___________________________________________
      /                Host Forum                 \
     /             November 11, 2001               \
    (    Recorded & Edited by Aubrey McMichaels     )
     \                                             /
      \____http://pages.prodigy.net/aubreymcm/____/


[The Portmanteau Club, Sitting Room]
The light scent of gardenias lingers in this room, pushing away the more mundane odors
 of the street outside.  A brace of wide, chintz covered couches face each other across
 the narrow bounds of a ring-marked coffee table, each showing signs of having recently
 been occupied.  A group of armchairs gather around a many-branched reading lamp, and
 offer a small haven of well-worn comfort for those inclined to sit with a good book or
 the daily newspaper.  You also see a swinging door, an ashcan and an archway.
Obvious exits: none.
Maia Hawthorne steps out of the shadows.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Boo"
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "Hiya, everyone!"
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'm going to try this without the forum controls, since I think
 it's more pleasant that way."
Maia Hawthorne says, "All right.  Let's get started."
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'd like to take a few minutes to share some info, then open it
 up for questions."
Maia Hawthorne says, "The point of this forum is to give some information about what
 it's like to be a Host, and do a little recruiting."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Along the way, you may learn a little about what Hosts do, and
 how they can help you out, even if you don't decide to become a Host."
Maia Hawthorne asks, "I'll cover three things.  Who are the Hosts, what do Hosts do,
 and how do you apply to be a Host?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Let me cover some of the characteristics that are important for
 Hosts to have..."
Maia Hawthorne says, "The number one rule is that you have to be able to keep quiet
 about things you see and hear as a Host."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Confidentiality is huge, and if you can't commit to that, then
 this isn't the job for you."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts are required to adhere to confidentiality requirements
 because they test new areas and hear about things that are not general knowledge.  Now
 that's a perk, but you have to understand that it's one you can't talk about much."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "I consider important characteristics of Hosts to be patience,
 knowledge of the game and its mechanics, trustworthiness, and good communication"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Patience is a big one"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Good communication skills often come from a customer service
 background, but not always."
Maia Hawthorne says, "I interview people and talk with you about your personality and
 discuss how you feel you would do."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "I don't judge you purely on your game personality."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Also important is a clear recent background in Modus.  I do check
 warnings and other reports of things."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley raises his hand.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Usually we go back six months or so, and I'm willing to talk
 about things with you in interviews if it's a grey area"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hold on for a few minutes, Brenton, I might answer your
 question."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts are a key part of customer service in Modus, and I take it
 very seriously.  The current crop of Hosts we have are fantastic, and I hope that
 gives you an idea of the type of people we take."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "So what do Hosts do?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts answer assists from players and try to do everything they
 can to help out with problems."
Maia Hawthorne says, "They also greet new players and are available to them to help
 them get acquainted with the island."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts don't have all the technical knowhow to fix everything, so
 they are free to contact GMs who are around to help with some of the things, but Hosts
 can do quite a bit on their onw."
Maia Hawthorne says, "er, own."
Maia Hawthorne coughs.
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "So it's really a two-fold job."
Maia Hawthorne says, "You are available to help everyone on the island in some form or
 another, and it's a great way to get to know new players."
Catriona Forbes says, "It doesn't sound easy...especially since most GMs and hosts have
 other jobs as well."
Maia Hawthorne nods.
Maia Hawthorne says, "It can take some juggling."
Maia Hawthorne says, "But I find that people find it can be very rewarding in ways that
 other jobs aren't."
Maia Hawthorne smiles at Catriona Forbes.
Catriona Forbes nods.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts work three two and half hour shifts a week, and we're
 actually testing a new schedule right now that allows for some flexibility with
 Hosting shifts."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Where you work that time within a four hour block of time.  But
 since it just began, we don't really know how it's working yet, but I think
 flexibility is a key thing."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosting isn't someone's life, and I know that."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "We cover for each other and allow for real life to get in the way
 sometimes."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Let me hit a few of the negative and the positives..."
Lisa Stone's left foot begins to bleed from her injuries.
Brannigan McGrade winces expressively.
Lisa Stone asks, "oops?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Negatives are when you start to bleed in front of a bunch of
 people..."
Maia Hawthorne grins at Lisa Stone.
Dylan Perry says, "But its a great conversation peice though"
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Lisa Stone says, "oh I had that planned"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Negatives to the job include boredom sometimes, when no one asks
 for help for an hour or two.  Also, frustration can hit when you try to help someone
 who's had a bad day or is brand new and doesn't really *get* it."
Maia Hawthorne says, "But the GMs are very protective of the Hosts, and no Host abuse
 is allowed.  We will step in at any time if needed."
Maia Hawthorne says, "I will not allow you to be the brunt of someone's anger or
 frustration if you're a Host.  Hosts are the first line of defense."
Maia Hawthorne says, "And they do such a good job, I don't like to see them take any
 abuse."
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "Positives!"
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "There are many!"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts often get to test new areas before they're opened.  New
 systems, too."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Giving us feedback is really valuable and is very much
 appreciated."
Maia Hawthorne says, "We like Hosts to break things so the rest of you don't have to."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts also often help with events, such as the Winter Solstice
 Ball and the Summer Boardwalk Sale."
