Okay.

[Bougainvillea]

I've just seen that TheMatrix was promoted to staff, but I didn't see any kind of application opening or anything. Not saying I have a problem with the decision, becaue I really don't care. But I want to say somthing.

What I've gathered in my time here is that everyone gets an equal chance (if willing) to help with staff and VT in general. And that's if the other members who are part of the staff feel that they can be benificial to the team. Its been made clear, numerous times, that once in a while people here feel that its just because some of you are buddies.

And without the public notification of opportunities and openings, you just pick someone. Like that. I have a feeling there were applications for a reason. And I doubt anyone here appeciates the fact that now you're just choosing people. Its just that it feels like its being done out of friendship, instead of giving everyone a chance. Maybe I'm looking too hard into it, and maybe TheMatrix was obviously the most qualified and you just knew and chose him.

I would just like it, maybe others too, if there were formal announcements instead of some random person showing up as "hey guise let's keep this frendly okai?" Like he was promoted in some mafia run country club.

[CaptainObvious]

I regret if it appears that way, but as a general matter it's absolutely not the case. There are several reasons why we do not always use applications for new moderators. Regardless of that, to address the idea that people are promoted merely because of who their friends are, I can tell you that everyone who is brought up to be potentially promoted is considered fairly. Empirically, the vast majority of candidates are brought up by someone who would not be considered their close friend.

[Bougainvillea]

What I'm getting at though, is that the attitude that these random selections put off are not only being picked up by my nose alone. I mean, I didn't even see any kind of "After much consideration..." speech. Which kinda helps understand. I know VT is a website, but if you're going to make this big of a decision, the kind where it covers the community we have here under the same thin blue tarp, I think we would atleast appeciate being made aware.

[Scarface]

I really understand your concern and I appreciate that you took the time to make the thread. It means that you care enough about VT to make mention of an observation. Though to be honest, we hire people based on their ability, knowledge and potential.

We make all the moderator decisions based upon performance, not how close a person is with another. I do take your suggestion into consideration for having more applications, though recently, we've been able to find someone without using the applications. Though in the future, there definitely will be. Again I appreciate your concern and it's been taken heavily into consideration.

[Bougainvillea]

I certainly hope it has been. I just think that even choosing people out of the blue is... I don't know. I just think that the moderators and administration here as a whole is here to represent us. That's what makes VT, VT. The fact that we are all young, and keep control of our own community. And it just isn't right to make decisions without everyone's knowlege.

[Scarface]

I certainly hope it has been. I just think that even choosing people out of the blue is... I don't know. I just think that the moderators and administration here as a whole is here to represent us. That's what makes VT, VT. The fact that we are all young, and keep control of our own community. And it just isn't right to make decisions without everyone's knowlege.

Well I definitely do appreciate those points man. It shows passion and that's another part of the community that keeps it going.

Recently I can definitely see your point of view, as even though I'm not a regular faced member, I am still one. I may have a face that represents differently which I believe in confidence along with the decisions made by the senior staff and moderators, are made with integrity and the thought of the future.

Though the applications haven't been sent out recently, that doesn't mean that we don't look at past applications to consider candidates. Sometimes we do neglect to realize that the community is ever growing with fresh new people with more potential. Which is why I'm glad the members are expressing themselves through a thread like this. It definitely is a good thing in my eyes. It might be a topic of a concern, but it's something I highly respect. These people aren't chosen at random at all, they're discussed, and given the opportunity the same way they would through an application.

I'm not going to down applications because that's what makes people excited, that's what makes people push themselves. Though sometimes it's nice to see members posting without the motivation of an application and for them to show their compassion outside the box. There are both great candidates chosen through private selection or applications, though recently, we've had our candidates more at hand and diversely available. Though i do appreciate your concern, it has been seen and taken highly into mind during our next need.

[Bougainvillea]

Thank you.

I may not be liked much around here anymore, and I'm hardly around much these days but I think its important to point out what I'm thinking. And what I'm pretty sure a respective amout of people think. I don't want to see that change at all. And if it does, this place will mean absolutely nothing.

By random, I don't mean out of a hat. I think the applications are a great way to let people give a chance to express how they feel they could benefit. And a change, such as one that's been obviously mde, gives people the idea that "I guess there aren't applications, they don't need anyone and if they did I suppose its not going to be me". It had always been made clear to not give an application when there wasn't anything posted for them, and by doing so your application will be voided.

No matter how small, Ronnie, or no matter what you feel is not that big a deal its still a change that pertains to every member. One that we deserve to be made aware of.

