Karistar86's Helper Application

In Game Name: KariStar86
Skype: Yes (KariStar86)
Teamspeak Username: KariStar86
Mic use: Yes
Age: 27
Timezone: Eastern (USA)
Hours online per weekday: 1-3
Hours online per weekend: 2-6
Position Changes: Exclusive to Helper

Introduction:

Hi everyone! I'm KariStar86, and I'm from North Carolina but grew up in Delaware. I first bought Minecraft to play online with one of my two younger brothers... only to find out that he doesn't play much anymore. I explored single player for a little bit until I decided to check out some multiplayer servers on my own. In February of this year, MeepCraft drew me in with its cute name and its Towny gameplay... and now the community has me hooked.

I've always enjoyed chatting with people online - a lot of that probably has to do with my comfort with writing. But there's also something about the way the Internet breaks down barriers and connects you with people you would have never talked to or even met otherwise. I used to play a game called The Sims Online, where I found a community similar to this one. They were tight-knit but welcoming, and they'd talk on a forum and then meet up in game to chat and play together. Since then, I've usually been a part of some online community or another, and I even met my husband through one of them!

I have spent most of my MeepCraft time on the Towny and Wild worlds, but I also have a lot of fun playing minigames, and I've made sure to try out all areas of the server so that I know my way around them. Since April, I have been the mayor of a town in alpha called Kakariko - the same town I joined when I first started playing. When I bought the town, it had about 12-14 residents. It now has nearly 30 and is still growing. Though it's hard sometimes, I try to make myself available to these residents for any questions they have or help they need.
Why you should be Helper:

I actually wanted to become a Helper after just a few weeks on the server, but I always just wrote it off as something that wouldn't happen. I figured that others had more time and could do a better job than I would. Honestly, I think that's still true, but I'm not using it as an excuse anymore. I believe I would be an effective, dedicated staff member, and I'd really enjoy the job!

When modreqs pile up, or staff can't keep up with moderating chat, I start to wish I could just jump in to offer another pair of hands. I find myself answering questions and helping people when I'm bored, because I enjoy doing it... I remember how confusing Minecraft was when I first started, and even if you know the game well, joining a new server can disorient you. I appreciate the help and kindness I received from others, and I hope I've managed to pass that on.

I can explain things clearly and help solve problems diplomatically. I'm a quick learner, and if I'm confused about something, I'll ask questions and keep trying until I understand it.

Honesty and integrity are important to me, even in a video game, which could mean I'm not great at catching cheaters because I don't think like one. But it also means that I'm not likely to abuse my powers, or favor some people over others when enforcing rules.

I don't hold grudges, and I like to see the good in people and encourage them. As cheesy as it sounds... I've seen what can happen when you just give people a chance and believe in them, and I know I appreciate when others have done that for me. I will speak up and take action when someone does something wrong, and I'm not going to ignore a pattern of bad behavior. But I won't hold someone's past against them unfairly or target them over a personal conflict.

Until recently, I worked as a newspaper reporter. The ideals of journalism really resonate with me... transparency, accountability, fairness, giving a voice to the voiceless, putting aside bias to look at all sides of an issue, and more. Getting criticized publicly was a daily part of the job, so I know how to handle it professionally, even if it stings. These days, I write for a nonprofit. My hours are somewhat flexible, but in general it's a 9-to-5 job and I won't be available during that time on weekdays (except on the forums and Skype if needed during breaks). One day a week (usually Fridays), I work from home, which gives me some more flexibility and extra time.

Weaknesses:

I can be pretty argumentative and opinionated. I pick my battles and try to be kind and understanding... but I'm not shy about speaking my mind. This can be a good thing, but it becomes a weakness when I speak too harshly, push too far, ignore the appropriate time and place, or care more about being right than I do about other people. I understand that if I am accepted, I will have to approach disagreements with staff differently. The staff members are a team, and they need to be able to work together and not undermine each other. (I hope everyone reading this understands, too!) But I think open discussion is good and healthy - especially when people disagree but are willing to listen - and that's not going to change.

I also have a tendency speak or type without thinking, especially out of emotion. Sometimes, that means I just say something silly that doesn't make sense. But other times, I can be overly blunt, rude, or impatient. I have learned to hold my tongue (and fingers) a lot more over the years, so I'm not sure how noticeable it is here. With a staff title in front of my name, I'll have an added reason to pause and think.

Time management is another weakness, and this is the biggest reason why I've waited to apply. I already spend a lot more time on MeepCraft than I thought I would when I joined. I was worried that if I applied for staff, something would eventually suffer - my town and its residents, my staff duties, and/or my real life priorities. But Kakariko also now has an assistant, who has been very helpful, and I'll probably name at least one more - or even a co-mayor. I've been focusing more on certain IRL things recently, and I'm limiting my activity this week to do that. I'll still be playing and working on some projects, but I won't be hanging around as much just to chat for the next few days. This is basically to prove to myself that I'm capable of being an active staff member without being a no-lifer.

