Faeryl's LA Q&A

[Faeryl]

Hi Faeryl,

You've addressed the issue of multiple PCs, playing where you DM, and starting at greater than level one in a manner that I, for one, completely agree with.

The question, then, is how are you going to make this happen?

The thread in which the topic was discussed ended on October 30 with Demson supposedly sifting through the discussion and "working it all out". Time passed. Then, on November 18, I and several other people to whom this topic was of interest received a letter from Demson requesting our thoughts on a number of ways he had in mind to satisfy desires on the matter. Time passed. Then Demson resigned.

Nothing was ever posted stating that this issue was closed, or resolved. I could only assume discussions were dragging on behind closed doors somewhere. I wondered what ever came of Demson's ideas.

Yesterday, in chat, I discussed the matter with Zicada. He seemed to think that the matter had been closed and that we should all know it was closed, and further indicated that the admin knew nothing whatsoever of Demson's recent efforts. I am not quite sure what to make of that last, but the end result of the matter, according to Zic:

[14:38] zicada: from an admin pov the matter is closed for now
[14:38] zicada: we dont want to change things that radically
[14:38] zicada: a better approach would be to fork of branch out

So again, my question for Faeryl is how do you intend to make the changes you propose when the rest of the admin body has already deemed the matter closed? Even if the new PA agrees with the changes that still is not a majority vote.

Thanks

If the matter has already been concluded then there is nothing to be done unless the Admin and HDMs are willing as a whole to reopen it. I have no intention to pound on declared dead horses. If they are willing to reconsider, then I would look at both the pros and cons presented and search for a possible compromise that would be agreeable to both points of view. Very few changes are made that have not gone through revision and compromise before being put into effect. The point is that I am willing to pound though the facts to find an agreeable compromise whether i agree or disagree with an idea. It can be difficult and mind numbing, but is necessary if progress is to be made.

[Faeryl]

Thanks for the answers so far


One thing that caught my attention, which I want to ask another quick question about, is this line:

We are going to have to be flexible in order to grow again. I think this allows us to flex without destabilizing the whole.

These are pretty big changes that have been proposed here, with at least one of them altering the Pillars - which have almost come to have a mystical status in ALFA, rightfully or not. However, your platform seemed to be slanted very much against any radical change.

Keeping in mind that you have taken this idea to the next level - to apply it to NWN2 as well - in what circumstances would big changes like these be acceptable? When you feel that the arguments are well reasoned? When there is a simple majority of players/admin/HDMs/whatever supporting the idea?

To quote my platform "My platform is not based on radical change. There may be things that need to be changed, but I do not support changing things unless doing so would be an improvement. I prefer to look at the over all picture - past, present, and future – when a problem arises, then to focus on the future when determining the need for change."

Yes, the three ideas presented are a radical change from ALFA's Pillars. But ALFA is also radically different form when those pillars were first envisioned. The purpose of pillars are to hold up weight, be it the weight of a roof or the weight of lofty ideals. They are necessary. But sometimes the weight of the pillars puts too much stress on the foundation. ALFA's foundation are the people who build, script, manage, and play here. It is built upon the needs of its current and future populace. If an ideal is holding us back from enjoying the game, be it from behind the DM client or from behind our PC, then it isn't much of an ideal. We don't want to strangle ourselves from fear of change, nor do we want to shoot ourselves in the foot by being too flip.

So when would I support change? When change would improve ALFA as a whole both now and in the future. Especially when it changes something that has been problematic for so long. When that change is supported by the majority. And lastly,when there is logic and reason driving the change. We must be careful not to change on a whim, but we must also be careful not to become too stodgy or hidebound. Either one could bring down not just the pillars, but the entire foundation.

[Nalo Jade]

Hi NJ, and good luck on your run. I think the major difference would be the intensity of our responses. You are very energetic and persistent. I am more the, ummm, pondering type. I prefer weighing my thoughts well before speaking. I believe you would charge in to attempt making changes and while I'm not opposed to change, I would give deep consideration before pushing towards implementing any change.

So you are turtle and I am hare?

I would rather be moose and squirrel.

Do you believe that ALFA is on life support and needs hospice care to ease its passing?

I personally believe that ALFA is on life support and needs surgery to resurrect her.

If you were the surgeon what operations do you think are the most crucial to bring about a resurrected constitution?

[Wynna]

Thank you for you answers, Faeryl. Just knowing you've thought on them is answer enough, in its own way.

