Presidential Edicts
March 3rd, 1999 to September 20th, 1999
.. the Spurlin administration.. insert your own intern here.
.. the Spurlin administration.. insert your own intern here.
Message posted on Stardate 99030.3 at 0009 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin
Edict # 1
OK no time like the present to get things started. First off I would like to say that it is my sincerest intention to insure that no individual will hold more than one Cabinet/Command Post except on an emergency basis. It is my belief that in a club with about 200-250 which are active, that it should not be that difficult to find 15-20 qualified people to handle these and other needed positions. Also, I am going to ask, but not require, that all Cabinet/Command staff choose their assistants from non-cabinet/command personnel. We need to develop more talent within the club and I feel this would be an excellent starting point.
The two exceptions to this will be that the Vice President may hold a Cabinet/Command Post. Since the Vice President has limited duties unless the President is absent it would be foolish to waste such talent sitting on the bench waiting for the Prez to croak. The second exception comes in the area of the GameMaster Department. You will see this explained in more detail below.
The following people are appointed to the Cabinet effective immediately:
Greg Hertzch is retained as Personnel Director. I have instructed Greg that I would like for him to train at least two new people to handle the PDir's duties during this term. As it stands today we have only two people with experience in this department and that, in my mind, gives the club too few options in the case of unexpected events.
Colin Wyers is hereby removed as FComm-6 at his own request. He is hereby appointed Engineering Department Director. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Larry Garfield for his work while serving as ED. Job well done Larry!
Deanne Morgan has agreed to take on the duties as Director of the Gamemaster Department on a temporary basis. Her intention is to get the department structured and to select and train her replacement. This is a time specific appointment until Deanne can get the department to the level it was before her departure. Deanne has assured me that this can be done within four months. This is a temporary appointment.
Mike Borudaa is hereby appointed Internet Director. Since Mike is the author of our WeBB software this is indeed good news for the club. No one can give us more in this position than Mike.
Steve Ashton is hereby appointed Academy Commandant. Steve already serves as XO of the training ship and will bring a lot to this position. I would like to thank Jim Armstrong for the fine work he did as Commandant.
Commodore Dennis Hannigan is re-appointed as FComm-1.
Admiral Mike Ballway is re-appointed as FComm-2.
Captain James Speck is re-appointed as FComm-3.
Fleet Captain Larry Garfield is re-appointed as FComm-4.
Fleet Captain Deanne Morgan is hereby appointed FComm-5.
Seamus Hughes is hereby appointed FComm-6.
That's it for now.
Bob Spurlin
President
Message posted on Stardate 99030.7 at 1559 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict #2
March 7, 1999
This is an addendum to President Bourdaa's edict #32 regarding the USS Training Wheels.
Effectively immediately, the USS Challenger and any other future training ships commissioned will not be staffed beyond the dash 3 level. It is imperative that we create an environment where learning and training can take place and staffing the ship(s) beyond these levels is counterproductive.
I have asked the Commandant and the Personnel Director to arrange to transfer all individuals from the Challenger who are dash 4 or higher at once..
Bob Spurlin
President
Message posted on Stardate 99031.1 at 2115 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin.
Edict #3
March 11, 1999
Hello everyone;
A couple of things are going to happen here:
1) Effective immediately the USS Kestrel will change fleets. This will be done as soon as the Idir can make the arrangements. This will probably occur on Saturday.
2) Adam St. Clair has been on extended LOA for almost 2 months now. While I do not believe in punishing anyone for an LOA the good of the group must be considered as well. Effective immediately Adam is removed as CO of the Trinitron, without penalty. Also effective immediately, Jaret Hargreaves is promoted to the rank of Captain and is given command of the USS Trinitron.
3) Also effective immediately I am stepping down as CO of the USS Seraph. Steve Ashton is hereby promoted to the rank of Captain and is given command of the Seraph. The Seraph will remain in Fleet Six.
Bob Spurlin
President
Edict #3 is altered as follows.
Steve Ashton has turned down his promotion and command of the Seraph. Butch Carter will take command of the Seraph and is hereby promoted to Captain.
The Seraph will move to Fleet Five as origianlly scheduled.
I apologize for any confusion this causes but it could not be helped.
Thank you
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99031.5 at 2023 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin.
March 15, 1999
The GM Regulations listed below are approved and adopted.
GM Regulations
ROLE
The role of the Gamemaster (hereafter referred to as GM) is to provide a structured, entertaining sim for his assigned ship within Star-Fleet (STF).
DEPARTMENTAL ORGANIZATION
The daily activity of the GM Department is overseen by the GM Director (GMDir), who is appointed by the President. The GMDir is a cabinet position, and is equal in power to other departmental directors and Fleet Commanders (FComm).
