Chat Moderation Methods & My Opinion

[r_Hershey4 7]

Dear, Tankers & Tankees

 

     It has come to my attention, that the amount of Chat Moderation is decreasing on servers passed EN 4. The community has separated by placing those low ranked in servers such as EN7, and those with experience receive the high-end of the deal such as EN1. This is part of the issue, as Chat Moderators are most likely ranked between Warrant Officer 1 and Generalissimo. I'm also aware there may be a rank requirement but I can't view that information due to the fact applications are closed by, @Ostrica. Link: http://en.tankiforum.com/index.php?showtopic=293778

 

     Each day, I login and find many general chat violations, and game violations. A few examples: 'Online Dating','Exchange of Accounts','Exchange of Personal Information','Explicit Language','Links Leading to Explicit Sites', etc. I'd show photos, but I assume that would break the forum rules as I would be re-posting that information. I have another account ranked Warrant Officer 5 but I don't play Tanki with it anymore due to the weaponry and hulls it contains, which isn't enough at the rank in my opinion. 

 

     Reporting Chat-Violations is not allowed until your ranked Warrant Officer 1, which means you will be near EN 3 by this time. This topples more onto the pile as this means players can't report others being rude or abusive! Ouch. I figured I could attempt to PM a CM (Chat Moderator) and see their reply. Here it is! Note: To maintain this players privacy, and keep them out of conflict I've hidden their name and just included the reply. Also note, I blurred out the offenders name and the proof for their privacy as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     I appreciated the kind response, and explanation but this continues to be an issue. There just isn't enough activity with high-end players in the low-end servers, which is the issue. I'm not sure about how the code is played out when someone clicks the 'PLAY' Button on the homepage, but I'm assuming it's based off of your rank or just luck. But in the end, this may discourage others to continue playing this amazing game!

 

Possible Fix:

     When Chat Moderators are moderating the chat, or hanging inside the lobby... that should have a option to switch channels and servers to check other activity. Now don't quote me on this as this may already be implemented, I'm unsure. That's it, for this thread anyhow!     

 

Author's Note: Do NOT leave negativity about our fellow Chat Moderators, or Staff Members below. They're not the issue in the case, but instead the standards for reporting threads and the system in which players are organized needs a little fix up. Thanks, and remember to stay on topic when discussing this! 

Edited June 17, 2016 by r_Hershey4

[r_Hershey4 7]

Current Moderators/Administrators & Ranks:

 

 

 

 

 

Chat Moderators & Administrators may have alternate accounts, but they seem to be rarely used.

Edited June 17, 2016 by r_Hershey4

[Amateur 829]

Well-written article :D

[r_Hershey4 7]

Well-written article :D

Glad to see another person, overlooking my issue!

[Phoenix.Raised 5,992]

Reporting Chat-Violations is not allowed until your ranked Warrant Officer 1, which means you will be near EN 3 by this time. This topples more onto the pile as this means players can't report others being rude or abusive! Ouch. I figured I could attempt to PM a CM (Chat Moderator) and see their reply. Here it is! Note: To maintain this players privacy, and keep them out of conflict I've hidden their name and just included the reply. Also note, I blurred out the offenders name and the proof for their privacy as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Hello,

 

Reporting violations for players below the rank of Warrant Officer 1 is already been discussed in this topic. Suggestions and answers about it are already given.

 

About reporting offenders via PM's, in *****CHAT VIOLATIONS SECTION RULES***** has already been said that it is necessary to create a new topic (which is pre moderated) in the Chat Violations section. Reports by PM's are not accepted.

[r_Hershey4 7]

Hello,

 

Reporting violations for players below the rank of Warrant Officer 1 is already been discussed in this topic. Suggestions and answers about it are already given.

 

About reporting offenders via PM's, in *****CHAT VIOLATIONS SECTION RULES***** has already been said that it is necessary to create a new topic (which is pre moderated) in the Chat Violations section. Reports by PM's are not accepted.

I didn't see this thread, but that is besides the point. My other claims still stand, and the issue is still not fixed.

Edited June 17, 2016 by r_Hershey4

[Amateur 829]

Glad to see another person, overlooking my issue!

Seriously, you have good writing skills.

[Moraine 5,877]

Hello there.

 

First of all, thanks for the inquiry and suggestion. As already stated, we previously devoted a whole topic to explain why we cannot accept reports from players under WO1 and why we all -- moderators and players alike - should think about different approaches to solve problematic issues on the chat. As one of chat admins I know for a fact that EN servers are well moderated, they simply cannot be under surveillance 24/7 since moderators are not always online. They also patrol through servers but cannot simply ran through them since they gotta take some time to assist players and answer their questions on each and every one of them.

