Post by Rin Kurama on May 16, 2019 9:40:09 GMT -4
The State of True Path.
Hey, everyone. I'm truly sorry that things came to this point. I'll be addressing absolutely everything that has happened on True Path recently. I'll attempt to be as objective as I possibly can, providing screenshots and interactions from chats where appropriate. I hope you all understand that this is incredibly painful for me. True Path is my baby, and I love it more than anything in the world. Enough so that I was willing to keep this all under wraps if it meant I could return. Due to the interaction of others and rumors spreading, that has become impossible. So, here is my side of the story. I truly and innerly wish this does not lead to a site split.
The Creation of True Path.
True Path was created between myself, Crimson and Arkwright. We all came together with the intention of making the best BNHA site that could possibly be made. We wrote a development Manifesto that all admins and members were meant to follow. Most of these things were written into the staff handbook. Others weren't.
Crimson at the beginning made it very clear that this wasn't a project she was that interested in, being that she had her own site, Dragonball Universe. Both myself and Arkwright were completely fine with this, as long as she'd accept the rules and boundaries we had created. as a baseline, we utilized work that I had created prior. It was a Naruto site, which had all the rules and basics required. It had the setting we've used for True Path as well. Namely, starting everything at the beginning of heroes emerging into the world. All the systems with Yuuei expanding, gaining more technology, training equipment, it all stems from there. Despite True Path being almost entirely my content (as per proboards rules, paragraph 15 and 20 specifically) I made no attempts to claim copyright or take legal action. Because I love the site, and I hope, still, that this mess can be sorted without any kind of bloodshed.
Crimson, upon creation of True Path, mentioned she'd like to have her name on some of the stuff. Which I saw no issue with, it would only grant her more respect as an admin for being part of creating the site. In the months to come however, Crimson broke several of the rules in the site manifesto linked above. Myself and Arkwright confronted her over it. Earlier, Crimson had been highly negative because I had added a 'word counter' addon without consulting her first. Which I had apologized for, continuously going by Crimson before adding anything to the site - as the manifesto stated we should.
Regardless of this, Crimson decided she wanted to overhaul the staff structure. Systematically, True Path was meant to have people in charge of different categories. A Moderator in charge of Rules/Mechanics, a moderator in charge of Storytelling, a moderator in charge of the community. This was to ensure that every member had a specific place to go, with specific feedback. It was to ensure we had specialists in each field, that could answer any questions and guide the other staff when situations arose. Despite this, Crimson demanded having everyone attending every decision the site would see. I was pensive, stating that I was concerned. Yet I didn't veto her decision, nor did I write anything unpleasant to her. Despite her breaking our combined site manifesto, I did nothing.
Arkwright was furious with Crimson. Yet, I felt Arkwright often favored my opinion in conversations with Crimson. I wasn't sure if it was because Arkwright liked me, or because he had legitimate issues with where the staff team was going. I never once used Arkwright against Crimson. Never once did I accept teaming up two on one. Yet, despite allowing Crimson practically free reign - even when it came to breaking a lot of the site rules she was part of creating.
Accusations/Request to step down.
The reason why I was asked to step down from staff, were based on three categories. First, I was accused of manipulating the site to favor myself. That is to say, that systems and such implemented on site were meant to favor Rin in my quest to make her overpowered or well liked. What was cited as proof against me, was the recent Student Rankings. Therefore, I will address the points made that claim I was manipulative.
I was accused of cherry picking graders for the system, playing with closed cards.
- Anyone who was willing to grade was invited. Even new people to the site like Hikaru. All the things in the grading was made public early, and discussed with the other admins as could be expected of me: Speaking both with Kelolon and Crimson. In addition to these two, I contacted several other members of staff for their input, showing everything I had, before creating an open thread to be discussed by the entirety of staff.
Regarding Rin's own ranking - I specifically told Jar Star that I thought he had given Rin too high a score in power.
If there's anything else, Narlivion and Esperia were two of the other graders. I've contacted them both to understand whether they felt unjustly treated, or as if I was pushing my own agenda. Both find the prospect ridiculous.
I was accused of pushing my own events. Yet, what I was pushing was what I believed to be a collaboration between Risaka & DrTentacles - It should be noted that Risaka's event was also in the works prior to any of us knowing anything about Nakano. We'd worked on this internship plot since December.
