Sta.sh
Hello everyone!
This is an important topic, as there was some abuse going on that I did not know about at the time of writing this post, and at the time of Marl writing this post here. I recommend you read both of them if you have interacted with the member michael2021 - the one known as Mike - at all.
Many, many, many members have stepped forward since then and shared their own similar experiences, in the form of being used for art or being berated or yelled at over awful and trivial things. Marl and I were unaware of these incidences - we thought that there were only a few occurrences of this, and I thought I had handled them all! I’m very disappointed and upset to learn that, no, there are a great deal of members who have been affected very negatively by his actions, and even driven off from the group.
I want to stress that you should not message him further about any PMD-e dealings, nor should you interact with him for anything to do with the characters he made for the group. He has been removed from his position to prevent more damage than has already been caused, unbeknownst to me and the other admins.
I also want to apologize for any bad experience you may have had with him. I had no idea the extent of his rudeness toward the members, nor any idea of how pushy and aggressive he had been. I feel really stupid over my error, and partially responsible in being a gateway to others feeling as if he had authority over them, and feeling the need to do things for him or impress him. It was abuse on his part, and ignorance on mine, and I am sorry for that. It wasn’t until I shared my story about his lies that I realized how deep this mess went, and how many people had been affected.
I would also like to stress that it’s very important to message me or MarlKitty directly if you’ve had a bad experience with an admin or a helper. Even if it’s with one of us. If you’re polite and cordial, we’ll do our best to correct whatever wrong behavior was in place. It does not matter who did it - it is never acceptable to be rude, especially not in a community group like this, which should focus on communication and openness on behalf of both the members and the leaders. Please remember that!
I’m just sad it took this long and that people were scared to come forward to talk about their experiences. I should have kept my eyes more open, and I feel like a fool for not having caught all the warning signs. I hope that if he has marred your vision of PMD-e in the past, that you will overlook it and give the group another shot.
Thank you.
-PK
I've had some problems with Mike once or twice. However, I'll just explain the more important things.
During the Mission 5 judging, I noticed that his comment said it was "cut short". While that was partly true, I only cut it short because originally I was also going to include the Heatran battle, but was forced to scrap it due to time crunches (and because of schoolwork). So yes, that was my reason for it being 12 pages long (though sometimes I wonder if he's right about it being "too short"; I hope not).
Event 6 was when I posted my first (and only) journal to the group just moments before the journal entry warned people not to submit journals to the group was made (I decided not to do it again). Mike thought I was hilarious because I "misunderstood the DNS thing", which was actually serious business.
During my Event 7 collab, I thought I had posted a page to this group, but I apparently hadn't. He came to the page and started making a fuss over it. I felt intimidated and really confused because I had apparently forgotten to upload that page to PMD-E, and he just made a complete fuss out of it!
I've since began clearing up the damages he's done by hiding all the comments he made on a few of my pictures and deleting that Event 6 journal entry. *sigh* I wish I could've said it sooner instead of just keeping it to myself and venting it like I sometimes do when faced with my real-life problems. I'm still glad he's out and I do wish the replacement good luck.
During the Mission 5 judging, I noticed that his comment said it was "cut short". While that was partly true, I only cut it short because originally I was also going to include the Heatran battle, but was forced to scrap it due to time crunches (and because of schoolwork). So yes, that was my reason for it being 12 pages long (though sometimes I wonder if he's right about it being "too short"; I hope not).
Event 6 was when I posted my first (and only) journal to the group just moments before the journal entry warned people not to submit journals to the group was made (I decided not to do it again). Mike thought I was hilarious because I "misunderstood the DNS thing", which was actually serious business.
During my Event 7 collab, I thought I had posted a page to this group, but I apparently hadn't. He came to the page and started making a fuss over it. I felt intimidated and really confused because I had apparently forgotten to upload that page to PMD-E, and he just made a complete fuss out of it!