Because we feel that our role is to help players more than to serve as ban machines, especially since that won't help anyone in the longer run, we sent some ideas to developers in order to make chat more friendly and less difficult to navigate through - we expect some of them to be implemented soon. And of course, we always spend some time to educate players on different ways they can protect themselves from those who disturb them - for more info please read the topic kindly posted, especially this post and educate yourself too.  

[BuriedSky 1,319]

OK, I would answer sequentially:

 

1) About ranks of chat mods:

Rank doesn't really matter..even generalissimo ranked helpers go to servers recommended for low ranks for doing their jobs...I know that the number of mods in those servers is low, but that's because of various reasons..

Like? : low ranked are usually referred as newbies to the game, and it wouldn't be good to ban newbies constantly, would it be? Secondly, there is larger crowd over the higher servers. And thirdly, comparatively, violations done by high rankers are more intentional (coz they already know the rules, more than any newbie)...

 

2) Rank doesn't matter to post in violators section...a Gefreiter can also post in the Violators section, can't he?

 

Please correct me if I misunderstood you anywhere, or did any mistake. :)

Edited June 17, 2016 by BuriedSky

[r_Hershey4 7]

Hello there.

 

First of all, thanks for the inquiry and suggestion. As already stated, we previously devoted a whole topic to explain why we cannot accept reports fror players under WO1 and why we all -- moderators and players alike - should think about different approaches to solve problematic issues on the chat. As one of chat admins I know for a fact that EN servers are well moderated, they simply cannot be under surveillance 24/7 since moderators are not always online. They also patrol through servers but cannot simply ran through them since they gotta take some time to assist players and answer their questions on each and every one of them.

 

Because we feel that our role is to help players more than to serve as ban machines, especially since that won't help anyone in the longer run, we sent some ideas to developers in order to make chat more friendly and less difficult to navigate through - we expect some of them to be implemented soon. And of course, we always spend some time to educate players on different ways they can protect themselves from those who disturb them - for more info please read the topic kindly posted, especially this post and educate yourself too.  

Thank you! I'm glad to hear it. :)

[r_Hershey4 7]

OK, I would answer sequentially:

 

1) About ranks of chat mods:

Rank doesn't really matter..even generalissimo ranked helpers go to servers recommended for low ranks for doing their jobs...I know that the number of mods in those servers is low, but that's because of various reasons..

Like? : low ranked are usually referred as newbies to the game, and it wouldn't be good to ban newbies constantly, would it be? Secondly, there is larger crowd over the higher servers. And thirdly, comparatively, violations done by high rankers are more intentional (coz they already know the rules, more than any newbie)...

 

2) Rank doesn't matter to post in violators section...a Gefreiter can also post in the Violators section, can't he?

 

Please correct me if I misunderstood you anywhere, or did any mistake. :)

You must be a WO1 in order to post in the Violators Section, via. the Tanki-Forum. 'Warrant Officer 1' or the rank emblem containing one gold square. Here is a photo, with all the ranks.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 17, 2016 by r_Hershey4

[Moraine 5,877]

2) Rank doesn't matter to post in violators section...a Gefreiter can also post in the Violators section, can't he?

 

Please correct me if I misunderstood you anywhere, or did any mistake. :)

 

We added this clause because of the issues and abuse in the reports made by low ranked accounts, usually alternative ones of higher ranked players. 

[r_Hershey4 7]

 

We added this clause because of the issues and abuse in the reports made by low ranked accounts, usually alternative ones of higher ranked players. 

In many cases, the Tanki-Forum requires users to be the rank of 'Sergeant'. This is often times the case, such as 'Reserving Nicknames in Tanki-X.' What you're doing is a good procedure, but can you possibly reduce the requirement? Those who abuse and ignore your warnings multiple times are compromised with a temporarily forum banishment.

Edited June 17, 2016 by r_Hershey4

[BuriedSky 1,319]

 

We added this clause because of the issues and abuse in the reports made by low ranked accounts, usually alternative ones of higher ranked players.

Yeah, I just opened the resources and found it...which was the second reason I hid that post..:p

---

 

and Hershey, I guess that practice is already been done by the mods..the initial bans are lighter, and the ones who do repeated violations, get harsher bans..:)

[Moraine 5,877]

can you possibly reduce the requirement? Those who abuse and ignore your warnings multiple times are compromised with a temporarily forum banishment.

