Back to basics

[ZargonX]

It has been subtle, but there has been over the past several weeks (months, even) a breakdown in the way we're supposed to run things around here. We founded this team on the principle of equal voices and democracy, and I, for one, feel we've drifted a bit.

I'm not quite sure what has caused it, though dwindling team membership, shifting positions, and a general desire to play our turns quickly, but it has happened nonetheless.

Too often in recent turns have we had differing opinions on what should be done, and before any concrete resolution has been reached, we've played the turn and move on. It hasn't caused any harm so far, other than the occasional feeling of toes being stepped on, but I think it's something we need to nail now before it grows worse, especially as we'll be losing even more members in the short term.

So, while this isn't a proposal set in stone, I think we all need to agree that if there is differing opinions about what needs to be done, we debate it out to conclusion, and if that fails, we hold a poll. Since holding the turn for a few extra hours isn't going to make much of a difference for now, there's no excuse not to. I just want to make sure that we all agree with what we're doing and where we're going before we go there

Remember, there's no "I" in "Lego," and the best path to victory is the one we take together

[lmtoops]

Very well put Zargon.

We need to find a balance, also. In the next several turns, there will be many many decisions. What units to produce? How many? Where to deploy? It goes on and on. It is not efficient to vote on every decision, but we can vote on general directions and strategy.

For example, one resent question was to build knights, med. infantry, or a mix. I don't think there was ever a real resolution. I saw arguments for and against, but where was the resolution.

At least with a vote, the "losing" side is not ignored and we can move on to the next decision as a team.

[vondrack]

Ummm... as it's been me playing the last couple of turns, may I know what exactly was the subject of this toe-stepping? Where did people feel ignored?

While I generally agree with your post, Zargon, I'm lost a bit regarding its "implementation"... is there anything preventing our members from posting polls on decisions they feel strongly about? There was none posted over the last few weeks...

I'm doing my best to make the plans known in advance, to start discussions about general directions/strategy, and to respond to whoever happens to disagree with the initial proposals I post. I would love to just respond to plans posted by someone else, but it seems that unless I post some, none get posted at all.

And to be honest, I thought there was a general agreement regarding our last few turns - and that was why I felt ok playing them as soon as they arrived or as soon as it was reasonable (usually with your approval).

Might I ask the members feeling ignored to speak up, please?

Re: knights vs. medinf... Steve suggested more medinfs, me, you, and Tiberius favoured knights (plus, I assume since Kloreep basically agreed with the build queues I proposed, he is okay with knights, too). I take it that unless more people express support for medinf, it's knights... am I wrong?

[ZargonX]

Sorry, Vondrack, I didn't mean for you to feel singled out. I was just speaking in generalities. Personally, I myself know that once or twice I have taken a turn before things were truly finalized.

As for implimentation... well, it is hard to say. First and foremost, I think all ministers should give a final stamp of approval on the proposed orders before any turn is taken. That won't take long by itself. Also, if anyone on the team objects strongly to something, we should not move forward until their concerns have been addressed. Even if they don't agree, as long as they have been heard is all I'm concerned about.

It's all about unity

[lmtoops]

Vondrack, it is true that you have been a great asset to the team. Your long range plans have been well thought out, supported by facts, and you left it up to the team to decide. I wish for you to continue doing the same.

You bring up a very good point that I missed. All of us are empowered to create polls. If one of us disagrees with some aspects of the plan, then it is our responsibilty to provide a counter proposal or argument and to post a poll. Easy enough.