A letter to all members & players on the server...

Kaiine

New Member
We're under attack. I'm not talking about the September 11th incident, nor the infestation of the 17-year Cicadas in the Midwest. I'm talking about the spiritual attack that we as the Tribe of Judah are under right now. Guys, face it - we are deep into spiritual warfare. There are forces out there that are coming against us as a community and as individuals and I'm here to address that problem right now.

I am sure you've noticed the increase in conflicts ranging from the server to the community forums. Despite all the conflicts and problems we're facing, I feel that ToJ is under going major changes that will impact each of you. Some of these changes are in policies, but most of these changes are things that God is birthing within this community. We are facing many of these birthing pains, and we've all got to work together to ease these pains so that God can do His good work in and through each of us in this community. Something is out there trying to stop us from accomplishing the Great Commission, which is what this community is based upon.

Remember, this is YOUR community. We as the admin team try to make decisions with your best interest in mind. If we were all like-minded and wanted the same things, the admin team would not need to exist. I'd like you all to keep an open mind and remember that not all of you are going to be happy with all of our decisions. Because you each have your own minds and thoughts, there will be conflicts and challenges and we all need to remember each other’s feelings and beliefs and know that we are all brothers and sisters in God's eyes. We're here to not just play a great game, but we're here to bear one another's burdens, agree with each other in prayer, and simply have fun and fellowship and develop new friendships.

One of the major conflicts I've observed is that there is a rift forming between two groups. One group is the admin group and the other is the members/players group. This has to stop. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand [Mark 3:25, NIV]. The admin team and myself want you all to know that we're not here to bully you, force or coerce you into doing something you don't want to, or abuse the power that has been granted to us. Yes, it may seem that way at times but trust me - that is simply not the case. The past few weeks have been very challenging for us. We've had to make some decisions that we weren't happy about and others that we felt were justified.

With all that said, we feel as the admin team that we owe you all an apology. First of all, I will step up and say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't address this sooner, and I'm sorry to all those who feel that I've made some unjustified decisions. We, the admin team would like to offer an apology to any and everyone who feels that they were mistreated, or feels that we handled a situation improperly. Keep in mind that we are NOT admitting to guilt on all occasions, however, there may have been a few where we could've handled the situation a little differently.

Instead of trying to handle each situation one by one, we've decided to implement a one-time policy. This policy will be known as the day of Jubilee. As some of you may already know, there is a policy in place on our CS server that is similar. This un-written server policy basically says that every so often we will erase the current ban list and let all who desire to come back and play. This is based on a tradition in the Old Testament where about every 50 years, the Jewish people observed that year as the year of remission or universal pardon. We are willing to wipe the slate clean for everyone, let go of the differences that we've had, and put all things behind us. However, this is two-sided. You must be willing to do the same.

This one time policy will be dependent on all the members of ToJ. Before we implement this policy, we would like to offer the chance for you, the members, to share with us things we could be doing better as server admins, things you'd like to see on the CS server, and anything in general you'd like to see happen within ToJ. This is your chance to offer CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. This is NOT where we point fingers at any one person or bring up specific incidences. This is your chance to tell us your view on the community.

On a side note, I'd like for you all to review the modified CS server rules, not only as players but as ToJ members:

For ALL players:

1.) Obey the server admins. Please do not argue with them.
2.) Obscene names, language and pornographic sprays will not be tolerated on this server.
3.) Cheating is not allowed on this server. If suspected of, or caught using them, YOU WILL BE BANNED IMMEDIATELY.*
4.) No belittling others skill. Trash talking and accusations do not promote teamwork and gameplay.
5.) Team stacking will be dealt with appropriately.
6.) No spamming of any kind: nade, voice, or text. If someone curses, please let the admin take care of the problem. Do not spam with your binds.
7.) No recruiting on our servers. We're here to play, not get hit on!

*The admins will take full advantage of their powers if they feel any of you are breaking any of these rules. Contact elite@toj.cc, exodus@toj.cc, or rizz@toj.cc if you feel you were banned unfairly or dealt with inappropriately. We'll deal with it on a case-by-case basis. The reason for immediate ban of using hacks, or even being suspected of using them is simply to keep our environment clean and to promote smooth gameplay for all.

