The issue in question includes people, either implicitly or explicitly, mimicking the role of server administration by:
- accusing others of wrongdoing;
- explaining server rules;
- attempting to mediate issues.
Whether this is a bad thing or not all comes down to one factor:
are the person's actions beneficial or malicious?
It is not uncommon to see people accusing others, but this is already condemned as slander (it might not necessarily be slander or libel, however our rules define this term differently). For instance, the OOC chat there's the classic 'RDM!' or 'wtf why arrest' are generally deleted where possible and in severe cases where there is a clear attempt of defamation, a staff member may explicitly intervene. So on reflection,
this is already accounted for - we do not allow it and we act against it.
A further example is where a member notices lack of familiarity or understanding of a rule, and autonomously offers explanation. Commonly this takes place with respect to new members, and I have even asked regular members to assist new players in learning how to play the server, and understanding the rules. This kind of thing is a blessing more than a problem!
On exception, accusatory behaviour in this context would be considered malicious: 'you know you cannot do x' in regard to an act, 'x', is technically accusing another member and therefore is slander. It comes down to discretion -
if someone politely offers advice - only actually offering it with the consent of the other party - and that advice is genuine to the best of the other member's knowledge, there's no issue with this.
Mediation is where a member attempts to settle a dispute between two others, like the administration do with 'admin sits'. Generally, the person thought to be 'backseat moderating' offers their help, whips out their physgun, and tries to sort out a problem. So long as all involved are consenting, and the advice given is genuine and helpful -
what is the problem; what has it got to do with you?!
Although I recognise and acknowledge that some members may be upset at the aforementioned actions - whether they are considered condescending or just irritating - the chances are that if someone acts maliciously or tries to act in these ways without consent of the other parties, they are already breaking the server rules. Imperial is correct in raising the fact that some members may feel inclined to list off every rule and essentially take the role of the staff member during interventions, but is also correct in pointing out that we will take steps to prevent this and do the job ourselves.
Overall, there is no problem as long as the offered help is beneficial, no rules are violated in the process, and those involved are satisfied that someone 'on their level' is trying to help them. In any other case, it's probably already covered by the server rules.
