? We'll pound one into you."
Helena says, "5. Flexibility. Part of being a GM is being flexible."
Solomon says, "6. Thick Skin"
Helena says, "Yes, I do yoga every day."
Helena asks, "Any other GMs here want to add qualities?"
Braunwen asks, "so should I just put this salve in a bucket?"
Helena says, "I'm asking our GMs in game to add their two kronars."
Audacia says, "This is very handy at times."
Helena says, "Chocolate preferences are important to me."
You hear the voice of Armifer say, "Other than really emphasizing #3? The chocolate question."
Helena says, "One GM just told me that you have to like the players."
You hear the voice of Armifer say, "You cannot be a GM if you do not successfully answer the chocolate question."
Helena says, "Yes, I don't hire you if you answer the chocolate question wrong."
Helena says, "Incorrectly, I should say."
Braunwen asks, "Heh Chocolate huh?"
Braunwen asks, "Hmm nougat or plain?"
Helena says, "Another one just said " Brains, dedication, passion, teamwork, communication" and then added "Sanity""
Helena exclaims, "Don't tell them everything!"
Helena says, "Another just said you need multitasking kung fu."
Braunwen asks, "Kungfu?"
Helena says, "Yes, more mention of chocolate."
Helena says, "Apparently the chocolate question resonated."
Helena says, "It used to be "boxers or briefs.""
Braunwen says, "Yea fancy that."
Helena says, "I could not ask that."
Braunwen says, "Now it's boxers, briefs or thong"
Braunwen says, "Hmm thank you that's all I had."
Helena says, "Braunwen is really regretting asking that."
Braunwen asks, "You think?"
Helena exclaims, "Ok, moving along!"
Kapriccio exclaims, "Hi!"
Helena exclaims, "Kapriccio!"
Kapriccio says, "Earlier you were talking about the different departments and area's that GM's cam move into."
Kapriccio asks, "I was just wondering, after you have hired and trained a GM what kinds of qualities determine if a GM will move in one direction or the other?"
Helena says, "Well, it can often be a combination of things"
Kapriccio says, "such as, what makes a good DEV GM vs a good events GM etc."
Helena says, "Part of it is your interest."
Helena says, "Part of it is some skills that you either come with or develop."
Helena says, "For example..."
Helena says, "A DEV GM who writes code needs to know how to write code."
Helena says, "That doesn't mean that only people with lots of coding experience before coming on staff are only eligible for coding positions."
Helena says, "It may be that you are a mild-mannered librarian..."
Helena says, "And you take our coding class..."
Helena says, "And all of a sudden, you can code the socks off of Ssra."
Helena says, "Well, you know that I'll be lovingly asking you if you want to be a coder."
Helena says, "BUT, maybe you really just want to do area design.. or maybe you really just want to do events."
Helena says, "Well, we aren't going to force you there."
Kapriccio asks, "So after you do the classes you are more able to decide which area's you enjoy?"
Helena says, "But if we see that you are showing a strength there and you really want to go there, we will help you move there."
Helena says, "Yes, after we get past a certain group of classes I meet with you individually and we touch base again."
Helena says, "We compare how you felt at hire and how you feel now."
Helena says, "And we look at what's available to work on."
Helena says, "And we move from there."
Helena says, "I should say thati t's very rare that a person who was hire for CE will move to DEV."
Helena says, "It's more like settling into something specific in their area."
Kapriccio asks, "Developement is more coding and creating new area's/skills correct?"
Helena says, "And I just want to share two things my colleagues just shared with me privately..."
Helena says, "One is that the GM training process actually really can open your eyes--it broadens your knowledge, doesn't really limit you."
Helena says, "And the other was that you don't need an IT background to be a good coder necessarily."
Helena says, "It's not required."
Helena says, "And sometimes, maybe you want to do something different."
Kapriccio says, "ah good then I can drop out of that IT course now"
Helena says, "I'm a professional editor and writer by trade, so I really don't want to write areas or do QC, to be honest. :)"
Helena says, "I do enough of that in my regular job."
Kapriccio says, "Ok thanks that clears up my question."
Helena exclaims, ""Good question!"
Kapriccio exclaims, "thank you!"
Kapriccio says, "for answering"
Helena says, "Thank you. :)"
Kapriccio says, "/dry next"
Helena says, "Well, none of you have stumped me yet... not that I want to challenge you to. :P"
Helena exclaims, "Conning!"
Conning exclaims, "it is!"
