Presidential Edicts

April 1st, 2005 to November 30th, 2005

Tea, Earl Grey, Hot


Introduction

On April 1st, 2005, Jack Dipper took office as the President of STF, succeeding Emma Rouse-Deane. On December 1st, 2005, the next STF President, Jen Herr took office.

Summary of Edicts

Edict #1
  • April 5th, 2005
  • Cabinet announced.
Edict #2
  • April 7th, 2005
  • Allison Ruffner banned from STF.
Edict #3
  • April 17th, 2005
  • Larry Garfield promoted to Admiral.
Edict #4
  • May 1st, 2005
  • Sarah Hemmenway given command of the USS Atlantis, Fleet 3.
Edict #5
  • May 6th, 2005
  • Douglas Van Ness appointed R&DDir.
Edict #6
  • May 26th, 2005
  • Andrew Marshall promoted to Captain of USS Europa, Fleet 6.
Edict #7
  • May 29th, 2005
  • Establishment of Executive Departments and Executive Assistants.
Edict #8
  • May 29th, 2005
  • STF Library.
Edict #9
  • May 29th, 2005
  • Larry Garfield appointed Librarian.
Edict #10
  • May 31st, 2005
  • R&D Department recognized as an Executive Department.
Edict #11
  • June 2nd, 2005
  • Troy Martin promoted to Captain of USS Montgomery, Fleet 4.
Edict #12
  • June 10th, 2005
  • Christa Backman is banned from STF.
Edict #13
  • June 13th, 2005
  • Amanda Noon is appointed CO of the STC, R&D Fleet.
Edict #14
  • July 9th, 2005
  • Joe Fahey promoted to Captain of the USS Curie, Fleet 7.
Edict #15
  • July 13th, 2005
  • Trial period for Q&A ship extended.
Edict #16
  • July 13th, 2005
  • Personnel Department Edict.
Edict #17
  • July 15th, 2005
  • Edgar Cramer banned from STF for three months.
Edict #18
  • July 28th, 2005
  • Edict 17 rescinded.
Edict #19
  • July 28th, 2005
  • Therle Dregansky promoted to Captain of USS Ogawa.
Edict #20
  • August 9th, 2005
  • Geoff Joosten promoted to Captain of the USS Endeavor, Fleet 5.
Edict #21
  • August 29th, 2005
  • Andrew Robinson promoted to Captain of the USS Drace, Fleet 5
  • Ryan Williams appointed FComm-5.
Edict #21-A
  • September 8th, 2005
  • USS Draco, Andromeda-Class, NCC-42192, is rechristened the USS Draco, Maverick-Class NCC-42192-A.
Edict #22
  • September 20th, 2005
  • New Academy Rules revision.
Edict #23
  • September 21st, 2005
  • Sarah Hemmenway appointed XO USS Columbia.
Edict #24
  • September 21st, 2005
  • Repeals Edict Dipper 23
  • Sarah Hemenway appointed XO USS Challenger
  • Joe Fahey remains as XO USS Columbia.
Edict #25
  • September 29th, 2005
  • Larry Garfield appointed IDir.
Edict #26
  • October 7th, 2005
  • Q&A ship retained indefinitely.
Edict #27
  • October 13th, 2005
  • Colin Wyers appointed Election Coordinator.
Edict #28
  • October 23rd, 2005
  • Stuart Coll appointed CO USS Europa, Fleet 6.
Edict #29
  • November 14th, 2005
  • Symon Silvester appointed FComm-1.
Edict #30
  • November 16th, 2005
  • Stephanie Lowe appointed CO, USS Victorious, Fleet 1.
Edict #31
  • November 30th, 2005
  • Single Charter for a Streamlined IDept (SCSI).
Edict #32
  • November 30th, 2005
  • Symon Silvester promoted to Fleet Captain.
Edict #33
  • November 30th, 2005
  • Bob Hillis promoted to Fleet Captain.
Edict #34
  • November 30th, 2005
  • Jen Herr promoted to Fleet Captain.

Full Text of Edicts

Edict #1:

Message posted on Stardate 05040.5 at 1626 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (Academy Commandant).

Edict #1

Right, hopefully this edict will stop those from pouncing on me everytime I walk into IRC ;)


Mike Seiler is retained as F-Comm 1
Steve Johnson is retained as F-Comm 2
Kenson Koh is retained as F-Comm 3
Emma Rouse-Deana is appointed as F-Comm 4
Mike Diamond is retained as F-Comm 5
Janelle Kimber is retained as F-Comm 6
Jessica McClary is retained as F-Comm 7

Jen Herr is retained as Personnel Director
Bradley Joy is retained as Research and Development Director
Sarah Hemenway is retained as Gamemaster Director
Robert Gulley is retained as Internet Director
Joe Fahey is appointed as Academy Commandant

I would like each F-Comm/Director to appoint an assistant within 7 days.

Oh, and congratulations :D

Jack

Edict #2:

Message posted on Stardate 05040.7 at 0642 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #2

Well, this was not exactly what I had planned for my second edict as President.

Over the past week, I have had various complaints come to me; some, no sooner than 18 minutes after I had come to office; and believe me, I have not enjoyed investigating them.

To begin with, I have had a complaint about misrepresentation in Command. Upon investigation, the misrepresentation did occur.

However, there are more serious complaints I have had, about both Spam and Harassment. Instead of using the correct channels to file a complaint, Allison decided to email people with, what she thought, was evidence of fraud.

To complain about something to the President is appropriate, and should be done. That is what a democracy is about. However, to harass and spam members with allegations against people is certainly not. By doing so, you are giving members incorrect ideas, and are destabilising the current government.

Allison, less than a month ago you told me "I also feel it important to keep things out in the open, to keep everyone honest". Your actions have not reflected your belief. Because you decided to email people unsolicited emails, slandering and falsely accusing other members, and your misrepresentation in Command, you leave me with no choice.

