AmarSldstill wrote:I call on people who support rusty to show why they support him, instead of just showing they do.
If your going to post in this thread and either support or oppose the recall, then post evidence to your claims please.
I would argue that the burden of proof is upon those who wish to have to Rusty recalled to make their arguments persuasive, not upon those that wish to see him see out his term.
I freely admit that I have limited knowledge of inner workings of the DMA, but I can comment articulately on at least one of the issues being raised as a reason for Rusty's dismissal:
He was the main voice against Planetouched, even though previous admin had approved them to be in ALFA
IIRC there was vote/poll in the admin with heated debate from a number of people both on the pro and the con side.
I personally voted against allowing planetouched races (at the time I was briefly HDM of OAS2 and that got me a vote ....i think)
I have never had any of the open animosity for Rusty nor a great deal of conflict with him (except IC ...damn did I hate Von'nes).
Even though I don't get to vote now, I would like to see more specific arguments given in this public forum beyond interpersonal issues.
The long absence is indeed a bit concerning.
How long would it be before the next election cycle if no immediate action was taken?
Who plans to take the spot if it opens?
I am not pushing any agenda here, jsut really trying to parse out for myself whether I really think he needs to be recalled.
Plebs, eh? Discussions, eh? Committiees, eh? Agendas, eh? Pick the best of the best of the best, eh? Love/hate Rusties, eh? Canadiens, eh? Stuff gets done with lead thus makin' him/her useful, eh? Stuff doesn't get done with lead thus making him/her unfit to rule, eh? Stuff gets done irregardless of who or what is lead, eh? Plays a fiddle while rome burns. This is elevator music for the one thousand year decent. Enjoy.
“In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” - Open Message to the Executive Branch.
Shouldn't the burden of proof fall on both sides? Yes, the recallers certainly need evidence, but I would think anyone opposing the recall should be able to find evidence to support their position. If none is delivered it's similar to admitting that none exists to be delivered.
A legal/political argument based on zero evidence is gonna be hard pressed to win a debate, whether on the plaintiff or defendant side.
DD, arguments are on the DMA election board, but I will sum up.
1. He impeded the beta process for TSM going live (ie beta 1 4 days before live when he knew and anticipated it going live on Apr 15th). Which meant a whole team of TSM builders and DM's in one of the most stressful periods (if anyone has experienced getting a server live, then you know) were left in question and doubt of his competence and without his support. TSM went live IN SPITE of the DMA.
2. He granted full DM'ship to individuals and took the full DM'ship away when he invented new types of DM's (ie Builder DM's) without a rational reason for stripping the DM'ship away from those indivduals after promising in a PM that full status was granted without condition. Essentually he broke his word to DM's.
3. He drove many potential NWN2 DM's away due to his new procedures (specifcally a DM APP for returning DM's when their original DM Apps were still on file and the apps had the same wording save for one addition). This left NWN2 TSM server in the precarious position of having two full DM's and one exhausted HDM for coverage.
4. He refused to compromise on the DM App question when a solution was provided that was agreeable with the LA and potential NWN2 DM's.
5. His behavour in his PM's, chats, board language, do not follow the charter on how a DMs should act, and he has demanded the resignation of other DM's who have used similiar language. Essentually, how can a DMA be the judge of the behavoiur of the DM Corps when he is acting against the charter for behaviour?
6. He has pissed off all of the other Admins in one way or form and thus the Admin are often seen in conflict and he is the reason. In fact, when voting for LA, he becomes an election issue and this is not the first time. Quesions such as "How will you work with Rusty" are now common place in Admin elections. Some DMA and LA candidates are running on 'anti-Rusty' platforms.
7. Other PW's have adopted new NWN2 classes and he has opposed this against the other Admins and the majority of ALFA. Finally, when he promised to implement them under pressure from the rest of ALFA he has not done so.
8. His personality has driven great talent and fun individuals away from ALFA, producing an 'Exodus' of ALFA'ns.
It should also be noted that many of his short-comings have to do with NWN2. The majority of voters who continually vote him in are NWN1 DM's or staff who do not see these NWN2 issues as pertinent to their participation in ALFA. Rusty can take advantage of NWN2 requirments as he feels or sees fit without any check or balance due to the lack of NWN2 representation in the DMA voting. As long as he appeases his NWN1 voters, he can do what he pleases with NWN2 on his own schedule orwhen he feels like it.
In fact, you can guarantee that if Rusty ran again in an election right now he would win because his NWN1 don't see the need to be concerned about NWN2 issues.
