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Ragnarok Online => General Discussion => GameMaster Talk => Topic started by: Guest on Dec 20, 2008, 02:02 PM

Title: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Guest on Dec 20, 2008, 02:02 PM
So I'm curious, why do people want to be Game Masters?
I mean whats the real appeal to it?

Do people just want the power? Possible fame? Or what?
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Shinn on Dec 20, 2008, 02:18 PM
no s***, obviously fame. iz liek y u a mod JJJ? right? xD


I kid I kid, I don't know JJJ I think it's simply because they feel like they are fit for that job in hopes that some day...some day that their un-corrupted minds and great event hosting abilities will bring the server to fame.

But really if I was asked "heyz shin y u GM?" I would say "making my players happy makes -me- happy"

::) ::)


Cheers,
Shinn.



Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Gizmo on Dec 20, 2008, 03:16 PM
The moderator possition I hold on Aeon was not one I'd asked for. It was something that I just sort of ended up with as a result of being heavily involved with the plots we have running on the server.

I certainly don't regret it. I love being a mod. I don't have a lot of power, sure, but I get to do a lot of the fun things like effects and the like. Disguises ... I suppose the reasons everyone has for being a GM or a mod are different.

My responce to it would have to be the same as Shinn's. I love my job because it helps to keep the server active, and it makes the players happy. And that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Plus, it's an awful lot of fun to goof off and disguise players as silly monsters.  /heh
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Littlechan on Dec 20, 2008, 08:24 PM
for me:

because I love the server so much that I want to help the server ;D
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Head Monocle of DOOM on Dec 21, 2008, 12:39 AM
Quote from: Littlechan on Dec 20, 2008, 08:24 PM
for me:

because I love the server so much that I want to help the server ;D
Quoted for truth and agreement.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Littlechan on Dec 21, 2008, 06:10 AM
Quote from: Head Monocle of DOOM on Dec 21, 2008, 12:39 AM
Quote from: Littlechan on Dec 20, 2008, 08:24 PM
for me:

because I love the server so much that I want to help the server ;D
Quoted for truth and agreement.

thank you for agreeing with me ;D
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Pow on Dec 21, 2008, 07:56 AM
I just like the chicks and the guns.


Uhh, yeah. I do it because somebody has to, and alot of people aren't professional when it comes to such activities.

-Pow
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Cielte on Dec 22, 2008, 05:10 AM
Some people the way I see it just like having the powers so they can either 1: Go off and spam @kill/@nuke on someone they hate, 2: The ability to make a "legit" with really overpowered s***. 3: Screw a server over without knowing, or 4: They just want to help the admin/other Game Masters out.

As for me though, I do it because I love helping, and it takes some of the burden off the Admin.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: asdfqwerty123 on Dec 23, 2008, 01:39 PM
(Being an admin/owner/creator, my answer is slightly different)

Because after playing tons of servers, I wanted to make a fun highly customized Super High Rate server that did not give donation players any PVP or WoE advantages.  I never made it because I ever thought I was going to play it, I made it so that others could play it and not have to worry about overpowered donation players dominating them regardless of the work they put into their f2p characters. That was one thing I absolutely hated about other Super High Rate servers when I was still playing as a player with a group of friends jumping from one server to another. People still do that today, they'll leave our server a while to see what others are like, and eventually come back because they have the most fun on ours and a lot of their friends play here.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Mewi on Dec 31, 2008, 10:41 AM
For me personally its for this reason.

Because no one can do it right except me ;3
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Hanyuu on Dec 31, 2008, 12:08 PM
My reasons change from server to server. The first time was because I actually cared about the people who played the server, and that I cared a lot for the admin so I'd help him out where I could. It was a nice server, the kind where I'd would have stayed forever if it didn't close from all the drama a few players kept starting. =\ Should he ever decide to open it again, I'll be there, just not as a GM anymore otherwise I can't have a legit and play in pvp/woe without some asura champ screaming that I'm cheating.

Other times it was because I could have the job. I didn't care much for those servers, so yeah I'll admit to being corrupted. It was more or less a lesson for those new server owns to give a trial for ALL GMs whether they seem experienced or not. And to check their logs, which none of them seemed to be able to do. *sighs* Gotta love those kiddies who shell out cash for a server someone else runs and maintains for them without ever knowing how to read a guide.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Untitled on Jan 02, 2009, 01:45 AM
It really depends on the person you're asking. Well some want the power to own annoying nabs, others want to be known throughout the server. Seriously though, those two reasons are the worst reasons you can have. Honestly I think that those people with those reasons have no idea how hard it is to have people crowd you. Noobs would even cuss at you lol xD
Some people on the other hand, may have noticed that the admins or other GMs need more hands to help them, a much more noble cause to be a GM xD Well if this is a person's reason to become a GM then he/she srsly cares for that server d:
Personally though, I've never planned to be a GM at all. o.o I 'ono, just not attracted to power ~.~
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Aris on Jan 02, 2009, 03:11 AM
I never really wanted to be a GM back on LRO. Even when I got asked to be a GM Assistant (GM later and then Head GM) I refused Itakou at the start but my friends made me PM him again and accept the job. It turned out fun to be a GM. I can even admit that I liked the attention and the fame. Still, I wanted to quit many times because being a GM is annoying even with all the good things that come with it.

Tho to answer the question, I think the few main reasons are that they want attention, they think its easy and they just like the fact that they were a GM on a RO PServer which isn't really a big deal lol.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Traflia on Jan 02, 2009, 03:41 AM
it really depends on the community for me, good community means good GMs, i was a admin for a GREAT community and so i was a kind and nice admin to them all. but ive also seen the bad communities where its constant "give me lvl, give me weapons, give me this, give me that, i wana be a GM", they will piss off a GM and therefore they get sick of them and jus boot em.

so as far as im concerned, if u have a good community there to back you up, you'll be a good GM, if u dun, than u'll get pissed off FAST! and probably quit.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Mewi on Jan 04, 2009, 02:19 AM
Quote from: Traflia on Jan 02, 2009, 03:41 AM
it really depends on the community for me, good community means good GMs, i was a admin for a GREAT community and so i was a kind and nice admin to them all. but ive also seen the bad communities where its constant "give me lvl, give me weapons, give me this, give me that, i wana be a GM", they will piss off a GM and therefore they get sick of them and jus boot em.

so as far as im concerned, if u have a good community there to back you up, you'll be a good GM, if u dun, than u'll get pissed off FAST! and probably quit.

Not true,  you could be the best GM in the world, the moment you do your job right is the moment you are villainized by trolls, and trolls always have a way of capturing the community's eye.  No good GM is safe from trolls.

Same could go for exact opposite,  you could have best community in the world, with the suckiest GMs ever lol.

and I've known admins who were "nice to everyone"  lets just say, it was no walk in the park for a GM.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Soma on Jan 04, 2009, 02:25 PM
Bah, I really can't understand people's needs to be a moderator.
Sure, I'd step up to the plate if a server was in dire need of some assistance, but usually the administrators too paranoid to want any help whatsoever.
Either that, or the community's too rotten for me to care much.
It's funny though, how in many cases its easier to get an administration position in a server (download/set-up eAthena) than it is to get hired as a moderator (usually involving a lot of butt kissing, if you're not already moderator/administrator's friend)
If I were to ever want to be a game moderator, it'd be solely to help out the server.
Of course, not many other people feel that way (the people who hound over moderator positions), I'm sure.

In any other case, I'm sorry, that shoe doesn't quite fit.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Cockroach on Jan 04, 2009, 11:41 PM
Cause, if I didn't do it some corrupt noob will and ruin the server for me.
Fair? kthxbye.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Anti-Static Foam Cleaner on Jan 05, 2009, 04:36 AM
Want something done right, gotta do it yourself.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Zelos on Jan 10, 2009, 10:20 PM
Well it depends on what server it is. Like is it a server in need of good GMs after a loss of one? Is it just a server that you played on forever so the Admin wants you to become a GM?

Anyway my answer would be I love to help. During events I love to have fun with players. I love making a fool of myself in events :D (jk) I just want to help out any server really that is in need of GM Creed~
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Tieria on Jan 12, 2009, 02:26 AM
I think nearly anyone who has been a Game Master will agree with me; at first it's a very enjoyable experience, you do get a lot of "fame" and "glory" - but you'll also meet people who will give you a hard time for no reason at all. Eventually the cons start to outweigh the pros, and that's when most people stop caring because they aren't getting the ego/powertrip anymore.

