The Dolls: Mission Statement / The Code Of Conduct

[Maximvs]

The Dolls Guild Mission Statement And The Code Of Conduct

Table Of Contents

Updated: November 13th, 2008

The Dolls Mission Statement And Objectives
Please Click Here To See The Welcome Page And Our Mission Statement!
The Code Of Conduct
All Guild Members
New Members
Members
Officers
Masters
Promotion
Demotion
Ejection
Inactivity And Voluntary Leave
Player And Chat Activities
Players Interaction
Chat Interaction
Conclusion


The Codes Of Conduct


All Guild Members:

The definition of a Member of The Dolls Guild is any player of POTCO who has been approved into the Guild through the Iniation Phase and now wears 'The Dolls' Guild tag under their player name. Members come in two classes - two mindsets: Paying Players and Free Players - Goal Oriented and Casual Players. In both cases these two sets groups can consist of young and old players alike.

This section will cover the Codes of Conduct for Members and how they should interact and treat each other with respect amd fair play. All Member should strive to uphold the Mission Statement to its highest reguard.

- Though not required daily, members are requested to visit The Dolls Forum before starting to play POTCO to quickly review news posted for any updated information, view pics and interact with any current Polls. Members should already be knowledgeable in current events before coming into the game to avoid needless questions.

- Once in the game, Members should introduce themselves to other members. Members may not get a response from all Members online due to attacks, questing or other Guild business matters - but the introduction is to let all members know another has come online and should they have time Members should welcome the newest online Member.

- Members should always feel confortable and safe playing within the Guild. Excessive teasing and / or disrepect towards a Member form any Guild Member will be harshly and quickly. Any member feeling intimitated or concerned should report it immediately to an Officer or a Master, who will then approach the offending Member - Officers will be demoted for such action along with any decision made by the Masters.

- Members online safety is a top priority for the Guild. Any Member feeling like they are being asked inappropraite questions or approached in a innapropriate manner should immediately contact an Officer or Master, or should one not be available Log Out and report the incident directly to Disney Support. It is an offence and direct violation of POTCO Rules for anyone to act in this manner and all players young and old should feel safe in this enviroment. Any Guild Member caught doing this type of behavoir will be ejected IMMEDIATELY without recourse.

- Members must follow The POTCO Guidelines which they agreend upon during setup of the game, and breaking these guidelines results in immediated removal from the Guild.

- All Members should remember that chat is not only blocked by certain words, but in the case of Adult Accounts talking in Local Chat Youth Account may not receive any of the messages! Youth must also remember that they may not get messages because of their account restrictions and not be upset / impatient with Members just because they do not get messages. Members chatting with mixed accounts (Adult and Youth) should try to use Guild or Crew Chat.

- A Goal Oriented Paying Player will have a much different mindset about what they wish to accomplish out of the game than a Casual Free Player, as the first tends to work more alone unless a large Quest requires assistance and generally do not talk much in general format, where the second may like to accompany others often or always and converses about many topics without focus in general gameplay - please respect each others play style and requests - any issues or conflicts should be reported to an Officer or Master for resolution immediately.


New Members:

For a player to become a Member of The Dolls Guild, the following criteria must be met:


POF Member Requests

- POF Forum Requests: Though we do not usually run 'Open Recruting Drives', we happily accept requests or inquiries about anyone wanting membership into the Guild. POF Members can PM me (Maximvs) for a chance to become A Doll Member. The requester should have read all the Code Of Conduct before making the request, as its directive is the source of truth for The Dolls Guild. I will send a response back for some information for insurance of getting a quality member.

- Once confirmed that the player has read The Code of Conduct, agreed to its terms, and has responded to my request - a Guild Code will be sent to the requesting player so as to join the guild upon logging into POTCO.

- The player automatically goes on the Guild Probation Phase, and they must follow the All Request Guidelines as listed below.


In-game Requests

- In-game Requests: Membership is not instantly granted into the guild. No one who runs up to an officer or member and says, "can I join your guild?" is granted access immediately. This is to ensure those who wish to become on with The Dolls has read this Mission Statement and Codes of Conduct, understand it, then proceeds through the Initation process for insurance of getting a quality member.

- The Member / Officer who wishes to sponsor a player into The Dolls Guild has responsibilities. They must first play with the inductee for a period of time, and as their sponsor be prepared to present the member to the Masters. This is to prove that the player is both genuinely interested and also to allow the Member / Officer to see a greater picture of how the inductee plays and treats others. This period of time can happen before the player asks to become a Member, but the Member / Officer sponsor will have to notify the Master of this.

- Once the sponsor and player have confirmed visiting The Dolls Forum on POF and reviewed the Mission Statement and The Code of Conduct to the Master / Officer, they can proceed to add the Guild Name for an 'Probation Trail' to the player - and Welcome the player to the Guild.


