Accepted Jul13n's Staff Application

Brawl Junior Moderator Application:


Have you read over this thread?
Yes.


What is your in-game name?
My IGN is Jul13n. Though, I used to play on scapezar (on McPvP and Brawl) before Mojang permanently locked it in the 1.9 update for thinking it was sold between players. However, I legally bought the account from Mojang 5 years ago when MC first came out (the account was created with my dad's email, but I later transferred it onto my own email when I finally made one), which goes to show how hard it is to keep such large systems perfect.


Have you changed your name in the past? If you have, please list them.
I have never changed my name with my Jul13n account. Though, here are all of the name changes on scapezar (some of which might be familiar)—

• scapezar – August 14, 2015
• Z_Hobro – June 10, 2015
• scapecrafter – April 9, 2015
• Scape_Craft3r – March 7, 2015
• Zcapecraft3r – February 4, 2015
• scapecrafter (original)

Does anyone else have access to your Minecraft account?
Technically, yes—my brother, Z_Hobo, is the only person who could have access. He is 16 years old, but I consider him as my twin. He has been a Moderator for a small-medium sized network (called Project Mayhem) for 7 months, where he actively shows maturity, leadership, and responsibility while enforcing the rules and helping the server develop. Regardless of being a Moderator himself, he does not use my computer nor account, has no reason to use it, and is not even allowed to use it without my permission. So, theoretically, he does not have access to my account.


How old are you?
I am 17 years old, turning 18 in November.


What time zone are you in?
Eastern Standard Time (EST)


Are you multilingual? Can you speak multiple languages?
Yes. I am just about fluent in Spanish and perfectly understand it (being raised from a Mexican mother). Therefore, I can also understand a lot of Portuguese and read a bit of Italian, but would need a translator to speak back. I have also taken 4 years of Latin, if anyone cares to speak a dead language.
In college, I might take French. (I love languages.)


What is your experience and knowledge of Minecraft?
I am an uncertified Mineman professional. I have been playing for 5+ years since MC came out, whether on my single player worlds or on multiplayer servers (there is not a gamemode or minigame I have not played). McPvP was one of my first main servers, and I started playing on Brawl's MC-War (to become lv 30+) since about 2 years ago on scapecrafter. I have really started to focus on PvP mechanics for the last 2 years so I can continue to test and perfect my own gameplay. I completely know how the game works, especially in regards to PvP. As such, I can always answer how something can possibly happen the way it does, whether with a hacked/modified client or not. I have still yet to learn the code input, but I understand the output and the numerous, complicated factors: latency/connection/ping, delay, frame lag/spikes, hit-detection, knockback, "momentum", reach/range, head/body/sword movement, clicks/cps, aim, strafe techniques/patterns, FOV, and MC/computer/mouse sensitivity and settings. The factors seem endless, especially as each server adds even more because each (like an individual player) works differently. Knowing the various broken down components that make up Minecraft and how to optimize each one of them for one's own use from enough observance, testing, and perfection helps, for example, "combo" and one-up others in PvP.


What is your experience with moderating servers, if any?
Besides the few small servers, which were basically just for me and my friends, I do not have any first hand Moderator experience. But, because my brother is a Moderator on an other server, I am frequently exposed to Mod experience. Whenever he conducts a screenshare, I am always there watching and giving pointers and suggestions. I know the basic tests to conduct and what/where to look at for blatant or hidden traces of a client, while keeping the situation professional and under control. And whenever my brother is unsure about an accused player, video evidence, or ban appeal, he always confers with me and we go over it. Though, I tend to be more careful (almost paranoid) for needing to be 99% sure before agreeing to temporarily or permanently ban someone for a cheat or hack. I am fully familiar with Moderator commands and know when to appropriately and effectively use them.


What will you provide to the community if you are provided moderator status?
If I become a Moderator, I would provide everything I could with the power and rank. I will ensure that the game is free from cheaters and hackers and that the chat is well moderated. Uncalled for toxicity, harassment, and bullying of any sort would remain in check. (I understand that one can use /censor but that /ignore does not work.) And I will continue to give help to anyone in need. With the moderator status, I would no longer put full priority over myself, but it would be over the community and server.


Have you ever used a hacked client before?
Yes. About 4 years ago I used Nodus. For the most part I was a smart hacker... I would only use the small cheats (no combat hacks) like chest finder, wall hack, and full bright on the servers I played on. At this time, it mainly consisted of McPvP's HG and two other servers. I have good memory of never hacking on McPvP's CTF, or else I probably would not even be here now. But, when it came down to a hacker v. hacker showdown... I showed no mercy. >: ) That's when it would turn into the Matrix's final duel between Neo and Agent Smith when they fly around wrecking each other to the death. So the enemy hacker would be flying around our team's castle, and I would turn on my fly and we would also duel it out....