Lieutenant Commander Ruffner is hereby found guilty of conduct unbecoming of an officer, and is banned from STF for a period of six months, after which time she will only be readmitted to the club upon issue of a general apology to the club.

Jack

Edict #3:

Message posted on Stardate 05041.7 at 1857 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #3

Well now that I'm back I suppose I better start doing presidential things <G>

Over the last three weeks, I've had a fair number of people coming up to me either through IM or Email with regards to a member of STF. As a result, I have had to investigate further into the activities this member has been up to.

Since he joined many years ago, he has held various positions, including Dock Master, Reference Manual Librarian, FComm-4, GMDir and aGMDir, Academy Dean of Students and Vice Commandant, EDir and aEDir, and finally both Vice President and President.

During that time he has been responsible for using vast quantities of webspace by authoring documents such as OGRE, EORE, FCOMM, 12 Steps to the WeBB, GMDevolution, and the STF Technical Manual. He has also assisted in the writing of the IC Database (Reference Manual), Milwaukee Plan, as well as various edicts past presidents have asked him to assist with.

Not only that, but he has conducted two fleet-wide sims, as well as currently holding the longest serving character.

Larry, the time you spend on the club is remarkable. You are both pro-active, and also receptive to other people. I know I have missed off a few of the things you have done, but I don?t want to be up all night listing them. With all this taken into account, I have very little choice.

Commodore Garfield is hereby found guilty of spending far too much time on STF, and being, as us Brits would say, 'a jolly good chap'. As a result he is promoted to the rank of Admiral, with all the rights and privileges it entails.

Congratulations Larry!

Jack

Edict #4:

Message posted on Stardate 05050.1 at 1251 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #4

As some of you are probably aware, Izzy is standing down as CO Atlantis.

Taking both his and Kenson's advice, I hearby appoint Sarah Hemenway as CO Atlantis.

Congrats Sarah.

Jack

Edict #5:

Message posted on Stardate 05050.6 at 1245 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #5

With Brad standing down as R&DDir, I asked for applications for the position. Thank you to everyone who applied.

As a result, Douglas Van Ness is appointed Research and Development Director with immediate effect.

Please name your assistant within the next week.

Congrats Doug!

Jack



Edict #6:

Message posted on Stardate 05052.6 at 1301 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #6

Under the advisement of FComm 6, Andrew Marshall is hereby promoted to the rank of Captain, and given command of the USS Europa, Fleet 6.

Congratulations Drew!

Jack

Edict #7:

Message posted on Stardate 05052.9 at 1234 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #7

Seeing that the discussion has come to a conclusion, I'm going to push on with the Library Edicts. Health warning for people who don't like text :)

This Edict is not intended to change anything from current standing policy. All it is intended to do is establish the difference between Executive Departments and Executive Assistants.

There shall be three general types of governmental appointment made by the President of STF.

Fleet Command - The Fleet Commander of each Fleet shall be appointed by the President, who shall name his own Assistant Fleet Commander. The Fleet Commander is considered a member of the cabinet. Further details of Fleet Command can be found elsewhere in other edicts.

Executive Departments - An Executive Department is a governmental department responsible for overseeing some aspect of STF's administration. A Department may set internal policy as well as general policy for those matters relating to its sphere of influence, with the consultation of the President. An Executive Department is headed by a Departmental Director, appointed by the President, who shall name his own Assistant Director and, if needed, any other internal departmental positions. The Departmental Director is considered a member of the cabinet. Further details of Departmental activity can be found elsewhere in other edicts.

Executive Assistants - An Executive Assistant is a governmental "at large" officer responsible for some stated activity as defined by Edict. An Executive Assistant may set internal policy relating to his responsibilities, but is not empowered to set policy for the club at large. An Executive Assistant is appointed by the President, but is not required to appoint an assistant unless explicitly stated by Edict and is not considered a member of the cabinet.

As of the date of this edict, the following Executive Departments exist: Personnel Department, Internet Department, Engineering Department, Gamemaster Department, and Starfleet Academy.

Jack

Edict #8:

Message posted on Stardate 05052.9 at 1235 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #8

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LIBRARIAN

An Executive Assistant position is hereby created known as Librarian (or STF Librarian).

The Assistant Librarian shall be appointed by the Librarian. The Assistant Librarian answers directly to the Librarian, and the position serves primarily as a "training" role. Additional responsibilities are at the discression of the Librarian.

The Librarian shall maintain a publicly accessible archive of reference, legal, and historical material for STF by means of the authority granted in this and subsequent edicts.

2. AUTHORITY OF THE LIBRARIAN

The Librarian shall have the authority to:

- Collect and archive references and documents deemed of referential, legal, or historical interest, with the consent of the original author. Posting of the material on STF shall be considered acceptable consent, as per the STF Terms of Service.

- Establish and maintain a standard format, style, and layout for archived information, as well as for the submission of new content. However, all file formats used must be based on open, non-proprietary standards and not require a financial outlay on the part of any member to participate.

- Annotate and provide a framing for collected works, provided that such meta-information is distinct from the actual content.

- Make non-substantive changes to archived content in order to maintain said format, including, but not limited to, correcting spelling, punctuation, grammar, links, and pagination. The Librarian is not permitted to make substantive changes to the content of archived worked without the consent of the original author.

3. SERVICES RENDERED BY THE LIBRARIAN

Executive Departments, Fleets, and the Office of the President (collectively "Departments") may request that the Librarian archive certain documents for which they are responsible on their behalf. Such documents may include complete works or collections of works. For the purposes of the Librarian, the submitting Department shall be considered the original author.

