Player Spotlight: Burdenday

Each month we’ll have a player spotlight where your Community Manager, Burdenday, will interview a player and get to know them a little better. This month, we’re starting off with a spotlight on Burdenday himself conducted by Rise & Ruin’s Live Team Producer, Desolate.

Desolate: In your view, what is the role of a community manager?

Burdenday: A community manager really has the responsibility to make sure everyone is able to have a good time. This means making sure players are entertained through evolving storylines, engaged through interaction on the forums, informed about what’s happening with topical newsletters and promotions, and encouraged to take part in game events and the developing Rise & Ruin universe.

Desolate: How did you end up in this role?

Burdenday: Years ago I was lucky enough to get an internship with a major player in the Fantasy MMO market and from that experience I grew a fond affection for being part of a Live Team. More recently, I had the opportunity to refine the skills and mindset necessary to be a good community manager on another project. Now I’m excited to have the opportunity to serve the present and future players of Rise & Ruin!

Desolate: What are the challenges of working with a new community of players?

Burdenday: The biggest challenge is getting a new group of players to know you are truly there for them. It’s easy to say, “I am going to be your voice to the development team.” It’s an entirely different thing to earn the trust of a new community and show them you’re constantly working for them.

Desolate: How do you stay sane when dealing with a large community of players, who tend to be extremely dedicated and vocal?

Burdenday: I think the easiest way to answer that question is to say I recognize that every player has a valid set of concerns and I always try to do my best to acknowledge and act on what is being brought to the forefront. I really don’t take any frustrations thrown my way personally and avoid at all costs getting upset over the Internet. Instead, I focus on the constructive elements of even the most critical feedback and use that to guide the development of the game and drive the community.

Desolate: How would you characterize your style of community management?

Burdenday: There are many different styles of community management. I consider mine to be a little more “professional” than some others – I focus on being friendly, fair and when necessary firm. That being said, I am always available to chat about anything having to do with the budding Rise & Ruin Community, and if some player really wants to know what I had for dinner last night, I’ll share.

Desolate: Is there a particular angle to community you’ve found to be effective?

Burdenday: I enjoy letting the community develop its own voice and strongly encourage “unofficial” outside activities. Want to make a podcast about Rise & Ruin? I’ll be your first guest. Want to create a LiveJournal for your character? I’ll put it in the Weekly Wrap-up.

The angle I take is that the community belongs to and is driven by its players. I avoid getting in the way of heated discussions unless it’s gotten to the point where feelings are about to be hurt. At the same time, I will go out of my way to get new players involved in the developing saga that is Rise & Ruin and encourage all players to do the same.

Desolate: How do you measure the “success” of a community?

Burdenday: I think a good metric for measuring the success of a community is when questions start getting posted about some aspect of the game and players beat me to answering them. A successful community is like a well-oiled machine: active, friendly and bands together to help newcomers.

Desolate: What will you be doing on a day-to-day basis?

Burdenday: On a day-to-day basis my responsibilities include fostering good conversation on the forums, managing our official outlets on Twitter and other social networks, getting on the battlefield and having a good time with players, and continuing the flow of information to and between the community and the development team.

Desolate: Who is your favorite character type and why?

Burdenday: I personally am attached to the jix`Su. I am very much a team player in the real-world and admire their dedication to their Queen and their communal behavior.

Desolate: Got any advice for new players as they start up?

Burdenday: Definitely, Rise & Ruin is a face-paced, action-filled game. Get onto the Ember Plains and start battling and you’ll be having fun instantly. If you encounter any issues, have any questions or just need a break from all of the excitement, catch up on the News or hang out on the forums. Also, when you see me in the lobby chat, don’t hesitate to say “Hi,” I am never too busy to chat!

Desolate: Any general tips for those going into community management, or hoping to?

Burdenday: Don’t have a temper and recognize that no matter how hard you try you can never completely please every single member of the community – that being said, it should be your goal!