The fact of the matter is, being a GM, particularly one with a lot of responsibility for the community as well as server side issues, isn't easy. I can see why people don't understand why we do it, and I don't think there is a simple answer to "why" either.

Everyone has their own reasons, some are negative - power, abuse via unlegit items/zeny, popularity - and some are positive - a genuine desire to help the server, to make it grow, etc. You'll find a lot of people start out with that sincere wish to help a private server prosper, but after the original hype of the job dies down and they realize how much work it is, no one wants to do it anymore or they end up going sour and corrupt.

Unfortunately there are a lot more bad Game Masters in the world of Private Servers, ones that'll give the rest of us bad names, but it can't be helped. I've never done something unlegit in my entire RO career, but I have been accused of it and people have started rumors for whatever reasons. Eventually it happens to almost anyone, no matter how nice you are or how well you do your job. So, why?

I've worked on several servers with a population of anywhere between 500 players to 1000+, I've got a lot of experience under my belt, so I've found my reason for GMing. You may call it selfish but I do it mostly for myself, and I think it's better that way. Yes, I do want to help the server, but I moreover enjoy certain aspects of the job and so I continue to work on the staff for my reasons.

I've been doing this long enough that there's no chance that I'd take a GMing job for popularity (partly because I know it doesn't work that way), nor will I be in it for the "power" (since I simply don't care much for it), and my general awareness of how RO communities work will forever prevent me from being biased. In terms of my knowledge and opinions, after a very long time, I've settled into a nice little corner and found a comfortable spot in the world of RO, and I plan to stay here.

Enjoy your wall of text! Although there's one more thing I've got to add to this;

GMing is a thankless job, often the only thanks you get is in the silence when no one is complaining.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Head Monocle of DOOM on Jan 12, 2009, 02:38 AM
Quote from: Tieria on Jan 12, 2009, 02:26 AM
Unfortunately there are a lot more bad Game Masters in the world of Private Servers, ones that'll give the rest of us bad names.
I don't believe this is nesessarilly true it's just that peole on a whole creave bad news and shun good news and that is why 90% of American news is Political scandal, murder, rape ect...
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Tieria on Jan 12, 2009, 02:43 AM
Quote from: Head Monocle of DOOM on Jan 12, 2009, 02:38 AM
Quote from: Tieria on Jan 12, 2009, 02:26 AM
Unfortunately there are a lot more bad Game Masters in the world of Private Servers, ones that'll give the rest of us bad names.
I don't believe this is nesessarilly true it's just that peole on a whole creave bad news and shun good news and that is why 90% of American news is Political scandal, murder, rape ect...
I just think that between all the random people some Administrators hire, there are less people who do their job well than there are people who don't do it at all. That's just in my experience/opinion, though, and I fully understand where you're coming from.

People always spread things about the bad staff members, never the good ones. :<
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Littlechan on Jan 12, 2009, 04:06 AM
Quote from: Tieria on Jan 12, 2009, 02:43 AM
Quote from: Head Monocle of DOOM on Jan 12, 2009, 02:38 AM
Quote from: Tieria on Jan 12, 2009, 02:26 AM
Unfortunately there are a lot more bad Game Masters in the world of Private Servers, ones that'll give the rest of us bad names.
I don't believe this is nesessarilly true it's just that peole on a whole creave bad news and shun good news and that is why 90% of American news is Political scandal, murder, rape ect...
I just think that between all the random people some Administrators hire, there are less people who do their job well than there are people who don't do it at all. That's just in my experience/opinion, though, and I fully understand where you're coming from.

People always spread things about the bad staff members, never the good ones. :<

because most people just look at the bad side D:

but yes, I agree with tieria, that GMing is a thankless job

(I rarely got someone thanks me >.<)

but that doesn't mean we stop GMing right? after all, we become a GM to help the server, not for popularity ;D ;D
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Rudolph Zyaber on Jan 12, 2009, 04:39 PM
I was a GM for a short time, and while it often is a thankless, boring task, if you play your cards right and do things the community likes, they often take the time out of their busy days to give thanks to the overlor-I mean GM.

Anyway, I found it quite challenging and sadly like all things I endeavor to excel at, I lost interest in it rather fast.  being able to do anything and everything is boring as hell.  I'm sadly the kinda guy who would rather partake in others accomplishments instead of having others revel in my own.  It's kinda like LittleBigPlanet.  I hate making levels but I love playing them.  Get where I'm coming from? 

Anyway, my point is that it's not for everyone.  GM's are a rare breed of people, masochists if you will.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: VinLRO on Jan 15, 2009, 10:31 AM
For me it was mostly curiosity in the beginning and later it changed to the fun in organizing things and helping players.
Btw: I believe, that a lot of GMs do it because of the Donations.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Guest on Jan 15, 2009, 06:36 PM
Quote
A lot of GMs do it for the money.

am i the only one getting depressed hearing this over and over?
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Zelos on Jan 15, 2009, 06:38 PM
Quote from: JJJ on Jan 15, 2009, 06:36 PM
Quote
A lot of GMs do it for the money.

am i the only one getting depressed hearing this over and over?
Nope your not the only one.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Aris on Jan 16, 2009, 12:30 AM
Quote from: Tieria on Jan 12, 2009, 02:26 AM
I think nearly anyone who has been a Game Master will agree with me; at first it's a very enjoyable experience, you do get a lot of "fame" and "glory" - but you'll also meet people who will give you a hard time for no reason at all. Eventually the cons start to outweigh the pros, and that's when most people stop caring because they aren't getting the ego/powertrip anymore.

The fact of the matter is, being a GM, particularly one with a lot of responsibility for the community as well as server side issues, isn't easy. I can see why people don't understand why we do it, and I don't think there is a simple answer to "why" either.
[/b][/color]
tis woman (or man) speaks the truth.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Fusioneko on Jan 16, 2009, 10:51 AM
I've been a Server manager, administrator for a game thats not a private server. a Fan based game made on byond called "Dragonball Finale" It was hell. Now of course I hosted for a year and a half, and played 2 and half years. The game was fun. But I don't think it's that tough. The reason I want a status is simple, I just want the responsibility. I like having the responsibility,  By the way, that particular community I ruled over was the dump of the internet, almost worse then /b/ in intelligence, meme's thrown everywhere. OVER NINE THOUSAND! It was insane.

But I gained a big tolerance factor to stupidity because of it.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Mewi on Feb 02, 2009, 12:24 PM
My only goal as a GM is justice, the rules, and the order of law.   Of course I always think about the player's well being above those... However, When it comes to people breaking the rules, there is no "inbetween" and I will not sit idly by as someone violates said rules and attempts to justify it with some obscure excuse.

Certainly there is room for some flexibility, but one should not let people get away with it, as it creates a void of distrust.  Even if you do administer/warnings and punishments for the most obvious rule violations... People are going to complain~

Rule offenders use Terms like

"its just pvp" =  "( I can say all the racist things I want )"

or

"I dont bot you nazi GM" = "( I do bot, I'm just ashamed to of been caught )"

or

"People should be allowed to trash talk" = "( I should be able to say whatever offensive thing to my friends publicly )


When it comes down to it, especially that last thing.  If I can see it, and it is against the rules that means it is done publicly... Whether or not you are in the middle of prontera, a corner of some unknown map,  or questing.  You can still be punished for it, seeing as how ... if I can walk by and see it, that means any player can walk by and see it.  Privacy only pertains to PM/Guild and Partys, private information and maybe jawaii huts.  *reminds self to add that into any future rules*

Getting off topic here ;3
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Flip on Feb 03, 2009, 03:01 PM
In terms of the game, I think there's no better way to keep up with the game than being a GM and doing your job as a GM. You discover a new thing everyday.

In terms of the work, you practice your professionalism moreso than anything else in being a GM. The fact that its a thankless job enables one person to work without gain. If you can do that, then your work ethic improves by a -lot-.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Mewi on Feb 03, 2009, 03:38 PM
Quote from: Flip on Feb 03, 2009, 03:01 PM
In terms of the game, I think there's no better way to keep up with the game than being a GM and doing your job as a GM. You discover a new thing everyday.

