We can sit here and try to set guidelines, which is a good idea, we can make it easier to become an engineer, which the idea proposed for that isn't that bad. We can do a lot of things, but it will change NOTHING. If we set guidelines, people are still going to get passed up, they are still going to be in a position that they feel that THEY are ready to be promoted, but they aren't. Not everyone can be engineer, its a moderation rank, not just the next rank to make. We have made it easier, and we have set more and more guidelines out there for people asking, but the people who don't make it will always be throwing a mess around. If we set the line back some, or if we put guidelines out there, the ranks still bottleneck at Builder, so there will be people not promoted, and they will feel like its an unweighted system. Guess what, it is. Engineer is a moderation rank used to help the server, its not a next in line rank meant for everyone and no matter what is done, people will always complain about it. We move it up and promote all the people that are builder now, then the people who have yet to be builder will complain about it as soon they make builder. Like I said, the line has to be drawn somewhere, and no matter WHERE we draw it, people will be unhappy. The biggest issue I have noticed however, seems to be that people think Engineer is just the next rank, and they strive to make it, but it isn't. Engineer+ is a rank structure of its own, meant to moderate the server, not to be the next rank to achieve in game. I am sorry certain people did not make Engineer. I am sorry people find it difficult and I am sure in some cases unfair. However, we can not just go around promoting people because they are having a hard time.
If we set solid guidelines out there, people will strive to be Engineer, right? So what happens now when someone strives to be Engineer and while their friend makes it, they do not. Now they are going to be disheartened and most likely angry. If we set guidelines out, that will cause several problems and is contradictory of the rank. First, the rank is meant for people who don't want to really moderate, so setting guidelines contradicts that. Two, setting guidelines entails that everyone can make Engineer, when only a very small percentage of builders can make it. Finally, if we have to sit here and spell out what it means to be Engineer, and you guys can not figure it out, then what does that say about how you would handle the position? Sure, some of you need a helping hand, but the idea engineer doesn't need it spelled out, he/she can watch engineers, and see how they act. The builder is able to learn from situations in game and apply that to his position. If you can not do that, then how can we expect you to learn from situations in game that help you deal with guests and their problems?
Please keep in mind that just because we do not agree with your ideas, that does not mean we do not appreciate them. Not every idea is plausible and possible. If your idea gets shot down, keep in mind that a lot goes on behind the scenes, and that while it may be a good idea, more comes into play then you may think. Please do not let this stop you from posting your ideas in the future. If you have more to add here, feel free. As long as this stays a discussion and does not turn into a flame war or argument, I have no problem talking about it. If you have an issue with myself or something I said, feel free to PM me about it.
) < Joking.
