a warning for new players

[The1Shaw]

i have noticed on the server (zurvival) that we are loosing potential players, i mean those that steal. if a warning message came up with their name on it explaining an auto ban if they seal.
we could say that those that steal would do so anyway, but u actually cant take anything from chests anyway as the server won't let you. thieves are opportunist's and they generally only do it if they think they won't get caught.
knowing the punishment would be a good deterrent maybe also say in the rule book that u can look in a chest but don't even click on an item.
i would like to hear other perspectives on this.

[Kayzee21]

Do we really want people who ignore the rules and insist on stealing on the server? There is usually someone on who will greet the new players and tell them to take a look at the books even if they aren't smart enough to do so themselves. The books clearly say not to steal. I personally don't feel that there needs to be an extra warning. That's my take on it.

[ichimori]

I agree with Kayzee on this, if you would steal thinking you won't get caught, then maybe you aren't the kind of person we want on this server. People have the opportunity to appeal and apologise for their actions, but they are also given plenty of warning if they would simply read the books. There generally is someone on to remind them to read (though I should hope they would anyway, without someone having to tell them). Also, I feel like telling someone not to steal or about the autoban somewhat defeats the purpose of allowing them to take responsibility for their actions, they shouldn't need reminding to not commit a crime.

[Treiskaideka]

I'm not sure, but I think that there is currently no sign saying 'please don't steal' at the 'Thief Trap' chest in the newest region Fredanria. Maybe one could add that.
But other than that, I still think it is effective to sort out people we don't want on the server, but maybe a second chance or serious warning (like temporary ban) could be fair to people used to not so nice servers.
Because sometimes people don't think they steal when they take some stuff in a random chest somewhere or in a grieved house.
Still, the strict rules and that they have immediate consequences is what makes it able to have this nice community.

[The1Shaw]

Our duty as Zedlings is to help fill the server and spread the word of the fair and cooperative community we have here.
Treskaideka made a good point (a second chance or temp ban)
I think we should be attempting to convert and rehabilitate players. We have a Jail, why not use it. A 5 min stint would give people a chance to apologize and to read the rules, then be given a second chance.
A chest at spawn would be tempting and that is were it would be easy to make a mistake in judgement, bear in mind we may be dealing with children. As a parent myself i know that an explanation and analyzing the action or deed is much more effective than immediate punishment.
Our server is well Policed, so we should be dealing with these people IN GAME as to keep them on the server.

[Zedwick]

As we have it set up now, they are banned immediately for any rule breaking (though sometimes they are lucky enough to have the discretion of a Guardian or Protector to have the right their wrongs before a ban, if online when caught). They are then expected to make an apology before being allowed back on. A Temporary ban, without any evidence that they have learnt from their mistake, does not keep the other players safe. Usually all they need do is make an apology, evidencing their understanding of the rules and having taken responsibility for their actions. They must show some form of ability to be a positive member of the community. This isn't hard, all we want is the effort made.

My own criticism, though, is the lack of guidance for banned players in what their next step is to get unbanned. The players who do appeal do so because they have taken it upon themselves to look through the website, and find our forums.

On the topic of children who play on the server, Zedwork is not really geared towards them. We have a relaxed, but negative view on swearing and disputes between players. I expect the same from all players, including the ability to follow the rules and care for other players on the server. I feel that if they are capable of integrating with the community and showing respect for other players, they are welcome; if they cannot, they are not.

We have a policy to handle ban appeals outside of the game, to avoid disrupting the regular play and enjoyment of all players on the server as-well as avoid distracting our staff from other issues players may have. I feel if we regularly handled misbehaving players using in-game means, we would not be fostering a positive experience.

[chester1525]

Well said boss-man .