Posted by Counselor Damsel on March 06, 1999 at 11:19:33:

Seems that although this is called a story board, we are really not meant to be posting stories here. :)
Here are my answers to the questions we are supposed to answer here:

Comment on my situation and daily exploits:
Well, I am a network engineer for a very large company and my job is very demanding. I am also an avid player so that means finding time to counsel is very challenging. Prior to counseling I read the owo.com website for updates and shard issues, the COB Discussion and Development message boards, email, UOSS HOC and other sources for information and updates that might affect me, my callers or my fellow counselors. Any quesionable issues I test if I can. Then I jump in, hopefully prepared for the questions I will get. I try to get in 20+ hours a week of counseling.

What do I like about my tasks:
I like meeting all the different people and tackling the baffling situations. I try to inject some humor into the difficult calls and make the players who lost something that cant be replaced feel a bit better about it. I really enjoy giving a push in the right direction to someone struggling for a long time and seeing them get past that one hurdle and rush on with their goal :)

What part of my personality makes me a better counselor:
Love of the game
Sense of humor
Natural curiosity
I like to test, everything. :) I think that, along with a good sense of humor, helps me to understand the callers concerns and nudge them in the right direction or clear up misconceptions. Generally, a sense of humor is handy when a player is unhappy. Having been in most of their situations, empathy is not a problem and a joke or a tickle makes me feel better so I try to pass that along with my experience. I love the game, the players, the changes and the challenges. I think my love of the game and all it encompasses is my greatest asset when counseling.

What do I wish players understood about me:
Hmm. Tough one since I don't feel misunderstood :) I guess I would like them to know:
I can't give away my robe (even if I wanted to)
I can't be attacked (tho I don't mind them trying)
I can't hurt them or ban them
(and i wouldn't want to)
I am not UO police ;)
Mostly, I am a guide, a source of information.

I am much the same as a counselor as I am as a player. I am more humble as I cannot defend myself if attacked verbally and it can be frustrating. I have feelings like anyone and am hurt when insulted or abused by others. It's kind of like attacking a kitten since that is about how defensless we are when robed.

I've enjoyed sharing on this board. I hope the readers find it useful.

Good luck and good fun to you all!
*Blows Kisses*

Counselor Damsel
Atlantic

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