[fluffmonster]

i fully support faeryl for lead. good luck and fair winds.

[Faeryl]

So you are turtle and I am hare?

Basically, yes.

I would rather be moose and squirrel.

I envision it more like a hurricane vs a pleasant spring shower.

Do you believe that ALFA is on life support and needs hospice care to ease its passing?

I personally believe that ALFA is on life support and needs surgery to resurrect her.

No. I believe ALFA is depressed and suicidal. Anger and bitterness does that in time. It needs therapy to help it untwist its thinking, not surgery to cut out its heart.

If you were the surgeon what operations do you think are the most crucial to bring about a resurrected constitution?

I think what ALFA needs for survival is what any person or community needs, hope for something better, faith that it can happen, and knowing their leaders care about them enough to work towards improvement.

[Faeryl]

i fully support faeryl for lead. good luck and fair winds.

Thanks fluff. Your endorsement means a lot to me.

[Nalo Jade]

The moose & squirrel bit was intended to mean I would rather be "team mates" rather than adversaries...Rocky and Bullwinkle...

Hurricane?

I'm sorry that you have gotten this impression from my vigor(?) that I am a terrible storm bent on cutting the heart out of ALFA.

May I ask what part of my platform seems to indicate this type of leadership?

To me our platforms seem pretty much the same. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

We both agree that it is not the LA's job to effect change only to assist and motivate Admin to effectively work on the Goals they have on their table.

We both agree that a veto should only be used as a tool to support ALFA.

We both agree that multiple PCs, Higher than 1st level start, and DMs playing on servers they DM on would not be a bad thing, we even agree on the "details" of those issues...we both also agree that it is not LA's job to push such a change.

We both agree that ALFA needs up front leadership, acting as an intermediary.

We both agree that PR is important and that LA should act as the "face" of ALFA.

We both agree that the LA should be held to the highest standards of conduct.

I'm sure it could be that I cannot see the forest because of all the trees, but I'm not seeing this "hurricane" you describe, and I'd rather not be misrepresented...

I know that you lack the ambitious dedicated opposition that I have recruited over the years, nor do you carry the stigma of a 4 year old flame fest with Vendrin and others over something as ridiculous as "demanding" to be treated with respect, and wanting to start a PnP campaign.

Being without these weights gives you a pretty sizable advantage over me without adding the illusion that I would cut out ALFA's heart presumably to spite its cardiovascular system.

Moose and Squirrel, I would like to know that if either of us were to win that we would turn our volunteer spirit into a joint effort. I wouldn't propose this if I thought our platforms were at odds.

If I were to win, and I asked/begged you to assume the position of PR Staff Head, would you take the position?

Is there a reason that you would not ask me to work with you as PR Staff Head? Do you have someone else in mind?

I ask this because for the last ... 8 months or so the PR department has been held together by SenorT, and the multiple requests to have someone take this on, has netted nothing.

I am getting the feeling that you wish to keep the status quo, except for this therapy you speak of...

How will you mend the wounds Zelknolf has received by working on WD and getting it up to snuff only to find out she cannot be an HDM?

How will you mend the wounds suffered by the lack of an HDM for the NWN2 SkullPort server, according to Vendrin someone volunteered to HDM the server but was turned down?

How will you mend the rift between the NWN1 and NWN2 crowds?

How will you get more DMs for the OAS1 &2?

How will you get more DMs and builders for both projects?

These are tough questions, but as Wynna said, even if you choose not to answer in public...you have at least thought about them a little, and that's a good thing.

I can tell you I am tired of being the black sheep of ALFA. It saddens me to think that you may truly believe that I would barge into the position and cause more problems than solutions.

I am wearing the banner of change, not tsunami change but cold calculated systematic planned progress...but with only 6 months, I concede that my method would not be to sit in a care bear circle and nurture each other. (I hope you understand I don't think that's what you intend to do, it just seemed too funny to resist. What you're proposing is a given that must happen as well.)

I want to efficiently analyze the problems, formulate a plan, and execute the plan without undo delay. I have been in the community for not so long as you, however I don't think its rocket science to problem solve this communities troubles, we have already made huge steps forward with the moderation system...that imo was the first step to "healing" ALFA, we had to have a sanitary place to work in.

[fluffmonster]

i fully support faeryl for lead. good luck and fair winds.

Thanks fluff. Your endorsement means a lot to me.