I've since began clearing up the damages he's done by hiding all the comments he made on a few of my pictures and deleting that Event 6 journal entry. *sigh* I wish I could've said it sooner instead of just keeping it to myself and venting it like I sometimes do when faced with my real-life problems. I'm still glad he's out and I do wish the replacement good luck.
I'm sorry that things turned for the worse with the group's administration. I personally had no prior interaction with Mike nor much of anyone else beforehand, but I hope that things improve.
I'm just curious now, what happens with Mike and his partner in the story then? Are they going to be killed off, or...?
Mike(NPC) and characters relating to him will continue to stay in the story. PK(person) has been writing lines for Mike(NPC) for a while now, so you will not notice any changes.
I...okay. Since I don't know either of you personally I'm not choosing sides. Thank you for voicing your part of the story.
Hmm...been watchin this group fer a long time, woulda never thought that'd there'da been bashin o' others! Honestly never saw it in any comments, but I be glad that the problem be resolved, new here and always had a fear there'd be someone waitin ta bash others so never posted anythin.
I haven't participated since I stopped with Mission 1 (got busy with college halfway before the deadline, and eventually work OTL), but hearing about all of the drama that happened in a group that I still care very much about makes me feel really uneasy inside. I hadn't talked to him in the beginning, but...I'm glad everything's resolved for the most part and am sorry that you all had to deal with the behavior. Best of luck to PMD-E (and I hope to get started again soon--I've missed like 7 missions now? 
)
)
i think i asked for help laong time agofrom him and from the lack of info i just lost intrest to keep going here *shrugs* not sure what cause is
I always thought this group is amazing, and I will keep thinking like this, All of you make a great effort to make this whole group super great,
I've never upfront talked to Mike through notes, IMs, ETC; so I never knew him as rude. Instead I saw him as..blunt? I dunno, but I'm glad that this was taken care of quickly and without melodrama. I wish PMD-E the best with future and current staff in the group.
I have to confess that I quit doing the group event (after finishing the 2nd main quest) because of Mike's behavior doesn't suit my preference in having fun in this guild. I found him... bossy and rude even before this post is made.
I thought that all of the high member is aware of that too and I thought maybe it was fabricated acting to make the group alot more interesting.
but I really got fed up with it and stop doing anymore quests
I sincerely believe that you guys the right thing by kicking him out of the picture.
I thought that all of the high member is aware of that too and I thought maybe it was fabricated acting to make the group alot more interesting.
but I really got fed up with it and stop doing anymore quests
I sincerely believe that you guys the right thing by kicking him out of the picture.
Wow I wasn't really aware this was a thing. I noticed he was a little kinkier than the rest but nothing beyond that.
I can honestly say I respect both you and Marl more after reading this. I don't know where I heard it, but I had also been given the impression that you, I don't know, were arrogant or harsh or something. My perception of you has been changed for the better.
I can honestly say I respect both you and Marl more after reading this. I don't know where I heard it, but I had also been given the impression that you, I don't know, were arrogant or harsh or something. My perception of you has been changed for the better.
"Even some of the whitest lilies can cast the blackest of shadows."
I do wish he is happy even after this,sure I never met him and these posts mostly paint him with tainted colors,but everyone deserves atleast some happiness,even outside of this group and no matter how corrupt the heart was...
I do think what you did is what needed to be done,although I wish this wouldnt be the case.
I hope that he will go down a better path and maybe learn to control his temper a little better.
Sorry if this sounded a little mean or something of the like.
Lastly PK,you should not have to apologize for anything,you just need to take a break and recover a bit,even if you need to delay the projects you working on a little while,I'm pretty sure we will understand.
I do wish he is happy even after this,sure I never met him and these posts mostly paint him with tainted colors,but everyone deserves atleast some happiness,even outside of this group and no matter how corrupt the heart was...
I do think what you did is what needed to be done,although I wish this wouldnt be the case.
I hope that he will go down a better path and maybe learn to control his temper a little better.
Sorry if this sounded a little mean or something of the like.
Lastly PK,you should not have to apologize for anything,you just need to take a break and recover a bit,even if you need to delay the projects you working on a little while,I'm pretty sure we will understand.