The Assistant GM Director (AGMDir) is appointed by the GMDir. The AGMDir answers directly to the GMDir, and is responsible for departmental decisions in the event the GMDir is not available. Additional responsibilities are at the discretion of the GMDir. The department's GMs are appointed by the GMDir, based on that director's criteria. GMs are organized within the department in four levels: GM Trainee (GMT), GM, Advanced GM, (AGM), and Senior GM (SGM). Advancement is at the discretion of the director based on criteria such as tenure and work quality.
Each ship within STF is assigned at least one GM. When the roster allows, two GMs are assigned to a ship and designated as GM Alpha and GM Beta. The designation does not denote level of responsibility, but duty shift. Alpha and Beta alternate sims, thereby giving each GM down time to regroup following SIM completion.
RESPONSIBILITIES
GMs are responsible for providing an entertaining experience for members of STF, and are required to work with each ship's commanding officer to accomplish this task. In an effort to smooth the vagaries, the following chain of command has been established pertaining to specific ship-board issues:
Plot development: GM - CO - Executive Officer (XO)
Crew Morale: GM - XO - CO
Crew Discipline: CO - XO - GM
This chain of command denotes the level of authority the GM possesses in a given situation; although no authority is absolute. The GMDir may override any decision made by a GM.
In issues pertaining to daily ship operations (i.e. promotions, demotions, logs, message of the day [MOTD]), the GM has no authority.
DISPUTES
In the event the GM and CO become entangled in a dispute which requires mediation, all complaints regarding the GM are forwarded to the GMDir. Complaints regarding the CO are directed to the appropriate FComm.
In the event either party of the dispute also serves as the FComm and/or GMDir, then the matter is brought before the President for resolution.
TERMINATION
In the event a GM exhibits behavior ill-suited for his position, does not uphold his responsibility of maintaining an enjoyable environment aboard his ship, or abuses the authority of his position beyond the boundaries of STF law and common sense, he will be terminated from his position as GM. The GMDir has singular authority to terminate a GM, and has final word on a termination decision. Only the president has veto power over the GMDir.
When a situation arises with a GM that requires mediation, a review panel consisting of the CO, FComm, and AGMDir will convene to discuss the case and make a recommendation that best serves the ship. In the event any of the aforementioned is either not available or is the GM in question, the XO, Assistant FComm, or Vice President will fill the panel's vacancies.
The panel then forwards its recommendation with substantiation to the GMDir for final decision. The recommendation is also forwarded to the President for perusal. The GMDir has the authority to approve, modify, or reject the findings of the panel. However, the GMDir is also obligated to acknowledge the weight of the panel's recommendation. In the event the GMDir does not agree with the panel's recommendation, the panel can request an appeal from the President.
PARTICIPATION
GMs are required to make regular posts on their assigned ships to insure proper progress of the sim. The posting frequency depends on the speed of the ship. However a GM should post at least once every three days. If a GM fails to post for seven days, and has not made provisions for a leave of absence (LOA), he is declared absent without leave (AWOL). It is the responsibility of the ship's CO to inform the GMDir if a GM fails to post within this time frame. GMTs must adhere to a more stringent posting policy, due to the nature of their assignment. GMTs must post every three days or be declared AWOL.
GMs declared AWOL are removed from the roster until the situation can be reviewed and resolved. Disciplinary action, should it be required, can include ship reassignment, transfer to inactive status, demotion, and/or termination from the GM department. AWOL GMTs will be removed from the program.
In the event a GM is on LOA or declared AWOL, the affected ship's XO takes acting GM status until a replacement GM can be assigned. Typically, this process will not take more than 48 hours from time of notification to the GMDir.
At no time shall a ship's CO serve as its GM. In the event both the GM and the XO are LOA or AWOL, the GMDir will step in as temporary GM until a replacement is assigned.
SIMS
Sims are governed by the rules of STF and departmental guidelines. All sims must have the approval of the GMDir. FComms who wish to host a fleet wide sim must have prior approval from the GMDir before commencing. Additionally, during fleet wide sims, FComms must maintain constant interaction with the GMDir, who coordinates all sim-related moves and plot twists.
SELF-RPG
The discipline required for a successful self-RPG environment is such that self-RPG ships are limited in STF. Newly-commissioned ships and starbases will be considered for self-RPG if their command staffs establish a set of guidelines to ensure a pleasant roleplaying environment for all concerned. The GMDir has final decision on whether a ship may be launched as self-RPG. However the FComm of the affected fleet may appeal to the President.
