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Lorekeeper -> On Recent Moderation (7/25/2022 15:23:41)
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Hello, everyone. Lorekeeper here, narrative designer for AdventureQuest.
In light of recent feedback about transparency, and as always with all due authorization, I would like to disclose details on recent moderation matters.
On the 22nd of July, discussion on a recurrent topic of game balance grew heated in the #aq-tavern channel of the official Discord server. Several members conducted themselves in an unconstructive manner that included attacking the character of another user rather than constructively criticizing their point. This is a topic in which disagreements are inevitable, and where differences of opinion lead to very welcome debate. However, the aforementioned conduct and egging users on with insults is a step too far, and I notified the channel that the server's rules on constructive posting mean that discussions should not be carried out in bad faith -- Such as misrepresenting or outright insulting users.
In the interests of closing the matter on a constructive note, I also provided (As I had priorly done with the same topic and context) an explanation of what the balance standards that inform item design and communication about items actually are — And why they cannot be discarded without a workload that would displace all other tasks for the foreseeable future.
This was the sum of my moderation on the matter, for the simple reason that I am extremely uncomfortable with the notion of having any sort of moderation power over criticism of my work. Beyond this point, the matter was relayed to the Discord moderation team to avoid any conflict of interest on my part as much as possible.
The resulting decision was to issue a temporary mute, with a moderator requesting that this be taken as a chance to reflect on the server's rules. There are proper channels for appeals, of course, and these were made known when reached out to.
However, one of the users proceeded to escalate instead. This user made a threat to 'make me regret it' should the decision not be reversed, and (This being key) requested that said threats be relayed to me. As per my obligations as staff, I relayed this development to my team lead and to the moderation team. This, and not any difference of opinion, resulted in the mute being escalated into a permanent ban from the official AE Discord.
It's perfectly fine to have criticism for someone's work. It's completely understandable to misunderstand a situation. However, nothing good will ever come of making threats. The situation is now being treated with the seriousness it merits.
At the risk of speaking above my station, I would chance the maxim that second chances are very important to this community. Second chances have led to friends, teammates, and essential learning. Sometimes, hitting a wall is an opportunity to realize one was going in the wrong direction. This is why I am not naming the user in question, and focusing on transparency over any meritless sense of retaliation, and ask that nobody go after them in any way.
The one thing I ask that folks take away from this is the lesson of being good to each other, never more importantly than when you don't want to, because there are lines that should not be crossed.
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