Habbox

[Tintinnabulate]

Hello there,

I have spoken to several members lately off the forum and they agree with that I have to say - although they have never posted it publicly on the forum. I have also spoken to some managers who also agree with that I have to say, but it would be inappropriate for me to name them.

Habbox has two owners. Sierk seems to be the silent partner and Jin the active one. Unfortunately even when he is online, I don't think its enough. For this reason, the General Manager is automatically the "acting owner". nvrspk4 was great at it and so was MAD (even though he was disliked). They both made decisions on the spot even if they were wrong. They were both strong.

I like Matt and he is a nice person, but unfortunately that isn't always good for a GM. Yes new members might like him as he is a friendly person, but overall its damaging to Habbox. I post a lot less now and so do many old members - and the excuse that its summer etc is just a load of bull.

Habbox is without a doubt the best Habbo fansite and if it continues the way it is, it won't be for long. Habbo has moved on but Habbox hasn't. It isn't "modern". On the face of it, it might look like a strong general management but without naming them - half of the general management have told me its shambles. Its obvious from the fact that Matt fails to make key decisions when it matters e.g. 4chan thread. nvrspk4 or MAD would have replied with a decision and replied to most members post with a clear explanation. Matt unfortunately fails to do this. These things are slowly ruining Habbox.

The communication between staff is also terrible. The management know its true and have admitted it.

What I think its time for is to let someone stronger and someone who can make decisions on the spot with clear explanations take over as GM while Matt returns to AGM. Its for the best of Habbox. I would recommend Garion as the GM. I really like Alkaz and Roxy but Garion seems to be stronger and someone who will be able to manage the whole of Habbox and make decisions.

Matt shouldn't take this as a negative, he is a great person, but just not suited for GM.

[hah]

I agree 110% with this. I dont wanna go on a Matt bashing session but he seems more concerned with getting his face all over Habbox, i don't remember Sammeth getting his face put on the main site when there are much more pressing issue that need to be dealt with first.

He is like a little lost boy. He hasn't really got any clear plans and at the moment it seems like Garion is the GM because of the way he deals with issues and how he replies to threads etc.

I know this is only small, but Habbox is a habbo fansite and he hasnt even got a Habbo avatar or sig lol. habbo4lyf

[Pyroka]

im not gonna assasinate matt cuz meh why bother.

i think problem is the leadership structure here, and the fact that doin competitions like habboxs top models, the summer spectaculars and stuff like that, well they all have to be approved by general management and im guessin with that alot of ideas get scrapped? im talkin comps in general rly but big ones yano. i mean... the age ratio here is pretty mid teens sooooooooooo why do we get treated like 10 yr olds and why arent we given a bit more room to move in the terms of like filters & comp ideas?

its like as soon as one manager says its not possible then thats it game over never happening lol thats the only problem i have with hx as yknow, the staff have jobs and skl and lives to attend to too.

[flatface]

I'm also going to have to agree with Sav. I do like Matt and I think he's a nice person, but when a decision needs to be made he seems to take a step back and relies on others (such as Garion) to reply and even then he will just agree with the individual (such as Garion). Matt has the likeable factor but lacks in leadership qualities, which is obviously vital for the role of General Manager.

I think sometimes the role can get to you a bit too Matt, I can understand the role is quite demanding and stressful so maybe it would benefit you if you did step down to AGM Staff.

[Richie]

Hello there,

I have spoken to several members lately off the forum and they agree with that I have to say - although they have never posted it publicly on the forum. I have also spoken to some managers who also agree with that I have to say, but it would be inappropriate for me to name them.

Habbox has two owners. Sierk seems to be the silent partner and Jin the active one. Unfortunately even when he is online, I don't think its enough. For this reason, the General Manager is automatically the "acting owner". nvrspk4 was great at it and so was MAD (even though he was disliked). They both made decisions on the spot even if they were wrong. They were both strong.

I like Matt and he is a nice person, but unfortunately that isn't always good for a GM. Yes new members might like him as he is a friendly person, but overall its damaging to Habbox. I post a lot less now and so do many old members - and the excuse that its summer etc is just a load of bull.

