Sunday, March 22nd, 2009
Issue: 118   Editor: Mikamon


Two Weeks Later HDO style OvermindEV2
In this issue of the Buzz we caught up with our two weeks old Help Desk Operators (HDOs), SplitPersonality, DrZoidberg and Mikamon. To see what they think of their new title, and see what they do as a HDO.

We first asked SplitPersonality if he still likes being a HDO, he replied to us, “Yes, I am definitely enjoying the extra involvement I have now and the added bonus of being able to speak to a lot of other players who I might not necessarily have spoken to. On top of that some of the others on the help desk are just as crazy as me in their own unique way, but that would be another story and more relevant to a ‘Did you know’.” DrZoidberg added, “I love it, actually. I didn't even expect to like working with players on this level as much as I do. I knew I would enjoy it since I have a big mouth (let the jokes roll ), but it's also a lot of fun.” When we asked Mikamon the same question, he told us, “I must say that I do like my HDO duties. It's different than I had expected though. As I found out soon it is really
just an addition to the way I play the game. People expect you to help them and you are required to attend to the Help Desk Tickets but you remain a normal player. I found it a bit strange at first but I am getting used to it and I really like it.”

Later on in the interview with the three, we asked what they actually do as a HDO, DrZoidberg replied to us, “The most important (and frequent) thing I do as a HDO is help people understand the game or specific features which they might have small questions on.” He later added, “whether it's through the Help Desk, Bootmail, or even in the forums.” Mikamon said, “As HDO I check the Help Desk often to see if there are open tickets. In addition, I also check the forums to see if people need help or if there are any topics that are inappropriate and need to be moved. Every now and then I get a Bootmail from a player who wants to know something so I attend to those as well.” Later SplitPersonality said to us, “as the name suggests our primary task is to work on the help desk to give players guidance and advice with any aspect of the game they are unsure of. On top of that I have also answered questions/points via the IRC chat channel and of course you will get a few players who Bootmail you direct asking questions, although this might mean you get a slower reply than creating a helpdesk ticket.”

With the last questions up for them, we wondered if they received enough help from the other Staff members, in their first two weeks. Mikamon replied to us, “I think the overall support of the staff (both Elite Guard and other HDOs) has been great. Everyone is willing to
offer you advice and/or help if you need it or ask for it. I really have no complaints there.”
SplitPersonality told us, “From my own personal experience I have received plenty of help from other staff members if I've needed it, for example, when I have needed to clarify points.” DrZoidberg later added, “All of the Elite Guard are excellent and supportive. They also know how to have a good time. The "senior" HDOs have also been very warm and I think all of the HDOs, current and senior, have also been great to work with thus far.”

With those last words from our three newest HDOs, the Buzz would like to thank all three, for giving us loads and loads of information.