Feedback Responses!
Jun 21, 2016 0:11:21 GMT -5
The Divine Kennel, Ciroc Kennel, and 2 more like this
Post by White Harbor Kennels on Jun 21, 2016 0:11:21 GMT -5
First of all, I wanted to thank all of those of you who contributed to Feedback Week! All of you who voiced your opinions through our survey and those of you who reached out to the staff; every bit of input is taken seriously and appreciated. Now that the 'thanks yous' are out of the way. Let's get to nitty-gritty!
Show Pacing
50% said they were happy with the current pacing of shows
8.3% said that the current pacing was too slow
25% said it was too fast
16.7% selected other
What does this mean? It means the majority of our members feel that the shows run at a satisfactory pace. This means there will be no changes in this aspect. At least until the next Feedback Week.
Agility Shows
6 respondents did not have suggestions and did not compete in agility.
3 respondents stated they liked the way it is.
1 respondents stated they would like to see agility randomized.
What does this mean? It means there is a currently a neutral stance on agility shows. This means there will be no changes in this aspect. At least until the next Feedback Week.
Canine Sport Shows
5 respondents did not have suggestions and did not compete in Canine Sport shows.
4 respondents wanted to see more show types opened in this category.
We will open a thread where you can suggest some more Sport Shows you'd like to see!
Obedience Shows
5 respondents did not have suggestions and did not compete in Obedience shows
1 respondents stated they would like to see more shows for small dogs
3 respondents stated they would like to see more shows in general
We will open a thread where you can suggest some more Obedience Shows you'd like to see!
Conformation Shows/ Additional Concerns
4 respondents mentioned a communication issue between members and staff as well as staff and staff
3 respondents mentioned judging needs more transparency as well as the worry of staff bias
2 respondents enjoyed the community and found that it had room still to grow
1 respondents stated nothing should change
1 respondents wanted a way to reach staff both private and public, if needed, to discuss issues
1 of respondents would also like staff to be more active
4 respondents mentioned a communication issue between members and staff as well as staff and staff
3 respondents mentioned judging needs more transparency as well as the worry of staff bias
2 respondents enjoyed the community and found that it had room still to grow
1 respondents stated nothing should change
1 respondents wanted a way to reach staff both private and public, if needed, to discuss issues
1 of respondents would also like staff to be more active
This is where our feedback section becomes more serious as there are many recent events that need to be addressed.
First of all, I want to apologize for the lack of professionalism displayed by some of our staff members. I appreciate any and all feedback, but the lack of maturity displayed is honestly embarrassing. I have worked, and currently work in a corporate office. Perhaps this is why I have such stringent rules on how people are meant to carry themselves. When a member of a workplace has any gripes, they do not badmouth their workplace and cause a scene. It is unprofessional and sure fire way to get fired. There is structure. There is a chain of command. This is put in place to avoid an uncomfortable situation for clientele and employees alike. Now the SKC is not a place of employment nor do I think that any discomfort needs to be shoved under a rug and ignored. The opposite! I welcome discourse! I want the SKC to be the best it can be! If I did not care about the SKC it would not exist. Having said this, I believe that some members and staff misdirected their frustrations and I include myself in this subset. Current staff along with those involved will have a earnest discussion about what has occurred and I will update you all on current and future standings with staff. I do not like gossip and if transparency is what is needed to better the SKC, I welcome it!
All the staff are on equal footing in my eyes. No one is more important than the other. Everyone brings something different to the table. If I did not want someone on the staff, if I did not want their input, if I did not want their ideas, they would not be staff. Simple as that. I am an admin of a canine sim website. This is not my livelihood. I do not get paid for this. I know none of you in real life. So I ask you all a genuine question. Why would I encourage any sort of bias on this site? What would I possibly gain from wanting to see certain staff members or certain dogs win over other other's? My happiness is not measured in pixel ribbons. Nor do I think any of my staff measure their happiness or worth in this sim game. In fact, we derive happiness from seeing members prosper and grow. Without naming names, there are kennels who went from having unfortunate looking dogs way back in 2012 to having some of the best looking dogs the SKC has ever seen. Now, I do not attribute that to the SKC. People put in the effort and put in the time to better their process. That's what I like to see! I like to say "I've never seen a nice Presa Canario done in the sims," and then see a member take on the challenge.
There have been direct accusations made of internal bias towards the same two members. I do not agree that there have been deliberate/calculated biases, but as a measure of a good faith, both Audlin and Mainhardt have stepped down from their duties henceforth. They both have also decided to no longer participate in shows as to remove themselves from any doubt regarding how seriously we take all feedback. This also means that we have two open judging slots. All those interested may submit their forms.