Conning says, "I'd like to revisit the timeline a little bit"
Conning says, "if you don't mind"
Conning says, "you asked for these applications by sunday, as I recall.."
Helena says, "By Monday-ish."
Conning asks, "to hire by the end of june?"
Conning says, "and training would begin at what point"
Helena says, "End of June."
Helena says, "Shortly before July 4th for you Americans."
Conning says, "Ok, then a follow up."
Helena says, "Then we'll take a break for the holiday weekend and resume after."
Helena says, "Or we'll start the group right after July 4th weekend."
Helena says, "Yes of course. :)"
Conning asks, "those whom are picked, is it a come one, come all training session?"
Conning says, "or are training classes handled individually"
Helena says, "We hire everyone in a group and start everyone together."
Helena says, "It's worked well for us."
Helena says, "You get to have some classmates to bond with and it's nice to learn in a group."
Helena says, "Each group ranges from 3 GMs up to 13."
Conning says, "or if there is a significant event precluding attendance at that point, will you not consider them, or will you consider them a hold-over until the next training session"
Helena says, "So it'll depend on needs and training resources at the time."
Helena says, "We might hold them over."
Helena says, "We try to do a few new hire groups a year."
Helena says, "So if you are going on a honeymoon or about to give birth or something but we really like you, we'll offer you a spot in the next group."
Conning asks, "there wouldn't be any way to catch up to your group if you are a few days behind, eh?"
Helena says, "It's possible but that is around 20 hours of classes to just one student."
Helena says, "And my teachers do this above and beyond their normal class."
Helena says, "But we do make accommodations sometimes. It depends."
Conning says, "understood"
Helena says, "I mean above and beyond their normal duties."
Conning says, "my thanks for the time."
Helena says, "Of course. :) Thanks for the question. It does come up, so it's a good issue."
Conning asks, "oh, how long is the training, if you haven't answered that?"
Helena says, "BTW, we do adjust our start dates sometimes, too."
Helena says, "Each person is different because a lot of the training process is self-directed work with supervision, but it's an average of 3 months."
Helena says, "Sounds like a lot, but the time flies."
Helena says, "My current group just hit 3 months in training."
Helena says, "And I bet they are all thinking "wow, it's been that long already?""
Conning says, "makes sense to me."
Helena exclaims, "Ok, moving along!"
Helena exclaims, "Barola!"
Barola says, "grin"
Barola asks, "What can becoming a GM teach me about leadership?"
Helena says, "Well, that's a challenging question."
Helena says, "I think it's hard to answer specifically because we all get different things from the experiences."
Helena says, "Some of us are going to be in leadership positions and so we get on the job exposure to leading in a virtual work environment."
Helena says, ""And I think a lot of the work is project management and team work and that has some inherent leadership lessons for all of us."
Helena says, "After all, how authentically you do your work says a lot about how you can lead."
Helena says, "Also, if you can manage our complex communication requirements and the fact that we have the challenge of being virtual and yet still need to be a team, then you can pretty much manage any environment."
Helena says, "That's my perspective at least."
Barola says, "Thank you."
Helena says, "Interesting question."
Barola says, "It's what I'm working on right now"
Barola says, "thanks again"
You ask, "I know you said earlier that it wasn't required, but is some sort of coding/IT background preferred for dev positions?"
Helena exclaims, "Zomag!"
Helena says, "It's helpful, yes."
You say, "Oh, and hi."
You ask, "In other words, is previous programming experience going to give an applicant an advantage? Or is the judgement more based on reputation or other factors?"
Helena says, "And it gives su an idea of what you know."
Helena says, "us*"
Helena says, "I would not say it's a slam dunk, as it were."
Helena says, "But it can help us yes."
You say, "Thanks."
You ask, "Does it help if we've worked on ancient legacy code?"
Helena says, "But I want to say that some of our most proficient coders don't come from a programming background, professionally."
Helena says, "Put anything down."
Helena says, "It can all help."
You say, "Ok, that was it for me."
Helena says, "And you can see how sad I am."
Helena says, "I don't even know what ancient legacy code is."
You hear the voice of Armifer say, "The combat system."
Helena says, "Oh."
Braunwen says, "Hey there again."
Helena exclaims, "Hello!"
Braunwen asks, "Now you said you train for three months as a class is that both CE and DEV together in one class or split up?"
Helena says, "All together."
Braunwen says, "Wow."
Audacia says, "At LEAST 3 months."
Braunwen says, "Right."
Helena says, "We just give progressively more specific projects as you get further in."
