Post-Survey Announcement
Aug 3, 2015 20:57:16 GMT -5
.masquerade., Clemintine, and 15 more like this
Post by Midnight on Aug 3, 2015 20:57:16 GMT -5
I'd like to start by thanking those of you who put time and effort into giving us your honest opinions and suggestions in the survey. The answers we received were eye-opening and helpful, so I really do appreciate it.
Here's a little shameless advertising: vote for us here and this is an open thread raffle - post an open thread that has 5+ replies, get a ticket, maybe earn some leaves!
Alright, down to business. I think the biggest, and most important, change we're making to the forum is the new application code (an asterisk means that the piece is required). Keep in mind that some of these descriptions are subject to change so there isn't as much reading to do:
*Proof of Purchase: Is this a free character? If so, state it here. If this character was adopted or purchased, please post the appropriate link to the adoption thread or the purchase thread here.
*Link to Litter: This is only required for characters who will be/were born in-character. This will most likely be different than the adoption thread, and it will be located in the "Litter Requests" board.
*Name: Please remember that we only accept canon prefixes and suffixes.
Name reason: Why was your cat given their name?
*Location of Birth: Was your cat born in their Clan? Maybe they were born in the twolegplace?
*Age: How old is your cat? In moons, please.
*Sex: What is your cat's sex? Remember, this is based on their biological parts.
*Gender: What gender does your cat identify as?
Sexuality: Is your cat heterosexual, homosexual, maybe asexual?
*Skills: Will your cat be an excellent hunter, or maybe a powerful fighter? Please DO NOT put a lengthy paragraph - all we need is a simple list.
Future: Do you have something planned out for your cat's future?
*Fur color and markings: Is your cat a ginger tabby with white paws? Talk about it here!
*Fur length: How long is your cat's fur? Short, medium, long?
*Body size: Is your character small, average, or large? Please limit it to one of these three terms. Maybe your cat is also muscular or lithe? This is the place to describe that as well.
*Eye color: Unless you've purchased it, any non-white cat should have green, golden, or amber eyes. White cats may have blue eyes.
Overall appearance: If you'd like to be in-depth about your character's appearance, or put a photo, you may do so here.
*Personality paragraph: Describe all of your character's personality traits here. Why do they act this way? In what situations do these traits show up?
*Trait lists:
*+ All positive traits in a list here.
*- All negative traits in a list here.
*: All neutral traits in a list here.
Likes: If you do these, please do "dislikes" as well.
Dislikes: If you do these, please do "likes" as well.
Fears:
Goals: Does your cat have any goals?
History: This is optional. Talk about your character's history here. DO NOT give history cats names UNLESS you plan on adopting them out or playing them yourself. It takes away names from other members. High positions (whether auditions or those already holding the position) are REQUIRED to have a history.
As you can see, it goes a little more in-depth with the basics, it breaks down the appearance into different pieces, and does not require a specific word count for appearance, personality, or history.
While it may look longer and more annoying at first, it's basically everything you've already been putting into the application, only divided into a few more sections. For example, we have taken out the requirement of a character history (at least for non-high position characters, and you only have to worry about that if you're auditioning or have for-sure received the position) and instead put a piece into "basics" for "location of birth". This helps to eliminate the necessity for history, as we can make sure that cats weren't born as loners/rogues/kittypets and are joining a Clan that isn't accepting outsiders.
However, this does make things a bit more difficult, as it allows members to create histories that would not be allowed on AWRP. As such, if you are seen boasting a history that would not be acceptable (such as rape, kits being left alone for longer than 12 hours, etc.) we will PM you and ask you to edit the affected RP posts. Please do not make our jobs more difficult.
With the application code change comes a litter code change as well. The only change in the litter code is the addition of a specific "Markings" section, as many people were putting markings and such all over the place. This keeps things a little more organized and helps the staff roll litters more efficiently.
We received a lot of complaints about staff being rude, extremely harsh, etc. As a team, we are trying to pull together to give you all a better experience on AWRP. Those of us who have looked back on our words and actions are doing our best to be more polite to members. However, we are human, so please don't expect perfection.