To be perfectly honest with you, we're thinking of removing forum reports altogether... The whole system became obsolete with years, it now serves only a handful of Tanki players and majority of them are using the whole system as their private ban party, to provoke and frame those they want banned. It brings misery and negative atmosphere in the game with players waiting for others to make a wrong move so they can report them. And those reports are just taking moderator's time away from the chat, so we're thinking that instead of filling the need of few and their wish to feel powerful by having something to hold over others heads, we should actually do something that will benefit more players and work for the benefit of the majority... hence the education of low ranked players, hence our approach in real time, hence the ideas we send to developers... and hence our wish to spend more time on the chat, in real time then to be buried in the forum among reports.  

[r_Hershey4 7]

To be perfectly honest with you, we're thinking of removing forum reports altogether... The whole system became obsolete with years, it now serves only a handful of Tanki players and majority of them are using the whole system as their private ban party, to provoke and frame those they want banned. It brings misery and negative atmosphere in the game with players waiting for others to make a wrong move so they can report them. And those reports are just taking moderator's time away from the chat, so we're thinking that instead of filling the need of few and their wish to feel powerful by having something to hold over others heads, we should actually do something that will benefit more players and work for the benefit of the majority... hence the education of low ranked players, hence our approach in real time, hence the ideas we send to developers... and hence our wish to spend more time on the chat, in real time then to be buried in the forum among reports.  

Instead of punishing players, why not reward them with a small crystal bonus each week/month if they didn't receive any banishment with-in that time period. Of course, those who provoke others and break the rules may still be punished but this may persuade those who could of harmed others online, to refrain from doing so. I suppose the crystal bonus would range depending on the time you were online with-in that time period as well. Let's say, you played each day for 3 hours... then you would receive a bonus of 1.5k crystals. 

 

EQ: DaysPlayed x AverageHoursEachDay x 17 Crystals.

Note: This equation is based off a 30 Day Period.

Explanation:

 

 

Let's take this into account, 30 Days Played x 2.5 Hours Each Day Average x 17 Crystals = 1,275 Crystals in your bonus.

Let's take this into account a second time, 10 Days Played x 3 Average Hours Each Day x 17 Crystals = 510 Crystals in your bonus.

 

 

 

Edited June 17, 2016 by r_Hershey4

[Phoenix.Raised 5,992]

Instead of punishing players, why not reward them with a small crystal bonus each week/month if they didn't receive any banishment with-in that time period.

That has also been suggested and answered by our administrator.

[PassVilan4900_Lv 13]

To be perfectly honest with you, we're thinking of removing forum reports altogether... The whole system became obsolete with years, it now serves only a handful of Tanki players and majority of them are using the whole system as their private ban party, to provoke and frame those they want banned. It brings misery and negative atmosphere in the game with players waiting for others to make a wrong move so they can report them. And those reports are just taking moderator's time away from the chat, so we're thinking that instead of filling the need of few and their wish to feel powerful by having something to hold over others heads, we should actually do something that will benefit more players and work for the benefit of the majority... hence the education of low ranked players, hence our approach in real time, hence the ideas we send to developers... and hence our wish to spend more time on the chat, in real time then to be buried in the forum among reports.  

Removing only chance to get peace of players who insults use profanity etc. is a good idea?

Not to provoke any or insult, but hey.... You are saying that doing reports on Forum takes time from being on chat? If you would look on your employees than you would see, that they are taking more time playing in game battles, than being on chat - Few are not even joining forum daily.

[r_Hershey4 7]

Removing only chance to get peace of players who insults use profanity etc. is a good idea?

Not to provoke any or insult, but hey.... You are saying that doing reports on Forum takes time from being on chat? If you would look on your employees than you would see, that they are taking more time playing in game battles, than being on chat - Few are not even joining forum daily.

Doubtful. All Chat Moderators can't be online all the time. As many live in different regions, it's debatable what their activity may be during the day. Whether it be school, or work, etc. As moderators are dealing with children online, they must be 18 years of age last time I checked. As this factor is evaluated, moderators can't be online all day. They have college, and real life jobs. I specifically posted in my thread not to throw shade at our fellow members. Keep on tab, that most of the administration on Tanki is volunteer work, and they wished to take on such a task and applied. Therefore, with all their challenging exertion they deserve a break. This is also why we have multiple staff-members online, all the time. If you have an issue, private message a 'Helper' that is online. Please refrain from continuing this message, as it is irrelevant and not necessary procedure on the forum.

