Hiring GMs (Discussion)

Wiz · #1 11-13-2003, 07:23 PM

I'm just curious, but am I the only person running a server who actually puts some thought into who they recruit as a GM? Watching other servers' recruiting process, it seems to be based off the credentials of "Being able to use e-mail" or "Being able to make a forum post", or failing that, some kind of unverified GM experience merits.

GMs have a lot of power, and can screw up a lot for normal players who are just trying to enjoy the game. They can (and many will) abuse their powers for their own gain, twink their characters (in the case of legit), and similar things. I've heard a lot about issues with GM corruption on servers like the old GW.

I recruit GMs directly from the playerbase, but rather than open applications, I observe people and pick out the most creative, helpful and intelligent people I find around, and approach them about staff positions. After all, someone who has played a month on the server probably has more knowledge into its community and inner workings than someone who just made a forum post that said "Can I be GM? I know the commands."

I'm not saying every forum-recruited GM is a bad apple, but it seems a little naieve to me to accept "I will not abuse this huge amount of power at my disposal" at face value when you don't know anything about the person.

So anyways, what are your thoughts on this? Experiences with bad and good GMs? Share your opinion.

DeletedUser · #2 11-13-2003, 07:31 PM

You should start GM's at a apprentice level just like live where they have the ability to screw up very little, thats my plans for GW

Scorpious2k · #3 11-14-2003, 12:06 AM

On Scorpious2k we have a requirement that in order to become a GM you MUST have not only played on the server, but you also must level at least one character to a certain level or higher. This lets them get to know our server and lets us get to know them. So far, this has been a successful way to get us good GMs.

We also have a listserver which is for GMs only and lets us communicate among ourselves about important things going on and keeps us in touch giving the fact that we each have our own schedule (we have one GM in the Netherlands for example).

As for getting GMs off the forums... seems to me a way to ask for trouble and would only be useful for a server just starting up,IMO. Even then it should be done with caution, as in Images method of starting them out at a apprentice level.

Wiz · #4 11-14-2003, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scorpious2k

On Scorpious2k we have a requirement that in order to become a GM you MUST have not only played on the server, but you also must level at least one character to a certain level or higher. This lets them get to know our server and lets us get to know them. So far, this has been a successful way to get us good GMs.

We also have a listserver which is for GMs only and lets us communicate among ourselves about important things going on and keeps us in touch giving the fact that we each have our own schedule (we have one GM in the Netherlands for example).

As for getting GMs off the forums... seems to me a way to ask for trouble and would only be useful for a server just starting up,IMO. Even then it should be done with caution, as in Images method of starting them out at a apprentice level.

Do you have any qualifications beyond having that level, though? It wouldn't nearly filter out the potential abusers otherwise.

Scorpious2k · #5 11-14-2003, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiz

Do you have any qualifications beyond having that level, though? It wouldn't nearly filter out the potential abusers otherwise.

Hmmmmmm. How much to reveal. Not that it would give away internal procedures as much as what it would reveal about myself...

Technically... in writing that is basically it. The procedure is that once they have accomplished this, they are to PM me on our forum and ask. I decide whether they will or won't be a GM. If I have gotten to know them, I make the decision based on that and discussions with other GMs.

If I don't think I know them well enough, I get a concensis opinion from the GMs. Some of us have 2 signons, one GM, one non-GM which is also unknown to players on the server.

I may go in as an anonimous player or send in other GMs that way (or both) to observe the potential GM and get to know hiim/her. We can be sneaky

So, getting to the required level is no guarentee of becoming a GM, only the starting requirement. We are cautious about who is going to have that "power" and more so about how they will interact with the players. After all, if no one wants to play on your server, you might as well shut it down. We consider the players as the most important component of our server.

Merth · #6 11-14-2003, 05:55 AM

Well said - Server OPs: please choose your GM's wisely.

If you're a player on a server, please stop asking for GM status. It's not only annoying to the ServerOP, but it's the sign of a poorly run server if any Joe or Jane off the street can be a GM.

