TI continues its slow decline since Takta (my impression was that Takta was Kinaed's counterbalance) was fired. I enjoy playing here. The coded systems are fantastic, and the setting is fleshed out. But TI's staff has always been what sets it apart from other MU*s, and these days, unfortunately, it's only enjoyable in spite of the staff, not because of them. I'm pessimistic about the direction the game is going in and could not recommend it in its current state.

Staff readily admit they have little on-grid presence, and yet, still try to implement new systems and policy without listening to the ones whose experience is affected. A glance at the forums shows how certain staff don't attempt to read or understand player posts anymore before they dismiss them at best, and accuse them of cheating at worst (Kinaed is infamous for this). For example, when someone pointed out a problem with new hood/cloak code and asked if they could reconfigure cloaks for free to compensate, Kinaed accused them of trying to cheat out of paying--even though the problem was caused by an ill-thought code revision and was not anything a person would realistically have to pay for.

Staff assumes problems are solved when players are silenced, or give up out of frustration. Which means there's a sad amount of nastiness behind staffer backs in private tells and other bile that sours the atmosphere. Players generally act content and reassure the staff publicly, because as Kinaed has said, you don't want to be on her bad side. And she has her favorites, meaning, certain players can break rules and harass others without repercussion. The players who think there aren't, are generally the favorites.

I will probably take my leave when the next few major systems go in (an assets automation system that seems to be tailored to privilege oldbies, as one example). While players are constantly reassured that staff will continue to look at and rebalance new additions to the game, we are often ignored in practice. Kinaed encourages players to speak their minds, assures them she has heard them, and then proceeds to move on without taking action.

They branded the last negative review on this site a 'troll review' when it was, in fact, written by a current player. Which goes to show where staff mentality is with regards to improving their game. Staff priorities include 'revitalizing' the grid with repetitive NPCs designed to occupy player roles. Want to take your bard busking in the city's major tavern? Sorry, there's already one there that you'll have to ignore.

Hopefully staff will read this and look at their game with a critical eye, but I am expecting little more than to be lashed out at and branded a 'troll.'