Tapestries MUCK - User contributions [en]

User:JadeWizard

2007-04-15T18:01:59Z

JadeWizard: picture

[[Image:Blackfox-01.jpg]]

- - - - - - -

A black-furred fox, on four dainty feet.

A narrow muzzle.

Green eyes.

- - - - - - -

File:Blackfox-01.jpg

2007-04-15T17:59:24Z

JadeWizard:

Talk:Too human

2007-03-31T21:30:54Z

JadeWizard: deleted talk, will address question in private

User talk:JadeWizard

2007-03-31T21:29:21Z

JadeWizard: deleted all

User talk:JadeWizard

2007-03-31T21:26:50Z

JadeWizard: asking for clarification first

User talk:JadeWizard

2007-03-31T21:22:34Z

JadeWizard: reply to WhiteWizard

You might want to review your edits after doing them to make sure that pages you know exist (such as policies) actually show up as existing after your done editing (or just preview.) I've found a number of cases where you have missed the case of a link or the like. Wiki names are case sensitive. It's OK to let the first character slip, it will auto-upcase the first character. The rest has to be correct though. Also keep in mind that if you want to say "toading" as a link to Policy Toading, you can use the <nowiki>[[Policy Toading|toading]]</nowiki> syntax. [[User:WhiteWizard|WhiteWizard]] 23:56, 30 March 2007 (PDT)
::: Only link to existing entries? I thought part of the point of a Wiki entry was to mark all good link candidates as links so that they show up in red as being pages that would be of value to be created. By doing so, potential authors see the red links and may become inspired to build the page themselves. Plus, if you only link to existing entries you'll have to constantly check the Wiki database to find out if the links you wanted are available yet, then track back through all your entries where the word is used, and manually enter the link at the time. I can see setting up personal pages with lists of keywords that you can check periodically to see if your wish has been granted, but if you link it before it exists you simultaneously encourage someone to build the page AND your page is already configured to take advantage of it once it is built. Is there some secret to this that I'm missing? [[User:JadeWizard|JadeWizard]] 14:22, 31 March 2007 (PDT)

@name

2007-03-31T21:09:42Z

JadeWizard: deleted sentence fragment/typo

The '''@name''' command is used to change an object's name. This requires ownership of the object in question. The syntax is @name <object>=<name>, where <object> can be it's current name, or some unique portion of it, or the [[dbref]] of the object.

==Thing, Room and Program Names==
These are fairly unrestricted and can be quite long. Most notably, they can not start with a #, to differentiate themselves from [[dbref]]s.

==Exit Names==
Exits/actions functionally have multiple names. This is actually stored as a single string separated by semicolons. A common example is an exit that is a direction, such as north. It's common to give one or more abbreviations for the direction so the user does not have to type "north" in full. So:
@name #1234=north;n
This will allow a user to type either 'north' or 'n' to go through that exit.

Note, if you want to rename an exit by name, you have to use one of it's sub-names. So @name north;n=newname will not work. You would have to @name north=newname.

See [[gen-obv-exits]] for more information on exit naming conventions.

==Player Names==
Tapestries MUCK does not allow players to change their own names. This restriction is in place for a large variety of reasons, including people abusing @name changes to spoof others and insult others anonymously, but primarily it is because of ongoing work to integrate Tapestries MUCK with other services. Most web services and things like Jabber IM servers do not gracefully handle character name changes.

If you try and @name yourself you will get the error message: ''Only wizards can rename players.'' This is technically correct, [[wizards]] still retain the ''ability'' to change names. However, it is policy not to, so they won't.

Only cases where names are deemed to be ''accidentally'' in violation of the [[MUCK]] [[Policies]] will they be changed by the wizards. Cases were they are deemed to be intentionally in violation of the [[Policies]] will instead result in [[Policy Toading|toading]].

=== See Also ===
* [[Character Registration]] if you just want a different character.
* [[@toadme]] if you no longer plan to use this name.