Existing ships may petition the GMDir to be considered for self-RPG status. To be considered, the ship's CO must provide viable reasons why his ship is suited for self-RPG status. He must also provide proof that guidelines are in place maintain a pleasant roleplaying atmosphere. The petition will be granted with unanimous approval from the President, GMDir, appropriate FComm, and ship's CO.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99031.8 at 1441 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict #5
March 18, 1999
Hello everyone;
Deanne Morgan has resigned her positions as Director of the GM Department, as FComm-5 and as CO of the USS Genesis. I am accepting those resignations effective immediately. Yes I know the date for the GMD resignation was the end of the month but I believe this is the more prudent move.
In light of this the following will occur:
1) Owen Ashcroft is hereby appointed Director of the Gamemaster department. It is my understanding that Stuart Coll will remain AGMDir.
2) Nikolle Burchett is hereby appointed FComm-5 an will assume command of the USS Genesis.
3) Ginger Johnson is hereby promoted to Captain and is given command of the USS Montgomery in Fleet Four.
The timing of 2 and 3 is to be determined by the ability to work within the current sims, however, I expect it to be very soon.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99032.2 at 0007 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin.
: Message posted on Stardate 99032.0 at 1845 hours
: Posted by Deanne Morgan.
: To the members of STF:
:
: I have waited two days now for Mr. Spurlin to answer my queries regarding his questionable Edict #5. In those two days, I have done a lot of thinking about what has transpired this past week within STF's current administration. And in that thinking, I've discovered a lot of seemingly unethical moves. If Mr. Spurlin had had the courtesy of answering the questions I posed against his Edict, perhaps some of these moves could be explained. Without his answers, however, I have only that which has been said and documented over the past week to use as explanation.
:
: On that note, I am officially challenging the ethics of Edict #5 on the basis of Mr. Spurlin's own statement earlier in the week that resignations sent to the STF mailing list were not valid until they were posted in the Command Area of the WeBB.
:
: My resignation as GMDir, contrary to the report made in GIN #2, was based solely on a previous arrangement made with then Candidate Spurlin. My tenure as GMDir was always intended to be temporary, lasting approximately four months. My goal was to reorganize a department that had fallen into disarray during my absense, and train a successor who would keep the department running at the level of quality I had attained. Even before Mr. Spurlin was elected into office, my choice as heir apparent was Stuart Coll.
:
: Mr. Coll briefly co-GMed the Columbus with me during what has been touted as one of the best sims ever run. As recently as Friday, Nikolle Burchett commented in command that the mirror universe was the best sim she'd ever seen. Mr. Coll impressed me then with his enthusiasm for the sim and his willingness to do what was best for the ship. He displayed no outrageous ego, and exhibited an obvious knack for creativity. Anyone who has roleplayed with him knows the attention to detail he puts into each post.
:
: When Mr. Coll began working with me as AGMDir at the beginning of Mr. Spurlin's administration, he further impressed me with his administrative skills. Indeed, he was the perfect person to take over the GMD. He approached issues from all sides, and went with the solution that best served STF and its members. He was a credit to the cabinet. So much so that, with the GM Regulations protected by Presidential Edict, a move for which I do commend Mr. Spurlin, I felt that I was not needed as GMDir for the entire four months. I announced this in a letter to the command mailing list.
:
: With Owen Ashcroft on as his assistant, and me available as an advisor whenever he needed me, I believed Stuart was ready to take the helm. My letter ended with me stating my intent to resign on April 1, 1999, unless anyone felt my suggestion was ill founded.
:
: The letter was one of intent. If no one made issue of my decision, I figured I would post a note in Command a week before my resignation was to take place to make it official. Needless to say, Mr. Spurlin's Edict #5 came as quite a surprise. He never emailed me regarding my intent. Nor had I ever made the resignation official by posting it in command, a step necessitated according to Mr. Spurlin.
:
: Additionally, Mr. Spurlin's naming of Owen Ashcroft as GMDir, rather than Stuart Coll, is both baffling and riddled with peculiarities. Mr. Spurlin nullified my recommendation of Mr. Coll because I had resigned. This despite the fact that (A) I had not yet officially resigned and (B) Mr. Spurlin stated in his campaign that he felt the greatest weight for naming a successor was put on the advice of the predecessor. Rather than my recommendation as "the best GMDir in STF history" for Mr. Coll as the next GMDir, Mr. Spurlin relied on the input of two cabinet members he refused to identify. The recommendation was made to put Mr. Ashcroft ahead of Mr. Coll because Mr. Ashcroft has GMing experience. Had anyone bothered to approach me, the GMDir, about this issue, I would have explained that Mr. Coll also had GMing experience. And has demonstrated a much more level head than Mr. Ashcroft.