The Librarian may accept or decline such a request based on the document's usefulness to STF at large, its compatibility with the rest of the Library, conformance to established standards for formatting, style, and layout, and the Librarian's current workload. A declined document may be resubmitted later should the reasons it was declined be addressed.

Once a work has been accepted into the Library, the submitting Department may submit additions and modifications as necessary, which the Librarian may only decline on the grounds of improper format for such a submission or excessive stylistic errors (spelling, punctuation, etc.).

A document may be removed from the Library only upon the request of the original author, demonstration that its presence as part of the Library causes some harm to the Library, STF, or the author, and with Presidential permission. If the original author is the President, the permission of the Vice-President will be required.

4. EXEMPTED DOCUMENTS

A Department submitting a document to the Library may request that the document be treated as an Exempted Document. The Librarian is not permitted to make any changes whatsoever to Exempted Documents without the consent of the author, except those absolutely necessary for archival.

An Exempted Document will only be considered if the submitter can show just cause for it to be considered Exempt, and with the consent of both the Librarian and President. A desire for artistic purity is generally insufficient cause for a document to be considered Exempt. If accepted, the Librarian may require a stricter format for change requests in order to facilitate changes without violating the document's Exempt status.

5. DISPUTES

Any dispute regarding the content of or modification to the Library, including a document's Exempt status, shall be moderated by the President. The decision of the President will be considered final.

Jack

Edict #9:

Message posted on Stardate 05052.9 at 1247 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #9

With the creation of the STF Library, that leaves me a space to fill.

I hereby appoint Larry Garfield as the Librarian. Please announce your assistant within one week.

Thanks for the work you have put into the library, Larry, and thanks to every who has provide constructive feedback. It is always appriciated.

Jack

Edict #10:

Message posted on Stardate 05053.1 at 0727 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #10

For clarification, the Research and Development Department is recognized as an Executive Department as per Edict Dipper #7.

Jack

Edict #11:

Message posted on Stardate 05060.2 at 1815 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #11

Under the advisement of FComm 4, Troy Martin is hereby promoted to the rank of Captain, and given command of the USS Montgomery, Fleet 4.

Congratulations Troy!

Jack

Edict #12:

Message posted on Stardate 05061.0 at 0426 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #12

Just over a week ago, I reminded the club about the Terms of Service, which everyone agrees to when they first log in. The Terms of Service states that advertisement for another Role Playing Game (RPG) is not allowed.

That message was triggered by someone breaking that rule, who I emailed, and was told that he would never do it again. But he has. And that leaves me with very little choice.

Captain Christa Backman is hereby banned from STF for 3 months. Let's hope I don't find the need to ban anyone else for advertising.

Jack

Edict #13:

Message posted on Stardate 05061.3 at 1751 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #13

As most of you know, Ton is taking an eLOA, and is standing down as CO Scottie Testing Centre.

Taking Doug's advice, I hearby appoint Amanda Noon as CO Scottie Testing Centre.

Congrats Amanda.

Jack

Edict #14:

Message posted on Stardate 05070.7 at 1729 hours

Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #14

Under the advisement of FComm 7 and Jody Romero, Joe Fahey is hereby promoted to the rank of Captain, and given command of the USS Curie, Fleet 7.

Congratulations Joe! I look forward to being your XO - I think.

Jack


Edict #15:

Message posted on Stardate 05071.3 at 0551 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #15

The trial period for the STF Question and Answer ship is extended by the period of 60 days, until 1st September 2005. At that time the President and Academy Commandant will re-evaluate its performance.

Jack

Edict #16:

Message posted on Stardate 05071.3 at 0556 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #16

It's the new.... what was the name of it... Personnel Department Edict ??? You could have come up with a better name!

Thanks to Jen and the PDept for creating the first PDE (no, not a partial differential equation ).

Jack

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT

The Personnel Department shall serve as the primary department responsible for tasks relating to member accounts, including but not limited to creating new accounts, member placement, resetting member passwords, setting user's access levels below super-user, and ensuring compliance with the STF Accounts Terms of Service. The Personnel Department may also operate and maintain a range of resources that serves to help fleets fill their personnel needs, as set by departmental policy.

The Personnel Director, who shall be appointed by the President, shall oversee the daily activity of the Personnel Department. Personnel Director is a cabinet position, and is equal in power to other Departmental Directors and Fleet Commanders.

The Personnel Director shall appoint an Assistant Personnel Director. The Assistant Personnel Director answers directly to the Personnel Director, and is responsible for departmental decisions in the event the Personnel Director is not available. Additional responsibilities are at the discretion of the Personnel Director.

The Personnel Director may create staff positions in the Personnel Department, issued as department policy. The Personnel Director may delegate any of the duties listed in this edict, or any other responsibilities brought upon him by another edict to any member of the Personnel Department. The Personnel Department is required to maintain a list of current policies and staff members.

2. SHIP PLACEMENTS

The Personnel Department is solely responsible for placing new members on ships. Members who request the Academy will be assigned to the Academy on a space available basis, at the rank of Cadet. The Personnel Department will only assign new member applicants to the Academy. All other applicants will be assigned to a Standard Ship not classified as Second Character Only, at the rank of Ensign, and in a manner and pattern determined most appropriate by the Personnel Department.

The Personnel Department may also assist any member in finding a ship for additional characters. Such placements may only be made at the rank of Ensign, and to a random mainstream ship with a need for role players in the requested department.

3. MENTORS PROGRAM

The Personnel Department shall maintain a Mentors Program. This program is tasked with creating and maintaining a list of available people to mentor new members, and assigning mentors to new members who request them.

A Mentor must be a current member in STF with at least three months service in STF. The Personnel Department reserves the right to approve or deny any Mentor application on any basis. All new members who request a Mentor will be assigned one.

