Kept You Waiting, Huh? [2nd Dusk GM App]

[Dusk/Dorothy]

In-Game Name:
Dusk

Steam ID:
STEAM_0:1:105078501

Steam Profile Link:
https://steamcommunity.com/id/CommissarDorothy/

Age:
18

Timezone:
PST

Hours Played on Server:
Back then it used to be 236.96 hours, maybe even more than that. But game tracker has restarted my stats a few times, so I’m not really sure anymore. I think the new stuff says 98 hours now or something, not completely sure. Either way let’s just say I have a shit ton of hours and I’ve been back on the server for some time now.

Have you ever been kicked/warned/banned? If yes, explain in detail:
Yeah I was kicked for a joke before but that’s about it. That was a long time ago so I don’t really remember the details of it

Do you have any experience being staff on GMOD? If yes state what server,positions and time period:

• Arcadia Networks [Game Master]
  
  
• EUN [Sub sections]

Imperial [Trial GM]

Halo [Senior GM]

CWRP [GM]

Halo (again) [GM]

• Project Renegade [GM]
  
  
• Uprising 40k [Senior GM]
  
  
• Sentinel Networks Halo [GM]

Do you have experience with Serverguard commands?
Yeah I know how to use Serverguard commands

What can you bring to the Staff team?:
Well I was a GM before so I got experience with me, as well as some other things packed in my small ass cheese brain. I’ve been planning a few event Arcs too for a while so I think I can bring that to the table, although they’ll need to be approved because I don’t want to do something that isn’t allowed. I know there’s a lot of GMs right now, some away and some that are still doing stuff right now, but I feel like I can do the occasional event when really needed or something like that. You’re going to see me mention this a few times throughout this article, but I’ve improved myself quite a bit over the past year so I think I can bring some pretty solid events. I want to put a lot of time and work into these things so this could be a 1up, an improvement, or something along those lines. So basically, I can bring a few things to the table for starters and maybe even more later down the line.

Why would you like to join the PR staff team?:
There is a certain joy when you make an event. It could be the chaos that ensues, large open fields where two sides clash, maybe the story would do too, but that all pales in comparison to me at least. It’s the joy people get when they hop on for an event, it’s like making a little game but episodic, kinda, and with a bit of limitations. Or you could compare it to a film or a show, either way you can’t deny that events can be fun, they could be painful, they could be terrible, or they could be so good that you wish that same event would happen again. When I resigned from my position last year it felt terrible, but I had to do it for my mental health. There was another reason though; I felt like I wasn’t good enough for PR standards and that I failed my job as GM to bring events people could enjoy. But in recent memory I’ve started to miss those days of being a GM and doing all sorts of cool things. I miss the old times and I want to bring back the events I used to do but better and well planned out this time. I just want to do good events again, stuff that people would really enjoy and I hope I’ll be given that chance once more.

Why should we accept you over other applicants?:
There are good reasons why you should accept me as a GM again, but the main reason why I think you accept me as a GM again is that I think I’m ready to give it another shot. I’ve been basically using this time to fix up and improve myself. I know it’s been a year and change doesn’t happen that quick, but I’ve looked back on my past self and I know what mistakes were made and what can be done to avoid them. Granted, you can’t always avoid mistakes because we’re not perfect so there is bound to be a few cracks here and there once in a while, but I understand the problem and I want to do my best to not make the same mistakes again. I want to make events where people can be engaged with and interact with the world around them. I know that’s kinda hard to pull off with a shit ton of players during events, but there are workarounds for that and alternatives. To sum it up, I’ve taken a long time to improve myself and I truly believe that I’m prepared to give this another go. I’m confident that I can make good events again, better than the ones I did before. I'm going to put a lot of thought and effort into these things. I think I would make a fine addition to the GM team but it’s ultimately up to all of you if I deserve this or not. I thank you all for enjoying the events I’ve done in the past, the good ones at least, and I hope to bring that same joy once again for everyone.