In terms of the work, you practice your professionalism moreso than anything else in being a GM. The fact that its a thankless job enables one person to work without gain. If you can do that, then your work ethic improves by a -lot-.

Being thanked is only a bonus to order ^~
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: A92FL0163 on Feb 03, 2009, 04:14 PM
Wearing a dress while being male and not being laughed at for it?
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: ADDFurret on Feb 12, 2009, 09:25 PM
Some wish to restore the success of what was brought down by corruption.

Others wish to bring down that success with corruption.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Auroraâ„¢ on Feb 13, 2009, 09:04 AM
Quote from: Tieria on Jan 12, 2009, 02:26 AM
I think nearly anyone who has been a Game Master will agree with me; at first it's a very enjoyable experience, you do get a lot of "fame" and "glory" - but you'll also meet people who will give you a hard time for no reason at all. Eventually the cons start to outweigh the pros, and that's when most people stop caring because they aren't getting the ego/powertrip anymore.

The fact of the matter is, being a GM, particularly one with a lot of responsibility for the community as well as server side issues, isn't easy. I can see why people don't understand why we do it, and I don't think there is a simple answer to "why" either.

Everyone has their own reasons, some are negative - power, abuse via unlegit items/zeny, popularity - and some are positive - a genuine desire to help the server, to make it grow, etc. You'll find a lot of people start out with that sincere wish to help a private server prosper, but after the original hype of the job dies down and they realize how much work it is, no one wants to do it anymore or they end up going sour and corrupt.

Unfortunately there are a lot more bad Game Masters in the world of Private Servers, ones that'll give the rest of us bad names, but it can't be helped. I've never done something unlegit in my entire RO career, but I have been accused of it and people have started rumors for whatever reasons. Eventually it happens to almost anyone, no matter how nice you are or how well you do your job. So, why?

I've worked on several servers with a population of anywhere between 500 players to 1000+, I've got a lot of experience under my belt, so I've found my reason for GMing. You may call it selfish but I do it mostly for myself, and I think it's better that way. Yes, I do want to help the server, but I moreover enjoy certain aspects of the job and so I continue to work on the staff for my reasons.

I've been doing this long enough that there's no chance that I'd take a GMing job for popularity (partly because I know it doesn't work that way), nor will I be in it for the "power" (since I simply don't care much for it), and my general awareness of how RO communities work will forever prevent me from being biased. In terms of my knowledge and opinions, after a very long time, I've settled into a nice little corner and found a comfortable spot in the world of RO, and I plan to stay here.

Enjoy your wall of text! Although there's one more thing I've got to add to this;

GMing is a thankless job, often the only thanks you get is in the silence when no one is complaining.

I really think Tieria has the general idea of why it happens, and how it usually ends up, down - otherwise, a basic idea of what being a GM is like.

I've also been part of several GM teams and helper teams, and I've been from servers that have only lasted a few months, and carried an average population of 50, to servers who are still here today (even if they're barely standing), which ranged from 300-900 players. So, I can also safely say I've got a decent amount of experience in what I should and shouldn't do as a GM, as well as how to handle certain types of players. Granted, I don't know everything, I really don't think anybody does, but I do know enough to know that I enjoy being a part of a staff, or even the head of a staff, mainly because of the fact that I know I'm able to make a difference, even if it's just a notch out of a block of wood, and I honestly do enjoy being able to communicate with players, help them, guide them, and attempt to make a good community out of the server I am working for/founded.

Unfortunately, however, a lot of people now-a-days (not the whole of the staffer population, but a vast majority of them) only, as stated in numerous other topics, wish to be a part of that staff because it makes them feel important, and it they just love having all of the attention. They think that the job of a GM, no matter what the position, is a walk through the park, period. They believe that, with recognition and power, they are now better than the people they're there to support/administer. And, as, again, already stated, the minute something, even the slightest thing, goes wrong for them, they just don't care anymore. Sometimes all it takes, even, is for them to be persecuted for doing their job. It really is kind of sad, and sometimes it's even the people who seem to have the most potential for the job. You have no idea how many people I've seen, who were actually whole-hearted staffers, quit their job over the stress that certain people in certain community force on them.

Another thing that I enjoy about the job, which I've already vaguely mentioned, is the community in general. Some people have said that there's a bad apple in every bunch, or that there's always going to be that person who tries to take you down - this is true, however, it doesn't always happen, and I can vouche for this. Granted, there have been plenty of times where I've been given grief for doing my job, but there also have been, if not more, just as many times where I was either:

A.) Thanked for doing my job, or
B.) Everyone went on with their lives.

It's definitely not going to happen the minute your job is done, and it definitely isn't a guaranteed fact that it will ever happen to a person. I've met plenty of staffers who have managed to do their job, and never once get persecuted. Honestly, I firmly believe whether or not you're given grief off of what you do depends solely on how it was either handled, or how that person views you. You could be the nicest staffer, and someone could view you as the meanest, and that view is more than likely solely based off of something you might have said, that they might have taken the wrong way, for example. There are plenty of things that affect the outcome of such a situation, not just the fact that you're doing your job.

Anyways, like I said, I view the job of being a GM as, actually, very rewarding, even though what Tieria said is true, being a GM is often a thankless job, though not all of the time. I personally view it as, you don't need to be thanked to get a rewarding feeling from what you've done. I believe the reward comes from being able to get to know the players on a personal level (me, personally, as a staffer and a player, seeing as I firmly believe in playing on the server you GM for, even though most people believe it's impossible to do that without being corrupt), and being able to help the players out, or give them a fun and exciting RO experience.

My views may sound kind of cheesy to some people, but they're my views, and it's been that way for, basically, as long as I've been a staffer, and I stand by them strongly.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Dauphine on Mar 30, 2009, 02:25 PM
Quote from: JJJ on Dec 20, 2008, 02:02 PM
So I'm curious, why do people want to be Game Masters?
I mean whats the real appeal to it?

Do people just want the power? Possible fame? Or what?

I have no f*** clue why I am one. Granted, I tried quitting, but I like to spoil myself with the idea the server can't roll without me. Then you have the complaints, the problems you keep solving, the idiots who keep doing retarded stuff you have to fix, the drama, the cussing, the spamming, the begging...

Why am I not quitting T_T. Mostly it's that whenever I come back to check I see so many things I could help with, and I just end up doing it all again. It's a fulltime job sometimes, unthankful in every way, but being active and managing stuff and having awesome discussions about new ideas for the game and having laughs.. it has its good sides as well :D
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Brainstorm on Mar 30, 2009, 05:43 PM
QuoteSo I'm curious, why do people want to be Game Masters?
Because they are idiots that have not realized they should be playing the game instead of @item'ing their legitz, so they make their own servers to feel important.

Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Cookie on Apr 05, 2009, 09:17 PM
I think the best part of being a Game Master is writing a script, then implementing it, and watching it actually work. There is no better feeling when success is achieved. I didn't really enjoy being an Event GM. Too little structure in how the job works.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Hrist on Apr 06, 2009, 06:32 AM
Wearing the Male GM man-skirt is very liberating on the thighs.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Dauphine on Apr 07, 2009, 07:47 PM
Quote from: Hrist on Apr 06, 2009, 06:32 AM
Wearing the Male GM man-skirt is very liberating on the thighs.

We got the arch bishop sprites as GM sprites /slur.

Of course every male turned female because of this on our Staff :D
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: SilverStream~ on Apr 07, 2009, 10:52 PM
I have been a public relations gm on several servers, which I don't want to name.
I can't say much about technical stuff, I barely know how to set up a server. Not my thing.

Being in PR myself as a profession(I'm a journalist and editor), I can with my hand on my heart say it's a 50-50 job.

Often, people will tell you what a great job managing, being the face of the server etc you are doing.
But also alot of the time it's people who b**** and cry about how this is wrong, this isn't right, you
should do this like that.


Promoting, I like server promoting, because I can do something I like and enjoy. If I were a tech GM I couldn't manage
the stress, sitting forever coding and not doing much else =\

When you are a PR Gm, you have to "make sure" that the players are not bored. So lots of spawning event's,
hide and seek, trivia(tooons of pm's), monster spawn event, planned event, forum contests, ingame contest etc.

