Presidential Edicts
December 1, 2013 to August 2, 2014
Every president must have a motto
Every president must have a motto
Posted 9 December 2013 - 7:23pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #1
"You don't get unity by ignoring the questions that have to be faced." - Jay Weatherill
Kat & I are still taking applications for the remaining open spots. However, in the interest of moving forward and getting to work, I present to you the cabinet for this term:
Fleet Commander-1: Sidney Parker (appointed)
Fleet Commander-2: Kat Dedul (retained)
Fleet Commander-3: Tony Martin (appointed)
Fleet Commander-6: Jen Herr (appointed)
Academy Commandant: Joe P (appointed)
Engineering Director: Robert Archer (retained)
GameMaster Director: Lindsay Bayes (appointed)
Internet Director: Jack Dipper (retained)
Personnel Director: Steven Sigle (appointed)
Supervisor of Experiments: Joe P (retained)
Also, for Executive Assistant changes:
Librarian: Tony Martin (appointed)
Marketing & Advertising Coordinator: Amber DeSadier (appointed)
A separate post will be made with the appointments of Fleet Commander for Fleets Four and Five when those spots are filled. Thanks to all of the previous cabinet for your service last term; also thanks to everyone who applied. Cabinet members, please go about naming your assistants as soon as possible.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 9 December 2013 - 9:45pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #2
Recently, a complaint travelled up the channels from a cadet in the academy that a former member had been sending out recruitment messages for another RP site. The e-mail in question was forwarded to me, and after reviewing it’s contents I requested that the Internet Department look into the sending account.
That account belonged to Ben Park, a former member who’s been inactive for several months. The Internet Department produced logs showing that Park e-mailed every single cadet in our Academy. The message I reviewed was specifically tailored towards our cadets, as well. In supplying the logs, the IDept also informed me of a recruitment drive being put on by the advertised RP club. As such, we’ll be reaching out to them and informing them politely of this incident.
As for Ben Park, this activity accounts for 23 occurrences of unsolicited mail, a TOS violation. Thus, I am placing a three month ban on him from STF, with permanent account suspension until we receive an apology from him.
If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
-Thomas Bates
—President
Posted 11 December 2013 - 9:50pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #3
Considering the applications received since we extended the deadline, which we were happy to receive, Jeremy DeSpain is hereby retained as the Fleet Commander for Fleet Five.
Best of luck, Mr. DeSpain.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 18 December 2013 - 11:30am by Thomas Bates
Edict #4
"When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat." -Nelson Mandela
In combination with my previous update on the state of Fleet Four and its continued existence:
Ty Napier is hereby appointed to the position of Fleet Commander, Fleet Four.
Good luck,
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 8 January 2014 - 1:57pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #5
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." -Ben Franklin
On the recommendation of the Academy Commandant, Elliot Cooper is hereby named Commanding Officer of the USS Discovery.
Best of luck, Mr. Cooper.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 8 January 2014 - 2:01pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #6
"When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat." -Ronald Reagan
On the recommendation of Fleet Commander-6, Raymond Branch is hereby promoted to Captain, with all the rights and privileges that comes with it, and given command of the USS Olympic.
Congratulations, Mr. Branch, and good luck.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 27 January 2014 - 11:21pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #7
Bonjour, Comrades:
About a month ago, in the span of a week, two COs came to me with serious complaints concerning Fleet One. Both requested transfer out of the fleet, for several shared reasons. I do not wish to go into specifics, as I feel Command isn't a place for the airing of such issues in depth. I will, however, provide adequate scope:
This began a series of communications with the Fleet Commander, Sidney Parker, and his assistant, TJ Morgan. These communications very quickly broke down to nothing more than name calling, evasions, and, incredibly, an issuing that our Vice President should not communicate with Fleet One.