[Sage]

Tim says (7:36 PM):
As much as I like you, Ron, I feel obligated to question recent judgments, here.
Ronnie says (7:36 PM):
Okay, talk to me.
Tim says (7:37 PM):
Why is TheMatrix a moderator now? He's overly-sensitive and immature, and no valuable member of the community can seriously respect him as an authority figure.
Ronnie says (7:38 PM):
I definitely can understand that man.
Tim says (7:38 PM):
That wasn't a rheotical question.
*Rhetorical, even.
Ronnie says (7:39 PM):
What I will say however, is that maturity can be fixed. And due to becoming a moderator that can and probably will come in time.
Tim says (7:40 PM):
But it shouldn't have to. You don't give someone with an anger management problem a gun and a badge and cross your fingers that being a cop will give them some sensibility.
Ronnie says (7:41 PM):
I'm fixing that issue Tim. I've already personally spoken to him about that issue.
Tim says (7:42 PM):
So have I, and the conversations I've had with him have shown that he's rather poor on character. That and he's made it clear to me that he's either had a second troll account or been an accomplice in such.
Ronnie says (7:43 PM):
I've actually taken the liberty of checking into that
Tim says (7:43 PM):
Uh-huh.
Tim says (7:45 PM):
Whatever. That's all I have to say on the matter for now.
Ronnie says (7:46 PM):
I appreciate it Tim.
Tim says (7:46 PM):
Right.


What I would be most concerned about is that someone with a recognized attitude and maturity problem is admitted into the staff while potential candidates without those flaws (of which I could name many on this forum) are not. If the people admitting new moderators can't even think very highly of them, how are the rest of us supposed to? I fully expect a lot of people share these sentiments, regardless of whether they are bold enough to post them or not.

[Bougainvillea]

I was trying to keep that in mind as I wrote what I did. But, you know how I'm a total pusscake. I personally don't like TheMatrix, but I tried to make it clear what I was getting at.

People who are most likely more qualified getting to say what they feel. I don't feel like personally bashing someone when it comes to all of us.

[Sage]

In my personal opinion, I don't see why applications should ever not be used, considering having someone approach you (the recruiter) and tell you about themselves will reap a lot more knowledge about the person than just analyzing them privately would.

[Scarface]

What I would be most concerned about is that someone with a recognized attitude and maturity problem is admitted into the staff while potential candidates without those flaws (of which I could name many on this forum) are not. If the people admitting new moderators can't even think very highly of them, how are the rest of us supposed to? I fully expect a lot of people share these sentiments, regardless of whether they are bold enough to post them or not.
I have very high confidence in Thematrix. Whether someone has a slight problem or a huge problem, they're considered. I could easily sit here and say you're not chosen because you have a lot of infractions, or your past makes you look like a douche, but it's not to say you haven't been considered. :P
I was trying to keep that in mind as I wrote what I did. But, you know how I'm a total pusscake. I personally don't like TheMatrix, but I tried to make it clear what I was getting at.

People who are most likely more qualified getting to say what they feel. I don't feel like personally bashing someone when it comes to all of us.
Let's not turn this into a bash fast. This thread has turned from why haven't applications been handed out, to "I don't like The Matrix" I was really hoping that no one would sit here and say that about someone who has yet been a moderator yet 24 hours, but it's the internet, people have the mindset of a 2 year old and expect people to be superman. But hey, it's all proven, in due time my friend. In due time.
In my personal opinion, I don't see why applications should ever not be used, considering having someone approach you (the recruiter) and tell you about themselves will reap a lot more knowledge about the person than just analyzing them privately would.

First of all, how can you even say how we analyze our candidates? And when in this thread have I said that applications weren't going to be used? Oh yeah that's right lolololololol never.

If anyone has more questions as to WHY this moderator has been hired, I suggest you PM me. As this thread wasn't created for the sole purpose to bash the reason or the purpose of why someone was hired because if that's what it's going to be, I'll lock this thread. If you want to talk about the ethics of VT, I'll gladly discuss that.

[Sage]

First of all, how can you even say how we analyze our candidates?
Well you don't just pick names out of a bloody hat now, do you?

And when in this thread have I said that applications weren't going to be used?
When did I say you said that? All I said was that, logically, you'd get better results with applications, and so there's no sense in using a system that both results in members losing respect for your authority and doesn't get a good enough look at the candidate anyway.

[Scarface]

Well you don't just pick names out of a bloody hat now, do you?
If you read my other posts, you clearly see that's not the case.


When did I say you said that? All I said was that, logically, you'd get better results with applications, and so there's no sense in using a system that both results in members losing respect for your authority and doesn't get a good enough look at the candidate anyway.

