Best Posts in Thread: 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!

 

Accepted for interview!

 

Oh my god she did it. Thank god. Kari, you are one of the most perfect candidates for a staff position I could ever think of. You are always mature, nice, and everything else needed. I feel that you can't possibly let us down with your promotion. Good luck! +1

 

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