oli / matt / agm team

[nvrspk4]

Eek, I've been mentioned a few times in this thread so I thought I'd pitch in.

The argument about rebels and such isn't fair. I was given chances and I think I earnt them. The time I resigned rather publically as News Manager over my dispute with Nvr was a personal thing with him as GM that I felt was justified. Still, I apologised. Yet, when I wanted to return to News, I was declined several times. Based on nothing but my previous reputation. I think it's unfair. It even got to the point where there were arguments between people. I was then allowed to return on a trial basis, something I found to be completely unfair considering all my time at Habbox and the fact I was a manager. I then proved myself to a valuable asset and I am now a Senior in Articles.

I wasn't given a trial, however, without having to do some serious convincing. Martin is a great manager but at first I was treated unfairly and based on reputation.

I do feel that Habbox is a bit of a boys club these days in terms of General Management. I think people do get promoted based more on their relationship with General Management rather than their talents yet everytime, they've proved themselves to be a valuable asset. It may not be fair but it gets the job done. Martin's promotion was well deserved but I can understand why people are confused. He left Habbox because he felt it was time to move on, I understand and we've all been there, yet he changed his mind so was given a General Management position. This isn't a slight on him but I feel that had it been anyone else, that wouldn't have happened.

And can anyone honestly say if Seacat or Adzeh wanted back in News they'd have to do a trial? I think that there needs to be a similar rule for everyone when it comes to returning after resignation/dismissal.

I want to reitorate this isn't me having a go. Martin is fantastic, he's a nice guy but he'll admit he was a tough nut for me to crack!

I don't want to derail the thread so I won't get into specifics, but to be fair, although I completely agree that not rehiring you was almost exclusively linked to the way in which you chose to make your departure, it wasn't me disliking you that was the rationale for letting you return. I've let people I dislike back into Habbox, if there is no legitimate reason to keep them out, the GMs personal opinion isn't a good reason except for the AGM team.

That said, I should bring up that point. If as AGM you're not going to be able to work with the GM, you will not be promoted, nor should you be. For me, it wasn't that I needed proof that I could work with you, I'd try out anyone qualified. However, if you had showed me that it would be difficult to work with you, then I probably wouldn't promote you, because if you were to be my AGM you'd need to function well as a part of a very critical four-man-team. So it's not that you need to be "in", it's just that you need to have not been too difficult. Even then it's not impossible, but I'll refrain from citing cases

[Martin]

Eek, I've been mentioned a few times in this thread so I thought I'd pitch in.

The argument about rebels and such isn't fair. I was given chances and I think I earnt them. The time I resigned rather publically as News Manager over my dispute with Nvr was a personal thing with him as GM that I felt was justified. Still, I apologised. Yet, when I wanted to return to News, I was declined several times. Based on nothing but my previous reputation. I think it's unfair. It even got to the point where there were arguments between people. I was then allowed to return on a trial basis, something I found to be completely unfair considering all my time at Habbox and the fact I was a manager. I then proved myself to a valuable asset and I am now a Senior in Articles.

I wasn't given a trial, however, without having to do some serious convincing. Martin is a great manager but at first I was treated unfairly and based on reputation.

I do feel that Habbox is a bit of a boys club these days in terms of General Management. I think people do get promoted based more on their relationship with General Management rather than their talents yet everytime, they've proved themselves to be a valuable asset. It may not be fair but it gets the job done. Martin's promotion was well deserved but I can understand why people are confused. He left Habbox because he felt it was time to move on, I understand and we've all been there, yet he changed his mind so was given a General Management position. This isn't a slight on him but I feel that had it been anyone else, that wouldn't have happened.

And can anyone honestly say if Seacat or Adzeh wanted back in News they'd have to do a trial? I think that there needs to be a similar rule for everyone when it comes to returning after resignation/dismissal.

I want to reitorate this isn't me having a go. Martin is fantastic, he's a nice guy but he'll admit he was a tough nut for me to crack!

I think the main difference was that I didn't know you well at the time/how you worked within a team and all I had in front of me was facts about how your management ended etc.

I personally feel that if a manager has had no experience working with someone, doesn't know how well they would work (because they haven't had chance to see a) your application in the first place, b) how well you worked etc then I don't see what's wrong with making it on a trial basis. Managers want to ensure that they are hiring the perfect people for the roles, and you can't always base things on assumption and sometimes it is nice to gain an idea of how well people work and their working styles etc (as was proved when I saw how good you were).

Another issue being that things within departments will change, the level of reporters may step up, and the manager may want to take people who they have no experience with back on a trial basis. I think in this case it was merely that I had already planned out what direction my staffing was going, and that I wanted to take things cautiously, rather than just say to everyone from the past who I'd not seen working within the department "oh sure yeah come back". Other departments do this on a trial basis too, and I think it doesn't do any harm.