The other reason I was asked to step down, was because people felt afraid of communicating with me and that I was a wall in the creative process of the site. In this segment, Keiran clearly states that she is acknowledging that it may not be true to fear me, which I truly appreciate from her. Curve practically stated the same thing. So, from what I have been told, I've been removed as admin based on perception. Despite the fact that I worked with Kelolon explicitly on coming up with ideas, systems and methods to avoid such being the case. I don't want to terrify people. Such as the staff workshop, that Crimson stated she quite liked. I stated my position to Keiran, plus my willingness to fight for a chance to prove her wrong. (Heads up, what was stated about Keiran wishing me gone due to LGBT reasons was a reach. Several members had stated concerns with the leftist stance, and I inferred something that was untrue. I've apologized for this, I didn't mean to deceive.) On the topic of being a wall in the creative process, I'm also told that it is a perception. I've compiled the list of major discussion we had on True Path since release, plus their outcomes, and will let people make up their own minds.
Afflictions - Approved and added in the form of sheets. Posted as an announcement based on Crimson's input.
Updating Rules - Approved, added more sheets, worked on it for ages with DrTentacles. Apologized to Tentacles for thinking Mundane sheets were unneccessary. They were most definitely a help when it came to wealth mundanes!
Rank Ups being too weak - Added +combat slots and +mundane slots on rankups. -- Denied further power beyond the extra combat slots.
Staff Meetings that include everyone - Accepted despite not being notified, Crimson going behind the backs of myself and Arkwright to enforce the meeting. We explicitly stated we feared a situation where the staff team became populist rather than realist. Where we voted for and against changes, rather than discuss the desired outcomes.
EXP being too slow - Denied on the basis of the manifesto. To change the exp rates would change the fundament we built things on. It'd require a much bigger discussion than simply adding more exp to every thread.
Event Problems - Agreed upon there being several event problems. Intended to make a "This is how you build events." guideline so that everyone could be on the same page and ensure better events for the future.
Event Points for minor threads/stories: Agreed upon the possibility, stated it would have to be revised specifically for future events/stories, so everyone had a fair chance to sign up and earn their points.
In essence, out of all the subject matter brought up in staff, 6 major topics were passed for the site as a whole, while a single was denied. Therefore I find it strange how I can be accused of standing in the way of progress. Even then, as I mentioned, a lot of ideas and discussions went through myself rather than an assigned moderator. Hence why we wanted to change the perception by creating a staff workshop where, instead of working one on one with Fluffy, you'd be working in a team together with a moderator to get things passed - with less influence and pressure coming from any admin.
To summarize: I was removed from admin, despite Kelolon stating that he was vehemently against making such a decision without proper communication. I was never given a chance to speak for myself, or address people's concerns. I was never suggested that we change something in the staff team to make it more approachable, yet I tried to come up with solutions myself anyway, taking the complaints and worries seriously. I've gone around to all the members of staff to speak to them one on one. To hear their complaints, to try and address them for a better future - Which I am still more than willing to do.
In the meanwhile, let me quote Kelolon, who has been a mostly neutral part in this whole shitshow
I wish for nothing more than this drama to end. For everyone to come together and cooperate again.
Thank you all for reading, and my apologies for the mess. I meant to keep this to myself and simply return as a moderator. I was, and am afraid, that this will have bearing and irrepairable consequences.
I love you all.
Fluffy.
Edit: Clarification and such.
I've become concerned that people think I'm unwilling to accept that I speak harshly to people. I wanted to stress that is not the case, and provide insight in some of the things I believe I've done wrong:
One of those, was speaking to Maya. Here, instead of my intended message of the fight is going to be a mess for both of us. It instead sounds like I threathened Maya. I was made aware and immediately addressed the issue: Making ammends.
Another example of me coming off harshly: Speaking to Epsilon. I was frustrated that Epsilon had been complaining about what she was allowed to do with Nick, when I had never limited her once. I do admit I came off too harshly, and have apologized and accepted shame for this incident as well.
In short, I am only human. I try my best, sometimes I screw up. I ask for forgiveness and apologize, trying my best to not repeat the problems in the future. That's... part of why it hurts so much that I was removed without a single conversation had together with me.
