Rose Springvale]]>
Please bring any ideas on content you would like to have added to the library's collection. We will also be discussing potential workshops and programs]]>
Applications can be sent until Saturday 20 February at 9am SLT (notecard to Arria Perreault or publication in this thread in the forums).
The election will happen during the next meeting of the RA, Sunday 21 February.]]>
New member (maybe) looking for a place to sell things. Anyone know if there are any stores for rent in Neufreistadt?]]>
As per our Charter, I am calling the elections for Secretary of the Board of the New Guild.
Seeing that the Sunday slots are being filled by both RA/Townhall meetings, I am tentatively scheduling it for Saturday, the 20th Feb, at 9AM SLT. I am sorry that i won't be able to hold it on the 13th, which would be more correct, but i really am not available that day.
All citizens can run up for the role: please state your willingness to run by a reply to this post till Friday, the 19th Feb.
Thanks!]]>
I couldn't find a thread for announcements, so this is just a short post to say that Dianne Mechanique's Fachwerks are for sale again in the Platz for anyone interested. The price has gone down a bit and the vendors are in Sonja Strom's shop on the Platz.
Any Neufriestadt member who currently uses these Fachwerks, who has lost them, or needs a new one, let me know and I will drop a replacement on you free of charge.
Thank you
]]>
I'm glad you got at least your money back ]]>Delia asked me to post to answer some questions people have about the election. I will also post some summary statistics later, but wanted to start off the discussion by answering a few questions. Please keep this technical, but I am glad to answer questions you have.
1. Does the number of candidates from a faction effect election outcomes?
No. You can think of this as two different (and not connected) elections.
a. Citizens rank factions and those ranks are used to allocate seats to each faction. Only the faction rankings matter in this phase of the election.
b. When you voted you also got to rank the candidates within your favored faction. This is an inside-the-faction election for faction leadership. It does not have any effect on the number of seats allocated to each faction, just who is favored to fill those seats.
2. What do the in-world machines do?
Those are more registation machines than voting machines. The SC provides me with a list of citizens who are eligible to vote. I use that list to initialize the database. When you touch the screen of an in-world voting machine, it contacts the server. The server then looks up the voter's name, and if your name is on the list generates a random password.
When you log in to the voting site, you must provide this password in order to vote. If the password matches the system will either provide you with a ballot (if you have not yet voted), or provide you with a record of your voting selection (if you have voted.)
3. Are votes counted as they are registered?
No. The online web-based program only collects votes and stores them in a database. The votes are delivered to the SC in a (tab delimited) data file that does not include the voter identity, and presents the votes in random order. With the file of voting data, I also provide a small program that does the seat allocation and candidate ranking according to the formula in the constitution.
The small program I provide can be re-run by members of the SC to check the results. The program is written in the Python programming language, and I send the complete source code so that they can examine it to make sure it works as the constitution requires.
4. What can someone do to understand Borda counts and the Sainte-Laguë seat allocation method?
Its pretty tricky, but I would start with two Wikipedia articles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borda_count
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Laguë_method
Sainte-Laguë is basically a system of proportional representation, but in our case instead of being proportional to the number of people, it is proportional to Borda counts. The combination has some complex interactions. Personally, I am very glad CDS is moving to the much better understood STV next election.
4. Can Jon release the voting data file?
Not on my own. This is up to the SC to decide. The tricky issue is that votes are confidential (the system is designed so that not even I see them.) It may be possible, even with non-identified voting data, under some circumstances, for someone to reconstruct how an individual voted. The SC needs to weigh the risks. If they decide to release the data I have no objections.
5. Who is Jon anyway?
Just a volunteer. I wrote the current voting system during my christmas holiday one year at the request of the RA, and run it under the SC supervision when they ask. I work as a Software Architect at Northwestern University in Evanston IL (real name is Jonathan Smith)]]>
Timo]]>
Section 5 - Chancellor Selection Process
The Chancellor of the CDS shall be selected by the Representative Assembly from among any CDS citizen who shall make application to the RA.
The application period shall begin when the membership of a new RA is named and end the first day of the new RA term. This provision shall come into force with the next RA election following passage and ratification of this amendment. (ed. note: the Seventh RA)
The chancellor will serve a term ending with the election of the next chancellor by the incoming RA.
The Chancellor may not be elected to or serve on the Representative Assembly, nor serve on the Scientific Council. The Chancellor may hold a position in the Artisanal Collective but may not vote therein.
So, please be advised that, unless the RA changes the application deadline, anyone who wishes to serve should announce their candidacy before the first RA meeting opens, tomorrow at 9 am SLT. I did indicate that I am willing to serve again, but would be happy to see a competent new leader as well. I have talked to some rumored, but no official, candidates. Also I do not see Chancellor selection on the first RA meeting's agenda.
In the spirit of openness which CDS tries to demonstrate, I respectfully recommend to the new LRA and RA that they consider setting a date for the selection, and making a public announcement in advance.
Regards JP]]>
but only RA members can post to it. ('m sure the forums software BBS manager, Gwyneth Llewellyn, will make the appropriate changes to access for the new LRA members, now that the voters and factions have selected them.)
Arria, you asked about the material to be posted by an RA Archivist. Most of that would be the new legislation passed during the last (11th) RA term. That material usually is the duty of the LRA or Archivist, to extract from the posted transcripts for each meeting. Please let me know if you need help. Regards JP]]>
Soro.]]>
Cindy]]>
Accordingly, the DPU delegation will now consist of:
Gelf Yalin
Imotali Antiesse
Pip Torok
Timo Gufler]]>
I am sad to say that Linden Labs sold my billing information and my bank account has been charged several thousand dollars. It has been a long process to get the money back, but I am happy to report that almost all of my money has been recovered. I also had a terminal virus attack my laptop so I have not had a way to communicate with any of you. I have a new laptop and that problem has been solved. I am very upset that I will not be playing second life anymore, and I will miss all of my CDS friends. I will keep in contact with everyone, so I welcome any questions. I have had a great time in the CDS and you are a wonderful people.
Best Regards,
-Jimmie McMahn]]>
9:00: oath
I. ADMIN (9:10 to 9:25)
a. Get agreements to record session.
b. Review this agenda. Approve any changes
c. Inquire for speakers on today's agenda items.
d. Future RA schedule: rhythm of meetings
e. Representative Assembly Rules of Procedure: http://portal.slcds.info/index.php?id=281
f. Update of the CDS group and the and the portraits of the RA members
II. ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED FROM PRIOR RA(-)
-
III. NEW ITEMS
a. RA discussion on this term's priorities (9:25 to 9:40)
b. RA Archivist (9:40 to 9: 50)
c. Inaugural Ball (10:05 to 10:15)
IV. Concerns of RA Members (10:15 to 10:25)
V. Concerns of Citizens (10:25 to 10:40)
VI. Adjournment (10:40)]]>
"Hello P****... I am just getting my computer back working..Second Life had been taking several thousand dollars from my account and then I recieved a virus..I no longer play the game..I am sad because i no longer get to spend time with my sl friends..but Linden Labs sells billing info..Looking forward to talking to you------J****"
Pip Torok]]>
Sudane.................]]>
2. The central system was set up because of a preference of the sim founder to be more like CDS. I own land in several different SL estates. I personally much prefer a system that is ON the parcel, and have proposed moving the AA tier boxes to the parcels. This has three benefits:
a) when a parcel is sold, there is no specialty work required to transfer the tier box. The new owner simply pays it. With a central system, new textures with avatar names must be created and applied. I think that is true for Sudanes' system as well. A parcelized system also helps cut down on volunteer time... some people can't seem to remember where the tier boxes are located, month after month.
b) Grouping together that many tier boxes, for more than one sim, causes a script load on the sim. Spreading them around the sims events the load out and increases the user experience for everyone in the sim.
c) Citizens are able to clearly tell what they pay for what land. The CDS system gives us a list, once a month when we pay. If we want to sell a parcel in the interrim, it requires looking up the information...which requires knowing your parcel numbers. As many of us have learned lately, parcel numbers on many parcels no longer show up on the land tab. That means you have to find the parcel on the map then find the parcel on the master parcel list all to know how much you pay for each one. The hippo system gives that information on touch, and can be set to retain the privacy of the parcel owner.... i.e., you can find out what you pay, but your neighbor would have to go through the system. This helps people plan finances.
3. one other benefit of the hippo system that CDS does not presently enjoy is the ability to account for the exact number of days for which we pay. CDS lets us pay anytime in a 21 day window, for the month we pay in. But it is VERY confusing... if i pay on the 15th of February, i've paid for February. If i sell the land on the 20th... who owes what when? And if i don't pay, then when am i in default? If we want to have grace periods, that can be built into a system. But having people remain on land for weeks after they have stopped paying tier, seems wrong to me, and leads me to 4.