For ALL ToJ Members:

1.) You are the 'Salt' of this server. You are the 'City upon the Hill'. Act like it on this server, and while you have the ToJ tag on. You agreed to the charter when signing up with ToJ.
2.) OBEY all admin requests. If they ask you to stop using the AWP, drop it. If they ask you to be quiet, be quiet. Admins: there will be a "Zero Tolerance" policy on ToJ members not listening. Feel free to take affirmative action if necessary.
3.) Just remember, we are not of this world but we are in it. You will come across things you don't particularly like or agree with but it happens. Learn to deal with these things appropriately...

Failure to obey admin commands and/or server rules can result in a slap, slay or kick. I'd like to reiterate rule 2. There is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on all ToJ members, whether you are wearing the tag or not. We even ask that you help maintain the integrity of this community by being on your best behavior at all times. How do you be on your best behavior you ask? Simply follow the rules. Please understand that we are not trying to be harsh towards any single person. We're doing this to maintain order on the server and credibility with others. Consider this your first and last warning.

[DISCLAIMER: Any irrelevant posts or spam will be deleted immediately, and a warning issued. This is a very serious topic and should be treated as such. After only TWO warnings, you will be banned from these forums. I am sorry that such a strict policy need even be applied, but it's something I feel is necessary at this point in time.]
 
First of all, I'm a little nervous posting first.....anyways

I'd like to say a few things myself:

First of all, Admins, you're doing a great job! I know its a difficult one, as I admin several IRC servers myself.  As Elite said, there have been some difficulties and I definantly think that we as Christian boys (and girls) can work them.  I think that all of you are doing a good job.  I'd like to mention a few people in particular (not to play favs, but they're the ones i talk/spend the most time with).  Para, Plank, Cresh, Kidan.....(that's like half the admin list...lol)  I appreciate your willingness in particular to logon to RCON or to even get on the server if there's anything going on.  I know its a pain to drop what you're doing and log on and I applaud you for your efforts.  Secondly, I think that as Elite said, team stacking is sometimes a large issue.  I know that I've been on several times when admins were present and the teams were stacked, and the admin did nothing.  I've also witnessed the opposite where the admin changes people around, which makes playing much more fun (espically if you're on the team that gets owned).

Next, I'd personally like to apologize to everyone, because I know there's been times that I've whined about stuff and complained and that's just not cool, or very Christian-like.  I, again agree with Elite, believe that we are the "salt" of the earth, and sometimes I know I don't act like it.

To my fellow TOJers:

I love you all. It brings joy to my day to play with you, but there are some issues that I've also noticed.  

PLEASE listen to the admins ladies and gents.  If other people see us, with the TOJ tag on, ignoring or mocking the admins, what makes them want to listen to the admins? I've also noticed that every now and again I'll see someone accuse someone else of hacking.  Personally, I think that if you see someone that you think is hacking, talk to the admin PRIVATELY!, they've all made their screenames avaliblie (i know they're not always on while playing) or add them to your friends list.

Secondly, I TOTALLY! agree with Elite, I've been sensing a rift forming between the admins and the players.  Guys, we need to step it up and show some brotherhood here.  How does it look if the admins and the TOJers are arguing? Not so good eh?  I believe that there is a simple solution to this.  TOJers (the non-admins) respect the admins as fellow players, but more importantly, as fellow believers.  Treat them how you would treat someone in your church, an elder (since some of them are really old *ahem*GP*ahem*).  We as believers need to respect one another, even through our differences.

To wrap things up,  a verse:
[b said:
Quote[/b] ]"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
~John 13:34-35

Love ladies and gents, love!

-=-END OF SERMON/RANT/LECTURE/OPINION THING-=-
 
Hmm, Id like to say I want to see some more activity from the elders and cs chapter leaders. I very rarely see Alan play and Exo hasn't been around lately. I also suggest you having something up about clans due to it being such a sensitive subject in toj. In my opinion, ToJ is a wonder Christian Community, but I feel that if someone wants to play cs competitively they have the right to join another clan. In fact, you should be very proud of these members for wanting to stick with such a great community filled with Godly people, not bash them for testing the competitive waters of cs gameplay.