I like being with the players, and the players like that aswell, only some are "you spawned a poring for person x, your
corrupt because you wouldnt spawn a mvp for me". =.= Get's annoying.
There are alot of gm team's that don't have their own PR gm, and the amount of events, and contests is cut down
because of that. Having a dedicated person to have fun with everyone who plays on your server is a huge benefit.



Back to 50-50, you have to give to get, and no one will give info to you first. Put something up, see how it goes and
if they like it, go for it. If they hate it, go for it, but change it next time =.= -also hate, because you will get crying
people saying how bad your events/contests are.


Being the super nice, super cool person everyone likes =) Often it's not like that though, and you have to work to find out
what the players like, maybe they don't like you even before they met you or talked to you, what kind of people they are,
which "jokes" would they take, what do they think looks best etc.
  This part of the job I fancy though, you get to design banners, things for the website, posting reviews/advertisements on
sites, talking to ranking sites and lot's of things. Often getting the players to contribute to promoting the server is best, as
you fulfill the "50-50" part of the job, where you let the community take part in decisions.
Forum contests are really fun, alot of people indulge themselves in forum contests. If your forum is slowgoing, put up a contest
and your members will come there in no time. So you see it's alot about having fun, but being professional about it while at it.


I had gotten alot of crap, people not happy about their support tickets, this not working, they are doing something wrong, why aren't
you helping me and only forwarding the ticket so it takes even longer? All the time something is something  about the something whatever ._.

Don't know what kept me going lol, the server itself, the community, or both?

Either way working as a Public Relations GM for me was, and still is a super experience, and you benefit from it ten times over what you would think.




So why be a Gm? Because of what you will learn, see and find out while you do you job.
I learned a ton during my years. Now I'm only casual player =) and do some work here and there.

And along with being a gm, if you do a good job managing your server together with your gm team you can put it on your resume.
It could make the difference between that job you wanted and the burgershop around the corner =\

-SilverStream~
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Ayu on Apr 08, 2009, 01:47 PM
Quote from: Cookie on Apr 05, 2009, 09:17 PM
I didn't really enjoy being an Event GM. Too little structure in how the job works.

I on the other hand, thinks that it's part of the charm. I am an event GM + PR similar to SilverStream's description, and I know nothing about coding or scripting or anything technical. So, the situation always comes down to this for me in heRO:

"These are my limited and available resources because I can't script. This is all that I can work with, but luckily my 'boss' (head admin) GM-Pandora gives me a massive amount of freedom. So, how can I make as much new things and new varieties of events with just what I have?" With just @spawn, broadcasts and @recall commands and regular player abilities alone without any NPC assistance or custom maps, you can really make more events than just trivia, hide/seek, and spawning event.

It *really* helps you on resource management in real life too. Instead of rushing over to demand more help, resources or technical assistance, Event GM trains you and forces you to think of creative uses and enhances problem solving skills relying on working with what you have, and make the absolute very best and most out of it.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: LiteX on Apr 09, 2009, 03:26 AM
Being a GM can depend on the point of view, the truthful GM, is more or less like the "Help Everyone, Enforce Rules" and things like that, alot of people think being a GM is doing whatever they want (Power Abuse) so this is what leads to corrupt GMs (Ex: GM having a gf and he gave her "special rights", i really don't care if the person behind the screen is the GM's brother,sister,girlfriend/boyfriend,son,mother,father,friend,cousing,dog,banker,teacher,whatever, i believe everyone should be treated the same),
Many players believe the GM is a robot that can work 24/7 so sometimes it is a burden to be one

So being a GM can vary on many different reasons, why be one alot of people may ask?
It depends of the person, corrupt ones tend to rise up everytime the admin is searching help, the truthful ones tend to back out sometimes do to them knowing that GMing is a job, not a privilige.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Sarin on Apr 10, 2009, 10:51 AM
I'll go the other way around and say why I don't want to be a GM. I lack patience while dealing with noobs, I might be even sometimes, given the rights, banning people for punishable idiocy, I prefer playing the game rather than caring of it, and I haven't been interested much in RO's technical side so I can't even be a scripter etc..
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: SilverStream~ on Apr 10, 2009, 10:19 PM
Quote from: Sarin on Apr 10, 2009, 10:51 AM
I'll go the other way around and say why I don't want to be a GM. I lack patience while dealing with noobs, I might be even sometimes, given the rights, banning people for punishable idiocy, I prefer playing the game rather than caring of it, and I haven't been interested much in RO's technical side so I can't even be a scripter etc..

Alot of times, one becomes a gm because you enjoy the server you are playing on. I have been offered to work as a PR/Event GM on several servers, but I couldn't do more then one server at a time because all my focus had to be on that one server.

And often the "good" GM's come from people who have played for a few years, and know alot about the game, server's history, generaly how the server is and works. Combined with training in coding, and using gm powers they do even more for the server then they already can.

For me, I always did banners, wallpapers, some buttons, loginscreen's, and other minor stuff. Sometimes I did event backgrounds they put in their loading screens, maintenance loading screens etc.
While doing that I found out that if you contribute, you get. If many players work together they can shape the server for the better. There is often that group which are a-holes but they are a small group often.


You don't want to be a GM and you state why, and those are perfect reasons of why not to be one xD, but you have to understand, that there are many different gm positions.
If you want to, you could be strictly a forum moderator if you wanted to and like to talk. Or you can be a quest creator, web designer, coder, admin(lots of work ._.) PR and some more positions.
I was on a server once that had an organizer gm, which only managed the team itself, arranged meetings(online), set up their schedule, was a large part of decitions(ingame knowledge and server knowledge) and was a more "behind the scene's" person. Though this gm was a moderator on the forum they had. This was not a ro server, if you wondered. But that does not change anything. RO could be a entirely different game and we would still have this thread.


But you should write why you would like to be a gm =) Why you wouldn't want to be one everybody knows haha, thats easy to figure out. But everything you do as a gm counts as experience and knowledge. Knowledge is power they say, but you can't use it without experience =x


Mh now I got in a good mood ^-^
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Xarale on Apr 11, 2009, 01:23 AM
There's various reasons;

Some do it for the power.  These are the ones you'll find sitting in main towns, not doing much else aside spamming GM commands, and even randomly killing players in towns.  They'll probably be quite stuck-up too, and may ignore a player who actually requires help.

Some do it for fame.  These are usually the ones who end up abusing their broadcast commands, and spam various disguise/effect commands when no one is giving them attention.

Some do it with their legit character in mind.  Obviously, these will be the ones who will use their commands to aid their legit accounts.

Others just do it cause they truly love their server, and enjoy helping to make it a better place for all.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Genjizo on Apr 20, 2009, 04:24 PM
Most common answer would be just cause people want to be cooler than the rest. Power corrupts.

However you never know, some people just wanna be GM's just to have a reason to play RO. Correct me if I'm wrong but once you become an admin/server owner, RO doesn't have that much thunder to you anymore.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: InsurGensuji on Apr 22, 2009, 06:43 PM
Just as it has been said in this post. Most do it for those reasons. Its nice to know a GM would rather be able to help the server rather than themself or their friends.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Dauphine on May 15, 2009, 06:09 AM
I recently quit GMing. I never thought I would remember how it would feel to be free again, and not so stressed out anymore!

Crap job guys, craaaap :(
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: LiteX on May 15, 2009, 06:42 AM
Quote from: Dauphine on May 15, 2009, 06:09 AM
I recently quit GMing. I never thought I would remember how it would feel to be free again, and not so stressed out anymore!

Crap job guys, craaaap :(

A good GM gets stressed all the time by answering the players and solving problems, a bad/corrupt GM never gets stressed because he is only doing what he wants, most people think being GM is all candy and cake while the real job is a s*** load of stress
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Dauphine on May 15, 2009, 09:19 AM
Quote from: LiteX on May 15, 2009, 06:42 AM
Quote from: Dauphine on May 15, 2009, 06:09 AM
I recently quit GMing. I never thought I would remember how it would feel to be free again, and not so stressed out anymore!

