The 'Shroom:Issue XLV/Director Election/Debate 2

Debate 2

[19:28:46]  We shall start now [19:28:52]  :D [19:28:53]  Rules: Channel mode is +m, GameServ will spin and if it lands on you you will have the chance to ask a question [19:28:57]  I mdoerate the debate [19:29:12]  Let's start [19:29:14]  `spin [19:29:19] * GameServ spins the bottle for Tucayo and it lands on... [19:29:19]  DHS! [19:29:38]  Do you have any question, DHS? [19:29:45]  Wait what [19:29:54]  Oh, any question for our candidates [19:30:01]  If you don't it's fine [19:30:18]  Nope [19:30:19]  :] [19:30:32]  Ok :) [19:30:41]  `spin [19:30:44] * GameServ spins the bottle for Tucayo and it lands on... [19:30:47] <GameServ> Lindsay151! [19:31:01] <Tucayo> Do you have any question, Lindsay? [19:31:28] <Lindsay151> Am thinking but am drawing blank [19:32:03] <Tucayo> If you want you can wait until later in the debate [19:32:35] <Lindsay151> Good choice [19:32:56] <Tucayo> `spin [19:32:59] * GameServ spins the bottle for Tucayo and it lands on... [19:33:01] <GameServ> MG1! [19:33:06] <Tucayo> MG, any question? [19:33:23] <MG1> Um, not at the moment [19:33:27] <Tucayo> Ok [19:33:32] <Tucayo> We'll change the system [19:33:33] <MG1> I may think of one by the end of the meeting but until then, no [19:33:48] <Tucayo> If you have any question, please query me and I will ask them to the candidates [19:35:26] <Tucayo> I will start with a question to both [19:35:35] <Tucayo> Both first, an introduction to the question [19:35:43] <Tucayo> So you know what I'm talking about [19:36:07] <Tucayo> Last eyar, Stooby suggested a Section of the Month system in which we prized the best section of each issue [19:36:18] <Tucayo> And gave them an userbox-like award [19:36:30] <Tucayo> But this was never released into public. [19:36:49] <Tucayo> Both candidates say they would like to bring it back. Now my question is, which changes will you make to the system, if any? [19:36:55] <Tucayo> First MG1 [19:39:10] <MG1> Weeeeellll, I'll begin by saying the system hasn't been tried out yet, so the results of the current format could be the best results of all and I don't imagine much change would be necessary. BUT an idea that I had a while back was to expand the awards, give more awards for getting multiple section of the month awards (ie when you get 5, when you get 10, etc [19:39:59] <MG1> I'm hoping that will help motivate users to get the award multiple times, and not just one time so they can say "I got the award" [19:40:17] <Tucayo> Ok, SMB? [19:42:08] <SMB> I have to agree with MG1 in the sense that we should not limit the amount of awards to just one. IT's not only for the reason he states, but also because good writers can make many good sections. We should give the honor to the best section of the month, not the "second best sction because th guy that did the best got the award last time." [19:43:07] <SMB> Also, it's the planning-out that needs to be changed. Lack of planning messed up the system this year. [19:43:26] <Tucayo> Any comments, MG? [19:43:41] <MG1> Nooope [19:44:43] <Tucayo> Ok, next question [19:44:51] <Tucayo> By BMB [19:45:09] <Tucayo> I understand that he wants affiliates to be added and all, but that's all he states. I want to know some strong reasons why we should have more and how that will aid the 'Shroom. And how will you bring in affiliates? [19:45:13] <Tucayo> To SMB [19:47:03] <SMB> Well, I believe I addressed this in the last debate... Somebody actually asked a similar question. I'll respond anyway: basically, affiliations can help bring in traffic from other sites (i.e. The Disconnected, Userpedia's magazine) links to The 'Shroom and suggests that those who like to write about Mario and such go sign up over there as well. [19:47:21] <SMB> We return the favor by linking to our affiliates as well. [19:47:43] <SMB> It's good for public relations. [19:49:28] <BMB> Well...I just want to ask, do you have in mind some affiliations you want to bring in? [19:49:30] <SMB> Also, I will do what I can to bring in affiliates. Contacting the manager of the project we'd want to affiliate with is the best way, of course. If they are not available, then I'd try to contact the next best person in order for the affiliation request to go through. [19:51:47] <SMB> I'm still thinking of who to affiliate with. I have a few in mind, but I'd rather not release this information just yet. I hope you understand. [19:52:29] <BMB> I do. Do you have any other users helping you with the affiliate plan, or are you doing this alone? [20:01:39] <Tucayo> SMB? [20:02:04] <BMB> He's still working on it, he had err...technical difficulty. [20:02:06] <SMB> I plan on bringing up possibilities for affiliation in The 'Shroom Staff board, so the Core Staff will be able to discuss. The userbase is free to send in suggestions as well. I'll be the one handling contacting and stuff, though. [20:02:35] <BMB> Well, other than that, I