EdgeGamers Community “Ask Me Anything” Round 2

[DeerFat]

Serious replies only. Memes will be deleted.

If you say this then it does not mean "anything" smh my head shaking

Is EdgeGamers going to be supporting any Big games with servers (which support them) in the near future?

And about other current game groups, how will they be improving in this new year in ways that would make EdgeGamers even a bigger community compared to last year?

 

[JuVe913]

First of all, thanks for the replies.

Now to get on topic:

When can we stop promoting people to EC, a team (I cannot see this as a division or anything more, -with all the respect to the people that are joining it-) that might be making nice events, but as it seems/feels, most admins shortly disappear/step down after a tad bit? There are other teams that are rather empty and would really need reinforcements.

I am not sure I am able to answer this as it seems to be extremely specific to some feelings you have regarding something occurring in the events team in Counter-Strike. I would recommend you sit down with @santa and air some of your concerns with him and allow him to respond to you in a clear CS form.

PSA- I'll take this as an opportunity to say these are the types of discussions that need to happen more frequently instead of people stewing in their own thoughts and emotions on how EdgeGamers should function. Take some time to pull up with your Leadership and have a voice conversation with them. [Public Service Announcement Over]

What I'm trying to say is that the CS Division (and the ones that handle the promotions primarily in CS or EC), seem to have missed what's going on with CS as a community (We're at a point, that growth as a community, is a word long forgotten or at least it does feel like that for the past few months already).

Servers feel rather stale, as they lack the updates that are MUCH needed, to bring in some interest from the already existing playerbase, to come back and play on the servers, on a steady basis as it used to be back in 2019 and even better in 2020. For example in TTT, you would have an impressive amount of people on even on the EU prime hours, making it a very fun 24/7 server that people could join in and try new maps, or play with the friends etc.

Nowadays, it feels like there is little incentive for players to want to hop in the servers, since things seem to be stale and stuck at the same thing for quite a while already.

So in my opinion, bringing new Event creators (or even EC Managers ???), isn't going to solve the issues that are going on with the servers. and whoever thought we need more of them, is clearly missing the point with the issues that CS is facing. Let it be known that some people are treating EC as an easier way into Manager spots, so I am not sure what to comment on that..

CS is dying for a admin revamping project, cause it is not getting enough help as it is (we already have been losing admins and managers on a frequent basis), and it seems that there is not enough help given to it, to get back on its feet. (And I am not trying to be toxic or anything, its just my personal view of the servers/community for the past few months as it is) I am open to speak to santa whenever he feels like we should, but I am pretty sure our last discussion, he was rather misinformed in some of the more known matters (considering he was also a bit new to his manager spot at least), even though I believe that managers should be people that have a general idea of their games' playerbase, and what the overall status was with them. But I am keen to talk with him whenever he is available.

Considering the departure/step down of Custom, TTT and CS in a sense, feel like they are completely abandoned. TTT is empty about half day on the weekends (its even worse on weekdays), with more and more of the older admins stepping down along with everything. Is there any real plan on the horizon about reviving CS or what's the conclusion with the CS Division? I wanted to ask about what's the situation with Managers and stuff, but it's been asked above.

Read above where I spoke to the progress in Counter-Strike and current progress with the Leadership team. I'll say this though, I don't think that a "revival" of CS needs to occur. What is with everyone always saying things are dying. We've been here for 15 years and I don't think we're going to die any time soon.

PS: I prefer Jail over TTT.

And I can understand what you're trying to say with your last sentence, but numbers and growth rate percentages at different timezones do not really seem like it, but I hope this will all be a bad phase for CS that ends soon.

PS: You should come by TTT, and you'll change your opinion soon enough, heh!

 

[bakr]

I don’t think I’ve ever “beaten around the bush” as you say in the previous thread, so I’m sure you’re not going to need to worry about that.

What I will need is some more clarity what you’re specifically looking for. That thread in particular went in three different directions and frankly I’m not sure what specifically you want me to address. Give me some better direction and I’d be happy to answer.

The original post that Lunar (at the time Hero) made included the idea of adding a pop up message to new players about our rules or updates on rules on sever (for those regulars that are server only and don't bother with the forums). Another good idea from that thread was to make the ruleset across all servers more accessible via a tab in the taskbar (most likely next to the about section) instead of the rulesets being buried where only those that view the forums regularly could find them. Basically, just cater to those that aren't active on the forums so when they are guided by our admins to "read the rules" they at least know where to find them.

I would also suggest taking another look at the LE discussion that was made about this (I believe Jeff brought it up and this topic was revived there). Sorry to say but I used "beat around the bush" because an actual answer or a reply that would help give an idea of the direction it is heading wasn't happening after trying to keep the now 2 month old thread I linked alive and wasn't being specifically answered. The only "answer" we got was:

We are working on a solution.

