We're sorry, We screwed up.

[ajdown@jp]

TGN clearly misunderstood what they were getting then, as regardless of your thoughts on OT and how it was run, it - and its members - were a part of Stratics.

No backup for three months? Someone somewhere clearly failed too as everything should have been backed up at least daily across the whole of Stratics.

It seems to me that there's a lot of mistakes round these parts, and not just since the TGN takeover either.

That does not inspire faith in any of the management team, current or recent past.

 

[Thorstein]

http://www.stratics.com/stories/our-first-big-mistake

---

When we first announced that Stratics and TGN merged, I wrote a letter to the community where I stated our goal was not to change Stratics, only to improve it. While the merger moved quickly, the merging of personalities, backgrounds and opinions always takes more time and effort, and we made a big mistake.
During the delicate first week before everyone had been properly introduced and included, the TGN staff made a decision too hastily and deleted the Off-Topic forum that had been a special type of outlet for content that was more explicit than anything TGN had worked with previously.
In our haste to bring about a solution that reflected our values, we failed to reach out to the existing staff and community for feedback. I sincerely apologize to all the members and moderators at Stratics for not involving them in this decision.
We realize it is in the wrong order, but we are now reaching out and organizing Skype meetings and asking the community for their thoughts and suggestions.
Today it was brought to our attention that information of significant sentimental value rested in the Off-Topic forum. Unfortunately, the latest backup we could find was from February, three months ago. We will restore all posts and content from then and give the community a chance to collect that data, but the forum itself will be locked. We are open to suggestions on where to go from there.
The primary goal of Stratics is to provide a healthy environment for all communities to grow. We can become the #1 gaming site again, like Stratics was in 2000, if we are a welcoming community to all new users.

It's too bad the petulant child that was given the undeserved ability to delete months worth of posts is still part of TGN. Steb needs to have his power removed before he does any additional damage to Stratics. OT is gone. Don't allow your favorite forum to be the next victim.

 

[PsychoBunny]

We are in agreeance that OT was a problem and something had to be done about it.

OT was NOT a problem. We were perfectly happy there. It was pretty much self-policing with the occasional need for Dani, Thor or Tril to comment.

I repeat, OT was NOT a problem. The only problem was egocentric butt-hurt newbies flaunting their new uber leet button pushing skillz.

And if you want uber leet button pushing skillz advice, as the expert: Me. Ask any of the old timers about the uber board wipe out of several years ago...

Yours truly takes full credit for that *takes a bow*

TGN is the company that acquired Stratics.

Steb is a full-time TGN employee who was given admin privileges, but had no training or familiarity with administrating forums.

Steb and his counterpart, matthewjames, ventured into OT/NHB. A fight ensued. Steb, et. al., pulled the forum. As a result, Trillian lost her admin badge, Dani and some other mods were de-staffed entirely, and a lot of OT/NHB folks were banned and had their post counts slashed.

The OT/NHB folks started bombarding Stratics forums with a variety of threads, one or two of which contained pornography. Petra, who had nothing to do with TNG's decisions, had to put UO Stratics forums on lockdown for a while.

Steb said he did nothing wrong. George, Steb's boss, said that he did. Steb and matthewjames had their admin badges downgraded to moderator badges. Steb subsequently issued the apology above.

Presently, a lot of people are still upset. George and TGN is trying to figure out how to clean up this mess, Stratics staff are trying to deal with confusion - their own and Stratics posters, and a bunch of OT/NHB posters are still homeless.

Nicely summarised dude, or chick, whatever your flavour.

Oh the OT drama never ends. Its always something or someone going at it.

*tackle hugs the J-man!* JERMOSH! Where you been hiding sweetie? *smooshes you more*

 

[LadyNico]

I would like to start off by apologizing to the community on behalf of myself, and the TGN team. We came in with the best intentions for Stratics. But were much too over-zealous. We didn't consult the current staff and acted on our own. We are in agreeance that OT was a problem and something had to be done about it. But the way we went about it was wrong.

We are now in the process of talking it over with the Stratics staff on the best thing to do right now for Stratics. And we will be giving periodic updates in the coming days / weeks of our progress.