:
If anyone had asked you for your private opinion you would have been well within your rights to give such an evaluation. To post these words here, for the entire club to see, is in my mind insulting to Captain Ashcroft and undermines his authority as the newly appointed GMD.
: Clearly, Mr. Spurlin's removal of me from the GMD, without any previous word to me and well before I even formally resigned, was beyond the realm of fair play. He replaced me behind closed doors. His secretive moves to staff the department went against everything I had put into place to insure that the GMD would continue at the quality level I had worked to create.
:
: Mr. Spurlin's handling of my resignation as CO and FComm-5 was equally played close to the vest, behind closed doors, and against that which is best for STF. My resignation from these posts was not even issued to the command list. It was issued solely to the cabinet members and fleet commanders. In it, I expressed my dismay that things had deteriorated within the administration because Mr. Spurlin did not like me challenging a decision he made. I had made several public attempts to heal the rift that existed, without effect. I felt that if I were to remove myself from the command level, it would reduce the conflicts. I had hoped that by making such a move, it would open the doors for possible reconciliation.
:
: However, Mr. Spurlin in his Edict #5 jumped the gun. My resignation, again per his statement, was not official until it was posted in command. I had been waiting for someone to step forward and open discussions on how to best serve STF. The only thing I received was a brief conversation with Mr. Spurlin where he asked me to reconsider giving up my command. Erroneously, I thought he meant my total resignation (CO and FComm). However, I learned the next day via an email from Butch Carter asking for CO info for the fleet report, that Mr. Spurlin had only meant the CO status. In fact, Mr. Spurlin was already replacing me in my positions, to the point of going to the IDir and having my access level reduced before he even posted Edict #5. In fact, although Mr. Spurlin granted me until Thursday evening to think about my resignation from the Genesis, he had FComm-4 Larry Garfield working to replace Ms. Burchett as CO on the Monty as early as Wednesday evening, a move only necessary if he was intending to move Ms. Burchett to the command of the Genesis.
:
Fleet Captain Morgan your statement regarding the Idir and your access level is totally and completely false. I posted edict #5 at 1441 hours on March 18, 1999. Upon posting that edict I went to the Star-Fleet IRC DalNet channel. I joined that channel at 14:56. Approximately an hour later Owen Ashcroft entered the channel and I told him to go and read the command area. Once he had seen the official edict he asked about his access levels. The Assistant Internet Director, Randy McCullick, was in the channel and I asked him to make the necessary adjustments to Captain Ashcroft's, Stuart Coll's, Captain Burchett's, Captain Johnson's and your accounts. I simply instructed the AIDir to make all of the necessary changes at once. There was absolutely nothing improper about this request. In fact Mr. McCullick went and read the edict in command to make sure he got the names right.
Your statement that my move to replace Captain Burchett as CO of the USS Montgomery was only necessary if I intended to replace you as Genesis CO is also completely false. As I have stated before and the logs back me up, If you had chosen to remain as Genesis CO Captain Burchett would have been given a new ship in Fleet Five. If you are going to state information second hand from private conversations you have an obligation to get it right and not post either half-truths or outright falsehoods. In this case I know you possessed the truth but you blatantly posted that which you knew was false.
: Despite the unethical way in which Mr. Spurlin handled my resignation as CO and FComm, I would have let it stand if it was to help STF. However, his FComm-5 replacement only creates more questions. While Nikolle Burchett is AFComm-4 so she has some experience, a recent email from Ms. Burchett regarding my invitation that she be a GM indicated that she didn't have time. She has recently been promoted at work and is now working six ten-hour days each week. She felt that until her hours at work were reduced, she couldn't put the time into being a GM that the position deserved. Knowing that, I can't help but wonder how she will have the time that an entire fleet deserves.
:
: I do not intend to cast disparaging light on Ms. Burchett. Unfortunately, I must bring up these facts in order to shed light on the questionable administrative actions taken of late by Mr. Spurlin. I would like to think that Mr. Spurlin's actions are not spurred by personal feelings. However, the string of events makes it difficult to not, at the very least, wonder about it.
:
But you have, indeed, cast a disparaging light on Captain Burchett by making a private communication between the two of you public. The club as a whole had no right to this information. Again if you had been asked for your opinion you could have given it in private but again you chose post it publicly and without Captain Burchett's permission.
: I sent my intent to resign from the GMDir, because I believed I had accomplished that which I set out to do. I trusted my replacement, Mr. Coll, to serve the department with the same dedication and passion for excellence that drove me to do well. My resignation was never official, per Mr. Spurlin's own words regarding what makes it official, and was not even slated to take effect until April 1, 1999.