Habbox is without a doubt the best Habbo fansite and if it continues the way it is, it won't be for long. Habbo has moved on but Habbox hasn't. It isn't "modern". On the face of it, it might look like a strong general management but without naming them - half of the general management have told me its shambles. Its obvious from the fact that Matt fails to make key decisions when it matters e.g. 4chan thread. nvrspk4 or MAD would have replied with a decision and replied to most members post with a clear explanation. Matt unfortunately fails to do this. These things are slowly ruining Habbox.

The communication between staff is also terrible. The management know its true and have admitted it.

What I think its time for is to let someone stronger and someone who can make decisions on the spot with clear explanations take over as GM while Matt returns to AGM. Its for the best of Habbox. I would recommend Garion as the GM. I really like Alkaz and Roxy but Garion seems to be stronger and someone who will be able to manage the whole of Habbox and make decisions.

Matt shouldn't take this as a negative, he is a great person, but just not suited for GM.


I agree totally

Its just like the time they hired me then hours later fired me for doing nothing wrong. Also I know garion & matt will obviously disagree but I was threatened with an ip ban if I didn't take down habbotbh at the time of the gossip site (I hosted it). I argued it was nothing to do with them and they argued back saying its their staff & they need to defend them or some crap, lets say for example I punched a member of googles staff in the face, they can't say 'oh I have an idea lets ip ban him from google' & don't give me the 'but we are a community speach'. None of that would of happened years ago, habbox would of steered well clear as its none of their business.

Just a few examples of when management have failed in the last month or so with some situations involving me.

[Tintinnabulate]

I agree, if they say no its end of. You can't argue any more even if you are right and make more sense. That attitude is terrible and is used by Forum Staff a lot, not just General Management.

[W00TZEH]

cough new forum manager too please

[Tintinnabulate]

cough new forum manager too please

I think we really need an Assistant Forum Manager. Would make things more effective and quicker. Every manager hates an assistant but they are beneficial to the site overall.

Also a better features manager? My VIP was requested like a week ago, yet its not been added yet :S

---------- Post added 20-07-2010 at 11:33 PM ----------


cough new forum manager too please

I think we really need an Assistant Forum Manager. Would make things more effective and quicker. Every manager hates an assistant but they are beneficial to the site overall.

Also a better features manager? My VIP was requested like a week ago, yet its not been added yet :S

[Richie]

NO SAV BRANDON AND YOSHI ARE FINE U NOOB

ignore him hes just trying to be picky but I say either matt improves on his leadership skills or allow habbox to live on long and strong by handing emailing in his resignation. (did u like how i did tht)

[Tintinnabulate]

NO SAV BRANDON AND YOSHI ARE FINE U NOOB

ignore him hes just trying to be picky but I say either matt improves on his leadership skills or allow habbox to live on long and strong by handing in his resignation.

I love brandon and he is super quick, but because he is away, nothing gets done as unfortunately Yoshi is slow. Yeah he has given Garion a valid reason, but its been 3 months. Garion said he won't fire him as he is doing his job - no he isn't doing his job.

---------- Post added 20-07-2010 at 11:45 PM ----------

To add to the Assistant FM part, another reason why its needed is for example last month - forum takes over HxHD event couldn't take place as Oli had exams etc. AFM could have easily carried it out.

---------- Post added 20-07-2010 at 11:46 PM ----------

To add to the Assistant FM part, another reason why its needed is for example last month - forum takes over HxHD event couldn't take place as Oli had exams etc. AFM could have easily carried it out.

[Special]

I love brandon and he is super quick, but because he is away, nothing gets done as unfortunately Yoshi is slow. Yeah he has given Garion a valid reason, but its been 3 months. Garion said he won't fire him as he is doing his job - no he isn't doing his job.

i do have to agree that things run slower when brandon is away. it took a thread & a pm about the 'report reputation' thread because it wasn't updated & now that brandon is back, everything is how it should be

[Hecktix]

Matt may not be the most decisive of General Managers or the most assertive, however he's only been in the job 2 months and it's quite a hard job to get used to I'd imagine, especially when thrown into it like Matt was, I remember when ---MAD--- became GM, I remember 8Freak8 stayed around to "train him up" for several months, Sammeth had this too from nvr - Matt hasn't really had it from anyone. Jin wouldn't have appointed him in the position if he didn't think he could cope.