Crap job guys, craaaap :(

A good GM gets stressed all the time by answering the players and solving problems, a bad/corrupt GM never gets stressed because he is only doing what he wants, most people think being GM is all candy and cake while the real job is a s*** load of stress

I didn't sleep properly for the longest time D;<

I blame noobs.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Lost~Dreams on May 20, 2009, 01:16 AM
Playing as a normal player got boring.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Zelos on May 21, 2009, 10:03 PM
I simply like helping new players, taking the time to introduce them to the server, give them a quick tour. I have recently stopped GMing, I needed to relax a bit. I plan on coming back as a GM soon though.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Aire on May 24, 2009, 08:32 PM
Because it instantly boosts your e-go. Who doesn't like ego boosts? Other than that, they just like abusing the privileges while they ignore the responsibilites... it's horrible. Thank God I'm not like that and that I won't hire any GM like that, either.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Poki on May 25, 2009, 07:03 PM
One step closer to dominating the world.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Green on May 25, 2009, 08:08 PM
Eh. T'was never something I set out to be. Was on Sem for ages, and then got asked to help out. So I did? XD
Like people have said, you adore a server enough to want to protect it by smiting rule-breaking noobs that try and ruin it help it out. =D
But then, I also had the time back then. And the patience.

Curse you, old-er-ish age!
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Hikaru90 on May 27, 2009, 04:15 PM
I have always been tahnkfull for GMs work, because they keep server running, and ban those idiots who could otherwise ruin the server. At first I didn't want to be GM, because I was always afraid of my own language barrier. (my english was more worse back then)

Later on I end to help new players with basic info, because I knew how horrible it was to be in lost in huge place without help. I went to server where thy was seeking for helpers and got interested about that 'title'. Well, I didn't get in, because there was simply better players for being helper. It was huge server back then.

Then I end to small server where I was accepted as helper. I was 4months helper and really happy about it. It made me wonder if I would be nice as GM, because I really enjoyed helping out in game and forums. It was all I have always dreamed of. My dreams got granded when one of main GMs of the server I played back then, asked me to be a GM. Ofcourse I took the job. (but that server was small so I didn't get much experience...)

Now I'm GM on another server which is not up yet, but anyway!

A reason why I want to be GM, why I love it. Is because I want help out admins hella hard work by guiding newbies and solving problems while admins work on actual scripting and so on. I Like helping eventhough it sometimes become really tiring because of flamers. BUT as GM I don't have still much experience. What I want is getting current server run proper to get more palyers to help! Rules are allmost addiction for me :'D

But talking about why other players want to be a GM... some girls might want to be GMs because of cute GM dresses ;] Or because they want be higher status than other, want GM powers to be cool, want items... I HOPE most of the "wannabe gms" learn the real meaning of being GM! :]
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: KillerCore on Jun 24, 2009, 05:29 AM
I always like to help people so gamemaster fits me best. besides i know my way around servers and i like to fix things xD
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Max on Jun 28, 2009, 06:01 AM
I really like the server I play on because the ideals (close to official, bugfree, botfree, donationfree) behind it correspond to my own. I was always helping people with questions and eventually I ended up helping the Admin with some server related stuff :P I just want to make it a better place, and I felt that I could help.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Hutchy on Jun 28, 2009, 02:18 PM
The only discernible reason I can see for someone wanting to be a GM is...

They f***' love to be miserable. It's their favorite pastime. They think it's f***' fabulous to be annoyed by small children and people spamming "gm giv itam plz huuuuuu -.-" all damn day.

It's funny for the first couple of hours. Then it's just ridiculous.

Some people treat it as a job, too, which also baffles me. I don't do anything that can be classified as "work" for free, and I don't know why anybody else would, unless they're... you know... not old enough to go out and get a paying job.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Max on Jun 29, 2009, 12:38 PM
Never heard of volunteer work/charity?
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Muad_Dib on Jun 29, 2009, 12:41 PM
No, not really.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Anti-Static Foam Cleaner on Jun 30, 2009, 09:36 AM
Quote from: _M_ on Jun 29, 2009, 12:38 PM
Never heard of volunteer work/charity?

On the Internet?
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Forever~Zero on Jun 30, 2009, 12:03 PM
Being a GM takes a greater responsibility.
And if a person believes they can take on that responsibility and do their best and not be corrupt, the real question would be: Why not be a GM?

Perks:
-Helping people makes you feel good.
-Helping the server and bringing up its reputation is also an added plus!
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Hutchy on Jun 30, 2009, 10:27 PM
Helping people and making people happy are the only benefits I see to doing this. And one could do that by volunteering at a soup kitchen (which is actually closer to an act of charity than running an RO server, in response to an earlier comment).
/me shrugs

I guess it's one of those things I'll never understand.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: ChemicalW on Jul 03, 2009, 01:00 AM
For the fun of it of course also to release some of that boredom. Why else?
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: DeePee on Jul 03, 2009, 04:29 AM
To me it's a nice learning experience. I do quite some scripting and editing for my server and when I started as a GM, I knew basically nothing about it. It's fun to learn new things and to expand your possibilities, to figure out something new all the time. When I started scripting, I made a simple headgear script to bring items and get a headgear as a reward while shortly ago I made a dynamic ET-like game. It's really rewarding to finally see a script that you've worked on for a while in action and to see people enjoy it.

Sure, there are a lot of whiners and a******, but I suppose dealing with these kind of players teaches you to keep your cool more often. Plus, helping 1 person who is grateful easily makes up for 2 ungrateful players.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: PETER09 on Jul 03, 2009, 05:47 AM
Why not?
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: uannaka on Jul 11, 2009, 01:09 AM
To be famous, have fun, you get bored being a player so now you wanna try being a gm
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Mewi on Jul 19, 2009, 04:55 PM
Someone said something about training GMs to do coding,  but I highly disagree.  Keep the GMs and Developers separate and your server will be better for it :\ trust me.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: NemuKru on Jul 21, 2009, 07:11 PM
Why? Well, a lot of people have different reasons. Here are some and are not mine-
1) Because they like fame/fortune if @item is a command. (Gold Coins)
2) To spam @kill/@nuke players they don't like. (I dislike these)
3) To have more rights and power over players (I also dislike these, they usually treat player with disrespect)
4) (Mine) Is to help a server's community grow, and to help players in need. ( I always treat my players with respect and kindness, isn't that our job here?)
I have more, but I'm keeping it simple. Now for the Pro's and Con's of being a GM.

Pros-
1) They usually have a cool aura to lets the players know that their a GM.
2) Most can disguise themsleves and monsters. (Perfect for hide n' seek events)
3) most can hold events to entertain the community.
4) They have more @commands than players.
5) Players always asks them questions. ;)

Cons-
1) Sometimes we get harrassed by banned people on alts. (This is why I usually IP Ban)
2) Somtimes we get spammed questions (I use /exall when this happens, sometimes were busy people!)
3) Sometimes we get spammed/and or harrassed by people who want to be GM's. (We have app's for GM spots, so please let us know there)
4) Sometimes we get harrassed by people who didn't win a event we hosted. (I just @mute~!)

And thats all I can think of atop of my head.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Jaded Honor on Aug 20, 2009, 11:31 AM
Why do people want to be GM's? Power. If you let Random Priest #2357 become a GM, first thing She/He'll do will ban someone who's offended them. Then probably make awsome gear for themselves. Then screenshot. After they get banned for banning, they can tell themselves "Well, I got what I always wanted". and never play RO again.

Why did I GM? Police work/noobie question answerer/general player-bace helper. Only people who have the temper of a High Priest can Admin aster a server effectively. (To deal with all the "OMG why bannsss? It my brother?" or "Can I have a favor?")

And again, if your uncorrupted enough, being a GM knows that your nice playerbace will start recommending people, until you have a donator bace. And who dosen't like running a server for free? (Of course, this almost never happens....)
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Orange on Aug 21, 2009, 10:23 PM
#1 reason - @disguise
#2 reason - @size

You know its true.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: devilsnevercry on Aug 24, 2009, 11:32 AM
Quote from: Orange on Aug 21, 2009, 10:23 PM
#1 reason - @disguise
#2 reason - @size

You know its true.

@changesex  mmm fun to do...
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Flip on Sep 01, 2009, 04:05 AM
Here's one reason you probably haven't heard before: It's similar to having a job.

You take it all in; the fact that you can't please everyone. How to balance keeping your customers/players and your boss/owner happy. These and other things are real life facts about having a job that you will not learn by simply sitting in a classroom. The drama, the chaos and how to have the integrity (or give up) in still doing your job despite of it.