It was bound to mean something to someone .

May the accomplishments of your House sharpen the envy and aspirations of your daughters. Presuming you win, of course.

[Faeryl]

The moose & squirrel bit was intended to mean I would rather be "team mates" rather than adversaries...Rocky and Bullwinkle...

Hurricane?

I'm sorry that you have gotten this impression from my vigor(?) that I am a terrible storm bent on cutting the heart out of ALFA.

May I ask what part of my platform seems to indicate this type of leadership?

To me our platforms seem pretty much the same. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

We both agree that it is not the LA's job to effect change only to assist and motivate Admin to effectively work on the Goals they have on their table.

We both agree that a veto should only be used as a tool to support ALFA.

We both agree that multiple PCs, Higher than 1st level start, and DMs playing on servers they DM on would not be a bad thing, we even agree on the "details" of those issues...we both also agree that it is not LA's job to push such a change.

We both agree that ALFA needs up front leadership, acting as an intermediary.

We both agree that PR is important and that LA should act as the "face" of ALFA.

We both agree that the LA should be held to the highest standards of conduct.

I'm sure it could be that I cannot see the forest because of all the trees, but I'm not seeing this "hurricane" you describe, and I'd rather not be misrepresented...

I know that you lack the ambitious dedicated opposition that I have recruited over the years, nor do you carry the stigma of a 4 year old flame fest with Vendrin and others over something as ridiculous as "demanding" to be treated with respect, and wanting to start a PnP campaign.

Being without these weights gives you a pretty sizable advantage over me without adding the illusion that I would cut out ALFA's heart presumably to spite its cardiovascular system.

Moose and Squirrel, I would like to know that if either of us were to win that we would turn our volunteer spirit into a joint effort. I wouldn't propose this if I thought our platforms were at odds.

If I were to win, and I asked/begged you to assume the position of PR Staff Head, would you take the position?

Is there a reason that you would not ask me to work with you as PR Staff Head? Do you have someone else in mind?

I ask this because for the last ... 8 months or so the PR department has been held together by SenorT, and the multiple requests to have someone take this on, has netted nothing.

I am getting the feeling that you wish to keep the status quo, except for this therapy you speak of...

How will you mend the wounds Zelknolf has received by working on WD and getting it up to snuff only to find out she cannot be an HDM?

How will you mend the wounds suffered by the lack of an HDM for the NWN2 SkullPort server, according to Vendrin someone volunteered to HDM the server but was turned down?

How will you mend the rift between the NWN1 and NWN2 crowds?

How will you get more DMs for the OAS1 &2?

How will you get more DMs and builders for both projects?

These are tough questions, but as Wynna said, even if you choose not to answer in public...you have at least thought about them a little, and that's a good thing.

I can tell you I am tired of being the black sheep of ALFA. It saddens me to think that you may truly believe that I would barge into the position and cause more problems than solutions.

I am wearing the banner of change, not tsunami change but cold calculated systematic planned progress...but with only 6 months, I concede that my method would not be to sit in a care bear circle and nurture each other. (I hope you understand I don't think that's what you intend to do, it just seemed too funny to resist. What you're proposing is a given that must happen as well.)

I want to efficiently analyze the problems, formulate a plan, and execute the plan without undo delay. I have been in the community for not so long as you, however I don't think its rocket science to problem solve this communities troubles, we have already made huge steps forward with the moderation system...that imo was the first step to "healing" ALFA, we had to have a sanitary place to work in.

NJ, rather than answer each question/comment individually, let me make a statement in general.

First, to be truthful, I have not read your platform, or Amar’s or Zelk’s. I decided to run, not because I felt I had more to offer than any other candidate, but because I have noticed a great deal of anger on the forums. While the anger has always been here, when I left ALFA to attend to life, that anger was born of passion for the game and the community. It now seems to come from bitterness. I felt that since I now have all of the free time in the world to dedicate myself to a hobby of my choice it was the perfect opportunity to do something for a group of people that mean a lot to me. So I’m running for LA along side you, not against you. Because I feel I have something to offer, not because I feel I am better.

As for the hurricane vs gentle rain comment, I meant that in energy level, not destructive force. Forgive me for saying this, but you are quite the whirlwind at times, so much so that I think it often makes people’s heads spin. That isn’t meant to be derogatory. It is more an observation of fact than an aimed barb. Slow down a little son.

