RT1210- CINCSF Report

CINCSF Report

Dear delegates, some assembly required,

It’s time to take a look at how our club has fared this Summer. Numbers-wise, we are doing well. We have trimmed a number of units and now run a lean fleet with a handful of nearly fully manned ships. Brian Mansur has launched an advertising campaign, and it has born some fruit; we have had a couple of new folks joining us, including an old veteran and friend returning from a decade of hiatus. We’re opening a training unit, a bit like the old ALB but on a small scale, where new players can settle in their characters by going through an incident during the cadet cruise.

The major problem we are having at the moment is perpetually low posting rates in too many units. Some, like the FEARLESS and the EXCALIBUR, are going very strong, but at the same time one of our universes, BEYOND, is facing closure because of lack of activity. About half of the units are getting fewer posts per month than they have crew members.

We are a writing club; we live by writing, or it loses its life. I know there are times when making a post feels like drinking tar. I’m myself having such a period now. The problem is multiplied by every character the nonactive players have. However, not every post needs to be an epic of novel proportions. Even a short and crappy one keeps you in the story flow, helps others to follow up, and makes it easier to begin the next effort.

Unit CO's and XO's are in a crucial position in providing missions and NPC's that inspire the players, and showing example by posting frequently. A monthly SitRep post also helps in keeping up the interest. Fleet CO's can also give support by following the fleet situation and, if needed, guiding it to form a big backstory.

Also to pique interest, there has been a suggestion for a writing contest outside the normal role play. This could involve short stories set in the Starfleet universe, or perhaps other kinds of art, such as poems, songs, or drawings. The results could also be used for recruitment. If there are enough people willing to take part, I don't see why not.

All in all, we have a fleet that is quite capable of running smoothly. All it needs is the will to run. And we do want it to run, that's why we're taking part in the club. Right?

Finally, there is the matter of the RT Awards. With the shortage of posts, it appears that the unit CO's have been awarding the most active players, which has resulted in the awards going to the same people every time. Last April, there were very few recommendations. So to restore the value of the RT Awards, I’m not requesting every unit to send a list of names. Only when a player, or a unit, has given a really shining performance in the past six months or year. Let’s make the RT Awards mean something again.

April 2012 RT Awards:
Juan Angel Romero and Kris V (HOKKAIDO): Both have been productive players in the past months after a quiet period, and have taken an active part in the development of the story.

Jon H. (MED, ORESTES): For innovative player development since joining the unit and for taking over management of the Orestes wiki.

Matt Jimerson (SCI, ORESTES): For continued, creative contribution to the writing of the unit and serving as a motivator for both commanding officer and crew.

Shane O’Hanlon (ENG, USS HOOD): Shane has had a major impact on USS HOOD from his first post. He is a thoughtful and inventive writer who has not only dove into the plot and back story of the unit but has added his own imaginative twists. Almost as importantly, Shane has joined in on the insanity that is the HOOD NRPG like he’s been a long-time member.

Stefan Wiedner (REPUBLIC): Stefan has jumped into the REPUBLIC with both feet and has been an absolute pleasure to post with since day one. He has driven the ship's publishing momentum better than any other player with his thoughtful stories and willingness to JP (Joint Post). He has truly been the bright spot for the ship in the last 6 months.

Thank you and sorry,

Respectfully,

Markku Herd Capo di tutti capi