Sample event (typed up event script):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12iN6X96X8pgZFRVky_Cl0VGDz0kDiJUAX1OYXIaEBHU/edit

What is one key thing that should be exercised while running an event?

Preparation

It’s super important to create a good event. It can be memorable, amazing, decent, somewhat good, groundbreaking, or something legendary. However, there’s always something these events have to follow and that’s good preparation. Whether it’s through making map dupes, posters, videos, documents, or even PACs there’s always a lot of effort and forethought put into it. You could just one day think of a event that sounds good in your head, make a dupe of it in a hour, and just fucking throw at people, but it’s most likely not going to be great. You have to take into considerations like regarding what could works, what if the players deviated from the original path, what if something that you didn’t plan for happens, how the story should go out, is this a beginning or end to a story arc, what if the map doesn’t work, what if the server crashed during the event, how many dupes are needs for this event, etc and etc. If you want to leave an impression on people, make an event that everyone will remember for a long time, or just a good event overall you have to work and prepare for these things. It could take days or even weeks just for these types of preparations like testing stuff, writing up the event, gathering people that can help, figuring out a date and time that could work for everyone, setting the event up, etc. And not to mention that, as stated before, things aren’t always going to turn out the way you wanted it to be so you gotta plan out backup plans for thoses things. You could be like the fucking next Paul Schrader or make something original, but not matter what it’ll always crumble apart if you have no idea what the fuck you’re doing or if there isn’t an ounce of effort put into the event. Even then if you managed to get the event ready within a couple of days you should still give it a few more days to look over everything and test everything to make sure that the event doesn’t go to shit. In conclusion, preparation is always important for events because you can’t predict the future and no effort = meh event.

How often can you be online?:
Ok so I can be somewhat active, but it’s not going to be consistent if that makes sense? I’m finishing my semester right now and I have to get a job next year, not to mention that I have to deal with my mental health too. I also don’t wanna do a repeat of last time where I got on too much and spent a ridiculous amount of time on the server. Like I can get on for an occasional event or help with one, but Irl stuff comes first and I have to write and set up events too, I don’t want to get stuck in the generic run n shoot events cycle shit. I’ll still try to get on, but only when I can. Even though I’ll be a little bit busy it won’t stop me from doing stuff.

Do you have a working microphone?:
Yeah but it’s shit and if I managed to somewhat fix it the mic wouldn’t sound good at all. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a better one when I can afford it


Do you have a smartphone?:
Yes

Please state one reference (optional):
Hyde
Pyro
M8
Horus


Additional Notes:
I would love to do events again, I really do. It’s a shame the last events I did before I resigned were shit and had zero planning. Honestly after everything that’s happen things could’ve been a little worse if I did a huge fuck up, at least that didn’t happen I suppose. Things could’ve been much worse if I didn’t even take any time to fix my problems. I don’t think my events will be as good as Fudall or any of the old guys, but maybe they’ll be good enough that I could be a bit close to them and I’m confident in that. I’m making sure that my events will be good and won’t be complicated to follow, who knows maybe they could be a nice change or maybe they won’t be super impressive, but that isn’t going to stop me from trying my goddamn best to make sure everything works out in the end. I don’t care if I get +1s, -1s or neutrals because we have our opinions and criticism and I’ll respect each one of them no matter what they say. If I’m given a chance to do events again then that’ll make me happy, if not then it’s no big deal because I’ll be able to apply again later. I just wish I can do events and specifically the events I want to do. If you’re reading this, thank you for taking the time to read through this app and leaving your opinions as well. In the end, whatever happens happens but it won’t stop me from working on events and doing my best to be a GM. Good morning good afternoon good evening and goodnight.