In terms of bannings, in the history of the SKC there have only ever been two bannings. One took place couple of years ago and one just recently. This most recent banning was NOT because I did not agree with their opinions, because I wanted to "shut them up," or any such mutterings. This individual was banned because they used inflammatory language to purposefully incite and belittle the site and its members. This is not Reddit, this is not Instragram, this is not the Youtube comment section. I will not put up with trolling or people coming into the SKC looking for drama or to posture. I hope this is the very last banning I ever have to do because I do not enjoy it or take it lightly.
Onto judging!
There is no such thing as an AKC working standard. There are dogs who fit the standard, there are dual purpose dogs, and there are purebred dogs who are wonderful working dogs who do not fit the aforementioned standard. I do not believe one is better than the other. All are purebred dogs. Keeping this in mind, I do not believe the SKC should need to delineate if a dog is 'working type' or 'show type.' We do not have 'working type conformation shows' and it will likely remain that way. Sporting shows are for working types. Moreover, the SKC believes in a streamlined show system. We try to balance realism with organization. While there are many different aspects to showing that could be included, we believe too many systems in place creates a convoluted space. We will not be bringing back breed clubs, as our current method of registration is both quicker and easier to keep track of. We will therefore not directly sponsor any independent breed clubs, but members are free to affiliate with any the deem fit.
Continuing along the same lines, there has also been discord regarding the interpretation of standards and how shows are judged. Once again, I genuinely believe our judges are judging fairly and as accurately as possible. But our members have asked for more transparency, and I think that it is a great idea. Back in 2012 when the SKC first started out, our judges had to fill out score cards. I don't see why we can't bring that back! Upon the beginning of Year II our judges must fill out score cards for shows (they will be linked shortly). Any and all members may request them upon the closing of a show.
In terms of direct communication with staff, we will have a permanent thread for questions and concerns that everyone can view and that staff can address on the forum publically, as well as a link to an anonymous Google form for those that would prefer to remain unidentified.
I want the SKC to continue but I have found this week to be demoralizing. I have attached a very honest poll. If there is genuine interest in the SKC continuing, we will march ahead with these changes and evolve as we always have. If there is no interest, I will quite honestly close this place down for good.
I honestly believe The Sims Kennel Club was the antecedent and catalyst to the canine sim boom. We are the grand-daddy and it makes me happy to see so many spin offs, all with their own systems, their own culture, their own wonderful members and dogs. I see a little bit of the SKC in all of them (though some people would shoot themselves before admitting it lol). My hope is to see The Sims Kennel Club continue, but I leave that up to you guys. Let me know how you feel!
Feel free to vote and discuss in the C-Box. Please, keep it civil and keep it respectful. I will be moderating it as needed.
Love you all!
WHK
Show Pacing
50% said they were happy with the current pacing of shows
8.3% said that the current pacing was too slow
25% said it was too fast
16.7% selected other
What does this mean? It means the majority of our members feel that the shows run at a satisfactory pace. This means there will be no changes in this aspect. At least until the next Feedback Week.
Agility Shows
6 respondents did not have suggestions and did not compete in agility.
3 respondents stated they liked the way it is.
1 respondents stated they would like to see agility randomized.
What does this mean? It means there is a currently a neutral stance on agility shows. This means there will be no changes in this aspect. At least until the next Feedback Week.
Canine Sport Shows
5 respondents did not have suggestions and did not compete in Canine Sport shows.
4 respondents wanted to see more show types opened in this category.
We will open a thread where you can suggest some more Sport Shows you'd like to see!
Obedience Shows
5 respondents did not have suggestions and did not compete in Obedience shows
1 respondents stated they would like to see more shows for small dogs
3 respondents stated they would like to see more shows in general
We will open a thread where you can suggest some more Obedience Shows you'd like to see!
Conformation Shows/ Additional Concerns
4 respondents mentioned a communication issue between members and staff as well as staff and staff
3 respondents mentioned judging needs more transparency as well as the worry of staff bias
2 respondents enjoyed the community and found that it had room still to grow
1 respondents stated nothing should change
1 respondents wanted a way to reach staff both private and public, if needed, to discuss issues
1 of respondents would also like staff to be more active
4 respondents mentioned a communication issue between members and staff as well as staff and staff
3 respondents mentioned judging needs more transparency as well as the worry of staff bias
2 respondents enjoyed the community and found that it had room still to grow
1 respondents stated nothing should change
1 respondents wanted a way to reach staff both private and public, if needed, to discuss issues
1 of respondents would also like staff to be more active
This is where our feedback section becomes more serious as there are many recent events that need to be addressed.
