Rusty
Purveyor of Fine Weaponry
So this started off as a joke in Discord, and since I'm doing absolutely nothing at work tonight, I figured what the hell, might as well write up a slightly more PC version. This is a rough draft, and the exact number of Things is subject to change, so we can settle on the actual title if it ever sees the light of day.
1: We're here to help.
Being a Factory Judge comes with no special powers or privileges. We don't get to boss people around, we dont get paid, and we sure as hell don't get special consideration for our own submissions. If anything, we're harder on each other, because we are expected to conform to a higher standard. And yet, we devote our time and energy to approving submissions, time and energy we could be spending on our own writing. Why? Because we want to help. Each one of us is here because we like helping others realize their ideas. We like knowing that we're contributing to the site in a meaningful way. And we like it when Cira breaks out the whip.
2: We're only human.
Despite what we like to think, we're only human. We have lives outside of Chaos. We get tired, we get cranky. We make mistakes. It's for this reason that we ask you to be patient with us. Though we strive to reply to subs within 24 hours, that's not always possible. Nonetheless, we get to them as quick as we can. We've been known to overlook or misread things from time to time. If you think we made a mistake with your submission, by all means, let us know. However, we ask that you do so politely. Copping an attitude is a great way to sour the judge's mood, and though we strive to remain professional, we are not infallible.
3: Discussion is fine. Arguments are not.
As mentioned above, we make mistakes. We also make decisions that, from your point of view, might look like a mistake. If you don't agree with something that's said, you're more than welcome to point it out. We welcome discussions, and encourage them. However, we don't welcome arguments. What's the difference? Tone, mostly. If you come across like you're trying to learn those stupid FJs a thing or two, we're going to shut you down. Hard. It's nothing personal, but there's a line we have to maintain, and if it's crossed, we don't have a choice. The Factory only works if everyone respects everyone else, and we can't afford to put that at risk. So, discuss, don't argue. There's no guarantee we'll agree, but you'll do a lot better if you keep your cool.
4: We don't work alone.
Every submission is reviewed by a minimum of two people. This isn't just to make the Factory RPJs and admin feel important. As stated above, we're only human, and we occasionally slip up. The RPJs and Admin are there to catch anything we let slip. On top of that, it's rare that a judgment is the result of only a single FJ. Simple stuff usually doesn't require an extra set of eyes, but if a judge feels there's even a slight chance they might be out of their depth, they ask for help.
5: There's a lot of knowledge in here.
This one directly relates to number 4. Most FJs are chosen for one of two reasons: they either have a good working knowledge of Star Wars tech and lore, or they're really, really knowledgeable about certain vital topics. We've got a wide variety of useful skills tucked away behind the fancy purple names, everything from IRL gun nuts to swordsmen and women to an honest to god physicist. If one of us asks for help, chances are there's a subject matter expert on hand who can lend a hand. So the next time you find yourself griping about how those stupid FJs butchered your sub, bear in mind that there's a pretty good chance someone could pull out charts and graphs to explain our decision, or went out in the backyard with a box of ammo to figure out what would really happen.
6: If you can't beat us, join us.
We're always looking for help. Though at times it might seem like there's more FJs than there are people making submissions, the Factory Admin are always taking applications. If there's something that you think you know more about than us, by all means, drop an application and see what happens. Don't worry too much about whether or not you've locked horns with judges in the past. We've got plenty of FJs who started out that way, and we'll probably have plenty more before all is said and done. So long as you know your stuff and can work as part of a team, there's a chance.
7: There is no faction bias.
After the first month or so on the job, you tend to hate all factions equally. Joking aside, we have a strict policy in regards to handling submissions from your own factions. Simply put: don't. There are plenty enough FJs that we can spread the load around.
1: We're here to help.
Being a Factory Judge comes with no special powers or privileges. We don't get to boss people around, we dont get paid, and we sure as hell don't get special consideration for our own submissions. If anything, we're harder on each other, because we are expected to conform to a higher standard. And yet, we devote our time and energy to approving submissions, time and energy we could be spending on our own writing. Why? Because we want to help. Each one of us is here because we like helping others realize their ideas. We like knowing that we're contributing to the site in a meaningful way. And we like it when Cira breaks out the whip.
2: We're only human.
Despite what we like to think, we're only human. We have lives outside of Chaos. We get tired, we get cranky. We make mistakes. It's for this reason that we ask you to be patient with us. Though we strive to reply to subs within 24 hours, that's not always possible. Nonetheless, we get to them as quick as we can. We've been known to overlook or misread things from time to time. If you think we made a mistake with your submission, by all means, let us know. However, we ask that you do so politely. Copping an attitude is a great way to sour the judge's mood, and though we strive to remain professional, we are not infallible.
3: Discussion is fine. Arguments are not.
As mentioned above, we make mistakes. We also make decisions that, from your point of view, might look like a mistake. If you don't agree with something that's said, you're more than welcome to point it out. We welcome discussions, and encourage them. However, we don't welcome arguments. What's the difference? Tone, mostly. If you come across like you're trying to learn those stupid FJs a thing or two, we're going to shut you down. Hard. It's nothing personal, but there's a line we have to maintain, and if it's crossed, we don't have a choice. The Factory only works if everyone respects everyone else, and we can't afford to put that at risk. So, discuss, don't argue. There's no guarantee we'll agree, but you'll do a lot better if you keep your cool.
4: We don't work alone.
Every submission is reviewed by a minimum of two people. This isn't just to make the Factory RPJs and admin feel important. As stated above, we're only human, and we occasionally slip up. The RPJs and Admin are there to catch anything we let slip. On top of that, it's rare that a judgment is the result of only a single FJ. Simple stuff usually doesn't require an extra set of eyes, but if a judge feels there's even a slight chance they might be out of their depth, they ask for help.
5: There's a lot of knowledge in here.
This one directly relates to number 4. Most FJs are chosen for one of two reasons: they either have a good working knowledge of Star Wars tech and lore, or they're really, really knowledgeable about certain vital topics. We've got a wide variety of useful skills tucked away behind the fancy purple names, everything from IRL gun nuts to swordsmen and women to an honest to god physicist. If one of us asks for help, chances are there's a subject matter expert on hand who can lend a hand. So the next time you find yourself griping about how those stupid FJs butchered your sub, bear in mind that there's a pretty good chance someone could pull out charts and graphs to explain our decision, or went out in the backyard with a box of ammo to figure out what would really happen.
6: If you can't beat us, join us.
We're always looking for help. Though at times it might seem like there's more FJs than there are people making submissions, the Factory Admin are always taking applications. If there's something that you think you know more about than us, by all means, drop an application and see what happens. Don't worry too much about whether or not you've locked horns with judges in the past. We've got plenty of FJs who started out that way, and we'll probably have plenty more before all is said and done. So long as you know your stuff and can work as part of a team, there's a chance.
7: There is no faction bias.
After the first month or so on the job, you tend to hate all factions equally. Joking aside, we have a strict policy in regards to handling submissions from your own factions. Simply put: don't. There are plenty enough FJs that we can spread the load around.