 

[magne/mwm]

+1

1. Uses the blind line 2. Dives into the corner full throttle 3. Holds it 4. In rain

 

[Naz]

Alright, here are my thoughts:

- First and foremost, a small complaint and some advice for not just the server, but for your life in general. In your app, you use some pretty vulgar language, which is completely fine when in conversation. However, when presenting yourself in an application it's not a good look when you swear up and down. It's a bit unprofessional. But it's only a minor complaint.

- One out of my two biggest points is your mental health. Now I'm no doctor/therapist, but your mental health is a lot more important than a stupid Gmod server. Looking back at previous posts you've made on the forums, it's a bit much to be taking on the responsibilities as a GM. It's stressful, your full character is on display for everyone to see, and your thoughts/ideas are all open to criticism. For your own mental wellbeing, I don't believe it would be a good idea for you to take on the jobs and activities that you would need to. Not to mention that you already seem to have time commitments with school and potentially a job.

- Now on to my second biggest point: The event script. To put it bluntly, it's not great. And I read your disclaimer, and having a disclaimer in and of itself is not a good look. If you're not putting out your best look on an app, it sells you short of what you're capable of. The dialog is...lacking, to say the least. It is a little juvenile. There are a few spelling/grammatical errors and it is chock full of a ton of swears in an attempt to sound mature. I recommend working more on a coherent event script and tweaking dialogue.

With all this said and done, it takes a lot of courage to post an app. However, you also open yourself up to criticism. My vote is:
-1

 

[Papi M8]

+1
Confirming reference, I don't have a paragraph to say nor do I feel the need to add one Dusk has shown in the past they are more than capable to be a GM and I whole heartedly believe in second chances so it only makes sense for them to be given the opportunity to get back into the GM team and let them run some events.

 

[Unlucky]

I'm not gonna give a -1 or +1, but I'm gonna list some things I found that you can improve on. I am not a gm but just looking at it and cleaning it up and making this more presentable.

My first point is that this entire thing is just very unproffesional, you use profanities in this a lot. For an application, thought it may be just for a game, it is still an application, it doesn't look too great when you're just throwing out cuss words while trying to convey why you should be a staff member.

My next point "To sum it up, I’ve taken a long time to improve myself and I truly believe that I’m prepared to give this another go. I’m confident that I can make good events again, better than the ones I did before. I'm going to put a lot of thought and effort into these things"

At this point, you have repeated this already and you are just rambling. There is no need for you to keep saying this, especially the "better than the ones I did before" it doesn't show that you have the confidence in yourself. Try to elaborate on things you thought you did well before and add to it. Listing out your mistakes are fine, but don't just rag on yourself.

"I’m finishing my semester right now and I have to get a job next year, not to mention that I have to deal with my mental health too" It doesn't sound like you're too sure of what you've got going on. I don't think it's good to mention stuff that says why you aren't going to be active, the point of us getting more gms is to get those who can run an event at least once a week, preferebly. The mental health issue is also something that raises a red flag. I don't think that it's a good idea for someone who says they have mental issues(I'm not very familiar) to take on that role to be in a position of GM that is known to be stressfull at times.

" I don’t think my events will be as good as Fudall or any of the old guys, but maybe they’ll be good enough that I could be a bit close to them and I’m confident in that." Don't compare yourselves to others, you don't need to be like anyone, be yourself. That is the most important thing we are looking for, not what you're gonna do similar to past GM's but to what you are gonna do to stand out from them.

Moving on to your app...
"I didn’t put too much effort into this because I’m already writing up some event shit right now and have been for the past month. So please don’t take this as what my final event stuff will be like, just a quickie I came up with on the spot. "
Don't say this, even if it is true, do not tell people that you didn't give it your best or effort. It doesn't reflect to what you claimed before "It’s super important to create a good event"
You are going to be running this trial event, so I think it's better if you didn't say this and not give other people a bad impression of the event before it even starts. It's not the best advice, but it's getting me through college, fake it till you make it. Take that as you will.

I think there is a lot of good, you seem to have the drive and willingness to take the time and effort to make this app and help out the community. You pointed out your past mistakes as a GM and you reflected on it, I think that if you just clean up the app and approach it in a more proffesional way, I would +1 this as a player.