The Mentor's main responsibility is to provide a personal contact for the new member who requests it. This is done in order to assist new members who feel they need that little bit of extra help to settle in and role-play on their ships. Mentors are available to help with problems or queries the new member may have, and offer role-playing tips and advise on how to best fit into our RPG.

4. YEARBOOK

The Personnel Department will maintain the STF Yearbook. The Yearbook is a place where any member can submit a real life photograph of themselves, and a bit of personal information about themselves. All information given is strictly voluntary, though a photograph is required for participation. Any photograph or information may be added or removed at any time by the Personnel Department for any reason. Any member may request that their photograph is added or removed for any reason. All photographs and content must adhere to the STF Terms of Service.

5. STATISTICS

The Personnel Department shall be required to maintain and publish monthly statistics regarding the membership, including, but not limited to, total number of applicants per month, and how many of those members are still posting actively. Additional statistics are at the discretion of the Personnel Department.

Edict #17:

Message posted on Stardate 05071.5 at 1658 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #17

Over a month ago, I reminded the club about the Terms of Service, which everyone agrees to when they first log in. The Terms of Service states that advertisement for another Role Playing Game (RPG) is not allowed. At that time, I specifically stated that any infringement of that rule would be dealt with swiftly.

However this was ignored by Edgar Cramer, a current member of STF, who wrote this on the boards of the RPG he was advertising.

!"I will admit that I have told members of STF about [club name]."


On top of which, I have reports from sources telling me that he was trying to convince them to recruit from STF.

Lieutenant Commander Edgar Cramer is hereby banned from STF for 3 months for recruiting from STF, and also trying to convince other members to do so.

Jack

Edict #18:

Message posted on Stardate 05072.8 at 1659 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #18

As, no doubt, most of you are aware, my last edict banned Edgar Cramer 'for recruiting from STF, and also trying to convince other members to do so'. At that time, a fair few people protested about it, albeit in a disruptive fashion.

However, Eddie emailed me after the ban in order to appeal against it. A couple of days back, I was sent more detailed evidence showing that my original conclusion was not actually sound. Having reviewed this evidence, and taken into account the way which Eddie handled has himself during the period from his ban up until now (in a calm and collective manner), I believe I was wrong in banning him. Whilst I had reviewed the evidence given to me before the ban, I erred; I did not ask for Eddie's side of the story, and for that, I apologise.

Therefore Edict #17 is hereby rescinded. Whilst Eddie had recruited those in STF who were his friends, he had not violated the Terms of Service. I would hope each of his CO's will allow him to resume his old positions.

Once again I apologise for not ascertaining Eddie's side of the story. Unfortunately mistakes cannot be undone, but I do hope to learn from this.

Jack

Edict #19:

Message posted on Stardate 05072.8 at 1701 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #19

Under the advisement of FComm 1, Therle Dregansky is hereby promoted to the rank of Captain, and given command of the USS Ogawa, Fleet 1.

Congratulations Therle

Jack

Edict #20:

Message posted on Stardate 05080.9 at 0657 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #20

Under the advisement of FComm 5, Geoff Joosten is hereby promoted to the rank of Captain, and given command of the USS Endeavor, Fleet 5.

Congratulations Geoff!

Jack

Edict #21:

Message posted on Stardate 05082.9 at 1051 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #20

With Michael Diamond taking an iLOA and standing down as FComm 5 and CO, USS Draco, those positions currently need filling.

The first one is FComm 5. Taking the advice of Mike, I hereby appoint Captain Ryan Williams as FComm 5.

The second is CO, USS Draco. Again, taking Mike's advice, I hereby promote Lieutenant Commander Andrew Robinson to the rank of Captain, with all the privileges of that rank, and appoint him as CO, USS Draco.

Congratulations to the both of you!

Jack

Edict #21-A:

Message posted on Stardate 05090.8 at 0115 hours


Posted by Captain Jen Herr (Vice-President / PDir).

Edict 21-A

The USS Draco, Andromeda-class NCC-42192, in Fleet 5 is hereby recommissioned the USS Draco, Maverick-class NCC-42192-A.

This change takes effect immediately OOC, and as soon as logically possible IC.

Enjoy the bubble wrap Andy!

Jen
Acting President

Edict #22:

Message posted on Stardate 05092.0 at 0455 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #22

After much debating in the Academy we have the new Academy Edict. Thanks Joe for sorting it out ;)

Jack

1. SUPERCEDENCE OF PREVIOUS EDICTS

Edict Cramer #9 is hereby rescinded and superceded by this edict.

2. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ACADEMY DEPARTMENT

The Academy Department shall serve as a resource to the membership on matters relating to ongoing training and development in STF.

The daily activity of the Academy Department shall be overseen by the Academy Commandant, who shall be appointed by the President. The Academy Commandant is a cabinet position, and is equal in power to other departmental directors and Fleet Commanders.

The Vice Commandant shall be appointed by the Academy Commandant. The Vice Commandant answers directly to the Academy Commandant, and is responsible for departmental decisions in the event the Academy Commandant is not available. Additional responsibilities are at the discretion of the Academy Commandant.

The Academy Commandant and the Vice Commandant must have Academy experience, preferably as a current or previous XO or CNS on an Academy Ship, however, experience as a DH on an Academy Ship may be also be considered acceptable. Additionally, they must currently hold the member rank of Lieutenant Commander or above, and currently or previously have held an XO position or above on a mainstream ship. The Academy Commandant may delegate any of his duties enumerated in this Edict or any other responsibilities incumbent upon him as a result of another Edict to another named member of the Academy Department.

3. ESTABLISHMENT OF ACADEMY COURSES

Starfleet Academy shall maintain a set of courses, which must at least include a course for Engineering, Gamemaster, Medical, Science, and Security. Additional courses are at the discretion of the Academy Commandant. These courses are on a voluntary basis and should a member pass one of these tests they will then be certified as qualified personnel and should be considered for a position as a DH (Department Head). Passing one of these courses does not guarantee a promotion to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) however. Promotion of someone who passes the test is left to CO of the mainstream ship's discretion.

