UOForums Interviews Garaba (Stratics UO Forums Administrator)

[Adam]

Many thanks to Garaba for answering our questions.

1) The balance between freedom of speech and off topic blathering is a
fine one to maintain. What skills do you use in your work to maintain
the balance?

The real skill is knowing what the intent of the posters. Some are
really there to discuss the game or important industry influences.
Others simply like to stir up trouble for their own fun. Then use
freedom of speech when they are in trouble. People like that are like
people who cry 'fire' in a crowded movie theater. Such an activity is
not covered by freedom of speech in any regard.

2) What areas of responsibility are included in your position, and how
do you carry them out in an 'average' workday?

I am responsible for addressing user concerns, helping make and
enforce policy, and making sure the forums are wells stocked with
moderators. I also act as any moderator would in almost every forum,
along with the handful I moderate on a daily basis.

An average workday consists of making sure nothing is broken, and no
pressing issues are waiting in my inbox. Then I do a quick scan of the
popular forums, making sure their are no pressing issues. Throughout
the day I will answer emails from user with various questions,
comments, problems or complaints.

3) What kinds of roles have you been involved with during your UO
Stratics career?

Mainly a moderator. Over time just grown from users to users, staff and VIPs.

4) How did you first get involved with UO Stratics Forum?

I was first asked to moderate the paladin forum. Eventually I was
added to the Tinker forum.

5) What does the role of being a UO Stratics Forum Administrator involve?

Mainly I consider myself a Judge. I have to decide on administrative
actions against users. Have to decide how the RoC applies in a given
situation. And balance different users point of view.

6) How do you think UOSF differs from other forums?

Mainly in the attitude of the posters. We are at the point where we
are a beacon of the UO community to some, and a target to others.
Those conflicting viewpoints can be seen very well in UO Hall.

7) What are some of the main points of Stratics (excluding the Forums)
that you feel are "make or break" points of the site?

I love stratics as a whole because of the community effort into its
creation. This is true of every game we have content for. What bothers
me is that sometimes we let the games pages get a little cluttered and
out of date. In th e case of the UO pages, really out of date and
cluttered.

8) How has UOSF evolved in terms of structure?

We have better tools and more unique kinds of forum. I love the True
Moderation of the 'Developer's Corner' because of how well it works in
making sure people post opinions instead of insults, and can not
derail the thread with of topic conversations.

9) What are some of the tough decisions that you as Forum Admin have
had to make, and how were you able to implement them without "losing"
the team around you?

Tough decisions happen all the time around here. Deciding who to
promote, who to let go. Even the selection of new moderators has been
known to cause grief. Sometimes we are forced to make decisions that
effect the whole UO Fan community. Its been known to happen like with
Markee Dragon. We do not allow posts that advertise there site or
events anymore. Normally those decisions are debated and only e nacted
with a consensus from the senior staff.

Only in rare cases have we lost staff over a decision. We take great
care to make sure they understand our reasoning and also make sure we
understand their concerns.

10) Can you describe what it's like to work successfully in an "online team"?

Most days are surprisingly easy. Mainly because at any given hour Me,
KittyKat or ZigZag are online. Having someone to answer questions and
deal with tough problems that may come up. Other days its like trying
to Balance a plate of marbles on a 10 foot pole. This normally happens
after BIG announcements.

11) What kinds of challenges does working over the Internet with a
dispersed team present?

Timing, Different time zones, And just simply getting ahold of a
person when you need them. Also people tend to be a little more bolder
on the Internet due to the fact they are anonymous on the Internet

12) Do you find i t difficult balancing the needs and agendas of your
team members with the fact that they're geographically remote, and
participate on a voluntary basis?

Not as much as one would expect. We try our best to select people who
have few need and no agendas, simply someone who truly wants to help
the UO community in some way and be a part of a team. Of course a
person's needs and agendas do change over time. By that point they
have learned why those things should be kept to themselves. So that
they can be unbiased as possible.

13) What is the most difficult thing you've been faced with while
leading the UOSF online community?

Dealing with people who have been banned for their behavior. Some
believe that the best way to deal with their ban is to cause as much
problems as possible. Having to sit their and deal with them till they
give up has cause some very long nights.

14) What's the best thing you've gained from your work with Stratics
Central in general and the UO Stratics Forums?

That would be the satisfaction I am helping the UO community in some
way however small.

15) What is one thing in your history with UOSF that made you feel
proud of Stratics and the job you do there?

Helping get the administrators corner in line. Some really good
feedback come out there, when people are not flamed for their ideas by
other posters.

16) Do you "go to" your job, or telecommute?

My real job I got to, stratics is all telecommute.

17) Do you manage others, or a solo act?

At work and at stratics I manage others. I am more like a crew leader
though. I do the same job as those under me, plus allot more.

18) Is this your solo income, or a hobby type job?

Defiantly a time consuming hobby. Between this and UO and work I am
surprised I get any sleep.

19) Where do you see yourself in a year with the Stratic's network?

Hopefully doing the same thing I am doing now.

[Queen Mum]

Garaba, your plate is certainly filled with a variety of wonderful things to keep you very busy.
Thank you for taking time to give us a glimpse of the person behind the signature we know as Garaba.

*passes a fresh bag of cookies and a pitcher of cold milk to Garaba ...

[Maddux]

Excellent Interview