This is a quote from another topic. I just wanted to expand on it but not ruin that topics true meaning by bringing unneeded content into it.
There seems to be some confusion on what a GM actually is, so I figured I would weigh in on this topic to clarify what I consider are a few misconceptions.
I see a lot of people saying that GM's give ruling on zone fights, mentioned both here and on SL. However as people are all too fond of pointing out, GMs have no power to do anything at all.
Game Master = Dungeon Master.
This is the person who comes up with story line, creates events and implements them. Advertises and drums up enthusiasm among the players of the game to participate. Makes accommodations for everyone to have something to do during the event and tries to see that all are able to enjoy themselves. The GM is not a player...this means that it is not the GM against the players in a win/lose situation.
Rather, the GM has to be aware of the player's skill, craft foes and obstacles that meet their skill level but do not exceed it, and then set up situations in which a player character can face a challenge and use their skills, talents, and creativity to cope with it. The GM helps the player grow their character. It is important not to create tasks too hard or too easy. Rewards that are too weak or too abundant are also a thing to be avoided.
IT should be noted...ANYONE can do this. I did this for years without the GM powers and it is silly people who think differently. Additionally...zoning is not RP. it is a part of RP. Any action your character performs is RP and it is so much more than just fighting.
There are a TON of people on SL who are starving for RP to do that is not zone fighting and war. There are many many more people who are not powerhouses and need to grow in RP and experience other adventures besides zoning.
As far as rendering decisions on zone fights go, anyone that both parties agree upon can be called in to arbitrate. It is preferable they know how to RP and to zone and understand the rules of game play.
As we can see Kay has pointed out some pretty damn good reasoning here. The simple fact is a GM is supposed to be more then just a "Zone Fight Referee" after all RP is meant to be much more then fighting but rather actually causing your character to live out life through your post (one of the reasons I make Uetto train and eat on a daily basis usually when not rp locked or such... off topic I know). Sadly though, SL has a major portion of its rp dedicated to fighting... and we all know RP fights lead to RL fights.
Anyways, the point I am trying to make here is this. The amount of GM are limited and there are always fights and arguments between rpers causing the GM to become burdened really. Like Kay said the job of GM is much more complex but hell lets face it most think that the ruling of a GM in a zone match is what is truly official.
So I was thinking (this may sound stupid and overrated but meh) why not form a rp council kind of thing? I know it was kinda almost done with the Biju Counicl but why not actually vote 5-6 people to over looking zone fights and such.
These people don't have to truly be GM status but their position would be meaningful non the less. Also having this sort of thing around would help the GM some sense they do have lives you know and can't always be there to give their input. Seriously the number of GM is limited.
Like I said the idea is overrated but I thought it was worth tossing out there. I am sure this isn't the first time it has been brought up but I would like to see it actually happen or something.