In the department of applications, we are trying to work out a system that will work for everyone. Several survey takers complimented us on being fast to check applications, while others complained that we were slow. This was further complicated by comments on our application-checking being disorganized; staff often override each other, have differing opinions, and they all check different things (as an example, some staff members require people to add in fur length, while others don't pay attention to that). While we have set up a list to help keep everyone in check on what they're supposed to be looking for (the new application code will help a lot with this, I think), our issue is deciding on whether or not we should set up some system to keep application-checking more organized.
Allow me to explain further: We have an issue with staff overriding each other in applications, yes (several people posting on one app, etc.)? We're trying to decide whether or not we should set a sort of "time limit" for one staff member before another can step in and check the application in question. Many of us feel that this would entirely slow down the process, and it isn't a guaranteed way of making sure no one is overridden. At the moment, this whole thing is a work-in-progress (feel free to post with or message me suggestions), and we're hoping that having an "application check list" will hold off this issue for a little while.
Instead of 9 free cats per Clan and outside group, every new member will receive 10 free cats to place wherever they choose, including StarClan and the Dark Forest.
When the main chatbox returns, we will be revising some of the rules and making others clearer. For example, rather than banning political and religious talk altogether, we will allow it so long as the atmosphere remains civil and mature (defined here as there not being insults thrown around, etc.).
Staff and non-staff alike have some clean-up to do on the subject of actual roleplaying, it seems. We received a lot of complaints about members taking a long time to reply to threads (one detail pointed out often was that people would be seen in the cboxes instead of replying to threads, and this hurts feelings and agitates members. While it's understandable that many of you love chatting, this is part of the reason why we're experimenting the removal of the chatboxes. Of course, you can't be/aren't expected to be roleplaying all of the time.). While that alone isn't really anything that's changeable, due to everyone having differing schedules and amounts of time they can be on here, there are a few specific things that I think might help a little bit...
1. Use bookmarks. Everyone's always talking about the Participated button, but I think a huge issue here is that threads eventually drop off the Participated button, and then they're forgotten about. Try using ProBoards' built-in bookmark feature: prntscr.com/80jyjc. Here's what the menu itself looks like: prntscr.com/80jytn. Keep threads bookmarked while they're ongoing, and then remove the bookmarks when they're finished! I've found this to be a very useful way of keeping track of threads, much more so than the Participated button.
2. PM someone and let them know when you don't have muse or time for your thread together. I'm sure they'll understand, and it's better than leaving them wondering why they're not receiving any sort of response from you when you're replying to other threads.
3. If you're bored, make open threads! They're an easy way for new members to hop in, especially since newer members often find it intimidating to join plots. You never know how many friends you might make or how much you might develop your character with open threads! They can be just as fun as plot-related threads, trust me. c;
4. Encourage new members to join in on your plots. If the new member disappears, then you can find someone else to play that cat, or find another already-made cat who can fit the position. In the grand scheme of things, these plots aren't the biggest thing on the forum (at least, individually). They're not high positions, they don't need constant attention, and the majority of them hardly affect even a single Clan, let alone all six. Why not make some plots especially geared toward helping new members get started and make some friends?
On the final note of plots, we're looking for suggestions for a new forum-wide plot. It won't be happening anytime soon, but I want to collect some ideas so we're not plot-less when the Dark Forest thing ends. Click here to suggest a main plot for the future!
Many people in the survey commented that they do not participate in contests, whether it was because they don't like the ones we normally have (which are usually writing, art, or advertising), they don't like the prizes, they don't know the contest existed, or they're simply not the kind of person that enjoys contests.
As such, we are accepting contest and prize suggestions. We will also be announcing all new contests in the news box to help drum up contestants.
We received some comments about how things in the store are too expensive, and then others saying that, upon reaching a certain point, the store is lackluster because there's nothing to work towards past $20,000. We're hoping that as we get more store suggestions (read on to learn about the new thread + system for that), we'll be able to even things out more. We'd like to add some extremely expensive items for those who have a ton of money, and we'd like to add more cheap items for newer members.