Have you ever been banned on a Minecraft server? If so, why?
...which brings me to this question. I forget the server name (it was actually on the CTF gamemode of the large network) but soon after I got banned for fly (this was about 4 years ago). This was basically my wake up call. After this, I took a small break from Minecraft and I think my brain/maturity had to have developed a bit more. I deleted my hacks seeing no righteousness in playing in an unfair way. Just like how I got used to cheating, I just as easily got used to playing legit. And ever since then I matured with the game, and now I just laugh at what a noob I used to be.


What do you consider your greatest strength(s)? (sorry, I added an "s" because I feel that they are all so important to me)
I have always been a nice, helpful, and friendly person, and I love to laugh and have fun. Although I may come off as a bit childish, given the circumstances, I can put on my pants and work glasses and it is all serious business from there. And once I have a drive or goal in mind, I am determined to work for it, and I will not stop until the job is done. That is just how I work, and it can be very productive.

Writing more and more on this Staff App reminds me... I have a tendency to over-do myself, whether it is with writing, working, exercising, playing in a team sport, or having too much care for detail. I just want to give out the best product I can, although it always takes much more time and effort than I'm sure is necessary.

Lastly, maybe my greatest strength (apart from being a Mineman pro of course) is my ability to understand. The ability to understand and have an open mind has been a common theme and essential tool throughout my life. I put myself into the shoes of others (it works better if I know them well). I try to understand them when they are a certain way or make a certain decision. And I would never do something harmful to others that I would not want done to myself. By having an open and understanding mind, it opens the door to improvement and creativity, which are also two great and handy assets of mine.


What do you consider your greatest weakness?
Being addicted to Minecraft.
But in all seriousness, a specific weakness towards the game, Brawl, or staff in general does not come to mind. However, IRL I tend to procrastinate things until the last minute, although I somehow always manage to finish on time and do a good job at whatever was needed done (though usually at the loss of sleep). I procrastinate things because I do not have a full interest in them, but that would not be a problem in this case. I would procrastinate IRL things just so I can be on Brawl for a few more hours, because I honestly have too much interest in playing CTF, becoming staff, and helping the server out.


How active do you consider yourself on Brawl?
Very active – I am on Brawl for hours everyday (on the Skype/Discord chats, the forums, and in-game)


Which Brawl servers are you most active on?
CTF is my home, although I play on KitPvP from time to time.


How many hours can you provide a day and during what time frame?
I can provide up to 10 hours a day (on Skype/Discord/TS, the Forums, and/or in-game) on the weekends, breaks, and holidays.
– [usually from 4:00pm to 1:00am EST, although I sometimes log-on for a bit in the morning at around 7:00am]

During the school weekdays. I can provide up to 3 hours a day.
– [usually either from 4:00pm to 7:00pm or 7:00pm to 10:00pm]

Though if need be, I can be available at all times with Skype and the forums on my phone.


What would you do if someone breaks a rule in-game?
Cheating/Hacking– [will lead to a permanent ban, but it can be shortened or repealed]
I can relate with the average, immature cheater. That is why I like being fair and understanding on my part; I always believe in giving second chances or even more given the circumstances. However, I make myself clear that there is a strict line when it comes to continual wrongdoings, because there is nothing worse than somebody taking advantage of one's own kindness and generosity. But most importantly, I make sure I am the utmost informed of the situation. Because it is just not right to be convinced enough on feeble grounds to call someone a liar just because they say they do not hack. Recording and banning blatant hackers is one thing, but dealing with naturally sketchy or discreetly cheating players is another. If there is not enough information or evidence to 99% confirm a wrongdoing, then I would not carry out a punishment. It is better to have a sketchy player continue playing than to have a legitimate player banned. But my job would not end there. I would continue to analyze and gather evidence, and I (or somebody else) would even ask the suspected player to start recording his own gameplay, if s/he can. But, in the end, if I cannot reach that 99% certainty, then a screenshare is one of the last tools in my tool-belt which can commonly confirm or deny whether a player is legit or not. The majority of Moderators that I know of do not usually, if ever, screenshare suspected sketchy players, which is unfortunate because there is not a better way to tell whether someone is using a modified client or not. And if the player is just that good (which is more than likely the case) then there would be no harm done with me getting extra practice running through a screenshare. My brother has been falsely banned 5 times on multiple servers, and it is not a (hours and hours a day, months-long) process anyone wants to go through... from the hackusations, hate, ban, ban appeal, and being ignored/denied/continually hated in the end. As such, I take player reports and punishments extremely seriously to make sure that my final decision and plan of action would be the best one possible.