Second edit:
Out of respect for people's private conversations, I've tentatively removed proof of the conversations being had.
Hey, everyone. I'm truly sorry that things came to this point. I'll be addressing absolutely everything that has happened on True Path recently. I'll attempt to be as objective as I possibly can, providing screenshots and interactions from chats where appropriate. I hope you all understand that this is incredibly painful for me. True Path is my baby, and I love it more than anything in the world. Enough so that I was willing to keep this all under wraps if it meant I could return. Due to the interaction of others and rumors spreading, that has become impossible. So, here is my side of the story. I truly and innerly wish this does not lead to a site split.
The Creation of True Path.
True Path was created between myself, Crimson and Arkwright. We all came together with the intention of making the best BNHA site that could possibly be made. We wrote a development Manifesto that all admins and members were meant to follow. Most of these things were written into the staff handbook. Others weren't.
Crimson at the beginning made it very clear that this wasn't a project she was that interested in, being that she had her own site, Dragonball Universe. Both myself and Arkwright were completely fine with this, as long as she'd accept the rules and boundaries we had created. as a baseline, we utilized work that I had created prior. It was a Naruto site, which had all the rules and basics required. It had the setting we've used for True Path as well. Namely, starting everything at the beginning of heroes emerging into the world. All the systems with Yuuei expanding, gaining more technology, training equipment, it all stems from there. Despite True Path being almost entirely my content (as per proboards rules, paragraph 15 and 20 specifically) I made no attempts to claim copyright or take legal action. Because I love the site, and I hope, still, that this mess can be sorted without any kind of bloodshed.
Crimson, upon creation of True Path, mentioned she'd like to have her name on some of the stuff. Which I saw no issue with, it would only grant her more respect as an admin for being part of creating the site. In the months to come however, Crimson broke several of the rules in the site manifesto linked above. Myself and Arkwright confronted her over it. Earlier, Crimson had been highly negative because I had added a 'word counter' addon without consulting her first. Which I had apologized for, continuously going by Crimson before adding anything to the site - as the manifesto stated we should.
Regardless of this, Crimson decided she wanted to overhaul the staff structure. Systematically, True Path was meant to have people in charge of different categories. A Moderator in charge of Rules/Mechanics, a moderator in charge of Storytelling, a moderator in charge of the community. This was to ensure that every member had a specific place to go, with specific feedback. It was to ensure we had specialists in each field, that could answer any questions and guide the other staff when situations arose. Despite this, Crimson demanded having everyone attending every decision the site would see. I was pensive, stating that I was concerned. Yet I didn't veto her decision, nor did I write anything unpleasant to her. Despite her breaking our combined site manifesto, I did nothing.
Arkwright was furious with Crimson. Yet, I felt Arkwright often favored my opinion in conversations with Crimson. I wasn't sure if it was because Arkwright liked me, or because he had legitimate issues with where the staff team was going. I never once used Arkwright against Crimson. Never once did I accept teaming up two on one. Yet, despite allowing Crimson practically free reign - even when it came to breaking a lot of the site rules she was part of creating.
Accusations/Request to step down.
The reason why I was asked to step down from staff, were based on three categories. First, I was accused of manipulating the site to favor myself. That is to say, that systems and such implemented on site were meant to favor Rin in my quest to make her overpowered or well liked. What was cited as proof against me, was the recent Student Rankings. Therefore, I will address the points made that claim I was manipulative.
I was accused of cherry picking graders for the system, playing with closed cards.
- Anyone who was willing to grade was invited. Even new people to the site like Hikaru. All the things in the grading was made public early, and discussed with the other admins as could be expected of me: Speaking both with Kelolon and Crimson. In addition to these two, I contacted several other members of staff for their input, showing everything I had, before creating an open thread to be discussed by the entirety of staff.
Regarding Rin's own ranking - I specifically told Jar Star that I thought he had given Rin too high a score in power.
If there's anything else, Narlivion and Esperia were two of the other graders. I've contacted them both to understand whether they felt unjustly treated, or as if I was pushing my own agenda. Both find the prospect ridiculous.
I was accused of pushing my own events. Yet, what I was pushing was what I believed to be a collaboration between Risaka & DrTentacles - It should be noted that Risaka's event was also in the works prior to any of us knowing anything about Nakano. We'd worked on this internship plot since December.