All Requests

- New Members on Probation can now proceed to act as standard members and are expected to uphold the Code of Conduct. The Trial is for one month so as many members of The Dolls get exposure to the new member as possible, and for current members to see the actions of the new member. After a period of time (but no more than 30 days), Masters, Officers and Members over the month will discuss the Probation Member, and if upheld the Member is taken off probation and is considered a Full Member. If during the probation period issues arise (break in Code, inappropriate behavoir), the Member may lose the Guild status and cannot return.

- Masters can override any part of the New Member process should they have a sense of feeling about the membership.

General Members:

Once a Full Member, the player should continue to uphold the Mission Statement and follow the Code of Conduct. Members should be active in guild business, continue quests and as for assistance if necessary, become involved in conversation and have fun. The following Guidelines must be followed by Members.

- Members may consist of paying members or free players, both young and old. Always be respectful of other Members, sticking to the Code of Conduct.

- Members are responsible for obtaining goals towards quests within the game to the best of their ability and assisting other Members and New Members with quests when required.

- A Member may be promoted to Officer should the need arise and meet the Officer conditions, and also be promoted on a temporary basis should an additional Officer be required for coverage.

- Members cannot ask to become Officers - it is through actions, the Code of Conduct, and the necessity of needing another Officer which will determine promotion.

- Non Paying Members cannot become Officers. This is unfortunate, but an Officer must be able to obtain weapons and do quests which Non Paying Members cannot achieve.

- Members should report any issue to an available Officer who will take the issue to a Master, or directly to a Master of no Officer is available (as stated under All Members).


Officers:

Officers have reached this level due to their commitment to the Code of Conduct, their strive towards helping other Members has been visible, and their high mastery of quests and weapons can help others out. The following Guidelines must be followed by Officers.

- Officers will be responsible for monitoring General Members and New Members alike in making sure the Code of Conduct is upheld at any time the Masters are not available.

- Officers should also note as they have a higher responsibility to help and assist Members and New Members with questions and assistance should Members require it.

- Should a Master be absent for a period of time, an Officer may be appointed to temporarly fill the role of a Master.

- Officers must be paying members of POTCO so as to be able to perform all functions within the game in assisting Members, Teleporting to Locations and Obtaining Items.

- Officers cannot promote or accept new members without the consent of the Masters, but once given the Officer can proceed to perform the task.

- Officers can and should handle issues which conflict the Code of Conduct in the Guild. If the Officer wants advice they may proceed to contact a Master for assistance.

- Officers should not eject any Member - and must report serious offences of Members to a Master immediately (as soon as possible) and try to put in a bridge solution until a pernament resolution is in place.

- Issues which the Officer resolves themselves must still be reported to the Masters for information.


Masters:

The Masters are the founders of The Dolls Guild: Olyve Oyl (F), Maximvs Gladiovs (F), Jason Yellowhound, Megan Redhawk. Founded on the principles of fun, loyality and accomplishing great things together - the Four Masters also hold the final say in accepting or rejecting Officers or Members. The decisions of the Masters is never an easy one; we want everyone to be happy, yet we also strive for order. The Guidelines of the Masters for all others to know are as follows.

- Masters are the final decision with accepting, rejecting, promoting and demoting all other Members. Their decision is final, and no Member can contest it.

- Though the decisions we make are always in the best interest of the Mission Statement of Fun, Virtue and Loyality - we also know that some may not be pleased by the decisions made.

- Masters will always seek input on important matters and some minor ones, but for the good of the Guild some decisions may be made without any input from Members.

- Masters will always try to do any major decision by Vote Of Three out of Four: Majority Wins. Should a Master need to be away for a long period of time, an Officer may be appointed Master during this time to keep the Vote of Three - But a vote of Two Masters will also be considered majority should the Third be missing and a decision be required immediately.

- Masters will be the ones who make the large 'negatative' decisions. We do not want any Member or Officer to feel they are responsible for having to make 'the hard choices' - that is our burden to carry - it is fun when times are good, but tough when they are not.


Promotions

The Role of Officer in upholding the Mission Statement and Code of Conduct among the Members becomes more priority as an Officer, as they must engage Members should issues arise politely but just. They also must report to the Masters with issues and seek consultation from them in many matters. Promotion is a privelage - which may be taken away should the Member found to be abusing the position, feel that they are unable to fulfill the role, or become inactive for a period of time.

- A Member must have completed all of the "Black Pearl" missions (currently excluding the Boss Battle), or be of a High Enough level (Determined by the Masters) to have completed the quests, but have made a conscious decision to not finish, in the interest of helping others.

- A Member must have displayed dedication to the membership of the guild and have shown beyond the call to support the Mission Statement and The Code of Conduct. Ways to do this include volunteering support or assistance, and displaying fair play and proper communication skills.