I don't even participate anymore and I feel betrayed. :/
I always saw Mike as a great admin for the group, but now this. Ugh. Just goes to show you how some people hide their true intentions...
Terribly sorry you two had to deal with this unnecessary drama.
I always saw Mike as a great admin for the group, but now this. Ugh. Just goes to show you how some people hide their true intentions...
Terribly sorry you two had to deal with this unnecessary drama.
That's too bad. I'm still new(ish) to this group so I never got to know anything about Mike. And it is definitely not your fault, PK. Seriously.
There's going to be a replacement admin, right? I saw a new face in the Guild Assistants section, so that must be it?
There's going to be a replacement admin, right? I saw a new face in the Guild Assistants section, so that must be it?
Oh, also I'm really super sorry to both of you. You do NOT deserve that horrible treatment and it's NOT your fault.
..wow. Just wow. That is shameful of him! That's just...ugh!
This group WILL end and I don't mind too much! I do like it, but, people have lives and things don't last forever. It's how things are. Mike really needs to grow up and learn that.
I had a feeling Mike was a self insert...
This group WILL end and I don't mind too much! I do like it, but, people have lives and things don't last forever. It's how things are. Mike really needs to grow up and learn that.
I had a feeling Mike was a self insert...
I don't like to comment unless i need to but, I'm glad you resolved the problem to make the community better for everyone. Wish it didn't need to come to this but sometimes it does.
My friend had just told me about this, but she got names mixed up so I didnt realize it was actualy this group. Oh god, pk. I'm so sorry.
If you ever need any help with anything, i'm open.
If you ever need any help with anything, i'm open.
Well...I never interacted with that Michael fellow, I just noticed he was been faving one or two stuffs from my scraps for PMD, that's all. Nope I didn't get the chance to learn about his bittersweet behavior but if that would happen I wouldn't hesitate to report to another admin or so since the group doesn't particularly need greedy assholes at all.
He looks pretty inactive anyway around....nothing but a silent fav grabber as many others.
He looks pretty inactive anyway around....nothing but a silent fav grabber as many others.
Honestly there was something that always bothered me about Mike so I can't really say I'm surprised or saddened by his dismissal. Such a shame that these awful things happened but you and the group have done a great job in dealing with and addressing the matter. I don't think you should put too much blame on yourself for this. Yes it was possible that there were some signs you could have paid more attention too but you're the admin of a huge group and have your own life to worry about, you can't exactly keep on top of every little thing that goes on.
As for this marring my view of the group I can safely say that you don't have to worry about that. I've been in this group for a year and a half now and I have no intentions of leaving until the story reaches it's conclusion. I have always enjoyed participating in the missions and being given the opportunity to improve my writing. If anything my view on the group has improved because of how you've dealt with this issue and how you're always looking for ways to improve the group and make it a more enjoyable experience for those involved.
I'm extremely appreciative of everything that you and the other admins do to keep this incredible group running. I basically joined DA for this group and I have never regretted it. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in PMD and I've met some awesome people during my time in this group as well as improved tremendously as a writer because of this group.
So just know that you and the other admin's have my support, as well as I'm sure a large majority of the rest of the group.
As for this marring my view of the group I can safely say that you don't have to worry about that. I've been in this group for a year and a half now and I have no intentions of leaving until the story reaches it's conclusion. I have always enjoyed participating in the missions and being given the opportunity to improve my writing. If anything my view on the group has improved because of how you've dealt with this issue and how you're always looking for ways to improve the group and make it a more enjoyable experience for those involved.
I'm extremely appreciative of everything that you and the other admins do to keep this incredible group running. I basically joined DA for this group and I have never regretted it. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in PMD and I've met some awesome people during my time in this group as well as improved tremendously as a writer because of this group.
So just know that you and the other admin's have my support, as well as I'm sure a large majority of the rest of the group.
TL;DR
Mike the player is banned and excommunicated for bullying other players and abusing his admin privileges. Mike the character is staying, this time, under the control of the rest of the staff.