Two weeks ago, I gave an ultimatum: improve communications and begin to solve the problems within the fleet, or we would step in. Appropriate measures have not been taken: communications came to a complete halt, until January 25th, in which a single, short, e-mail was sent, a conversation on Fleet Culture and sims was allowed to stall and vanish from the fleet hub, and too little effort was put into improving relations between Fleet Staff and the COs and other relevant people.
These items, in combination with the refusal to cooperate effectively with the Office of the President, have led to the following decision:
Sidney Parker is hereby dismissed from his position as Fleet Commander, Fleet One.
TJ Morgan is hereby dismissed from his position as Assistant Fleet Commander, Fleet One.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 27 January 2014 - 11:22pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #8
"If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman." -Margaret Thatcher
Crissy N is hereby appointed to the position of Fleet Commander, Fleet One.
Best of luck,
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 26 February 2014 - 9:49pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #9
“The ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don't.”
-Douglas Adams
———
We’re now going to enact one of the several things we’re planning as a result of the Fleet Removal Discussion. This is probably the simplest of all of the changes.
We will no longer identify Fleets primarily by numbering system. As of now, Fleets will be known by their monikers, so:
Fleet One == The Foremost Fleet
Fleet Two == The Great White Fleet
Fleet Three == The Pioneer Fleet
Fleet Four == The Forceful Fleet
Fleet Five == The Meridian Fleet
Fleet Six == The Black Fleet
We will continue to refer to our Fleet Commanders by numbering system, so FComm-1 is still FComm-1, 2 is 2, 3 is 3, etc.
The Internet Department is directed to make these changes within the next week, by March 5th, 2014.
-Thomas Bates
—President
Posted 8 April 2014 - 12:21am by Thomas Bates
Edict #10
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
A while back, our Librarian resigned the position for personal reasons. I held back on filling the spot after someone suggested some interesting ideas concerning the future of the position. However, those ideas have taken a back seat for the time being as our new system continues development. So, in the interest of continuing progress:
Joe P is hereby appointed to the position of Librarian.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 21 April 2014 - 1:52pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #11
"Be slow to fall into friendship; but when thou art in, continue firm and constant." - Socrates
Due to a sudden and unexpected increase in RL events, Crissy will not be continuing as Fleet Commander for the Foremost Fleet. My thanks go to Crissy for taking over the job in not the best of circumstances.
As such:
Amber Hagan is hereby appointed to the position of Fleet Commander for the Foremost Fleet.
Thanks, and Good Luck,
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 6 May 2014 - 2:13pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #12
"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading." - Lao Tzu
At the request of her Commanding Officer, Ray Branch, and with the permission of Fleet Commander Jen Herr, the USS Olympic NCC-80000-A is hereby rechristened the USS Olympic NCC-80000-B, Mythology-class.
Best of Luck, and enjoy the new ship,
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 12 May 2014 - 9:35pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #13
“For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” - John F. Kennedy
On the reasoning presented on 28 April 2014 (located here: http://www.star-fleet.com/webb/node/625546), and based on recommendations by the Fleet Commanders, GameMaster Director, Personnel Director, and various other members of the cabinet:
The USS Ogawa is hereby decommissioned.
The USS Lexington is hereby decommissioned.
The USS Polaris is hereby decommissioned.
The USS Samurai is hereby decommissioned.
Starbase 202 is hereby decommissioned.
The USS Thor is hereby decommissioned.
The USS Draco is hereby decommissioned.
The Personnel Department is directed to move all characters still on the ships to Fleet 0 by end of week. They shall continue to work with those who wish to move their characters to other ships.
Given that two weeks has already been provided to the ships involved to conclude sims and write endings or find other solutions for characters, the Internet Department is directed to depublish these ships by end of week.
An announcement will be made on Wednesday, 14 May, concerning the future of the Great White and Forceful Fleets.
-Thomas Bates
—President
Posted 14 May 2014 - 9:56pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #14
"We have it in our power to begin the world over again." - Thomas Paine
On Monday we decommissioned seven ships, which is the largest ship cut that’s ever occurred in the club’s history. These changes have left the Great White and Forceful Fleets with only two ships a piece. Obviously, they will not continue to exist in that fashion. Once Kat and I determined which ships were going to be cut, we immediately began to ponder how to deal with the impending situation of two drastically reduced fleets.