- A Member must have served the Guild as a member for at least a time of thirty (30) days as a paid member. This shows the commitment required and the available skills which are required for the increased tasks in helping lower level players.

- In the even of Officer Promotion, the current Officers will be consulted and the Masters will vote to decide the promotion. In the case of a temp or full Master, the remaining two Masters will consult with all Officers, then between the two of them decide the Officer to promote.


Demotion

Demotion may not be one of bad consequence, for example Demotion may be due to the Members inability to commit at that period of time, which then they may be considered at a later time for Promotion again. But Demotion will be enforced if the need arises and a Member is found to have violated the Mission Statement or any of the items listed within the Code of Conduct.

- A Member may be Demoted for inactivity or low attendance. Promotion and its responsibilities require the Member to be playing the game on a fairly regular basis and a Member who is 'stale' or infrequent will be Demoted. Should the Member become more active again, they will be considered for Promotion again when the need arises.

- A Member may ask for Demotion if they feel the pressure of the position is overbearing and not allowing them to concentrate on the Code of Conduct. Should the Member feel later they may be more confortable with the position, they will be considered for Promotion again when the need arises.

- A Member who violates the Code of Conduct and the Mission Statement will be Demoted. Should it come to pass that the Member vastly improves, they may be once again be considered - noting the previous Demotion will also be reviewed.

- A Major Breech of confidence by a Member in view of the Masters (breaking major sections of the Code of Conduct, violating POTCO Terms of Agreement, receving warnings) - will not only be Demoted by Ejected from the Guild.


Ejection

Ejection - though we would expect every Member to uphold the Code of Conduct of The Dolls, should any Member commit a severe offence (Major breeches of the Mission Statement and Code of Conduct, breaking the Terms of Agreement of POTCO) - the Member will be Ejected without recourse.

- The Masters will discuss the matter and if the decision is Ejection - The Member in question will be allowed to defend the action one time to the Masters. Should the Masters then decide not to eject the Member they will place them back to Probation Status and treated as a New Member, with the understanding any new infraction is an automatic Ejection.

- If after the defence is given and the decision is still Ejection - the Member will be informed, explained one time the decisions reasoning, then Eject the Member - with no recourse.

The Masters never like to have to resort to Ejection (much less any punishment) as it goes against everything The Dolls Mission Statement reflects - but the Masters will not let any Member manipluate that to their advantage and make all the Guild Members look bad. Be warned... as Maximvs - Enforcer Master I have no issue with Ejection should it be warranted.


Inactivity and Voluntary Leave

There is game play, and there is Real Life. For some players - this is school and extra activities, for others - may be work and promitions and family. Real Life must come first above all else, because it is where we must in the end all exist. This may mean from time to time a Member needing a Leave or simply a player moves on.

The following are the guidelines for Inactivity and Voluntary Leave

- Any Players can request a Leave without penalty. They will not lose any earned rank or status. A temp may be promoted to fulfil the role should it be required. An estimated timeframe must be given so the account is not considered Inactive.

- A Player 'leaving' the game (as in not interested in playing POTCO anymore) should inform an Officer / Master so they can be taken off the Guild List. Once again should the player return at some pont, the player can be reinstated to full Member status without penalty or Initation, but not automatically return to Officer / Master status.

- The Guild List will be reviewed twice a year for Inactive Players. Should a member be deemed inactive, they may be removed from the Guild List, though we will encourage friends of that member to put them on their Friend List so if they ever do return we can re-guild them without issue or loss of status.


Members Ineractions And Chat


Player Interaction

With such a diversity in Player Noriety (Levels) players must remember that first and formost we are a team - a band of Pirates!

- When Questing, Low Level Players should ask for help in quests for where a Higher Level Player (or Players) will be of great asistance. We request that Low Level Players should not always be requesting High Level Players to travel with them as even High Level Players have to quest - but be sure to ask for help if needed!

- When Leveling, no player should 'steal' or jump in and attack a Computer Player already engaged by another Player, unless they have the Players permission to do so.

- When Questing, if there is oportunity for multiple players try to take at least one or more Low Level Players along so they may get the chance to get more REP from Computer Players.

- When Leveling, we all know every point counts - but if a Low Level Player asks if they can join in let them make the attempt to hit the target. If you notice only low damage (-10 and lower or misses) you do not lose any REP for yourself by letting the player help. Even a Moderate Level player will only take away 15-30 REP which in using the Hi-Attack Combo for 300-500 REP it is not much and helps a fellow pirate.

- Crewing should be done as much as possible! We encourage players who are on to try and be on the same server for crewing as every bonus point counts! It does not seem like much but 10% over a long period of time adds up - you get the same REP Points for killing 900 enemies Crewed as you would for 1000 NOT Crewed - that's 100 less enemies needed for the same points! Crewing may be done by Masters / Officers at times for internal Guild affairs and cannot accept others during these times - but try to crew up with others as much as possible!