[Tintinnabulate]

Matt may not be the most decisive of General Managers or the most assertive, however he's only been in the job 2 months and it's quite a hard job to get used to I'd imagine, especially when thrown into it like Matt was, I remember when ---MAD--- became GM, I remember 8Freak8 stayed around to "train him up" for several months, Sammeth had this too from nvr - Matt hasn't really had it from anyone. Jin wouldn't have appointed him in the position if he didn't think he could cope.

Maybe but its been 2 months. You don't need training to make decisions. Maybe you need it to run Habbox smoothly and manage it effective like you said about giving direction, but training is not needed to make decisions.

[Hecktix]

Maybe but its been 2 months. You don't need training to make decisions. Maybe you need it to run Habbox smoothly and manage it effective like you said about giving direction, but training is not needed to make decisions.

If making decisions is something that a person isn't used to then it'll take a while for them to confidently make decisions, I think Matt has the potential to do these things very well and I've seen some behind the scenes decisions come from Matt which are very confident and impressive - I think this thread should turn from instead of trying to make Matt step down, to telling him what you don't like and he can see if he can improve. I think he's competent and has a lot of potential and on top of that he's friendly too :)

[hah]

by the looks of it jin appoints anyone who is agm staff as the next gm. . . .
whether or not they can do the job

[Dinosaurawrr]

Jin is the most amazing person i know, yet he will not just let things go by if they was wrong.
Jin would immediatly fire matt if he didnt think it was the right decision.
If we all left and left matt on his own it wouldent be habbox habbox is not MATT its all of us staff, managment, owners, general management, senior staff, listeners, forum users its us all. Not just Matt you cant blame habbox on Matt .
Matt was thrown into asst general manager then removed abruptly and moved straight into general manager he wasn't helped. We do not see what goes on behind the scenes therefore we can't comment on what we do not see.
Matt cares for habbox, the users and everything that goes into it and he trys his best.
No-one should be forced to resign from something they worked hard for and what they ARE good at.


I don't see how you can possibly make any comment on what Jin does as he cares for habbox otherwise he would pay for it and he would not put the effort he does into it if he believe Matt was unable to do the job correctly he would not of gave him that position of trust and authority.

[Tintinnabulate]

If making decisions is something that a person isn't used to then it'll take a while for them to confidently make decisions, I think Matt has the potential to do these things very well and I've seen some behind the scenes decisions come from Matt which are very confident and impressive - I think this thread should turn from instead of trying to make Matt step down, to telling him what you don't like and he can see if he can improve. I think he's competent and has a lot of potential and on top of that he's friendly too :)

He was FM so he could have seen how Sammeth ran it and get a bit of experience from that. As FM he had to make decisions but from what I hear, he didn't.
I am all for helping him, but I would just hate to see Habbox fail because someone is unable to make the decisions.

[HotelUser]

It seems as if my comrades are avoiding posting in this thread like the plague--atleast for the moment :P

You've posted a thread outlining how Matt does not do his job, yet you've gone into specifics how other people aren't doing their jobs, or how you believe they could better do their jobs throughout the posts of this thread. It seems (to me atleast) that some of the ideas mentioned above have sort of been on our minds for quite some time, yet we really haven't had a discussion about these things before.

At the moment most everything mentioned in previous posts (save for a push for better staff communication; which I think is unanimous and could probably be extended to include managers being more extensive whilst recruiting staff) seems to be situated around forum related issues. Although these are problems the general manager would be aware of and most likely be involved in resolving to some extent, they're technicalities in determining by themselves as to whether or not the general manager should be dismissed or step down because they don't really confine to the gist of the role of our general manager, which is quite a lot more broad than simply what we observe from posting on the forum.

