Where did these come from?

[Koko-kun]

I may not post here very much, but I do feel that exclusive items makes others feel left out.

For an example, and a dorky one I know, I play World of Warcraft. Some items get taken out after a while because it becomes too "easy" to acquire them. Because of this the developers took them out so everyone didn't have them. This makes the people that don't get to get them feel left out and like they missed part of the game they will never get back.

It's just my opinion, but IMO exclusive items should be available to everyone, not just someone of a certain rank.

[Chu]

I agree that exclusive items make people feel left out, but honestly I believe I remember Cat mentioning releasing these "exclusive" items to the public in the future.** Everything that is made may not fit the theme that the other items at that time are following, and are thus held back.

Items aside, I don't see any favoritism from the staff. If you're thinking of donating to or chatting with certain people more, then I have to say that's a bit of a contradiction compared to treating the staff like the rest of Midorea's members. We may be mods and admin but we're human and we have friends. While I don't see Cat ever posting outside of Midorea-related topics and her home thread, I do see mods posting in other topics and being nice to our friends. However, we earn silver by battling, posting, and selling items. We don't get anything from the mod title except that: a title. By donating to our friends, we're simply doing what friends do for each other. While it may feel like we're secluding anyone, we're not. We're just enjoying Midorea for what it is.

Also, since before the beginning of the spring event, all we mods have really done is our jobs. We haven't posted anywhere outside of topics we're supposed to post in, with maybe a few exceptions. Thus, we haven't actually had the chance to show much favoritism.

**I'm not sure about Hiroku's sword, however. Sorry to single you out, Hiro.

[Nikki]

Not what I meant by favoritism. :p

Giving certain users exclusive items before any other normal member is favoritism. Giving a single member an exclusive item for their birthday is again, favoritism. Unless you're willing to do it for everyone, it will be considered favoritism.

You have every right to give users items as long as you worked for it and didn't use admin powers to obtain it (via giving yourself money or just giving yourself the item.)

As being a mod myself (Ex-mod currently, until the site comes back up.), I have high values in staff and how they should behave. Chu, you're the only staff member I have really interacted with in a nice manner and you seem to be.. the only ACTIVE mod sadly. But, you're okay in my books, you seem to know what you're doing. Just other things that I've seen from other staff members are... not to my liking. [Won't name any names, not in public anyway.]

[Chu]

So that's what you're getting at.

And I understand the item issue. I don't like favoritism myself, which is why when I got this mouse for Christmas, I planned to ask Cat to release it to members somehow. It was supposed to be a surprise - I didn't even mention it to Cat yet - but I guess it needs to be said with this issue coming up.

Message me about it, please? I may know what you're talking about, but I may be wrong. While I can't do anything about it, I'd still like to know. Maybe discussing it with a staff member will help a bit.

[Catghost]

Sheesh, if I knew my single act of kindness would get so much backlash then I wouldn't have made them in the first place.
If it makes anyone feel better she took them off because she felt bad for wearing them.

And I don't play favorites. As Chu stated, most 'special' items will be released to everyone. I've talked it over with the people I've made them for and they don't mind it at all. (at least that's what I remember, Hirkou/Chu? If not just PM me)
But releasing a mouse plush, lime pet and katana all at once would be kind of odd which is why I'm holding out until we have a big set of misc. items to release. (the winter item design contest winners for example)

If you feel I'm playing favorites, then.. I don't know what to say, I hate to think someone feels that way towards me. I've always tried my best from the beginning to treat everyone equally and with respect because of past experience with 'I'm better then you, so shutup and do what I say' kind of staff.
But lately I haven't had much time to post except in my home thread and maybe answer a few questions here and there.
But I'll have more time to devote towards being active again like at the end of June. ^^

[Weaseldale]

So, now that we know that the items will eventually be released, should this thread be locked?

I can only see it having more drama if left open.

[Chu]

I'd like for everyone's opinions to be heard but it should be locked, considering the issue is basically as resolved as it'll get at the moment.

However if anyone wants to pm me, go ahead. I don't want you to feel like we're not listening.