The only downside; you don't get paid for it. :/
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: BluSnow on Dec 13, 2009, 03:46 PM
Many people who want to become a GM are power hungry.
If they become GM they think that they can go on their legit and get items from GM.
If they become GM then if anyone messes with them or on their legit and they can provide punishment.
Pretty mush they want the power to control what goes on.
MOST GMs are corrupt in one way or another.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: crysiscore3 on Dec 15, 2009, 03:04 AM
I would personally never want to be a normal GM. It's way too much work. I'd also hate to feel obligated to log on. If I want to disappear for two months without logging in, I can. But not as a GM.

I would however like to have a level 60 account that I'd only log into to jail idiots begging for zenny or spamming shaking skills around speaking areas.
Of course I'd be happier yet if someone else did it for me :)
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Crayola on Dec 15, 2009, 03:42 PM
I like being a GM because I get to help out with whatever problems people have. I like to solve problems. xD

I like to help, and I don't mind helping at all; because all you gotta do is ask for help.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: DeliciousItaly on Jan 15, 2010, 06:24 PM
Quote from: Pow on Dec 21, 2008, 07:56 AM...somebody has to, and alot of people aren't professional when it comes to such activities.

More or less this.

Granted that I too would love it if someone else could do all the work for me. :3 Sadly, I've tried JOINING existing servers and well...

Quote from: Mewi on Dec 31, 2008, 10:41 AM...no one can do it right except me.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Lucian on Jan 17, 2010, 05:11 PM
Some people like the banhammer part.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: MinusOne on Jan 18, 2010, 03:42 AM
Quote from: BluSnow on Dec 13, 2009, 03:46 PM
Many people who want to become a GM are power hungry.
MOST GMs are corrupt in one way or another.

Just replace GMs with Politicians, and you'll understand how the world works.

The reality of being a GM? Well, if you don't mind lack of sleep, no social life, or the pigment of your skin, along with poor eating habits, bad bowel movements, working more than 20 hours a week with no pay, don't mind getting complaints, or getting stressed from little trivial questions, and don't mind people hazing you for being a terrible GM for making things fair... then yeah being a GM is great isn't it?  :D
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: kochiro on Jan 18, 2010, 05:28 AM
That's actually correct. GM's and usually those who apply have motives other than "helping out" and "supporting" the server. Why?

Helping out
- Do you seriously need a GM account for this?Just be kind to players, guide em. Where's the need for a GM position in this?

Solving Problems
- Just a plain what's the use of a GM position in this one again.

Banhammer
- Admin can do this.

I really don't see the point of getting too much GMs and especially ones you get OL.
Better to have someone with you whom you can trust but can easily monitor as well.


Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: AthenaForever on Jan 22, 2010, 10:38 PM
Being a Game Master to me is supporting the server and helping it out, but once you get the position and after about a few days as a GM. You will be stressed out and wanting to ragequit thats how it ends for most people.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Astraliche on Jan 23, 2010, 02:00 AM
If I would just apply and ragequit. That is sad.

I guess seeing players move around and things happen is just my thing, and being a GM with a nice admin ( no, don't go to me asking if the server I'm in has a good admin, I'm neutral.) that is contactable and reacts just gives us kind of the role to be able to sum up all the problems reported by the players to us and we'll process it between GMs if they are available, to just "translate" the problem to a better state (example : language is barely a problem, but things like NPC and items bug, we could always @item and check if it is a bug, and talk to npc with both GM and legit to test.) and convey it to the admin, who'll take lesser than a day to fix this if we do our job well.

No one's completely black or white, it could be we were curious, purely evil, or "did it for the lulz".

trolls > GMs, whether they are good or bad.

IMO, if i just look back and see what all happened, a /heh will be all I need, from myself, and from all of us

NOH, NOH EBIL SMILE >:O

addstuffs -> usually we'll have a gag by answering people who asks "why u want to be a GM?" with "it's the lulz that makes the world go round." kinda old.

ah wtf, my lunch's taking forever >_>
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Lucian on Jan 25, 2010, 10:06 PM
I know I've replied here before, but I thought I'd give out my reason.

I like supporting players, it gives me something to do. I enjoy resolving problems between players, creating new friends between them. I also enjoy spending time hosting events, even though some players can be pains, it is still pretty amusing. I also just plainly enjoy Ragnarok itself, so why not contribute to a server and become part of it?
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: xKyriex on Feb 12, 2010, 01:15 AM
There are several upon several reason a person wants to be a gm. Popularity, power, importance, corruption aid to their own legits and friend legits (sometimes even guilds), and so on.

However that is not always the case. There are those GM's out there that help for the sake of helping, which is usually why a lot of staff members are stalked and hired rather than sifting through apps and hoping the person won't blow up the server or pms all of the players. xD
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Revenant on Feb 13, 2010, 10:28 PM
I detest the typical 'GM' position that involves running around trying to babysit people. I'd rather work behind the scenes.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Astraliche on Feb 14, 2010, 07:28 AM
Quote from: Revenant on Feb 13, 2010, 10:28 PM
I detest the typical 'GM' position that involves running around trying to babysit people. I'd rather work behind the scenes.

On specific populated servers, they have the GMs for appearing in front of players and the ones that just works somewhere else undetectable. If we didn't go and "babysit" some people, they will start saying we don't do our jobs properly. But the babysit position IMO does not have even a 0.025% of importance. I don't even think the babysitters do any actual work, just entertaining players in a different sprite.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Revenant on Feb 14, 2010, 08:41 AM
Quote from: Astraliche on Feb 14, 2010, 07:28 AM
Quote from: Revenant on Feb 13, 2010, 10:28 PM
I detest the typical 'GM' position that involves running around trying to babysit people. I'd rather work behind the scenes.

On specific populated servers, they have the GMs for appearing in front of players and the ones that just works somewhere else undetectable. If we didn't go and "babysit" some people, they will start saying we don't do our jobs properly. But the babysit position IMO does not have even a 0.025% of importance. I don't even think the babysitters do any actual work, just entertaining players in a different sprite.

I feel the same way. That said, I do have a lot of respect for people who are capable of doing the whole Public-Relations thing as a GM. Has always looked very tiresome.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Kiyoshiro on Feb 14, 2010, 12:54 PM
Well, if there were no GMs, who do we look up to to ask questions and all that other stuff? :x
And IMO, the server wouldn't even exist without GMs.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Yukino on Feb 14, 2010, 03:51 PM
I agree with Kiyoshiro.

Some players want to be GMs for the power and fame. They want items and abilities beyond a regular player can have, and you can see the corruption as a result of that desire. However, there are some players (thankfully) who are just sincere and honest. They do want the server to improve and host events to liven up the community.

I enjoyed my time being an Event GM for several servers because it is good to see that people approve and love the events I host (especially ones that are successful). It's hard to find reliable GMs all the way through. Sometimes, they start out nice, but they turn out to be corrupted later on. Things just change, but it's not impossible to get an awesome GM. People just have to think to themselves the true meaning of being a Game Master/Moderator. It's for the well-being of the server.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Johnsu on Feb 14, 2010, 06:15 PM
Quote from: Yukino on Feb 14, 2010, 03:51 PM
I agree with Kiyoshiro.

Some players want to be GMs for the power and fame. They want items and abilities beyond a regular player can have, and you can see the corruption as a result of that desire. However, there are some players (thankfully) who are just sincere and honest. They do want the server to improve and host events to liven up the community.

I enjoyed my time being an Event GM for several servers because it is good to see that people approve and love the events I host (especially ones that are successful). It's hard to find reliable GMs all the way through. Sometimes, they start out nice, but they turn out to be corrupted later on. Things just change, but it's not impossible to get an awesome GM. People just have to think to themselves the true meaning of being a Game Master/Moderator. It's for the well-being of the server.

I worked for massacreRO as an Event/Promotions Person, I thought it would be simple, fun work. Boy, was I wrong. There are individuals who beg for levels, money, God items constantly. Then, if you don't do as the masses want, you get martyr'd.

Its not all chutes and whistles.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Sziadan on Feb 15, 2010, 02:08 AM
Quote from: Kiyoshiro on Feb 14, 2010, 12:54 PM
Well, if there were no GMs, who do we look up to to ask questions and all that other stuff? :x
And IMO, the server wouldn't even exist without GMs.

Like 90% of the questions that players asks the GMs can be answered by the other players in the server.
So, you could just ask a fellow player or on the forum.