Maia Hawthorne says, "That help can come in the form of running a game, creating items
 for a shop, or just being around to help out."
Maia Hawthorne says, "You also get to make contact with players, as I said,
 particularly new ones.  I always find that to be great."
Maia Hawthorne says, "We do occasionally have Host meetings, every few months, to touch
 base."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Currently we have six Hosts, and are looking to hire at least
 five more."
Maia Hawthorne says, "So it's a tightknit group."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley asks, "only 6??"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley blinks.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "erm.."
Maia Hawthorne says, "We've had some decay lately in the Host staff"
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Over the past few months people have gotten busy"
Maia Hawthorne says, "And I always understand when real life gets in the way"
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "So it's recruiting time!"
Jon Garfield exclaims, "Auntie Maia wants YOU!"
Maia Hawthorne says, "So here's the process if you're interested."
Maia Hawthorne begins chuckling at Jon Garfield.
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "You used to have to fill out this hideous text file, but with
 the new play.net, you can now do it online!"
Maia Hawthorne says, "If you've applied in the past, you will want to apply again."
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'm relatively new to this position as Host Liaison, and I'd like
 to start fresh."
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'm hearing that maybe that page is not sending info to the right
 place.  I'll look into it right after this, but let me tell you how to do it first."
Maia Hawthorne recites:

    "Http://www.play.net/mo/apply/"

Maia Hawthorne says, "After you login. You can also get there from the Help page, under
 Game Help."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Then there's a link to Game/Web Staff Applications"
Maia Hawthorne says, "You can read a little about being a Host and then fill in the
 application right there."
Maia Hawthorne says, "It asks some questions about your background, but know that we
 take people with all sorts of backgrounds, so don't let that discourage you."
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'll let you know soon after you apply that I received your
 application, then I'll start scheduling interviews."
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'll let you know if you've been selected for an interview or
 not, and then we'll move ahead."
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'll talk with you, then we'll decide if Hosting is right for
 you."
Maia Hawthorne says, "If the application isn't working, then hold off and I'll put up a
 NEWS item when it is working."
Ceit Galbraith steps out of the shadows.
Ceit Galbraith grins.
Ceit Galbraith waves.
Ceit Galbraith asks, "Mind if I interrupt for a minute, Maia?"
Ceit Galbraith grins at Maia Hawthorne.
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "Please, Ceit!"
Ceit Galbraith says, "She has no clue what I'm going to say"
Ceit Galbraith chuckles.
Maia Hawthorne coughs.
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "I didn't do it!"
Maia Hawthorne ducks her head.
Ceit Galbraith exclaims, "I just wanted to add that Maia is just an awesome Host
 coordinator!"
Ceit Galbraith just hugged Maia Hawthorne.
Maia Hawthorne blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
Maia Hawthorne just hugged Ceit Galbraith.
Ceit Galbraith winks.
Ceit Galbraith waves.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Thanks, Ceit."
Ceit Galbraith slips quietly into the shadows.
Maia Hawthorne chuckles.
Dylan Perry asks, "Ceit wants to host too?"
Dylan Perry grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Yeah, in all her spare time."
Maia Hawthorne winks.
Maia Hawthorne says, "If you have questions, you can always e-mail me at
 MO-Maia@play.net, if you want to know about the online applicaition.  This is new, so
 please be a little patient.  But because I'm in a kind of a hurry, I'll follow up on
 it right away."
Maia Hawthorne says, "So.  That's my blabber."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "I love doing this, so fire questions at me."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Dylan Perry raises his hand.
Catriona Forbes raises her hand.
Mark Grant raises his hand.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Brenton, you had one earlier?"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley nods.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "What if for some reason you have to stop for awhile like
 a week or month or so, would you be off officially from the Game Host staff or would
 you count it as just temporary till they could continue again"
Maia Hawthorne says, "We usually do temporary things, as there is training involved and
 hiring new Hosts is timeconsuming.  I like to keep the ones we have trained."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley nods.
Amanda Blair raises her hand.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "thanks"
Maia Hawthorne says, "I just ask that you let us know as soon as you know, and we can
 try to find some people to cover."
Maia Hawthorne nods to Brenton Miller-O'Malley.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Dylan?"
Dylan Perry asks, "So either way whether or not you like our application we will hear 
 a come in for an interview or not in this lifetime?"
Dylan Perry grins.
Maia Hawthorne nods.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Yes.  That is important to me."
Dylan Perry says, "ok"
Maia Hawthorne says, "If you don't you can always write to me and yell."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Dylan Perry nods.
Amanda Blair says, "What about for someone who's scheduled, then has a real life
 emergency? Mine are usually work-related."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Emergencies are understood.  If you can't let us know you're
 missing a shift, we deal with it.  I just like to know if we can, so we can try to get
 someone to cover it."
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Catriona?"
Catriona Forbes asks, "How do we know if we are Game Host material or not? I mean, you
 mentioned the qualifications--but that's what  **you** look at. How do we know if we
 can measure up to the job?"
Maia Hawthorne smiles at Catriona Forbes.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "You mean, whether or not you think you'd like to do it?"
Catriona Forbes says, "No. Liking isn't the same as able. I'm talking about capability.