Shawn319 · #7 11-14-2003, 02:29 PM

Personally, I think the best way to pick a GM is to pick from the player-base. If you see a certian player alot and you can tell he really loves the server (joins all the activities, gives ideas, helps other players) then ask that person if he wants to be hired. That along with a hefty application, 18+ requirement (for most cases), starting off as an apprentice for at least a couple of weeks, and regular anonymous tracking/testing should pan out to a healty GM base.

I find the anonymous/invisable tracking to be the best method to weed out the good and bad gm's (from my experience as a ServerOP on several popular srerver).

On the other hand, you could just hire me and you'll never have to worry about any of this =)

Jong3503 · #8 11-15-2003, 01:05 AM

Bleh...the 18+ rule seems stupid to me.

I have been playing EQEmu for a while now, and have a notebook with all the commands. Whenever I handed out an item, I would wait till a Server OP was on, or tell them to send a petition in and wait for a server OP. I never abused my commands, I gave away alot of warnings, and when people continued, I wouldn't spaz out and ban them automatically, I would ask the other GM's what I should do.

In some cases the 18+ works, if you KNOW somone is going to abuse the commands, and not be helpful at all. (usually the ones who send in petitions to become a GM) From this post, you can not only tell what my age is, but you can't even tell if I am 18+ (though most likley I am or I wouldn't have done this post).

The only advantages of an 18+ GM is they have more play time, but thats about it.

-- Lunger/Seksee

Scorpious2k · #9 11-15-2003, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn319

Personally, I think the best way to pick a GM is to pick from the player-base. If you see a certian player alot and you can tell he really loves the server (joins all the activities, gives ideas, helps other players) then ask that person if he wants to be hired.

Which is the way we do it on Scorpious2k. Not everyone wants to be a GM, and I respect that. Sadly, I have found that these are the ones I wish were GMs.

Quote:

That along with a hefty application,

I'm not much of a bureaucrat. To me, forms and applications should be used very sparingly and that may even be too often.

Quote:

18+ requirement (for most cases),

Do you really care how old they are or how mature and responsible they are? I've always been amazed that the government thinks that a person who is 20 yrs, 11 months and 29 days old is to imature to drink... but the next day they are.

For me its an arbitrary requirement. If you have gotten to know the person, you know if they are responsible enough for the job. Age has nothing to do with it. A 27 yo may be too imature and a 12 year old might be your best GM.

Quote:

starting off as an apprentice for at least a couple of weeks,

This is a good idea. We don't do it because I feel if I don't trust them enough to start with full "power" I should reconsider giving them any. Should they end up shooting themselves in the foot, I can take it away as fast as I gave it.

Quote:

and regular anonymous tracking/testing should pan out to a healty GM base.

This is very important. Although if you have considered them carefully before you made them a GM, it serves mostly to let you discover and correct the fact you have made a mistake.

Quote:

I find the anonymous/invisable tracking to be the best method to weed out the good and bad gm's

Its an invaluable tool.

Quote:

On the other hand, you could just hire me and you'll never have to worry about any of this =)

Read our FAQ

a_Guest03 · #10 11-15-2003, 05:03 AM

When I was 16, I only understood the 18+ rule as a legal guideline for a job, so that a company can sue the employee, or hold them legally responsible for malintent. I also know that 90% of people 13-18 are going through major lifestyle changes, and can be more moody than they were at 10 and 20. 18+ sounds like a fair rule just based on the stability issue. They're less likely to wig out, and are less pliable by unstable youths with a power trip.

Both sides of the rule seem silly. You should go with your gut when you make the call. Honest, lovable people are usually that way from 3-100. Find someone with a good personality, minimal personal flaws that interfere with GM power/administration, and who has the time to commit. Avoid the guys who know all the commands... Just find someone with a good head on his/her shoulders, and teach him/her. You could also go with established GMs, like Shawn319 or others.

Take it slow when you recruit.