: Posted by Jack Dipper in USS Resolution NCC-74646 review
: : Posted by Fleet Admiral Jen "Sloth" Herr (President) in USS Resolution NCC-74646 review
: <SNIP>
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: : Alt RPGs don't need to use this format, as the "problem" is standard "we don't have this type of ship", as is the solution "we should commission this type of ship". We still need a discussion about if the club actually wants this ship. Harley asked how to start that discussion and I suggested either free form, like Cordell did, or dropping the charter in. Either way you have the idea and can discuss the merits. I've already weighed in a few cents on this in email, so I'd like to see if there are comments from any other members before making public commentary myself.
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: : /me cuts through some red tape.
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: : Jen
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: You make it sound like I'm creating red tape - that is not my intention. I am, however, concerned at just how easy it appears to be to create an Alt RP.
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Ah, no, sorry, I wasn't trying to insinuate that you were creating red tape. If anything, I created the red tape by instituting that policy last time I was president. The format should be followed for new discussions, but for Alt RPGs it doesn't really fit.

: To that end, I am now going to ask you this: what is the process and criteria for an Alt RP being approved? How does this process aim to avoid situations where the Alt RP fails (e.g. 403rd Platoon).
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: I know this discussion has been raised on multiple occasions by both myself and Larry, but I am getting to the point where I would quite like a definitive answer rather than 'oh, it's something the club wants'.
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: Thanks,
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: Jack

What's wrong with that answer, and how is it not definitive?

The process has not changed significantly from Andy's term, which was the process adopted from my first term:

1. Command discussion
2. Have at least a CO/XO/GM and 5 participants
3. Have a charter
4. Have an acceptable ship or area spec.
5. Final command discussion if needed.

Though we get a few Alt RPG proposals now, it is not "easy" to create an Alt RPG. Ask Cordell if you don't believe me. I have streamlined the process and made it as easy as possible, but there are still significant benchmarks that an Alt RPG must prove before it is considered. I believe we've reached a good balance to weed out the serious Alt RPGs that will have a chance at success from those that do not have a strong driving force to succeed. This process aims to avoid failure in three main ways. First, during charter review, we make sure the charter is locked down and very clear. Second, before final approval, I will make sure the GM has a solid plan in place for the first sim. Finally, I will do the best I can to appoint a CO who is enthusiastic, reliable, and aware of what they're getting themselves into. Those may seem like small things, but I think that's probably where we either make or break a sim, and in the case of an Alt RPG, success or failure. The area's mission needs to be clear, the GM's sim needs to be engaging, and the CO has to be a driving force.

With that said, I do not want this discussion to turn into a "Well the 403rd did X Y and Z and still failed so blah!" Failure is always a possibility, but it's certainly not a good reason to not even try.

You and Larry, and probably some others, have a basic difference of opinion than myself, and probably some others. I believe that Alt RPGs are a good thing for the club, even if they're tried and failed. They encourage creativity and thinking outside the box. If there is a member or two willing to put the amount of work into a project, that is a good thing. People work best when they're working on something they're passionate about, or see as something that they want. If that's a new Alt RPG, that other members might want to jump on, I don't see a problem with that.

I hope that answered your question Jack.

Jen