:
: My intent to resign as CO of the Genesis and FComm-5 was a passionate endeavor to make things right within STF and remove myself from further conflict. Again, it was never official. My resignation never even made it to the mailing list.
:
: In light of this, my question now is if Mr. Spurlin is going to rescind his hasty Edict #5. If he chooses to stand by it, then, by the power of his own words, I never resigned. This means that Mr. Spurlin is firing me from all three positions.
:
: If that is the case, I challenge Mr. Spurlin to find proof where I ever misserved STF in any of these capacities. Where did I fail as GMDir? Where has my ship suffered? How has Fifth Fleet been left without leadership? Where have I abused my authority as Fleet Captain?
:
: In all of this fiasco, I am guilty of two things on an official level: Passion for what is just and an improper use of language in a debate on who I could appoint as captain on a new ship slated to be placed in my fleet. I used the word "screw" to indicate that I felt my fleet was being denied a good captain solely because of personal ties. As noted earlier, I have apologized numerous times for this indiscretion.
:
: Over the course of this, the argument got heated between Mr. Spurlin and myself. However, it was never conducted in a public arena. If, however, I am to be held culpable for losing my temper in an ongoing assault by Mr. Spurlin in this situation, then he, too, must be held for his behavior. Especially for his statement to consider myself replaced in all my positions for questioning his integrity.
:
: As ever, I want what is best for STF. I expect that, if Edict #5 is to remain valid, the reason for my resulting terminations will be explained to prove that they were done to meet that criterion. Since I have done nothing that was not above board in these positions, I fail to see how this requirement can be met.
:
: Sincerely,
: Fleet Captain Deanne Morgan
Edict #6:
For the record I went to Captain Morgan this today, twice and I told her that her post contained false statements and I gave her the opportunity to either withdraw the post or modify it before I commented. She assured me that she stood by her words.
Based on the four incidents noted above. Two of posting false information to the club, one of casting an insulting remark against a fellow officer and one of sharing private email communications with the club, I have no choice but to find that Fleet Captain Deanne Morgan is guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer.
Therefore:
1) Fleet Captain Deanne Morgan is hereby reduced in rank to Captain.
2) All Cabinet and Command members are hereby instructed that Captain Morgan is not to hold and Cabinet or Command position in this administration which includes assistant positions. This administration will not be placed in the position of having Captain Morgan end up in a Cabinet or Command position should the appointee become unavailable to serve.
3) Finally, I am instructing the Internet Director to remove Captain Morgan from the Channel Operators List in the #Star-Fleet IRC DalNet channel. Since this is the official channel of Star-Fleet I feel that this is appropriate.
This is not a decision I make lightly. In fact it is one of the most difficult I have ever made. I hold no malice against Captain Morgan. I am not her enemy. I went to her and asked her to withdraw this; Twice. She chose to ignore those requests and to stand by her statements and now she must stand by the results of them as well. As President of the club I am duty bound to take this action. No one in the club has the right to do these things and they cannot be tolerated.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99032.5 at 1038 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. March 25, 1999
Edict # 7
Edict #6 is hereby amended as follows:
After much thought and consideration and discussions with numerous individuals paragraph 2 of edict #6 (Shown below) is rescinded and not replaced. While the President clearly has the right to replace any cabinet member at any time the wording of edict #6, paragraph 2 is not consistent with STF precedent. This sort of preemptive strike is not good policy. A person placed in such a category is not being given the chance to redeem themselves and that is wrong.
If such an individual comes into a cabinet or command position the President should evaluate the situation at that time and make any decision he feels is warranted.
Paragraph 3 of Edict #6 is rescinded and not replaced. The President has the authority to either place the #Star-Fleet channel under the control if the Internet Department or to maintain control of the channel himself. This administration has chosen to place that responsibility with the IDir and therefore all such decision should rest with that department head. Because of this fact removing an operator, by edict, would set a bad precedent for the future. This is not to say that the President has no voice in such matters, but that they should not be handled by edict.
Also, this is to state formally, as an edict, that former member, Chris Healy, is hereby banned from STF. Both from the WeBB and any and all official IRC chat channels.
***************************************
These are the excerpted paragraphs from Edict # 6 which are rescinded:
2) All Cabinet and Command members are hereby instructed that Captain Morgan is not to hold and Cabinet or Command position in this administration which includes assistant positions. This administration will not be placed in the position of having Captain Morgan end up in a Cabinet or Command position should the appointee become unavailable to serve.
3) Finally, I am instructing the Internet Director to remove Captain Morgan from the Channel Operators List in the #Star-Fleet IRC DalNet channel. Since this is the official channel of Star-Fleet I feel that this is appropriate.
