There's been an awful lot of abuse threads being made lately, and to point out the obvious: they've gone absolutely nowhere.
So I figured I'd make a post explaining why they got nowhere, what the word "abuse" actually means (there seems to be much confusion with this word,) and some other miscellaneous observations.
First off, let's define abuse: Improper treatment or usage; application to a wrong or bad purpose; misuse; perversion.
Now, in terms of abuse in Tremulous, let's make it more simple: Unwarranted, overuse/misuse of administrative powers.
Now with that being defined, I'll now explain why these threads don't go anywhere:
1) More times than not, the people posting aren't liked at all by most, if not all admins in general- They have a bias due to how you've previously acted.
2) Very often, the people yelling abuse have the inability to remain serious. I'd like to use this
http://tremulous.net/forum/index.php?topic=14844.msg214372#msg214372 as a prime example. Posts like this only hurt the original cause, making it look more idiotic regardless of how valid the topic was originally.
3) If you were punished for a reason that is valid (even if it's debatable,) but you feel your punishment was too extreme don't start yelling "TAKE ADMIN AWAY NOW!!1!"
Instead try something more along the lines of constructive criticism,
like this "I really don't agree with your actions, doing [whatever] was too extreme, in the future could you please give a more clear warning and maybe do [something else] instead." -- Trust me, you'll look a lot better that way.
4) Presenting your argument isn't making your text bigger than those whom oppose you, rather you should actually try
thinking out your posts- instead of the all too prevalent post the same thing differently in capslock over and over again.
To admins:
1) Sometimes I've seen punishments that are
a bit harsh, for the sake of lowering the drama count be sure to have a clear head while using your admin powers- I'd personally recommend using admin commands only when necessary, or for the betterment of the server in general- Extensive punishments lead to drama.
2) Be sure to give clear warnings, unless of course it's something big like a decon, basenade, mass-tk, etc. This will hopefully prevent the need for punishment to begin with, and if you do end up using /mute /kick or /ban then at least you can defend yourself better on the forums.
3) As stated in the rules, use common sense.
Finally: Everyone, just keep in mind it's a game. Have fun, but not at others' expense. Don't be an ass to somebody just because you don't like them. If you get mad, take a short break, come back, and shoot the aliens (or of course eat the humans.)