[Inseriousity.]

its like as soon as one manager says its not possible then thats it game over never happening lol thats the only problem i have with hx as yknow, the staff have jobs and skl and lives to attend to too.

I don't really agree with the Matt bashing, I think he generally does a good job. No-one's perfect, there's never going to be perfection. Maybe he does make decisions, he just doesn't show them appropriately. Most decisions are probably behind the scenes, decisions we'll never see but the appropriate managers pass on. I'm not entirely sure, I tend to just stick with Roxy.

I do however agree with Ryan's quote... if it was the beginning of the year. However, I think on this point we're generally moving in the right direction with general management willing to give their managers more breathing space to try out big events that maybe wouldn't have got approved beforehand. HxFBB, Habbox next top model, habbox elections... and events in the future I can't discuss lol. They've all been done recently.

The communication between general management and department managers is generally okay but the actual communication between departments tends to just be a 'when I need you, I'll ask you' thing atm. It's always seems to me that the departments generally keep too many secrets to themselves (I had no idea there was a habbox model thing coming) when it could be more beneficial to let them know and perhaps get them involved. Although admittedly, the management meetings that we've recently been having do help this as well.

edit: on the yoshi/brandon thing, when he's on his game, Yoshi can be just as fast. Atm, he's not but he has good reason to not be as quick imo and we shouldn't give up on him just yet.

[Catzsy]

What a load of old tosh. This thread has been created on heresay when quite frankly the OP is not actually in any position to judge the facts because he doesn't know them anymore than I do - sounds like a backroom attempt at a A coup d'état. Under Matt there has been more changes than I can remember. More lenient rules and lifting the filter.
More generous avatar and signature sizes. Changes in user ranks so new members start off with 'gold' status and more benefits. Removal of old infractions etc. If there is 'tension' in the managerial ranks then they should all to look to themselves to see perhaps what they are doing wrong themselves, examine whether they keep to their own roles and respect others roles and it and come together as a team. Matt is very dedicated and intelligent enough to run this Forum. Don't forget he has Jin to liaise with and that is not that easy this time of year.
He also has two able AGMs to assist him. As far as I am concerned - well done Matt! :love3:

[-:Undertaker:-]

I agree the leadership structure is slow and lacking and it has been a problem for many years, nowadays though it does seem more spread out compared to what it was under 8Freak8 and ---MAD--- which is good. The problem nowadays does seem that once a link is missing, everything grinds to a halt - although I have been told this is pretty much unavoidable.

I do not agree on the management positions though as I think they are fine as it stands, Habbox's upper management has never been better in my eyes and I have been here since 8Freak8. This general management we have now and the general management just gone [nvrspk] have done a good job.

[Jordy]

I'm not up for this character assassination but I don't really see anyone better to replace Matt anyway.

I think there is definitely issues in the bureaucracy over everything, for example you had to start up a discussion between the general managers to decide whether to ban foreign languages in HxHD. In total the thread had 115 replies over such a trivial issue, in reality one general manager should of replied with a snap decision and bam, thread over. There is no need to have a debate over something so ridiculous and this has been going on for well over a year now, the smallest of issues arises in Habbox Feedback and there's a general management discussion over it, sometimes with no clear outcome. Another example of this was the whole palaver with filtering certain websites which also accumlated 142 replies over yet another trivial issue.

My advice to Matt is to let people do their own thing, allow department managers to do whatever they like as they know best and it speeds up the process. But when an issue comes up in Habbox Feedback, come up with a clear decision on your own and show some leadership.

[Hecktix]

I'm not up for this character assassination but I don't really see anyone better to replace Matt anyway.

I think there is definitely issues in the bureaucracy over everything, for example you had to start up a discussion between the general managers to decide whether to ban foreign languages in HxHD. In total the thread had 115 replies over such a trivial issue, in reality one general manager should of replied with a snap decision and bam, thread over. There is no need to have a debate over something so ridiculous and this has been going on for well over a year now, the smallest of issues arises in Habbox Feedback and there's a general management discussion over it, sometimes with no clear outcome. Another example of this was the whole palaver with filtering certain websites which also accumlated 142 replies over yet another trivial issue.

