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As of currently, April 23, 2013, this page is a work in progress, and does not reflect current policy. Anything written here is subject to change for the time being. This message will be removed when this is no longer the case.
In order to govern and operate BDI and its peripheral channels on an ongoing basis, we have established several levels of staff positions. Some will bear visible status in the channel or on the forums for better recognition by players for support questions, help, or setting expertise. These guidelines are meant to better detail what is expected of each position, both for those that wish to contribute and those who seek assistance.


=Staff Positions=


There are a variety of positions and duties attached to those positions to govern and operate BDI on an ongoing basis. Some will bear visible status in the channel or on the forums, for better recognition by players for support questions, help, or setting expertise.
=Current Staff=


==Administrator==
* '''Administrators:''' [[User:Nymphetamine|Nemmiecakes (Margo)]]
* '''Staff:''' Shayde
* '''Storytellers:'''
* '''Reporters:'''
* '''Setting Nerds:''' Shayde


An Administrator is an Operator who has administrator rights to the various areas of the channel, site, semi-defunct mailing list, and bots. Administrators will be few and far between, and given access to various "back end" areas of the site and channel with the intention of maintenance and ensuring the smooth operation of all parts of BDI. As some of the admin passwords are shared, you must be trusted by the other Administrators and Director, and will need to spend a good deal of time as an Operator before becoming an Administrator. Due to the risk of unintentional corruption or damage by someone unskilled or uneducated in web design coding languages, etc, an Administrator must be knowledgeable in the following:
<br>
 
This list will be kept as up to date as possible.<ref name="current staff" />
* Content Management Software we use on the site:
** [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki]
** [http://www.wordpress.org/ Wordpress ]
** [http://www.phpbb.com/ phpBB]
* [http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/irctutorial.html Basic IRC commands & channel modes]
* [http://darkmyst.org/?page=services DarkMyst's services]
* [http://www.egghelp.org/commands/ Eggdrop commands]
 
Some understanding of web design principles and code will go a long way in tweaking the CSS, PHP, HTML and Javascript used on the site. Administrators should be comfortable working in these environments, or willing to learn and educate themselves. Scripting in Eggdrop TCL is always a massive plus.
 
Administrators should be able to work autonomously to fix minor or technical problems on the site or channel. Major changes to templates, site design, colour schemes, skins, etc must be decided on as a group, and should not be carried out without a consensus. All custom changes made to the hard code of the site must be documented in the case of an update breaking them. There is a thread on the administrator forums for this, and Administrators are expected to use it.
 
===Director===
 
This position is basically the same as an administrator, and holds all of the same access to all areas of the channel and site as an administrator. However, the Director will be responsible for guiding the growth of the channel, and the organization and delegation of other staff members. Subject to all of the same rules as a regular player and other members of staff, the Director should have leadership and communication skills, and a staunch dedication to the channel and its continuation as a whole. There should ultimately only be one person holding the position of Director at a time, to avoid conflict. It is the Director's responsibility to mediate staff disputes or problems as they arise, and to enforce staff rules when needed.
 
==Operator==
==Setting Nerd==
==Reporter==
==Storyteller==
==Volunteer==


=Common Goals=
=Common Goals=


Being a BDI Operator means you will improve on and uphold the common goals of the channel:
While many of our staff positions differ greatly from each other, each one shares the same goals. They are to:


* We will protect the channel and its patrons from attack, be it spammer, troll or malicious player.
* protect the channel and its patrons from any attack (ie, spammers, trolls, malicious players).
* We will strive to provide an environment that is welcoming to everyone who seeks it out, both in the IC and OOC channels, and we will ensure that this environment allows for everyone to have fun while gaming.
* provide an environment that is welcoming and fun to everyone who visits, both in and out of character, new and old alike.
* We will strive for a channel where the newbie may feel welcome, comfortable and assisted when learning to be a better roleplayer and we will provide resources for them to learn from.
* support newbies so that they can feel comfortable and educated about the setting.
* We will foster a sense of community within our channel by treating each member with respect.  
* foster a sense of community within the channel by acting with and encouraging respect for all members, no matter their contribution level.
* We will put our channel's future above pettiness and personal issues, and work together to see the channel and the art of FFRP flourish.
* place the channel's future above petty arguments and personal issues.
* We will not stymie the setting's growth with over protection, allowing some change to occur and will seek to encourage the development of our evolving world.
* encourage growth and change as well as the future development of our evolving world.