4. Group ownership is a problem in CDS. It is a problem to determine who is a "citizen" because they pay tier, and it is a problem to divide up payments. Theoretically, group members must physically enter the sims and pay their CDS tier box a minimum of 100 L, and then are considereed citizens. Theoretically, they would have had to have owned land individually before becoming a group member, but then can have citizenship forever as long as they make that trek to pay that 100 L. This system has been used and abused in many ways in CDS, and it is time to get rid of it. Since all people have to do to get around it is sell land back and forth to each other after creating a group, it is truly a loophole to citizenship. On the other hand, regardless of contribution, we do not recognize citizenship from people who don't pay for land. Technically, this includes anyone who "rents" from a landowner, or whose vendors appear in a shop and who may very well have a great impact on the financial health of a sim.
Not to preach too loudly in favor of Hippo, because it does have drawbacks, but groups can be designated in the system. This would eliminate the problem of people coming and going from groups during say, election times.
5. Prepayments are not allowed under the CDS system. That works fine when the time period for which the sim pays its tier to LL coincides with the time the parcel owners pay theirs. CDS chose this route to assure that people would at least make an appearance in the sim where they owned land every month. It was adopted during a period of time when we had very few events, RA meetings could be conducted with 3 people, and our community was stagnant in growth. Not only do we have many more things for people to "log in" for, we also have the complication of the prepayment of tier required by LL for non profit sims. Al Andalus began with a requirement that citizens pay 6 months in advance, as that was what was required by LL. For many reasons, the initial tier payments were spent on development of the sims, and after the initial payments, AA went to a payment system that mirrored the rest of second life. For several tier cycles, I advanced the tier from personal funds, and prepayments by the AA residents repaid those advances. When CDS too over, it was credited with over 1000 Usd in prepayments made by the AA citizens, which eased the financial requirements from CDS to pay the tier that was due. Continued pre payments by AA citizens continues to keep the amount from our CDS treasury from being overwhelmed by large tier payments with no reserve from which to pay. Many of our citizens pay several months in advance, and we've not had an issue with citizens not putting in an appearance in the sim... they are part of the project because they want to be, not because of any requirement to show up. I think most of our sims have developed the same kind of citizenry, and their needs/desires to pay in advance should be respected.
happy to answer any questions.
Rose
(edited to fix outline numbering.)]]>
The meeting will start with the oath of the members. Here is the text of the oath.
I, [YOUR NAME], having been elected as a Member of the Representative Assembly of the Confederation of Democratic Simulators, do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully discharge my duties as such to the best of my ability, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Confederation of Democratic Simulators, and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Confederation of Democratic Simulators.]]>
And Sudane's helpful response here:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2676&p=14193#p14198
Her basic points as I see it:
. * The old CDS system (built for SLNE, I think) is one-box-per-person, and one-payment-per-month.
. * The HIPPO system, which Rose uses on Al Andalus, and Sonja uses on her Arosa territory (a newer project, roughly modeled on Neufreistadt), is one-box-per-parcel, and can so more, but requires more programming in notecards.
. * One difficulty with our current situation is that the CDS law definitions of citizen, and land owner, are messy ... so it's not always easy pairing land parcels with owners, or owners with paying persons.
I agree with everything that Sudane wrote there.
The citizen and owner definitions = a great issue for the next RA. This last one did not take up that issue.
The rent system choice = As discussed with the RA this term, we kept the AA HIPPO boxes, after the CDS-AA merger, as our own experiment with that system. I think HIPPO passed the test. As Sonja points out, they are common and widely used. I think they passed the test. But for now, it is a real bother for Sudane as our Treasurer to have two streams of data from two different systems.
Choosing and merging the systems will be a significant issue for our next Chancellor.
Sonja also asked (viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2676&p=14193#p14199) about payment for the software. Sudane kindly permitted CDS (really, herself) to use her system without cost. When she upgraded it for SLNE, we talked about this, because I think we should pay for what we get. My suggestion was that, if CDS chose to keep the original software, we should reimburse Sudane for a portion of its development cost, maybe in proportion to the SLNE/CDS parcel counts; but not if we switch over to HIPPO. I think that was satisfactory to her at the time, though she can speak for herself. That's the approach I recommend to the next government.
Regards JP]]>
Bear in mind, for NOW, we have been blessed that one of our original founders, who happens to her own huge estate (SLNE), has been willing to do all this for us. In other words, the entire system works securely for CDS because, and only because, we trust Sudane personally. (Well, OK, her and the other CDS person with who she shared the Rudeen password as a backup.)
So long as they do not die or leave SL, and we trust them, everything's fine.
In contrast, if we went to a organizational owner, you'd need to trust that foundation (or company or whatever). And someone in it probably would be required to disclose their RL identity, just because that's needed to secure nonprofit status. Or maybe not -- look at Gwyneth, for example, who is an anonymous avatar, but is associated with a real world company with real mail addresses.
Good set of questions for the next RA. Regards JP]]>
In Arosa we are using the Hippo System, and I am fairly knowledgeable about it if anybody has questions about how it functions.]]>
We do indeed have two "rent payment systems" in place. One is our old, rather simplistic system which I administer for the original CDS sims. The other is the commercially available Hippo system which is used in the AA sims.
Jamie long ago proposed converting our entire system to the newer and more flexible Hippo system. I've agreed that the system bears checking out, as it has a huge amount of flexibility, potentially giving residents many more options for paying their tier than the old system in place in the old CDS sims. As Jamie notes, this would be quite a job, but if the merits are clear, and the plan of implementation is clear, then its something we should do. However, there are two points that need to be considered.
1. The old system we use now in the original CDS sims is "resident based". There is one payment box for each resident, and that payment box provides each resident with a complete listing of all their holdings in the CDS, along with the ability to make a single monthly payment for all of them. Many people have more than one parcel in the 5 sims, and of those people many have 4 or 6 or 8. One box provides access to all of them, and the one box permits payment for all of them.
The Hippo system, on the other hand, is *intended* as a "parcel based" system. It's designer intended that a box would be located on each parcel for which payments would be made. If you owned one parcel, you would make payment to one box. If you owned 4 parcels, there would be 4 boxes to pay. Now, while this is the intention of the design, it's true that Rose has set up the system so that the boxes are centrally located and so that more than one parcel is paid via a payment to each box. However, doing this requires more hands-on administration than the designer intended, and also defeats many of the features of the system available if the box were located on the parcel it services.
I've studied the Hippo system closely, and I do think it bears some very strong consideration. Our old system is VERY limited (it was custom built for me by a friend of mine who I paid for her services in doing so). The Hippo system can perhaps address many of the limitations of the old system, but we need to be careful in installing a new system that creates more problems than it solves.
2. The other concern is that "citizenship" in the CDS community has so far been rather loosely defined as those who pay tier for the community's land. With the old payment system, those who pay tier are clearly known, and until recently have been available on a publically posted listing. Using the Hippo system may make that harder to define. The real problem is that the definition of citizenship itself is not clear, which is a problem that the RA must address. I would say that until it does so, and produces a clear and unambiguous definition of citizenship in the CDS, that the next stage implementation of tier payment system should be put on hold. When such a clear definition finally exists, the payment system must be tailored to it.
Sudane........................]]>
At this time, our tier fees for the original CDS sims, in US dollars per month, are as follows:
Neufreistadt 195
Colonia Nova 195
Alpine Meadow 295
Locus Amoenus 295
Monastery 95
TOTAL 1075
Neufreistadt, Colonia Nova and Monastery benefit from a tier status known as "grandfathering", meaning that these sims were purchased before the current tier amounts went in effect, and thus are still being paid for at the earlier monthly rate. Only Alpine Meadow and Locus Amoenus cost us the full current monthly rate.
If we convert to a non-profit, as the AA sims already have, we would lose the "grand-fathered" tier status and convert to the current monthly tier rates for non profits. These would be:
Neufreistadt 147.50
Colonia Nova 147.50
Alpine Meadow 147.50
Locus Amoenus 147.50
Monastery 87.50
TOTAL 677.50
So, this would be a savings of almost $400/month. Yes, that's a good savings, and well worth considering.
But I should note three downsides.
1. We would lose forever the option to go back to our current "grandfathered" pricing. If we reverted to normal tier payments, the monthly tier fee would be US$1305.
2. With non-profit status, all tier must be paid *at the beginning* of the six month period for which it applies. In our case, we would need to pay US$4065 now for our tier fees from now (February) through July. While our existing fund is fairly healthy, I haven't done the calculations, but we may or may not be able to manage this. In essence, this means that funds which we now hold ourself for our own contingencies would be transferred to Linden Lab in expense payments. That amount would slowly get built up again from our own tier collections, until July, when it would all disappear again.
3. A non profit corporation is a "real life (RL)" organization, requiring RL people signing on and requiring RL reporting and administration. Rose has successfully organized this for the ownership of the AA sims, and, indeed, the corporation which she has created might well become the owner of the original CDS sims as well. But I think we have not yet fully dealt with the many issues of financial accountability that maintaining this RL corp presents. Not to mention the governance issues, which are outside my area of knowledge.