 That's more important than liking."
Maia Hawthorne nods to Catriona Forbes.
Catriona Forbes says, "I'm asking what criteria we should use to judge ourselves,
 before we apply."
Maia Hawthorne says, "If you've had any interaction with Hosts, you can see what
 they're like..."
Ramona Hays steps out of the shadows.
Maia Hawthorne says, "And what kinds of issues they deal with, I think."
Ramona Hays bounces around happily.
Maia Hawthorne grins at Ramona Hays.
Amanda Blair raises her hand.
Catriona Forbes nods.
Catriona Forbes says, "All right, thank you."
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Here's a Host right now.  I'll ask her and let her think about it
 while I talk for a minute.  Ramona, what would you say people have to think about when
 they decide if they're capable to be a Host?"
Ramona Hays gets a distant look on her face as she ponders.
Maia Hawthorne says, "'I think you have to be willing to put up with some people's bad
 moods, as well as their very good mood.s"
Maia Hawthorne says, "You also have to be interested in spending time with players, but
 also having down time"
Brannigan McGrade raises her hand.
Catriona Forbes asks, "You mean when my computer crashes?"
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "No, when no one needs your help.   It can get a little lonely."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Ramona Hays nods to Maia Hawthorne.
Ramona Hays says, "Patience"
Maia Hawthorne says, "You dream of someone having a problem some days"
Ramona Hays grins.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley raises his hand.
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "well you guys DO have some sort of video game console in the
 shadows, right??"
Ransom peers quizzically at Maia.
Maia Hawthorne chuckles.
Ramona Hays says, "The quick assists are almost sad"
Catriona Forbes says, "Oh. Sorry. I have AOHell. It only crashes about seven times a
 day."
Ramona Hays grins.
Ivy Malone exclaims, "a little atari!"
Destin Faroda agrees with Catriona Forbes.
Ivy Malone just tickled Ransom Blackhawk.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Crashing is understood"
Ransom Blackhawk cackles gleefully.
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Jon Garfield says, "Gee, and here I thought my long rambly assists were a pain"
Ivy Malone says, "CAtriona.. for a small snowcone fee.. I can talk to your ferryman"
Maia Hawthorne grins at Jon Garfield.
Ivy Malone smiles at Catriona Forbes.
Ramona Hays grins.
Catriona Forbes exclaims, "Done!"
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Mark, you had a question?"
Mark Grant chuckles.
Jon Garfield says, "well, maybe they are anyway"
Jon Garfield gets a distant look on his face as he ponders.
Mark Grant says, "yes"
Mark Grant smiles.
Mark Grant says, "You may have answered this, or gone over it. i might have been in a
 fog or just awed by your BEAUTY.. that i missed it... But will our old applications be
 reviewed or do we have to fill out another"
Ramona Hays laughs!
Maia Hawthorne coughs.
Mark Grant smiles at Maia Hawthorne.
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Subtle"
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Mark Grant says, "very"
Ransom Blackhawk says, "he's good at subtle"
Ransom Blackhawk nods.
Mark Grant says, "hey gotta kiss up to the  boss"
Catriona Forbes says, "He knows what words to emphasize in a sentence, anyway."
Ransom Blackhawk snickers.
Maia Hawthorne says, "You need to fill out new applications.  But some people have been
 testing them, and it's not working.  So in the meantime, if you're interested, e-mail
 me and I'll send you the text file."
Mark Grant says, "okie dokie"
Amanda Blair raises her hand.
Mark Grant says, "thanks"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Amanda"
Amanda Blair asks, "As a Host, does one take on a new character, to differentiate from
 one's tourist role?"
Amanda Blair grins.
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "Ah, I missed that part!"
Amanda Blair chuckles.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "that was gonna be one of my questions"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley pokes Amanda Blair in the ribs.
Amanda Blair grins at Brenton Miller-O'Malley.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Yes, you take on a new character.  One more bonus as a Host is
 that you get a free premium account, and one of those characters is your Host
 character."
Ransom Blackhawk beams happily.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "ohhh"
Amanda Blair bounces in her seat excitedly.
Amanda Blair says, "Thanks! Good incentive."
Ransom Blackhawk nods to Amanda Blair.
Ransom Blackhawk seems to agree!
Brannigan McGrade says, "neat"
Jon Garfield raises his hand.
Maia Hawthorne says, "You choose a new name, and we go from there."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "hehe, that will insure a flood of e-mail for you
 maia..."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley pokes Maia Hawthorne in the ribs.
Maia Hawthorne chuckles.
Brannigan McGrade giggles.
Ivy Malone laughs!
Ivy Malone comforts Maia Hawthorne.
Destin Faroda says, "Wow, very neat"
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "Maia for President?"
Ransom Blackhawk ducks his head.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley lets out a hearty cheer for Ransom Blackhawk.
Ivy Malone tosses her tylenol extra-strength to Maia.
Maia Hawthorne chuckles.
Ransom Blackhawk says, "pardon me, I'm medicated today"
Ransom Blackhawk blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
Brannigan McGrade raises her hand.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Brannigan?"