After discussions with The Great White Fleet’s Commander, Kat Dedul, and the Forceful Fleet’s Commander, Ty Napier, along with consulting with several cabinet members, it’s been decided that the two fleets will merge. With the merging of the two fleets, it is important to note that the eligibility requirements outlined in FCOMM (“The Fleet Commander must be a current or former CO of the fleet in question, or a current or former XO in the fleet in question with CO experience.” | http://www.star-fleet.com/library/bookshelf/charters/charter-fleets.html) will “carry over” to the “new” Fleet. Essentially, this means that if you were eligible to be the Forceful or Great White Fleet’s Commander, you’re eligible to be the Commander of the new Fleet. We're setting this precedent so that the Command pool isn't drastically limited within the Fleet as it is established.
We chose to merge these two fleets specifically because they were most affected by the previous ship cuts, and both were looking to expand and improve their cultures. We determined that merging the two Fleets, and thus giving the opportunity to reignite those efforts, would create a better opportunity for all ships and players involved.
As such:
The Infinite Fleet is hereby commissioned.
The Infinite Fleet will consist of the following ships:
Outpost 45, Commanded by BJ Janzen.
USS Montgomery, Commanded by Thomas Bates.
USS Constellation, Commanded by Kat Dedul.
USS Viking, Commanded by Amber Hagan.
The Great White Fleet, historically referred to as Fleet Two, is hereby decommissioned.
The Forceful Fleet, historically referred to as Fleet Four, is hereby decommissioned.
The first Fleet Commander of the Infinite Fleet is hereby named as Ty Napier.
These transfers shall be delayed until Friday May 16, at the earliest, so as to give time for Commanding Officers to post to their ships and e-mail their crews to alert them of these changes. The Internet Department is directed to have these changes completed no later than Monday, May 19th. As Starbase 93 and Deep Space 20 are technically not "ships" but administrative pages, Ty Napier should contact the Internet Department concerning which shall be kept (and if desired, renamed).
We're excited to see the merge of two historic fleets into one modern entity, and I’m personally very interested in seeing what we can do there to lay the groundwork again for future players, as others before us have done.
Thanks,
-Thomas Bates
—President
Posted 16 May 2014 - 4:39pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #15
"Change is inevitable. Change is constant." - Benjamin Disraeli
As discussed a rather long time ago, and with all appropriate permissions given at that time:
The USS Montgomery NCC-84704 is hereby rechristened the USS Montgomery NCC-84704-A, Discovery-class.
Thanks everyone,
-Thomas Bates
--President & CO, USS Montgomery
Posted 30 May 2014 - 12:28am by Thomas Bates
Edict #15:
"To command is to serve, nothing more and nothing less." —Andre Malraux
On the recommendation of the Academy Commandant, Fleet Captain Robert Spicer is hereby appointed Commanding Officer of the USS Discovery, Academy.
Congratulations Mr. Spicer, and good luck.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 25 June 2014 - 9:52pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #16
"Voting is the most precious right of every citizen, and we have a moral obligation to ensure the integrity of our voting process." - Hillary Clinton
Joe P is hereby named (again) Election Coordinator for the impending Presidential Election. An AEC will be appointed in a future edict.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 30 June 2014 - 4:55pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #17
"Dynamism is a function of change." - Hillary Clinton
Luke Ronayne is hereby named Assistant Election Coordinator for the impending Presidential Election.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 22 July 2014 - 8:59pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #18
"In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity." - Erik Erikson
At the request of the CO, with the permission of the Fleet Commander, Outpost 45 is hereby rechristened Starbase Magellan.
