Songstress's WT/DM Class--COMPLETED

[blank]

Why hello there Songstress!

 

Welcome to your official class, you have a very exciting pair of guest teachers for you, myself and the lovely lady Heart!

 

Don't worry though, we're not going to get all MoN/MaA on you, it's just because we want to try out the new class format for ourselves and to double check everything is running smoothly.

 

I'd like to kick off the class by introducing myself. Hi, I'm Blank, I've been at the WT for a year and been a Jordan fan for 3 years (I initially got into him because I'm such a Sanderson fan girl but shhh, don't tell anyone.) In the real lifes I'm 23, I love science like a whole lot, I work in a Bakers and spend my free time with my nose stuck in a book or hanging out with friends doing typical friend activities   I love history and learning about literature even though it takes me ages to get through anything with the label "Classic." I believe that asparagus is a much underrated vegetable.

 

Ok, wells - I encourage you to share some of the same kind of stuff so we can get to know each other better and the like and then we'll get started with the first official part. This class is designed to take as long as you need to each part and you get to choose your path whenever you are done.

 

Some quick rules for you to have a look over

 

 

The Rules:

 

1) DO NOT POST IN THIS THREAD UNLESS YOU ARE IN MY CLASS!

 

2) You can't just say hello and then disappear. Try and get to know everyone! Actively ask questions! This is a conversation, not a one and done. Get to know all the Ajahs and the Warders. Everyone is welcoming and wonderful, so just try!

 

3) Not too much spam please. Relevant conversation is acceptable however

 

4) Do all your homework, or else you won't get credit. The homework is easy AND informative!

 

5) HAVE FUN! Get to know everyone and make friends. 

 

 

Part one - PASSED!   

 

Part One: The White Tower

1)What are members of the WT/Warders expected to do?

2)How are members of the WT/Warders expected to behave?

3)What is the Code of Conduct, and how does it apply to you?

4)What in the heck does PG13 mean?

5)What is Thread-Hijacking and Spam, and what is the general policy of the WT/Warders regarding that?

6) What are the requirements and where can they be found?

7) What are events?

8) How can you become involved in an event?

 

Part Two: The Subgroups - PASSED     

 

1) Go to each Ajah and the Guild. Find out who is in charge of the board, what the general focus of the group is, and how they like to be interacted with. Is there a Lounge-type thread for more spammy conversation? Is it a group that likes more structure?

 

2) Post at least two relevant posts in each of the Ajahs and the Guild, or start a thread that matches the group’s interests. Link each of your responses here (hint: you can link directly to your response by clicking on the post number on the right hand side above your post and then copying and pasting the url)

 

3) Post and introduce yourself in the on-going field trip thread, it is a good way to feel more comfortable there and have an easy interaction with the members. Please post a link here. 

 

Part Three: Keeping Up

1) How do you keep track of the threads that you've posted in?
2) When you join a new thread, or go back to a thread, do you read from where you left off or from the beginning (if you haven't read it before), or do you jump right into the conversation?
3) As far as activity, do you stay in any certain place on the boards? Do you post in a variety of threads or just a few select ones? If you're really active, do you have any trouble keeping track of everywhere you've posted?
4) Do you have any questions?

5) Do you have any suggestions on how to tweak this class in the future?

Edited September 7, 2013 by Aiel Heart

[Songstress]

Nice to meet ya all official-like.

 

Folks around these parts call me Tress, mostly because when I first started getting involved in the social community Song of Ice and Fire was already involved EVERYWHERE I went and it just got too confusing to abbreviate both of our names as Song.

 

Here's my official introduction thread from back in 2012... in a nutshell, I'm 42 years old, been widowed for 5 years, and work for a major health insurance company (formerly in the mail order pharmacy, now in a small department that is dedicated to offering support for customers with targeted chronic health conditions that use expensive specialty medications to help them overcome barriers to treatment and stay on their medication as prescribed).  

 

I started reading WoT about 3 years ago, and joined DM in January 2011 while unsuccessfully waiting for Towers of Midnight to come out in paperback (bought it in hardback when I could stand it no longer).  I lurked for a good while in the book discussion forums, posting just a few comments here and there until the urge to start making forum sigs again overtook me - I used to make sigs for my WoW guild forums once upon a time... and then I found Fiddlesticks... and then discovered mafia... and then joined the Black Tower. 

 

As the former leader of the Black Tower's Light Faction and a confirmed mafia addict - and a regular lurker in DM chat - I am quite familiar with many residents of the WT already and look forward to getting to know some of the others much better.

 

My hobbies tend to go through cycles - always, always reading, but also sometimes writing (poetry, fiction, songs, and/or blogging), computer games, playing mafia, photography, music, cooking, crocheting, and other random creative pursuits.  I have a tendency to start creative projects that never get finished.  My current obsession is nail art.  I have two cats who think I'm insane and a roommate who knows I am but loves me anyway (Kaylee).  