Helena says, "You do have some tailored work just for you."
Helena says, "It sounds like a long time. It is not."
Braunwen asks, "I see it's like a testing ground as well as a training ground?"
Braunwen says, "or class"
Helena exclaims, "I'm not giving all the secrets away!"
Braunwen says, "AW"
Braunwen says, "oh I know"
Braunwen asks, "What if our PC is doing an event during the training class time frame?"
Braunwen asks, "Is that alright? Or do we have to pass that on to someone else?"
Helena says, "You need to gracefully let go of events."
Helena says, "GMing is your priority."
Helena says, "And no PC activity should take priority."
Braunwen says, "Ok just needed clarification."
Helena says, "GMs should not let their PCs be centre stage any longer."
Braunwen says, "Kind of seems a bit paradoxical"
Helena asks, "How come?"
Braunwen says, "Because that's how our PC's roleplayed."
Braunwen says, "It's our background as it were in the game."
Braunwen says, "It's also how I got noticed."
Helena says, "I mean that you should no longer be running to events or activities and usurp an NPC's time."
Helena says, "That should be given to the regular players."
Braunwen says, "No my PC ran it"
Braunwen says, "No NPC's were involved"
Helena says, "I'm talking about NPC-type events."
Braunwen says, "ah"
Helena says, "But if you are not ready to give up playing, then GMing is probably not going to fit."
Braunwen says, "No, it's not that"
Braunwen says, "It's more that my PC seems to be the impetus"
Braunwen says, "Trying to get others involved is like pulling hens teeth"
Braunwen says, "But I understand what you're getting at."
Helena says, "Well, as a GM, you aren't going to be in game as much to be able to run a lot."
Helena says, "So nature takes its course."
Braunwen says, "Right. I just hate to let some people down."
You hear the voice of Armifer say, "Keep in mind as a GM you aren't your character. If you get accepted into training, you go into training as your real identity, not as the character you played in DR. If you get through training, you are introduced to the players as a shiny new GM, completely absent of context."
Helena says, "And I really appreciate that."
Braunwen says, "I do understand that."
Helena says, "It's a transition, when you go to GMing."
Helena says, "And we all make sacrifices."
Braunwen says, "I just hate to drop something my PC has started. Leaves a bad feeling behind."
Braunwen says, "But I understand where you are coming from too."
Braunwen says, "I just have to let go or find someone else to run the event."
Helena says, "Well, thanks for coming, everyone. This has been wonderful."
Helena says, "I'll post a reminder on the boards that June 2nd is our closing date."
Helena says, "And if you're being invited to interview, you will hear from us within about 10 days of June 2nd."
Helena says, "So don't neglect to check your email. :)"
Helena says, "And a special thanks to Solomon, "
Helena says, "Audacia"
Helena says, "Reexa,"
Helena exclaims, "And Armifer!"
Helena says, "And we had other folks contributing, they are just up in their offices."
Audacia exclaims, "ON that note also, please make sure that your play.net account is updated with the correct Email and information!"
Helena exclaims, "Good reminder!"
Helena says, "And you can email me at dr-helena@play.net"
Helena says, "If you have questions."
Helena exclaims, "And that's it!"
Helena says, "Great questions."
Braunwen says, "thank you for having this meeting"
Javers says, "Many thoughts"
Helena says, "Thanks for coming."
Helena says, "Really."
Poppo says, "Thank you all"
Conning says, "Thanks for taking the time."
Audacia exclaims, "Excellent meeting tonight, thank you all!"
Mortigen says, "The meeting was very informative. I'm glad I came."
You say, "I'm wondering how many other GMs were watching in the shadows..."
Javers says, "Some things are better not to know"
Poppo asks, "Why's it always gotta be a gnome?"
Yonde exclaims, "thanks ... this was great!"
Helena says, "Yes it was."
Yonde asks, "chickens?"
Helena says, "I'm going to hide away and get some tea."
Helena says, "Nighty night, everyone."
Yonde says, "night"
Javers says, "Much tea"
Barola says, "If the chickens were going to eat a Tog mama those would be some chickens"
Javers says, "Warrior chickens"
Niaura says, "At least my pockets weren't cleaned out by the gm's in teh shadows"
Solomon exclaims, "Thanks for coming, ya'll!"

>>Helena says, "Another one just said " Brains, dedication, passion, teamwork, communication" and then added "Sanity""

Don't you mean INsanity?

<duck>

- Player of Niieth