Informants

jj1234321 wrote:... I must admit, I feel divided about this. Actually, not so much divided, as against with a niggling feeling in the back of my skull.

Anyway, the biggest problem with this is... trust. If anyone here has ever seen 1982, then you know why this wouldn't be very good. Big Brothers lead to dissent and distrust. WE ARE A FAMILY (a dysfunctional one, but you get my point. Just a place to chill and not stress out). NOT AN ORGANIZATION. You don't send spies to "inform" of dissent in a family. We deal with what may come when we find out about it, and it generally comes to our attention anyway. Like I said, we're like a family, so when somethings up, at least one of us can figure it out.

I was a regular member for over 8 months, and I know for A FACT how this would have made me feel. Just some thoughts that would have run through my overthinking brain:

Oh wow. They can't even trust their own members. Why do I gotta stress out extra?

This could DOUBLE the misunderstandings at !@$$storms. Don't we have enough confusion as is?

Now, this nothing against you, Kanda. I appreciate the fact you are trying to improve the site. That is good. However, I personally can't see any reason for informants other than to drive away members from staff etc. And members are the true blood of the site, so in conclusion, as I see it:

Pros:
1. Get information faster about stuff going on in the xat
2. New sub-staff position

Cons:
1. Easier to confuse and distort the facts since they are being told what's happening, instead of seeing all sides themselves.
2. Brews distrust in members, since at least some would feel like they wouldn't even be able to joke (or relax) without getting reported.
3. A sub-staff position about reporting negativity. Honestly, I just don't like the idea.
4. No REAL need, if you look at the facts. The sites still here, yeah we've had storms, but we generally make it out with the facts and the truth. Usually due to patience and mediating.
5. New members who get on have a higher chance of feeling uncomfortable due to the fact that now they would know someone is constantly watching over their shoulder.
6. Most small issues they would generally report are solved by the conflicting parties in most cases. IF something more than that goes on, staff WILL notice.

So, those are the facts as I see them. As I mentioned before, I just personally dislike this idea. I know a bit about psychology, and that would be a fairly large turn-off to the positive, joking aspect of the site. Although, one last thing. To any members reading this, if you have a problem, tell us. The janitors, and others, we're all here to make the site run as smoothly as possible. There would be no need for this if we all just trusted each other enough to get these things solved quickly.

-snaps briefcase- That is all.