One of the solutions is admins will have their in-game permissions disabled until they sign-off on any rule changes on forums.

I guess there is a way to force people to read the forums after all.

That thread specifically fell into drama induced comments after the first couple responses from those that play the servers. The responses from higher leadership gave no clear indication of a solution with instead back-handed statements as responses to replies that felt targeted and offensive (refer to the entire thread comments included), and that was the only "productive" answer from higher leadership. Not trying to take shots at you guys but this is what I mean by "beating around the bush." The original idea got ignored (not addressed other than by those that actively play the server and gave their opinion on the matter) and other outcomes came of it.

 

[Legend]

I've noticed recently that members feel as though reporting certain players who hold a higher position in the community find it useless, as they think these players will get a pass for poor behaviour. Is this something that leaders are concerned about? What can be done to eradicate this notion?

Leaders aren't exempt from the rules and should be the model of our Code of Conduct. That also includes server specific rules from TTT, Jail, Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto etc. As you are from Grand Theft Auto, I will tailor fit my response to address that specifically, but the basis of what I am saying is the same no matter what game we could be discussing.

Anyone who plays on our servers is held by the Code of Conduct and server rules, regardless of rank. Not only are they expected to follow them they are also subject to the same discipline that may come out of a rule infraction. In Grand Theft Auto specifically, Sr. Managers as well as Managers have already been issued discipline for their infractions in roleplay to this point. Player reports are handled from a non-bias standpoint and a third party is always assigned to address the issue. Especially with roleplay oriented infractions involving leaders, multiple levels from Sr Manager to Community Manager have eyes on the situation to ensure it is handled responsibly. I can't recall a time where a report was made and a resolution wasn't found on it.

Player reports are confidential and handled with care. Members should feel able to present concerns regardless of who they are or the standing they have. Our Chain of Command always allows players an avenue to be heard. They need to take advantage of those paths to ensure their experience is never compromised and are always offered the best gaming experience possible.

TLDR: If you have a concern bring it forward. All concerns are handled by a responsible level of leadership dependent on the situation.

 

[Hero]

What is your idea on pushing out new general rules (Code of Conduct) out to newer players, I know still that many players don't understand our new policies that have been discussed privately and it's hard for them new figure out without being so involved in the community when all they want is to play on our servers.

A large majority still does not learn the rules immediately before playing, even @stevi has never read the rules by doing !rules because of no one paying attention and jumping right in(I saw this while doing !showrules to a player), not understanding how our servers and code of conduct work.

Also, for complicated servers that no one may understand, I said this around 1 year ago but it would be great if eGO made guides for certain servers explaining the rules and gameplay. As well as other basic commands. Not only would this hopefully make the server much more engaging for newer players but we would also be able to recieve more feedback on our servers.

Continuing from the last paragraph, I'm talking about servers like TTT and JB which are hard to learn quickly, making new players frustrated if they've never played the game-modes before.

In some TF2 servers, they have a starting pop up as soon as you enter the game, before even selecting a character. Our servers have that, and regularly people just skip by. In fact, in CS:GO, TF2, OW, and many other divisions. Our rules are not shown enough for others.

I'm not saying that me smudge everyones face with a 6 paragraph note containing all the rules, I think we should just advertise the rules much more so people can be reassured during situations. I still get constantly confused with many of the constantly updating rules which barely get any public discussion. (e.g JailBreak.)

 

[Legend]

How to be a better leader pls legend

Most people think that being a leader is taking on as many responsibilities or projects possible and being the jack of all trades that someone can rely on. That doesn't make you a good leader. It makes you a good grunt worker that just gets things done. Know what you're good at and also know what those around you are good at. Be the voice that helps get things done not only through your own actions but drives other people to do great things themselves as well.

Additionally, I would say to never hesitate to provide feedback or your thoughts on how things can be done. Closed mouths don't get fed. I frequently see extremely capable people want to earn a position of leadership in this community, but they only take the opportunity to share things out when it's almost too late. What I mean by that is they wait till the last minute when a problem or issue is well developed and typically complain that nothing has been done to this point. I'd expect that capable person to step up and be proactive recommending action before it even develops as an issue or a problem. I guess it's the difference between being a keyboard warrior that expects everyone to fix it to their liking versus being a voice that comes to the table early on with a solution already figured out.

Thats my perspective. Hopefully it helps.

 

[Luna]

Honestly I'm just curious about this one. I think it's important to recognize when mistakes are made and learn from them.

What would you say are some mistakes that were made last year and how did we learn from them?

Follow-up question: What is, in your opinion, the biggest mistake Edgegamers has ever made?

