Happy new year everyone! In the first of our 2017 SWC update series, we're announcing a new assistant simmaster application. We're also announcing new rules and policies for asims, and I'm announcing that my family is working hard to turn me into Veynom by getting me Star Wars LEGOs for Christmas (work in progress). So, first, the new rules and policies:

• Newly hired asims will no longer be required to irrevocably drop their character. Instead, their characters will be suspended for the duration of being an asim.
• Asims will continue to have no IC activity related to their character while working for the administration.
• Asims will have a defined period of service of six months after which a new group of asims will be hired. There is no limit on the number of terms if reselected.
• Applications will be in January and July, with asims working from February through the end of July and then August through January of next year.
• Compensation in the form of Combine Points will be provided for asims who remain active and effective throughout their service period.
• Asims will be required to use IRC and must be active in staff channels as that is how the majority of decisions are made.
• Asims duties will continue to center around helping players affected by bugs, handling support tickets, and dealing with rules violations. There will be opportunities for asims to assist in designing RP opportunities for SWC at large, along with participating in discussion on game features before they are announced or implemented.

With that in mind, applications should be submitted via email to assistants@swcombine.com. Please answer the following questions in your application.
SWC-specific questions:

1. What is your Combine handle?
2. How long have you played SWC?
3. What have you done IC so far (including previous characters)? What are you working on currently, and what is your position with your faction?
4. Why do you want to become an asim?
5. Are you involved in any other online games or RPGs of a similar nature? If so please describe your position and responsibilities
6. Please provide three references of SWC members who are not on the administration team that have been in the game for at least two years.

Real-life questions:

1. Where do you live?
2. How old are you?
3. What is your occupation?
4. How much time would you like to volunteer per week on improving SWC?
5. Have you performed administrative duties in the past or organized groups/events?

We will be accepting applications through January 15th, 2017, and the selected asims will be announced on the 22nd. They will then have until the 31st to wrap up IC activity and will join the team on the 1st of February.