Outside The Asylum Elder Guidelines
We wanted to take a minute and set some general guidelines and suggestions that are too lengthy to put in the neighborhood description - and to make sure all elders are on the same page. Elders have been living by these rules - so this is primarily review and for new elders. :)
Roles of the elder:
1. Demonstrate how to be a good neighbor by example. You are all elders because one of the leaders as seen you leading by example. That is the single most important thing for us to do to ensure a continued good culture within the neighborhood. Be: helpful, fair, fun, active, fast to assist.
2. Enforce our culture. If someone is being obnoxious, elder begging, spamming the group, etc. - report them. (Elder begging is not asking "how to be elder", by the way. In that case, ask them to read this web site. Begging is "make me elder" "elder plz" and stuff like that.) We can't be an excellent group if we let this kind of stuff go unaddressed. The good people will leave in droves if we let stuff like this happen. In small doses it can actually be funny because everyone knows the offender will be kicked in short order. If it goes on over time, it's not funny.
3. GENTLY enforce fairness. Some people will help more and some will request more. That's expected. When requests start becoming far more than assistance, it starts looking like greed. If people are being greedy then (politely) call them out on it in chat. They will do one of 3 things: 1) Acknowledge and fix it (preferred) 2) Ignore you (report if this continues) 3) Go tork (kick or report them immediately).
4. Be egoless. Sometimes people will make you angry. Your job is to not let that show. Elders are supposed to lead by example - and we try (not always successfully) to do the same. I don't think anyone has ever seen us get impatient or angry with a member in chat. Please don't do this yourselves - it just leaves a bad vibe in the air. Along with this, please don't point out to others that you are an elder. It's right by your name in the neighbor list. Handle yourselves with confidence and authority, but never stoop to bullying or chest-thumping.
Quick guidelines for handling new members:
1. Always greet new members by name. If they don't say anything in the first five minutes, kick or report them. We want people who will chat.
2. Always politely ask new members to read the neighborhood description and then "like" their farm.
3. Do not tell them they have to "help before being helped" - but make it clear they are expected to do both quickly.
4. Immediately report or kick anyone who spams, swears or otherwise acts like a jerk in the first few minutes in the group. (We have some amount of tolerance for some "language" from established members if it's not gratuitous.)
When not to report or kick:
1. Established members who have been around a long time - even if they have low activity. These require an offline discussion with the leaders.
2. When in doubt, check with a leader.
On promoting people to elder:
Elders are allowed to invite and grant access to new members as long as there is room. If you think someone is ready for elder, we encourage you to bring them to a leader's attention via this web-site. It will be a very sad day for the neighborhood if we choose an elder poorly - so please do take that responsibility seriously.
On disagreements between elders:
If you have a bone to pick with another elder, please do not do it in neighborhood chat. If Flunista or I have a disagreement with an elder, we will do the same and take it up with you personally via email or facebook rather than embarrass you in front of the neighborhood.
On Elders who leave:
Elders who leave the neighborhood are resigning their eldership and should not expect to be reinstated if they return. There may be special cases here which will be decided by the leaders. In general, if an elder leaves, they are always welcome back, but as a member. The one big exception is "sniping" members. If an elder leaves and then recruits our neighbors to a new neighborhood, they will not be allowed to return.
So that's it in a nutshell. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions on the above, please contact us using the feedback page.
Happy Farming!
Flunista and Wonko
Elder Info
On becoming an Elder
If you are hoping to be promoted to elder, please read this. If any of this upsets you or you don't agree, we will respect your decision to leave. :(
We do not elder people automatically based on statistics or time in the neighborhood. We elder based on whether we believe you will make a good elder. Loyalty over time is a part of it. Regular participation is very important. Maturity is also a big part of it. In fact, we have no elders under the age of 18 - and most are quite a bit older than that. To become elder, someone has to be noticed and nominated by a leader or existing elder. If the leaders agree and if the person meets the requirements, they get promoted. Opinions of dissenting elders are usually considered as well. If an elder has a reason to recommend against a promotion, that person's odds of a promotion aren't too good -- but only the leaders have a "veto" on promotions.
Elders and Leaders: What's the Difference?
Leaders make behind-the scenes decisions based on the "greater good" of the whole neighborhood. Elders' input is often considered in these decisions - but not always. The final decisions are made by the leaders. Flunista and Wonko (that's us!) are the principal leaders of the neighborhood (and married in real life.) We may appoint other co-leaders from time-to-time to help out with decision making and other leader tasks. There will never be more than a tiny number of co-leaders. Co-leaders are people who are willing to put real blood, sweat and tears into the game - and who can put up with us on a personal level. (Not always a fun task - trust us!) There will always be more elders who are qualified to be co-leaders than actual co-leaders - so please don't be upset if you are not asked! The fact is: too many cooks in the kitchen is a recipe for suffering.
Leaders
This is the core "Management Team" for the neighborhood
- Flunista: (pronounced flew-NEE-stah) The main leader and co-founder of the neighborhood.
- Wonko: The secondary leader and co-founder of the neighborhood.
- Amy: (Amalina's Cowshack) A bona-fide cheese-head and smarty pants. Amy was also an elder from the start!
Founding Elders
The following members were founding elders! They were eldered in the first 48 hours!
- Jessie: (Miss Jessies) Our Southern belle Elder. Jessie exemplifies Southern Charm.
Homemade Elders
The following members earned their rank after becoming Outsiders.
- Angie: (Riggin6) She's awesome. Just awesome! Angie has all sorts of tips and advice!
- Patti-Jo: (PJ's Goat Haven) She's not just playing games. PJ owns honest-to-gosh, real-life, bona-fide goats. Just ask her!
- Ray: (Ray's Donkey Villa) He's a tactician - a real student of the game. He's as helpful as they come!
- Sam: (Sam's Sanctuary) aka super-elder deluxe seems to be on more than 24/7 somehow. She's also our chief recruiter!
- Joel: (Swag) AKA the "Fox Whisperer" is super helpful and usually good for some laughs. He also knows a surprising amount about beer.
- Brad (KeyWestCorral) Our resident funny-guy (just ask him) and beach bum. Brad's always helping out. (He's also super great at Clash of Clans!)