I don't think you were treated unfairly at all and I think I had every right to be a little cautious before deciding to hire you, and yes I was tough on you- mainly because I had my departments best interests at heart, and needed to ensure that the team dynamics would be good and that you were as good as I hoped you were (which you were).


Regarding the AGM bit, I'm not sure why it's such an issue really. There are no set rules as to who becomes/should become the next agm, and I think Jin/Matt would do this based on a lot of things and wouldn't take the decision lightly. It depends on what area it is I guess, and community agm involves interacting with the community, running promotions/events and managing community staff effectively to ensure that the links within habbo and the community remain strong and that the Habbox name is out there. These are things that you gain experience in when you're managing a department for over a year, having worked in three community based departments (rv, events & comps) and also being part of forum management for a short while. I'm not saying I'm perfect for the job, but I do think it's something I could certainly have a good go at. If I had left for a very long period of time, things would have changed.- The people/dynamics and overall feel of the forum/sites would have changed and it wouldn't have been right for me to even attempt the role. It really is based on experience, however providing you're up to date with what the role requires of you. It's happened many times before- people have changed their minds and returned on numerous occasions, and in the past I can remember the times where the staff agm role has been open and people have said "oo bolt will get this etc etc" and the fact is- you never can tell what will happen here. Jin/Management make these decisions for a reason and it's always for the good of the fansite.

I don't think you can apply a similar rule here. Mostly it's quite simple to work out whether you would feel comfortable with someone in a role, and it's quite easy to work out whether they would have the skills/dedication required to carry out that job effectively. It depends on current circumstance, but most importantly- what the manager(s) above feel is the right thing to do. If they had offered me another role or even a trial I would have accepted- mainly because I am doing this because I enjoy being part of Habbox, and taking that short break made me realise this more.

[Inseriousity.]

I disagree entirely - in the real world that might be the case, you have to do the job and get on with it, but here everything is about who you're working with. Teamwork is something that's far far more successful when the team all get along, and of course if it's made more enjoyable then people will do better jobs of it. I know from experience that having one or two members of the management team that the rest don't like means that more effort gets put into rounding up ways to get rid of them than actually doing their jobs

I'd say it was the same in real life too although as it's a career rather than a hobby, it's more subtle!

I don't think any managers think it's unfair that people resigned then came back as AGM. They hire who they want to hire and it's easier to work with them than saying 'grr you took my job'

At the end of the day, it's an online game not a job with Lord Sugar.

[HotelUser]

I don't think public complaints about promotions should ever be something allowed to be discussed, in the past it's just hurt feelings and all it will do is hurt feelings now and in the future.

[Hecktix]

Eek, I've been mentioned a few times in this thread so I thought I'd pitch in.

The argument about rebels and such isn't fair. I was given chances and I think I earnt them. The time I resigned rather publically as News Manager over my dispute with Nvr was a personal thing with him as GM that I felt was justified. Still, I apologised. Yet, when I wanted to return to News, I was declined several times. Based on nothing but my previous reputation. I think it's unfair. It even got to the point where there were arguments between people. I was then allowed to return on a trial basis, something I found to be completely unfair considering all my time at Habbox and the fact I was a manager. I then proved myself to a valuable asset and I am now a Senior in Articles.

I wasn't given a trial, however, without having to do some serious convincing. Martin is a great manager but at first I was treated unfairly and based on reputation.

I do feel that Habbox is a bit of a boys club these days in terms of General Management. I think people do get promoted based more on their relationship with General Management rather than their talents yet everytime, they've proved themselves to be a valuable asset. It may not be fair but it gets the job done. Martin's promotion was well deserved but I can understand why people are confused. He left Habbox because he felt it was time to move on, I understand and we've all been there, yet he changed his mind so was given a General Management position. This isn't a slight on him but I feel that had it been anyone else, that wouldn't have happened.

And can anyone honestly say if Seacat or Adzeh wanted back in News they'd have to do a trial? I think that there needs to be a similar rule for everyone when it comes to returning after resignation/dismissal.

I want to reitorate this isn't me having a go. Martin is fantastic, he's a nice guy but he'll admit he was a tough nut for me to crack!

I don't want to derail the thread so I won't get into specifics, but to be fair, although I completely agree that not rehiring you was almost exclusively linked to the way in which you chose to make your departure, it wasn't me disliking you that was the rationale for letting you return. I've let people I dislike back into Habbox, if there is no legitimate reason to keep them out, the GMs personal opinion isn't a good reason except for the AGM team.