Operators who cannot uphold these guiding principles should not bear an @, and will be removed.
=Volunteer=


=Operator Authority and Voting=
Volunteers are BDI's weekend warriors; these are players that are generous with their time and commit to short term projects as needed. Volunteer projects are considered extracurricular and are not expected to meet deadlines. In the event a deadline is necessary, an operator will make this clear at the beginning of the project and work with the volunteer to determine a schedule that works.


All operators in BDI have equal say in how the channel is administered. All Ops get an equal channel vote, and no one operator should control the entire channel. All Ops will be accorded due respect by their peers. Disagreement is expected in many areas, but insults, flames, and personal likes/dislikes need to remain out of BDI Opness. We are all on the same team; we don't have to love each other, but we do have to ensure the channel's success. Taking personal offense to others not agreeing with your idea(s) in each and every way is unacceptable and cannot be a part of the Op process. In short, use common sense to realize that even good friends will not always agree on everything.
All volunteers are considered equal, unless a project requires a leader. If a volunteer needs to stop work on a project before completion, they should inform an operator so that the next best step can be determined.


=Operator Objectivity=
Volunteers should be creative, focused, communicative and team-oriented. Since many of our projects are so collaborative, it's important that a volunteer knows how to take constructive criticism. Please remember to be adaptable and even-tempered whenever possible.


Operators are expected to approach each situation brought before them with the utmost courtesy and objectivity. This means placing the good of players and the channel above personal feelings and the opinions you may have towards the parties involved.
=Reporter=


If an Operator cannot deal with an individual objectively, they need to politely pass them off to another operator, and/or refer them to the feedback@arangoth.org address. Repeated conflicts like this may be something for an Op to consider within themselves, and decide if resignation is best for themselves and the Inn.
Reporters work primarily on the Rumor Mill, which is an in-character tabloid posted on the forums. This role provides access to post on the Rumor Mill's behalf and communicate privately with other reporters to brainstorm and plan out the next issue.


Reporters should have strong writing skills, a good imagination and an eye for detail. They should be able to follow the guidelines and templates for the Rumor Mill, as well as adhere to a basic posting schedule of at least once a month, although greater frequency is of course appreciated. Because the Rumor Mill is based on in-character activities and breaking news stories, reporters need to be able to be proactive about finding (or inventing) and pursuing leads. Reporters are given a good deal of freedom regarding their articles, and do not need approval before sending an article to post.


=Operator Presence=
=Storyteller=


Operators are expected to be available when online to handle issues that may arise in the channel, be it spammers, GodPCs, or a general complaint. That said, all Ops should join #BDI*OOC while online and present so that they are easily found.
Storytellers are the Dungeon Masters of BDI and are allowed to run setting-wide story lines or events at their own discretion. Traditionally, storytellers are long-time members of the BDI community who are in good standing in the community and are trusted by the ops to adhere to basic, loose guidelines regarding their plans. They may act without supervision, but are required to keep in contact with the ops and other storytellers regarding the current events both in channel and on the forums.


Idle Operators are a standard dish on IRC, however to prevent people from feeling ignored, Operators should de-op themselves in BDI channels when they are going afk for any serious amount of time. Placing an informative away msg with email address is always a good idea as well.
A storyteller's job is a highly creative one. To be a good storyteller,<ref name="storytelling" /> you must be able to combine intense imagination with crisp setting knowledge, as well as the flexibility to adapt to the unexpected as players begin to contribute. The storyteller job is about providing an experience for the players, so the ability to place one's ego aside is a must. You should be a strong writer who can read comprehensively and have the time and focus to respond quickly. Teamwork is also essential to this position as the storytellers work closely with each other and the operators to keep events, channel topics and announcements current.


==Process For Removal==
=Setting Nerd=


Real life happens, and sometimes, this causes unexpected absences. This is entirely understandable, however, repeated failure to report a long, impending absence will result in removal from staff.  
Setting nerds are considered the "experts" of the BDI setting. Many have been here since the setting's creation, have contributed in large part, have spent hours poring over the website and setting notes to learn about it, or any combination of the three. If a setting nerd doesn't know something, they can tell you where to find it or, if it doesn't at all, help you figure out how to create it yourself.


===Disappearance===
Setting nerds are marked with a green name<ref name="setting_nerd" /> and staff title on the forums, and in the channel with a +voice symbol beside their nick so that they are easy to find. All positions are likely to consult with setting nerds because they are recognized and trusted authorities on the BDI-verse, so it's important that a person in this role be friendly, patient with random questions and able to communicate well.


Operators who fail to notify their colleagues about upcoming hiatuses, vacations, or simply chose to stop being present for any other reason for longer than two weeks will be removed, stripped of all responsibility, privileges and access to staff only areas. While some staff members may be given a chance to return to their position, this will be handled by a case by case basis.
They maintain a presence in the OOC room.