4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ACADEMY FLEET

A new Fleet is hereby established, under the name "Starfleet Academy". This Fleet shall house all Academy Training Vessels as well as the Academy administrative areas.

The Academy ships shall be staffed in a different way than standard ships within STF. The staffing of the Academy ships will include, in order of Chain of Command, with the first listed being the highest on the chain:

XO (Executive Officer) - The XO is appointed by the President of STF, consulting with the Academy Commandant. The XO outranks the CO, on issues of ship administration. The XO is second in command in an RPG sense only. The XO, regardless of member rank, will always hold a rank of Commander on the training ships. Academy XO's must currently, or in the past, have held the position of XO or CO on a mainstream ship, or have held the position of CNS or XO on an Academy Ship.

CNS (Counselor) - The CNS is appointed by the XO, consulting with the Academy Commandant. The CNS is 2nd in command on issues of ship administration. The CNS is third in command in an RPG sense only. The CNS, regardless of member rank, will always hold a rank of Lieutenant Commander on the training ships. Academy CNS's must currently, or in the past, have held a DH position in the Academy, or failing that, be a DH on a "mainstream" ship, with positive comments from their Commanding Officer(s).

GM (Gamemaster) - The Gamemaster is appointed by the Academy Commandant, subject to the veto of the XO of the ship in question. The Gamemaster of an Academy ship must be an experienced GM preferably holding the classification of Full Gamemaster, however, GM's with a classification of "Junior Gamemaster" may be considered at the Academy Commandants discretion.

CO (Commanding Officer) - The CO is appointed by the Academy Commandant, consulting with the President. The CO must be an XO from somewhere in the fleet, for the purposes of assisting to train for a CO spot. The only exception to this rule is if there are no available XO's in the fleet that do not have a CO spot, or if there are no XO's that are willing to take part in the training program. In the case of the above exception, then the Academy Commandant, consulting with the President, may select someone who does not currently hold a XO spot, HOWEVER, this person must currently hold the member rank of Lieutenant Commander to be considered.

If no one can be found who holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander that will participate in the program, then the rank will be decreased to Lieutenant, and so on, until someone willing to participate in the program can be found.

The "CO in training" will be granted the honorary rank of Captain, but this rank does not extend beyond the Academy, and the "CO in training"'s member rank will also not be extended this privilege.

Department Head spots (with the exception of Counselor), may be filled in one of two ways, at the discretion of the XO, notifying the Academy Commandant.

1) A Lieutenant Junior Grade "graduated" Cadet in that department.

2) A Lieutenant- grade experienced officer

Preference for filling Department Head positions goes to (option 1) a Lt. (Junior Grade) Graduated Cadet, however an exception may be made if all graduated Cadets were found DH positions on "mainstream" ships, or, if in the opinion of the XO and the Academy Commandant, the field of "graduated" Cadets are not strong enough to handle the responsibility of a DH role, and thus training incoming Cadets. In this instance, an experienced Lieutenant-grade DH from a "mainstream" ship can be used instead (option 2).

The Commandant is responsible for setting an AWOL/LOA policy in an "Academy Mandate". This policy should be maintained on an Academy page, and linked from the main Academy MOTD and the ship's MOTDs.

5. ACADEMY SERVICE AND GRADUATION

Cadets who serve on the Academy ships shall hold the member rank of CADET. Additionally, Cadets who serve on the Academy ships are not eligible for rank promotion while they take part in their training. Also, due to the high demand for Academy spots, Cadets on the training vessels, (who have not graduated, or are not in the process of graduating) can only be transferred or offered a position on another ship with the consent of the Academy Commandant.

Furthermore, any cadet that leaves the academy training ship prematurely has to wait 120 days before they can be promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade). In the event that a Cadet should leave the Academy early, their name will be placed on a list maintained by the Academy, and an "Academy Commandant's Mandate" shall be placed in Command, letting CO's know that said Cadet left the Academy early, and stating the exact date that the Cadet is eligible for rank promotion.

Additionally, the Academy Commandant is responsible for contacting the CO of the ship that the Cadet went to when they originally left the Academy, and providing the CO with this information as well. Additionally, all CO's are requested to keep themselves familiar with this list in some cases, early graduation may be granted, ONLY at the discretion of the Academy Commandant, and based on his/her own judgment. In these cases, the Cadet will be granted all the rights and privileges of a proper graduation, and will not be restricted from promotion as in the case of a cadet leaving the program prematurely.

Should it be discovered that Command Staffs of mainstream ships are offering positions to Cadets before they graduate, the Academy Commandant has the right to remove that ship from the list of ships that receives Academy graduates either on a temporary or permanent basis, at the Academy Commandant's discretion. This matter will also be taken to the current President, and punishment shall be determined at the discretion of the President, which may include a verbal/written warning, temporary reduction of rank, reduction of rank until next promotion, or removal of command of a vessel (serious repetitive cases).

At the end of each mission, Cadets shall be graded on a pass/fail system by the Academy Staff and presented to the Academy Commandant for final approval. Cadets who pass will be promoted to the rank of Ensign, and positions will be found for them on "mainstream" ships, cadets who are determined to exceed basic promotion/graduation requirements may be asked to stay on board the academy ships in acting DH capacity for further training and promotion to Lt. (Junior Grade).