[[Category:MUCK Commands]][[Category:Built in MUCK Commands]]
__NOTOC__

Talk:Policy Humans

2007-03-31T02:45:42Z

JadeWizard: suggestion

'''Suggestion:''' Link this policy to notes on being [[too human]]. -- [[User:JadeWizard|JadeWizard]] 19:45, 30 March 2007 (PDT)

Too human

2007-03-31T02:43:19Z

JadeWizard: notes on human policy

== What is 'Too Human' Anyway? ==
Only a wizard can determine what is 'too' human. No other player, regardless of community status or membership to any group ([[helpstaff]] included), can tell you with any authority that you are 'too human.' However, I'd listen to your peers, if I were you. Evaluations of 'humanity' are typically triggered by complaints. If someone complains about you, then your description, cinfo, and other attributes will be critically evaluated by a wizard.

== Evaluating 'Too Human' ==
Using "[[policy humans]]" as a guideline, a wizard will evaluate a character brought to their attention as 'too human.' Judgments are made on a case-by-case basis. Depending upon the wizard, you may be [toad]ed on sight (for violation of policy) or you may be given an opportunity to revise your character's presentation.

== Toading on Sight ==
Considering that being 'too human' CAN result in [[toad]]ing on sight, it is strongly recommended that you do not 'flirt with danger' by playing human-like characters. Why take the risk? Use your creative prowess to draw your reader's attention to non-human qualities. Put effort into NOT breaking the policy, and you will very likely be understood. If it looks like you're saying "F*ck you" to the 'no humans' policy, expect a complementary response from the administration.

== 'Furry' Not Required ==
Our character policy is anti-human, but not necessarily constrained to 'fur' or '[[furries]].' Vehicles, zombies, machines, androids, robots, rocks, bits of mist, talking slime, animated cucumbers, non-human toons, and so forth, are all acceptable character choices. Human toons and human-looking androids, robots, etc, are NOT acceptable.

Character Copyright

2007-03-31T02:36:18Z

JadeWizard: copyright policy guide

== Armchair Lawyers and the Copyright Policy ==
Armchair lawyers have a lot to say about the validity of [[WhiteWizard]]'s interpretation of how copyright law applies to the MUCK. There are usually threads on the [http://www.fur.com/tapestries/forum web forums] where you can find conversation and analysis of the topic if you are interested in reading it or adding to the discussion. It is most constructive to take your thoughts to the forums rather than trying to pin down a wizard in real-time on the MUCK. It is also in your best interest to take into account the following point:

=== Encouraging Originality ===
The rule against using copy protected and trademarked characters isn't just about making the MUCK legal. It is also about encouraging originality on the part of our players. In a certain sense, the fact that a primary drive behind the rule is NOT about legislation makes any argument about copyright law beside the point.

== Using Species-Types from Existing Works ==
Species-types created by others are acceptable species choices. You can be a pikachu, you just can't be 'THE' Pikachu. You can be a red dragon, but you can't be 'THE' Smaug. (No, Tolkien is not public domain. 'The Hobbit' is expected to enter public domain in 2032.) You can be a Care Bear, but you can't be 'THE' Sunshine Bear. You can be a giraffe, but you can't be Geoffrey the Toys-R-Us giraffe. These choices fall under the "inspired by" clause.

== Using Names from Existing Works ==
You can use names of popular trademarked characters, as long as they're not recreations of the trademarked character. You can be 'Zazu' but you can't also be a hornbill, you can be 'Timon' but you can't also be a meerkat, you can be 'Raphael' but you can't then also be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Zazu, Timon, and Raphael are names in and of themselves, but combined with their species they risk entering the trademarked zone.

== Reporting Violations ==
You may report copyright violations using the [[request]] command. The command is 'request #submit text'. Copyright violation reports are usually processed in batches. Your report will probably not be processed immediately. Just report it and forget it. We'll get to it.

