These are valid points with which I agree by and large. However, I feel there may be two important aspects that may not be being taken into consideration on every case: merit and inspiration. By merit I am referring to things such as length of time on site, activity level on site, quality and dependability of work. Example: Player A is a veteran Mizharian with a solid record of time and effort put into their PC. Player B is new to the site and their dedication uncertain or even questionable. Both request modded threads from you within the same time frame that are likely to take more than average effort from you. You only have the ability to do one intense modded thread at this time. Who are you more likely to go with? Does the fact that Player A is or is not a staff member really even play that much into the decision? Many veteran players so happen to be staff. It is hardly even a relevant point in my personal decision making as a mod. Let's say you throw caution to the wind and agree to mod both threads though it means you will be pressed for time. You warn both players that, because you are pressed for time, you may be slow but to please not be discouraged. If this is going to be an issue for them, it would be wise for them to either a) wait until you have more time or b) ask another mod. Both players claim they want you to do it, want you to do it now if you're willing and are totally okay with the fact that you are slow. Sound familiar yet? Fast forward a few weeks. You have been slow in both threads. You have also been slow on every other thread you have as both a staff member and a player. The two threads are progressing but perhaps not at the desired paces of the respective players. One night you are inspired for Player A's plot and so you post to it even though Player B has been waiting longer for your response. Let's say Player A happens to be online and posts immediately. You're excited, you're having fun writing, so you post again too to their thread. The next day, Player B and what seems like half the game are saying things about favoritism, perhaps forgetting that staff are sometimes more inspired by one plot than another and/or that writing is an art and while its true you can hack it out when the pressure's on regardless of inspiration it is also true that inspiration provides you with better quality and enjoyment and at the end of the day you're still a volunteer. This thing happens to me all the time. I can assure you that for me, personally, it is never an issue of whether or not a person is a staff member. There are about a dozen other variables involved in the ultimate equation. |