Should a Cadet receive unsatisfactory marks, they will be asked to remain in the Academy for another mission, on a DIFFERENT ship than their original Academy ship. Should the Cadet agree to remain for additional training they will once again be graded on a pass/fail system by the Academy Staff which will be presented to the Academy Commandant for final approval. Should the Cadet pass their second time around, they will be promoted to the rank of Ensign, and a position will be found for them on a "mainstream" ship. Should the cadet decide not to remain on the academy ship they will be placed on a mainstream ship with the rank of Ensign. It is suggested that they seek a mentor for further assistance and the CO and XO of the ship will be notified that they were placed without graduating the academy.

Should a Cadet receive unsatisfactory marks a second time, they will be asked to remain in the Academy for another mission, on a DIFFERENT ship than the previous ships they have served on. Should the Cadet agree to remain they will once again be graded on the same pass/fail system by the Academy Staff which will be presented to the Academy Commandant for final approval. Should the cadet pass their third time around, they will be promoted to the rank of Ensign, and a position will be found for them on a "mainstream" ship. Should the cadet decide not to remain on the academy ship they will be placed on a mainstream ship with the rank of Ensign. It is suggested that they seek a mentor for further assistance and the CO and XO of the ship will be notified that they were placed without graduating the academy.

Should a Cadet receive unsatisfactory marks for a third time, they will be placed as a new member on a "mainstream" ship (an Ensign, with all the rights and privileges that come with that rank). Should a CO receive an "Ensign" in this fashion, they are required to receive a letter from the Academy Commandant explaining this, so that the CO may pay special attention to this crew member, in order to help them out in any way possible.

Serving on any training ship is optional. New members may either join as an Ensign on a regular ship, or serve on the Training ship before going to the mainstream ships as an Ensign. Cadets who join the Academy program, thinking that it is mandatory, may approach the Academy Commandant and request to be placed on a "mainstream" ship, so long as they do so immediately upon finding out that the Academy is NOT mandatory. The Academy Commandant is required to give such requests due consideration. Upon the Academy Commandant's approval, the Cadet may be placed on a "mainstream" ship as an Ensign, with all the rights and privileges that a new member who is placed on a "mainstream" ship has.

An Academy mission lasts for 3 months (90 days). A mission shall be GMed by one GM, of Junior Gamemaster classification or higher. In the case that a GM shall go AWOL or be removed in mid-mission, the mission shall be continued without interruption by a qualified replacement, which may be the Academy Commandant, XO of the said ship, or CNS of the said ship, regardless of whether the said person holds the classification of Junior Gamemaster. A properly qualified GM should be found to fill the open GM spot within 2 weeks (14 days) of the spot opening.

Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the XO and GM of the academy ship, concurrently, to notify the Academy Commandant of the date which a new mission starts.

Whenever a DH spot on a "mainstream" ship opens up, and the CO of that ship has no qualified officer in that department on his ship to fill the hole on his own, the CO is requested, but not required, to contact the Academy Commandant to see if there are any cadets who are ready to graduate to fill said Department Head vacancy.

6. DISPUTES

Any dispute involving any member of the Academy shall be moderated by the Academy Commandant. Should any of the involved parties be the Academy Commandant, the dispute shall be moderated by the Vice Commandant. Should the dispute involve the Commandant and Vice Commandant, the dispute shall be moderated by the President.

Edict #23:

Message posted on Stardate 05092.1 at 1435 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #23

Taking the advice of the Commandant, Sarah Hemenway is hereby appointed as XO USS Columbia, Academy Fleet, with immediate effect.

Congratulations Sarah ;)

Jack

Edict #24:

Message posted on Stardate 05092.1 at 1459 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #24

Edict #23 is rescinded due to my inability to get the correct ship name.

Sarah Hemenway is hereby appointed as XO USS Challenger, Academy Fleet. Joe Fahey remains as XO USS Columbia.

Oh well, at least I get another edict against my name .

Jack

Edict #25:

Message posted on Stardate 05092.8 at 0901 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #25

Unfortunately Rob Gulley's ISP issues seem to be never ending. As it has been a fair length of time since I last heard from him, I've decided to appoint a new IDir in order for the IDept to continue functioning.

Larry Garfield is hereby appointed Internet Director. Larry, you have a week to announce your AIDir.

Jack

Edict #26:

Message posted on Stardate 05100.7 at 1751 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #26

A rather belated edict, I know, but I've been giving this some serious thought.

Given the fact that the Q&A ship is being used, and that all questions are being answered, both the Commandant and I believe that it has shown it is 'a viable and active forum for providing user support to the STF Community'

Therefore, the STF Q&A ship will be retained indefinately.

Jack

Edict #27:

Message posted on Stardate 05101.3 at 0826 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #27

With my time in the center seat coming towards an end, it's time to appoint an Election Coordinator.

Therefore, I hereby appoint Colin Wyers as Election Coordinator. Colin has ran a successful election in the past, and I hope he will do the same.

Colin, I ask that you stick to the rules in the proposed Election Edict, unless you see a clear reason not to. Bear in mind that there may be circumstances not covered in the aforementioned proposal. The only stipulations are that the election needs to fall inside the month of November, and that all dates are presented one week prior to the start of the season. You will also be required to announce the results.

Internet Department, can you liaise with Colin to discuss any requirements he needs. Could you also arrange for an election ship to be placed on all fleet drop down menus.

Good luck, Colin!

Jack

Edict #28:

Message posted on Stardate 05102.3 at 0816 hours


Posted by Captain Jack Dipper (STF President).

Edict #28

Under the advisement of FComm 6, Stuart Coll is hereby given command of the USS Europa, Fleet 6.

Congratulations Stu!

Jack

Edict #29:

Message posted on Stardate 05111.4 at 0934 hours

Posted by Fleet Admiral Jack Dipper (President).

Edict #29

Given that Mike Seiler has not posted since 23 days ago, and my emails and IM's have not been replied to, I have no other option than to declare him AWOL, and to select a new Fleet Commander for Fleet 1.

