Hello Narfell,
I have played on this server for many, many years, and it is disappointing to see what it has become. I would like to see the server thrive once again, so I am stepping forward to do what I can to help.
1. Listing their relevant experience (community leadership roles, time spent in positions on Narfell or other online game servers/communities)
I have been playing NWN since the day it was released and Narfell since early 2005, so I know the game and this server very well.
I joined the Narfell dev team under Morikhan, as a map maker, in early 2007, and I created several maps for the server at that time. I am no longer part of the dev team, but I have continued to make unattached maps, creatures, etc. for DMs and players on request.
In real life, I have 30 years of teaching experience in a public elementary school (grades 3-5). I have been a union rep for my school site and a member of the union’s bargaining team for many years (including time spent as the bargaining chair).
2. Stance on how decisions would be made between admin team members and how community involvement would work
The process is pretty well spelled out in the original charter, and though there may be some tweaks on the specifics as we navigate this change, I think the decision process will be pretty straight forward.
The bottom line is that the community must be included in the major (and sometimes minor) server decisions. Not only will they be included, but what they say must be taken to heart and acted/voted on. Gone are the days when community input was taken and then simply ignored because admin didn’t like the feedback.
Community involvement would include discussion/debate threads, polls/surveys, player votes, town hall meetings, etc. Whatever method we decide to use, players will have plenty of opportunities to express their opinions and be heard.
I, as a player, will also participate in these discussions/debates. However, even if I disagree with a clear community majority on a given issue, I will vote (as a representative) with the community’s decision - that’s my job.
There will be full transparency on admin votes, so the community will see exactly how things are being done and admin will be held accountable. If admin isn’t doing their job, they can and should be voted out by the community.
The great thing about getting (and using) community input is that, if the decision ends up not working as anticipated, we can always go back and fix it with another vote.
3. Stance on staff member term limits
If a staff member is doing a good job in their position, I do not see a reason for term limits to be placed on them.
That said, there should be a system in place where staff is periodically confirmed by the community with a new vote (6 months/1 year). If they are not doing a good job, then they should be voted out by the community. This periodic vote would also allow other players an opportunity to take over a position if they (and the voters) feel they could do a better job.
4. Stance on how other teams are staffed (DMs, Devs, PGs, etc.)
Other team positions will be staffed by an application process and periodic community votes, as well. A job description for each position will be created, and any player who thinks that they are qualified is welcome to apply.
The application process should include a statement of qualifications by the interested player, community input/discussion/debate threads, Q&A sessions, etc. We want to make sure we get the right people in these roles and avoid all the drama and hurt feelings of a recall vote.
5. Stance on how recall votes should work
Despite this being “only a game,” a recall vote would be a pretty serious and time-consuming undertaking. It should only be used to remove someone after all other options have been exhausted. The only exception to this would be the immediate removal of someone for an egregious offense or abuse of their position. That too would be disclosed and voted on, if necessary.
That said, if someone is not meeting the expectations of the job description and/or the community, and they are unwilling/unable to improve, then they should be asked to step down. If they refuse to step down, then they will be subjected to a recall vote.
Before a vote is held, there will be a full disclosure of the reasons, public discussion/debate with the community, surveys, etc. In the end, the community will be asked to vote and the results will determine if the person is recalled or not.
6. Stance on admin team membership and other staff role exclusivity
I think it would be wise to try and keep most of the roles exclusive.
The only exception to this might be the dev team. If you are on the admin team, I don’t see a huge issue with you helping dev a better Narfell (if you have the time).
The other positions, however, should be exclusive. DM/admin overlap is one of the major problems with current Narfell, and we can do better.
Thank you for reading my application.
Bows - Fist to palm