 

[Skle]

A bit of a random one: What's the story behind this award?

 

[Wavie]

Since a lot of the mangers have been stepping down and leaving the cs:go community I just have one question. When will you be stepping down and why????

 

[bakr]

The original post that Lunar (at the time Hero) made included the idea of adding a pop up message to new players about our rules or updates on rules on sever (for those regulars that are server only and don't bother with the forums). Another good idea from that thread was to make the ruleset across all servers more accessible via a tab in the taskbar (most likely next to the about section) instead of the rulesets being buried where only those that view the forums regularly could find them. Basically, just cater to those that aren't active on the forums so when they are guided by our admins to "read the rules" they at least know where to find them.

I would also suggest taking another look at the LE discussion that was made about this (I believe Jeff brought it up and this topic was revived there). Sorry to say but I used "beat around the bush" because an actual answer or a reply that would help give an idea of the direction it is heading wasn't happening after trying to keep the now 2 month old thread I linked alive and wasn't being specifically answered. The only "answer" we got was:


That thread specifically fell into drama induced comments after the first couple responses from those that play the servers. The responses from higher leadership gave no clear indication of a solution with instead back-handed statements as responses to replies that felt targeted and offensive (refer to the entire thread comments included), and that was the only "productive" answer from higher leadership. Not trying to take shots at you guys but this is what I mean by "beating around the bush." The original idea got ignored (not addressed other than by those that actively play the server and gave their opinion on the matter) and other outcomes came of it.

Legend

Ig I'll just wait for the next time this conversation is brought back up seeing as it's been a week with no response. Even a simple "We do not have an answer for this" or "We are currently discussing this" could've sufficed. The bush has been beaten once again and will probably happen again in the future.

Just a lil bit of disrespect in that one. Sorry not sorry. See you in the next thread with the same suggestion.

 

[Wavie]

Since a lot of the mangers have been stepping down and leaving the cs:go community I just have one question. When will you be stepping down and why????

as a follow up question Legend when will you be responding to these questions, will I need to set some time aside maybe a week or so out?

 

[Arbiter]

When I began my leadership tenure I was told the board of directors (Council) was heavily involved in the balance of keeping the executive level individuals in check and ensuring consistent progress in EdgeGamers. Since clearly this was either A: not true or B: stopped happening, who is ensuring that Executives are acting in the best interest of the community?

 

[Artimus]

When I began my leadership tenure I was told the board of directors (Council) was heavily involved in the balance of keeping the executive level individuals in check and ensuring consistent progress in EdgeGamers. Since clearly this was either A: not true or B: stopped happening, who is ensuring that Executives are acting in the best interest of the community?

This might seem to you to be untrue or not happening because you aren't in the loop. The 3 member board stays abreast of all things eGO and I can assure you that I have full faith the executives are working in the best interest of eGO.

 

[Architect of Life]

This might seem to you to be untrue or not happening because you aren't in the loop. The 3 member board stays abreast of all things eGO and I can assure you that I have full faith the executives are working in the best interest of eGO.

If the board is intended to keep executives in check, what keeps the board in check?

 

[Artimus]

If the board is intended to keep executives in check, what keeps the board in check?

Wisdom and 16 years of experience.

 

[kuantum]

Wisdom and 16 years of experience.

What I'd like to know what are the guidelines to consider if an Executive isn't acting in the interest of the community. Is there certain quotas one has to meet as an executive? Where's the line drawn?

 

[Artimus]

Sorry to have hijacked Legend's thread. I'm sure he'll weigh in, as he has defined the roll of each leadership position. Quotas aren't needed.

 

[Legend]

Is EdgeGamers going to be supporting any Big games with servers (which support them) in the near future?

And about other current game groups, how will they be improving in this new year in ways that would make EdgeGamers even a bigger community compared to last year?

You will see this years focus being on how we can make our existing games and servers that much better. Building strong teams aligned to the mission to provide members the best experience possible. New games require attention from our Tech team that can best have their time allocated towards the development of our current servers and systems. There's a lot of lingering projects that we need to finish up and close down the opportunity for them to get distracted by throwing them more on their plate. In focusing on our current servers, and what we are offering now, it will assist us in what you said "being an even bigger community compared to last year."

PS:
"Game group" is literally the worst thing every created by someone in this community. Whoever came up with calling things "game groups" needs to be dropped in a dessert somewhere.

 

[Luna]

"Game group" is literally the worst thing every created by someone in this community. Whoever came up with calling things "game groups" needs to be dropped in a dessert somewhere.

Desert*

Unless you want someone dropped into a pool filled with Jell-O

 

[Legend]

Desert*

Unless you want someone dropped into a pool filled with Jell-O

Pudding.