@name

2007-03-31T02:25:34Z

JadeWizard: typo

== help @name ==
The @name command helpfile entry is:
<br><tt>@name <object>=<name> [<password>]. Sets the name field of <object>
to <name>. <name> cannot be empty; a null name is illegal.
<password> must be supplied to rename a player. Wizards can rename
any player but still must include the password.</tt>

== The @name Policy ==
The @name command is locked and can not be used. That means your current name is your "forever-name."

The [[fail]] message for @name says 'Only wizards can rename players.' This may give the impression that players can request or petition [[wizards]] to change their name, but wizards will not go into the business of name-changes.

=== Changing your Name ===
Please just [http://www.fur.com/tapestries/registration go back to the web page] and generate a new [[character]].

=== Managing your Names ===

To manage your 'names':

#Learn [[@toadme]] to delete names/[[alt]]s
#As with most [[commands]], use #help for help, as in '@toadme #help'
#Learn to use the [http://www.fur.com/tapestries/registration registration form] to create new names/alts
#Make sure your [[spam filter]] does not hinder our email validation
#To validate, click link in email, and then click 'Verify' on the page itself
#If validation went wrong, your alt will be [[recycle]]d and you must re-register

@name

2007-03-31T02:25:07Z

JadeWizard: fixed links

== help @name ==
The @name command helpfile entry is:
<br><tt>@name <object>=<name> [<password>]. Sets the name field of <object>
to <name>. <name> cannot be empty; a null name is illegal.
<password> must be supplied to rename a player. Wizards can rename
any player but still must include the password.</tt>

== The @name Policy ==
The @name command is locked and can not be used. That means your current name is your "forever-name."

The [[fail]] message for @name says 'Only wizards can rename players.' This may give the impression that players can request or petition [[wizards]] to change their name, but wizards will not go into the business of name-changes.

=== Changing your Name ===
Please just [http://www.fur.com/tapestries/registration go back to the web page] and generate a new [[character]].

=== Managing your Names ===

To manage your 'names':

#Learn [[@toadme]] to delete names/[alt]s
#As with most [[commands]], use #help for help, as in '@toadme #help'
#Learn to use the [http://www.fur.com/tapestries/registration registration form] to create new names/alts
#Make sure your [[spam filter]] does not hinder our email validation
#To validate, click link in email, and then click 'Verify' on the page itself
#If validation went wrong, your alt will be [[recycle]]d and you must re-register

@name

2007-03-31T02:23:07Z

JadeWizard: @name command information

== help @name ==
The @name command helpfile entry is:
<br><tt>@name <object>=<name> [<password>]. Sets the name field of <object>
to <name>. <name> cannot be empty; a null name is illegal.
<password> must be supplied to rename a player. Wizards can rename
any player but still must include the password.</tt>

== The @name Policy ==
The @name command is locked and can not be used. That means your current name is your "forever-name."

The [fail] message for @name says 'Only wizards can rename players.' This may give the impression that players can request or petition [wizards] to change their name, but wizards will not go into the business of name-changes.

=== Changing your Name ===
Please just [http://www.fur.com/tapestries/registration go back to the web page] and generate a new [character].

=== Managing your Names ===

To manage your 'names':

#Learn [@toadme] to delete names/[alt]s
#As with most [commands], use #help for help, as in '@toadme #help'
#Learn to use the [http://www.fur.com/tapestries/registration registration form] to create new names/alts
#Make sure your [spam filter] does not hinder our email validation
#To validate, click link in email, and then click 'Verify' on the page itself
#If validation went wrong, your alt will be [recycle]d and you must re-register