Hope that helps clarify the issues for going non profit.
Sudane..........................]]>
I've been unhappy with my own ability to get our CDS Internet web presence (other than the Forums) up to date.
Many of our promotion efforts, in events, relationships with other estates, and in-world devices, have been quite successful. But the website itself is a problem. It's not been updated, and it's hard to do so.
We had two setbacks that help account for the inadequate progress. One is that we lost our co-PIO Brian Livingston, and have not been able to find another person with scripting and web publishing skills who also has adequate time to donate to us. As a result, we have not been able to add key information, like the Al-Andalus merger, a terrible omission, to our web displays.
The other obstacle, is that the very-nice-looking CDS web portal was built on a CMS (document and display management system) that, personally, I find very difficult and user-unfriendly to operate. Others, who are not web professionals, have shared the same view. A few of us who are web professionals disagree. My own opinion is that, for a volunteer group like ours, we must have a system that's easy, and does not require constant acts by an administrator -- a WYSIWYG easily-edited system, like blogs or Ning, which encourage contribution.
The current engine is a very professional one! But if people can't easily use it, it's not good for us. The RA asked Kelia Forager to lead a study group about this topic, which I understand will meet in early February. Thank you to Keila for agreeing to help us with that important topic.
Regards JP]]>
11 Seats total for the 12th RA
CSDF = 4 seats
DPU = 4 seats
SEED*=3 seats
The Representatives elected to serve in the 12th RA are:
CSDF = 4
Arria Perreault
Gwyneth Llewelyn
Patroklus Murakami
Mikelo Serevi
DPU = 4
Pip Torok
Jimmie McMahn
+2 more
SEED* = 3
Carolyn Saarinen
StuiChicanne Darkstone
Lilith Ivory
January 31, 2010
Submitted by Delia Lake on behalf of the SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL
Aliasi Stonebender, Dean
Claude Desmoulis
Danton Sideways
Delia Lake
Dnate Mars]]>
11 Seats total for the 12th RA
CSDF = 4 seats
DPU = 4 seats
SEED*=3 seats
The Representatives elected to serve in the 12th RA are:
CSDF = 4
Arria Perreault
Gwyneth Llewelyn
Patroklus Murakami
Mikelo Serevi
DPU = 4
Pip Torok
Jimmie McMahn
+2 more
SEED* = 3
Carolyn Saarinen
StuiChicanne Darkstone
Lilith Ivory
January 31, 2010
Submitted by Delia Lake on behalf of the SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL
Aliasi Stonebender, Dean
Claude Desmoulis
Danton Sideways
Delia Lake
Dnate Mars]]>
The following comments are cross-posted over here, from the Executive Branch thread at viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2675&p=14192#p14192 -- because other people can add comments here, if they wish. And I have added a few more details here.
The economy: The land market in SL is still shaky and unpredictable. We've made great progress in keeping CDS mostly fully rented out -- if you know the vacancy rate at other places, you'd know we are well ahead of the pack in retention. Estates who show their "yellow map" land for sale are full of yellow; some of the ones that don't, simply are hiding big vacancies.
Lowering CDS' cost would be a good idea. In my view, CDS should strongly consider going nonprofit (and thus significantly cutting our costs) for all CDS sims. That would allow the RA *both* to lower tier rents *and* to collect a higher net margin.
CDS rental tier prices: Our covenants also are not well coordinated, and our price-per-prim varies widely from sim to sim. Fixing the latter requires RA action. I think that the best thing for CDS probably would be to have the same number of prims cost the same monthly rent, in any CDS sim. However, that project would require significant calculation work, and resetting many rent payment boxes.
Rent payment systems: We have two incompatible rent systems in place: the old CDS and old AA ones. Neither of them really are a close fit, so far, to our laws and needs. Most people would like to be able to pay multiple months, or shorter periods. The current systems are not all yet set up to be accessible by backup officers, if one person leaves or is incapacitated; also, so far as I can tell, neither is yet set up to permit easy reporting. Also, there's some resistance, annoyance & administrative hassle to changing or coordinating them. Our rent collectors (estate owners) are volunteers too, who deserve easy-to-use systems. This second topic is continued in a separate thread here: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2680
Regards JP]]>
Here are some major remaining concerns, and things that will need attention:
** The economy. The land market in SL is still shaky and unpredictable. We've made great progress in staying mostly fully rented out -- if you know the vacancy rate at other places, you'd know we are well ahead of the pack in retention. We should consider going nonprofit (and thus significantly cutting our costs) for all CDS sims. Our covenants also are not well coordinated, and our price-per-prim varies widely from sim to sim. Fixing the latter requires RA action.
** Rent systems. We have two incompatible rent systems in place (the old CDS and old AA ones). They do not really obey our laws or needs well. There's some resistance, annoyance & big administrative hassle to changing or coordinating them. Our rent collectors (estate owners) are volunteers too.
** Web PR. We had two setbacks (in my opinion) with web-based publicity, resulting in inadequate progress. One is that we lost our co-PIO Brian Livingston, and have not been able to find another person with scripting and web publishing skills who also has adequate time to donate to us. As a result, we have not been able to add key information, like the Al-Andalus system data, to our web displays. The other, more serious, is that the nice-looking CDS web portal was built on a CMS (document and display management system) that, personally, I find very difficult and user-unfriendly to operate. Others, who are not web professionals, have shared the same view. A few of us who are web professionals disagree -- but my opinion is that, for a volunteer group like ours, we really need a system that's easy, and does not require constant acts by an administrator. Unlike a WYSIWYG easy system like blogs or Ning, the current engine is a very professional one! But if people can't use it, it's no good for us.
** Backups. We have not really fixed our security/ continuity problem -- a few people still non-transferably hold too much essential CDS property, such as buildings and backup material. (It's not they are bad people; it's just that, if they left SL or CDS, we'd be in deep trouble .) Ideally we should be able to handle any loss, and avoid the disruption that occurred (for example) when Ulrika Zugzwang left, through appropriate shared permissions & backups. Rose and I hoped to get more done there, and charm more owners into cooperating, than we've been able to achieve.
** Morale. Finally, while I was blessed with a mostly productive and peaceful RA during most of my terms, there have been some recent signs that RA members are drifting back to the personality-centric, fighting style that the RA had in 2006-07. That was demoralizing. It caused people to leave, and to stop contributing to CDS. I'd like to caution all members of the new government that, as a volunteer organization, we must have servant leaders, and facilitators of the work of others, not attackers, or artisans who want only to do their own thing. We have a beautiful place and many creative people. Let's keep both.
Rose and I have a few tasks remaining, which we are finishing up, in the few days left of the current term. There are a few appeals pending, for example; and I am finishing the fixing of some SL land and permission groups. Like all good campers, we hope to turn over the place clean, safe, and as good as we found it, or better.
The future of CDS actually looks good; we have done much to stay fiscally stable, and accomplished many positive things. In a difficult economy, CDS continues to grow! It's within the power of the government and citizens to keep building on that progress.
Warm regards Jamie]]>
I might be willing to serve again, if there are not committed and credible candidates. But I am concerned that we also rotate positions, and seek out willing talent. So I am posting now, to invite others to consider the role. (When I was first considering it, it seemed difficult to learn anything about the real time commitment and demands of the job. Trying to fix that with this post.)
I'd be happy to talk with interested parties about what it requires, and will mention a few items here. Here are the main features of the job:
* It supervises our other positions, including key senior contributors. This role really must be filled by someone who can collaborate, build morale and not pick fights - or else you lose your volunteers. Which would be very bad for CDS.
* It has a lot of power ... which normally should not be used! The Chancellor can veto RA legislation, .. make decisions about whether your house is built right and obeys CDS zoning, .. and eject people from sims. Not a post for a jerk.
* She or he also must try to comply with a large collection of laws. (To get an idea, scan this Forum page's post titles. Or our statues.) So, it requires someone who is reasonably attentive, will be widely trusted, and has some understanding of our system. I'd strongly recommend against appointing a very new resident.
* The Chancellor also is, or should be, a chief organizer & promoter. A big part of the job -- to my surprise -- has been maps, signs, events, promotional buildings and meetings, and work with other sims and SL groups to promote CDS. Ultimately, all to keep our land filled up with paying citizens, by and our citizens happy with our community, by outreach to new visitors and possible residents, and encouragement of volunteers.
* One more class of activity worth special mention is the encouragement of our artisan contributors. There are a lot of them. They want and need encouragement. That takes time & personal attention.
On the average, over 3 terms, I think these tasks took about 3-10 hours of my time each week. That time commitment is not an official requirement -- we had one or two chancellors who almost never logged in to CDS during their term -- but it's probably needed to do a reasonably good job.
(continued on next post)]]>
This is run by sachi Vixen and Damen Gorilla of the Adam n Eve stores, who've always been great supporters of our sims.]]>
I've set one up in my garden in NFS: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Neufreistadt/190/11/142. Let me know if you want to meet for a demonstration... or visit the store on Straylight to see them.
