Reading through this topic is rather distressing, considering I am a member that has/is away at this current moment of time. I will attempt to address everything in this post. For all those that do not wish to read through the entirety of it, I do suggest that you look for your specific headings so you do not get lost in the paragraphs of text that I am about to put up.

Generalized Response.

Overall, I believe that it is important for our members to be discussing issues that they feel need to be dealt with - that's how a site moves forward after all. The only issues I do have is when we address others in out-right negative, rude and accusing ways. Show a little maturity and finesse and let's not attack one another when we're attempting to make this place a better place. I find it rather ironic and unhelpful.

Staffers.

It is true that as of recently, Staff has suddenly disappeared. Most of our members [Shinji, Andy, Becky] have posted reasons for why we have suddenly disappeared. I, myself, am into examinations and I need to up-hold my 93.5 average so that I can keep my scholarships and my spot in my program. Shinji is also in the same boat. Andy is facing familial issues that need to be respected and cared for. Babis is currently MIA, unfortunately. In cases like these, usually before we post anything up, we tend to attempt to locate our staffers first so we at least have an idea of what is going on. I do apologize to those that have not been informed about their disappearances and I hope you all can be understandable to the predicaments that we are facing.

Apparent Staff Over-ruling

Alright. This is an overly touchy subject for many. I would like to begin by stating that the idea of our staff being corrupt truly baffles me. If we all look at this in a realistic manner:

Do you truly believe that Staff just likes having it their own way?

I think this question should answer itself for anyone who has ever been a staffer. If we didn't care about what you said or thought - like Sophie previously stated - why would this topic still be continuing to go on? Not to mention the fact that the abuse staff would receive from just ignoring your ideas, is incredibly not worth being ignorant to our own falterings.

The whole reason that we are against these ideas -some of them, anyway- is because of the fact that we will be the ones implementing them and we then have to look at the ideas again and see how they're do-able for the site. It's not as easy as "Get the idea, and then BAM! implement it." We are working as fast as we can, but these are difficult times.

The EXP System

I figured I should answer the questions over this system considering that I wrote it. EXP will be essentially replacing the need to 'train' for a multitude of things. i.e. jutsu, equipment, etc. SC's and increases in Clan Kekkei Genkai are exceptions to this new system. Now, MP come into play here as they affect the system. Currently, the staff is discussing how much EXP and MP are needed for rank ups and how we should evaluate Mission Topics.

Before we go backwards and state that EXP are not needed for Ranking up, I am going to have to disagree and reiterate what was previously posted by Adam over my opinion of the idea of no MP from the actual EXP Systems Thread. We had mulled the idea over, but we found that there were too many negatives with that idea. The one that is most prevalent to myself is the fact that this is a writing forum and the whole point of this place is to yes, enjoy ourselves, but to also work on our writing. Social interactions are key in real or an illusion life, so we promote social RPing. For the new system, EXP has been lowered, however, it is not an extreme amount, just as a forewarning.

I will bring up the idea of incorporating a refund of points after a character's death.

The system is in its final stages and once we deal with some of the issues that have been brought up here that have been valid, then the system will be launched.

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Surprisingly enough, my lovely children, we listen.

I hope I have answered any concerns or questions. If not, I tend to ask for a PM as I respond to those faster.