Ramona Hays says, "You also get to be good at stuff and feel special"
Ramona Hays performs a dazzling combination of smooth graceful hula moves with the ease
 of a professional dancer.
Jon Garfield chuckles.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley grins at Ramona Hays.
Catriona Forbes also tosses her Motril Maximum-Strength to Maia, who might need it by
 now.
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'm keeping a list of people who raise their hands, but if I miss
 you, yell at me."
Brannigan McGrade says, "is there a minimum time or level we must have"
Maia Hawthorne grins at Ramona Hays.
Maia Hawthorne says, "No minimum time or level.  There's also no age requirement, but
 you must be mature enough to handle situations that come up in Modus."
Brannigan McGrade nods.
Destin Faroda gives a big thumbs up to Maia Hawthorne!
Destin Faroda grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "And I think that comes out pretty clearly in the interviews."
Catriona Forbes raises her hand.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Brenton, did you have another question?"
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "you mean I won't get anymore headaches trying to focus,
 Ramona?"
Ramona Hays says, "Having been around helps though, makes it easier to answer
 questions"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "AMANDA stole my question"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley pokes Amanda Blair in the ribs.
Maia Hawthorne nods.
Ransom Blackhawk beams happily at Ramona Hays.
Ramona Hays grins.
Amanda Blair winks at Brenton Miller-O'Malley.
Ivy Malone says, "Brenton, share nicely"
Ivy Malone just tickled Brenton Miller-O'Malley.
Jon Garfield raises his hand.
Maia Hawthorne asks, ""Catriona?"
Brenton folds his arms.
Brannigan McGrade says, "Ive only been here since august...but Im here every day for
 hours"
Brannigan McGrade smiles.
Ramona Hays says, "You will, but Mr. Ransom secret host man wouldn't"
Destin Faroda says, "Me, too Branna"
Ransom Blackhawk blinks.
Maia Hawthorne says, "You also have the option to check with the GMs if you're unsure
 about something."
Maia Hawthorne smiles at Brannigan McGrade.
Ramona Hays asks, "That made no sense, right?"
Ramona Hays says, "I'm confusing them"
Jon Garfield says, "Ransom's secret host alter ego"
Ramona Hays stands behind Maia.
Miranda Myles says, "Made sense Ramona"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley lets out a hearty cheer for Ramona Hays.
Ivy Malone says, "it made sense"
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "huh what? who?"
Ransom Blackhawk scratches his head, looking a bit confused.
Ramona Hays gives a big thumbs up!
Ransom Blackhawk collapses in a heap at Ramona Hays's feet.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Catriona, did you have another question? Then Jon, I think."
Catriona Forbes nods.
Catriona Forbes says, "I was wondering what the toughest situation was that you had to
 cope with as a host, and how you did so."
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "morphine, right?"
Ransom Blackhawk ducks his head.
Ivy Malone laughs!
Ivy Malone says, "snowcones"
Ivy Malone just tickled Ransom Blackhawk.
Ivy Malone says, "make it all better"
Ivy Malone winks at Ransom Blackhawk.
Ransom Blackhawk chuckles.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley asks, "morphine flavored snowcones?"
Ivy Malone gets a distant look on her face as she ponders.
Ransom Blackhawk says, "now yer talkin"
Ransom Blackhawk sits up.
Ransom Blackhawk reaches over and gives Brenton Miller-O'Malley a triumphant high five.
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'll answer mine, but then chime in, Ramona."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley grins at Ransom Blackhawk.
Maia Hawthorne just nudged Ramona Hays.
Ramona Hays nods.
Maia Hawthorne says, "I think the most difficult are times when you really want to help
 someone out, but you just can't.  Like they put a weapon into someone else's backpack,
 or they pawned something and it disappears."
Maia Hawthorne says, "It's so frustrating, but it's just the way the game is, and
 policies are policies."
Maia Hawthorne says, "You can be frustrated, but you have to treat everyone the same
 way."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley raises his hand.
Ramona Hays says, "I think sometimes people assist and ask stupid questions as their
 method of complaining"
Ramona Hays ducks her head.
Ramona Hays says, "That sounds meaner that it's supposed to be"
Maia Hawthorne grins at Ramona Hays.
Ransom Blackhawk exclaims, "I said I was sorry!"
Ransom Blackhawk grins at Ramona Hays.
Ramona Hays says, "But I mean to ask if something is a bug, when they really know
 better and just don't like it"
Ransom Blackhawk says, "kidding"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley begins laughing at Ransom Blackhawk!
Dylan Perry grins.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley bops Dylan Perry over the head.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley grins.
Brannigan McGrade says, "I have a question"
Ramona Hays says, "And I feel like they expect me to do something about it"
Ramona Hays grins.
Ramona Hays says, "I don't like those"
Maia Hawthorne nods to Ramona Hays.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Being an intermediary is tough."
Catriona Forbes says, "I understand that, Ramona."
Maia Hawthorne says, "And treating everyone impartially is tough, too."
Catriona Forbes asks, "Do you ever have problems with sexual harassment?"
Ransom Blackhawk grins.
Ivy Malone raises an eyebrow in Catriona Forbes's direction.