=Operator=


=Operator Only Areas=
Operators, or "ops", are given moderator access to all areas of the channel and site, including most of the forums, and are charged with the day to day maintenance and protection of the channel and website against spam, vandalism or other abuse. Operators are also responsible for upholding cohesion across all official BDI platforms.


The Grand Council mailing list is for Operator eyes ONLY. What transpires on that list remains on that list and between the Channel Ops. Intentional dissemination of any discussion on that list to third party channels or individuals will result in the -immediate- and permanent removal of the offender's @, and quite possibly will earn them a channel ban.
As the most visible representatives of the channel, ops are expected to be on good behavior at all times. This expectation exists not only within the BDI community, but extends elsewhere to the greater [http://www.darkmyst.org DarkMyst] community, such as in [http://www.rpg-hub.com/ #RPG-Hub] and the semi-annual [http://multiverse.rpg-hub.com/ DarkMyst Multiverse] event. Operators are also expected to participate in regular play.


The Fireside is an operator-only channel we have established to allow us a private place to talk in the event that an emergency arises, or a discussion among all present Ops needs to take place. This channel is very private, and its name is given only to the Ops. It is expected to be treated like the Grand Council list in that any discussion taking place within it remains in the confidence of the Channel Ops. No /invite or channel key is to be offered to any non-op.
Operators must be strong leaders and capable of clear communication. You must be patient, pro-active, team-oriented, and professional. Ops are the strongest representative of our community so it's critical that you always put your best foot forward, adhere to guidelines and work to further the spirit and legacy of BDI. Ops should also be willing and wanting to contribute in a 'whatever needs doing' fashion, and have a strong understanding of their chosen IRC client.


In order to act as an operator, a person must be willing to learn how to use the Eggdrop bots to handle weather and news changes, removing bans, adding to the RP experience, etc. Ops have rules of their own to follow, and it is important that you know them as well as you do the ones for the players.


=Operator Unity=
They maintain a presence in the two main channels, #BlkDragon*Inn and #BDI*Outside, as well as OOC room.


It is expected and desired that Operators have differing opinions on the matters that come before them. Deliberation, discussion, and compromise are the keys to resolving issues that come before the Ops. Once a decision has been made, voted on, and accepted, it is expected that all the Operators support it, enforce it, and work as a unit to see it through. Operators who selectively enforce the rules based on their approval of the rule or who the enforcement will affect, or do not enforce any rules will be removed.
=Administrator=


An Administrator is an Operator who has a higher level of access to the channel and all related platforms, including the "back end" areas of the site and channel with the intention of maintaining and ensuring the smooth operation of all parts of BDI. It is unlikely that a person will become an Administrator without spending a very long time first as an Operator.


=Operator Opinion=
Administrators should be familiar with [http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/irctutorial.html basic IRC commands & channel modes], [http://darkmyst.org/?page=services DarkMyst's network services], [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki MediaWiki], [http://www.wordpress.org/ Wordpress], [http://www.phpbb.com/ phpBB] and [http://www.egghelp.org/commands/ Eggdrop commands]. Also, some understanding of web design principles and code will go a long way in tweaking the CSS, PHP, HTML and Javascript used on the site. Administrators should be comfortable working in these environments, or willing to learn and educate themselves. Scripting in Eggdrop TCL is always a huge plus.


Being a channel op in a forum as large as BDI unfortunately places the demand on us to mind what we say, how we say it, where we say it, and who we say it to. Operators shit-talking other Ops or players in BDI's channels will be deopped. This is not meant as a censoring mechanism, but it is expected that those running the channel will have the courtesy to mind what they say to and about others playing in there. Furthermore, Operators are expected to use their heads when making comments; if it would not be said to someone to their face, then it might be better to leave it unsaid from the start.
Administrators should be able to work autonomously to fix minor or technical problems on the site or channel. Major changes to setting content or guides, templates, site design, color schemes, skins, etc. must be decided on as a group and should only be carried out after a consensus is reached. All custom changes made to the hard code of the site must be documented in the case of an update breaking them. Administrators are expected to use the forums to update and stay updated on the applicable threads. Access to the site's cPanel and FTP, and the shells on which the bots are hosted may still be restricted to their respective owners, ie: Kylus or Nymphetamine.