Edited June 17, 2016 by r_Hershey4

[Moraine 5,877]

Removing only chance to get peace of players who insults use profanity etc. is a good idea?

Not to provoke any or insult, but hey.... You are saying that doing reports on Forum takes time from being on chat? If you would look on your employees than you would see, that they are taking more time playing in game battles, than being on chat - Few are not even joining forum daily.

That perspective is precisely why forum reports became obsolete... "getting a piece of someone" is not in our job description nor is nice. Yes, they swear and insult but frankly, most of us do. Can we change that? No. Can we help players protect themselves and / or help build a better environment on the chat? Yes, we can. At least that's what we're trying to do. More of my thoughts on that subject is here.

 

As for your other point, as said, mods are volunteers who are doing this job gladly, but are also players of this game and they want to play a game or two with their friends. We, as administrators cannot forbid that nor we want to.

 

Instead of punishing players, why not reward them with a small crystal bonus each week/month if they didn't receive any banishment with-in that time period. Of course, those who provoke others and break the rules may still be punished but this may persuade those who could of harmed others online, to refrain from doing so. I suppose the crystal bonus would range depending on the time you were online with-in that time period as well. Let's say, you played each day for 3 hours... then you would receive a bonus of 1.5k crystals.

That has also been suggested and answered by our administrator.

It's a different point of view - I'm against rewarding players for reporting others, but rewarding them for good behaviour is something different. Of course, like most things, hard to make and implement to automatically serve all the players in this game but never the less, a good idea.

 

I'll be glad to forward it to our CM.

[r_Hershey4 7]

It's a different point of view - I'm against rewarding players for reporting others, but rewarding them for good behaviour is something different. Of course, like most things, hard to make and implement to automatically serve all the players in this game but never the less, a good idea.

 

I'll be glad to forward it to our CM.

     Cool! Maybe we will see it in a future update, maybe Tanki-X. But the topic is still debatable. Also, *nonetheless. :3

Edited June 17, 2016 by r_Hershey4

[Moraine 5,877]

   Also, *nonetheless. :3

Tired...  :blush: 

 

Thank you. 

[r_Hershey4 7]

Tired...  :blush: 

 

Thank you. 

:D Too bad Chat Moderator applications are closed, I'd apply. Also, I didn't join two days ago... this is just an account for my YT Channel. I remember when you were a Forum Moderator, I believe? Or maybe it was just a Chat Moderation position. :p

[GENERAL_H_A_M_Z_A_9 576]

To be perfectly honest with you, we're thinking of removing forum reports altogether... The whole system became obsolete with years, it now serves only a handful of Tanki players and majority of them are using the whole system as their private ban party, to provoke and frame those they want banned. It brings misery and negative atmosphere in the game with players waiting for others to make a wrong move so they can report them. And those reports are just taking moderator's time away from the chat, so we're thinking that instead of filling the need of few and their wish to feel powerful by having something to hold over others heads, we should actually do something that will benefit more players and work for the benefit of the majority... hence the education of low ranked players, hence our approach in real time, hence the ideas we send to developers... and hence our wish to spend more time on the chat, in real time then to be buried in the forum among reports.  

I agree that some players provoke others just to get other players banned by reporting them on forum. I have seen players who say "Abuse more so I can get you banned". But the problem is that there are players who abuse for no reason and this type of players are found in battles. Moderators are indeed doing great work but they cant be in every single battle to ban these evils, so without the ability to report them on forum how are we gonna deal with them? Ignoring them isn't a solution, Those players are so bitter they abuse not only you but your family also this makes the victim mad and hence a quarrel starts. If you remove the forum reports they will get an open hand to use harsh words.

 

Edited June 18, 2016 by GENERAL_H_A_M_Z_A_9

[r_Hershey4 7]

I agree that some players provoke others just to get other players banned by reporting them on forum. I have seen players who say "Abuse more so I can get you banned". But the problem is that there are players who abuse for no reason and this type of players are found in battles. Moderators are indeed doing great work but they cant be in every single battle to ban these evils, so without the ability to report them on forum how are we gonna deal with them? Ignoring them isn't a solution, Those players are so bitter they abuse not only you but your family also this makes the victim mad and hence a quarrel starts. If you remove the forum reports they will get an open hand to use harsh words.

 

You truly do make a valid point, but we could replace it with a system in-game that's more convenient. Maybe, the minimum rank to use this system would be 'Master Corporal.' This was already suggested with-in a thread in the 'Ideas' section, and I believe it was under review last time I checked upon it.