Greetings, if the title includes [YES] we are recruiting, if it includes [NO] we currently need no new members so try back later.
Beyond that message we would like to take a few moments to explain the process, why we are recruiting, what we expect from all our applicants and what you can expect from us.
The Process
The starting point of an application to be a GM is simply contact one of our current GMs. The best methods are by private message (PM) on these forums, on IRC or in game. That GM will give you further details on the application and answer your questions regarding it to the best of their ability. They will also request you to send them a PM giving a short written summary of:
1. Basic information including your real name, country and time zone, age
2. Previous GM experience (if any), also meaning moderation of forums or any kind of game
3. Time playing Planeshift (when you started, how much you play during the week)
4. Why you want to be a GM (this is very important)
5. Proficiency in English
6. Roleplay experience (tabletop, fantasy novels read, other MMOs/RPGs played)
7. Any additional qualifications you think may be relevant (experience with computers, social jobs, etc)
The next step (if you are deemed suitable) is a 'hot-seat' interview, this will comprise 3 or more current GMs interviewing you on IRC to decide if you are to be allowed through to the final step.
The summary and logs of your hot-seat will be posted on the private GM forums and discussion will then take place regarding your suitability. Once a consensus has been reached you will be informed of the decision. If it is positive then you will be asked to make yourself available for a one-to-one interview with Kerol, the GM team leader. If the consensus is negative, you will be informed of the decision, and we will endeavor to explain to you our concerns.
After your final interview with Kerol, he will make a decision and you will be informed at the earliest opportunity if you have made the grade.
If so, you will be trained in the arts of GMing for a probation period on GM level 1.
Who We Are Looking For
Requirements:
The first thing is you must be aged 21 years or over.
You must have a good level of written English and be a good communicator. You must be a team player, we work as a team, so sometimes decisions will not go the way you might like, you will sometimes just have to say your piece and then follow the team's decision if you like it or not.
Currently Seeking:
We are currently aiming to recruit more women to create a more balanced, community reflective, team. Also, we currently need more GM Team applicants from Australia, New Zealand and Eastern Europe and Asia. We can have some problems covering certain times of the day (all those in those locations who complain about never catching events? Now you can do something about it ;op) which is why we require people from these locations in particular. Please by no means let this stop you applying if you are not from these locations or of the 'correct' gender, your application will be considered in exactly the same way as those who do fulfill these encouraged groups.
The ideal situation would be for 10 - 15 active Team members around the world, aiming to have about 5 per block (America/Europe/Asia) capable of running events in game.
What You Can Expect From Us
We will handle your application in a fully professional manner. Any information, decision made, or discussion will NEVER be made public. It will only ever be seen by a few members of PS staff.
If you are chosen to join the team you can expect to be received in a friendly manner by the current members, trained in the protocols, commands and rules you will be required to understand while being a GM. The learning curve can be steep sometimes, but you will (nearly) always have someone around who you can ask if a problem arises and you are not sure of how to handle it. However, should something happen and you don't know what to do and have no one to ask, just step back and leave it alone, its better to do nothing than make a situation worse.
Let us take this opportunity to thank you for reading this information, and also to encourage you to have faith in yourself and apply, you have nothing to lose, the worst that can happen is you won't become a GM, but you aren't one now ;o)
-The GM Team