If Kriss or others comes out with more versions of these, particularly evergreen trees, this could be a HUGE improvement in our process of seasonal changing. With a few clicks, we could change all the trees from winter to spring!
Sudane....................................]]>
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2630&p=14029#p14029
To which you have to add Gwyneth's additional points, as stated in the forum post immediately following the above.]]>
Cindy]]>
That makes things rather hard to track down...]]>
http://www.examiner.com/x-4734-Second-L ... ion-debate]]>
Designing Worlds is a project of PrimPerfect Publications, who have also done very flattering articles on both Al Andalus and Neufreistadt. SL publications like this, along with the SL news stories we enjoy (like those of new citizen Apollo Manga) and the continuing interest of the blogging community help to spread the reputation of CDS. We are constantly reaping the benefit of such exposure by adding great new citizens, attracting interesting new projects, and continuing to hold the general respect of the Second Life community. While the publicity comes at no monetary cost to CDS, the relationships we build are priceless.
Participation, not just in interviews and tv shows,but in all our volunteer endeavors, takes time - sometimes a lot of time. I want to especially thank Jamie for jumping in on short notice and doing such a excellent job, again, for CDS.]]>
Held at: El Partel Plaza and Retail Center, Al Andalus Alhambra
Present: Imotali Antiesse, Rose Springvale, Alexia Carnell, Delia Lake, Yekaterina Kalchek, Fern Leissa
Purpose of the meeting: Continue discussion on content for the new library building
Building Furnishings: Optimal to find or make 1 prim book cases. Some samples set up in the library already. Alexia offered to make bookcases that would give out notes with menu cholces. Fern will get links to Alexia to test functionality. Ongoing discussion about what the interior in a library in Al-Andalus might have looked like. Also looked at bookcases in room behind the Mosque. Rose may move them to the library. She is also considered talking to Marino Nuvolari.
Delia showed several images of library interiors in Europe during the same time period as that we are trying to cover in Al Andalus.
Rose will send out Group invites for the Library Group.
Rose, Delia, Imotali, Yekaterina and Fern will look for links that might be useful for the library.
Rose will follow up on looking for someone to teach a book making class.
Yekaterina and Fern returned to the Library after the meeting to look at the furnishings; some were removed and more carpets and cushions were added.
Fern will look for content for art and philosophy
Yekaterina will look for links/info for dance and music.
Alexia offered to add Latin books to the library,
Rose asked that the list of books from the old library be reviewed for appropriate material; we will have to re-create all books we want to use in the new library
Next meeting is Feb 8 at 10 am slt. Will try to find another time/day for the meeting after that.]]>
especially when it means citizenship and a vote
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we are not just a rental zone, we are a community
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: personally, i don't see what's wrong with holding an auction. i'm bidding on ebay as we speak - makes sense to me!
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty, done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pat
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pip?
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: first i wd try to look at CDS SL and land from a newby/strange avatar POV
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: what looks like a squalid slum? is it worth any more than zero?
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: he/she then looks at us ... our looknfeel our community the vibrancy ... then SEE thats its worth more than zero
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: so i wd give the new avatar the impression that we charge something thats worth the payment
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: as a side issue the method should be easy for the Exec to carry out
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pip
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: And thank you to each candidate for your thoughtful and thought provoking answers to the questions
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn claps
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: applause!
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Beer now?
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn: hehe
[2010/01/24 Mikelo Serevi: that was nice
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: hehe
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: no, closing statements
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn: thanks, guys!
[2010/01/24 Cindy Ecksol claps
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn: oops
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: at this time w e will reset the timer and each candidate will have 5 min for closing remarks
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn: true, Rose...
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn hushes now and apologises
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: this time please Pat, then Pip, then Caro
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pat?
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty delia
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: i think we are at a pivotal moment in cds history here
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we have expanded to include another community
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and are bigger than ever before
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: but we struggle to understand each other
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and we look for reasons for why things dont work as we would wish them too
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: i think that some have drawn the wrong conclusions
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and think we need to dilute representative democracy and replace it with something faster, more efficient
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: that path has been tried before
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: both in the cds and outside and the utopia does not deliver
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: the path is instead a patient and a trying one
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we need to talk to each other
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we need to listen more
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and we need to try to find solutions which we can all at least live with
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: rather than ramming through a decision jst because we have the votes
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: lets try to do that in the upcoming term
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and build one community that is more than the sum of the two which have joined together
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and lets remember that aboe all this is about the citizens
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: our ppl are our most percious resource
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and finding ways, as i've outlined today, for them to participate is the most important of our tasks
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: our motto is 'avenues for participation' and we hope you will put us first on your ballot paper
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty for listening
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pat
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pip?
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn: did we lose Pip?
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: In many ways Pat has spoken for the DPU as well ... and of course, after July, the DPU will have no _direct_ effect on CDS elections or reprresentation ... howver ... all factions can continue in existence ... and they all provide a focus for a certain way of looking at things
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: o ... within the DPU "faction£ .. youll find ppl who later stand as themselves but will follow (more or less)
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: the principles in out platform ...
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: so .. "you pays yer money and yer takes yer choices!!"
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: think well at the ballot box ...
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pip
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Caro?
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Ok, to sum up:
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Joaquin,
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Keila
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Lilith
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Soro
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Sterling
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Stui
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Oh and me I suppose
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: these people are your friends and neighbours
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: not a bunch of political hacks.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: people with long records of working hard for this community
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: even if it didn't come with any kind of job tile or chance to show off in meetings
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: We ALL believe in Democracy and Openness and all that stuff.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: All reasonable people do...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: It doesn't need saying over and over...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: What matters is a community , a village - because that's what we are...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: and people working for each other.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Put SEED* first on your ballot please.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Done
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: applause!!
[2010/01/24 Lilith Ivory: applause!
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn claps
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami wipes brow, phew!
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: thank you very much Pat, Caro and Pip for standing before us today as candidates and platform representatives
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades grins, claps.
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn: thank you all!!!
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: ***
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: you have by your participation enriched our democracy today!
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: now before we leave
[2010/01/24 Sonja Strom claps
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: please give Rose a minute to demonstrate our voting machine
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: hi, thanks Delia
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: Not demo per se
[2010/01/24 Beer whispers: Cheers!
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: just wanted to make sure everyone knows what they are looking for
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: you'll see these booths in all the plazas of the sims
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: touch them, and if you are eligible to vote in this election, it will tell you what to do next
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: if you dont' get info, it probably means you weren't a citizen on the closing date for this election
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: don't worry, we have elections every six months
[2010/01/24 Gwyneth Llewelyn: „ã°
[2010/01/24 Sonja Strom: hi Tor
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: The MOST important thing is... no matter what Faction you choose first
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: is to VOTE
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: That is the essense of Democracy, of all sorts
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: thanks
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok sends that mightily!
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: *seconds
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades grins - ahem
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami thirds
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: if I may
[2010/01/24 Rose Springvale: yields the floor to the boss
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: if anyone has a question about their voting rights
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: it is the CDS Scientific Council (our judiciary)
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: who runs thre electiohn
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: based on land ownership and citizen records
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: Delia is an SC member
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: Aliasi Stonebender is its Dean
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: so pinbg them please, if you have individual issues
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: o any one of us can help you track it down
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: also
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades: And warm thanks to Delia from our Scientific Council (CDS judiciary) for another fine job of moderating this debate.
[2010/01/24 Apollo Manga: I'm new in the CDS. When I go to vote, what exactly will I see on the ballot?
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: This concludes our debate session. thank you to all our current candidates, and to all those who have served our CDS government in the past. We appreciate your work to make our virtual democracy a reality!!]]>
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: I consider it a remarkable accomplishment that our CDS has been a self-governing virtual community for six years.
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: During these years the CDS has grown and changed. But our embrace of democratic process has endured.
[2010/01/24 Sonja Strom claps!
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: On behalf of my fellow citizens of the CDS, I want to thank you for putting yourselves forth as candidates for our RA.
[2010/01/24 Jamie Palisades grins
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Our goal today for these debates is for citizens to have sufficient information about candidates positions that they may cast informed votes.
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: As in the past, each candidate will give a brief introductory statement. Then I will pose questions to which we will hear candidates responses.
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: we have 3 factions
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: the Democratci Pragmatists
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: the Citizen's Siocial Democrat Faction
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: and SEED*
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: if you would Caro please give the plat form introduction from SEED
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: followed by Pip and then Pat
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Ok, thanks Delia
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: and please limit your intro to 5 min max
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: SEED* - appart from being the easiest faction name to type...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Means the sedd of growth or seed of change. (Ok maybe it's 'wind of change' but you can guess why ee didn't pick that)..
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Our main platform issue is that we are the 'anti-Faction' Faction...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: We have to stand as a Faction under the current system...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: but as people experienced in working in CDS...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: we have experienced what a pernicious influence that system is on our community...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Factions come from the earliest days of CDS when it was a 'political experiment'...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: aimed at people who like that sort of thing.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: As a way of running a community it is divisive and un-democratic...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: we want to abolish it in favour of a more open and directly accountable system.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: That'll do for now
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Caro
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pip?
