State of affairs

Recently, I've noticed what some would describe as a gradual shift in the way the community behaves and operates - I'd rather call it a wake-up call to all who aspire to be part of a diverse, vibrant community.

It all begin with a simple game of Fallin' Furni' - in which Alpha, our esteemed Community Manager, decided to host a game of Falling Furniture (obviously enough). However, during the game, one particular user decided to test the limits of the rules and swore at least six times (though numbers cannot currently be independently verified at this moment in time, check back later and we might have an update).

Alpha warned him - as per the rules - however, another user decided that they were obviously above the Community Manager and decided to try and correct him on what course of action to take, citing that "because they were Moderation Rules..." Alpha had to follow them. However, notice the key word italicised:- moderation.

What does that mean? Oh, yes, it means that they are rules that moderators follow, and that they are used when moderating - unfortunately for them, Alpha wasn't moderating. Alpha, was in fact, overseeing a game of Falling Furniture. In any case, the user was banned and came back, thus cloning and avoiding his ban. Seeing as Alpha's job is not to moderate, he was most likely not concerned with dealing with the offending user, but rather overseeing the game which he had publicised throughout the Hotel to ensure people were having fun.

Eventually, the user was dealt with - however the sheer level of acrimony, hatred and rude behaviour that was directed to Alpha was completely uncalled for - it merely shows a microcosm of the problem facing staff today: a lack of respect, a lack of authority and general contempt from users.

This must change - or else what was once a diverse and vibrant community will simply disintegrate under the strain of its own internal divisions, rumour-mongering, rabble-rousing and hatred for each other. In the words of To Kill A Mockingbird; "It only takes one sprig of nutgrass to ruin a whole yard..." so please don't be that one sprig of nutgrass that ruins the community, suck it up, say nice or constructive things in public - and keep the dirty/nasty stuff to the private confines of the Private Messaging system, the Hotel Minimail system or the Hotel Console system - that's what they're there for. Alternatively, you can always utilise another form of electronic communication; e.g. Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, or the good old-fashioned form of electronic mail (e-mail).

But yes, consider this a damning indictment of the state of affairs in which the Habbz Community finds itself - and just think, would you like it if they came up to you in the street or in your house and said that to you? No, you would not. This community once, and for the majority, still is great, diverse and vibrant. Please don't ruin it.

As always, any comments - please leave them at the end of this post.

~ Matthew