History: Inception

Hey, ladies.

I wanted to clear the table and start this discussion again from a sort of different perspective. I know you two have put a lot of time, energy, and thought into this, and I really do appreciate it. But we have to ask ourselves, why are we doing this? The answer should determine not only the course of action, but the way we go about it.

I'll try to explain my side and be as fair and optimistic as possible.

The way I see it, there are currently three viable options:

1) Stay in Soultrek.
        I like Soultrek, I really do. I like the loose system of applying and writing, the fact that it's moderated, and the way the platforms are organized... like me, it's all sort of laissez-faire. I can deal with that very well. What I don't like is the favoritism and BS that is currently being dealt to Carpathia (i.e., the writers). If waited out, it's my belief that (unless they booted me first) Paul would lose interest, Bev's computer would crash, or some other thing would happen that would fundamentally change the current situation. I'm actually very good at waiting out these kinds of situations. Likelihood of success: 50% within 6 months.

2) Move to Tango Fleet
        I can't speak much about this option yet, but I'll tell you what I like about it. First, it's an existing system (no arguing about how to organize ourselves) and we wouldn't have to actively recruit just to keep the fruit of our labor alive. Also, Tango Fleet is tightly organized and structured specifically to prevent the kind of abuse that Migs and Bev exercise over the Soultrek game. Tango is big, really big compared to Soul, and that means there are lots of options should we move, and lots of variety once we got there. The Academy would ensure writers control themselves and their impulses, and from what I understand the Captains have broader control on their ships and more support from upper echelons. We should read the TF Constitution to be fully informed. Likelihood of success: 90% once we got adopted.

3) Go independent
        Liberation/Liberty Fleet is a fantastic idea. Last night's discussion was really eye-opening for a lot of reasons, some of which are still becoming apparent. We could go with our own Mission Statement, outlining our collective philosophy; write our own rules; set our own organizational structure; set out own NPC policy; etc.... basically rebuilding from the ground up. We would really have to work to keep up our writer roster, but we would have a good base with us, the Carp crew who are loyal to me, and some of the others we talked about. Some of the fears I expressed were clicks forming (beginning with the three of us for example), and not being able to keep up the roster. Likelihood of success: 75% if we could get through the first 6 or 8 months.


Why am I doing this? For the Carpathia crew, unequivocally. I don't like that they're getting screwed out of an active XO, and I don't like that I'm being forced to put up with a situation that's expected to fail. In this, I'm following the Soultrek ideal that I'm here for the writers. Therefore, no matter how good any of the options may be, I have to choose the one that's best for Carpathia. Remember also, they like where they are, they just don't like what's going on above their heads. They're also behind Reaper. If we invite them out with us, and then go and change their whole world around, chances are good they'll freak out and go right back to Soul. I'm worried about that.

My ideal philosophy: to provide a writing environment where, via Star Trek-based characters and platforms, writers can communicate and collaborate in a challenging and intelligent creative discussion, and interact personally in ways that enhance that creative process. For me, the characters are merely a veil through which we express our emotions, opinions, and desires, however seriously or comedically we choose; but what it really comes down to is the people behind the characters... the writers.

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This is by no means the end of my brainstorming, so if any of this gives either of you the willies or upsets you, know this isn't a take-it-or-leave-it statement. There are, of course, lots of other options ranging from each of us quitting and going our separate ways to hiring somone to hack into the Soul server and steal the whole thing right out from underneath Migs' nose.

Thoughts?

Yours in Freedom,

L