Jun 17th, 2016, 07:49 AM
To the players and staff of MCP-
I understand that this post is a bit irregular than most, and I have left a brief summary for those who found this wall of text a bit daunting at the end. On topic, I felt like I should share a bit of what I have noticed over my stay here at MCP. I have found myself reading a lot of posts recently, old and new, while attempting to familiarize myself on the standing of this server and its feelings towards staff, rules, established culture, etc. During which I have discovered numerous reports of a negative connotation in regards to a handful of our staff. Had I seen any of these prior to joining this server, I would have felt compelled to avoid these accused players, a few being new friends of mine, and a few others I am not so familiar with as of yet, while still allowing them the common courtesy and respect they deserve, of course. That being said however, I was welcomed to this server by a pair of them, BrianADJ and A2thejaygaming, in a somewhat unique way. Excuse me for the proceeding story, as it is long, but I would like it to be an example towards the point of this post.
A few friends and I decided to give MCP a go after a long retreat from the now closed Convicted server. Our pal, AnEvilCow had an idea to keep us busy and a it was a grand goal to keep us focused and working together. He created a plan to eventually complete a fully functional Guardian farm, 100,000 blocks from spawn. We felt the distance would be enough to deter would be invaders, and a few other safeguards to help against those who weren't so easily dissuaded. And that is when I met Brian and A2 for the first time. They raided our guardian farm successfully, and blew open a small portion of the wall thereof in the process. Together, they killed a few of us that didn't respond in time, as well as myself who attempted to fight with what I had available. The sudden loss and immediate frustration was too much for many of my friends, and have not been active since (thought their ties were tenuous at best and are not the focal point of my mentioning of this occurrence, and are of no consequence). I was of a different mindset however. I knew it was always a possibility, the threat of invasion ever looming, but I was not ready to abandon MCP. I have told my story many times, and may do so many more, but I have a profound respect for Convicted and for our new hosts here at MCP. After a while, Brian asked me what happened to them all. He even tried to make amends, but they weren't all that interested. I took the opportunity to introduce myself to Brian and A2. I chatted a lot with A2 in fact, and it resulted in me telling my story in its fullest for the first time on MCP. I was met with warm regards and earnest comfort. I felt that spark of belonging again, and I leapt at the chance to make it my own. After a bit of coercion, and maybe a small bribe, I managed to join the very faction that raided us not but an hour prior. I had only respect for these players who used their own ability to accomplish a task on the server, not relying on cheating or faults to gain an advantage over others. Realizing their capability, I assumed as most would that they were experienced players and had a tight grasp of the workings of this server. Since then, I have grown fond of Brian and the gang, their advice and knowledge of the server has been invaluable to me. I owe them a great deal for helping me to find my roots again here in the Conv/MCP community.
Now, I never would have made it even this far, though short that distance is, if I had given into first impressions. If I had lent my understanding to that of irrational posts made against our staff here, I would not have the friendships I do now. I never would have known the good in these people, or the kindness and generosity they have shared with me. I understand that a lot of negativity has been thrown repeatedly at a majority of the staff, my friends included, and often with good intentions, but I feel like it has become a point of focus here on the server. From an outsider's perspective, with the experience of one who has spent a great deal of time in a similar situation, its always hard to say who is right when no clear definition is set, let alone if anyone is at all. Its also easy to see exactly who to blame when the offense is defined and clear. I'd like to remind us however that we all make mistakes, some of us more often than others, but only when negativity and destructive criticism reign do those mistakes continue on. Sometimes they continue in spite of those who would accuse them. In my experience with Brian and A2, I see a lot of good, and a bit of bad. In my life, I know that to be true of just about everyone. It is often easy to see fault in all those we meet, but if we continue to see only the bad and never learn to forgive, people never get the chance to change and do great things with their new opportunities.
All of this was originally imagined as a response after reading through Brian's guard application and ensuing replies. I decided to collaborate my thoughts and make it a topic of its own. While reading the replies to his application, I found both negative and positive responses. I found one in particular be particularly enlightening.
"Brian does do a good job as guard, we bring hate because you and Brian as staff constantly screw around"
This person had positive intentions in his words, or at least I assume so, and he professed more wisdom then maybe he intended. We all understand that people have their strengths. Though some may refuse, this individual was willing to admit both sides. Brian has experience, and has learned from past mistakes. In my opinion (though its worth debatable), I believe he'd make a fine guard, IF he can separate his responsibilities as a staff member from his previous relationships with those he has encountered on the server, both positive and negative. The same stands for all who wish to be a guard and for those who wish to be a better staff member. The second side being that a person's past helps us to understand more fully how much trust we can allow them. This quote though also shows one flaw in our mindsets. We shouldn't let a persons past permanently define them, and we most certainly should not use it as an excuse to spread hate. Don't let silly rivalries and petty disputes, past blunders and minor offenses blind you of what is true and fair. Learn to forgive, and learn to change. But never forget to allow the same for others.
TL
R - To all those who spout negativity and "bring hate", remember that you are JUST as imperfect as they are to whom you smatter with destructive words. Forgive and forget. Let the actions of today speak for an individual, not their past. Be smart however. Trust those who have earned it, and allow redemption for those who have lost it.
If I am beyond my boundaries allowed to me by these forums, or if I have spoken offensively, I apologize and would ask that you disregard these comments and observations entirely. Any comments however are always welcome, as long as they are constructive in nature.