Donations will no longer be allowed. We know that some of you love giving gifts to new members, and while we like to encourage generosity, we cannot allow it with some of the things that are for purchase in the store. You may still split the costs for purchases such as "Close bond" or personal sub-boards, but you cannot simply purchase something for a new member. This also means that you can't split the cost on something that you can't share with another member, such as a new character.
If you haven't seen it yet, we have a new store suggestions thread with a fresh system. Every suggestion is added to the list and discussed with a poll on the staff board.
Here's a list of things that we've worked out and will be adding to the store so far:
Blue eyes on non-white cats: This is the only thing I would budge on. I will not allow red/purple/rainbow eyes, nor will I allow unrealistic pelts or pelt markings. This is honestly as far as I will bend. Luckily, many staff members agreed that this would be good enough, so you guys can take it or leave it. It will cost $20,000 in the store. Any rolled kittens that receive this will also cost $20,000, or their eye color will default to the other parent's.
Multi-fathered litters: I always thought this was a really cool idea (thank you, Dyzzie), but it's taken me months to remember to discuss it with the staff and such. With this, you will be able to add a second father to your litter request (who must be played unless you purchase an NPC father as well), and the kits in the litter will have their appearances/builds/etc. split between two fathers. Some kits will be genetically Father #1's, while others will genetically be Father #2's. Please note that not every litter will have both fathers. This is a bit of a gamble due to random.org, and there will be no refunds, so please purchase at your own risk. This will cost $5,000.
Adding a marking to a kit: This allows you to add a marking to a kit in a litter. At least one parent must have this marking, and of course it is a post-roll purchase. This will cost $500 and I don't remember who it's credit to.
Sub-sub-boards for personal sub-boards: This isn't actually being added to the store. It is, however, being added to the descriptions of personal sub-boards. You may request these for free in the staff request board once you've purchased the sub-board. This idea is thanks to Lionhearted.
We are discussing the possibility of adding in a board that allows members to roleplay anything unrelated to Warriors (Harry Potter, Homestuck, whatever). Many of us feel that it would help keep members coming back and generate some muse, but several of us also feel that it may take away from the focus of the forum too much. As such, this is still under heavy debate. Don't get your hopes up, but don't cross it out completely, either.
Here's a little shameless advertising: vote for us here and this is an open thread raffle - post an open thread that has 5+ replies, get a ticket, maybe earn some leaves!
Codes
Alright, down to business. I think the biggest, and most important, change we're making to the forum is the new application code (an asterisk means that the piece is required). Keep in mind that some of these descriptions are subject to change so there isn't as much reading to do:
The Basics
*Proof of Purchase: Is this a free character? If so, state it here. If this character was adopted or purchased, please post the appropriate link to the adoption thread or the purchase thread here.
*Link to Litter: This is only required for characters who will be/were born in-character. This will most likely be different than the adoption thread, and it will be located in the "Litter Requests" board.
*Name: Please remember that we only accept canon prefixes and suffixes.
Name reason: Why was your cat given their name?
*Location of Birth: Was your cat born in their Clan? Maybe they were born in the twolegplace?
*Age: How old is your cat? In moons, please.
*Sex: What is your cat's sex? Remember, this is based on their biological parts.
*Gender: What gender does your cat identify as?
Sexuality: Is your cat heterosexual, homosexual, maybe asexual?
*Skills: Will your cat be an excellent hunter, or maybe a powerful fighter? Please DO NOT put a lengthy paragraph - all we need is a simple list.
Future: Do you have something planned out for your cat's future?
Appearance
*Fur color and markings: Is your cat a ginger tabby with white paws? Talk about it here!
*Fur length: How long is your cat's fur? Short, medium, long?
*Body size: Is your character small, average, or large? Please limit it to one of these three terms. Maybe your cat is also muscular or lithe? This is the place to describe that as well.
*Eye color: Unless you've purchased it, any non-white cat should have green, golden, or amber eyes. White cats may have blue eyes.
Overall appearance: If you'd like to be in-depth about your character's appearance, or put a photo, you may do so here.
Personality
*Personality paragraph: Describe all of your character's personality traits here. Why do they act this way? In what situations do these traits show up?