Lastly, We apologize for the hastily taking down the OT forum with no prior warning. I hope that we can get off on the right foot from here on out.

I leave you with a video depicting our fail and the events that took place, With Steb as Carl

"We?" and "Our?"

"We have not passed that subtle line between childhood and adulthood until we have stopped saying "It got lost," and say "I lost it." ~ Sidney J. Harris ~

 

[Beer_Cayse]

I would get p****d as hell and did. I had been CompuServe account admin for our company for 6 years when AOL took over. We got a "business as usual" one day and the next, the CS forum and our accounts were gone.

Several business admins cleared the decks of their company presence on CompuServe, vacated to the Web and told AOL to screw off. We're talking hundreds of customer user accounts - and in those days each account was US$60/month (business rate). Two of us were also forum admins and we all killed off our personal accounts - mine was 12 years old at the time.

Do I know how it is to be steamrolled? Yup. But did I or any of my peers at the time go storming into forums and throw tantrums like some NHB folks did? Absolutely damn not! We spoke with our wallets and then wrote AOL (mis)Management all about why we pulled 1000s of dollars from their coffers per month.

The bunch of us are all in communication to this day ... over 10 years later. We are scattered from Vancouver to Orlando to Rotterdam and Frankfurt.

 

[Beer_Cayse]

* adds to the applause *

Nicely put ... it was a pure shambles for quite some time - even as a poster on the forums undergoing the strains. I'm thinking quite a few staffers need some downtime because of things.

 

[Frapster]

Denied.
You me too much

There's a ton of possible responses to that...
1.) Some apology is better than no apology.
2.) It's a start.
3.) At least he's trying.
You can take your pick and accept/reject.
I'd personally go with #2, but this isn't about me, so I'll take a step back.

could you be any more patronizing/condescending? Here's my list:

1. it takes 10 positives to overcome every negative
2. you have 2 ears and one mouth - use them proportionately grasshopper
3. there's much strife in a multitude of words - the proportions in number 2 may be too generous for stratics admin
4. with every condescending post you deflate the value of the apology and adding negatives

 

[Kiminality]

could you be any more patronizing/condescending? Here's my list:

1. it takes 10 positives to overcome every negative
2. you have 2 ears and one mouth - use them proportionately grasshopper
3. there's much strife in a multitude of words - the proportions in number 2 may be too generous for stratics admin
4. with every condescending post you deflate the value of the apology and adding negatives

I was simply suggesting a positive light.
I know a lot of the OTers were unhappy with the apology, but without actually promoting discussion (ie. why they disagree with those responses), then the feelings of the OTers won't be understood. See, the actions of a few have cast them in a bad light, and being able to present their positions in a way that doesn't lead to disruption and action against them is a good thing.

I'm just going to repeat your point 2 back to you:
"2. you have 2 ears and one mouth - use them proportionately grasshopper"
Think about it. I've stuck my neck out to try and let them all respond to this apology where it would be seen...
Why would I do that if I didn't respect their position?

 

[Archie]

Thor, PM me the new board, eh?

Edit: Never mind. Viv hooked me up.

 

[ajdown@jp]

I was simply suggesting a positive light.
I know a lot of the OTers were unhappy with the apology, but without actually promoting discussion (ie. why they disagree with those responses), then the feelings of the OTers won't be understood.

The TGN staff responsible for this mess seem to have gone into hiding - where and how are we meant to discuss anything with them if they won't give us an opportunity? It's not fair on you existing staff - who can do their jobs properly - to have to deal with all the fallout.

They might well be hiding behind other accounts and reading the threads, but if I was Steb's boss - is it George? I'm still trying to figure it all out - he'd be kept well away from posting anything, and quite possibly have been given a cardboard box, told to clear his desk, and escorted to the door.

Great first impressions, TGN.

 

[Kiminality]

The TGN staff responsible for this mess seem to have gone into hiding - where and how are we meant to discuss anything with them if they won't give us an opportunity?

I couldn't say what they're doing with regards to this thread - I just don't know.
But, the chances that they're not reading it are incredibly slim.

Basically, I think they're up to their arses in damage control.

 

[ajdown@jp]

I couldn't say what they're doing with regards to this thread - I just don't know.
But, the chances that they're not reading it are incredibly slim.