Any uncalled for in-game chat, whether it is harassment, excessive flooding, or advertising, would be dealt with appropriately. I would first give the player their first and only warning before giving punishments. These initial punishments could be a temporary mute or kick. If the player continues breaking in-game chat regulations, then a longer or permanent mute or ban could be given. However, I strongly believe in appeals, so that a player can have a few extra chances before receiving an undisputed permanent mute or ban.


What would you do if someone breaks a rule on the forums?
I would send them a private message informing them what rule they broke, and I would then send them this link (Forum Rules)– https://www.brawl.com/threads/40/

I would tell them that this is their first and only warning.

If they break any further forum rules, I would add their warning points together based on this given system...

• Pointless Post: 1 point
• Signature Violation: 1 point
• Inappropriate Behavior (Troll): 1 point
• Spam (Specific): 1 point
• Gravedig Post: 1 point
• Off-Topic Post: 1 point
• Meme/Gif Image Post: 1 point
• Inappropriate Language: 1 point
• Rating System Abuse: 2 point
• Spam - General: 2 point
• Inappropriate Behavior (Aggressive): 2 point
• Inappropriate Content: 2 point
• Advertisement: 3 point

...and I would deal with their broken rule appropriately and as quickly as possible whether by editing their post, signature, moving their thread, or whatever the case is, while making it known that I fixed their wrongdoing.

If they gather up enough warning points from breaking forum rules, I (or I would inform a higher staff member who has the power to do so) would give the player a forums ban based on this given system...
Users are automatically banned after receiving:
5 points - 1 day ban
10 points - 3 day ban
15 points - 7 day ban
30 points - 1 month ban
Warnings (usually) expire after 1 month.


What would you do if someone breaks a rule on TS3?
First, I have a comment to say regarding TeamSpeak. Coming from the CTF community, I and nobody else really uses TS to communicate whether for casual or informational chats/calls. I have TS downloaded, have used it before, and understand how it works, but I do not use it regularly. If I or staff as a whole is needed to join a TS channel for an interview, meeting, or some small talk, I understand. However, if it is to just casually chill, I would be found on Skype or Discord. We CTFers have had our Skype and have just moved into Discord, but we have not and may not ever move into TS.

Thus, I probably would not be found often on TS unless it is actually my duty to afk moderate in there. But if there is a problem, whether in TS, Skype, or Discord, I would first send the person a private message/whisper, or if it is more serious, I would bring them into a private call/channel to discuss what rule they broke and to tell them that this is their first and only warning. Depending on how strict or laid back the environment is or whether I know a given tight-knit group of people well and how they are, some formal rules would not apply. However, if the group is more public and open for the general community, then there needs to be stricter, more formal examples set or else rules would become meaningless words on a screen, and there are rules for a reason.


Situation (as a staff member): You log on Brawl, and you’re told that there is a huge, game-breaking economy glitch. No Admins are online to solve the situation. What steps would you take to handle the issue?

1). I would first quickly send a message in any Staff chat (whether being in Slack, Skype, Discord, or TS) stating and detailing the catastrophic problem and asking for an Admin's help. (If a Staff chat does not exist, I would copy and paste private messages to the admins that can help.)

2). If I know that there are just a few players online that know of the glitch...

I). I would private message each telling them to stop abusing it or else there will be consequences, while again emphasizing that this would be their first and only warning.
II). If any of these players continue abusing it, I would temporarily ban them for 12 hours and would remove a bit of their in-game currency if possible.
​

3). If I do not know how many players online know of the glitch, but most likely more than half or almost the entire online server know and are spreading word of it, this is what I would do...

I). So I would first mute and clear the chat.
II). I would then explicitly say: "Do not try to abuse the economy glitch, or else much of your in-game money will be confiscated and you will be (12hr) temp banned from the server. The glitch will be fixed as soon(tm) as possible."
III). After about a minute, I would unmute chat, vanish, and rapidly teleport and check on each individual player/group on the server to make sure they are all following the rules and are not abusing the glitch.
IV). About every 10 minutes or when a lot of new players join the server, I would repeat myself by muting, clearing, and saying in chat: "Do not try to abuse the economy glitch, or else much of your in-game money will be confiscated and you will be temp banned from the server. The glitch will be fixed as soon(tm) as possible."
​

4). I would assume an Admin/Dev could get on and fix the issue much before 12 hours. But if not, I would then patiently wait on the server making sure everybody is well informed and compliant to the rules, while those who try to get away with abusing the glitch get punished.​

(Again, I would make sure that I am completely certain that the given player was warned and well aware of their wrongdoing but decided to continue abusing the glitch anyways, before I punish them.)