*Trait lists:
*+ All positive traits in a list here.
*- All negative traits in a list here.
*: All neutral traits in a list here.
Likes: If you do these, please do "dislikes" as well.
Dislikes: If you do these, please do "likes" as well.
Fears:
Goals: Does your cat have any goals?
History
History: This is optional. Talk about your character's history here. DO NOT give history cats names UNLESS you plan on adopting them out or playing them yourself. It takes away names from other members. High positions (whether auditions or those already holding the position) are REQUIRED to have a history.
As you can see, it goes a little more in-depth with the basics, it breaks down the appearance into different pieces, and does not require a specific word count for appearance, personality, or history.
While it may look longer and more annoying at first, it's basically everything you've already been putting into the application, only divided into a few more sections. For example, we have taken out the requirement of a character history (at least for non-high position characters, and you only have to worry about that if you're auditioning or have for-sure received the position) and instead put a piece into "basics" for "location of birth". This helps to eliminate the necessity for history, as we can make sure that cats weren't born as loners/rogues/kittypets and are joining a Clan that isn't accepting outsiders.
However, this does make things a bit more difficult, as it allows members to create histories that would not be allowed on AWRP. As such, if you are seen boasting a history that would not be acceptable (such as rape, kits being left alone for longer than 12 hours, etc.) we will PM you and ask you to edit the affected RP posts. Please do not make our jobs more difficult.
With the application code change comes a litter code change as well. The only change in the litter code is the addition of a specific "Markings" section, as many people were putting markings and such all over the place. This keeps things a little more organized and helps the staff roll litters more efficiently.
Staff
We received a lot of complaints about staff being rude, extremely harsh, etc. As a team, we are trying to pull together to give you all a better experience on AWRP. Those of us who have looked back on our words and actions are doing our best to be more polite to members. However, we are human, so please don't expect perfection.
In the department of applications, we are trying to work out a system that will work for everyone. Several survey takers complimented us on being fast to check applications, while others complained that we were slow. This was further complicated by comments on our application-checking being disorganized; staff often override each other, have differing opinions, and they all check different things (as an example, some staff members require people to add in fur length, while others don't pay attention to that). While we have set up a list to help keep everyone in check on what they're supposed to be looking for (the new application code will help a lot with this, I think), our issue is deciding on whether or not we should set up some system to keep application-checking more organized.
Allow me to explain further: We have an issue with staff overriding each other in applications, yes (several people posting on one app, etc.)? We're trying to decide whether or not we should set a sort of "time limit" for one staff member before another can step in and check the application in question. Many of us feel that this would entirely slow down the process, and it isn't a guaranteed way of making sure no one is overridden. At the moment, this whole thing is a work-in-progress (feel free to post with or message me suggestions), and we're hoping that having an "application check list" will hold off this issue for a little while.
Rules
Instead of 9 free cats per Clan and outside group, every new member will receive 10 free cats to place wherever they choose, including StarClan and the Dark Forest.
When the main chatbox returns, we will be revising some of the rules and making others clearer. For example, rather than banning political and religious talk altogether, we will allow it so long as the atmosphere remains civil and mature (defined here as there not being insults thrown around, etc.).
Roleplayers
Staff and non-staff alike have some clean-up to do on the subject of actual roleplaying, it seems. We received a lot of complaints about members taking a long time to reply to threads (one detail pointed out often was that people would be seen in the cboxes instead of replying to threads, and this hurts feelings and agitates members. While it's understandable that many of you love chatting, this is part of the reason why we're experimenting the removal of the chatboxes. Of course, you can't be/aren't expected to be roleplaying all of the time.). While that alone isn't really anything that's changeable, due to everyone having differing schedules and amounts of time they can be on here, there are a few specific things that I think might help a little bit...
1. Use bookmarks. Everyone's always talking about the Participated button, but I think a huge issue here is that threads eventually drop off the Participated button, and then they're forgotten about. Try using ProBoards' built-in bookmark feature: prntscr.com/80jyjc. Here's what the menu itself looks like: prntscr.com/80jytn. Keep threads bookmarked while they're ongoing, and then remove the bookmarks when they're finished! I've found this to be a very useful way of keeping track of threads, much more so than the Participated button.
