Sunday, July 6th, 2008
Issue: 81   Editor: NyxxieGoneWild


A Moderator - Re-hired! JoeMasseria
Along time ago, back in Issue 54, we, here at the Buzz, told how Andy was removed from the Elite Guard and his account was put on vacation due to not being active for 4 months. However, that has all changed with him being accepted back to the Elite Guard around 9PM Boot time on the 2nd of July. What was wrong? The Buzz caught up with the renewed Greenie to get the whole story.

Firstly, when asked why Andy vanished last year and what made him return, he replied, "I didn't intend to vanish, however I had a very minor computer problem and it kind of made me take stock". Not only this but, "I had a back operation a few months before that, unfortunately it didn't go well at all and I was very ill, much iller than I thought". He also added, "All the time I was online after the operation I was doped up on various medications and I was burying my head in the sand." He then took the opportunity to get 100% healthy before returning.

Secondly, we asked him whether he asked from his position back or whether he was given it, to which he responded, "I guess a bit of both, although when I came back I was playing anonymously while I got to grips with the game again, as there has been quite a few changes." He then mentioned that, "Once I was happy, I approached Sabin and informed him that I would like to be considered for my old position."

We then moved onto what his plans were now he was back in green, and he told us, "Well now my life is back on track, I don't intend to be going anywhere again, so I just intend to do what I was doing before. Which I like to think was being a fair and approachable Moderator."

However, he also had something else to say to everyone now he's back which is simply, "Thanks to everyone who has welcomed me back, even the ones I have banned in the past. Oh and Sunderland to win the Premier League this year!" Although I'm not quite sure about the last statement, I'm sure that most are glad to have you back after such a long absence.

This leaves one other issue to be discussed. What makes a moderator that has vanished and then appeared so much better then the potential moderators that are currently HDOs?

This question was put to Sabin and he said, "The asker assumes that I have hired Andy 'over' someone else. Perhaps he was the most qualified? Perhaps he has the most experience? Perhaps there are more promotions to come? Perhaps Andy's reinstatement was not part of the regular promotion schedule?" He further added, "Perhaps it's because he was reinstated, not fired or hired. Perhaps it's because I'm allergic to yellow? Perhaps it's really none of anyone's business.... The fact is, NO ONE is guaranteed a Moderator position, no matter how long they've been on the Help Desk, or how great they are at cleaning the forum and answering tickets." He finally pointed out to all hopefuls, "Mod promotions are based on two things: 1. The Elite Guard's need for more Moderators. 2. Our determination of the best people to put there. We don't make people moderators because they "deserve it". No one deserves it. It's a privilege, NOT a right.."

A stern but somewhat straightforward word from the Administrator leaving no stones un-turned in what it means for a promotion.

Some may not like it, but here at the Buzz, we'd like to welcome Andy back to the Game and his Moderator position!