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COMPLAINTS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= It is the sincere wish of Staff on Shadowed Isles that players are never forced to seek assistance from *Complaint, but, unfortunately, situations arise that cannot be easily or readily solved by the players themselves. Differences of opinion and disagreements happen, and there must be some means by which to resolve them. Below are listed both the necessary steps and the rules regarding Complaint issues. First, we ask that all parties involved remember there is another person on the opposite side of that computer screen, and they have a right to their opinions and beliefs. They also have feelings that can be hurt, and rights that should be respected. Please take that into consideration, and exercise courtesy, even when upset. Second, remember the first point. Seriously, there is always more than one side to any given issue. Please bear that in mind when in a disagreement. Third, always remember the 3 Cs. (news 3Cs) Occasionally viewpoints are so divergent there is simply no alternative but to bring in an impartial observer to offer an unbiased opinion of the situation. If the problem persists to that point, please use the following procedure. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= COMPLAINT PROCEDURE =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Other things to remember when dealing with a Complaint are to -- * LOG EVERYTHING. Without logs to back up the allegations, Staff can do very little. The logs should NOT be edited, save for the removal of personal pages NOT related to the problem. Most Staffers are able to scan logs and overlook things like +who, +where, etc. * Attempt to resolve the problem in a calm, mature manner. Being upset or angry is NO excuse for unacceptable language or behavior! If the situation warrants, state your point of view, citing facts, WoD books and/or applicable house rules as calmly and clearly as possible, even if it takes walking away for a few moments. Within reason, it is a Sphere Head's prerogative to interpret rules, but they are not all-knowing, so mistakes can happen. Just remember to have the logs handy if such a situation arises, because Staff will undoubtedly ask to review them from all involved parties. * If those involved cannot come to an agreement, then the matter should be brought to the attention Complaint Staff. Compose and submit a CONCISE @mail to *Complaints, stating the nature of the disagreement, the circumstances under which it occurred, and list all parties both involved and/or who witnessed the dispute. We cannot stress enough the importance of logs. If there are neither logs nor impartial witnesses, then the matter in question becomes one of "He Said/She Said," which is nearly impossible arbitrate. * It should be noted that just because one player demands of another player that they had better NOT release a log, does not mean the player shouldn't release the lot to Staff. Logs are especially important in a case of dispute investigaton by Complaint Staff. Logs are not requested for frivolous reasons, and such requests don't happen often. Such pressure on one player by another will NOT be tolerated on Shadowed Isles, and should be reported to Staff if it occurs. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= COMPLAINT PROCEDURE =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= * Once the matter has gone to Complaint Staff, leave it be! Don't pester others involved in the dispute with the reasons why they should agree with you. Don't attempt to rally support amongst your friends and turn it into "Us vs Them." Allow the Complaint Staff time to gather all the necessary information, and to speak with everyone involved. Let them check with the appropriate Sphere Head, garner any extra information available. Unfortunately, this process takes time, though the Complaint Staff makes every effort to expedite matters, especially if the complaint is cause for a TmS, or otherwise stops the smooth flow of RP. * When Complaint Staff resolves the matter, please accept their decision with good grace. Whether the decision was in your favor or not, don't gloat or sulk. If you feel there is something GLARINGLY obvious the Complaint Staff missed, by all means, please inform them in a polite, respectful manner. We ask that players understand the Complaint Staff is not fallable, and they are NOT professional arbitrators. Their decisions are based on evidence provided, and sometimes new evidence may come to light AFTER a decision is handed down. * Please note that if a player goes to Complaint Staff about the consequences of an IC action their PC took, they will get VERY little sympathy. Let us make one thing perfectly clear: the Staff of Shadowed Isles is going to do its best to have as FEW retcons as possible, and it the PC makes a faulty or stupid IC decision, and it fits that PC, be prepared to live with the consequences. ICA= ICC, period. That being said, there are occasional incidents where information comes to light that can alter the PC's actions. Mistakes happen, and if a player truly believes the IC action is inappropriate or needs to be changed, then politely write up a detailed explanation as to why the PC would not have made that decision or taken that action, and why you allowed the action to happen in the first place. Retcons are up to the Sphere Head and Complaint Staff, and the original decision may stand, however ANY player has the right to an appeal. In this case, the entire situation will goes to the Game Coordinator for review. The Game Coordinator's decision is FINAL, and further complaint on the matter will be IGNORED. Continued in news Complaints2 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= |