No longer a GM, but:
- Other than Customer Service type qualifications (professional, manners, and such)
- Ability to communicate clearly & efficiently
- Common sense, good sense of judgement
- Adept with computers and/or some sort of technical skill and understanding of "why would the client do X, or why would it do Y"
- Patience
- Ability to act with discretion when handling confidential matters
- And of course, the ability to not be biased in all situations, and follow the rules "to a T"
- Be able to take constructive criticism and grow from it
Pluses:- Ability to read and write in another language
- Ability to script
- Fast learner
- Average to slightly above average understanding of game mechanics
As for RL friends, no, we were not all RL friends prior to Anima/Anthem. However, during Anthem relationships were formed after we became GMs. I knew who Talis was in game prior, however I was never a "friend" I would say. Same goes for Adrift and the rest of them. I have however, met Talis IRL. I haven't met Adrift yet but I've called him. Kairiya has texted me. I want to visit Adrift some time, when time permits it.
Some of the GMs were nominated by other GMs. Then the rest would investigate to see if this player seemed to perhaps be close to something that would fit the bill. Once several GMs OK'd the new GM in question, then they got approached. (See: Kairyia)
The other GMs and PRs were selected from the hiring that we had. I had them write out a resume with full cover letter. I then selected the ones that followed all directions to a T. Then I posted the resumes along with cover letter to the other GMs and let them go through it and we nominated and discussed the ones that were left over from the first phase.
Shortly there after, some references were contacted to verify. Then upon finishing that, I interviewed the ones left over. Presented to the GM team one last time, then contacted the players.