=Official Channels=
==Lead Admin==


BDI's 'official' channels are:
This position holds all of the same access to all areas of the channel and site as an Administrator, however the Lead Admin will be responsible for guiding the growth of the channel as well as and the organization and delegation of other staff members. Subject to all of the same rules as a regular player and other members of staff, the Lead Admin should have leadership and communication skills as well as a staunch dedication to the channel and its continuation as a whole. It is the Lead Admin's responsibility to mediate staff disputes or problems as they arise, and to enforce staff rules when needed. There will be only one Lead Admin at a time.
* #BlkDragon*Inn  - The main Inn
* #BlkDragon*Inn2 - The 'extension' channel (op presence not required)
* #BlkDragon*Arena - The battle arena, used for dice fights
* #BDI*Outside - The Innyard in front of the Inn, with the stables.
* #BDI*OOC - OOC Channel and Help area
* #BDI*Volunteers - Op & volunteer coordination channel, open
* The Fireside channel (BDI Ops only) - Name withheld


By Official, we mean that one or all of BDI's bots are present and monitoring those channels. In official channels, all policies apply. We are not responsible for the goings-on in channels that we take no credit for supporting. Subsequently, issues between Ops or between Ops and players occurring in other channels should be taken to that channel's administrivia, and not affect accessibility to BDI (in other words, if someone is being a jerk to you in #wearejerks, you cannot ban them in BDI). Additionally, many patrons go to offshoots of the Inn like "#bdi*room," "#bdi*pantry," etc. This is perfectly fine, but we do not monitor or enforce rules in these rooms. If there's a complaint, it is not in our jurisdiction to get involved.
<br>
<br>
<references>


<ref name="current staff"> Last updated: April 6, 2018. </ref>
<ref name="storytelling"> This information, while good for any storyteller, only applies to those players that have been recognized as an ongoing and regular storyteller. It does not preclude players from submitting their own story line for play via the [http://www.arangoth.org/submissions/plot/ Plot Submission] page. </ref>
<ref name="setting nerd"> As of this writing, September 2, 2014. </ref>


=Catch-All=
</references>


Operators are expected to follow the rules that govern the Inn and the 'normal' players in addition to all of these rules. Failure to do so will result in removal of one's @.


[[Category: Staff Documentation]]
[[Category: Staff Documentation]]

Latest revision as of 17:56, 10 October 2021

In order to govern and operate BDI and its peripheral channels on an ongoing basis, we have established several levels of staff positions. Some will bear visible status in the channel or on the forums for better recognition by players for support questions, help, or setting expertise. These guidelines are meant to better detail what is expected of each position, both for those that wish to contribute and those who seek assistance.


Current Staff

  • Administrators: Nemmiecakes (Margo)
  • Staff: Shayde
  • Storytellers:
  • Reporters:
  • Setting Nerds: Shayde


This list will be kept as up to date as possible.[1]

Common Goals

While many of our staff positions differ greatly from each other, each one shares the same goals. They are to:

  • protect the channel and its patrons from any attack (ie, spammers, trolls, malicious players).
  • provide an environment that is welcoming and fun to everyone who visits, both in and out of character, new and old alike.
  • support newbies so that they can feel comfortable and educated about the setting.
  • foster a sense of community within the channel by acting with and encouraging respect for all members, no matter their contribution level.
  • place the channel's future above petty arguments and personal issues.
  • encourage growth and change as well as the future development of our evolving world.

Volunteer

Volunteers are BDI's weekend warriors; these are players that are generous with their time and commit to short term projects as needed. Volunteer projects are considered extracurricular and are not expected to meet deadlines. In the event a deadline is necessary, an operator will make this clear at the beginning of the project and work with the volunteer to determine a schedule that works.

All volunteers are considered equal, unless a project requires a leader. If a volunteer needs to stop work on a project before completion, they should inform an operator so that the next best step can be determined.

Volunteers should be creative, focused, communicative and team-oriented. Since many of our projects are so collaborative, it's important that a volunteer knows how to take constructive criticism. Please remember to be adaptable and even-tempered whenever possible.

Reporter

Reporters work primarily on the Rumor Mill, which is an in-character tabloid posted on the forums. This role provides access to post on the Rumor Mill's behalf and communicate privately with other reporters to brainstorm and plan out the next issue.

Reporters should have strong writing skills, a good imagination and an eye for detail. They should be able to follow the guidelines and templates for the Rumor Mill, as well as adhere to a basic posting schedule of at least once a month, although greater frequency is of course appreciated. Because the Rumor Mill is based on in-character activities and breaking news stories, reporters need to be able to be proactive about finding (or inventing) and pursuing leads. Reporters are given a good deal of freedom regarding their articles, and do not need approval before sending an article to post.