****************************************
Message posted on Stardate 99032.5 at 1636 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict # 8
March 25, 1999
Ok folks something positive, for a change. I have been around STF for about 9 months now and in that time there have been a few people who have been consistent positive contributors to the club. Mike Bourdaa and Mike Ballway (When he is around) come to mind at once. There are many others as well.
Another person who is always there and plugging away at his job has been Greg Hertzsch. Greg has served STF for many years in a variety of roles. Two terms as President and he is on his second consecutive term as Director of the Personnel Department. Greg has demonstrated his willingness to aid the club in any way he can and that kind of loyalty and leadership should be rewarded. In the time I have known him and he has helped countless new members get started in the club that might have otherwise left.
Therefore Fleet Captain Greg Hertzsch is hereby promoted to the rank of Commodore, effective immediately.
Two other people who have served this club well in my opinion are Nikolle Burchett and Alan Felts. While they are not the flamboyant superstars that others may be they are always helpful and they are always here to serve and assist.
Therefore, Captain Nikolle Burchett and Captain Alan Felts are hereby promoted to the rank of Fleet Captain, effective immediately.
Finally, I have to respect the recommendation of my Vice President. He has for a couple of months now been touting Seamus Hughes for the rank of Fleet Captain. Colin has stated countless times that he has never had a better Assistant Fleet Commander in his long STF tenure.
With that said, Captain Seamus Hughes is promoted to the rank of Fleet Captain effective, immediately.
Seamus you have no idea how tempted I was to make this effective on April 1st.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99032.5 at 1639 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict # 9
March 25, 1999
After rereading the entirety of the matter of the past week or so, it has come to my attention that I am guilty of the same offense that I recently imposed disciplinary action on another for. I spoke with Stuart Coll today he told me that he felt I had betrayed his confidence and that I had in fact misrepresented what he told me.
I state here and now to Stuart Coll that it was not my intention to d so and I am sincerely sorry for doing this. I had absolutely know right to share his private conversation without his permission or to misrepresent even the tone of his comments. It was a terrible thing to do and I regret it deeply. I here, publicly, ask him for his forgiveness.
The above apology in no way lessens the offense I have committed. I have said since my candidacy began that Integrity was and would be a cornerstone of my administration. For me to impose disciplinary action on another and not myself would be corrupt and immoral. Since I am neither I am imposing the following penalty on myself.
Captain Bob Spurlin is hereby found guilty of conduct unbecoming of an officer of STF and is hereby demoted to the rank of Ensign. Furthermore Ensign Spurlin shall not be eligible for promotion above that rank for a period of 90 days from today.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99033.1 at 1957 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict # 10
March 31, 1999
1) Alan Felts is hereby appointed Academy Commandant.
2) Sinead Doyle is appointed XO of the USS Challenger and promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99040.5 at 1450 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict #11
April 5, 1999
Hello everyone
As you all know the demise of Prodigy Classic has brought our own Fleet One to the WeBB. Many of you may or may not know that there were other RPG clubs of various sizes on Prodigy as well. Admiral Mike Bourdaa, while serving as President opened dialogues with several of these clubs about the possibility of them merging with us. He has continued those discussions as our Ambassador.
The Association of Trekkers (AT) was one of these clubs. Admiral Bourdaa has done a fine job working with ATs Representative, Fleet Admiral Charles Molluzzo, in this matter and we have reached an agreement that is, in my opinion fair to all concerned.
Therefore I am happy to announce the following
1. The AT shall enter Fleet 1 of STF on the WeBB at a date to be determined.
2. The ATs current members shall choose the ships name, providing a ship does not currently exist with the same name.
3. The ships class shall be chosen by current AT members from STFs current ship classes.
4. The current members of the AT will all have a minimum STF rank of Commander. One person will be chosen by the AT members to be a Fleet Captain, and 2 to be a Captain. The rest of the AT members will become Commanders.
5. The ATs current members will decide who shall become the CO and XO of the ship. They will also submit the rest of the roster, and the STFs PDir may fill in any empty spots as he wishes.
6. A web page will be constructed honoring prodigys history, as well as the ATs history. The CO of the AT ship shall work with the Internet Department to help formulate this page.
On behalf of STF I accept this agrrement.
While AT is a small club I am sure they will bring a lot to STF and I hope everyone will make them welcome.
I would also like to officially recognize Admiral Bourdaa for his hard work in this matter. Once again he has served STF well.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99040.7 at 1940 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict # 12
April 7, 1999
1: A new ship in Fleet Two is commissioned. The USS Arleigh Burke, Nimitz Class, under the command of Captain Mike Bowman who is hereby reinstated as requested by FComm-2 Mike Ballway.