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: thank you Delia
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: Good morning, fellow citizens, and avatars all
(and, to tomorrow's celebrants, a Merry Burn's Night!)
[2010/01/24 Connected
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: We are the D.P.U. the _Democratic_ _Pragmatist_ _Union_
and this is our vision for the future of CDS ...
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: ONE: We believe in Freedom of speech and expression
This includes the judicial use of Referenda, the polling
and canvassing of the population, either inworld or through
the CDS Forum.
It includes respect for all things in-world that are near and
dear to citizens.
All citizens' views should be heard, considered and respected.
We believe that respect for citizens should be plainly seen in
]openness in Government
overnment decision-making and communication with its citizens.
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: TWO: We believe in the persistence of a CDS about which we can
be proud
Its evolving democracy, and the results of this: its vibrant
community,
and, last but not least, its high standards of building and
development -- i.e. its beauty.
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: THREE: We believe in the government's central role in providing
civic improvements and services.
Other organisations may have a role, but the government should
coordinate these, and provide a watchful eye.
We realise that this does not come about, except through careful
thought and assessment of choices, and so would support the
continuing work of, for example, the BAC (Building Advisory
Commitee) and the New Guild.
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: FOUR: We believe in the availability and strong growth of
economic opportunity. We feel that those involved in their own
businesses are the best people to state the way CDS should set
about promoting that economic opportunity.
and FIVE ... the bottom-line ... we believe that finances should
continue to be managed, as they have indeed been up to the
present .... with prudence.
Thank you for your attention.
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pip
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: and now Pat?
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty delia
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: should i wait for clock reset?
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ok
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: forgive me if this is a bit rushed
i hadn't expected to do this
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: the csdf manifesto can be summed up as 'avenues for participation'
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we want the CDS to be more than just a beautiful place to live
but also a place where people can realise their true potential
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: that's why our members have been active in bodies such as the new guild
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: it gives an opportunity for people to learn to build (if they want to) and contribute to the development of our community
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we believe this because we are social democrats - we support liberal democracy - but we want to empower citizens, not just be in govnt for the sake of it
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: there's been a lot of talk recently about the need to abolish factions
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: i think ppl are mixing up 'factions' and 'factionalism'
and trying to abolish disagreement, which is utopian and doomed to fail[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we will always have disagreement but the quesion is how to do deal with it
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: i think the best way is to have open and honest discussion
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: not get too hung up on being 'offended'
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and try to work constructively with others
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: that's what i will strive to do and what i'm sure the other csdf candidates will do
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we need to turn our thoughts urgently after the election to dealing with issues of participation
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: introduce a new voting system so ppl can stand outside of the faction system if they want to
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we are not opposed to such changes if the citizens want them
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: but let's not forget why we have factions in the first place
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: they provided a means to replace ppl if, for whatever reasons, they leave office half way thu a term
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: there needs to be account for that too
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pat
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we will work with whoever is elected to make that a reality
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ok. finished
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and with 20 secs to go!
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: if people have questions that they haven't yet passed to me please do so
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: thank you all. now to some questions from your fellow citizens
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: theses questions are addressed to all candidates. and although 1 person will sta
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: start, each candidate will get an opportunity to respond
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: please keep your responses as brief as you can and still answer as we want to get to as many issues as we can
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: this time, Pip please go first, then Pat, then Caro
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: 1. You have told us what your platform is. In what ways do you believe the platform on which you are running is important to the CDS? How do you anticipate that platform will make a difference in our community?
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake accepted your inventory offer.
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: well ... first of all we'll have the platform in mind at every question and motion that is bought up
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: secondly .. we want to take our place on all committees and WP with that platform in mind
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: third .. we will be canvassing citizens views informally to judge the feedback
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pat?
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: i think our platform is the one which is directed towards involvement of CDS citizens
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we have a record of taking action to involve ppl - holding citizens' commissions, proposing 'question time' sessions to hold the gove to account
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: that's the kind of actions you will see us take if you return csdf reps to the RA
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pat
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Caro?
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: CDS is a village of about 150 people...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: yet it has the byzantine governmental structure of a mighty empire...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: An elephant that often labours to give birth to a gnat.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Prior to the merger al-Andalus got along just fine with village meetings.
[2010/01/24 Wasp Thor: Amen
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: with the uneven connections and lag, please say "done" when you are finished speaking so we all will know
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: WE need to find a compromise between the two: An accountable structure that GETS THINGS DONE.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: If you look at the SEED* candidate list you'll see people who 's record of that speaks for itself.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: next question
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: 2. IMAGINE: It is July 2010 and we are gathered to look back at the concluding fo the CDS's 12th Representative Assembly. In a short window of a 6 months term it is not possible to get done everything you might want. What would have been this RA's major accomplishment and how did you contribute to bringing it about?
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pip, then Caro, then Pat
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: First we would have a smooth way of introducing new ppl to the CDS concentrating on parties and social gettogethers to make them feel at home
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: second we would have decided once and for all who exactly IS a "citizen"!!
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Sorry second? I didn't get first
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: and thirdly, we will have a simple flexivble above all _understandable_ constitution
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pip
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Caro?
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: I think I missed Pip's first point somehow, but ok
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Enough on factions...
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: let me repeat the question on the table
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: 2. IMAGINE: It is July 2010 and we are gathered to look back at the concluding fo the CDS's 12th Representative Assembly. In a short window of a 6 months term it is not possible to get done everything you might want. What would have been this RA's major accomplishment and how did you contribute to bringing it about?
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: In SEED* we have a lot of people involved in events and commerce commitees and in performing and promoting events...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: but we can only go so far in either of these directions without resources...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: I would like see us make maximum use of our simes: Get them occupied, with rent paid,..
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: that is the root of success.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: ok done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Caro
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pat?
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: th
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: the major achievement we need is the integration of Al Andalus and the former CDS sims - it hasn't happened yet
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: i think that the CDS factions - ours included - has not made enough effort to reach out to the former AA citizens
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we need to work together to build one community
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: part of that is political - talking about the CDS system and why it so 'byzantine'
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: but also cultural - exploring issues of cultural and political diversity. it's what we have in common and why the merger was a good and positive match
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: this is our most urgent task
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty, done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pat. and by serendipity the next question follows perfectly on these comments
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: this time Pat first, then Pip, then Caro
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: 3. The very beginning of our CDS constitution states "All branches of the government are bound to serve the public" One of the complaints this past term was that the people's representatives were not involving the public. How would you involve the public?
What specific actions will you take to encourage active involvement of the majority of our citizens in imagining, creating and administering our community?
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ok
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: first, we should alternate the RA meetings with 'Town Hall' type meetings
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: at these any one would be able to attend and raise issues of concern
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: that will help ot inform RA meetings of what citizens truly care about
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: they could be very much like the meetigns carolyn refers to in AA, a good way of bringing the best of both communities togethere
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we will also reinstate oure weekly meetings open to all citizens
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: and hold office hours so that ppl can contact us with their concerns
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty, done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pat
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pip?
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: well first, i wd make a point of seeing ppl both 121 and in small groups
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: secondly, over a small time, i wd take take note of their strengths, their competences and what they wd be happy at
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: thirdly (most difficult) i wd try to persuade them in involving themselves in those particular activities where theyd feel happiest
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: and last review my actions and act accordingly
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pip
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Caro?
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Our 'branches of government' could use a pruning...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Both RA and SC grind exceeding slow...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Some of the commitees like the cultural comission I serve on are a lot lighter on their feet..
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: but you can get a lot done even less formally...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: a lot of people HATE commitees...
[2010/01/24 Wasp Thor: Amen
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: The method of al-Andalus meetings was kept alive SEED*Y Stui's Talking Hour...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: and you can get a lot done at events...
[2010/01/24 Wasp Thor: Amen
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: SEED*Y Joaquin Gustav is our best ambassidor..
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Aand I find out a lot by talking to folk at events.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: We need to loosen up!
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: ok done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Caro
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: next question
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: 4. No public official can do a good job for the citizenry without help from the citizenry. We appreciate that our RA donate their time in an effort to make the CDS a good place for all citizens. Given your priorities for the CDS and your commitment to governing well, what help do you need from us the citizens?
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: this time Pip, Caro then Pat
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: first "we" in the RA wd appreciate the active presence of CDS citizens in the 14-day meetings
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: secondly ... a roster of 2skills" wd be appreciated (remembering that we all are volunteers)
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: and thirdly ... when "weve" done something untoward or even outrageous, please _let us know_ ...
[2010/01/24 Pip Torok: done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pip
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Caro?
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: After talking?
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: What I want is for people to stand up.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: I want you to volunteer.