Talk:Public Builder's Guide

2007-03-31T01:53:52Z

JadeWizard: clarification

'''Suggestion:''' I think we should add a note here that the rules-lock property should include or incorporate the name of the establishment, or in some other way be made unique. At the time of writing, "Dragon's Hotspring Inn and Brothel" rules-lock property is close to "_RulesRead?:yes". I will not say what the property actually is, because one should technically be required to read the rules in order to learn it, but it is generic as I have shown here. If we do not make a rule that the property incorporates the name of the establishment (e.g. _BrothelRulesRead?:yes, or _DHIIRulesRead?:yes, or whatever) or is made in some other way unique, it could be that people setting rules-lock properties for one place will, by accident, receive a free pass to another place using the same property string. The chances of this may seem low right now but if we want to "guarantee" that the property reliably indicates an agreement to the rules, a unique rules-lock property is a good idea. [[User:JadeWizard|JadeWizard]] 18:49, 30 March 2007 (PDT)

Talk:Public Builder's Guide

2007-03-31T01:49:50Z

JadeWizard: rules-lock property suggestion

'''Suggestion:''' I think we should add a note here that the rules-lock property should include or incorporate the name of the establishment, or in some other way be made unique. At the time of writing, "Dragon's Hotspring Inn and Brothel" rules-lock property is "_RulesRead?:yes". If we do not make a rule that the property incorporates the name of the establishment (e.g. _BrothelRulesRead?:yes, or _DHIIRulesRead?:yes, or whatever) or is made in some other way unique, it could be that people setting rules-lock properties for one place will, by accident, receive a free pass to another place using the same property string. The chances of this may seem low right now but if we want to "guarantee" that the property reliably indicates an agreement to the rules, a unique rules-lock property is a good idea. [[User:JadeWizard|JadeWizard]] 18:49, 30 March 2007 (PDT)

Policy

2007-03-29T23:29:15Z

JadeWizard: set-up

#REDIRECT [[Policies]]

Helpstaff

2007-03-29T23:27:03Z

JadeWizard: minor fix

==Definition of Helpstaff==
The helpstaff are the '''volunteer technical support call center''' for the MUCK. While the [[wizards]] will help you with issues such as [[building]] and [[policy]] violations ([[harassment]], [[minors]], etc) it is the helpstaff who will help you configure your [[character]], create [[objects]], [[build]] [[rooms]], learn the various [[commands]] on the MUCK (such as [[smell]] or [[leash]]), use [[MUF]] or [[MPI]], etc.

==Reaching Helpstaff==
On the MUCK, type "helpstaff". You will see a list of online helpstaffers. Choose a helpstaffer marked [On Duty] and page them your question. It is considered polite to inquire first if the helpstaffer has the time and frame-of-mind to assist you, just in case they are busy with something else and have to add you to their queue or direct you to someone else.

==Mission of Helpstaff==
The mission of helpstaff is not to "know" the answers, but to know how to "get" the answers.

==The Helpstaff Charter==
The following charter was drafted by early members of the helpstaff community, and approved by JadeWizard.

:'''The helpstaff charter is...'''

#To become familiar with the [[helpfiles]], news files, info files, [[policy]] files, wizard [[cinfo]]s, and websites and other places where instructions on how to use commands and MUCK functions are found, and to do so for the purpose of being able to point those in need of these files in their directions.
#To be available (On Duty) at least fifty percent of the time you spend on the MUCK.
#To be polite, to be helpful to the best of your ability. If you can not help someone, then be able to direct that someone to another member of helpstaff who hopefully can (get to know your fellow helpstaffers).
#To make yourself not available (Off Duty) when you are in a [[scene]], while #[[haven]]ed, or if you plan to be away from your computer. This especially applies if you are in a scene.
#Never ever imply that someone is stupid because they don't know something. It is your job as helpstaff to help them learn something.
#Set a good example. As helpstaff, you are perceived as a model citizen with special status on the MUCK. People will be observing you. Give them something positive to observe - even when you are listed as "Off Duty".
#Never impersonate a wizard or imply that you have wizard authority. The role of helpstaff is to provide assistance with [[FAQs]], [[building]], [[programming]], [[help]] resources, and other technical issues. It is not the responsibility of helpstaff members to participate in peacekeeping or arbitration. Members of helpstaff must direct user conflicts to wizard staff, and not attempt to handle it themselves. Doing so is grounds for immediate removal from helpstaff.
#Helpstaffers are encouraged to avoid publicly advertising (read: flaunting) their membership in helpstaff. We are an organization of neutral technical support assistants. In order to be able to effectively perform this role, we as helpstaff must avoid politics.
#You are the "learned" on Tapestries. Uphold that perception with professionalism and with a willingness to help and get answers.
#Treat your fellow helpstaff members with professionalism and respect. They are your colleagues.