First of all, I want to apologize for the lack of professionalism displayed by some of our staff members. I appreciate any and all feedback, but the lack of maturity displayed is honestly embarrassing. I have worked, and currently work in a corporate office. Perhaps this is why I have such stringent rules on how people are meant to carry themselves. When a member of a workplace has any gripes, they do not badmouth their workplace and cause a scene. It is unprofessional and sure fire way to get fired. There is structure. There is a chain of command. This is put in place to avoid an uncomfortable situation for clientele and employees alike. Now the SKC is not a place of employment nor do I think that any discomfort needs to be shoved under a rug and ignored. The opposite! I welcome discourse! I want the SKC to be the best it can be! If I did not care about the SKC it would not exist. Having said this, I believe that some members and staff misdirected their frustrations and I include myself in this subset. Current staff along with those involved will have a earnest discussion about what has occurred and I will update you all on current and future standings with staff. I do not like gossip and if transparency is what is needed to better the SKC, I welcome it!
All the staff are on equal footing in my eyes. No one is more important than the other. Everyone brings something different to the table. If I did not want someone on the staff, if I did not want their input, if I did not want their ideas, they would not be staff. Simple as that. I am an admin of a canine sim website. This is not my livelihood. I do not get paid for this. I know none of you in real life. So I ask you all a genuine question. Why would I encourage any sort of bias on this site? What would I possibly gain from wanting to see certain staff members or certain dogs win over other other's? My happiness is not measured in pixel ribbons. Nor do I think any of my staff measure their happiness or worth in this sim game. In fact, we derive happiness from seeing members prosper and grow. Without naming names, there are kennels who went from having unfortunate looking dogs way back in 2012 to having some of the best looking dogs the SKC has ever seen. Now, I do not attribute that to the SKC. People put in the effort and put in the time to better their process. That's what I like to see! I like to say "I've never seen a nice Presa Canario done in the sims," and then see a member take on the challenge.
There have been direct accusations made of internal bias towards the same two members. I do not agree that there have been deliberate/calculated biases, but as a measure of a good faith, both Audlin and Mainhardt have stepped down from their duties henceforth. They both have also decided to no longer participate in shows as to remove themselves from any doubt regarding how seriously we take all feedback. This also means that we have two open judging slots. All those interested may submit their forms.
In terms of bannings, in the history of the SKC there have only ever been two bannings. One took place couple of years ago and one just recently. This most recent banning was NOT because I did not agree with their opinions, because I wanted to "shut them up," or any such mutterings. This individual was banned because they used inflammatory language to purposefully incite and belittle the site and its members. This is not Reddit, this is not Instragram, this is not the Youtube comment section. I will not put up with trolling or people coming into the SKC looking for drama or to posture. I hope this is the very last banning I ever have to do because I do not enjoy it or take it lightly.
Onto judging!
There is no such thing as an AKC working standard. There are dogs who fit the standard, there are dual purpose dogs, and there are purebred dogs who are wonderful working dogs who do not fit the aforementioned standard. I do not believe one is better than the other. All are purebred dogs. Keeping this in mind, I do not believe the SKC should need to delineate if a dog is 'working type' or 'show type.' We do not have 'working type conformation shows' and it will likely remain that way. Sporting shows are for working types. Moreover, the SKC believes in a streamlined show system. We try to balance realism with organization. While there are many different aspects to showing that could be included, we believe too many systems in place creates a convoluted space. We will not be bringing back breed clubs, as our current method of registration is both quicker and easier to keep track of. We will therefore not directly sponsor any independent breed clubs, but members are free to affiliate with any the deem fit.
Continuing along the same lines, there has also been discord regarding the interpretation of standards and how shows are judged. Once again, I genuinely believe our judges are judging fairly and as accurately as possible. But our members have asked for more transparency, and I think that it is a great idea. Back in 2012 when the SKC first started out, our judges had to fill out score cards. I don't see why we can't bring that back! Upon the beginning of Year II our judges must fill out score cards for shows (they will be linked shortly). Any and all members may request them upon the closing of a show.
In terms of direct communication with staff, we will have a permanent thread for questions and concerns that everyone can view and that staff can address on the forum publically, as well as a link to an anonymous Google form for those that would prefer to remain unidentified.
I want the SKC to continue but I have found this week to be demoralizing. I have attached a very honest poll. If there is genuine interest in the SKC continuing, we will march ahead with these changes and evolve as we always have. If there is no interest, I will quite honestly close this place down for good.
I honestly believe The Sims Kennel Club was the antecedent and catalyst to the canine sim boom. We are the grand-daddy and it makes me happy to see so many spin offs, all with their own systems, their own culture, their own wonderful members and dogs. I see a little bit of the SKC in all of them (though some people would shoot themselves before admitting it lol). My hope is to see The Sims Kennel Club continue, but I leave that up to you guys. Let me know how you feel!
Feel free to vote and discuss in the C-Box. Please, keep it civil and keep it respectful. I will be moderating it as needed.
Love you all!
WHK