And if you ask on the forum, even if the other players don't know the answer, the admin/GM's can answer it there as well. That way, everyone who might have been wondering the same thing can see the answer too.

On topic:

I do it to help the server become better. I loved the idea for the server our admin had, so I wanted to help him make that server reality in the best way possible.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Astraliche on Feb 15, 2010, 02:40 AM
Quote from: SZiaDaN on Feb 15, 2010, 02:08 AM
Quote from: Kiyoshiro on Feb 14, 2010, 12:54 PM
Well, if there were no GMs, who do we look up to to ask questions and all that other stuff? :x
And IMO, the server wouldn't even exist without GMs.

Like 90% of the questions that players asks the GMs can be answered by the other players in the server.
So, you could just ask a fellow player or on the forum.

And if you ask on the forum, even if the other players don't know the answer, the admin/GM's can answer it there as well. That way, everyone who might have been wondering the same thing can see the answer too.

That is correct, but some players just love to pull down reputations. Unlike the airports where people make a queue. Sure, we deal with them, one at a time, and when we run out of the time (merely an example, as I went online to deal with other things initially), we can always direct them to the forums. Where they would say on how we don't do things properly and go partial to players.

Players, when classified as 1 person, is a stalker, a nightmare that can talk in different languages and barely speaks English even though it is pointed to do so when we know they could, and in occasions, back-stabs people and logs off because they "don't want to hear your s***" when we listen to theirs daily.

If they can't relate, then they shouldn't say they can.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Yukino on Feb 27, 2010, 10:52 AM
At Johnsu: Lol, of course I know that it's not all chutes and whistles. That's why it's hard to find a reliable GM who can take on the pressure and stress. Otherwise, they would just crumble and give up and then probably do something stupid to ruin the server or do not even bother to help out the server anymore (sitting in the main town afking). It's annoying to have GMs who are pretending to be afk when they are not. I agree with you on how hard GM work is though. People just don't know what a GM really has to face, and Admins don't want to hire such half-halfheartedly people.

Some players don't like the answer "Go to the forum and check" though personally, they really should just read the forum first before asking. Players are just too impatient to solve things on their own or go look for answers first before asking a GM or Admin. However, GMs and Admins should give more detail when they are answering to satisfy the public needs. It's just a big loop in the end.

Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: InRO on Apr 07, 2010, 10:28 AM
I like to help players..
make event to help players have fun..
bring more players to server so they can have woe and more fighting..
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Revenant on Apr 07, 2010, 10:57 AM
Quote from: InRO on Apr 07, 2010, 10:28 AM
I like to help players..
make event to help players have fun..
bring more players to server so they can have woe and more fighting..


As harsh as this may sound, you appear to be one of those mindless-drone types that go looking in recruitment topics specifically just to get a GM position for the illusion of authority.

Edit: Yeah, I thought as much (http://www.ratemyserver.net/forum/recruitment/gm-application-t14344/msg102610/#new).
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: hirai on Apr 07, 2010, 11:05 AM
The essence of being a GM are the ff.

- GMS should be a mediator not a tormentor.
- GMS should possess wisdom to make any decisions fair to all concerned.
- GMS should help all players, and no bias at all.
- GMS should have integrity.
- GMS should be gracious, it means approachable at all times.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: InRO on Apr 07, 2010, 11:07 AM
@Revenant,what u mean??i want to help people server...
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Cyric on Apr 23, 2010, 03:06 PM
I have had a person give me an application with the dumbest of all possible reasons... "Oh, I think the GM sprite looks so cool and I want it!", now that is just about as lame as it gets.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: revan on May 05, 2010, 03:51 AM
Hi, sorry if this is a late post (or redundant, topic's a bit long, dr)..

But I believe people want to be Game Masters because they think it's all fun and no work, given the extra fame and power. Plus, there's corruption. With great power comes great responsibility. But some get greedy with the power they have. I'm not saying all people who want to be game masters are corrupt, but there is a 70% chance that they will do something unfair, no matter how big or small it is.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Cyric on May 05, 2010, 02:40 PM
I did my stint as GM Bane and later Head GM on SliceRO/OdeonRO to garner a working knowledge of the game in order to learn as much as I could before opening my own server. After I opened that server I gave the persona of GM Bane to my younger brother who is doing very well at it.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Habuka on May 09, 2010, 02:31 PM
For most people it's because they want to be treated better. If you have power, you are less likely to be dissrespected. For me: it's the fact of having a larger voice to be able to talk to the owner or admins.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: GorthexTiger on May 09, 2010, 05:51 PM
1.) For the babes.
2.) For the chicks.
3.) For the itemz.
4.) For the hawt cyberz.
5.) To get an RO girlfriend.
6.) For the gyrlz
7.) cuz i just wan have servar
8.) For the items
9.) For the corruptionz
10.) For the lulz
11.) for teh fame
12.) FOR TEH @COMAMNDS!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
13.) cuz i wnana do events!z1!1Z2!
14.) ma3k moniz




The Above Reasons are accurate in case studies of 97% of RO Private Server Staff. Albeit the 3% RO Private Servers out there that are actually interested in running the game because they loved / used to love a video game and are interested in keeping it alive, for the purpose of others having an enjoyable time and fostering a love affair with a game that they did or still do love.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: adhelle on May 09, 2010, 11:26 PM
Quote from: Habuka on May 09, 2010, 02:31 PM
For most people it's because they want to be treated better. If you have power, you are less likely to be dissrespected. For me: it's the fact of having a larger voice to be able to talk to the owner or admins.
actually you are much more disrespected by players when having power.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Revenant on May 10, 2010, 11:37 AM
Quote from: adhelle on May 09, 2010, 11:26 PM
Quote from: Habuka on May 09, 2010, 02:31 PM
For most people it's because they want to be treated better. If you have power, you are less likely to be dissrespected. For me: it's the fact of having a larger voice to be able to talk to the owner or admins.
actually you are much more disrespected by players when having power.
... But you have a larger voice with the administration of the server, which is what actually matters, as opposed to how the public perceives you.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Nithalm on May 10, 2010, 05:35 PM
Odd discussion.

I like to make maps. I want to add some of my idea's into a server, maps, events, meddling with mob behaviour, etc.
The title a GM may have should be irrelevant. even opposite, though i myself may hold admin powers, i rather be called a 'normal' GM, so to not draw too much attention. People tend to ask lot of attention of GM's which seem to hold lot of
power, and in the end it cost a lot of precious time to deal with all those players. In my opinion you should not join a server,
because you want to be a leader, but because you have something to add in server. Having a GM account and a name
should be enough. People also should know what you do in server. But the desire for 'titles'....... meh
As soon as someone show interest in having a certain 'title', im suspecious.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: markaizer on May 10, 2010, 06:16 PM
Cause they want to be one. Experience, sometimes fame, items.
But there are still people who wants to be a GM to give better help..
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Habuka on May 10, 2010, 06:16 PM
Quote from: adhelle on May 09, 2010, 11:26 PM
Quote from: Habuka on May 09, 2010, 02:31 PM
For most people it's because they want to be treated better. If you have power, you are less likely to be dissrespected. For me: it's the fact of having a larger voice to be able to talk to the owner or admins.
actually you are much more disrespected by players when having power.
Only if your a bad GM. If people are going to dissrespect you more, then you MUST be doing something wrong and simply arnt getting the hint.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: GorthexTiger on May 10, 2010, 08:32 PM
Quote from: markaizer on May 10, 2010, 06:16 PM
Cause they want to be one. Experience, sometimes fame, items.
But there are still people who wants to be a GM to help Just like our current GMs in RareRO.

gtfo with your subtle advertising.

ALL GMs want to be a GM so they can "help out".

That's like saying you want to be a Farmer so you "grow things".

You don't need to be a farmer to grow things, just like you don't need to be a GM to help people or the server.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: markaizer on May 10, 2010, 08:47 PM
Quote from: GorthexTiger on May 10, 2010, 08:32 PM
Quote from: markaizer on May 10, 2010, 06:16 PM
Cause they want to be one. Experience, sometimes fame, items.
But there are still people who wants to be a GM to help Just like our current GMs in RareRO.

gtfo with your subtle advertising.

ALL GMs want to be a GM so they can "help out".