Therefore, Sy Silvester is hereby appointed as FComm 1.

Congratulations Sy!

Jack

Edict #30:

Message posted on Stardate 05111.6 at 1307 hours

Posted by Fleet Admiral Jack Dipper (President).

Edict #30

Under the advisement of FComm 1, Stephenie Lowe is hereby promoted to the rank of Captain, and given command of the USS Victorious, Fleet 1.

Congratulations Steph!

Jack

Edict #31:

Message posted on Stardate 05113.0 at 2346 hours


Posted by Fleet Admiral Jack Dipper (President).

Edict #31

Evening folks!

Here is the new Internet Department Edict, called SCSI, prefaced by the Internet Director. Thanks to Larry and Sarah for organising this, and those who helped out and provided feed back.

Jack

____________

As part of the ongoing effort to streamline and organize the club's legal policies, I am pleased to announce the completion of STF's latest silly-named Edict! My thanks go to Mike Bourdaa and Larry Garfield, for writing the edicts this one absorbs, to Sarah Hemenway and Jen Herr for their input and assistance, and to Therle Dregansky and Edgar Cramer for for their comments during the review period.

I love that new edict smell...

--IDir Larry Garfield

------------------------------

Single Charter for a Streamlined IDept (SCSI)

1. SUPERCEDENCE OF PREVIOUS EDICTS

Edicts Hughes #30-B, Hughes #30-C, Hughes #30-D, Hughes #30-E, Hughes #30-F, Hughes #30-G, Hughes #30-H, and Hughes #30-I are hereby rescinded and superceded by this Edict.

Edict Garfield #21 is hereby rescinded and superceded by this Edict.

2. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INTERNET DEPARTMENT

An Executive Department is hereby established under the name "Internet Department".

The Internet Department shall be responsible for managing and maintaining STF's real-world technology infrastructure, including but not limited to any servers, application code, web sites, etc. It is empowered to set and maintain policy relating to the acquisition, development, and use of such resources in order to maintain the security and stability of STF's technological infrastructure.

The daily activity of the Internet Department shall be overseen by the Internet Director, who shall be appointed by the President. The Internet Director is a cabinet position, and is equal in power to other departmental directors and Fleet Commanders.

The Assistant Internet Director shall be appointed by the Internet Director. The Assistant Internet Director answers directly to the Internet Director, and is responsible for departmental decisions in the event the Internet Director is not available. Additional responsibilities are at the discretion of the Internet Director.

The Internet Director may delegate any of his duties enumerated in this Edict or any other responsibilities incumbent upon him as a result of another Edict to another named member of the Internet Department.

3. WEB RESOURCES

The Internet Department is responsible for maintaining STF's web site and other web-based resources. Web resources shall include any and all web pages, web-based applications, and any supporting resource files (images, stylesheets, etc.). Any web resource not under the explicit jurisdiction of another Department, Fleet, Ship, or Executive Office shall be considered under the jurisdiction of the Internet Department.

The Internet Department may establish a common template for use on Internet Department-controlled pages.

The Internet Department shall make available web space and an MOTD (collectively "Section") to the head of each Department, Fleet, registered RPG Area, and Executive Office (collectively "Maintainers") for their use. The Internet Department may establish publicly documented reasonable standards for such Sections in order to maintain accuracy, site integrity and organization, security, and community standards as defined by the STF Terms of Service or other Edicts. Any changes to such standards must be publicly announced and a grace period given of no less than thirty (30) days.

Maintainers may opt for one of three options for their Section.

1) Full Control. The Maintainer is fully responsible for all content and design for the Section, and for any and all routine maintenance that is required.

2) Content Control. The Maintainer is responsible for providing the content for the Section, but the Internet Department is responsible for the layout and presentation, and is not required to use a format other than the common template. Maintainers wishing an alternate design should request Full Control.

3) Departmental Control. The Internet Department is responsible for both the content and presentation of the Section. The Internet Department will use the current departmental template for such Sections, and is not required to provide more than a general informational page. Maintainers wishing expanded content or an alternate design should request Content Control or Full Control.

The Internet Department may assume Departmental Control of any Section whose content is more than sixty (60) days out of date and whose Maintainer has been given at least fourteen (14) days notice. This rule applies only to pages whose contents have been inaccurate for sixty days, regardless of when the page was last updated.

A Maintainer may request a change of status from the Internet Department in writing. Such requests may only be denied if the Internet Department can show just cause why such a change would be detrimental to STF.

Maintainers are under no obligation to provide content or layout of pages in their Sections personally, but will be held responsible for them by the Internet Department regardless of the original author.

All content and resources required by a Section or the associated MOTD -- including but not limited to HTML files, images, stylesheets, PHP scripts, etc. -- must be hosted on the STF server. References to off-site resources are forbidden in order to maintain the technical stability of the site and to prevent the loss of information or resources should off-site hosts become unavailable or inaccessible.

The Internet Department may remove content that is in violation of standing policy, but must immediately notify the related Maintainer and provide the Maintainer with a copy of the removed content. That includes links to off-site resources not permitted under the preceeding paragraph.

4. EXEMPTED SECTIONS

Content on the site of specific historical value or that has special circumstances requiring it to be exempted from the Internet Department-established structure and organization may be declared Exempted. Such exemptions may only be granted by the dual consent of the Internet Director and President, and only if subjecting the content to Internet Department regulation would violate copyright, significantly reduce the value of the content in question, or otherwise be detrimental to STF.

The Internet Department shall have no authority over such content, except where necessary to avoid violations of STF, US, or international law.

Revocation of Exempted status may only be made with the dual consent of the Internet Director and President and with no less than ninety (90) days notice to the recognized Maintainer of the content in question.

5. APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Maintainers may implement auxiliary web applications to use in their Sections if they so choose, or to implement dynamic web pages using a server-side technology such as PHP or Perl. Such applications may be custom written by an STF member or a 3rd party application. However, auxiliary web applications are subject to the following additional restrictions:

- The Internet Department reserves the right to audit any executable code intended for installation on the STF server, and to modify or reject it order to protect the security and integrity of the system.

- If a 3rd party application, the application must be under an open source license that permits the Internet Department to audit and modify the code if needed.

- If a custom application, the author grants STF a non-exclusive, perpetual, non-revokable license to use or alter the application in any way whatsoever as needed. The original author will, however, retain any related copyright, and STF is not given the authority to redistribute the application to 3rd parties unless otherwise specified.

- Although the Internet Department is authorized to modify any application code on the server for security reasons, it must inform the related Maintainer that it has done so and may not modify the application for other reasons.

Dynamic web pages or any web pages that include executable code, such as PHP or Perl, are considered a web application, even if the code is being used only for easier, centralized page formatting.

6. REAL-TIME CHAT

The Internet Department may establish official real-time chat venues, such as IRC channels. The Internet Department shall have exclusive authority over such venues, including regulation of assistant adminstrators such as IRC "Ops". Such venues are considered public and open to all STF members who have not been banned for specific rules violations, however, any and all STF Terms of Service shall apply in addition to any additional rules published by the Internet Department.

The Internet Department has no authority over chat venues created by other STF members.

7. E-MAIL ADDRESSES

The Internet Department shall maintain e-mail forwarders for key government officials, directing to the personal address of the member's choosing. "Key government officials" includes the President, Vice President, Cabinet Officers and Executive Assistants, and their immediate successors. Forwarders for internal departmental positions may be created as well at the request of the Department Director.

Fully functional e-mail accounts will only be created if it can be shown that a forwarding account is insufficient for the intended use.

The Internet Department reserves the right to rename or remove an address upon thirty (30) days notice to the related member or department, or immediately should the related position cease to exist.

8. SECURITY

All administrative passwords to official STF resources, including but not limited to the STF server, any official chat venues, and the core web application software, must be held at all times by the Internet Director, President, and at least one other individual selected by the Internet Director. That individual need not be the same person for all passwords. At least the Internet Director and one other holder of a given password must agree in order to change the password, and it must then be provided immediately to all other authorized individuals.

Other government officers may request administrative access to various STF resources if they can show that it is necessary for the performance of their duties. The Internet Director is the final authority on who may or may not have administrative access, and no one but the Internet Director may authorize additional individuals to hold administrative access for any reason. A recommendation from the President to consider a given government officer should be given due consideration.

The Internet Director may require access to other web applications installed on the server for security purposes.

An exception to the above rules is made during Election Season. For the duration of Election Season, the Election Coordinator will be granted access to any resources necessary for his position and server access will be restricted to the Election Coordinator, Internet Director, and President. Should in the opinion of the Election Coordinator any member, including the President or Internet Director, be too involved in any campaign they will be barred from administrative access for the duration of Election Season and replaced by another member agreed upon by the Election Coordinator and Internet Director. Preference will be given to other non-Election-involved members of the Internet Department.

At no point may the password for any official resource be held by fewer than three people, but should at all times be kept to a reasonable minimum.

9. DISPUTES

Unless otherwise specified, any disputes regarding access to or control of club resources will be moderated by the Internet Director, unless the Internet Director is a party to the dispute in which case the dispute will be moderated by the President. The decision of either moderator will be considered final, however, deference should be given to security considerations except in extreme circumstances.

Edict #32:

Message posted on Stardate 05113.0 at 2352 hours


Posted by Fleet Admiral Jack Dipper (President).

Edict #32

Right, time for those ?end of term? edicts everyone?s been dying to hear :)

The first one goes to a member of the club who I?ve only personally known since starting my term. During that period, I have come to trust him immensely, and he doesn?t seem to mind me ranting about things to him ? which is a good thing!!

In the past, Sy has held the position of Academy Commandant and, more recently, AFComm 1, before being made FComm 1. During his time as AFComm 1, he looked to improve the fleet as much as he could. Not only is he involved with the government, but he shows the true makings of a good Captain, and looks after the Bonnie as much as he can. On that note, any applications for the Bonnie should be sent to him .

So, without further ado, I hereby promote Symon Silvester to the rank of Fleet Captain, with all the rights and privileges it entails.

Congratulations Sy!

Jack

Edict #33:

Message posted on Stardate 05113.0 at 2354 hours


Posted by Fleet Admiral Jack Dipper (President).

Edict #33

And now for my second, and final edict - yay!

The second promotion goes out to someone that?s achieved the impossible ? they actually managed to get Larry to write a Fleet Report! As well as that, Bob has helped Emma run perhaps the best fleet out there, helping her with the mundane administrative tasks. On top of that, he looks after his own ship, as well as reading half of Fleet 4. Whilst he isn?t vocal in Command, he always has the best intentions for the club.

So, again, without further ado, I hereby promote Bob Hillis to the rank of Fleet Captain, with all the rights and privileges it entails.

Congratulations Bob!

Jack

Edict #34:

Message posted on Stardate 05113.0 at 2359 hours


Posted by Fleet Admiral Jack Dipper (President).

Edict #34

I lied in my last edict - this is going to be my last one.

This final promotion goes out to someone who works hard both publicly and behind the scenes. She has spent the last eight months putting up with my ranting, with my ideas, and with my LOAs. She has been both supportive and understanding, yet not afraid to slap me when needed. On top of that, she has made some major changes to the Personnel Department, including creating the first PDE, and redesigning the PDept's pages.

I could go on, but time is short. So, I hereby promote Jen Herr to the rank of Fleet Captain, with all the rights and privileges it entails.

Congratulations Jen!

Jack