Best of luck,
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 31 July 2014 - 8:59pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #19
“I’m undaunted in my quest to amuse myself by constantly changing my hair.” - Hillary Clinton
For extraordinary efforts in the position of Marketing and Advertising Coordinator, and for her efforts in and for STF in general: Amber DeSadier is hereby promoted to the rank of Fleet Captain.
Thanks for all of your hard work, Amber.
-Thomas Bates
—President
Posted 31 July 2014 - 8:59pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #20
“Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory.” - General George S. Patton
For excellent work as the Fleet Commander for Fleet Five, serving as an excellent advisor to myself, and for truly great performance in STF overall: Jeremy DeSpain is hereby promoted to the rank of Fleet Captain.
Thanks for your hard work, Jeremy.
-Thomas Bates
—President
Posted 31 July 2014 - 8:59pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #21
“It is not the ship so much as the skillful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage.” - George William Curtis
For his long service in leading the Merrimack, David Fergusson is hereby promoted to the rank of Fleet Captain.
Keep up the good work, David.
-Thomas Bates
—President
Posted 31 July 2014 - 8:59pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #22
“Time is generally the best doctor.” - Ovid
Since March 9th of 2012, I have adored the Montgomery and its crew. For the last few years, it’s undergone some massive changes. We’ve had multiple XOs, multiples of just about every DH position, and we finally managed to change the ship’s class and the ship’s dreadful old MOTD.
A few things have remained consistent, one of those is Crissy N. She serves aboard the Montgomery as the ship’s Doctor, Lai Lysis. Lysis refuses to be promoted, which is sad since the character is absolutely brilliant.
So I’ll take care of it like this!
Crissy, you’re one of my favorite people in the club. Your writing is fantastically wonderful, and I love all of our interactions aboard the Montgomery. Whether you’re throwing grenades at or de-drunkifying Klinger, you’re consistently one of the best writers I’ve seen. It’s been an honor to write with you.
For extremely great skill and contributions to the club over the years, Crissy N is hereby promoted to the rank of Fleet Captain.
Thanks for everything, Crissy.
-Thomas Bates
—President
Posted 31 July 2014 - 9:01pm by Thomas Bates
Edict #23
“This guy's walking down a street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep, he can't get out. A doctor passes by, and the guy shouts up, "Hey you, can you help me out?" The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along, and the guy shouts up "Father, I'm down in this hole, can you help me out?" The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by. "Hey Joe, it's me, can you help me out?" And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, "Are you stupid? Now we're both down here." The friend says, "Yeah, but I've been down here before, and I know the way out.”” - Leo Thomas McGarry, *Noël* (s2.e10, *The West Wing*).
Throughout my time in STF, I have seen many things. So much that, sometimes, I wonder how STF has existed for twenty three years without the members ripping each other’s throats out.
In the three years and forty-nine weeks that I’ve been here as I sit and write this, a great deal has happened. We saw our first ever impeachment investigation, a President resigned after we discovered crimes he had committed, Fleet Commanders have been fired, ships have been cut, fleets have been merged, ancient members formerlly of note have departed. We’ve started sweeping changes to STF’s web presense by initiating Genesis, and we’ve created what I consider the single best project the club has undertaken in a great many years - X-Fleet.
Several people were at the heart of all of these events (including me, with the exception of the X-Fleet Creation). This person has become an architect for club progress, and I’m sure will continue to shape it for many years to come.
Joe P has been an extremely close advisor and confidant throughout my entire membership in STF (and my closest friend here). I have vented moments of pure rage at him, moments of utter depression, musings of the Final End. ...Then I also shared some STF stuff. Over the last two years especially, we have cooperated in an extremely close manner to do what we considered was the best for the club. Even when we disagree, we have debated intelligently and either changed our views, or agreed to disagree.
Some people have noticed that Joe is everywhere. This term, he was the Supervisor of Experiments, Assistant Internet Director, Librarian, Academy Commandant, Captain of the Europa, EGO-member, Election Coordinator, and (not in any measure least of all) a very close advisor to Kat and I. In many ways, he’s been the Leo McGarry to Kat and I’s Jed Bartlet (Kat is far too good a Vice President to be compared to John Hoynes or Robert Russel).