How many Brawl staff applications have you made in the past?
None. This is my very first staff application for any Minecraft server. I only want to apply to such a position if I know that I am fit for the job, can do my very best, and have the time and effort needed to put into it. I understand this is a large commitment, but I feel that I am ready.


What is the date of the last application you submitted?
N/A


Do you have a working microphone?
Yes. I use my Mac's internal mic, but I am looking into getting a good external one.


Are you able to record and upload videos?
Yes. I already record and upload and have the power to do so quickly and easily.


Do you generally know how all the staff member commands work?
Yes. As I already said, because my brother is a Mod on another server, I am fully familiar with and know how to appropriately and effectively use the staff commands.


Anything else we should know about you? (not all of it pertains, but it really makes up who I am & who I will want to be)
I am not blindly optimistic or pessimistic, but I keep a level, rational head in pursuit of progress and improvement. And I gladly accept and often try to come up with solutions and new ideas, because even if they are not perfectly fitting, there is always something that can be taken from it. I often get inspiration from what I see and hear in the world around me, and I use these bits of inspiration together to form my own unique solutions and ideas. With best of wishes for the future of Brawl as Minecraft updates and EULA regulations continue, I will continue to share my inspirations and innovations.

For some additional credentials, I already have a lot of leadership experience outside of Minecraft. I was the student president of my middle school, and have been in student government for 2 years in high school. I am also a member of my school's Board of Appeals where I work with staff in dealing with students who have cheated or broken a school rule. This is basically the IRL version of dealing with player reports and ban appeals. As the Board, we have to be the utmost informed of the situation, hearing all sides of the story from the student(s), their school advisors and parents, and any staff or teachers involved, while bringing up facts and evidence of our own and asking countless clarifying questions. We then discuss and share our thoughts and come up with a final, disciplined plan of action.

And besides being a 12th grader/Senior in a private high school and a Minecraft addict, I love playing soccer, hanging with my bros (Z_Hobo and my older brother who is in college now) and friends, and admiring a well-made production, whether being music, cinema, art, architecture, literature, etc.

I am also fascinated by systems. I love getting to know how these systems or complicated ideas work by breaking them down into their simplest form and finding their core/base/root.
I am also fascinated by outer-space and dreams/the mind.

As a future career, I am aiming to become a neuroscientist with possibly also a degree in coding/computer science. And if I were to choose a second dream job, I would want to become an environmental/modern-style architect.


Thank you for your time and consideration.



P.S. I will be gone on a mini-vacation this Friday for about a week, so whenever I settle down with wifi I will be connected to Brawl.

 

You make really good points, Xel. Thank you for your feedback.
Just thinking about how long I've been with Defiance gives me so much nostalgia. I was born and raised in this team, and now I guess I'm all grown up helping take care of it. But Defiance definitely has been and still is the most trouble making CTF team out there, so it's surprising enough I, a life-long member, could attempt to become a Mod. As a whole, the team is full of truly lovable, huggable memes; however, there's always at least one member that tends to like crossing the line. You have the right assumption to think I would show favoritism to my friends and teammates, but it would be quite the contrary. Because they are my friends, I can be merciless and cold-blooded. I would not feel bad, iffy, or hesitant for machine-gunning mutes, kicks, or any other punishment if necessary, even if it is during a team match. Because I truly love them, I would want the best for them and the situation around them on Brawl. Warning certain individuals in a Skype call or in chat sometimes just doesn't cut it for them, so with the Mod rank, I would know how to handle their leash and muzzle. Because they are my friends, I know how they are and what they are capable of. Sometimes, their excitement, happiness, anger, or plain nonchalance translates into uncalled for memes or behavior in a general public setting. So, I can cut the baby talk and head straight to the dagger because I know it is one of the only things some can respond to. In the end, I could essentially save my team and teammates any more strikes, because I would bluntly and directly deal with any issue the moment it arises by whatever means I think would be best. This doesn't mean I would go easy on anybody that is not my direct friend. I would be fair in giving them their first and only warning before dealing out a respectable punishment. Doing my job would be #1 priority over everything else, and my friends and teammates would understand that for the better.

 

Thanks Zombie

 

Kev <3