2. PM someone and let them know when you don't have muse or time for your thread together. I'm sure they'll understand, and it's better than leaving them wondering why they're not receiving any sort of response from you when you're replying to other threads.
3. If you're bored, make open threads! They're an easy way for new members to hop in, especially since newer members often find it intimidating to join plots. You never know how many friends you might make or how much you might develop your character with open threads! They can be just as fun as plot-related threads, trust me. c;
4. Encourage new members to join in on your plots. If the new member disappears, then you can find someone else to play that cat, or find another already-made cat who can fit the position. In the grand scheme of things, these plots aren't the biggest thing on the forum (at least, individually). They're not high positions, they don't need constant attention, and the majority of them hardly affect even a single Clan, let alone all six. Why not make some plots especially geared toward helping new members get started and make some friends?
On the final note of plots, we're looking for suggestions for a new forum-wide plot. It won't be happening anytime soon, but I want to collect some ideas so we're not plot-less when the Dark Forest thing ends. Click here to suggest a main plot for the future!
Contests
Many people in the survey commented that they do not participate in contests, whether it was because they don't like the ones we normally have (which are usually writing, art, or advertising), they don't like the prizes, they don't know the contest existed, or they're simply not the kind of person that enjoys contests.
As such, we are accepting contest and prize suggestions. We will also be announcing all new contests in the news box to help drum up contestants.
Store
We received some comments about how things in the store are too expensive, and then others saying that, upon reaching a certain point, the store is lackluster because there's nothing to work towards past $20,000. We're hoping that as we get more store suggestions (read on to learn about the new thread + system for that), we'll be able to even things out more. We'd like to add some extremely expensive items for those who have a ton of money, and we'd like to add more cheap items for newer members.
Donations will no longer be allowed. We know that some of you love giving gifts to new members, and while we like to encourage generosity, we cannot allow it with some of the things that are for purchase in the store. You may still split the costs for purchases such as "Close bond" or personal sub-boards, but you cannot simply purchase something for a new member. This also means that you can't split the cost on something that you can't share with another member, such as a new character.
If you haven't seen it yet, we have a new store suggestions thread with a fresh system. Every suggestion is added to the list and discussed with a poll on the staff board.
Here's a list of things that we've worked out and will be adding to the store so far:
Blue eyes on non-white cats: This is the only thing I would budge on. I will not allow red/purple/rainbow eyes, nor will I allow unrealistic pelts or pelt markings. This is honestly as far as I will bend. Luckily, many staff members agreed that this would be good enough, so you guys can take it or leave it. It will cost $20,000 in the store. Any rolled kittens that receive this will also cost $20,000, or their eye color will default to the other parent's.
Multi-fathered litters: I always thought this was a really cool idea (thank you, Dyzzie), but it's taken me months to remember to discuss it with the staff and such. With this, you will be able to add a second father to your litter request (who must be played unless you purchase an NPC father as well), and the kits in the litter will have their appearances/builds/etc. split between two fathers. Some kits will be genetically Father #1's, while others will genetically be Father #2's. Please note that not every litter will have both fathers. This is a bit of a gamble due to random.org, and there will be no refunds, so please purchase at your own risk. This will cost $5,000.
Adding a marking to a kit: This allows you to add a marking to a kit in a litter. At least one parent must have this marking, and of course it is a post-roll purchase. This will cost $500 and I don't remember who it's credit to.
Sub-sub-boards for personal sub-boards: This isn't actually being added to the store. It is, however, being added to the descriptions of personal sub-boards. You may request these for free in the staff request board once you've purchased the sub-board. This idea is thanks to Lionhearted.
Other Pending Things
We are discussing the possibility of adding in a board that allows members to roleplay anything unrelated to Warriors (Harry Potter, Homestuck, whatever). Many of us feel that it would help keep members coming back and generate some muse, but several of us also feel that it may take away from the focus of the forum too much. As such, this is still under heavy debate. Don't get your hopes up, but don't cross it out completely, either.