Along with all of his “Government” jobs, Joe has continuously been a fantastic Captain aboard the USS Europa, one of the club’s only fast-paced ships.
For all of these efforts, Joe receives very little recognition. There is, from time to time, a gentle nod of appreciation from the club, such as the recent STF Award he won for his work as SoX.
It is unusual for someone to be promoted up the ladder so fast. Joe was promoted to the rank of Fleet Captain by Lindsay Bayes in 2012, just two years ago. Joe and I both joined (in the same week, if I recall correctly) in 2010, and inside of four years, we’ve both been President. It’s very odd, to me, that such a feat is possible in this club.
I have pondered for the entirety of the month whether to do what I’m about to do. On one hand, some would argue that being promoted too fast would devalue the given ranks. On the other, I don’t think anyone would argue that extraordinary effort is deserving of extraordinary recognition. So let it be clear, for future Presidents pondering promoting someone very quickly: this is unusual, because the recipient is Extraordinary. Another factor is that Joe is one of my best friends - and I would not be Here without him. There are worse reasons to recognize someone for the good they do.
Fleet Captain Joe P is hereby promoted to the rank of Commodore.
Joe, thank you for everything you’ve done for the club, and for me. I fear that no one will ever no the full measure of your contributions.
-Thomas Bates
Posted 1 August 2014 - 10:14pm by Katherine Dedul
Edict #24:
“It is the highest form of self-respect to admit our errors and mistakes and make amends for them. To make a mistake is only an error in judgment, but to adhere to it when it is discovered shows infirmity of character.” - Dale Turner
Thomas unfortunately was tied up with real life tonight and we agreed that this should not wait at all.
Edict #22 is hereby amended as follows:
David Fergusson is hereby promoted to Commodore for the reasons outlined in the original edict.
-Kat Dedul
—Acting President
-- VETOED BY EGO --
Posted 8 April 2014 - 12:05am by Thomas Bates
A while back, we posted a draft of a Commendations bill. It went over without issue, and so, we're passing the bill in the presented form. Thanks go to Jack for originally proposing this particular instance of the idea, and authoring the draft (and thus, the bill itself).
Bill #1
Commendations
Commendations are awarded to individuals or groups of individuals within the Club to recognise the work they have conducted above and beyond what is required of them.
Levels of Commendation
There are two levels of commendation that can be awarded:
1. Fleet Commanders Commendation or Department Directors Commendation. These can be awarded by Fleet Commanders or Department Directors for work associated with their Fleet or Department, in consultation with the President.
2. Presidential Commendation. This can be awarded by the President for work associated with multiple departments and fleets.
Citations
Each commendation must be accompanied by a short citation stating what the individual or group has done to deserve the commendation. If approved, this citation will be recorded alongside the commendation.
Limitations
Only one commendation can be awarded for a particular piece (or pieces) of work. It is therefore essential that Fleet Commanders and Department Directors Commendations are raised with the President prior to being issued.
Presentation
Individuals will be notified when a Commendation is awarded to them. A list of recipients, along with citations, will be writen as an edict at the middle and end of presidential terms. Where possible, individuals will be presented with the commendations during the next STF AWards ceremony.
-Thomas Bates
--President
---7 April 2014
-- VETO 1 --
Posted 8 April 2014 - 4:35pm by Joe P
Myself and Jack Dipper have decided as EGOtists to veto Bates Bill #1. Jack will be seconding this veto later when he is at a keyboard, and has asked me to post the initial veto first.
We are vetoing the bill specifically because it is unclear as to whether or not it is intended to be a standalone bylaw or a modification to an existing bylaw. We have no issue with the intent of the bill.