My advice to Matt is to let people do their own thing, allow department managers to do whatever they like as they know best and it speeds up the process. But when an issue comes up in Habbox Feedback, come up with a clear decision on your own and show some leadership.

In regards to the HxHD issue I don't personally think it's down to Matt to make a snap decision, as far as I'm aware the Community AGM didn't post in that thread once - surely it would be their responsibility to sort this? I like Roxy very much but I think it'd be good to see her making decisions.

In regards to the filtering certain sites thing, that was just a mere misunderstanding, Matt couldn't make a snap decision because we both had a memory which we couldn't quite recall - a snap decision couldn't be made until we figured out what that was and as soon as we realised it it was sorted instantly.

[-Danube-]

Yeah i agree with the above, i think matt has been doing a good job. I think sometimes alot of the decisions are behind the scenes and things like that. The thing i like about Matt is that he seems more involved with the community then mainly any of the other Gm's, which i think attracts people to the site more. I mean if you are friends with someone who manages a site, chances are you are going to visit the site regularly.

I think that this team if AGM's and GM is the best we've had for a long while. I remember when i was staff and management back in 2008, i rarely seemed to speak to the general management, only when i wanted something or something concerning the job. All ideas people came up with kept getting knocked back and they wouldn't elaborate on such ideas. With Matt as GM i feel i have more freedom as part of RV management, i've come up with plenty ideas that both me and Roxy have discussed, changed and then we've actually got them implemented (One coming very soon infact ;))

Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

My opinion is that i think Matt is doing a great job so far. Garion is great at controlling the staff, Roxy is really good at organising events and she listens to you :) and Joe is just amazing at what he does in content. I think it's a really great team and it'll be a sad day when any of them leave.

[Jordy]

In regards to the HxHD issue I don't personally think it's down to Matt to make a snap decision, as far as I'm aware the Community AGM didn't post in that thread once - surely it would be their responsibility to sort this? I like Roxy very much but I think it'd be good to see her making decisions.

In regards to the filtering certain sites thing, that was just a mere misunderstanding, Matt couldn't make a snap decision because we both had a memory which we couldn't quite recall - a snap decision couldn't be made until we figured out what that was and as soon as we realised it it was sorted instantly.Yeah my post was just about the whole communication and management structure in general it wasn't a dig at Matt. If that's the case with the HxHD then yeah the Community AGM should of just posted and drew a line under it. It seems the filtering thing was just a one-off but anyway, Nvrspk always showed authority and his opinion was always quite clear. He usually posted his opinion, allowed you to respond and then he'd reply again. After that he'd just end it or lock the thread and you knew then, Nvrspk wasn't going to change his mind and move on. The current management just seem to debate things forever in pointless discussions which makes things unclear and lack authority at times.

[Hecktix]

Yeah my post was just about the whole communication and management structure in general it wasn't a dig at Matt. If that's the case with the HxHD then yeah the Community AGM should of just posted and drew a line under it. It seems the filtering thing was just a one-off but anyway, Nvrspk always showed authority and his opinion was always quite clear. He usually posted his opinion, allowed you to respond and then he'd reply again. After that he'd just end it or lock the thread and you knew then, Nvrspk wasn't going to change his mind and move on. The current management just seem to debate things forever in pointless discussions which makes things unclear and lack authority at times.

I agree really, and I'm the same - although saying that when I did state my answer and close a thread I got slated :P I think generally we have a very strong Management team at Habbox, I think one of the weaknesses of current General (and Forum actually) Management is that we can be too soft with member ideas, nvrspk4 and 8Freak8 were a lot more selective and stubborn, and whilst it sounds like this is a better way, being too soft has it's consequences.

I think the best thing about Matt as GM is his ideas, he is a very intelligent bloke who has good visions for the future.