9. He is dividing ALFA into Nwn1 and Nwn2 camps because he gets voted in by NWN1 voters in every election alienating the NWN2 camp. He also controls who gets the vote for DMA in the NWN2 platform by determining who can become a DM. For example, when I applied finally giving in to the NWN2 DM App process he PM'ed me with a condescending message with extra requirments for me to become a DM.
Rick7475 wrote:It is around. If I post one more PM I have been warned that I will receive a strike.
Even though the community decided that PMs were no longer... 'Private'?
I'd ask the current Lead if that block is still in effect for you, or if it can be lifted for the situation at hand, if you think it is important to your case.
I can't remember now about PM's, but since it is already public, I'll post it again:
Note the date April 10th, when our live date was April 15th. How can you have a server in beta 1 when it's live date is in 5 days?
From: Rusty
To: Rick7475
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 11:12 am
Subject: Re: DM App
Hi Rick
I copied your PM into the DM Application forum this morning. And, of course, TSM is not in Beta Three, but still in Beta One.
Before approving you as a DM, I want to address a few issues.
Firstly, I'd like you to comment on this definition of the HDM's role from the current draft ALFA DMG.
Quote:
HDMs are the stewards of servers, entrusted by ALFA with the responsibility for their administration. Ultimately, HDM have the ability to shape servers in their own image, while operating within the broader context of ALFA; they have either discretion or influence over their team members and server design and content. This is a demanding and rewarding role, for HDMs will find that a significant amount of their time is spent on matters of management, be it supervising plot developments, overseeing PDM training, or resolving disputes. HDMs are entitled to vote in all Administrator elections. HDMs also have a special responsibility for approving exceptional PCs, for upholding the principles of the ALFA Charter, and scrutinising any proposed changes. The DM Administrator, to whom they are accountable for their server and DM team, appoints HDMs.
Are you comfortable with this definition?
Secondly, it is also clearly necessary to consider the causes of recent tension. I have and will always maintain that simple, standardised procedures are the key to solving a great deal of the problems experienced by ALFA during it's NWN1 incarnation, for players and DMs. And as DMA I have and will always work to put them in place. As I have been elected DMA three consecutive times, it appears to be the case that most of ALFA's DMs agree with me. Now, our NWN2 incarnation is, both due to the technical demands and for philosophical reasons, going to be considerably more centralised than that of NWN1. Servers will be less individual domains subject to a HDM, and more areas of delegated control, operating within an overall framework. I expect all DMs to co-operate with each other, including between server teams, and I expect all HDMs to work with both each other and myself in making sure that, behind the DM screen, ALFA operates as smoothly as possible. I welcome all debate about DM policy - but I will not have DMs engaging in the kind of internecine feuds that characterised much of NWN1.
I am not interested in raking over the past, but we must both understand that, going forwards, our goal has to be co-operation, and not conflict. If you have a particular issue you wish to raise with me, then please do so, as soon as it arises, so that we can discuss how to resolve it. There is no need to engage in forum warfare to solve disputes, and I will not tolerate ALFA DMs doing so.
So - I see no reason why you cannot lead a NWN2 TSM DM team into a bright and successful future, but I think it is essential that we are both aware of each other's feelings and concerns before they develop into full-blown disagreement. ALFA will gain nothing from having a divided DM corps - and I see no reason why we cannot unite, and now.
Regards
Rusty
I was an HDM longer than he was and quoting me the HDM Charter is a little condescending.
And, BTW, he already had made me a DM: (emphasis mine)
From: Rusty
To: Rick7475
Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 6:08 am
Subject: Re: TSF DM / Builder list and access to 003 DM forum
Cool.
You have complete control over the 003 DM Usergroup, as far as I am concerned, so add/remove at will. When people start contributing, just let me know and I will add them to the 'NWN2 Team' - and if they are doing a lot then I can make them NWN2 DMs.
From that list, at the moment, AC, Wynn, Dan, and fluff are 'Team' and indio and yourself are DMs.
I'd like to have a meeting with as many of our NWN2 contributors present the weekend after next, i.e. 1-2 September, so we can make sure everyone is on the same page for the push through testnig to Live.
Rusty
Last edited by Rick7475 on Fri Jun 13, 2008 7:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
psycho_leo wrote:Meh.. drama thread is still in the forums to be found if you're all interested. No need for posting PMs again.
And yet. . .
“In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” - Open Message to the Executive Branch.
When so much of ALFA revolves around drama with that one particular Admin, that person should go. ALFA has basically become about Rusty.