2: A new Planet RPG is established in Fleet Six by the name of Oed V. This colony is established for experienced RPGers (Second characters) only and is under the control of STF6 Command. Should FComm-6 decide to appoint an administrator other than the FComm or AFComm the President shall have the right of veto. This colony idea is on a trial basis and the idea will be re-evaluated in 90 days.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99051.4 at 1300 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict #13
May 14, 1999
This edict includes both the best and worst of jobs the President has to perform.
The USS Olympic has been struggling for quite sometime now. Jim Armstrong, while a very solid and dependable member of STF has had difficulties adjusting to the role of CO. This has been exacerbated by his need to take several unannounced LOAs. His latest LOA has left the ship in distress. Now LOAs are not something to punished so please do not get the idea that this is what is happening. The needs of the ship must come before the need of any single crew member and every ship must have an active and viable CO. To that end:
1) Jim Armstrong is removed a CO of the USS Olympic.
2) Nathan Miller is removed as CO of the USS Titania. While LOAs are not punished it is obvious that the Titania, "The Daily Ship" could not be expected to survive for 90 days without serious problems. Nathan retains his rank.
3) Stuart Coll is hereby promoted to Captain and will assume the duties of CO of the USS Olympic.
4) Mohammed Younis is hereby promoted to Captain and will assume command of the USS Titania.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99052.2 at 1357 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict #14
May 22, 1999
I had hoped this would not be necessary, but things do not always go as we hope. Jason Becker is hereby removed from command of the USS Brandywine. John Anglin is promoted to Captain and given the CO spot on the USS Brandywine.
This move is made due to a severe lack of activity on the ship and an even greater lack of activity by Jason. Hopefully time constraints will allow Jason to get back into the swing of things soon and maybe get another ship in the future.
Now on a different Note:
This part of the edict amends Edicts #30 and #31 of the Bourdaa Administration :
Mike's previous policy was completely sound, in my mind, however, it limits the President to appointing only cabinet level officers to serve on a review committee of the EDir's designs. This edict removes that restriction. The members of the committee may be any STF officer in good standing as the President chooses.
The intent of this part of this edict is to insure that the President will here the authority to appoint the most qualified officers available for Engineering review rather than be limited to cabinet level officers'
The Committee will now consist of the AEDir, the VP (If not serving in the ED) and one additional officer appointed by the President. If the VP is serving as EDir or AEDir the President will appoint a second officer.
Note there is no change to the procedure of any kind only the make up and appointment of the committee.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99062.1 at 1329 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. June 21, 1999
Edict # 15
Effective immediately Captain Randy McCullick is appointed CO of the USS Ark Angel.
Also effective immediately Mark Wilson is appointed FComm1
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99062.9 at 0242 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict #16
June 29, 1999
I know Colin is on LOA but he is still around on the weekends so I am going to impose on him in this edict. One of the things I wanted to do in this administration was to get the Articles of Organization ready for presentation to the club as a whole. The two authors of that document, while solid members of the club, though one (Mister Garfield) is totally annoying, have not brought the issue up in about 4 months or so.
Now I have several problems with the document in its current form, but there seems to be little interest in the document in general; therefore I am asking VP Wyers to form a committee to prepare a document of rules for the club for presentation. I would think said document could be ready for debate within 30 days from today, with the stipulation that, if passed it will go into effect on the first day of the new administration.
Colin and I discussed this a great deal during our campaign and I am sure he will provide a good base document for debate by the ENTIRE club. Colin, that was the sound of me handing you the ball on this issue-now run with it!!!
Also, I went to the doctor again today and he released me to have my first adult beverages in over two months this evening so that may have something to do with the next part of this edict.
While I find Larry Garfield completely annoying and in total anathema to this administration I must admit that in the year I have been here he has served the club with a ferocity that few can challenge. He and I rarely agree on positions and we have openly disagreed on many issues. Personal differences aside, I must admit, that he works hard for the club and therefore is an asset of some kind.
Therefore effective immediately Larry Garfield is hereby promoted to the rank of Commodore.
Also effective immediately James Speck is promoted to the rank of Fleet Captain. James has more than proved himself as FComm of the 3rd fleet over the past months and is a solid member of the club.
And may God forgive me for the Garfield thing
Bob Spurlin
President STF
Message posted on Stardate 99080.3 at 1837 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. EDICT # 17
August 3, 1999
1: Having heard nothing from the AT people since our agreement I am left with little choice in this matter. Edict # 11 merging the AT club with STF is hereby revoked.