We think that the bill may be appropriate as an amendment to an existing bylaw. I personally think that it would make sense as an amendment to GO (http://www.star-fleet.com/library/bookshelf/charters/charter-go.html), because it adds powers to Fleet Commanders and Executive Department directors at the same time, and that is the document which defines their powers. Jack expressed an opinion that it may make sense to append to MOO (http://www.star-fleet.com/library/bookshelf/charters/charter-moo.html). Either way, if it is an amendment, it needs to be clear what is being amended.
We also think that the bill could be a standalone bylaw. If this is done, it should be more explicit that a new bylaw is actually being created, similar to how other such bylaws are done. For instance, with the bylaws name and perhaps a convenient acronym.
The argument was made publicly by Jen Herr that the bill is not sufficient for a standalone bylaw, but should rather be an edict. We think it could stand as an edict as well, however we do not choose to have an opinion as to whether this is better suited as a bylaw or an edict.
If it is decided to attempt to pass the bill again, please remember that the edited text of the bill must stand for review prior to passage.
Joe P
EGOtist
-- VETO 2 --
Posted 8 April 2014 - 7:53pm by Jack Dipper
As Joe indicated, I am also vetoing Bates Bill #1 on the grounds that it is not sufficiently clear as to whether it is a new bylaw or a modification to an existing one.
The definition for a bylaw is as follows:
"A Bylaw is defined as any edict which establishes clubwide policy or governs administrative features of the club. The litmus test for determining what constitutes a Bylaw is to decide whether or not it has a profound and long term impact upon the club or its administration."
As the Commendation system proposed is designed to be a lasting practice and is a club wide policy, my opinion is that it is best suited to be part of a bylaw. I do not feel that it, on its own, is profound enough to be a standalone bylaw. My recommendation is that, as it deals with how members are recognised (akin to promotions) it sits better within the Member Order and Organization bylaw.
However, I also want to make it clear that I do not want us to find ourselves in a position where we are debating how to best legislate for a protracted period of time. Whether it's an edict or a bylaw, the intent and implementation of the commendation is clear. We have far more pressing matters to deal with, and we just need to crack on and start commending our members for their hard work.
Jack
Posted 12 May 2014 - 9:34pm by Thomas Bates
Bill #1
Amends Governing Rules About Violations, Investigations, and Tier Sorting, as indicated.
The section DEFINITION OF OFFENCES is hereby and entirely replaced with the following:
ISSUING PUNISHMENT
When issuing a punishment, either by post or by email, the text of either must contain the following:
-Who is being punished.
?-What action(s) the offender has taken or not taken.
?-What evidence the person issuing the punishment has.?
-What edict(s) and/or bill(s) and/or other legislation the offenders action(s) violate(s), if applicable.
?-What punishment is issued.
The President must include as much detail as possible as to how they came to the conclusions that they came to and why they have chosen the punishment that they have. This is in order to provide as complete a record of events as possible for future considerations.
Changes:
-Removal of the last section DEFINITION OF OFFENCES entirely.
-Addition of section ISSUING PUNISHMENT, which is considered to be added onto the bylaw following the section entitled EVIDENCE.
-Thomas Bates
--President
Posted 5 June 2014 - 11:40pm by Thomas Bates
Bill #3
Amends Establishment Edict For Executive Government Oversight, as indicated.
The following paragraph is hereby added to the section "Election Rules", before the last paragraph of that section:
"Should the situation arise that only a single viable candidate from the eligible pool seeks selection, the Election Coordinator is granted the discretion to expand the eligible pool to the next lowest rank. In the case of the standard Fleet Captain and above pool, this would open selection to Captains and above. This procedure may be repeated as often as necessary to ensure that at least two candidates are available in any EGO election."
The last paragraph of the section "Election Rules", which currently states "If there are more than two candidates standing in the election, the Instant-Runoff Voting system is to be used." is cut from the "Election Rules" section, and replaces the final paragraph under "Election Procedure."
Changes:
- This fixes multiple unintended changes made by Dipper Bill #2.
-Thomas Bates
--President