[-:Undertaker:-]

I agree really, and I'm the same - although saying that when I did state my answer and close a thread I got slated :P I think generally we have a very strong Management team at Habbox, I think one of the weaknesses of current General (and Forum actually) Management is that we can be too soft with member ideas, nvrspk4 and 8Freak8 were a lot more selective and stubborn, and whilst it sounds like this is a better way, being too soft has it's consequences.

I think the best thing about Matt as GM is his ideas, he is a very intelligent bloke who has good visions for the future.

No Oli honestly, the forums far better like now where you take into account the ideas and suggestions of members.

Please do not go back to what it used to be like.

[Hecktix]

No Oli honestly, the forums far better like now where you take into account the ideas and suggestions of members.

Please do not go back to what it used to be like.

Oh I'm not saying let's go back to the dictatorship, hell no - without member feedback I'd be nowhere, I just think that sometimes the bad ideas aren't said no to quick enough :P

[AgnesIO]

To be fair to Matt, I would NEVER pick any of the other upper management member's to take him over straight away. He does a good job in my opinion - although I think he does need to learn how to tell members decisions etc and be more 'up front' in giving his opinions.

Also, I cannot believe I am saying this, however I actually PREFERRED habbox when members were not given as strong input as they are now. As to be honest, most the members who give the thoughts, couldn't run the site if they tried, and I know I probably couldn't. I think getting the balance between listening to member's and the actual decision's is essential. I personally believe that the Sunday Update thing is not a brilliant idea anymore. I think 'fortnightly' updates would be a FAR better idea - I always seem to think management are forced in to making random updates that don't really need to be made. For example when the FAQ is changed - a one word change isn't exactly needed (especially to be made public!) However at the same time, I do strongly believe that having updates at a set time is brilliant as a lot of members look forward to seeing what the updates are - just I think they are done slightly too often :)

[immense]

What a load of old tosh. This thread has been created on heresay when quite frankly the OP is not actually in any position to judge the facts because he doesn't know them anymore than I do - sounds like a backroom attempt at a A coup d'état. Under Matt there has been more changes than I can remember. More lenient rules and lifting the filter.
More generous avatar and signature sizes. Changes in user ranks so new members start off with 'gold' status and more benefits. Removal of old infractions etc. If there is 'tension' in the managerial ranks then they should all to look to themselves to see perhaps what they are doing wrong themselves, examine whether they keep to their own roles and respect others roles and it and come together as a team. Matt is very dedicated and intelligent enough to run this Forum. Don't forget he has Jin to liaise with and that is not that easy this time of year.
He also has two able AGMs to assist him. As far as I am concerned - well done Matt! :love3:

First and last time probably, I agree. As much as I love Garion and have no doubt he could step in as GM with immediate effect I think Matt is actually good for Habbox. I think there are other management positions that should be reviewed. I think there have been some really positive changes and although I don't come on as much any more the management team seem together(ish). I think this is just people trying to push him out, trying to cause some controversy and aren't in any position to make these judgements. Matt isn't the best GM Habbox has ever had but he's been in the job for two months and has done a better job than Sammeth. and Nvrspk4 combined.

[Blinger$]

To be honest I think this really isn't needed. He does a fine job, he responds to threads when needed obviously he can't responde to EVERY thread, even in feedback. A lot don't need him to respond to =\

[Nixt]

I'll post in this thread now :P. I'll start by saying I am flattered with the fact that (some of) you guys think I'd make a good GM. It's nice to know that people think I am capable and that in turn makes me think that you believe that I am good at the job I do right now.

As individuals, members of the Management team at Habbox might not be as strong as some of our predecessors (I'm not restricting that to Matt, I am saying in general). I think we'll all admit that. Nevertheless, as a unified unit I think we are a very strong team. Whilst we each have our exclusive roles, we all help and support one another so that we are able to take one another's expertise and apply it to different situations. The Assistant General Managers are there to support Matt in his role, and that is what we do. Equally, Matt supports us where we need assistance in our specific roles.

So perhaps one of us might not be as amazing with words as the other, perhaps one of us might not be as familiar with ideas for competitions and events, perhaps one of us might get confused with this or that, but we are all there for each other to ensure that what needs doing, gets done.