Ive had alot of ups and downs lately with toj, if most of you haven't noticed, I, as many had, left ToJ due to underlying arguments and different opinions on certain subject matter. Myself and Alan have talked though I haven't heard much lately on what is being done to get ToJ on the right track (my guess is this is the first step toward the new ToJ). If you are not aware, I am not on the ToJ roster atm and I dont really know why, I am unsure if I was kicked or what but no hard feelings.
 
Hi Dead Aim,

Being a member of TOJ does not preclude somebody from joining other clans as TOJ is not a clan nor is it exclusive. The only time this becomes an issue is when somebody is in a leadership position in TOJ. It takes a dedication of time, spirit and person to be a leader in ToJ. Being a leader or a member in another clan means people are splitting their time between conflicting interests. As such, they are asked to dedicate their time to one group or the other exclusively. This does not mean that a TOJ leader who steps down from their leadership position to persue other opportunities must leave TOJ altogether, rather, they are encouraged to remain a member of TOJ.

We are proud of ToJ members who do belong to other clans and we are proud of people who fearlessly wear the toj.cc tag on other servers. We are also proud of those who have joined competative teams or have taken up leadership in other clans and teams.
 
Right after I read this post I went and played on toj, and these 3 guys were cussing and stuff, and it took forever to get hold of an admin. I think we need to get some more admins, ones that are younger (like me, 14)(thought not nessicarily me being an admin) who are mature enough to do their job, but also are always on. You know?
 
[b said:
Quote[/b] (ToJ | Dead_Aim @ July 22 2004,5:26)]
Hmm, Id like to say I want to see some more activity from the elders and cs chapter leaders. I very rarely see Alan play and Exo hasn't been around lately.

Do you mean simply seeing us play more often? I admit, I haven't played CS in quite awhile but I've been taking care of certain responsibilities. Summer time is hard for me because I'm very active - I haven't dropped any responsibilities in leadership, but I just merely haven't played much CS.

Oh, and Exodus is busy with summer camps. He is a youth pastor, and this is part of his responsibilities.

[b said:
Quote[/b] (ToJ | Dead_Aim @ July 22 2004,5:26)]I also suggest you having something up about clans due to it being such a sensitive subject in toj. In my opinion, ToJ is a wonder Christian Community, but I feel that if someone wants to play cs competitively they have the right to join another clan. In fact, you should be very proud of these members for wanting to stick with such a great community filled with Godly people, not bash them for testing the competitive waters of cs gameplay.

Just as GP said, it was the ToJ leadership we were having problems with as far as joining other clans. We will come up with some regulations for clans since at this point in time we aren't forming a competition team.

[b said:
Quote[/b] (ToJ | Dead_Aim @ July 22 2004,5:26)]Ive had alot of ups and downs lately with toj, if most of you haven't noticed, I, as many had, left ToJ due to underlying arguments and different opinions on certain subject matter. Myself and Alan have talked though I haven't heard much lately on what is being done to get ToJ on the right track (my guess is this is the first step toward the new ToJ). If you are not aware, I am not on the ToJ roster atm and I dont really know why, I am unsure if I was kicked or what but no hard feelings.

Not sure what the deal is with you not being on ther roster, we typically don't remove people unless they're inactive for months at a time or they did something really bad (did you do something really bad, DA?
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 ) - send an email to Plankeye or Rizz. Unfortunately, we simply cannot please every one every time as you already know and members are going to leave. We try and work as a democracy here, and everyone's opinions and suggestions do matter. We'll try and do a better job of getting more input from you guys, starting with this letter. As far as changes, yes this is the start. After the original letter was written, I submitted it before the ToJ Private Council and the server admins and everyone had a chance to add or subtract things. This obviously was the final letter, and it did take a while because we wanted to do it right. Now, we're waiting to see what everyone else has to say.

I'm glad to see you're still around!
 