- When travelling in Groups, Officers and then the Higher Ranked players must consider the actions of their orders and be fair to Lower Level players, and Lower Level players should follow the orders given of the Highest Ranked Player of the group to avoid confusion. This is because Higher Ranked Player have the experience and weapon skills necessary to assist Lower Level players in Quests to accomplish their goals quickly.

- When Teleporting (Using the Go To option) to go to another Member - the Members must ask the Member they wish to Teleport to and receive an OK Status before proceeding please! Do not Teleport to an unsuspecting Member as they may be in the middle of attack and the Teleport can do SEVERE damage to them!

- Be sure that other friends on you friends list know the Guild Rules if they decide to come visit you during Quest / Level runs and you are with outher pirates! You are held responsible for them and their actions...

- Players who leave their computers (otherwise know as Away from Keyboard or AFK - use /afk in the chat window) must do so in a safe location on land (unless the Group says its ok). Players who are on ship or with others in a group area and are interacting with a quest should not just go AFK at that location. The Seas already has several bugs which cannot be overcome by AFK sailors - and going AFK in the middle of an unsafe are with a group means the group must try to keep that player from being killed.

- The trading of Gold in-game (using the Poker Games to transfer money) can be requested - but ONLY by schedule and approved trading players! Giving players must have the following criteria: Own at least one War Ship, have at least 30k extra in gold. Requesting Players must have: At least 5k in gold. The request can be made ONLY for the purpose of purchasing the Highest Grade Weapons or War Ships! The players may then SCHEDULE the transaction for a quite time so as to perform the action. AT NO TIME a transaction can be forced right away - and when requesting - any multiple or repeat request 'harassment' is considered grounds for Ejection! Players making the request MAY BE SUBJECT TO REPAYING THE DEBT THEY BORROW and will be required to do so at the Givers Request! ANY PLAYER CAN SAY NO TO ANY TRANSACTION and if issues arise report to an Officer / Master to address the issue! THIS IS A TRIAL EXPERIMENT which may be ended at any time!!! Any abuse or outside the rules will force the termination of the trial and NO GOLD will be allowed for trading! Exception: Players neeeding help to achieve a quest item playing Poler or Blackjack (usually from 80 to 500 Gold) and another player is willing to assist then this can be performed to make the quest easier - but this condition must follow the Code and once again no player can 'harass' others to play.

- REAL WORLD REQUESTS FOR PLAYERS ASKING OTHER PLAYERS FOR MONEY OR GIFT CARDS TO PLAY POTCO IS PROHIBITED AND IS IMMEDIATE GROUDS FOR EJECTION! Exception: If two players know each other in the Real World and one is giving money / Gift Card as a present for an occasion (such as a birthday or anniversary) - but ANY issues recieved by Masters in this area will be treated as the first condition and is grounds for ejection.

- Should any Issue arise between player, they are to report to an Officer / Master for resolution right away. Should none be available - seperate for the time and be polite until the matter can be addressed. Resoltuion from the Officers / Masters will commence as soon as possible.


Chat Interaction

The POTCO Chat Interface is very limited in functionality, and to make things harder the Underage Filter not only blocks certain words but can actually block entire messages in Local Chat. Because of these very limited features, the following guidelines are for using the Chat Box and interaction with Guild Members.

- All POTCO Terms of Agreement Rules must be followed for Chat purposes! ANY Inappropriate chat will be dealth with immmediately!

- Youth Players MUST understand they will not get all messages, and should not expect members to try and repeat conversations.

- The Guild Channel will be used for General Conversation and Play among all Members.

- The Crew Channel should be used for smaller parties wanting to have Private General Conversation ot Play Instructions.

- The Local Channel should only be used when taking to non-members or short messages only.

- Guild Conversation should be light and only about general interests. No conversations about specific age, gender, location, race or religion are allowed and is against the POTCO Terms of Agreement and the Code of Conduct and after a warning is issued the offending members may face Ejection. The exception of this is forms of Celebration (and ONLY with limited information) - and only if the Member wants to inform the Guild as a whole - or a Master requires information for a specific purpose (such as checking a member to see if they are legal to play the game as POTCO is ESRB Rated 10+). No member may ask another for specific information.

- Spamming (repeating a statement more than two times), Flooding (repeating a character more than five times or garble characters) or Excessive teasing and / or disrepect towards a Member form any Guild Member in Chat will be handled harshly and quickly and is grounds for Ejection!. Any member feeling intimitated or concerned should report it immediately to an Officer or a Master, who will then approach the offending Member - Officers will be demoted for such action along with any decision made by the Masters.


Conclusion

Have Fun, Be Safe - Remember the it is only a game, but real people are playing and paying for the privelage so always be respectful. Follow the Code of Conduct, enjoy the storyline, and remember - your Character is just "A Doll"