Basically, I think they're up to their arses in damage control.

Understood - it's not your problem really except that some of us came to the forum you look after

Hopefully you'll get a bonus this month for the extra grief...

 

[PsychoBunny]

Just a quick question...

Is Steb also "mjayg"? Given his real name fits that nick.

 

[Petra Fyde]

No, Mjayg looks after WoW, and while he's fairly new, he was here before the TGN merger.

 

[PsychoBunny]

No, Mjayg looks after WoW, and while he's fairly new, he was here before the TGN merger.

Okie dokie thanks for responding.

 

[Aran]

When we first announced that Stratics and TGN merged, I wrote a letter to the community where I stated our goal was not to change Stratics, only to improve it.

Oops!

 

[Kiminality]

Understood - it's not your problem really except that some of us came to the forum you look after

Hopefully you'll get a bonus this month for the extra grief...

I think my bonus is going to be replenishing my cider stock.
Then... deplenishing it.

Just a quick question...

Is Steb also "mjayg"? Given his real name fits that nick.

They're all different people.
The M in mjayg is Mitch.

 

[Craig T.]

Yeah... you're so sorry that you're not going to delete posts that tell you how much that apology means right??

 

[Craig T.]

Seriously, an apology is only as good as
The person making it.
Everyone has seen your true colors, you cried like a little
Boy when people called you names on the internet. and as
Soon as it got to a point where you couldnt take it anymore you
Undid an entire fourm, deleted posts, and made a fool of yourself. Any apology
Coming from you at this point is as meaningless as a family tree in
Kentucky.
So you made your bed, now you get to lie in it. Hopefully one day you will
Come to realize that those big mean guys on the interwebs that called you names
Or insulted your family are just names on a screen and the only person you have
Control over is you. get over yourself.
Ktksbye!

 

[PsychoBunny]

Any apology
coming from you at this point is as meaningless as a family tree in
Kentucky.!

OMG ROFFLY ROFFLE!

Can I just say, this line alone makes me your post.


I know I shouldn't laugh and make light of the situation, but.... zomg that was hilarious

 

[Beer_Cayse]

I **really** hope you are not directing that at Kimmi ... she and the other Mods deserve none of that junk you're spewing.

You have a gripe for TGN folks - respond to THEIR posts or use their name in one like this to tell them you are addressing them.

Again, the Mods who had to put up with the crap handed out by OTNHB folks was not of their doing and yet you wish to blame THEM. Don't as it only shows the childishness of the very people who want back in.

 

[mjayg]

Just a quick question...

Is Steb also "mjayg"? Given his real name fits that nick.

LOL!

 

[Vivian]

I **really** hope you are not directing that at Kimmi ... she and the other Mods deserve none of that junk you're spewing.

You have a gripe for TGN folks - respond to THEIR posts or use their name in one like this to tell them you are addressing them.

Again, the Mods who had to put up with the crap handed out by OTNHB folks was not of their doing and yet you wish to blame THEM. Don't as it only shows the childishness of the very people who want back in.

i don't believe anyone is blaming kimi or the other stratics staff for anything. this is all directed at tgn and steb in particular.

 

[PsychoBunny]

Just a quick question...

Is Steb also "mjayg"? Given his real name fits that nick.

LOL!

I had to ask!

I would give you a typical OT type hug... but the mods would pull the post in a heartbeat.

 

[Aran]

Kimi needs a good kick in the shins.


Yeah, I said it.

 

[Dani]

I was simply suggesting a positive light.
I know a lot of the OTers were unhappy with the apology, but without actually promoting discussion (ie. why they disagree with those responses), then the feelings of the OTers won't be understood.

I, for one, *have* stated the exact reasons that I do not like this apology. I have stated the things that I take issue with *repeatedly* and have done so without cussing, name calling, or breaking the RoC in any way. I haven't invaded anyone's forum. I've been civil, if disgruntled. I have yet to get answers to my very valid questions, aside from "well, come talk to us on Skype during a meeting". Sorry, but this all happened very publicly, in this forum, for all to see. I think it only fair, and fitting, that the explanations be given the same way, instead of in some voice chat where there's no accountability for what is said.