Ransom Blackhawk says, "again I...er.. nevermind"
Jon Garfield pets Ransom Blackhawk in a patronizing manner.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley cackles oddly at Ransom Blackhawk.
Ransom Blackhawk shushes now.
Ivy Malone exclaims, "those marriage proposals meant nothing!"
Ivy Malone ducks her head.
Catriona Forbes says, "I have to ask. It was a situation that commonly came up with the
 Mentors in GS, though they never mentioned that."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Yes, Catriona, sometimes.  Another former Host mentioned that
 sometimes you get marriage proposals."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Ramona Hays says, "Well, now I don't feel loved"
Ramona Hays grins.
Ramona Hays says, "I've never had that problem"
Ransom Blackhawk chuckles.
Ivy Malone just hugged Ramona Hays.
Maia Hawthorne says, "And my first assist involved someone mentioning something about
 midgets, waterbeds and baby oil."
Catriona Forbes says, "You mean YET."
Maia Hawthorne coughs.
Ramona Hays laughs!
Brenton Miller-O'Malley kneels down beside Ramona Hays.
Ivy's jaw drops.
Destin Faroda grins at Ivy Malone.
Jon Garfield says, "Some people get marriage proposals from newbies all the time
 anyway"
Jon Garfield chuckles.
Ransom Blackhawk says, "I'd ask you Ramona, but I'm pretty sure Kara wouldn't be happy
 about that"
Ransom Blackhawk smiles at Ramona Hays.
Ramona Hays grins.
Ramona Hays exclaims, "Thanks!"
Maia Hawthorne says, "So it happens.  And you learn to deal with it however you deal
 with things.  I tend to use humor."
Ivy Malone says, "I've only asked uhm.. 2 hosts to marry me.."
Ivy Malone gets a distant look on her face as she ponders.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Other people ask for help, which is appropriate, too."
Ivy Malone says, "and it was the lure of the snowcone.. I swear"
Ivy Malone sniffles.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "i think i've only asked one"
Maia Hawthorne says, "You find your own style pretty quickly."
Ransom Blackhawk slips Ramona a small piece of paper.
Catriona Forbes says, "Midgets, waterbeds and baby oil...no, those don't go together at
 ALL."
Ransom Blackhawk winks at Ramona Hays.
Catriona Forbes shakes her head.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley begins laughing at Ransom Blackhawk!
Ransom Blackhawk hums a short tune.  It doesn't sound remotely familiar.
Maia Hawthorne grins at Catriona Forbes.
Maia Hawthorne says, "That's what I thought."
Ramona Hays giggles.
Ivy Malone agrees with Catriona Forbes.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Your style is up to you.  I make jokes, it makes situations
 diffuse faster, usually."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Jon?"
Jon Garfield says, "I have a few questions"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Sure thing"
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Jon Garfield asks, "I remember before that full-fledged GMs get a small payment for
 working on the game (emphasis on the word small, from what they said before), so do
 Hosts qualify for that too, or just the free account?"
Maia Hawthorne grins at Jon Garfield.
Jon Garfield says, "Not that the free account isn't a good perk in its own right"
Maia Hawthorne nods.
Ramona Hays says, "No, but they should"
Jon Garfield begins chuckling at Ramona Hays.
Ramona Hays says, "We're going to organize a union"
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Ivy Malone giggles at Ramona Hays.
Destin Faroda snickers at Ramona Hays.
Ramona Hays says, "So just give it a little time"
Maia's jaw drops.
Catriona Forbes agrees with Ramona Hays.
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Ransom Blackhawk says, "hey I'll settle for Pez as payment"
Ivy Malone laughs!
Ivy Malone says, "pez! nooo.."
Ivy Malone pokes Ransom Blackhawk in the ribs.
Ransom Blackhawk smacks his lips.
Catriona Forbes says, "Ransom, if you're going to sell out, do it for chocolate."
Ransom Blackhawk gets a distant look on his face as he ponders.
Maia Hawthorne says, "The account is the perk"
Ivy Malone says, "or snowcones"
Ransom Blackhawk grins at Catriona Forbes.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "big perk"
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "Remember, Mentors are all volunteer!"
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "what's all this about snowcones?"
Ransom Blackhawk raises an eyebrow.
Maia Hawthorne says, "There are lots of people doing lots of work around here out of
 the goodness of their hearts."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Ivy Malone shows a finely cut sparkling silver chain with a mischevious fairy eating a
 snow cone dangling from it to Ransom Blackhawk.
Maia Hawthorne says, "And I count Hosts among them."
Jon Garfield asks, "and speaking of the free account, is that in addition to your
 current one, or can your current one be converted to it and have the host name added,
 or is it up to the individual player?"
Ramona Hays says, "Seriously, and the cookies"
Ransom Blackhawk gets a distant look on his face as he ponders.
Catriona Forbes says, "Ivy is daft about snowcones, that's all."
Ivy Malone grins at Catriona Forbes.
Ransom Blackhawk says, "oh, I see"
Ransom Blackhawk says, "I'm hiring Jon as my lawyer"
Ransom Blackhawk rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Maia Hawthorne says, "You get one free account.  If you choose to start up a new one,
 you can do that.  We can work out the details."
Maia Hawthorne says, "If you keep another account, you pay for that one yourself."