==How to Become a Member of Helpstaff==
Want to give back to the community? We could use the help! As a member of helpstaff, you need to be an expert in navigating the helpfiles, news files, info files, policy files, wizard [[cinfo]]s, and website. Your job is to teach everyone else how to RTFM. This means that you do not need to know answers. Instead, you need to know where and how to find the answers. (No, [[paging]] a wizard is not one of these ways.) You will teach others how to find the answers for themselves. Your primary job is to direct them to helpfiles, URLs, and other resources.

Your commitments:

:- Please be available (On Duty) at least fifty percent of the time you spend on the MUCK.
:
:- Please remember you are a volunteer -- if you get sick of it and find yourself off duty all the time, you can just quit. No hard feelings.
:
:- Please understand that helpstaff is technical support. It is not the responsibility of helpstaff to participate in [[policy]]-related matters.
:
:- Please understand that it can be a thankless job; but [[JadeWizard]] will deeply appreciate your community spirit.

THE MISSION OF HELPSTAFF IS NOT TO "KNOW" THE ANSWERS, BUT TO KNOW HOW TO "GET" THE ANSWERS. If you have read and agree to these terms, please send your application to [mailto:tap-wizzes@fur.com] with subject line 'Volunteer'. Please include a brief description of your qualifications and the name of the [[character]](s) you would like to be on the helpstaff roster. Depending upon your qualifications, you may or may not be given a brief entrance "quiz" before you are welcomed to the staff core. Thank you!

==How to Report Problems with Helpstaff==
If you feel that a member of the technical support helpstaff is behaving inappropriately (i.e. against their charter) please use the [[request]] command to communicate the problem to the [[wizards]]. The command is '[[request]] #submit text'.

[[Category:MUCK Documentation]]

Helpstaff

2007-03-29T23:25:56Z

JadeWizard: added links

==Definition of Helpstaff==
The helpstaff are the '''volunteer technical support call center''' for the MUCK. While the [[wizards]] will help you with issues such as [[building]] and [[policy]] violations ([[harassment]], [[minors]], etc) it is the helpstaff who will help you configure your [[character]], create [[objects]], [[build]] [[rooms]], learn the various [[commands]] on the MUCK (such as [[smell]] or [[leash]]), use [[MUF]] or [[MPI]], etc.

==Reaching Helpstaff==
On the MUCK, type "helpstaff". You will see a list of online helpstaffers. Choose a helpstaffer marked [On Duty] and page them your question. It is considered polite to inquire first if the helpstaffer has the time and frame-of-mind to assist you, just in case they are busy with something else and have to add you to their queue or direct you to someone else.

==Mission of Helpstaff==
The mission of helpstaff is not to "know" the answers, but to know how to "get" the answers.

==The Helpstaff Charter==
The following charter was drafted by early members of the helpstaff community, and approved by JadeWizard.

:'''The helpstaff charter is...'''

