So many people who should go here, so little space. I resigned from TNT earlier tonight, and already wish I hadn't. It's for the best though - I can't dedicate the time, haven't been able to since Christmas-ish. I won't wear Controller as a badge to be flaunted while I don't do anything to help the server.
Two and a half years ago, I found TheOne's community. I went around the servers, and discovered Zombie (old old Zombie, back when we still had chunk-by-chunk loading). Up until July 2010, I was planning to apply for Trusted on there - then I heard about a new server being planned. Staying around on Zombie was fun, but I wanted to know about this new server - TNT Wars. After a few weeks of looking around on it and helping, I applied for op. My reference was KingSam, and I got approved (5 +1s, 1 0, I think).
Since then, TNT has taken so many leaps forward that it's hard to think about staffing the old server. Back when referees could kill players, without so many of the little luxuries which help current staff today. Before upgrade trees and upgrades, when we played on a dozen maps without the oversight of vetops or core controllers.
As a community, we've moved forwards. From JabJabJab's SMP to Marnixxie's JtE; TheOne to Blocktopia; so much has changed, and yet the core of the community's remained friendly and helpful.
I'm always going to be biased towards TNT - if you get time and somebody else is online, have a go. Staff are usually in IRC, and if you get to know them, you'll find they're brilliant people.
If you plan to apply for staff or play in any server though, please remember some points which helped me:
Credits time though:
Deadl0ck: Whether it's been to bail me out of a bit of a mess three SMP versions ago, or to help somebody with a forum issue I couldn't reach, you've always helped. Thank you.
KingSam: I didn't know you all that well at first, when I was a quiet op who just helped where I could. It wasn't until I started to talk to you that things started to shift. You've grown from somebody still a little unsure of yourself to a confident person with startlingly good grades and intelligence to match. You're a good HC, and you've always been there for us. Thank you.
destroyerx1: Where do I even begin? You kicked this off and kept the server going, even when it looked like we were struggling. Gratitude doesn't begin to express my appreciation for that.
Alkatraz: I suppose you're one of the oldest staff now. You've earned your place as controller, and I couldn't be more proud of what you've accomplished.
SparklyMuffinz: The only word which comes to mind is 'wow'. Your enthusiasm is always welcome; you've helped to move the server forward in ways I didn't know anyone could.
smokingkills: Sparkly's helped move us forwards - you've helped to keep us stable. Whether it's just by being there, or taking an active part in helping so many people, you've been brilliant.
Razinao: No, you're not staff anymore. No, that's not going to stop me. I didn't understand why you left at first; now I do. You've done a great job, and I can't really express how much more fun you've made the server. One of the cleverest people I've had the privilege to meet.
Marnixxie: I referenced you for operator, and I'm glad I did. You've come a long way; keep on going.
catgirl12466: As much as you might dislike it, your chat in IRC brightened it up. Don't ever lose that. Keep going with your networking studies, you're doing well.
Stieben: We didn't really speak much, but when we did it was fun. Thanks for everything.
DJJonosound: I had my doubts, but you've done a good job. I wish timezones wouldn't conspire against us so often, but whenever I saw you you were being absolutely brilliant.
Stretford01: A guarantee that maturity is developed through experience.
Sephhh: Once again - timezones. When we were online at the same time though, you were performing above and beyond what I was expecting. Thank you.
Kattzen & Eeveon: I rarely see you apart! You've helped support the server in so many ways, and I wish I'd seen more of you both.
superstein: Helpful, friendly and all-round a great person. You're supportive, and these all make you worth your weight in gold.
pjaj: Our most experienced trusted. I wish we'd had more players - you deserved to shine so much sooner. Whatever happens though, you've done brilliantly.
GOODYSMOODY: You were the last person I gave a reference to, and your dedication shines through whenever I see you. I couldn't be happier to see how you're doing whenever we're both online.
sniper17: The returning hero. We lost a lot when you left, and I'm glad you came back.
hihihilolHI: A trusted with the maturity of somebody older. You've done an excellent job.
cheesykev23: Wish I'd seen more. Your joining was as I was starting to fall short. Everything I've heard has been good though; keep it up.
ryandodd: Our newest trusted - congratulations. As a player you've been friendly and helpful, and I look forward to hearing how things go.
I wish I could say more about some people, but lack of time forbids me. Whether it's the random and interesting op-chat or sitting back and enjoying being able to help as I can, I've loved every minute of it.