[b said:
Quote[/b] (MechMykl @ July 22 2004,8:52)]Right after I read this post I went and played on toj, and these 3 guys were cussing and stuff, and it took forever to get hold of an admin. I think we need to get some more admins, ones that are younger (like me, 14)(thought not nessicarily me being an admin) who are mature enough to do their job, but also are always on. You know?
I think we have the admin coverage going pretty well. I apologize that you weren't able to get a hold of someone right away, however, feel free to get Steam ID's and screenshots and we'll definitely take the required actions.

Thanks!
 
[b said:
Quote[/b] (TheElite @ July 21 2004,3:27)][DISCLAIMER: Any irrelevant posts or spam will be deleted immediately, and a warning issued. This is a very serious topic and should be treated as such. After only TWO warnings, you will be banned from these forums. I am sorry that such a strict policy need even be applied, but it's something I feel is necessary at this point in time.]

Maybe I should re-iterate this...
 
As I am visiting relatives somewhere, I have not played CS in awhile. I have not noticed the rift between our two groups. I believe that the admins are doing a great job STILL on our server, I do have a suggestion for the admin. I think they could be less naggy on people. They have to still do the same thing such as kickin' ppl, slaying, and so on. But i think you get wat i mean. Just take action. The admin should remain as NORMAL players AS IF they did NOT have admin powers. I think that would help them be less um... different. I hope that can help!
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:p
[note: this is based on my experiance on like a 1-3 weeks ago]
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I thought I'd post my little bit here...

The biggest problem i have, is the people that talk too much..

For example, I'm getting better at cs, and i'm dying less often now (finally!). When i kill others, i don't make a big deal about it, then sometimes when i get killed, some others will make a big deal out of it.. My mistake is i feel i need to say something back to them...

Maybe a little slap or something would stop the talk, and let us play the game the we're here to play, instead of worthless arguing =/
 
aha.... i think DBKilla is talking about ppl like me. *grins sheepishly*
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i can c it from other ppl's point of view though... Like if you kill someone who is really good, you get kinda excited but then we tend to yap a little 2 much...
 
Just wanted to add my thanks to teh Admins and members on ToJ. What a great place to relaxe and enjoy a game. I have seen excellent examples of grace and humilty displayed bythe admins, sound judgement and lots of love. Sure, when a couple of "griefers" show up it's frustrating, and Elite is right, we are atr WAR, but His love shine sthrough. Thanks so much for taking long hours to monitor and answer those anoying emails I send. Thanks.

Eric "AKA Shrike"
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Hey all this is my first time posting. I guess i finally took the time to read and figure it out. anyways, the admins are great when they are on. They have even reminded me one time, that an example always must be set by a [toj.cc] member to all the rest on the server....I forgot that once for a second....keep up the good work admins:D And for all of us on when the admins are absent, keep setting good examples. I applaud many of you for your diligent attitude to uphold our rules while admins are gone. God bless you all and God bless Toj for I have seen it give hope in a disgusting world of online gamers. I hope this bright light of gamers gathering here will shine bright until the end of online gaming.

Tibido | Roger
 
I think if everyone just did their job, admins, leaders,players, and all stuck together with a strong feel of brotherhood and family like the old days, things would be fine. I think too many new people are comming into TOJ too quickly and there isn't enough consideration going towards whos comming in and what they can bring to the comunity.
It would be nice to see a smaller, closer knitted community again before you guys try to get a whole bunch of new members who will stay for a week. I've seen lots of people come, i've seen lots more go, and thats just the way it is.

Oh well, thats my oppinion. I've only been here forever.
 
I was wondering if an admin is watching can they say so ... this will prevent ToJ members from bugging other admins who do not need to be there if another admin is on...i am just suggesting this to relieve a little stress on admins...and thank you for the rule changes Elite...:D
 
well can you guys send private messages...i mean it gives you something to do besides just sitting their watching us...and another thing we will use binds then if we dont know an admin is there...
 
well can you guys send private messages...i mean it gives you something to do besides just sitting their watching us...and another thing we will use binds then if we dont know an admin is there...because i made a bind because i got tired of people with language and no admin around...
 
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