Ivy Malone says, "as long as he doesn't use puns in the courtroom"
Ransom Blackhawk grins at Ivy Malone.
Jon Garfield says, "I can see benefits to both ways of using it... save yourself 30
 bucks a month for the one account, or get a free second one so your tourist and host
 can be on at the same time"
Jon Garfield asks, "I'm barred from puns in the courtroom?"
Jon Garfield ducks his head.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Some people like to keep their Hosts and PCs separate."
Maia Hawthorne nods to Jon Garfield.
Catriona Forbes says, "If you can transfer your tourist account to your free host
 account."
Maia Hawthorne says, "It's totally up to you.  Your choice, you get a free account,
 what you do with it is your business."
Jon Garfield nods.
Maia Hawthorne says, "You can transfer all your characters to the new account."
Jon Garfield asks, "Is that legal for both characters to be on at the same time, or can
 only high-level GMs get away with it?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "It's physically possible"
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "But not encouraged by any means."
Ramona Hays says, "And scary"
Jon Garfield nods.
Maia Hawthorne says, "That's all I say"
Jon Garfield says, "and finally..."
Ivy Malone says, "talk about multiple personalities"
Ivy Malone snickers.
Jon Garfield says, "some of the responses on the form have two answers that fit me"
Jon Garfield says, "like the disposition"
Jon Garfield says, "half the time it's the "usually pretty nice once you get to know
 me", the rest it's "rattled if too many people bug me""
Maia Hawthorne says, "Honestly, that's the standard form from Simu.  I tried to get
 some changes, but with the new website, it wasn't possible."
Jon Garfield asks, "so should I pick one and mention the other in the comments?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Why don't you write to me, get the text form, and add a note to
 that effect under that question."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "Jon the SadHappy Laywer"
Ivy Malone says, "sounds like a plan"
Jon Garfield nods to Brenton Miller-O'Malley.
Jon Garfield chuckles.
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "have you ever gotten applications that simply say "I just want
 free crap"?"
Jon Garfield begins chuckling at Ransom Blackhawk.
Ransom Blackhawk grins.
Brannigan McGrade laughs!
Lisa Stone giggles.
Destin Faroda grins at Ransom Blackhawk.
Catriona Forbes says, "Probably."
Ransom Blackhawk chuckles.
Maia Hawthorne chuckles.
Maia Hawthorne says, "That's classified information."
Amanda Blair begins laughing at Ransom Blackhawk!
Maia Hawthorne winks.
Ransom Blackhawk chuckles.
Jon Garfield says, "I don't even know if I'll apply, but I like asking stuff other
 people don't think of"
Ransom Blackhawk says, "I know, I was only kiddin"
Maia Hawthorne smiles.
Ransom Blackhawk chuckles.
Lisa Stone says, "probably if someone was honest"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Questions are good."
Jon Garfield says, "Thanks, I'm done"
Maia Hawthorne says, "And I lost track of who was after Jon."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley raises his hand.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley hums a short ditty, making a funny face as it comes out a
 little wrong.
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'll start over, so raise your hands again, please."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Jon Garfield is the reason 3 hour forums become four hours.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Brenton?"
Jon Garfield stares dejectedly at the ground as he scuffs at it with his foot.
Ivy Malone comforts Jon Garfield.
Lisa Stone nods.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "ya, i have 1 question...maybe 2"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Remember, you can always e-mail me and ask questions, too."
Maia Hawthorne says, "MO-Maia@play.net"
Maia Hawthorne nods to Brenton Miller-O'Malley.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley asks, "Do you have to keep your Host identity secret?"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "or rather your tourist identity"
Dylan Perry asks, "You were here for the begining pep talk right?"
Ransom Blackhawk says, "you have to take the Marvel Comics secret oath"
Dylan Perry just nudged Brenton Miller-O'Malley.
Ransom Blackhawk nods to Brenton Miller-O'Malley.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "erm"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "Okay sorry, so i went to get a cookie"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley glares.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "sue me"
Maia Hawthorne says, "That's entirely up to you.  I usually encourage Hosts to keep
 their identities separate."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "okey"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Here's why in a nutshell."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley asks, "people will start nagging your tourist?"
Ivy Malone says, "sort of like a seperation of church and state I'm sure"
Ransom Blackhawk grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "If you go help your friend, you have to be impartial, if you go
 to help someone you don't really get along with, you still have to be impartial."
Ramona Hays says, "I think it's ok to share your pc identity with the other hosts, but
 not your host identity with all the other tourists"
Maia Hawthorne says, "It's hard to rule against your friend if they know it's you.  It
 just makes your life easier."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "alright and...i forgot my other question so whoevers
 next"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Keep your lives separate.  Between the Hosts is entirely up to
 you, too."
Brenton Miller-O'Malley nods.
Ramona Hays nods.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts are trustworthy, that's why they were hired.  But you have
 to keep your level of comfort."
Jon Garfield gets a distant look on his face as he ponders.
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "oh, wait"
Jon Garfield says, "I don't think Juan Garfeldo would be enough of a disguise, and it
 took me long enough to come up with THIS name"
Jon Garfield chuckles.