2: Sinead Doyle is hereby promoted to Captain and is given command of the USS Apache, Visigoth Class, a new ship in Fleet One. It is understood that this ship is for new personnel and transfers should be keep to a minimum. All Department heads, save one should be new DHs if that is possible.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99080.3 at 2326 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. EDICT # 18
August 3, 1999
1. Randy McClullick is having serious personal and ISP problems and therefore I am removing him as CO of the USS Ark Angel. Greg Hertzsch is hereby appointed CO of the USS Ark Angel.
2. Captain Adam St. Clair is given command of the USS Dresden. The timing of these moves will be worked out by the COs to cause the lease disruption of the sims.
3. Elana Rubin is hereby promoted to Captain and will assume command of the USS Ares when Owen Townes leaves as he has said he was doing. Once she takes command the Ares will be decommissioned and a new Visigoth Class ship, The USS Pict will replace it.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99081.3 at 1331 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict # 19
August 13, 1999
Effective immediately a new ship, The USS Ogawa, McCoy Class, is commissioned in Fleet One. Captain Deanne Morgan is hereby appointed CO of the ship.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99081.9 at 1247 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin.
Edict # 20
August 18, 1999
Effective immediately a new ship, The USS Aries, Andromeda Class, is commissioned in Fleet One. Cordell Garrett is promoted to Captain and is given command. This is a ship for new players and only the XO and 1 department head should be transfers.
NOTE: In edict 19 I said Deanne Morgan when her name is actually Deanne Ashton. I apologize for the mistake.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99082.6 at 0237 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict # 21
August 26, 1999
I am about to perform the best tasks of my presidency!
The admiralty in STF is a symbolic post and has NO authority, as it should be. It is, in fact an honorary title which denotes only service to the club. In my short tenure here I have found few who are worthy of such recognition. Few who have the guts and determination to say what they feel, despite the consequences.
One of these people is my Vice-President, Colin Wyers. When I decided to run for President, Colin was considering the same task. In fact he was adamant about running for the job. However, he put aside his personal desires and put the good of the club ahead of his own interests and decided to run as my VP. I am sure this took a great deal of ego-swallowing and just down right will to do, but he did it for what he thought was the GOOD of the club.
Even after we won the election he NEVER placed himself in a position that was ABOVE the club and even during his LOAs he hung around to help the club. Yes the ED might have suffered some, but I am sure it is better for him being there. And even now he is in the process of putting the Articles of Organization on track for a vote in October.
Therefore Colin Wyers is hereby promoted to the rank of Admiral!
This next decision took a lot more thought and soul searching than the one above. During the earlier, so-called crisis's, of this administration one person upheld the dignity and character of what STF should be. Though she was insulted on several fronts she NEVER once responded with malice or self-importance, but comported herself with class and honor. She, more than anyone else I know, knows how to have fun and is a leader to all of us in the club!
Therefore effective immediately, Fleet Captain Nikolle Burchett, is promoted to the rank of Commodore! Niki I am so proud of you for all you have done for this club! Keep up the good work and the positive attitude!!
Bob Spurlin
President STF
Message posted on Stardate 99091.4 at 0908 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin. Edict #22
14 September, 1999
Hello everyone;
Due to real life constraints, Owen Ashcroft has resigned as GM Director. Stuart Coll is hereby appointed GM Director.
Bob Spurlin
STF President
Message posted on Stardate 99091.9 at 2339 hours
Posted by Colin Wyers.
Ok, boys and girls. It seems Mr. Spurlin has an unannounced Leave of Absense going on at the moment. At the same time, John Anglin of the USS Brandywine has stepped down as CO, thus leaving the crew with a command vacuum.
Thus, as acting President under the circumstances, I appoint Nick Lackie as Brandywine CO, with a promotion to Captain.
--C. Wyers
Message posted on Stardate 99092.0 at 1643 hours
Posted by Bob Spurlin.
Edict #23
20 September, 1999
I am not sure of the need for this but this confirms Nick Lackies promotion to Captain and appointment as CO of the USS Brandywine.
Edict #24
20 September, 1999
This edict should bring rousing cheers from most of the club.
Over the passed 6 months it has been my privilege to serve as president of STF. During that time I have endeavored to make decisions that were in the best interest of the club and I believe I have done a fair job.
There have been several so-called crisis's during this term and many people believed that I acted harshly or unfairly and that is their right, however, I say again here that I always acted in what I thought was the club's best interest.
It is with that in mind that I hereby resign as STF President and from STF as well.
Colin Wyers hereby assumes the Presidency as VP and will decide if a new VP should be appointed and will appoint a new ED.
My health simply will not allow me the time required to finish this term.
Bob Spurlin
STF President