Storyteller

Storytellers are the Dungeon Masters of BDI and are allowed to run setting-wide story lines or events at their own discretion. Traditionally, storytellers are long-time members of the BDI community who are in good standing in the community and are trusted by the ops to adhere to basic, loose guidelines regarding their plans. They may act without supervision, but are required to keep in contact with the ops and other storytellers regarding the current events both in channel and on the forums.

A storyteller's job is a highly creative one. To be a good storyteller,[2] you must be able to combine intense imagination with crisp setting knowledge, as well as the flexibility to adapt to the unexpected as players begin to contribute. The storyteller job is about providing an experience for the players, so the ability to place one's ego aside is a must. You should be a strong writer who can read comprehensively and have the time and focus to respond quickly. Teamwork is also essential to this position as the storytellers work closely with each other and the operators to keep events, channel topics and announcements current.

Setting Nerd

Setting nerds are considered the "experts" of the BDI setting. Many have been here since the setting's creation, have contributed in large part, have spent hours poring over the website and setting notes to learn about it, or any combination of the three. If a setting nerd doesn't know something, they can tell you where to find it or, if it doesn't at all, help you figure out how to create it yourself.

Setting nerds are marked with a green name[3] and staff title on the forums, and in the channel with a +voice symbol beside their nick so that they are easy to find. All positions are likely to consult with setting nerds because they are recognized and trusted authorities on the BDI-verse, so it's important that a person in this role be friendly, patient with random questions and able to communicate well.

They maintain a presence in the OOC room.

Operator

Operators, or "ops", are given moderator access to all areas of the channel and site, including most of the forums, and are charged with the day to day maintenance and protection of the channel and website against spam, vandalism or other abuse. Operators are also responsible for upholding cohesion across all official BDI platforms.

As the most visible representatives of the channel, ops are expected to be on good behavior at all times. This expectation exists not only within the BDI community, but extends elsewhere to the greater DarkMyst community, such as in #RPG-Hub and the semi-annual DarkMyst Multiverse event. Operators are also expected to participate in regular play.

Operators must be strong leaders and capable of clear communication. You must be patient, pro-active, team-oriented, and professional. Ops are the strongest representative of our community so it's critical that you always put your best foot forward, adhere to guidelines and work to further the spirit and legacy of BDI. Ops should also be willing and wanting to contribute in a 'whatever needs doing' fashion, and have a strong understanding of their chosen IRC client.

In order to act as an operator, a person must be willing to learn how to use the Eggdrop bots to handle weather and news changes, removing bans, adding to the RP experience, etc. Ops have rules of their own to follow, and it is important that you know them as well as you do the ones for the players.

They maintain a presence in the two main channels, #BlkDragon*Inn and #BDI*Outside, as well as OOC room.

Administrator

An Administrator is an Operator who has a higher level of access to the channel and all related platforms, including the "back end" areas of the site and channel with the intention of maintaining and ensuring the smooth operation of all parts of BDI. It is unlikely that a person will become an Administrator without spending a very long time first as an Operator.

Administrators should be familiar with basic IRC commands & channel modes, DarkMyst's network services, MediaWiki, Wordpress, phpBB and Eggdrop commands. Also, some understanding of web design principles and code will go a long way in tweaking the CSS, PHP, HTML and Javascript used on the site. Administrators should be comfortable working in these environments, or willing to learn and educate themselves. Scripting in Eggdrop TCL is always a huge plus.

Administrators should be able to work autonomously to fix minor or technical problems on the site or channel. Major changes to setting content or guides, templates, site design, color schemes, skins, etc. must be decided on as a group and should only be carried out after a consensus is reached. All custom changes made to the hard code of the site must be documented in the case of an update breaking them. Administrators are expected to use the forums to update and stay updated on the applicable threads. Access to the site's cPanel and FTP, and the shells on which the bots are hosted may still be restricted to their respective owners, ie: Kylus or Nymphetamine.


Lead Admin

This position holds all of the same access to all areas of the channel and site as an Administrator, however the Lead Admin will be responsible for guiding the growth of the channel as well as and the organization and delegation of other staff members. Subject to all of the same rules as a regular player and other members of staff, the Lead Admin should have leadership and communication skills as well as a staunch dedication to the channel and its continuation as a whole. It is the Lead Admin's responsibility to mediate staff disputes or problems as they arise, and to enforce staff rules when needed. There will be only one Lead Admin at a time.



  1. ↑ Last updated: April 6, 2018.
  2. ↑ This information, while good for any storyteller, only applies to those players that have been recognized as an ongoing and regular storyteller. It does not preclude players from submitting their own story line for play via the Plot Submission page.
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named setting_nerd

Cite error: <ref> tag with name "setting nerd" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.

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