Mike the player is banned and excommunicated for bullying other players and abusing his admin privileges. Mike the character is staying, this time, under the control of the rest of the staff.
Considering the members are supposed to read all that, this "tl;dr" was completely unnecessary.
I cant believe i actually read all these three posts...
Marl and you are right in "these are just NPCs".
And I didnt know that handling the group was such a stressful task for all of you. I imagined a it, but not that much. It is really sad to dismiss someone that was in the run since the beggining but if that person just adds more weight then there is nothing else to do.
It is great that you found someone to help with the tasks michael did in the past. And that you and the other admins here should know that they dont just have a lot of explorer teams, but they also have supporters.
I think if you get to ask -like you did with the wiki- you will get support from the lovely members of this group.
Again it is sad, but we -and specially ou guys- have to bear with it and use it as an experience.
Marl and you are right in "these are just NPCs".
And I didnt know that handling the group was such a stressful task for all of you. I imagined a it, but not that much. It is really sad to dismiss someone that was in the run since the beggining but if that person just adds more weight then there is nothing else to do.
It is great that you found someone to help with the tasks michael did in the past. And that you and the other admins here should know that they dont just have a lot of explorer teams, but they also have supporters.
I think if you get to ask -like you did with the wiki- you will get support from the lovely members of this group.
Again it is sad, but we -and specially ou guys- have to bear with it and use it as an experience.
I've been here from the start so I'll just add my two cents.
In the beginning Mike did/ said a few things that made me see him as a bit of a jerk. He seemed very short and unwilling to admit when he was wrong or mistaken. It put me off interacting with him.
I also noticed that when judging, Mike would always comment favourably on the same teams. Every time. There were certain teams that could do no wrong, yet when somebody else executed a similar idea they were largely ignored. The same could be said for apps. Mike would usually let his "favourites" get away with many things whereas he would jump on anybody else that did the same thing. It irked me to see blatent bias, but nobody ever said anything, so hey, it was probably just me. (Though I often wondered if the other judges ever saw each others' scoring/ opinions and disagreed. It just seemed way obvious to me. :/ )
The ironic thing is that in the last few months/ missions I was finally getting feedback off him. (I think for a solid 5 missions he'd completely said nothing in the comments sections) so I was starting to feel really good at possible recognition.
It's always a shame to see a long standing member leave the group, but there's no question what he did was wrong. I believe most of us saw it is as many have said; he was an admin, so surely he was right. Whenever he got snappy, we all thought we were in the wrong. Who were we to disagree with someone as high up as an admin. Many of us wanted and sought his approval because he always showered his "favourites" with praise. We just didn't think we had a right to speak up.
In the beginning Mike did/ said a few things that made me see him as a bit of a jerk. He seemed very short and unwilling to admit when he was wrong or mistaken. It put me off interacting with him.
I also noticed that when judging, Mike would always comment favourably on the same teams. Every time. There were certain teams that could do no wrong, yet when somebody else executed a similar idea they were largely ignored. The same could be said for apps. Mike would usually let his "favourites" get away with many things whereas he would jump on anybody else that did the same thing. It irked me to see blatent bias, but nobody ever said anything, so hey, it was probably just me. (Though I often wondered if the other judges ever saw each others' scoring/ opinions and disagreed. It just seemed way obvious to me. :/ )
The ironic thing is that in the last few months/ missions I was finally getting feedback off him. (I think for a solid 5 missions he'd completely said nothing in the comments sections) so I was starting to feel really good at possible recognition.
It's always a shame to see a long standing member leave the group, but there's no question what he did was wrong. I believe most of us saw it is as many have said; he was an admin, so surely he was right. Whenever he got snappy, we all thought we were in the wrong. Who were we to disagree with someone as high up as an admin. Many of us wanted and sought his approval because he always showered his "favourites" with praise. We just didn't think we had a right to speak up.