The other reason I was asked to step down, was because people felt afraid of communicating with me and that I was a wall in the creative process of the site. In this segment, Keiran clearly states that she is acknowledging that it may not be true to fear me, which I truly appreciate from her. Curve practically stated the same thing. So, from what I have been told, I've been removed as admin based on perception. Despite the fact that I worked with Kelolon explicitly on coming up with ideas, systems and methods to avoid such being the case. I don't want to terrify people. Such as the staff workshop, that Crimson stated she quite liked. I stated my position to Keiran, plus my willingness to fight for a chance to prove her wrong. (Heads up, what was stated about Keiran wishing me gone due to LGBT reasons was a reach. Several members had stated concerns with the leftist stance, and I inferred something that was untrue. I've apologized for this, I didn't mean to deceive.) On the topic of being a wall in the creative process, I'm also told that it is a perception. I've compiled the list of major discussion we had on True Path since release, plus their outcomes, and will let people make up their own minds.
Afflictions - Approved and added in the form of sheets. Posted as an announcement based on Crimson's input.
Updating Rules - Approved, added more sheets, worked on it for ages with DrTentacles. Apologized to Tentacles for thinking Mundane sheets were unneccessary. They were most definitely a help when it came to wealth mundanes!
Rank Ups being too weak - Added +combat slots and +mundane slots on rankups. -- Denied further power beyond the extra combat slots.
Staff Meetings that include everyone - Accepted despite not being notified, Crimson going behind the backs of myself and Arkwright to enforce the meeting. We explicitly stated we feared a situation where the staff team became populist rather than realist. Where we voted for and against changes, rather than discuss the desired outcomes.
EXP being too slow - Denied on the basis of the manifesto. To change the exp rates would change the fundament we built things on. It'd require a much bigger discussion than simply adding more exp to every thread.
Event Problems - Agreed upon there being several event problems. Intended to make a "This is how you build events." guideline so that everyone could be on the same page and ensure better events for the future.
Event Points for minor threads/stories: Agreed upon the possibility, stated it would have to be revised specifically for future events/stories, so everyone had a fair chance to sign up and earn their points.
In essence, out of all the subject matter brought up in staff, 6 major topics were passed for the site as a whole, while a single was denied. Therefore I find it strange how I can be accused of standing in the way of progress. Even then, as I mentioned, a lot of ideas and discussions went through myself rather than an assigned moderator. Hence why we wanted to change the perception by creating a staff workshop where, instead of working one on one with Fluffy, you'd be working in a team together with a moderator to get things passed - with less influence and pressure coming from any admin.
To summarize: I was removed from admin, despite Kelolon stating that he was vehemently against making such a decision without proper communication. I was never given a chance to speak for myself, or address people's concerns. I was never suggested that we change something in the staff team to make it more approachable, yet I tried to come up with solutions myself anyway, taking the complaints and worries seriously. I've gone around to all the members of staff to speak to them one on one. To hear their complaints, to try and address them for a better future - Which I am still more than willing to do.
In the meanwhile, let me quote Kelolon, who has been a mostly neutral part in this whole shitshow
I wish for nothing more than this drama to end. For everyone to come together and cooperate again.
Thank you all for reading, and my apologies for the mess. I meant to keep this to myself and simply return as a moderator. I was, and am afraid, that this will have bearing and irrepairable consequences.
I love you all.
Fluffy.
Edit: Clarification and such.
I've become concerned that people think I'm unwilling to accept that I speak harshly to people. I wanted to stress that is not the case, and provide insight in some of the things I believe I've done wrong:
One of those, was speaking to Maya. Here, instead of my intended message of the fight is going to be a mess for both of us. It instead sounds like I threathened Maya. I was made aware and immediately addressed the issue: Making ammends.
Another example of me coming off harshly: Speaking to Epsilon. I was frustrated that Epsilon had been complaining about what she was allowed to do with Nick, when I had never limited her once. I do admit I came off too harshly, and have apologized and accepted shame for this incident as well.
In short, I am only human. I try my best, sometimes I screw up. I ask for forgiveness and apologize, trying my best to not repeat the problems in the future. That's... part of why it hurts so much that I was removed without a single conversation had together with me.
Second edit:
Out of respect for people's private conversations, I've tentatively removed proof of the conversations being had.
