Lecture: Not Really a Lecture.

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Lecture: Not Really a Lecture.
Topic Started: Thu Dec 21, 2017 10:52 pm (147 Views)
Todd McCloud	Thu Dec 21, 2017 10:52 pm Post #1
Horrid little fox guy thing Posts: 5 Group: Committee Member #4 Joined: Nov 25, 2017	Greetings, all. I know I was supposed to give a lecture on a book I've been working on and exploring the ins and outs of that process. I wrote that before a lot of the stuff here happened, and in the end, I feel I needed to post that elsewhere. This is not out of a protest, nor is it because I'm angry or smug or anything like that. I just don't want to associate it in my mind with what has occurred in this fair. There have been many things that have nearly derailed this fair, and I didn't help how I should have. A lot all came at once, and it overwhelmed me and had to step back for a day. I'm sorry. It took me by surprise, because even though every fair has its issue and its microcosms of drama, this one was something I didn't expect. And I don't blame anyone for it, either. It just happened. I think maybe it was a combination of folks discussing a heated issue and folks who really wanted solutions, but we couldn't offer those solutions, and when that became abundantly clear, it did not go well. Roleplayers, GAers, Forum7ers, NSSportsers, and all the other -ers in this game, Gameplay has been dealing with a lot of tough things inside and outside of this game. It was my hope that this fair would bring some relief to that community, which is why this fair was to be about unity, kindness, safety, and security. It was anything but. And for that, I must apologize. And, to be frank, I apologize to everyone - those who left, those who were booted, those who are likely scared to talk about what's bothering them (please don't be), the hosts who have nothing to do with what transpired, those who stayed on, the lecturers who gave some riveting topics but were likely overshadowed by the drama, and anyone else who will read this one day. I've failed you all. I especially apologize to the NSWF committee. These guys didn't deserve what happened to them. I don't think I can discuss it, but they know. This has been a very difficult week, but I can safely say without them it would have been even harder. This fair would've never seen its end. See, these are the guys who you want in a region. Anyone can be nice and fun when good times are happening, but when bad times occur (and they do, and they will) is when we really see how people act. They're tough-as-nails and really are strong people. You all have my respect. It's not a mandate that I'm here, but a privilege, one that I've enjoyed for six years or so. And, it's one I feel I need to relinquish. Why? Well, I've done this for many years. I've taken a step back in gameplay, and I don't really know the community as well as I once did. It's not right for someone to do this thing for 1/3 of the time NS has been in business (thereabouts), because this game is dynamic, and if it is dynamic, then this committee will need new blood to continue to be innovative and exciting. I've done what I could. It wasn't perfect (and yeah, I got the static about the forum look too - that was my job and I apologize for that), but I did the best I could and I did have fun. Maybe one day you'll serve here, and you'll have memories like I do - working hard to get all of the things done, giving what you can to this community, listening to the lectures and working with the host, wading through some of the drama, etc. But the best is when the fair ends. It's selfish of me, but I always liked the comments. Sure, I'd get a critique here or there, but players, players I've never even heard of sometimes, will come to me and say thanks for what this fair did for them. There's not many times in life where you get those kind of moments, and that, selfish as it may be, is what I'll remember. You'll remember that too, because I believe in you and know you'll succeed. How can I say such a blanketed statements? Look around you. People here play a text-based game that requires skill, convincing, and intellect. Those are leadership qualities. And while I'm no longer in college, but a professional with a family that may be growing soon and with changing health in a changing world, those qualities will last no matter what stage of life you're in. You're all great. Just believe in yourselves, don't get bogged down in fights, and always move forward. Life's not measured by the times we fall - it's measured by the times we fall and then rise back up. Keep getting up. I will need some months away from the fair and the likes. I will try to talk with those from the fair one-on-one in time too. But later this year I want to work with the current committee to select some new people. We, and they, have learned a lot from this fair, and I personally hope those who remain will be there for this moment, because this has been a really tough lesson. Failures are lessons. At the end of this, I'd like to have a strong, diverse team that people can put their trust behind. We'll begin to rebuild and establish protocols to ensure the mistakes made this year never happen again. I want them to work with those who feel slighted and those who could have been mistreated to see what can be done. Once that is all established, I will resign my post. I thought I'd get to seven years, but six is a nice number. I've got enough good memories from this, and it's time someone else was able to cherish those memories too. If you ever need to talk about something but don't know where to turn, I'll be around and will do my best to make time. I might not understand the situation or make some correct-all advice, but I will listen, I will keep what you say a secret (unless your immediate safety is in danger, you know), and I will try to point you to an expert who knows more about these things than I ever could, for I'm not an expert. I went through some crazy RL-times from when I first joined NS, so I can draw from there. I just want to be able to help, because it does make me feel rough when I hear about what some of you go through or have gone through. Plus, I think we want to live by each other's happiness not languish in misery. Anyway, have a safe and fun holiday season. All the best.



Volaworand	Fri Dec 22, 2017 10:09 am Post #2
TSP SPIT dealer Posts: 239 Group: Members Member #61 Joined: Dec 14, 2017	Not knowing whatever drama developed, I just as a new individual NS player want to say that I have really enjoyed poking around the regional booths, bantering a bit here and there with folks from regions I would never cross paths with, and have enjoyed reading the lectures and seeing some engagement by the player base. And none of that would have been possible with out players like yourself have put your time effort and skill into the fair and indeed the broader game itself. So from a lowly humble noob stranger, Thank-you! Thanks for helping to build the NS community into something more than a sub Reddit thread or a hate filled message board. Thanks for caring about people here, and indeed thanks for having passionate disagreements. When these disgreements cross lines or boundaries it's a challenge for any community, but especially online communities, where people can easily just withdraw and disappear. I hope that the organizers realize how special the NSWF concept is, and that if there are improvements to make, to not be afraid to have difficult or at times courageous conversations: what you are doing matters to me, and I suspect a whole lot of other folks. I genuinely hope that whatever had happened, it doesn't drive people away from the community completely. On behalf on people just starting to immerse themselves in the NS community, it is a shame to lose your passion. So please, everyone, take a breath, lick your wounds, tweak how you participate if you like, or take a break if you must: but do come back soon. There's something so special going on here, and that is only made better when a community retains its culture and history. (unless you're a dick... well, then just piss off hahaaa) Cheers! Edited by Volaworand, Fri Dec 22, 2017 10:14 am.


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