 

I called in sick from work today because of a major headache so I'm a bit disjointed at the moment, and I think I've rambled enough for now.  

Edited August 21, 2013 by Songstress

[blank]

Yes indeed - good to make the introductions all official like Tress 

 

Wow, you have so many hobbies you put me to shame  I've been trying unsuccessfully to attempt nail art recently myself but I have some very uncoordinated hands and I just end up getting frustrated and taking it all off 

 

I really like the sound of your job - it sounds very worth while and rewarding to me. Also, I knew you and Kaylee were friends but I didn't realise you lived together that's so cool!

 

Am looking forward to getting to know you better Tress, hopefully we can continue to do that throughout this thread, but now...the actual class 

 

This is Part One of three, I've updated the OP with the questions also so that it is easy to find in a hurry

 

Part One: The White Tower

1)What are members of the WT/Warders expected to do?

2)How are members of the WT/Warders expected to behave?

3)What is the Code of Conduct, and how does it apply to you?

4)What in the heck does PG13 mean?

5)What is Thread-Hijacking and Spam, and what is the general policy of the WT/Warders regarding that?

6) What are the requirements and where can they be found?

7) What are events?

8) How can you become involved in an event?

 

Feel free to take as long as you need to answer the questions and if you need anything please don't hesitate to ask or throw me a PM or the like. I shall be checking in with you soon, got a bit of travelling to do tomorrow to finish off my LOLA   

[Songstress]

Part One: The White Tower

 

1)What are members of the WT/Warders expected to do?

 

Have fun, participate in discussions and events, follow the rules... all that good stuff.

 

2)How are members of the WT/Warders expected to behave?

 

* Respect the Warders as equal to the Aes Sedai

* Respect everyone higher ranking than you and all staff regardless of path

* Respect the rules for each different area of the White Tower boards

* No channeling as an Initiate, Novice, or Warder

* Keep role playing to a minimum

* Respect how this social group is set up and try to obey the rules - if you mess up, accept whatever discipline you face.

 

3)What is the Code of Conduct, and how does it apply to you?

 

The general supplemental rules of behavior for all of DM regarding post content, member conduct, conflict resolution, terms of service, copyright, staff rules, staff structure, and social group leadership.  It applies to all members of Dragonmount and is supplemented by additional rules specific to the social groups.  Mostly it's about playing nice with others - no bullying or bigotry - and respecting the staff.  Also includes PG-13 posting standards.

 

4)What in the heck does PG13 mean?

 

In general, if you wouldn't see it in a PG-13 rated movie, it's not OK.... in specific: 

* No F-bombs, and no replacing letters of the F-word with a symbol just to sneak it by

* Limited use of other curse words is all right as long as it's not used excessively and not to attack others

* No extensive/sexually oriented nudity in descriptions

* Avoid describing body parts and bodily functions

* No posting pictures/videos of violence/blood/gore - if absolutely necessary link to it instead of embedding with a warning.

* No pictures of sexual gestures/mimicry and no "not safe for work" body parts

* If a higher ranking person objects to it, don't do it.

 

5)What is Thread-Hijacking and Spam, and what is the general policy of the WT/Warders regarding that?

 

Thread Hijacking is where 2-3 people monopolize a thread for more than just a few posts and usually veer off topic, excluding others in the process.  Spam is generally defined as a large number of unwanted off-topic posts.  

 

The general policy is to respect the policy/posted rules of the particular forum and the intent of the thread, 

 

6) What are the requirements and where can they be found?

 

Raising/promotion requirements are pinned in the dorms here and include an outline of the points system.

 

* Initiates must complete the WT/DM class and declare a path.

* Novices/Algai must earn 25 points and participate in events sponsored by at least 5 Ajahs/Disciplines

* Accepted/Manshima must earn an additional 30 points and participate in events sponsored by at least 7 Ajahs/Disciplines including those not covered at the previous rank.

* After petitioning and being accepted by an Ajah/Discipline, you must also lead an activity or discussion for that Ajah/Discipline.

 

7) What are events?

 

Theme weeks led by one of the Ajahs or Warder disciplines.

 

8) How can you become involved in an event?

 

Volunteers will be requested to help lead threads/events in the Dorms or Aspirant Common Room.  Otherwise you can participate by posting in open threads during events and/or signing up for games and such.  

[Songstress]

*fidgets in her seat while waiting for her homework to be graded*

[blank]

I know, I know, I'm sorry - I'm just back from official LOLA today due to a holiday and have just woken up...give me a couple of hours to get some food and awakeness and I'll get my red marker out 

[blank]

Tress, this is looking awesome!