See, the actions of a few have cast them in a bad light, and being able to present their positions in a way that doesn't lead to disruption and action against them is a good thing.

Agreed, which is why I've continued to post in a civil manner, without "leading to disruption". It hasn't gotten me anywhere, other than stripped of my badge without notice or explanation.

I'm just going to repeat your point 2 back to you:
"2. you have 2 ears and one mouth - use them proportionately grasshopper"
Think about it. I've stuck my neck out to try and let them all respond to this apology where it would be seen...
Why would I do that if I didn't respect their position?

I employed the "2 ears, 1 mouth" mentality from the get-go on this. Even though I was pissed, I held my tongue. I waited to hear from them. I waited for explanations. I am, as it turns out, rather naive, because when I wanted to tell them to just take my badge and stuff it where the sun doesn't shine, I again remained quiet and waited for an explanation. ANY reasonable explanation. It didn't come. And how was I rewarded for my patience? My fellow mods and I were lied about, stories about our forum were completely fabricated, and then the threads containing these "explanations" were locked so that we couldn't even defend ourselves.

These are the people that are running things now. These are the people that are supposedly apologizing, and we're supposed to...what...accept it? There's no explanation here, and in my opinion they haven't even begun to accept everything that they did wrong, let alone apologize for it.

 

[mjayg]

I would give you a typical OT type hug... but the mods would pull the post in a heartbeat.

*backs away very, very slowly*

 

[PsychoBunny]

*backs away very, very slowly*

Good call, man, good call

 

[PsychoBunny]

I, for one, *have* stated the exact reasons that I do not like this apology. I have stated the things that I take issue with *repeatedly* and have done so without cussing, name calling, or breaking the RoC in any way. I haven't invaded anyone's forum. I've been civil, if disgruntled. I have yet to get answers to my very valid questions, aside from "well, come talk to us on Skype during a meeting". Sorry, but this all happened very publicly, in this forum, for all to see. I think it only fair, and fitting, that the explanations be given the same way, instead of in some voice chat where there's no accountability for what is said.

Agreed, which is why I've continued to post in a civil manner, without "leading to disruption". It hasn't gotten me anywhere, other than stripped of my badge without notice or explanation.

I employed the "2 ears, 1 mouth" mentality from the get-go on this. Even though I was pissed, I held my tongue. I waited to hear from them. I waited for explanations. I am, as it turns out, rather naive, because when I wanted to tell them to just take my badge and stuff it where the sun doesn't shine, I again remained quiet and waited for an explanation. ANY reasonable explanation. It didn't come. And how was I rewarded for my patience? My fellow mods and I were lied about, stories about our forum were completely fabricated, and then the threads containing these "explanations" were locked so that we couldn't even defend ourselves.

These are the people that are running things now. These are the people that are supposedly apologizing, and we're supposed to...what...accept it? There's no explanation here, and in my opinion they haven't even begun to accept everything that they did wrong, let alone apologize for it.

Dani is one of the most balanced, level headed, fairest and respected people on this site. The way she was treated was despicable and certainly not something one would expect from any company with a semblance of professionalism.

The fact that you stripped her of her badge shows you (new management) have NO CLUE what an asset you unceremoniously dumped without cause or explanation.

I feel for the rest of the current staff that are dealing with this fall out, but don't be p*ssed with the OT NHB crowd. It's your new bosses that created this crap storm, take your frustrations out with them.

 

[Dani]

 

[ajdown@jp]

I feel for the rest of the current staff that are dealing with this fall out, but don't be p*ssed with the OT NHB crowd. It's your new bosses that created this crap storm, take your frustrations out with them.

PB and I don't agree on much - but on this I do.

 

[PsychoBunny]

Yeah well, I still haven't forgiven you for the spanking you gave me over that horse animation...


Oh OK, I'm lying. How could I stay mad at my favourite alcoholica mentor?

 

[Craig T.]

BoxedWine Alcholicaust would be a good nick for you.

 

[Dani]

You guys give me uh happeh.

Now stop, before I get all huggish n'stuff.

 

[Kiminality]

Huh...
Apparently, there's been some kind of rollback, and a bunch of posts have been lost.
About 20, not counting any that were made while I was sleeping.