Maia Hawthorne says, "If you want to be someone new, then do it.  I found keeping my
 identities separate was hard, but I could almost become a new person when I was
 Hosting."
Ramona Hays laughs!
Catriona Forbes raises her hand.
Destin Faroda begins laughing at Jon Garfield!
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Catriona?"
Brenton Miller-O'Malley gives a big thumbs up to Maia Hawthorne!
Brenton Miller-O'Malley says, "thanks"
Catriona Forbes asks, "Jon, if that's the problem, I will provide names for you and you
 can mix and match...what do Hosts do besides answer Assists?"
Catriona Forbes says, "I assume you do do other things."
Maia Hawthorne says, "I randomly pick from the phone book, myself."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Destin Faroda snickers at Maia Hawthorne.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts greet new players, as a separate welcome from the Mentors."
Ramona Hays says, "We pretend to help new tourists on 'welcomes' but we really just
 confuse them"
Maia Hawthorne chuckles.
Jon Garfield says, "Let the mentors sort it out"
Catriona Forbes asks, "Do you run events?"
Ramona Hays nods.
Maia Hawthorne says, "People appreciate the welcomes, I've heard it."
Ramona Hays says, "Get em really mixed up for the mentors"
Ramona Hays grins.
Ramona Hays nods to Maia Hawthorne.
Ransom Blackhawk says, "ah, more perks"
Ransom Blackhawk rubs his hands together.
Dylan Perry says, "You do good work"
Dylan Perry grins at Ramona Hays.
Maia Hawthorne says, "The Hosts help out with some events, they also run some on their
 own, like game nights sometimes.  They will be running some games at the Winter Ball."
Ramona Hays says, "The ones that need the most help are the ones that are really
 confused when you pop out, so it works"
Maia Hawthorne says, "They also design shops for events if they'd like to."
Catriona Forbes asks, "And what is the Winter Ball?"
Catriona Forbes asks, "And what's a game night?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "There will be a Winter Solstice Ball in December which is being
 planned now.  An all-island event, including some events during the day and a dance
 that night."
Jon Garfield says, "Back in the old days, hosts would run games like trivia and
 Outburst on an almost nightly basis"
Maia Hawthorne says, "The Mentors are working on it, you can bug Dylan"
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Brannigan McGrade asks, "so being creative is a good thing for this job?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "You can be as involved as you want to be with events."
Dylan Perry says, "Ummm"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Some Hosts never do shops and are happy just to work their
 shifts.  If you want to be more involved, we'll find some ways to do that, too."
Brannigan McGrade smiles.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "What else, Ramona?"
Catriona Forbes asks, "Do you have to do a project?"
Ransom Blackhawk hears crickets.
Maia Hawthorne says, "She plays blackjack a lot, I think."
Maia Hawthorne coughs.
Ramona Hays grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "You don't have to do a project."
Maia Hawthorne says, "The minimum we expect is that you fill your shifts."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Anything above that, the testing, the events, the games, is all
 up to you."
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "when you work on projects, is that something you do solo or
 work with others?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Each one is different.  The shops are usually independent, the
 Hosts were recently talking about starting up game nights again and working together
 on it."
Ransom Blackhawk nods.
Catriona Forbes says, "By project I mean 'Is it required for you to write up something
 regarding the history, culture or life of the Isle of Morada?'"
Maia Hawthorne says, "If you are really interested in doing something as a Host,
 mention it in the Comments section of your application."
Ramona Hays exclaims, "No way!"
Ramona Hays grins.
Maia Hawthorne says, "No, no projects are required."
Maia Hawthorne smiles.
Catriona Forbes says, "Thank God."
Catriona Forbes breathes a sigh of relief.
Ransom Blackhawk says, "geez, had a high school flashback"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Workign shifts can be exciting enough.  The other things are
 bonuses to some Hosts, and others are just not interested, which is fine, too."
Jon Garfield begins chuckling at Ransom Blackhawk.
Catriona Forbes says, "That's nothing to my reaction when I found out that a lore
 project was required for Mentoring in GS."
Catriona Forbes nods to Ransom Blackhawk.
Maia Hawthorne smiles.
Ransom Blackhawk winces expressively.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Mentoring is different from Hosting."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosting is done OOC mostly"
Maia Hawthorne says, "You are a technical help"
Maia Hawthorne says, "And you can call for technical help from GMs."
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "ooh, do we get free pocket protectors?"
Ransom Blackhawk looks hopeful.
Destin Faroda grins at Ransom Blackhawk.
Jon Garfield chuckles.
Mark Grant says, "ohhh OOC thats me"
Mark Grant smiles.
Ransom Blackhawk chuckles.
Jon Garfield says, "if that's your character's personality"
Maia Hawthorne says, "You are our first line of defense usually in those matters, and
 we expect you to deal with things in an OOC manner usually, since it can be confusing
 to try to fix someone's misspelled weapon description in an IC manner."
Catriona Forbes says, "Forget pocket protectors, ask Trevor if you can borrow his
 shotgun."
Jon Garfield whispers to everyone, "Psst, look for the new host with the nerd look,
 that'll be Ransom."
Ransom Blackhawk grins.
Ransom Blackhawk blinks.
Ransom Blackhawk grumbles about something.