 

Really liked your answers for question 2 a lot, the one about how we are supposed to behave - that is some paying attention to detail while reading the 101 

 

Also, great that you've found the new reqs, as an initiate just going through the class just now you will be completely following that system. When you graduate you will start earning points. You seem to have the understanding of it down but I'm just letting you know as it might take a few weeks to switch everyone else currently aspiring over to the new system, so if you see something different going on in their thread don't worry about it 

 

Just a couple of quick finickety points just to prove I've actually read this ha! Events are indeed themed and led by the Ajahs/dics but they don't necessarily need to be in week format. The Brown Travel event took place at the length of a Randland week (10 days) and sometimes it's a couple of weeks etc. It all depends on the people organising it.

 

As for getting involved in the event the most common way is to sign up in threads in the Aspie Common room but if you want to be involved in a specific event coming up or with a specific Ajah/disc you can PM the person running the event or the Ajah/Disc Aspie Liasion and I'm sure they will be able to help out.

Or indeed, if you have your own idea for an event you can float it with the Ajah/Disc that you think would like to be involved and help plan it from the ground up.

 

Ok, this does it for this particular post but in about 10 mins or so I'll get part two up for you 

[blank]

okie dokie so this is part two!

 

This will be the most labour intensive part. Feel free to do it in sections and the like and to get me to clarify anything you like

 

Part Two: The Subgroups

 

1) Go to each Ajah and the Guild. Find out who is in charge of the board, what the general focus of the group is, and how they like to be interacted with. Is there a Lounge-type thread for more spammy conversation? Is it a group that likes more structure?

 

2) Post at least two relevant posts in each of the Ajahs and the Guild, or start a thread that matches the group’s interests. Link each of your responses here (hint: you can link directly to your response by clicking on the post number on the right hand side above your post and then copying and pasting the url)

 

3) Post and introduce yourself in the on-going field trip thread, it is a good way to feel more comfortable there and have an easy interaction with the members. Please post a link here. 

 

I've updated the OP as well   

Edited August 23, 2013 by blank

[Songstress]

Question regarding #2.... does anything I've posted prior to today count?  I've spent a couple of months now kicking around and joined into a couple of conversations here and there.

[blank]

Well, as there is extenuating circumstances and the like, with this class taking a break from being run etc....

 

I won't say no but it would be good if you had recentish ones/the majority of them were quite recent.

[Songstress]

Integrated!!!

 

The Warders:

 

1) In charge: Fnorrl, Sword Captain. The focus of the Warders is to serve the White Tower by protecting it and its members. They're more lax about spam, but request that if a thread is on topic that it not be derailed (or stop derailing it at the request of the poster). The Moat is a very spammy thread, and the Blade's End Tavern is a little bit more serious but relaxed and off topic.

 

2) Vehicles

Me'Areath Activity

 

3) Field Trip

 

 

Blue Ajah:

 

1) In charge: Daruya, First Selector. The focus of the Blue Ajah is fantasy and sci-fi literature and movies. There are some serious discussion threads, and some casual social conversation threads where subject changes are OK but random posts and excluding others is frowned upon. And there are spam threads as well, such as the Pool and Cocktail Bar thread.

 

2) Daruya!!!! (several posts in this thread)

Weave Will Rock You

 

3) Field Trip

 

 

Brown Ajah:

 

1) In charge: Basel, Ajah Head. The focus of the Brown Ajah is knowledge and learning - books, travel, language and communication. And chocolate. The Browns do not like spam, and want threads to be kept on topic, preferably with proper punctuation and grammar. Spam threads will be clearly marked but very rare. The Brown Ajah Library thread is a more relaxed conversational thread.

 

2) Some Wedding Pictures

Brown Ajah Book Challenge

 

3) Field Trip

 

 

Gray Ajah:

 

1) In charge: Mirshann, Head Clerk. The focus of the Gray Ajah is relaxing and promoting community and harmony through service, hospitality, and sharing various interests, talents an hobbies. The Gray Ajah welcomes spam in its place - existing threads should be kept on topic but starting a fun/spam thread is always welcome.

 

2) Via's Garden

Recipe Book

 

3) Field Trip

 

 

Green Ajah:

 

1) In charge: Brandie, Captain General. The focus of the Green Ajah is family and overcoming the battles of life (health issues, disabilities, trauma, etc). The Green Ajah prefers to keep spamming to a low minimum. Threads should stay on topic and if a topic change comes to mind, a new thread should be started. There are some spam and off topic threads but they are kept to a minimum.

 

2) The Emerald Inn and Lounge

For the cat people

 

3) Field Trip

 

 

Red Ajah:

 

1) In charge: Mystica, Red Ajah Head. The focus of the Red Ajah is passion, independence, and strength of character, with a healthy dose of playfulness. The Red Ajah believes spam is fine in its place, but serious discussion/debate threads should have no spam. Casual social threads should stay generally on the topic at the time and include everyone, although topic changes are fine. There are spam threads where randomness and off topic posting is welcome.