That's like saying you want to be a Farmer so you "grow things".

You don't need to be a farmer to grow things, just like you don't need to be a GM to help people or the server.
Sorry if you felt I'm advertising.
But I believe we're allowed to say the server we're pointing at, if not then I'm really sorry.
If advertising is that bad, then both of us shouldn't put server banners in our signature.

Peace Out /gawi

True you don't need to be a GM to Help people or the server, but people who wanted to give a better help may choose to be a GM.
You can choose to be a farmer to grow things better, I believe there are difference between farmer and non farmer.
A farmer has land(either by rent or owned) for his/her farm, he/she can put more crops to grow which is better than having a pot in front of your house. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Habuka on May 11, 2010, 12:43 AM
Having a server banner in your signature is way diffrent. If people wanted to join your server they would look at your banner, they shouldnt hear how "Good" the server is that your advertising in any other thread then the Advertising threads in the Advertising sections.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: markaizer on May 11, 2010, 12:55 AM
Quote from: Habuka on May 11, 2010, 12:43 AM
Having a server banner in your signature is way diffrent. If people wanted to join your server they would look at your banner, they shouldnt hear how "Good" the server is that your advertising in any other thread then the Advertising threads in the Advertising sections.
I understand, now its removed.
Thanks, People should just say it like that Instead of gtfo (it doesn't look cool).
Again sorry,  its not my intention to advertise. Like there's no point for me to do that, I already have servers banner in my signature anyway.
I actually posted on this topic for the Zeny(I logged in and found out about the inventory and saw im missing like 4 or 5? for color change so i started looking for a topic that i can post on topic.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: GorthexTiger on May 11, 2010, 02:58 AM
What Habuka said. And depending on my mood: I might sugar-coat some words or I may not: it just depends what stick I pull out of the barrel.

Quote from: markaizer on May 11, 2010, 12:55 AM
I ... posted on this topic for the Zeny xD.

The prosecution rests your honor.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: markaizer on May 11, 2010, 03:14 AM
Quote from: GorthexTiger on May 11, 2010, 02:58 AM
What Habuka said. And depending on my mood: I might sugar-coat some words or I may not: it just depends what stick I pull out of the barrel.

Quote from: markaizer on May 11, 2010, 12:55 AM
I ... posted on this topic for the Zeny xD.

The prosecution rests your honor.
Depends on your mood, okay.....
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: LemonCrosswalk on May 11, 2010, 04:02 AM
I agree. Also Zeny.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Habuka on May 11, 2010, 07:05 PM
Zeny~!~!~!~!~!!~!~!~!~!!!!!!!~~~~!~!!!~~~
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: ore0s on May 11, 2010, 07:35 PM
*On Topic*
There are many reasons why one would want to be a Game Master.  Since this is a 2008 topic, most of the points has been touched on already; like how one want it for self-gain or someone who really want to help improve the server.  As for me, being a Game Master is a privilege, whether it be a server with 50 players or a server with 500 players.  You aren't getting paid for your services and most of the times the players rely on you for answers when they have a problem.  Of course you get sh1t thrown at you and at times there are players who write in different languages and expect you to try to answer them.  To me though, that's pretty satisfying, y'know helping other players in RO; a game that I love and me sharing that experience is pretty fun.  I would also feel pretty bad if I was a Game Master and ruined the server by going corrupted on the players and stuff...
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: thelonite on May 25, 2010, 09:31 AM
Being a Game Moderator is boring work
yes you got the cool blue and yellow BC
yes you got the rare outfil
yes you get the yellow name and the cool GM skills

but look
you cant play decently
everyone else goes hes a GM no wonder he beat you

every other gig is known to you
no more surprises...



the truth is being a GM is a tough job
you ought to be ready to renounce your playing rights
its all for the Team and for the server

you hold events
you help those in need
you set right those who might go wrong
you correct those who are doing wrong
you do your utter best to make the server thrive
you cant have a relationship ingame
you cant be biased
you cant be a tripper
you cant badmouth
you cant trash talk

these are but guides
but basically the rules as well
fail just one and the server will soon fail

its not easy to be a Game Moderator
i dunno why people even want to be one

i was made a GM
not recruited
not even applied to be one
changed my playing 300 fold
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: pr3zs on Jun 28, 2010, 02:03 AM
because they want to help other players and also the server to grow  probably..
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: DarkDevine on Jun 28, 2010, 04:34 AM
Quote from: pr3zs on Jun 28, 2010, 02:03 AM
because they want to help other players and also the server to grow  probably..
That was the case a few years ago.

Now it's all for money, corruption and for the lulz
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: envy2 on Jul 16, 2010, 01:35 AM
I really dislike those "I wan GM" people...it really gets annoying, but other than that i think that people who are well suited for it should be approved...but being a GM is just prolly for POWER or FAME. That's about it...i would suppose...
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Nyub on Aug 01, 2010, 10:46 PM
I have my own shares and kudos for this topic.. (Warning, this a negative report, please do take note)

On my personal experiences and encounters, I noticed majorities of irresponsible players who wants to be Game Masters have these reasons.. (happened, caught, witnessed)

At 1st they'll say "i want 2 help d server" or somewhat similar to that, do some convincing lines; but when you give them the slightest power.. here comes the action.

1. @item
This is a major-issue as always, and also the #1 reasons of all irresponsible GMship. They'd take the items for themselves, or distribute to fellow players, and try to act cool about it.

2. @ban / @mute
Generally a PvP-wise player's happiness for the sake of having power to be able to PvP, and if things doesn't go their way, they can simply suddenly lock their target's account and make up excuses claiming they'll be lying or make false acquisitions.

3. Access to Control Panel's Admin/Staff Sides
The freedom they can get from the Control Panel (able to see IPs, email address, items and stuff related to a player, except password) is a horror itself. Mostly an obsessed player are the ones who abuses this, and is really disturbing once a drama arise.

4. SQL
SQL has done more "good" than "bad"; like a real conversation vs what is posted in forums. But also, the abuse in this side is, let's say, you have access to remove a record, you can simply "clean" yourself of misdeeds. Another is "stalking" on player's private conversations (the temptations can be endless).

5. Brag Rights / Abuse
This is generally a disturbing issue; most GMs uses their authority to threaten players towards what they can do to you. Or simply be rather stupid and always give a reason "coz im a gm" crap. These generally ruins a server reputation quickly.

6. Personal Reasons
Whichever they say, it can be pretty much what I've said on top. Otherwise, it'll be rather misleading and creepy to hire someone who's all mysterious and weird talking right?


This concludes my negative report. I can do a positive report as well, but lack of time~ May this be a warning to aware players or present Staff members.

-kdone :D-
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Frost on Sep 30, 2010, 03:46 PM
The whole thing with the GM got rather bored with me. Word of advice, keep a close eye on Event Game masters and "Police" Game master.

Both those titles aren't really needed nor legit. I believe there should be only support GMs, and they are incharge of helping people (80%) and doing events (20%).

I enjoy being a developer because I can see people admire my work when it gets implemented.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Satyre on Nov 15, 2010, 07:00 PM
Just for the sake of claiming souls. I need to collect more souls >8C

*cough*

I do suppose for the sake of helping out too... A lil bit.
In all honesty. I do like to help out. If I like a server, what better way to help keeping the server alive than joining the staff team? Support people with their issues, help them to solve their problems and work together with the rest of the staff to keep the server a fun and enjoyable place to play our favorite game.
Of course, there are the rotten apples who make you want to slam your head against a wall and at times wonder why you ever thought about becoming a GM. But then, a little bit later, you realize you're not doing it for them, but for the people who are actually grateful, who reply to you with a "Thanks GM, you rock!" or tell the head admin "You made a good choice recruiting this one. He's really nice and helpful!"
So in the end.. Yeah. Just helping out in general. Keeping the server you like going strong.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: Noble Staff on Dec 09, 2010, 02:25 PM
Personally for me it is neither of those things.
I enjoy helping people, plain and simple. I know quite a bit about RO and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of it.
I also enjoy hosting events and creating a fun environment for the players.
Title: Re: Why Be A Game Master?
Post by: keben on Apr 05, 2013, 09:52 PM
for me, it's about helping a server to progress with matching fame, but power? hell no.
and of course it's very annoying to see players asking you to death that they want to be a GM specially when the position does not fit with them.