[2010/01/24 Roman Gold Chair (Red) - Satir DeCuir's: llStopAnimation: Script trying to stop animations but agent not found
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: If you have an idea - that's good, tell me or anyone, but...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: If you're willing to be one of the people who puts in the time and effort to REALISE that idea THAT is what counts!
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Caro
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pat wb
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: and when you are re rezzed it's your turn. i'll re state the q for you
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: 4. No public official can do a good job for the citizenry without help from the citizenry. We appreciate that our RA donate their time in an effort to make the CDS a good place for all citizens. Given your priorities for the CDS and your commitment to governing well, what help do you need from us the citizens?
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty delia, i enjoyed my trip
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: we need your views and your scutiny
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: tell us what you want to achieve in the CDS and let us know of any barriers you face
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: attend meetings
or, if you hate meetings, read the transcript[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: if you don't like what we are doing - complain! loudly (but preferably civilly)
its your scrutiny which keeps govnt on track
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: blog, post on forums, make newspapers, hold meetings
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: participation is what our democracy should be all about
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty, done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Pat
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: next question involves a concrete issue
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: please Caro first, then Pat, then Pip
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: 5. Land selling practices and prices for land in have changed in the past year across SL. In the CDS we have also made some changes recently in selling land in the CDS. What is your factions position on the continuation of 0 linden land sold from the CDS government? If you are opposed to it, what is your suggestion and how would you implement it?
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Ok, the land market is two issues...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: First, worldwide land prices are down because LL made a lot more of it. There's nothing we can do about that. In time prices will probably rise.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: second, locally, what CDS needs to do is to have it's land occupied...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: We have to pay LL the Tier , even if no-one is paying us rent...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: And that eats into our coffers...
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: With land on the open market market going at little or indeed 0l$..
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: I believe that - as ashort term measure - we should do what it takes to get our land occupied and generating rent.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: It's a policy open to review as the circumstances change.
[2010/01/24 Carolyn Saarinen: Done
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: ty Caro
[2010/01/24 Delia Lake: Pat?
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: ty
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: i can see why the govn't decided to sell land off for L$0 - I even conceded it might be the right choice
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: it measn we get income and that's important to pay tier
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: but it has another effect
[2010/01/24 Patroklus Murakami: the govnt effectively undercuts the value of citizens investments by competing with them on price]]>
The polls will remain open for one week.]]>
Remember voting starts at noon SLT!]]>
We are very excited about this continuing Al Andalus project and encourage anyone interested to join the group.
Have to love this quote from Rober's blog: "If you want to see Virtual Culture being created in real time Al Andalus and the CDS is the place to see it."]]>
Present: muhammedyussif Wikinger, Imotali Antiesse, Rose Springvale, Fern Leissa, Andreu Donat, Sonja Strom, Jeroma Wycliffe, Naftali Torok, Arias Ahren, Wasp Thor, Pip Torok, Tor Karlsvalt, hannah Palletier
Purpose of the meeting: Preview Andreu’s presentation on Al-Andalus, discuss names for the library, form a group, and review some of the ideas people have for collections, events, etc., including volunteers
Library Group Beginnings: Fern Leissa has agreed to serve as head librarian. Andreu and Imotali will serve as assistant librarians. Andreu has been championing this library project for almost 2 years. Other volunteers are welcome.
New Library Building: The old library building, built by Xinoxi and currently on Al-Garnata is being abandoned. The library is moving to the palaces at El Partel Plaza.
Library Name: Andreu submitted a note card with 3 name proposals for the new library building: Al-Maktaba (Arabic word for the library) , Al-Qantara ( the bridge) and Al-Masdar (the source). Discussion followed, about Al-Maktaba and Al-Qantara as separate, distinct names and together as one name. There was also some discussion suggesting EL Partel Plaza Library, El Partel Library, El Partel Plaza al Maktaba and Al-Andalus Library as other possibilities. At the end of the discussion, the group voted on “Al Qantara” as the new library name. All votes were yes, with one abstention.
Library Group: Rose formed a sl group for the library. She will send out group invites to everyone in attendance. The group charter is: Al-Andalus was a major center for learning and an important economic center in both the Mediterranean basin and the Islamic world; Scholars from all over the world came to study in its famous libraries. The Al Qantara, or Bridge, library is named to express the bridges that understanding and knowledge offer to different cultures, and our wish to continue to build them.
Slide Presentation on the Main Contributions of Al-Andalus: Andreu listed and grouped the different areas of knowledge passed from many different cultures to western countries, much coming through Al-Andalus. Al-Andalus functioned as a cultural bridge. Knowledge transmitted to the west included the number 0, the decimal system, advances in medicine and astronomy, classical philosophy and many others. Tulips, for example passed to Central Europe from Al-Andalus. There were other routes of cultural transmission but Al-Andalus was by far one of the biggest and yet one of the least known to people today.
Andreu also mentioned the intercultural and religious dialogue represented by Al-Andalus. Like many societies today, Al-Andalus was not a paradise, but compared to most contemporary societies and even many of Al-Andalus’ successive societies, it was a very tolerant society, with culture and knowledge at its heart.
Andreu noted that recently, interest in Al-Andalus has increased. Imotali noted that there are currently lots of videos on Al-Andalus. Sonja noted that periods of war are often more interesting to historians than periods of cooperation.
Suggestions on Library Content/Programs: Andreu said there were very lovely manuscripts available. Fern has Qur’an pages she would like to put in a book and also exhibit in the library. Tor, Pip and Fern discussed whether or not scrolls would be appropriate for the library collection. Pip thought using scrolls in sl might be impractical.
Naftali suggested it must be possible to connect to university libraries with facsimiles of old books, music and manuscripts from the period. Andreu agreed that it would be good to involve other cultural (rl?) institutions.
Naftali also pointed out that there are also interesting music compositions from this time. Andreu, Pip and Sonja all agreed that this was an interesting area to consider. Rose agreed that the musical side of Al Andalus was something worth exploring but reminded everyone that music was one of the reasons we have Sacromonte and that the library cannot cover everything.
Practical Prim Problems: Rose said it would be very unlikely to find 2000 prims to use for library contents. This is the number recommended by Alliance Library staff, based on a typical 25/75 (building/contents) ratio. We might be able to recapture some prims. Using textures for things like bookcases, should also help. (Texturing bookcases was also used by Xinoxi in the old library building). Imotali showed the group an example of a textured bookcase from the Caledon Library. She also suggested using something like the bookcase texture on the Marino bookcase behind the mosque.
Book making: Fern mentioned that she and Imotali had been talking about making ThinC books for the library. Rose mentioned the hippo publishing edition that appears to get around the permission issues of the ThinC books. [Most of the sl libraries try to use Open Source software whenever possible, with full permissions]. Rose gave Fern a hippoBOOK carton
Rose suggested bookmaking lessons/training. May want to schedule it for a couple of different times so more people can come. Naftali, Tor, Andreu, Pip, Fern and Jeroma were all interested in training. Rose said she would check on getting somebody to teach it. Xinoxi held a session before, or maybe Onyx or JJ or Serina, if she is still around.
Next Meeting: Scheduled for Jan 25, 2010; Fern asked everyone to think more about what they wanted to see in the library. Tor Karlsvalt suggested that we should have landmarks of other sims, perhaps coordinating with those sims. Tor knows someone at another Islamic sim. Rose also mentioned that we have many active Muslims in our AA sim (Breathe Swindlehurst has been in programs here).
Recording meetings: Those still around at the end of the meeting discussed how the meetings should be recorded; minutes or transcripts. Nearly everyone agreed that minutes or some sort of summary would be nice, so minutes for this meeting are being posted to the forum. No agreement was reached on whether or not we want to have transcripts of the meeting. Reasons for doing transcriptions are that they are detailed and easy to do; some people won’t be able to make all or most of the library meetings but would like to follow what develops; that it is a public meeting. Reasons for not doing a transcript included, they are a lot to read; many people, specifically educators have objected to their use; some people won’t speak up if the meeting chat is recorded; and information can easily be cut and pasted out of context.
A blogger appears: Rober1236Jua appeared a few minutes before the meeting was adjourned. He wanted to blog the event but must people were already leaving so Rober decided to just take some pictures. Jeroma gave out the URL for Rober’s blog: [url]http://thegreatslexpedition.blogspot.com]]>
]]]>We take our principles from the foundation of the al-Andalus Project, welcoming all CDS Citizens "regardless of ... species of avatar, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or any other traditionally separatist classification, either real or apparent." This statement forms part of the Covenant of the Al Andalus sims.
Even after the amalgamation of the al-Andalus Project into the CDS, we number less than 150 Citizens. It is our belief that the most valuable experience that we can bring to the expanded CDS is: how to be a village.
Our emphasis is on openness and participation rather than top-heavy and unwieldy institutions. We have already taken our first steps towards improving accessibility to decision-making and resources, but there is plenty of scope for more. We find the current faction system to be divisive and conflict oriented. We prefer a system of government that values the input of all its citizens, regardless of faction membership.