I didn't go that much into detail, these are the things that popped in my mind and these are my opinions, perhaps, I am the only one who thinks this way. I wish your app the best of luck.

 

[Shovel Goat]

Neutral
As your reference, I do think you deserve a chance to try for GM again. It has been good to have you back on the server and that you've taken time to help yourself. It's good to see you passionate for the server.
But
this Application has got a couple red flags that I can't ignore.
Firstly, the app itself isn't that professional and is bloated with info. Imma be honest, whole thing is a bit of a mental flashbang.
Secondly, the event script. The first big red flag is the disclaimer at the bottom, that doesn't look good on your part. Either put in more time or don't say nothing about that. It's also pretty rough and needs more refining like the rest of this app.
Next time, please run it by someone before you post it.
Lastly, your mental health, don't put the server over your mental health. That's a big mistake to be making, this is a game my guy, it's not really going anywhere nor is it more important your head.

You got drive, but you need a bit more direction and cleaning up to do for this app.

 

[Chevy]

im very neutral on this as of now
I really did like playing most of your events as GM and I would like to experience them again.
But at the same time Im also worried for your health. Because balancing a job, school, gmod, and life isnt easy whatsoever. Hell im having a hard time playing on the server because of school alone.

so for now im gonna keep this at a neutral until I see other player Reponses and thoughts as well

 

[Radriar]

I’m neutral along with some others. Though I don’t remember being part of your events. Didn’t see how they played out

 

[Dusk/Dorothy]

Thank you for your guy’s criticisms it’s much appreciated. Whether this app gets accepted or not I’ll definitely keep these in, it’s very helpful and I understand the concerns. Again, thank you very much

 

[Havoc]

+1
I was going to sit this one out since I didn't know if my opinion would be helpful or out of date. However, I don't think that'd be fair to you based on my experiences with you.

You have the makings of a good game master. I always found your events novel and engaging. I remember the real effort you put into many of them with your dupes and so on to where you surprised many people with your dedication for a job many people saw you as too wacky to perform with consistency. You have a work ethic that betrays your demeanor in many ways, something I'll come back to in a bit. I'm a big fan of second chances, and I think giving you a trial run is justified.

As I remember, your events were pretty good towards the end of your tenure but garnered mixed reactions related to set-up times and other issues, many of which were justified. However, I'd note that the server's infrastructure was particularly shit at the time, with the server often crashing for no reason and just going schizo otherwise, as many people could attest to better than I.

I will echo the points about professionalism, though, as they relate to this app and server behavior. You're not the most serious player and don't have to be by any means, but the pseudo-mic spam and erratic behavior don't do you any favors if you're trying to gain credibility. Also, getting to know you off the server, I know you don't mean to come off as an annoyance, but most people who you interact with on the server don't have that experience, and they will not have a favorable view of you coming out of the gate if you do get accepted. So, I'll echo what Unlucky said; fake it until you make it.

As for the question of your mental fitness, that's a bit beyond the purview of this app for me. Even though I have my opinions, I don't hold myself or the people on this server responsible for monitoring your mental state and telling you when enough is enough. I trust that you know the commitments involved with this, as you were a game master before. I trust you know what your limit is and will leave if things become too much for you to bear, as you did before. If you have any doubts about your ability to follow through with the duties of being a gamemaster, I'd back out now and save yourself the hassle.

Otherwise, godspeed, Dusk. I know you can do this.

 

[Mystical Pyro]

+1 Confirming reference. I am concern about your health Dusk as the others put it. I was unsure how to make response but, If you are sure that you are fit for GM I will support you throughout it! Remember, Life before gaming.

 

[Flare]

APPLICATION DENIED
Unfortunately at this time, we do not believe you are fit for the responsibilities and duties of a Gamemaster.
If you need further details contact either myself or Holiday over discord.