have no questions for SMB about the subject. [20:03:00] <Tucayo> Ok [20:03:11] <Tucayo> A comment on your reply to my first question, SMB. MG1 never said he was going to limit the awards, he said he was giving special awards to those who got 5/10/etc SOTM [20:03:51] <SMB> Which implies they can get more than one. :P [20:04:14] <SMB> Although I see that he didn't directly state that; my apologies. [20:04:25] <Tucayo> Ok, I just wanted to make that clear [20:04:29] <Tucayo> Now a question by Ralphfan [20:04:38] <Tucayo> To both [20:04:40] <Tucayo> Are you interested in returning to the original layout for Fake News and Fun Stuff? [20:04:45] <Tucayo> SMB first [20:05:20] <Tucayo> The original layout is the one used in early issues [20:05:23] <Tucayo> Let me get a link [20:06:06] <Tucayo> http://www.mariowiki.com/MarioWiki:The_%27Shroom/Single/Issue_IV#Fun_Section [20:06:10] <Tucayo> http://www.mariowiki.com/MarioWiki:The_%27Shroom/Single/Issue_IV#Fake_News [20:07:55] <SMB> I don't really have an answer for that; I'm fine with either the current or past layouts for the two aforementioned sections, and I suppose I'd let the Core Staff in charge of those sections deal with the layout. [20:09:09] <Tucayo> MG? [20:10:09] <MG1> Well, the old layout looks more organized, but it could be harder to format, the new layout is definitely easier, but it's not as "advanced". They both have their advantages and disadvantages, but I would feel really bad if I was imposing something upon my staff without their consent [20:10:21] <MG1> So I'll have to agree with SMB here and say that I'll consult with the staff [20:10:59] <Tucayo> Ok. Next question made by me [20:11:02] <Tucayo> To both of you, MG1 first. Do you plan to make any changes to the application system? Some people have noted that it's scary, while I have noticed it is slow. [20:13:08] <MG1> Well, the current application system is a very organized one; it has many benefits (such as filtering out the bad users, giving users tips and direction for their sections and helping them prepare for the future) but of course, there are the disadvantages that you mentioned [20:13:51] <MG1> However if the users are planning to be writing a section every month, they will have to get used to that pressure, so I think that the system gets them ready for the future [20:14:44] <MG1> As for the unfortunate speed of the process, I may enforce deadlines as to when all applications that are under question have to be decided on (i.e. a week/two weeks before the issue comes out or something like that) to make sure that users have ample time to write their sections [20:15:17] <Tucayo> And for applications sent in later than said deadline, will thsoe users have to wait a month to hear back? [20:16:05] <MG1> Yes, they would have to wait for the ~two weeks in between issues to allow time for the core staff to discuss the applications [20:16:22] <MG1> Finally, in the future, I'm also envisioning a process where users can submit applications through polldaddy or google docs - I'll test out my year-round survey system first and then try that out [20:16:44] <Tucayo> Ok. SMB? [20:18:51] <SMB> Okay. I am slightly in agreement with MG1 on this. Mostly about the "dread" of the applications. Users applying have to face the interview process no matter what. I feel having the questions as straightforward as possible can help reduce the amount of confusion over the questions, so I can't say the actual application will change. [20:20:56] <SMB> As for waiting times, I've felt that having to wait for the rest of the staff for input is ridiculous. Instead, I've felt it is the head of the section's decision to accept or deny an application. [20:21:00] <SMB> Of course, [20:22:32] <SMB> That is not to say all applications should go without review. It should be mandatory for all applications received to be posted up. If the section leader wants input from the staff, they can hold off on accepting/denying an application to get input. If not, then the overall Director can intervein. [20:23:18] <Tucayo> So, you say that the Director can decide whether to submit it to review or not? [20:25:29] <SMB> Pretty much. Posting up applications is mandatory under this system, so we'd be able to see what is bing submitted. The Core Staff I choose will be trustworthy and competent, so I have nothing to worry about in that regard. [20:26:16] <SMB> If I need to intervene (even if by the other Core Staff's request), then I will. [20:26:58] <Tucayo> Ok, now another question by BMB [20:28:27] <Tucayo> "To MG1. Obviously SMB has been on the Wiki longer, along with being a sysop and a Steward on Userpedia. Not only that but the he runs #mwchat, and is a Global Moderator. My question to you is how will you overcome those obstacles and gain more votes to show that you should be the 'Shroom Director of 2011?" [20:29:56] <BMB> Oh, sorry, by Sysop, I meant to add MarioWiki on