Technically speaking, I could say that, that was aimed at TheMatrix, because how come all of the sudden after a good 3 people have been hired this same exact way, then this young man is questioned. The diversity of the staff, is a wide variety. The decision made is and will be in confidence because the moderators chosen are looked into. Applications have been handed out within the past 4 months and they will be again. Though when there's quality people we firmly believe are on point, then we make the decision based on that.

[Maverick]

It doesn't make sense to do applications if the staff are set on a candidate they want. It would be pretty tasteless of them to get the VT community to waste time and work hard on an application when they already got an idea on the candidate they want.

Opprtunities will come and you will have a chance to apply.

[RockinRobyn]

I know im new and no one really knows me here but I dont think It really shouldnt matter how the staff chooses new staff members if they find someone they think is worthy enough for the position they will get the promotion its just like any other job if you boss thinks you are doing a good job they might promote you or give you a raise and I think thats the same case here if they dont see someone who could be a potential mod they will send out an application. And also we are all well most of us are teenagers here and we are all going to be immature at some point teenagers they arent perfect teenagers all have their dirty immature moments its a part of growing up and dont think a little immaturity should be a problem. If they are an obvious immature troll then yes but in this case I think its up to the current staff to decide on new staff members based on what they see and if they dont see someone they would send out an application :)

[Donkey]

From personal experience, I can tell you the administration do not make decisions based on friendship for potential moderators. :P I might have become a moderator a couple of years ago if that was the case.

[ShatteredWings]

^^ You also wouldn't have been banned

Honestly, this is not the first time staff has been handpicked rather than a call put out.
Hell, I just got a PM one day asking if I wanted to be a mod. No one bitched.

I have no comment on the secondary issue, but the fact that you're upset that he was modded without an announcement bothers me, you've been here long enough to know that's not unusual in any manner.

[AutoPlay]

I work on a few forums anyway, This kind of stuff happens all the time and i see NOTHING wrong with it. If the Admins/Staff see fit that someone in the community has earnt a higher place in it then fair is fair. Congratulations to him.

Ive read the user in question is TheMatrix. The guys a brilliant person to talk to. Hes pretty knowledgeable with Linux and has a fair amount of windows knowledge too. Hell be a great asset to the team :)

[Bougainvillea]

^^ You also wouldn't have been banned

Honestly, this is not the first time staff has been handpicked rather than a call put out.
Hell, I just got a PM one day asking if I wanted to be a mod. No one bitched.

I have no comment on the secondary issue, but the fact that you're upset that he was modded without an announcement bothers me, you've been here long enough to know that's not unusual in any manner.

The few times I've seen that happen was when people who used to be in staff were added again, like John and Michael.

Its not that big of a deal, like I've said. But I'm just saying its the attitude that's being put off. And I've heard someone express their opinion on this before. I know it isn't meant that way, but I just think that if someone is going to be put in an authoritive position over us, we should at least get to know who and why. Its only fair. Instead of someone who some feel not to be in good standing with the community, and just thrust out here.

Maybe I'm alone on my opinion with the applications. I feel stupid in a way, by making this.

[TheMatrix]

Please, let me explain....

I know that there are a lot of questions as to why I became a moderator, and I can see that some of my past behaviour is being questioned. I do, however, take this position here very seriously. And I will handle it professionally and to the best of my ability. I know my past may have hindered your opinion of me, but please, let my actions speak for me in the future.

Thanks.

[Origami]

Do not ask to be a staff member. Asking does not improve your chances of becoming one. Staff members are chosen by behavior, demonstrated maturity and trustworthiness, and knowledge pertaining to a particular forum and its subject. Openings may be posted, or an administrator may privately seek a potential candidate.
It's done because they can. They're administrators (and on the staff) for a reason. Simply trust their judgement and let it be. This is a web forum, not a damned government. If they start picking by friendship and fucking up the site, leave. If they run it smoothly and never post an application, let it be. If they do post applications, be a good kiddy and fluent while writing yours. If they don't, then simply act like a mod (without back seat modding) and you might be recognized.

Now smile, kiss each other's jolly pink asses, and let's move on. Kay? Kay.

[Kujiro]

Everyone should have their chance, regardless past behavior, everyone is here to learn and share, recover and grow together.
Admins and mods are ambassadors of the people.
I believe everyone here inclusive of mods and admins, past and present have had their fair share of doubts.

Actions do speak louder, as much as we put faith in our close ones.
It's not a time to question, but a time to embrace changes.
That's the first step to growing.
I am moderating forums with nexon and asiasoft, trust me it's not an easy task.

Does it mean you gonna disown your parents if the give you a brother prior to your consent?
Or fire you boss because he chose to promote another?

A little grace brings us much further.

Let's all look at the larger picture and let matrix and everyone do their magic.

Cheers