SSX-MS wrote:IF however, we elect someone new this year, i believe it needs to be someone who is of the opinion that this place needs new life for us to stay strong & active and is in a position to try and do something about that themselves at some point during their "term". Not necessarily on their own, as it's not a one person job, but someone who will be actively involved with that ingame and not just backing others. (And someone who is actually suitable but that should go without saying).
This. This is a good point. We do need someone to push activity, to whatever extent that is possible (after all, if none of us are playing games beyond stints on Xbox Live it'll be a little hard no matter who we pick). I suspect, however, that it will not be a simple task to judge candidates on this issue. I have a desire to bring some new life to us, but I do not see how that could be achieved without an MMO coming along that a number of us could rally around. Whilst we may find a plethora of people who share your opinion, it will always be hard to build lasting groups for the sake of us having more groups rather than because a group of people are genuinely enthusiastic about playing the game in question.
However, this brings me to another point that I was planning to make later but will raise now instead. Namely that I do not think that I would be a good choice for re-election this year due to my role as Site Administrator. A few people already know my feelings on this matter, but many do not. It has been glaringly obvious to me for some time that the role of Arbiter and Administrator should not be combined, simply because of my track record after two years in both roles simultaneously.
Much of what I have done and do with the role of Arbiter is use it to push an Administrative agenda - phpBB3, website redesigning, etc. Having realised this for some time now (since the switch of BB3 in fact) I have, whenever possible, tried to seperate the two roles internally - but it has proved difficult for me. Whilst I strongly believe the Arbiter should not be attempting to push Administrative changes, I am equally strong in my belief that it is a core part of the role of the Administrator - and that leaves me in a quandry sometimes when I move to do or say things.
I honestly don't think it's a good situation for us to be in, and that's why I'm raising the point to those who were unaware of my feelings on the matter. I thought about withdrawing from nominations, or making a rule that bars the roles from being combined, but equally I did not feel that would be fair to anyone. It is neither the role of the Arbiter or the Administrator to restrict the nomination process because he believes a particular thing, especially when others do not agree (and I know some do not).
As such, I will be content with stating my feelings and letting you all decide as to whether I am right or wrong. Nominate me if you will, and I will not complain - I just wanted everyone to be aware of my concern on the matter.
Let's not turn this into a debate thread though. As for my nominations, they will come later. Still need time to think about it myself