Ivy Malone says, "I don't think he'll part with that Catriona"
Ransom Blackhawk says, "thanks a bunch Jon, now I gotta start all over"
Maia Hawthorne says, "You get to pick out a set of clothes for your Host."
Ransom folds his arms.
Catriona Forbes says, "Neither do I, Ivy."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Your choice."
Ivy Malone looks over at Maia Hawthorne and drools.
Ransom Blackhawk grins at Jon Garfield.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Any other questions?"
Ivy Malone asks, "Is humor allowed on the applications.. or should we keep them
 serious?"
Brannigan McGrade grins at Ivy Malone.
Ivy Malone glances at her application.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Let's bag the website for now.  Write to me for an application or
 if you have questions:  MO-Maia@play.net"
Ramona Hays exclaims, "Come on Jon, we haven't hit the three hour mark you're supposed
 to get us to!"
Jon Garfield gets a distant look on his face as he ponders.
Maia Hawthorne says, "It's up to you, Ivy.  This is my first impression of you, so just
 keep that in mind as to whether it's appropriate in that spot or not."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Ivy Malone nods.
Ivy Malone says, "Ok"
Ramona Hays smiles.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Ramona.  Want to add anything?"
Maia Hawthorne just nudged Ramona Hays.
Ramona Hays gets a distant look on her face as she ponders.
Jon Garfield says, "hmm"
Ramona Hays says, "It's fun! I really do feel helpful most of the time and that's nice"
Destin Faroda grins.
Ramona Hays says, "And I haven't done much with outside events/stuff yet, but I will!
 And the option is nice"
Ramona Hays smiles.
Ramona Hays says, "That's all"
Ramona Hays grins.
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Jon Garfield asks, "Are there any programming opportunities for hosts, or just
 relatively simple stuff like making items?"
Mark Grant whispers to Ramona nice touch.. Maia will pay ya later.
Mark Grant giggles.
Ransom Blackhawk grins at Mark Grant.
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'd love to get a bunch of applications.  I'll post some info on
 the boards, and pass my e-mail address around if you like."
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts don't make items, they design them and I make them for
 shops and things."
Maia Hawthorne says, "But I follow instructions very clearly."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Jon Garfield says, "ah"
Catriona Forbes asks, "You design and the coders make what you design, is that it?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "Hosts don't have programming abilities.  But...Hosting is a great
 way to see a little behind the scenes and make an impression if you're interested in
 other staff positions."
Ransom Blackhawk's face went chalk white.
Maia Hawthorne winks.
Maia Hawthorne nods to Catriona Forbes.
Maia Hawthorne asks, "Anything else?"
Maia Hawthorne says, "These are great questions, thanks for asking them, everyone."
Ransom Blackhawk asks, "yeah, got any DayQuil?"
Ramona Hays glances at Ivy Malone.
Ramona Hays gets a strawberry snow-cone from inside her shoulder bag.
Ramona Hays raises an eyebrow.
Maia Hawthorne says, "No, sorry.  No drug dispensing here."
Ivy Malone gasps aloud.
Ivy Malone looks over at Ramona Hays and drools.
Ivy Malone scoots over next to Ramona Hays.
Ramona Hays offers a strawberry snow-cone to Ivy Malone.
Ramona Hays grins.
Ivy Malone beams happily.
Ivy Malone accepts a strawberry snow-cone from Ramona Hays.
Maia Hawthorne says, "Patience is important for Hosts and Host coordinators, both."
Maia Hawthorne winks.
Ivy Malone says, "Thank youuuuuuuuu"
Ivy Malone swoons at the sight of Ramona Hays.
Maia Hawthorne says, "I'm more than willing to answer questions any time."
Ramona Hays asks, "Anybody else for cookies or snow-cones?"
Ransom Blackhawk says, "thanks for all the info Maia and Ramona"
Maia Hawthorne grins at Ramona Hays.
Maia Hawthorne says, "And now, Ramona begins our plan of buying you with snowcones."
Ramona Hays exclaims, "You're welcome!"
Maia Hawthorne rubs her hands together evilly.
Ransom Blackhawk says, "uh oh"
Ramona Hays exclaims, "Shh! It's not as effective if they know!"
Ivy Malone says, "Its effective"
Ivy Malone leans on Ramona Hays.
Ramona Hays says, "Oh, wait, I forgot.. these snow-cones and cookies are THAT good"
Ramona Hays beams happily.
Lisa Stone says, "you've won Ivy over"
Ransom Blackhawk says, "hmm.."
Maia Hawthorne says, "We do need Hosts, but I am picky.  You have to have something
 more redeeming than liking snowcones."
Jon Garfield says, "Ivy can finally get her snow-cone fix"
Maia Hawthorne winks.
Ramona Hays grins.
Ivy Malone says, "All it takes is a snowcone"
Ivy Malone lets out a deep sigh of contentment that seems to come from the depth of her
 soul.
Brannigan McGrade giggles.
Maia Hawthorne says, "All right, I'm going to head out.  I'll answer e-mails as soon as
 I can."
Maia Hawthorne grins.
Maia Hawthorne exclaims, "Thank you all for coming!"
Maia Hawthorne waves.
Maia Hawthorne slips quietly into the shadows.