Huh, so it wasn't just me after all. Nice as I tried to be, I felt like an idiot for asking anything. I'm glad to know it was him and not me, but I'm sad to know so many others suffered the same problem.
Wow! I love mike the character and even though they arent the same persona, I couldnt help but feel like Id been tricked. I was working on the past mission involving him but now I feel kind of sick even thinking about drawing him. Ill try not to let this cloud my views of mike the character.
Im glad you guys remained true to the story no matter what. Too many people cave into putting junk that makes no sense, into their storys just because they like it. Mikes PMD story would have suffered greatly and I admire you guys have having the balls not to cave in like that.
Lastly, good on you guys getting rid of mike the person. There is no reason to put up with that kind of abuse, especially from someone who says they are your friend. Its unfortunate that things had to end this way but he dug his own grave. As for the people saying "I cant judge, This is so one sided", luckily its online and out in the open for all of you to see now. Mike even says he was lieing... Its one thing to be nonjudgemental, its another thing to choose ignorance. Acting blind to a problem is probably why this has gone on so long without this conclusion being reached sooner. I hope everyone learns and knows now to reach out if there is an issue.
Long live PMD!
Im glad you guys remained true to the story no matter what. Too many people cave into putting junk that makes no sense, into their storys just because they like it. Mikes PMD story would have suffered greatly and I admire you guys have having the balls not to cave in like that.
Lastly, good on you guys getting rid of mike the person. There is no reason to put up with that kind of abuse, especially from someone who says they are your friend. Its unfortunate that things had to end this way but he dug his own grave. As for the people saying "I cant judge, This is so one sided", luckily its online and out in the open for all of you to see now. Mike even says he was lieing... Its one thing to be nonjudgemental, its another thing to choose ignorance. Acting blind to a problem is probably why this has gone on so long without this conclusion being reached sooner. I hope everyone learns and knows now to reach out if there is an issue.
Long live PMD!
thats rough. but whats done is done, but! it can be repaired- and now maybe those that mike cowed away with that attitude and negativity will come back, because you guys really care a whole lot about everyone here and that just fills me with warm fuzzies.
I... never expected this. I'm glad this problem is dealt with though. Hopefully it won't appear again.
Man...I would've never thought Mike would go around and do stuff like that...At least a lot of members can now say that they joined in the era know as PMD-E P.M.D (Pre Mike Departure) See what I did with the acronym? Clever...
Though I had no personal confrontations with Mike, I'm glad that you and Marl have dealt with the problem accordingly. I highly appreciate it.
I haven't been around for long, so I haven't interacted with Mike. Nor with PK or Marl or any admin. My circle is small, yet this isn't a complain. Thus stated, why am I replying?
Because I want to thank how this issue is being handled. I'm not going to delve in the personal and emotional involvement that's swirling in this situation (though I can figure the amount of stress of those who are tangled in it). I'm glad to see the group isn't neglected, and actions are taken when a problem arises. All my support to the new admin and the old ones who stay on duty, and thanks again for caring for the community. It's rarely something achievable without tons of effort.
Because I want to thank how this issue is being handled. I'm not going to delve in the personal and emotional involvement that's swirling in this situation (though I can figure the amount of stress of those who are tangled in it). I'm glad to see the group isn't neglected, and actions are taken when a problem arises. All my support to the new admin and the old ones who stay on duty, and thanks again for caring for the community. It's rarely something achievable without tons of effort.
Temple in the sky by 
The Fire and Water Sprites by 
Rainy day by 
Hummingfox by 
Earth by 
Hello beauty by 
Vindictus 2 by 
Hollow World Cover by 
Interior c
:iconskull-bunneh: :icontsukimiin: and :iconAltysay: 
CONGRATS TO YOU GUYS AND THANK YOU to everyone who participated!! 
23rd Dec '14 UPDATE: Giveaway closes 2 HOURS from now!! (midnight, 24th Dec Singapore time) 
I put some concept info up in the Witherlings gallery about the strains, background info, etc. You can also find this on the Witherlings blog (by clicking Info).