Conclusion:

I believe I am qualified and ready to become a Helper, and I'm excited to finally apply! To paraphrase something a wise person once told me... if I really want to do more to help this server, I might as well roll up my sleeves, apply for staff, and get to work!

 

Instant +1. I have been wondering why this wasn't posted sooner

>You are extremely mature.
>Kind in all aspects, even is someone is being a nuisance
>Brings good ideas

 

+29374047404748484048027303
•Amazing and nice person
•Extremely active on all three aspects of the server
•Helps all the time
•Super amazing app
•You need staff, you are the perfect candidate
•There's no reason why you shouldn't be staff
Good luck Kari! (Like you need it )

 

You did a wrong format

but +1 kari

we all love you

 

Fixed. The forum wasn't cooperating with me when I copied this over, so I must have missed that. And thanks!

 

OMG YES YES YES I have been waiting for thissss!
+11111!
You, there, yes!

 

By the way, this is the only edit I made. Forgot it would show up as edited this quickly.

 

Rant time:
Activity in Minecraft: You're quite the active player, and I always see you on constantly helping others with their problems, or just conversing with them. I love how you are always kind to others even if they are treating others unjustly and rudely. To me, those activity numbers are a bit too low. One hours doesn't seem to be cutting it. I would suggest improving it by a little bit.

Activity on Forums: You may not have a gargantuan amount of posts, but at least they are definite quality. Most of the posts I see you make state a reason of why you believe that, and are respectful of others opinions. I count this part by the quality.

Activity on Teamspeak: Nothing big, as I rarely come to Teamspeak now unless for a good reason. I always see you on although we have different timezones. I remember that one time where you poked me to go to the radio channel after giving me a warning. I dared, and I can't describe how awkward it was. Back to the point. Activity on two aspects of the server (Teamspeak and Forums) are decent enough, while in game activity can increase a bit more.

Maturity: I have not once seen you act something along the lines of a 12-year-old. You always keep your cool, and as I said before, respect others and their opinions. You're a very mature person, without a doubt. I don't have much to say in this section, because I always see you acting your age.

Application: Very well organized, much more than mine. I don't think people like reading giant blobs of text on the Internet. You followed the guides, and kept it straight to the point. Although I do not like seeing smiley faces on an App, it was so well-written that I entirely forgot about it until now. Secondly, I saw that you kept the word help and the words relating to it to a bare minimum. Also, it's very good to be open about your weaknesses. In many applications I find that people seem to have a hard time finding their own weaknesses, and in the end just make one up to fill in the space. Usually people put one or two, but I prefer people who put more.

Qualities: I respect you a lot, and look up to you. You're one of the people who fits perfectly into the staff criteria. In shout, many people ask questions and you answer them, along with some others. When a player makes a mistake, they usually try to cover it up with alibis. You are straight-forward and apologize for your actions if you do something wrong. I can't think of much that I dislike about you, only about how good you would be at being staff!

In Conclusion: Good candidate for staff, and a perfect match for the staff team.
+1 all the way.
(First time playing around with fonts and text sizing, it's fun ;p)

 

if i were to write a staff app it would look like yours (i cant apply since i dont have teamspeak)
+1
+helpful
+nice
+doesnt try to scam noobs

 

+200
I cannot put into words how qualified you are for this

 

+1 Kari yes. You're lovely and perfectly able.

 

+1000000000000000000000000000
I don't even need to read your app

 

gimme a moment to work all my fangirling out of my system quickly...

OMG OMG OMG OMG YESSSS FINA-FREAKING-LY )PKFOKEWPOFJPIWEJGIOEWJOFL

ok im done ♥

Now for the actual part :3

Kari, you probably have an idea about how glad I and many others are to see this application from you.

You always hold an incredible dedication to the server and an outwards kindness towards everyone, no matter if they frustrate or annoy you, or even if they argue with you. You constantly try to improve the experience of other players, and do what you believe is right.

I cannot think of any other application I would rather see right now. I wholeheartedly can say that I want you with us on the team

Good luck!

 

+1

Staff pls or I quit.

 

I've been waiting for this application...
Kari, you are mature, active, respectful, nice, and overall a perfect addition to the staff team.
This application was great!
+1!

 

^ This is very true

 

Yeah... in reality, on weekdays, it's usually closer to 2-4. Given my concerns about time, I thought I'd estimate on the low side and be upfront about what I can commit to. But I'll usually be on for longer than an hour unless I'm really busy. And I'll be a lot more active/available on Skype and the forums.

I thought about taking out the smiley faces, but I always use them - even in serious posts - and it felt weird not to, lol. I hope you guys don't mind. Thanks for the feedback, Video, and everyone else!

 

+1
You're extremely capable of this position just displayed by everything you do. I mailed you to apply weeks ago, and I'm sure many other staff have as well. Good luck (you don't really need the luck anyways)

 

You're 27? Immature for that age. -1

+1 atw! You will make a great helper and I have been waiting for this as have so many other people.

--- Double Post Merged, Jun 23, 2014, Original Post Date: Jun 23, 2014 ---

Lovable*

 

about time.