#To become familiar with the [[helpfiles]], news files, info files, [[policy]] files, wizard [[cinfo]]s, and websites and other places where instructions on how to use commands and MUCK functions are found, and to do so for the purpose of being able to point those in need of these files in their directions.
#To be available (On Duty) at least fifty percent of the time you spend on the MUCK.
#To be polite, to be helpful to the best of your ability. If you can not help someone, then be able to direct that someone to another member of helpstaff who hopefully can (get to know your fellow helpstaffers).
#To make yourself not available (Off Duty) when you are in a [[scene]], while [[#haven]]ed, or if you plan to be away from your computer. This especially applies if you are in a scene.
#Never ever imply that someone is stupid because they don't know something. It is your job as helpstaff to help them learn something.
#Set a good example. As helpstaff, you are perceived as a model citizen with special status on the MUCK. People will be observing you. Give them something positive to observe - even when you are listed as "Off Duty".
#Never impersonate a wizard or imply that you have wizard authority. The role of helpstaff is to provide assistance with [[FAQs]], [[building]], [[programming]], [[help]] resources, and other technical issues. It is not the responsibility of helpstaff members to participate in peacekeeping or arbitration. Members of helpstaff must direct user conflicts to wizard staff, and not attempt to handle it themselves. Doing so is grounds for immediate removal from helpstaff.
#Helpstaffers are encouraged to avoid publicly advertising (read: flaunting) their membership in helpstaff. We are an organization of neutral technical support assistants. In order to be able to effectively perform this role, we as helpstaff must avoid politics.
#You are the "learned" on Tapestries. Uphold that perception with professionalism and with a willingness to help and get answers.
#Treat your fellow helpstaff members with professionalism and respect. They are your colleagues.

==How to Become a Member of Helpstaff==
Want to give back to the community? We could use the help! As a member of helpstaff, you need to be an expert in navigating the helpfiles, news files, info files, policy files, wizard [[cinfo]]s, and website. Your job is to teach everyone else how to RTFM. This means that you do not need to know answers. Instead, you need to know where and how to find the answers. (No, [[paging]] a wizard is not one of these ways.) You will teach others how to find the answers for themselves. Your primary job is to direct them to helpfiles, URLs, and other resources.

Your commitments:

:- Please be available (On Duty) at least fifty percent of the time you spend on the MUCK.
:
:- Please remember you are a volunteer -- if you get sick of it and find yourself off duty all the time, you can just quit. No hard feelings.
:
:- Please understand that helpstaff is technical support. It is not the responsibility of helpstaff to participate in [[policy]]-related matters.
:
:- Please understand that it can be a thankless job; but [[JadeWizard]] will deeply appreciate your community spirit.

THE MISSION OF HELPSTAFF IS NOT TO "KNOW" THE ANSWERS, BUT TO KNOW HOW TO "GET" THE ANSWERS. If you have read and agree to these terms, please send your application to [mailto:tap-wizzes@fur.com] with subject line 'Volunteer'. Please include a brief description of your qualifications and the name of the [[character]](s) you would like to be on the helpstaff roster. Depending upon your qualifications, you may or may not be given a brief entrance "quiz" before you are welcomed to the staff core. Thank you!

==How to Report Problems with Helpstaff==
If you feel that a member of the technical support helpstaff is behaving inappropriately (i.e. against their charter) please use the [[request]] command to communicate the problem to the [[wizards]]. The command is '[[request]] #submit text'.

[[Category:MUCK Documentation]]

Helpstaff

2007-03-29T01:47:40Z

JadeWizard: format changes

==Definition of Helpstaff==
The helpstaff are the '''volunteer technical support call center''' for the MUCK. While the wizards will help you with issues such as building and policy violations (harassment, minors, etc) it is the helpstaff who will help you configure your character, create objects, build rooms, learn the various commands on the MUCK (such as smell or leash), use MUF or MPI, etc.

==Reaching Helpstaff==
On the MUCK, type "helpstaff". You will see a list of online helpstaffers. Choose a helpstaffer marked [On Duty] and page them your question. It is considered polite to inquire first if the helpstaffer has the time and frame-of-mind to assist you, just in case they are busy with something else and have to add you to their queue or direct you to someone else.

==Mission of Helpstaff==
The mission of helpstaff is not to "know" the answers, but to know how to "get" the answers.

