ANNOUNCEMENT: Search Request Poll Results + Co-Mod Applications

[glencolans]

Hi again everyone! Thanks to all of you that responded to last week's impromptu announcement regarding search requests and game pacing. Your feedback has been really helpful in getting a sense of how people feel about the game as it is, and figuring out how to make sure that the game continues to be as successful as it has been in future. Based on the array of answers, I've decided to implement a little bit of all the proposed solutions that were voted on in different ways. I'll go into detail for each below.

POLL RESULTS

1. Double the OOC/IC time difference.

The majority of you agreed that a 1:6 IC/OOC day ratio should be implemented, at least temporarily. I will implement this change starting on IC Day 14 (June 23rd) and continue it for the next two months, or until such a time as I feel like the pace could pick up a little bit. I'll keep a pulse on things and we'll do another poll at the end of August, probably in conjunction with the end-of-month AC reminder. I'll work over the next few days to update the Calendar, FAQ, and other locations where IC dates are mentioned to reflect this change.

2. Simplify the search request mechanic.

This option did, admittedly, have a vague description, but I had enough feedback/votes for it that I think it's something I should put more effort into pursuing. I will continue using the General Search Results method to cut down on typing time and look for more excuses to utilize this mechanic, particularly with characters that are moving through already revealed parts of the map. Hopefully having a plot co-mod will help in figuring out how to streamline this process even further, if only to make their job easier. Speaking of co-mods...

3. Get some helper mods.

An overwhelming majority of you - 92% - at least mentioned that bringing more mods onto the team would be a good idea, and I agree! I'm going to open up two co-mod slots, one for each type suggested.

• General mod
  
  I'm opening this up to anyone in the game that is interested, or that has recommendations for people outside the game that I should reach out to. Duties would involve processing applications, AC, posting general announcements and TDMs, updating info posts, and answering questions on the FAQ when able. I would also like this person to be willing to help with things like streamlining/improving existing info post codes and other long-term projects that I just...haven't had time to start on or investigate further. Obviously not a critical part of the position, and I might end up doing those things myself if I get enough free time to do them, but having someone willing to help with that would be nice.
  
  To apply for this position yourself, or to recommend someone else inside or outside of the game, simply respond to this post with the person and the reason why you think you/your recommended person would be a good fit. I may follow up with additional questions. All comments to this post are screened, so we can keep these discussions private and no one feels pressured to vote for anyone specific based on existing recommendations or the like. I'll reach out to any especially promising candidates within one week, and hopefully I'll be able to announce a co-mod within one month (around when AC reminders happen in July).


• Plot mod
  
  I might have this position already filled by someone IRL, but in case that doesn't pan out, I am open to suggestions from all of you! "Plot mod" would involve things like directly answering search requests, updating maps, engaging in NPC interactions, and planning/posting game-wide plots. I would prefer that this be filled by someone that isn't currently in the game, or doesn't plan on joining the game. If you have a suggestion, feel free to post them and their contact info below, or have them reach out to the mod account directly. I'll hopefully have an answer for this position around the same time as the General Mod, although getting the Plot Mod up-to-speed and helping in a formal capacity may take slightly longer, for obvious reasons.

4. Everything is fine.

The general consensus for these votes was that, to avoid the pace from dragging to much, we should keep the 1:6 IC/OOC date ratio temporary and eventually revert back to a 1:3 schedule. I agree with this - the example that an entire OOC year would only be two IC months really brought that point home for me. To that end, I'll implement the expanded date ratio for the next two months and we can reassess as we go along.

5. Player suggestions.

All of the player suggestions for this vote were to do some combination of the above, so! I guess, in the end, I decided to implement choice 5 over everything else. Thank you again for all of your detailed suggestions and feedback!

CO-MOD APPLICATIONS

As mentioned above, I'm opening applications up for two co-mods - one "General Mod" and one "Plot Mod." If you have recommendations for either, or you would like to volunteer yourself, please respond to this post (all comments are screened) with your suggestion and qualifications, as well as contact info if needed. As a reminder, I would prefer that the Plot Mod position be filled by someone outside the game. I will reach out to any promising candidates within one week, and make a decision for both mod spots within one month.