For this reason, our platform for this election takes as it's core issue, the elimination of factions as the basis for election of representatives of CDS. If you'd like to be part of this effort, please join the group SEED* and help us.]]>
*** The public is invited to attend ***
The location is Naftali's mexana in Alpine Meadow. Here is its address: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alpine%20Meadow/78/182/55
Hope to see you then!!]]>
*** The public is invited to attend ***
The location is Naftali's mexana in Alpine Meadow. Here is its address: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Alpine%20Meadow/78/182/55
Hope to see you then!!]]>
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Candidates: Jimmie McMahn, muhammedyussif Wikinger, Pip Torok
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* * * * Now Celebrating 5 Years in the CDS!!! * * * *
☆ ☆ CORE PRINCIPLES ☆ ☆
We of the DPU believe politics is first and foremost an exercise in collective problem solving. The DPU is committed to seeking compromise and finding common ground to solve problems in the CDS. The DPU supports:
* Freedom of speech and expression
* Tolerance for cultural diversity, including a due regard for standards of behavior and a respect for places of worship, mediation, and contemplation, and other publicly accessible buildings and spaces, irrespective of their ownership, or religious connections
* Prudence in financial management and expansion
* Persistence of the CDS as a community about which we can be proud
* Commitment to the continuity of the present high standards of CDS building and development
* The government having an important role in the provision of civic improvements and services
* Availability and growth of economic opportunity
☆ ☆ A RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENT ☆ ☆
Beginning in January 2005, the DPU has led and participated in many projects that have made the CDS a better place:
* Clarification and reform of the Artisanal Collective branch (now the New Guild)
* Electoral reform, including conception of Referendum voting
* Judiciary consensus and implementation
* Changes to the Constitution to transform our government into a confederated system
* Economic expansion, including a Commerce Commission and Chamber of Commerce
* Consolidation of the various existing CDS-related websites into a coherent web portal
* Establishment of diplomatic relations with other SL entities in order to foster cooperation, mutual support and goodwill
* Improved attractiveness of Neufreistadt Marktplatz
*Completion of the Monastery sim and joining of the Al Andalus sims.
☆ ☆ AN ONGOING PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENT AND PROGRESS ☆ ☆
A Vision of the Future the DPU calls for:
☆ Listening to the Public ☆
In addition to our support of government openness and accessibility measures, we support polling and canvassing the population. This can be done in-world or through use of the forum polling feature in the CDS forum. We want the views of *ALL* citizens heard, considered and respected.
☆ Cooperation ☆
The DPU is committed to cooperate with RA members from different factions, and to accomodate as much as is practical the diverse concerns and priorities of all CDS citizens. We understand that democracy requires listening, flexibility and compromise. We strive to create understanding between all parties, and work together to arrive at a consensus such that bills passed have as broad a support as possible.
☆ Action through Effective Problem Solving ☆
Finding a compromise is not enough alone. Systems must be effective and work as advertised or be fixed. This includes simplification where possible. The DPU calls for standing workgroups, accountability and consistent evaluation to determine if CDS legislation and institutions are meeting their desired goals.
☆ Openness and Accessibility ☆
DPU public meetings are open to all.
DPU Office Hours for RA members
DPU RA members will have defined, announced in-world office hours. They will also be available via IM/email.
Standing Commissions and Workgroups
Certain areas require constant attention. These include the New Guild, Commerce Commission, and Electoral Commission. The DPU calls for standing commissions/workgroups for these important topics.
Transparency in Government
The DPU calls for openness in governmental decision-making, which should always be placed before trust where possible. It therefore urges that, wherever practicable, government proposals for both changes in working policy, and plans that involve public land, should be published at an early stage.
☆ A Thriving CDS Community ☆
Immigration
Attracting productive new immigrants requires a feeling of community; affordable and attractive zoned land; education, cultural, employment and business opportunities; and attracting tourists through community efforts such as tourist offices, info centers and live events. The government should attempt to provide government documents in languages other than English, upon request, for CDS citizens not proficient in English.
Cultural Themes
We call for an equal recognition and presentation of the differing cultural themes within the Confederation, in particular those of the Al Andalus sims.
Event Support
The DPU supports events throughout the CDS, and works closely with the Chancellor and Public Information Officer (PIO) to help these events to be successful. We also promote working together with outside groups to coordinate larger events, such as the SL-wide Metanomics lectures broadcast in the Colonia Nova Ampitheater, the Grand Tour, Oktoberfest and Winterfest.
Traffic
Traffic management is important. The DPU calls for increased traffic in commercial zones to drive traffic to our retail and service businesses. Commercial traffic can be enhanced by working with the Chancellor and others on events and event promotion (for example, Fleamarkets) and improvements to make them more attractive to visitors.
History Commission
The community must work to preserve the early history of the CDS. We support the History Commission project to document the history of the CDS and manage a repository of its historical artifacts (documents, images, multimedia, etc.). We propose a public structure to house these artifacts, including a library section with a written history that can be accessed in-world.
☆ Controlled Territorial Expansion ☆
New Sims
The DPU proposes ongoing purchase and development of private simulators, in order to expand the CDS and continue to make it even more interesting. We would like future development to include mountains made of open space or homestead sims either to the east or west of Neufreistadt, including a ski area. In general the DPU believes community planning should be dynamic and allow for open discussion of future expansion, allowing for revision of the Regional Masterplan. Particular changes to the Master Plan the DPU will bring are to include Neufreistadt in the Alpine theme cluster and to strenghten the Alpine theme cluster both by advocating mountainous terrain and by adding more Alpine sims for a better balance of demand and supply for alpine plots.
Alliances
The DPU encourages working together with other communities of all kinds, especially if they are interested in democratic forms of governance. We support the hosting of embassies from other SL communities in the CDS, and the creation and support of CDS embassies in other areas. Included in this are the CDS Infohub in Anzere, and the Europa Embassy in Neufreistadt. We would like to see equal representation handled as simply as possible.
Optional Local Autonomy
The DPU calls for a local administrator for each sim in the CDS. Election of government Representatives from different geographic areas of the CDS can be taken into consideration as the community grows.
☆ Commercial and Social Expansion ☆
Active and Attractive Retail in the Marketplaces
Entrepreneurs need steady income and good shopping attracts tourists. The DPU will work with the Chancellor and all others interested to improve retail infrastructure in the CDS.
External Advice
We have not made enough use of external advice in financial and governmental matters. The DPU would like to solicit opinions on critical matters from sources outside as well as inside the CDS and SL.
Academic Interest
The CDS is a valuable experiment in creating democratic institutions and government systems, especially within virtual worlds. We encourage the growth and organisational development of such institutions, and would be happy if the CDS became a part of their studies.
Increasing CDS Revenue
In addition to land tier fees, the DPU would like to study alternate ways to increase government revenue without resorting to burdensome taxes.
☆ ☆ ☆ We are here for YOU - How about U in the DPU? ☆ ☆ ☆]]>
"Using my 7days, I vote AYE to amend the existing role of Factions within the CDS Electoral process"
By my reckoning, this makes the vote 9-1 in favour of the motion.]]>
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2657]]>
Using my 7days, I vote AYE to amend the existing role of Factions within the CDS Electoral process]]>
All of the original Neualtenburg Forum, one of the SL Special interest forms, are contained in zip files that many of us are storing for safe keeping. (One section of them... Part Two... Aug 16 05 to Feb 13 06 appears to have some corruption in my copy, so some of that period may be lost) I'm just now studying the original thread which Ulrika started: Neualtenburg Constitution, with this post:
Sept 17, 2004. Neualtenburg Constitution
Before we can transition our social democracy to a democratically elected representative body, we need a constitution. Let's start the discussion here and once things start to coverge we'll move the documentation to a wiki.
~Ulrika~
and which ended 15 VERY LONG pages later with your post:
Nov 28, 2004. Gwyneth Llewelyn.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ulrika Zugzwang
That's interesting that you mention majority interests above. I was discussing the difficulty of creating a constitution with friends over dinner a few nights ago. Someone made the insightful comment that individuals, when charged with creating a novel system of governance, will always assume that they are part of a majority and will seek to consolidate power in that assumed majority. She recommended instead that everyone should assume that they will be in the minority and work on the structure assuming they have to protect themselves against the majority.
That's a very, very interesting insight...
I fully agree with your friend!...
After that post Ulrika locked the thread and moved the discussion to another involved with implementing practicalities.
It's really a bit frustrating holding this info and not being able to share it... if you can figure out some way that we can post these original forums on line for everyone to study, it would be an invaluable service.
The zip file itself is 12 MB... so even that must be ftp-ed around. It's all quite unwieldy, and would be a great project for someone interested in CDS history, not to mention helping inform the issues under discussion in the RA today.