That said, I should bring up that point. If as AGM you're not going to be able to work with the GM, you will not be promoted, nor should you be. For me, it wasn't that I needed proof that I could work with you, I'd try out anyone qualified. However, if you had showed me that it would be difficult to work with you, then I probably wouldn't promote you, because if you were to be my AGM you'd need to function well as a part of a very critical four-man-team. So it's not that you need to be "in", it's just that you need to have not been too difficult. Even then it's not impossible, but I'll refrain from citing cases

Joey, I think nvr has clearly highlighted why News Management (and General Management obviously, as General Management regulate all hirings and would intervene if they believed a department manager was not offering a role on unfair grounds) were cautious about hiring you, as I've said earlier in the thread I have no problem with taking back people who resign in positions they are suitable for depending on the nature of their resignation, if someone resigns and makes a huge statement against Habbox it's going to cause issues with you getting rehired, as at the end of the day what you did when you resigned was abused the PM quota you got as a manager and spammed the whole forum, which if you had not resigned would have been a sackable offence - which is why caution was taken over rehiring you and I think the issue with you was that you had just come back and wanted back in instantly - this rarely happens when controversy has been involved, you were given a chance to show yourself around the forums and then Martin gave you a chance, quite rightly on trial. The reason I've quoted nvr's post too is that it is all relevant, although nvr I was reading that "rebellion" you talk of the other day and it was only three posts in the HxHD staff forums

I'd say it was the same in real life too although as it's a career rather than a hobby, it's more subtle!

I don't think any managers think it's unfair that people resigned then came back as AGM. They hire who they want to hire and it's easier to work with them than saying 'grr you took my job'

At the end of the day, it's an online game not a job with Lord Sugar.

I think this highlights the important thing at the end of the day, the Managers are happy and the General Management team is happy, we all get on and that is what will help Habbox work for a brighter future. If Martin and I clashed, or Matt and I clashed or Matt and Alkaz or Matt and Martin or Alkaz and Martin or Alkaz and I our team would not work and I can tell you, it does work and I would be worried if this team were to change.

[Hayleigh]

I don't think public complaints about promotions should ever be something allowed to be discussed, in the past it's just hurt feelings and all it will do is hurt feelings now and in the future.

This I will plus rep when I can D:

[Sameer!]

I worked under Martin's management for about 5-6 months in the news department, I can honestly say that he is the BEST department manager I have worked with and I have no doubt he will and is doing an excellent job in his current AGM position. He's incredibly friendly and hard working, you just can't help but love him. He always helped me and I'm sure other people will agree with me on this.

[Nuxty]

Jesus, Mary & Joseph! All of this over one issue?! In my own opinion I just say who cares?! It is up to Jin and Sierk when it comes to who they want to run the site they pay for. Oli left in order to settle in at Uni, he’s now returned and he is doing an excellent job, a lot of his work is done behind the scenes and he is usually boomed with requests and things to sort. He also deserves the position to be honest as he did great things as FM, just because he left for a while doesn't mean that he shouldn't be considered for a higher position at a later date once he has sorted out his real life commitments - which should always come before Habbox no matter who you are!

Martin on the other hand is wonderful! How could people ever moan about him being brought back as AGM for the Community!???? Martin literally is the Community; he will do so well at the job as it is within his nature 110%. He is kind, caring and fun which is exactly what is needed from a Community AGM. He also like Oli contribued a hell of a lot of time to this site for well over a year, so why shouldn't he be allowed to return in a higher position?

As a Manager, (well I have only been one for like a month but yeah) it doesn't bother me if people leave and return in higher positions. They are clearly being brought back for a reason? Jin, Sierk and Matt know that they will be able to do their jobs successfully and that there will not be any issues with them!

I just think people are trying to create something out of a small issue tbh. I won't go into all the "management keeping secrets from the forum members" stuff as once again I think this is a load of crap. What do you expect? They're not exactly going to run and broadcast future ideas/events as they want to keep things under wraps in order to surprise the community? Habbox would be a lot more boring if things weren't kept a secret!

[Mrs.McCall]

In all fairness, Nvr wasn't GM anymore when I was rehired and I didn't make a statement against Habbox, it was against him (issue resolved now). I just think that it should be on rule for everyone, that's all. The nature of my resignation was dramatic yes, but it wasn't aimed at any of the general management that were around when I wanted to return... so it shouldn't have gone against my favour.

Martin is good at what he does and I think it's a shame he got promoted AFTER he resigned but it's the way it was.

Is it unfair? A little! Honestly, yes it is but at the end of the day that's what life's like. The bloke who golfs with his boss is more likely to be promoted than the guy who ***** him off at the water cooler. It's just the way things are.

[Catzsy]

In all fairness, Nvr wasn't GM anymore when I was rehired and I didn't make a statement against Habbox, it was against him (issue resolved now). I just think that it should be on rule for everyone, that's all. The nature of my resignation was dramatic yes, but it wasn't aimed at any of the general management that were around when I wanted to return... so it shouldn't have gone against my favour.

Martin is good at what he does and I think it's a shame he got promoted AFTER he resigned but it's the way it was.

Is it unfair? A little! Honestly, yes it is but at the end of the day that's what life's like. The bloke who golfs with his boss is more likely to be promoted than the guy who ***** him off at the water cooler. It's just the way things are.

I remember the day in question, well, Joey. LOLOLOLOL Joey you are you and always will be
but the fact is that you are back where you now belong.