Approving Applications
From FiranMUX
This wiki page walks through the steps of approving an application. Hopefully, this information will assist you in verifying an application!
Contents |
Time for Approval
Most applications should be approved as soon as possible. There are three exceptions to this rule:
New Characters
New characters we like to give approximately forty eight hours to allow more than one application. This is so that everybody has the chance to apply if they wish.
Wizard Check
There are certain characters such as Royalty, Clan Leaders and staff member's children that we like to get opinions on before approval. Royalty and Clan Leaders normally require Steph's approval. Also, there are certain pure blood nobles that may need special approval. There's nothing wrong with hopping on channel and doing a quick 'Anything special?' check if you're not sure.
Questionable Players
Recently, we have received a rash of questionable players. These are ones that seem to be sharing multiple email addresses or IP addresses. In addition, some players may have a poor @file history. In these cases, it might be necessary to check with a Senior wizard for assistance in the decision.
Character Types and Levels
Often times, the consideration of an application is based on the character type and level. A level III character with fairly mild secrets can be played by someone with some moderate thematic knowledge and time on the game. A level I character with extreme thematic secrets ex. god-related secrets is likely going to require a player that has some thematic knowledge and has built trust with us. Players also need checked for alt conflicts. Alt conflicts require specific exceptions if they are to be made by @request prior to application.
@file
Take a look at the player's @file. Look for characters they played before. If they are a player who has played well over time, there's usually very little need to deny the application. If the player has criticism files, take a look at these. Examine the criticisms. If they are really old and seem to have improved, this isn't necessarily a reason to deny the application. In fact, if you are on the border in deciding approval, feel free to give that player a 30 day trial to see how they do. In your approval, be sure to mention specific behaviors that we would like to see improved on or prevented during the trial to help them have a direction. If they have proven to be untrustworthy or irresponsible in ways we just can't work with then they can't be trusted with an application character. For example, we may have a player who was banned for a month for lying and has come back. We probably wouldn't offer them an application character two months after this happened.
Emails and Sites
It's good to examine the player's emails and sites on an application. We are receiving a lot of characters who are sharing IPs these days. If they are using an IP hiding program which makes then unverifiable versus another player, we will not be approving them for an application character. We will not necessarily be banning all these sites but if they can't be trustworthy to provide verifiable information then we will not be giving them this responsibility.
Application Text
The following is what we look for in the application text:
Knowledge of the Character
The application should show that the player has read over the sheet and has some understanding. If there is a minor problem with their understanding of the character, these can be easily corrected in the approval to let them know. For example, the character likes gold jewelry but they call it silver in the app. A major knowledge problem should be denied to allow the player to re-consider. For example, calling a Prince a clothier would show that they do not have sufficient thematic knowledge. In addition, players who leave this section out entirely should be required to re-submit the application even if we know they are a high-quality player. This ensures that they understand what they're getting into before they take a character they may not like.
Character Direction
Players should generally have an idea of what they want to do with a character even if it is 'socialize at teas a lot'. This gives staff an idea that they have some future goals for the character. Some of these goals may not exactly fit, that's okay. If it's a minor goal problem, it can be directed in the application such as 'I know you want your whore to be a courtesan so you should know this isn't impossible but could take a lot of work!'. If it's an impossible goal, it may be a good idea to page them if they are a current player or ask them to resubmit with clarification. An example of this would be wanting to turn a Ranivor into a working girl.
Grammar and Punctuation
While small errors are not a problem, a player making an application should strive to show that they can roleplay in a manner that can be understood. If it's severe, it is kosher to deny an application due to this.
Character Fit
Sometimes characters just don't fit a player. This could be for a variety of reasons including personality, gender, secrets. Consider the person applying for the character if they are a current player.
Approvals and Denials
Approvals
Approving an application is pretty simple! Be sure to welcome the person to the character and/or game and add any additional comments. Often, it is helpful to direct them to a Faction Head or family member who can help them get started.
Denials
Denials should be as honest as possible without giving away secrets. Here are some common denials:
Character Fit
If a player doesn't fit a character, Firan reserves the right to deny it. It doesn't have to be super specific, however, if it's due to secrets it's sometimes helpful to prevent follow-up requests by saying so.
Alt Conflicts
A player may be denied at application due to an alt conflict with the military, priesthood, clan, etc. If the alt conflict is a secret, it is fine to note that the alt conflict was a secret that way the player understands what went wrong. If the alt-conflict is not a secret, it's a good idea to specify what the problem is so they can reduce those conflicts if the player wants to search the roster some more. If the conflict is due to a character death or similar, it's a good idea to remind them of when they could apply for that type of character again.
Multiple Applications
Many times we get multiple applications for the same character. We always have to pick one and it's a good idea to be pleasant about it if both were good and let the other player that their application was well-liked but the other applicant was a better fit.
Unverifiable Player
If the player has multiple IP addresses assigned to different email addresses and we can't verify them, they are not allowed to have an application character. They will need to get a verifiable email and IP address unless they and another player have reported to be sharing from home.
Temporary Denials
Temporary denials occur when a player needs to provide more information such as age, character knowledge or character goals.
Thematic Knowledge
Some players simply have not been on the game long enough to have a good thematic knowledge built up. In these cases where they are good players who need more time, it is a good idea to deny the application gently and give them a time span when they might consider that type of character again such as 3 months or 6 months.
Behavior Issues
Sometimes we come across a player who is a good at roleplay and good with theme but has built considerable mistrust. In these cases, it's a good idea to note basically why they are being denied and direct them to a non-application character which they can use to rebuild that trust again.