 

2) Poetry with the Reds

Discussion- Friendship

 

3) Field Trip

 

 

White Ajah:

 

1) In charge: Charis al'Aslan, First Reasoner. The focus of the White Ajah is the pursuit of knowledge, truth and logic. The White Ajah does not like spam, although the Snow Leopard Lounge is a relaxed thread where everyone can join in and talk about fun stuff.

 

2) Alice in Wonderland: A History of Tea Parties

Alice in Wonderland: Three Movies

 

3) Field Trip

 

 

Yellow Ajah:

 

1) In charge: Nynaeve, Yellow Ajah Head. The focus of the Yellow Ajah is healing people of day to day stress by laughter. The Yellows don't mind spam at all, although there may be times when it is considered excessive, and if the creator of a thread requests no spam, it should be honored.

 

2) Looking for a new computer

Baby Kitties!

 

3) Field Trip

Edited August 30, 2013 by Songstress

[blank]

Literally running out the door but I see this and will get to it soon Tress, don't worry  Or Heart will be back and she'll see it soon.

 

Either way, won't be long! 

[Songstress]

And of course now that I've posted this, the Yellows decided to go and change on me. Editing.

[blank]

And of course now that I've posted this, the Yellows decided to go and change on me. Editing.

They've just no consideration    

 

But props to the dedication to go back and edit it Tress!

 

Anyways yes, I've finally got to a computer which makes it easier for me to go through and check links and the like and honestly you've done wonderfully. The links you posted from a while ago were ones that you interacted quite a lot in and maybe took a bit of time over which I appreciated and it seems like you made a real effort to make the majority of the posts recently.  Excellent job - and I'm finding people's insight into the Ajahs/Guild very interesting 

 

Also the Brownie OCD in me compels me to tell you I loved the way you set that answer out. The colour coding almost made me squeee 

 

*coughs* so onto the main point. Here is final part of the class

 

Part Three: Keeping Up

 

1) How do you keep track of the threads that you've posted in?

2) When you join a new thread, or go back to a thread, do you read from where you left off or from the beginning (if you haven't read it before), or do you jump right into the conversation?

3) As far as activity, do you stay in any certain place on the boards? Do you post in a variety of threads or just a few select ones? If you're really active, do you have any trouble keeping track of everywhere you've posted?

4) Do you have any questions?

5) Do you have any suggestions on how to tweak this class in the future?

 

I've updated the OP for your convenience    

Edited August 31, 2013 by blank

[Songstress]

Part Three: Keeping Up

1) How do you keep track of the threads that you've posted in?

 

It's pretty easy for me to remember where I've been usually, since I obsessively check the same forums multiple times a day ..  The little star instead of the dot next to the thread name is a dead giveaway that I've posted there, if I can't remember, but my memory is good.  I also know how to find it from My Content if necessary.

2) When you join a new thread, or go back to a thread, do you read from where you left off or from the beginning (if you haven't read it before), or do you jump right into the conversation?

 

I never jump in without reading at least a little bit of it.  If it's 10 pages or less, I usually read the whole thing.  Otherwise I'll read the first few posts to get a feel for how the thread was set up, then go to then end and go back a page or two to see what's been said recently.  Once I've posted, I will read all the new posts before posting again.

3) As far as activity, do you stay in any certain place on the boards? Do you post in a variety of threads or just a few select ones? If you're really active, do you have any trouble keeping track of everywhere you've posted?

 

I'm the moderator of the Introduce Yourself forum, so I have notifications set up for new threads in that board and check at least a few times a day to make sure everything is set up.  I also keep current with all mafia games being played on DM whether I'm in them or not because I'm an obsessive nut.  I scan through the Black Tower and the Light Faction subforum and see what's active and interesting there, and all the White Tower subforums that I have access too and read every last thing because as I mentioned, I'm an obsessive nut.  I'll post anywhere that catches my interest and I feel I have something to add, and I've never lost track of where I have posted.  Memory is good, and DM does show the star icon for the threads where I have posted.

4) Do you have any questions?

 

Not at the moment, but I know who to ask if I do!

 

5) Do you have any suggestions on how to tweak this class in the future?

 

I don't right now - I really like the individual format, where we can work at our own pace.  I think I'd have gone a bit stir crazy with the month-long previous format

[blank]

If it makes you feel in good company - I am also an obsessive nut! Supposed to be getting ready to go to work ha!

 

You've really done such a good and thorough job with your answers. And yes, the month format thing did drive some people crazy certainlynotme!

 

Anyways, I'm delighted to present your Graduation   

[Songstress]

SQUEEEEE!

[Elgee]

 and all the White Tower subforums that I have access too and read every last thing because as I mentioned, I'm an obsessive nut. 

 

 

*Likes*