==The Helpstaff Charter==
The following charter was drafted by early members of the helpstaff community, and approved by JadeWizard.

:'''The helpstaff charter is...'''

#To become familiar with the helpfiles, news files, info files, policy files, wizard cinfos, and websites and other places where instructions on how to use commands and MUCK functions are found, and to do so for the purpose of being able to point those in need of these files in their directions.
#To be available (On Duty) at least fifty percent of the time you spend on the MUCK.
#To be polite, to be helpful to the best of your ability. If you can not help someone, then be able to direct that someone to another member of helpstaff who hopefully can (get to know your fellow helpstaffers).
#To make yourself not available (Off Duty) when you are in a scene, while #havened, or if you plan to be away from your computer. This especially applies if you are in a scene.
#Never ever imply that someone is stupid because they don't know something. It is your job as Helpstaff to help them learn something.
#Set a good example. As helpstaff, you are perceived as a model citizen with special status on the MUCK. People will be observing you. Give them something positive to observe - even when you are listed as "Off Duty".
#Never impersonate a wizard or imply that you have wizard authority. The role of helpstaff is to provide assistance with FAQs, building, programming, help resources, and other technical issues. It is not the responsibility of helpstaff members to participate in peacekeeping or arbitration. Members of helpstaff must direct user conflicts to wizard staff, and not attempt to handle it themselves. Doing so is grounds for immediate removal from helpstaff.
#Helpstaffers are encouraged to avoid publicly advertising (read: flaunting) their membership in helpstaff. We are an organization of neutral technical support assistants. In order to be able to effectively perform this role, we as helpstaff must avoid politics.
#You are the "learned" on Tapestries. Uphold that perception with professionalism and with a willingness to help and get answers.
#Treat your fellow helpstaff members with professionalism and respect. They are your colleagues.

==How to Become a Member of Helpstaff==
Want to give back to the community? We could use the help! As a member of helpstaff, you need to be an expert in navigating the helpfiles, news files, info files, policy files, wizard cinfos, and website. Your job is to teach everyone else how to RTFM. This means that you do not need to know answers. Instead, you need to know where and how to find the answers. (No, paging a wizard is not one of these ways.) You will teach others how to find the answers for themselves. Your primary job is to direct them to helpfiles, URLs, and other resources.

Your commitments:

:- Please be available (On Duty) at least fifty percent of the time you spend on the MUCK.
:
:- Please remember you are a volunteer -- if you get sick of it and find yourself off duty all the time, you can just quit. No hard feelings.
:
:- Please understand that helpstaff is technical support. It is not the responsibility of helpstaff to participate in policy-related matters.
:
:- Please understand that it can be a thankless job; but JadeWizard will deeply appreciate your community spirit.

THE MISSION OF HELPSTAFF IS NOT TO "KNOW" THE ANSWERS, BUT TO KNOW HOW TO "GET" THE ANSWERS. If you have read and agree to these terms, please send your application to tap-wizzes@fur.com with subject line 'Volunteer'. Please include a brief description of your qualifications and the name of the character(s) you would like to be on the helpstaff roster. Depending upon your qualifications, you may or may not be given a brief entrance "quiz" before you are welcomed to the staff core. Thank you!

==How to Report Problems with Helpstaff==
If you feel that a member of the technical support helpstaff is behaving inappropriately (i.e. against their charter) please use the request command to communicate the problem to the wizards. The command is 'request #submit text'.

Helpstaff

2007-03-29T01:43:38Z

JadeWizard: updated format

==Definition of Helpstaff==
The helpstaff are the '''volunteer technical support call center''' for the MUCK. While the wizards will help you with issues such as building and policy violations (harassment, minors, etc) it is the helpstaff who will help you configure your character, create objects, build rooms, learn the various commands on the MUCK (such as smell or leash), use MUF or MPI, etc.