Two and a half years ago, I found TheOne's community. I went around the servers, and discovered Zombie (old old Zombie, back when we still had chunk-by-chunk loading). Up until July 2010, I was planning to apply for Trusted on there - then I heard about a new server being planned. Staying around on Zombie was fun, but I wanted to know about this new server - TNT Wars. After a few weeks of looking around on it and helping, I applied for op. My reference was KingSam, and I got approved (5 +1s, 1 0, I think).
Since then, TNT has taken so many leaps forward that it's hard to think about staffing the old server. Back when referees could kill players, without so many of the little luxuries which help current staff today. Before upgrade trees and upgrades, when we played on a dozen maps without the oversight of vetops or core controllers.
As a community, we've moved forwards. From JabJabJab's SMP to Marnixxie's JtE; TheOne to Blocktopia; so much has changed, and yet the core of the community's remained friendly and helpful.
I'm always going to be biased towards TNT - if you get time and somebody else is online, have a go. Staff are usually in IRC, and if you get to know them, you'll find they're brilliant people.
If you plan to apply for staff or play in any server though, please remember some points which helped me:
- Be honest and prepared. Don't befriend staff so that they'll reference you - it's not only obvious, it's wrong. Don't lie, but be able to answer a difficult question head-on
- Don't waste time. This might mean working on your communication skills and typing speed. Be able to put your message across quickly, clearly and concisely
- Forgive and avoid drama. Staff are human - they make mistakes. I know I have! Look at it rationally and work out how much of a problem it really is. If you avoid drama now, it'll only be helpful
- Branch out. It wasn't until I started talking to other players and staff that I learned how to help. It isn't easy, but it's worth it.
Credits time though:
Deadl0ck: Whether it's been to bail me out of a bit of a mess three SMP versions ago, or to help somebody with a forum issue I couldn't reach, you've always helped. Thank you.
KingSam: I didn't know you all that well at first, when I was a quiet op who just helped where I could. It wasn't until I started to talk to you that things started to shift. You've grown from somebody still a little unsure of yourself to a confident person with startlingly good grades and intelligence to match. You're a good HC, and you've always been there for us. Thank you.
destroyerx1: Where do I even begin? You kicked this off and kept the server going, even when it looked like we were struggling. Gratitude doesn't begin to express my appreciation for that.
Alkatraz: I suppose you're one of the oldest staff now. You've earned your place as controller, and I couldn't be more proud of what you've accomplished.
SparklyMuffinz: The only word which comes to mind is 'wow'. Your enthusiasm is always welcome; you've helped to move the server forward in ways I didn't know anyone could.
smokingkills: Sparkly's helped move us forwards - you've helped to keep us stable. Whether it's just by being there, or taking an active part in helping so many people, you've been brilliant.
Razinao: No, you're not staff anymore. No, that's not going to stop me. I didn't understand why you left at first; now I do. You've done a great job, and I can't really express how much more fun you've made the server. One of the cleverest people I've had the privilege to meet.
Marnixxie: I referenced you for operator, and I'm glad I did. You've come a long way; keep on going.
catgirl12466: As much as you might dislike it, your chat in IRC brightened it up. Don't ever lose that. Keep going with your networking studies, you're doing well.
Stieben: We didn't really speak much, but when we did it was fun. Thanks for everything.
DJJonosound: I had my doubts, but you've done a good job. I wish timezones wouldn't conspire against us so often, but whenever I saw you you were being absolutely brilliant.
Stretford01: A guarantee that maturity is developed through experience.
Sephhh: Once again - timezones. When we were online at the same time though, you were performing above and beyond what I was expecting. Thank you.
Kattzen & Eeveon: I rarely see you apart! You've helped support the server in so many ways, and I wish I'd seen more of you both.
superstein: Helpful, friendly and all-round a great person. You're supportive, and these all make you worth your weight in gold.
pjaj: Our most experienced trusted. I wish we'd had more players - you deserved to shine so much sooner. Whatever happens though, you've done brilliantly.
GOODYSMOODY: You were the last person I gave a reference to, and your dedication shines through whenever I see you. I couldn't be happier to see how you're doing whenever we're both online.
sniper17: The returning hero. We lost a lot when you left, and I'm glad you came back.
hihihilolHI: A trusted with the maturity of somebody older. You've done an excellent job.
cheesykev23: Wish I'd seen more. Your joining was as I was starting to fall short. Everything I've heard has been good though; keep it up.
ryandodd: Our newest trusted - congratulations. As a player you've been friendly and helpful, and I look forward to hearing how things go.
I wish I could say more about some people, but lack of time forbids me. Whether it's the random and interesting op-chat or sitting back and enjoying being able to help as I can, I've loved every minute of it.
ooo
