Galthryn (Paraphrased) wrote:
-...horde code.
-...I think a much better chance to police this sort of behavior is to allow only 1 character in a faction.
-Re-examine the rules and see if the same game concepts can't be protected with less draconian measures.
-GIve IC repercussions for certain types of rules breakage.
-Reward people who put extra effort to observe the rules.
1) The horde code is something that, if you have issues with, you can identify specifically and bring up to change in this forum. Framework enforcement like this with specified thresholds can have those thresholds change with relatively minor fuss. If you make a logical, strong, and fair case - as long as the counter-argument isn't stronger in Dulrik's eyes - it's very likely these can be changed.
2) I consider hard-line rules absolutely detrimental to the freedom to play the game how one wants. I would very much rather give you the coded freedom to make a choice and give fair guidelines for use, than a zero tolerance policy that doesn't give you the option to do something no matter how much harder or more dedicated to it you must be to do that something. Some things require zero tolerance, but not many. Multiplaying is one of those things. I want people to have the freedom to play multiple characters in multiple outlets - there are some people I'd feel good to see have the time and willingness to do it - even if playing those multiple characters requires stricter attentiveness in order to do within the boundaries of fairness and fun. I can be swayed, but this is my stance as it is.
3) The rules are so easy to avoid crossing that you shouldn't be doing this. I understand the waters are muddied still, and trust me in that I am trying to get a reasonable and clear reiteration of them to you guys as soon as possible. It takes time, especially with my real-life obligations. I want you to know that I am working on this, though I can't promise a timeline. The less I have to stop to enforce rules, the more opportunity I get to work on it. As you can tell from the afterlife forum, I'm kept busy.
4) Warnings have proven absolutely ineffective as a prevention tool over the course of time. It's much better for all involved if the penalties are clear, even if a bit harsh, than to give an inconsistent response that can be decried as favoritism when they aren't applied to everyone. I would rather people have clear lines not to cross, know what they get for crossing them, and be seen as harsh than something inconsistent and shadowy. Warnings and graded punishments for some things introduce a factor of obfuscation and mistrust. Look at how people see the staff now: while there's been some acts of bias, there have been as many objective acts of leniency that create mistrust in contrast to the repetitive abusers who just get the axe after one violation.
5) IC repercussions are already in place. "Bad roleplay" is making acting in a way that is directly OOC, or directly against the guidelines of alignment/race. If it is not clean-cut and direct, then poor choices that otherwise fit the role of a character can and do have IC repercussions instead of curses. This is something that has and will continue to exist.
To use your most recent turmoil as an example that apparently everyone and their mother is familiar with: Galthryn had the right to make the choices he did, even if some people disagree with them. An argument could be made for making the choice, as much as an argument could be made against it. That's why, while Galthryn may or may not be utterly ostracized for his choices by the IC lightie community, he will not be cursed.
6) I absolutely will not reward people for following the rules. I will also not reward people for narcing fellow players out. I am here to maintain the integrity of the game and its rules, which if done correctly is in and of itself its own reward for the people that play. I encourage people to narc, report unfairness and dishonesty, simply so that I can do what I want to and keep your guys' time as fair and fun as possible. People will know they aren't being cheated against and that they are on the same playing field as everyone else on the game, and that is all I think you will ever see when it comes to rules rewards.