it. [20:30:44] <MG1> Well, first off, I have a few experiences as well, I am a current Bureaucrat and former Steward of Userpedia. I'm a MarioWiki patroller, I run #userpedia and I'm a local/global mod on both forums. But that's just a list to show that our ranks aren't too far apart [20:32:09] <MG1> What I really want to point out is that just because we are appointed to ranks on a site, does not mean that our "worthiness" is any different. I have stood by and always stand by the policy that any user can be great; regardless of rank. I think that both SMB and I can do great things for The 'Shroom and that the difference in rank is not an obstacle [20:32:51] <Tucayo> Any replies, BMB? [20:34:06] <BMB> Yes, absolutely. The problem that has been showing up for awhile is the fact that users take that for account, and they want a user that has more "experience" or seniority you could call that. It's not about how you view, but how the users view it in order to become director.. [20:34:33] <Tucayo> So, what is exactly the question there? [20:34:54] <BMB> The fact of matter is how you are going to make Users want to vote for you instead of SMB? [20:35:16] <MG1> Well, experience is a very subjective term. I believe that users should look past the ranks of a user to find their ideas - even the people in positions of authority make mistakes. I am hoping that most users will look past the cover of the book and read the content within [20:35:27] <MG1> As that is what is implied in the term "making an educated vote" [20:38:29] <Tucayo> Ok, thanks BMB [20:38:39] <BMB> Your welcome. [20:39:01] <Tucayo> Another question by me, to both with love [20:39:48] <Tucayo> SMB first. DO you have plans for any new sections? [20:41:03] <SMB> I believe we covered this in the last debate. I don't have too many right now, although I'm trying to think of some ideas for some. [20:42:54] <Tucayo> Marioguy? [20:44:16] <MG1> Well, like I said last debate, I think the current sections are good. If anybody has any ideas for sections, they can always contact any member of the core staff and, in my year-round suggestions survey, I am planning to have a section where people can suggest new sections [20:44:33] <MG1> So the users can decide what sections go into the paper [20:46:24] <Tucayo> Ok. Next question is by Ralph, to both of you [20:47:15] <Tucayo> How do you feel about the current state of The 'Shroom? [20:47:17] <Tucayo> MG1 first [20:49:15] <MG1> Well, I think the 'shroom is at its best since I've been on the wiki. We have an excellent core staff, our sections are being submitted, (and lots of them) we're getting tons of positive feedback from users and we have so many new ideas ready for releasing from the Core Staff Boards - The 'Shroom is doing very well and will (IMO) only get better in the future [20:49:59] <Tucayo> SMB? [20:52:52] <SMB> Well, I'd like to say that since this time last year, hings have significantly improved. Not so much the amount of writers, but the quality of the sections. Quantity is always wanted, but it has always been my opinion that quality outweighs quantity. We've been faced with several difficulties this year; we have succeeded in surpassing them, and in some cases... Not so much (Section of the Month being an example). Things like this can be improved [20:53:58] <SMB> Sorry guys; response got cut off for some users. [20:54:06] <SMB> Reposting it in segments: [20:54:27] <SMB> Well, I'd like to say that since this time last year, things have significantly improved. [20:54:36] <SMB> Not so much the amount of writers, but the quality of the sections. [20:54:49] <SMB> Quantity is always wanted, but it has always been my opinion that quality outweighs quantity. [20:55:01] <SMB> We've been faced with several difficulties this year; we have succeeded in surpassing them, and in some cases... Not so much (Section of the Month being an example). Things like this can be improved throughout the rest of 2011, but we're not doing too poorly right now. [20:56:24] <Tucayo> So, unless another question arrives in the next minute, this will be over [20:56:57] <Tucayo> Any final comments, candidates? [20:57:51] <SMB> Yes. [20:58:08] <Tucayo> Go ahead [21:00:19] <SMB> I hate to make this sound like a please, but I'm honestly being sincere when I say this. I hope to make this the best year if I'm elected, and I'm thankful that most voting users so far have faith invested into my ablities. If I win, I will do the best that I can and will try my best to not let anybody down. :) [21:00:29] <SMB> That is all I have for my comment. [21:00:53] <SMB> *please - should be plead [21:01:13] <MG1> My comment... [21:01:16] <MG1> Vote for MG1! [21:02:03] <Tucayo> Ok, and that wraps it up, thanks! [21:02:22] <Tucayo> Please go and vote http://www.mariowiki.com/MarioWiki:The_'Shroom/XLV/Director_Election [21:02:25] <Tucayo> May the best user win [21:02:32] <Tucayo> Results will be announced January 16th