 

[Taylor]

Steb and matthewjames no longer hold the title "Community Manager," so I assume that they have been reassigned to other projects. Moreover, they had their admin badges downgraded to moderator badges, and now their moderator badges have been further demoted to staff badges.

People who were banned unjustly are having their access restored. Unfortunately, their post counts are still missing due to the absence of OT/NHB...the last few months of which is also missing.

Staff who were divested have been re-staffed. Sadly, many have declined to return to their positions.

I think we are finally seeing some movement in the right direction, though. Thank you, to whoever is responsible for these changes.

 

[Jermosh]

Heh, I thought this article would give some chuckles. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126782677

 

[Kiminality]

That's a pretty good article.
The main distinction, I think, is community.
When there's no community present, a person's more likely to "fire and forget" - be a jerk to get their message across, then move on.
Within a community, there's a common interest, so even if it may seem just as volatile, it's connected people playing off each other. I guess it's whether you have an intent to be malicious, or an intent to take part.

Anyway, the rollback makes me feel like crap.
I said I wasn't going to remove any posts unless they really crossed a line, and although I did have to remove some last night , it was only a handful.
But now it looks like I went on a killing frenzy :<

 

[kelmo]

Kimi the killa! *chuckles*

 

[Trillian]

and a bunch of OT/NHB posters are still homeless.

correction: we have a home. it just isn't here anymore.

as far as user post counts go...if i am given my admin panel back for about a week i think i can take care of that. i have a fairly good handle on what everyone's approximate post count was.

 

[ajdown@jp]

Steb and matthewjames no longer hold the title "Community Manager," so I assume that they have been reassigned to other projects. Moreover, they had their admin badges downgraded to moderator badges, and now their moderator badges have been further demoted to staff badges.

Can I have their stuff?

 

[PsychoBunny]

Steb and matthewjames no longer hold the title "Community Manager," so I assume that they have been reassigned to other projects. Moreover, they had their admin badges downgraded to moderator badges, and now their moderator badges have been further demoted to staff badges.

Can I have their stuff?

Why would you want Steb's stuff? It's probably loaded with images on the subject of that disgusting G word HE introduced to OT NHB when the majority of us never knew what it was before then LOL!

 

[Blackie Lawless]

Steb and matthewjames no longer hold the title "Community Manager," so I assume that they have been reassigned to other projects. Moreover, they had their admin badges downgraded to moderator badges, and now their moderator badges have been further demoted to staff badges.

People who were banned unjustly are having their access restored. Unfortunately, their post counts are still missing due to the absence of OT/NHB...the last few months of which is also missing.

Staff who were divested have been re-staffed. Sadly, many have declined to return to their positions.

I think we are finally seeing some movement in the right direction, though. Thank you, to whoever is responsible for these changes.

I believe, in all seriousness, that they should unban EVERYONE that was banned, especially those that were permabanned with no warning or reason given.

Anything less, IMO, is unacceptable.

 

[ajdown@jp]

Why would you want Steb's stuff? It's probably loaded with images on the subject of that disgusting G word HE introduced to OT NHB when the majority of us never knew what it was before then LOL!

I hadn't heard of it either, and had to google it. I wish I hadn't. Put me right off my dinner.

I just thought "Can I have your stuff" was better than "... and nothing of value was lost", the other usual response in these sort of situations but didn't want the banhammer swung in my direction.

 

[Studly]

AJ, you don't want it, it comes with pedo bear LC

 

[Sawo]

am i able to post test test

 

[Beer_Cayse]

yer in good shape ... go for it.

 

[Ellisande]

Also testing posting.

 

[Beer_Cayse]

good ta go. have at it!

 

[Zin]

Steb and matthewjames no longer hold the title "Community Manager," so I assume that they have been reassigned to other projects. Moreover, they had their admin badges downgraded to moderator badges, and now their moderator badges have been further demoted to staff badges.

People who were banned unjustly are having their access restored. Unfortunately, their post counts are still missing due to the absence of OT/NHB...the last few months of which is also missing.

Staff who were divested have been re-staffed. Sadly, many have declined to return to their positions.

I think we are finally seeing some movement in the right direction, though. Thank you, to whoever is responsible for these changes.

Agreed.