-[b]Aldron "Waldo" Aran
I understand that this post is a bit irregular than most, and I have left a brief summary for those who found this wall of text a bit daunting at the end. On topic, I felt like I should share a bit of what I have noticed over my stay here at MCP. I have found myself reading a lot of posts recently, old and new, while attempting to familiarize myself on the standing of this server and its feelings towards staff, rules, established culture, etc. During which I have discovered numerous reports of a negative connotation in regards to a handful of our staff. Had I seen any of these prior to joining this server, I would have felt compelled to avoid these accused players, a few being new friends of mine, and a few others I am not so familiar with as of yet, while still allowing them the common courtesy and respect they deserve, of course. That being said however, I was welcomed to this server by a pair of them, BrianADJ and A2thejaygaming, in a somewhat unique way. Excuse me for the proceeding story, as it is long, but I would like it to be an example towards the point of this post.
A few friends and I decided to give MCP a go after a long retreat from the now closed Convicted server. Our pal, AnEvilCow had an idea to keep us busy and a it was a grand goal to keep us focused and working together. He created a plan to eventually complete a fully functional Guardian farm, 100,000 blocks from spawn. We felt the distance would be enough to deter would be invaders, and a few other safeguards to help against those who weren't so easily dissuaded. And that is when I met Brian and A2 for the first time. They raided our guardian farm successfully, and blew open a small portion of the wall thereof in the process. Together, they killed a few of us that didn't respond in time, as well as myself who attempted to fight with what I had available. The sudden loss and immediate frustration was too much for many of my friends, and have not been active since (thought their ties were tenuous at best and are not the focal point of my mentioning of this occurrence, and are of no consequence). I was of a different mindset however. I knew it was always a possibility, the threat of invasion ever looming, but I was not ready to abandon MCP. I have told my story many times, and may do so many more, but I have a profound respect for Convicted and for our new hosts here at MCP. After a while, Brian asked me what happened to them all. He even tried to make amends, but they weren't all that interested. I took the opportunity to introduce myself to Brian and A2. I chatted a lot with A2 in fact, and it resulted in me telling my story in its fullest for the first time on MCP. I was met with warm regards and earnest comfort. I felt that spark of belonging again, and I leapt at the chance to make it my own. After a bit of coercion, and maybe a small bribe, I managed to join the very faction that raided us not but an hour prior. I had only respect for these players who used their own ability to accomplish a task on the server, not relying on cheating or faults to gain an advantage over others. Realizing their capability, I assumed as most would that they were experienced players and had a tight grasp of the workings of this server. Since then, I have grown fond of Brian and the gang, their advice and knowledge of the server has been invaluable to me. I owe them a great deal for helping me to find my roots again here in the Conv/MCP community.
Now, I never would have made it even this far, though short that distance is, if I had given into first impressions. If I had lent my understanding to that of irrational posts made against our staff here, I would not have the friendships I do now. I never would have known the good in these people, or the kindness and generosity they have shared with me. I understand that a lot of negativity has been thrown repeatedly at a majority of the staff, my friends included, and often with good intentions, but I feel like it has become a point of focus here on the server. From an outsider's perspective, with the experience of one who has spent a great deal of time in a similar situation, its always hard to say who is right when no clear definition is set, let alone if anyone is at all. Its also easy to see exactly who to blame when the offense is defined and clear. I'd like to remind us however that we all make mistakes, some of us more often than others, but only when negativity and destructive criticism reign do those mistakes continue on. Sometimes they continue in spite of those who would accuse them. In my experience with Brian and A2, I see a lot of good, and a bit of bad. In my life, I know that to be true of just about everyone. It is often easy to see fault in all those we meet, but if we continue to see only the bad and never learn to forgive, people never get the chance to change and do great things with their new opportunities.
All of this was originally imagined as a response after reading through Brian's guard application and ensuing replies. I decided to collaborate my thoughts and make it a topic of its own. While reading the replies to his application, I found both negative and positive responses. I found one in particular be particularly enlightening.
"Brian does do a good job as guard, we bring hate because you and Brian as staff constantly screw around"
This person had positive intentions in his words, or at least I assume so, and he professed more wisdom then maybe he intended. We all understand that people have their strengths. Though some may refuse, this individual was willing to admit both sides. Brian has experience, and has learned from past mistakes. In my opinion (though its worth debatable), I believe he'd make a fine guard, IF he can separate his responsibilities as a staff member from his previous relationships with those he has encountered on the server, both positive and negative. The same stands for all who wish to be a guard and for those who wish to be a better staff member. The second side being that a person's past helps us to understand more fully how much trust we can allow them. This quote though also shows one flaw in our mindsets. We shouldn't let a persons past permanently define them, and we most certainly should not use it as an excuse to spread hate. Don't let silly rivalries and petty disputes, past blunders and minor offenses blind you of what is true and fair. Learn to forgive, and learn to change. But never forget to allow the same for others.
TL
R - To all those who spout negativity and "bring hate", remember that you are JUST as imperfect as they are to whom you smatter with destructive words. Forgive and forget. Let the actions of today speak for an individual, not their past. Be smart however. Trust those who have earned it, and allow redemption for those who have lost it.If I am beyond my boundaries allowed to me by these forums, or if I have spoken offensively, I apologize and would ask that you disregard these comments and observations entirely. Any comments however are always welcome, as long as they are constructive in nature.
-[b]Aldron "Waldo" Aran
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-Wisdom is a rare treasure and should be given sparingly, for the true prize is knowledge, gained by one's own experience.-
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