==Reaching Helpstaff==
On the MUCK, type "helpstaff". You will see a list of online helpstaffers. Choose a helpstaffer marked [On Duty] and page them your question. It is considered polite to inquire first if the helpstaffer has the time and frame-of-mind to assist you, just in case they are busy with something else and have to add you to their queue or direct you to someone else.

==Mission of Helpstaff==
The mission of helpstaff is not to "know" the answers, but to know how to "get" the answers.

==The Helpstaff Charter==
The following charter was drafted by early members of the helpstaff community, and approved by JadeWizard.

:'''The helpstaff charter is...'''

#To become familiar with the helpfiles, news files, info files, policy files, wizard cinfos, and websites and other places where instructions on how to use commands and MUCK functions are found, and to do so for the purpose of being able to point those in need of these files in their directions.
#To be available (On Duty) at least fifty percent of the time you spend on the MUCK.
#To be polite, to be helpful to the best of your ability. If you can not help someone, then be able to direct that someone to another member of helpstaff who hopefully can (get to know your fellow helpstaffers).
#To make yourself not available (Off Duty) when you are in a scene, while #havened, or if you plan to be away from your computer. This especially applies if you are in a scene.
#Never ever imply that someone is stupid because they don't know something. It is your job as Helpstaff to help them learn something.
#Set a good example. As helpstaff, you are perceived as a model citizen with special status on the MUCK. People will be observing you. Give them something positive to observe - even when you are listed as "Off Duty".
#Never impersonate a wizard or imply that you have wizard authority. The role of helpstaff is to provide assistance with FAQs, building, programming, help resources, and other technical issues. It is not the responsibility of helpstaff members to participate in peacekeeping or arbitration. Members of helpstaff must direct user conflicts to wizard staff, and not attempt to handle it themselves. Doing so is grounds for immediate removal from helpstaff.
#Helpstaffers are encouraged to avoid publicly advertising (read: flaunting) their membership in helpstaff. We are an organization of neutral technical support assistants. In order to be able to effectively perform this role, we as helpstaff must avoid politics.
#You are the "learned" on Tapestries. Uphold that perception with professionalism and with a willingness to help and get answers.
#Treat your fellow helpstaff members with professionalism and respect. They are your colleagues.

==How to Become a Member of Helpstaff==
The following is pasted from 'cinfo JadeWizard helpstaff' --

<tt>Want to give back to the community? We could use the help! As a member of helpstaff, you need to be an expert in navigating the helpfiles, news files, info files, policy files, wizard cinfos, and website. Your job is to teach everyone else how to RTFM. This means that you do not need to know answers. Instead, you need to know where and how to find the answers. (No, paging a wizard is not one of these ways.) You will teach others how to find the answers for themselves. Your primary job is to direct them to helpfiles, URLs, and other resources.

Your commitments:

:- Please be available (On Duty) at least fifty percent of the time you spend on the MUCK.
:
:- Please remember you are a volunteer -- if you get sick of it and find yourself off duty all the time, you can just quit. No hard feelings.
:
:- Please understand that helpstaff is technical support. It is not the responsibility of helpstaff to participate in policy-related matters.
:
:- Please understand that it can be a thankless job; but JadeWizard will deeply appreciate your community spirit.

THE MISSION OF HELPSTAFF IS NOT TO "KNOW" THE ANSWERS, BUT TO KNOW HOW TO "GET" THE ANSWERS. If you have read and agree to these terms, please send your application to tap-wizzes@fur.com with subject line 'Volunteer'. Please include a brief description of your qualifications and the name of the character(s) you would like to be on the helpstaff roster. Depending upon your qualifications, you may or may not be given a brief entrance "quiz" before you are welcomed to the staff core. Thank you!</tt>

==How to Report Problems with Helpstaff==
If you feel that a member of the technical support helpstaff is behaving inappropriately (i.e. against their charter) please use the request command to communicate the problem to the wizards. The command is 'request #submit text'.

User:JadeWizard

2007-03-29T01:11:55Z

JadeWizard:

Hello world.