Your comment on ALFA needing surgery put me off a bit. I do not think it was a good analogy, mostly because surgery is invasive and causes a great deal of stress on the body. It sometimes puts more stress on the body than the actual illness. And people can, and often do, die during surgery. I saw it as meaning that you felt something needed cut out of ALFA, and I am more holistic in my approach to life. It is a fact that anger, hatred, bitterness, frustration, and jealousy do a great deal of harm. If those things can be healed, then you often find that the illness is gone.

As for how I will go about healing the rifts that have occurred between people, platforms, servers and whatever other barriers have arisen. By understanding first why those rifts occurred (research). By exploring what has been done to attempting to resolve them (factfinding), by trying to understand the emotions of the real people behind the screen who have been hurt by the rift (compassion), and by mediating until a solution can be found (diplomacy). None of this guarantees that I can solve anything. It only means I will approach it from a standpoint of caring about the people, as well as the project.

Finally, let me say that I have nothing against you, or any other member for that matter. During the years that I was very active, there were one, possibly two people that I really did not care for. I don’t think anyone really disliked me either. I may have stepped on a few tootsies or ruffled a few feathers in my attempts at getting help for the underdark server(s), but that was long ago, and since I can’t remember any specifics, I doubt they can either, if they are still here. The other DMs of the underdark once assigned our personalities to the drow gods. They compared me to Eilistraee. I found it fitting. I believe there is good in everyone, that wounds can be healed, scars smoothed, and differences rectified. I believe that honey attracts more flies than vinegar. I am an optimist, yes. But I am realistic in that I recognize that all of this takes time, effort, dedication, hard work, hair pulling, teeth gnashing, head banging and above all patience. Patience is something I have in abundance.

Does any of this qualify me for the position of LA. I don’t know. I do know that I can and will work with anyone. I hold no grudges and have none against me that I am aware of. I do not take insults personally, but rather see them as sign that I need to grow and improve myself. Our platforms may be similar in what we see as being needed and what our roles will be, but I have a feeling our approaches will be different. There is also another major difference between us that I perceive. You want this position with your whole heart. I, on the other hand am willing to take it upon myself to serve if that is what the community feels is best. I make no promises on who I will call on to help if I win, or what role I will play in ALFA if I loose. There are plenty of jobs to be done in ALFA, I’m sure I can find something to do.

[Nalo Jade]

your wrong about one thing...

I don't want the LA position with my whole heart...

I don't want it at all...

I just wanted to make sure someone was doing it, someone that would do a good job, and if nothing else to give a good debate to the LA-Elect.

I withdraw from the race, with the expectation that you will win.

You have my vote.

[Faeryl]

your wrong about one thing...

I don't want the LA position with my whole heart...

Darn, it can be really difficult reading someone's mind from behind a computer screen.

Thanks NJ.

**gives NJ a big mother-care-bear hug**

[Rotku]

your wrong about one thing...

I don't want the LA position with my whole heart...

Darn, it can be really difficult reading someone's mind from behind a computer screen.

Don´t give up. Just takes a bit of practice. The spoon isn´t really there.

[Nalo Jade]

*squirms loose from motherly huggles*

um ... Nnnooooooo... Tough Marine is Tough.

I heard fickle nalo is fickle...

fickle people don't put that much time and thought into proposals for change, and like Rotku said... I already said I would step down if someone better came along.

Vendrin? ran last time... I would enjoy debating against him.

Wynna? is retired...but maybe with some bribery? I would withdraw if she came out of retirement...well maybe

AL? I would withdraw if he stepped up...

BrokenBone? I would withdraw if he stepped up...

Chamu? I would withdraw if my boss (again not Zic ) ran...

MShady? I wouldn't withdraw because I would have fun debating with Chuck Norris.

Fluffmonster? Has lulled me into a false sense of believing he is right all the time...I would do battle with the Fluffstapo and his fashionable dressed zombie minions.

Who am I forgetting?

well someone did.

I confess I am a little concerned that Faeryl's mothering will take longer to make changes than may be needed. But even her more cautious pace would likely achieve more than I could with the resistance I might have.

A man has got to know his limitations. -Clint Eastwood.

Faeryl,

I would encourage you to start up talks with the NWN1 community leaders, even before the election, to get some insight into whats going on there.

Best of luck to you, and if you need something my PM box is open and overloaded.

[fluffmonster]

I heard fickle nalo is fickle...

I said it (in chat), and its okay to say so.