I'm not even sure why this is much of a debate. Keeping Rusty is a vote for self flagellation.
He's also gone AWOL, for 3 weeks and hasn't DONE anything for awhile prior besides sand bagging on other issues. For those of you who support him because he hasn't done anything to YOU, I'd advise a more holistic approach. Is he good for the community? Is cancer good for your body?
Also, I'd like to point something else out.
The guy's gone. That he hasn't so much as tried to contact anyone shows how much he cares. Nevermind the actual problems with him, he's not here. He he hasn't been so for awhile.
Like one of those elections against a dead guy; their record is pretty pointless...
"Audentes fortuna juvat - Fortune favors the bold. (Virgil)"
Does anyone have a complete list of how many people have quit ALFA or their positions due in whole or part to Rusty?
I count it as:
Rick7475
Rotku
Heegz
Danielm
Mikayla
Who else?
That PM that Rick re-posted really makes me laugh. Rusty actually telling someone else NOT to take things to the forums after dragging an entire dispute case into the open and trying to destroy/drive out people is ironic.
I guess its only bad when other people do it...
"Audentes fortuna juvat - Fortune favors the bold. (Virgil)"
Core areas: the areas at the heart of the server design (typically including PC starting areas, merchants, low-level content, accommodation, storage).
Consequences: the results of a satisfactory review process.
Live areas: all of the areas intended to be in the server when it goes Live.
Mod Requirements: the minimum build level that is necessary for the server to be reviewed.
Review: the focus of the parties involved assessing the suitability of the team and server for progression.
Team Requirements: the level of DM training necessary for the server to be reviewed.
Roles
DM Admin will be responsible for approving progression between Beta stages.
Infra Admin will be responsible for confirming suitability of hosting infrastructure.
Server Selection Team will be responsible for qualitative analysis of the server.
Standards Team will be responsible for quantitative analysis of the server.
Tech Admin will be responsible for confirming compliance with Tech standards and scripts.
Training Team will be responsible for training NWN2 DMs.
Beta One
Mod Requirements: Core areas built and connected; ATs and doors connected; mod available for testing via player client at regular, announced, times; PWC available for download.
Team Requirements: Appropriate DM to take responsibility for maintenance of Standards Review Spreadsheet.
Review: Server Selection Team conduct ongoing review, focussing on the build of the core areas (particularly, quality and canonical accuracy), adherence to Server Proposal, and plans for further development; Server Selection Team provides feedback to Server Team indicating any areas of concern.
Consequences: DMA may grant Beta Two status; full status for NWN2 HDMs and EADMs.
(actually, he did grant Indio and I full DM status on Oct 25, 2007, but he decided to take it away. However, no HDM or EADM was called).
Beta Two
Mod Requirements: content added to Core areas (non-hostile spawns, merchants, some scripted static quests); OOC areas (morgue, starting area and merchants) in place; some non-core Live areas included; mod available for regular, announced, testing by DM-run sessions; ACR (and any related global scripts) to be fully incorporated.
Team Requirements: DM team begin training and preparing for Live NWN2 DMing, including DM101.
Review: Infra Admin tests host connection; Standards Team conduct ongoing review of server content based on player-testing feedback - focussing on merchants and scripted static quests - providing feedback to Server Team indicating any areas of concern; Tech Admin confirms use of global scripts.
Consequences: DMA may grant Beta Three status; server DMs may apply for NWN2 DM status.
(a funny thing: he began to grant NWN2 DM's, but did not grant beta 2 STATUS ???????)
Beta Three
Mod Requirements: content added to all Live areas (hostile and non-hostile spawns, all merchants, all scripted static quests); all server-specific scripts to be fully operational; persistent storage implemented and tested; host to be stable and fully operational; mod to be consistently accessible; copy of the mod uploaded to DMftp.
Team Requirements: DM team to have sufficient numbers and training for Live NWN2 DMing; DM schedule and faction-involvement published; server lore published.
Review: DMA reviews server DM team; Server Selection Team conduct ongoing (in game) qualitative review; Standards Team conducts final (out of game) review based on Server Review Spreadsheet and a copy of the mod, as well as testing feedback; Tech Admin confirms use of server-specific scripts; reviewers provide feedback to Server Team indicating any areas of concern.
Consequences: DMA may grant Live status; full DM status for NWN2 DMs.
THE DMA DEMONSTRATED on NUMEROUS OCASSIONS THAT HE DID NOT FOLLOW THAT STANDARDS FOR BETA!!!!!!!!!!