Sudane....................................................]]>
So even it's fair to say that most of the writing of the final document came mostly from Ulrika, it was a process that emerged only after a few weeks of wild discussion. It's also true that ideas were too vague at the beginning to say that there was an "idea of constitution" before Ulrika pinpointed it down in a written document; but that's quite different from claiming that Ulrika just pushed the constitution upon the community and invited discussion
I would say that it was *quite extensively* revised
There were hundreds of posts over those six weeks — sometimes even on the same day! Remember that we didn't have nothing else to discuss before LL actually delivered Anzere... so the whole "participation" was focused on the constitution The actual theme, buildings, and events were discussed before, since LL required a project to be approved, so, while we waited for that approval, we had nothing else to do but discuss the constitution...Torley once volunteered to extract those forum posts from LL's archives, but we never got them.]]>
Rose Springvale wrote:I'd love to know the history of our constitution... was it drafted by committee?
Ulrika wrote the constitution sometime in Oct/Nov 2004. She then published it to the existing Neualtenburg community and invited suggestions. A few revisions were made, followed by elections, if I recall correctly, in Dec, and the convening of the first RA in Jan 2005.
Gwyn may recall more of the original revision process, but it was not extensive. The document is in essence Ulrika's work.
Sudane............................]]>
Two years ago, the New Guild needed a tool to do project management. At that time, Basecamp was popular for tracking down tasks and projects. Since that's licensed software, we tried a free and open source alternative ProjectPier, and an installation has been made at http://projects.slcds.info/ This has been quite heavily used! It lists 14 open projects, most having a workgroup assigned by the New Guild, and probably hundred or so tasks that had been logged by Guild members.
About a year ago or so, this software stopped working (I know... my fault). I haven't ever checked it again... until I found out that a new version is out, which looks much nicer (same functionality), and with a simple patch, can even track time (a major drawback of the previous version). Well, I've done the upgrade and fixed it so that it runs again.
If you still have an account there but have forgotten your password, you can easily retrieve it.
If you need a new account registered, let any of the admins know... myself, Moon, Arria, Alexicon, Sudane, and Rose should be able to add new projects, new accounts, etc.]]>
We will go ahead and have an informal Meet the candidate event tomorrow. If more are needed, we can guage that as it goes.
Thanks for your patience.
Rose]]>
Rose Springvale wrote:I'd love to know the history of our constitution... was it drafted by committee?
Since the RA does constitute a sort of committee by default, quite so.]]>
I'd love to know the history of our constitution... was it drafted by committee?
Also, on 3. Remember the 0 L land sale law expires by its own terms at the end of this term. RA will have to act to reinstate it. In the meantime i'm happy to report that our land sales have been generating quite a bit of interest and we have added some great new citizens. Looking forward to giving a full report next term.
By the way, i think that the constitutional amendment from Sunday has now received the necessary 8th vote.]]>
1. Your point is well made. I suppose that the idea is: the RA only has to meet monthly (amendment passed last weekend). Thus, if there is a vacancy, by-elections are called, and that means about a month for elections etc. So that member would be able to vote on the subsequent RA on a 2/3 vote. In practice, however, we have more than one meeting per month, so you're right, this would imply "lame duck" sessions until there are enough members in the RA again (imagining the worst case scenario, e.g. so many members leave vacancies that you don't manage to get 2/3 of the seats even if all remaining members present).
The idea of a supermajority was really to make sure that critical changes are very hard to make — and very hard to revoke
— and that "more than a quorum" is needed. E.g. imagine the following scenario under your suggestion: 6 members out of 11 are present.They revoke the constitution with 4 votes. Thus, only 4 out of 11 members, or just 36.3% of all the representatives, are able to make crucial decisions — e.g. instead of a "2/3" vote, a bit more than one third could change everything. The current assumption was that in the case of a constitutional amendment, at least 8 of 11 members have to say "yay" to it (even if just via 7-day-votes). I personally still prefer that interpretation. But, of course, this is open to discussion We could, for instance, add that in the case there are suddenly 1/3 of vacancies, we'd have to run a general election and not merely a by-election for all those seats...
2. You're RIGHT!
Ok, I'd definitely prefer that suggestion. Since this will probably be a very friendly amendment, I imagine that all we need to do is enact a bill to update the language of all other laws. It just takes time to gather them all (there are several bugs on the links from the portal, but most links can be "guessed" at) and condense all changes in a single bill. I'm all for it 3. Yes... ultimately you're right... again, I just remembered that we had several commissions on citizenship... the earliest was in 2007... and we never came to a result. My suggestion was to allow a "quick fix" that would be consistent with the logic behind the "zero land sales" recently passed and add the notion of a personal tie to a vote (instead of the assumed tie with an avatar). That should be a start. But sure, I'd be fine in suggesting a new commission for the next term instead of discussing this right now.]]>
1. Cleaning up the language is fine, but are 2/3 majority and "an absolute super majority" really interchangeable? Does this mean that if the RA is down a member for whatever reason, that no constitutional amendments can be made until after a by election? Perhaps better would be "2/3 majority of RA members seated and eligible to vote?" I can envision situations where members might recuse themselves from the vote as well.
2. If our laws still have out of date language, i think that rather than retain the explanatory language in the Constitution, (Artisanal Guild) the better practice is to go ahead and review those laws now, too, and update everything.
3. I think the citizenship issue needs to have full exposure and consideration. I suggest we open the question of citizenship to a commission, and not try to guess what we meant then, but what suits our needs now,particularly in light of the different treatment that the two projects, CDS/AA have given to this definition, as well as the different methodologies used for the payment of tier. I don't think tying that question to a "clean up" bill makes much sense.]]>
1. Friday January 15, 2pmInformal Meet The Candidates party. We hope representatives from each faction, and as many of those who have indicated that they are running for office, can come. Factions generally will also have their own sessions through the week of the election. We encourage you to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as you can. We will hold this event in the Fortress Garden in Al Andalus. (Another nice venue most people haven't seen!)
2. Saturday, January 16, 12 noon SLT. Formal Debates. Each faction should designate one representative to participate in the debates. The debates will be held in the Colonia Nova Amphitheater, and will be moderated by Delia Lake. The debates are conducted by citizens submitting questions in notecard format, and delivering them to the moderator, preferrably before, or at the Debate event. Each candidate will be given a chance to make a brief opening statement, a chance to respond to each question, and at the end, an opportunity to give final remarks. We will stick to a strict time limit so that everyone gets an equal amount of time to respond. Generally the debates last between 90 minutes and an hour. The moderator will have discretion on ending debate, based on the quality and number of questions submitted. Debates will be transcripted and posted in the forums immediately afterwards so that all citizens have as much information available to them as possible.
Voting machines will be set up in the main plazas of each full sim. If you will be away from sl for the week of voting, you can vote by absentee ballot. Let Jamie or Rose or anyone on the Scientific Council know of your needs as soon as possible.
3. After voting closes,we traditionally await results in the Thermae in Colonia Nova. Hopefully the members of the SC will coordinate their schedules to be available for certifying the vote as soon as possible after the polls close. Watch for in world announcements regarding this gathering.
4. When the new RA is seated and Chancellor elections are complete, there will be a formal Inaugural Ball to thank both our outgoing and incoming volunteers. This will be in early February, as the term starts February 1.
Above all, please exercise your rights as citizens of the Confederation of Democratic Sims and VOTE!
Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.
E. B. White
]]>
Carolyn Saarinen
Joaquin Gustav
Keila Forager
Lilith Ivory
Soro Dagostino
Sterling Troughton
StuiChicanne Darkstone
The group is now "open join," and anyone who is a citizen of CDS is welcome.]]>
i'm thinking more along the lines of what other communities use.. slne, the steamlands, new babbage, etc. I will go find some and send you links.
smiles. I apologize for not communicating well. this reminds me of the phrase "ask me the time and i'll build you a clock!"
Thanks for your patience and expertise Gwyn.]]>
One alternative is to use one of the many available "shopping cart" free and open source software like the popular ZenCart to sell items online (for instance, this shop). Zen Cart doesn't have the most intuitive backoffice, in spite of its widespread use. Also, to make land sales happen "automatically" (I don't think that this would be needed, though) it would mean dealing with the complexities of having a bot to mark the land for sale for an individual, etc.
Apparently there exists software specific for listing "real estate" offers: http://www.open-realty.org/. It seems to have 6 years of development and continues to be very active. One recent example of how it can work is http://www.georgiahomesdirectory.com/. It looks great, but of course I have no idea how "easy" this is to install and keep up to date. Does anyone have some experience with this? Note that there seem to be a lot of free and open source solutions out there — just search on Google for them, I found half a dozen! — so I wonder if anyone has tried them out and could give some feedback...
Of course, if you wish, I'd be happy to install one of those and let you have a go at it just to see if it does what you have in mind...]]>
We want a marketing tool, not a ledger.
]]>but really, that's just what i'd want as a buyer or seller.. i'd like to hear what other people want.
As to where...i am a user, not a coder. I don't care where it is, i just want it to be easy, attractive and do the job. The rest of it should be invisible... including all these restrictions on who can do what, where.]]>
Where ought the land for sale be displayed? Should we create a new forum? Or a page on the portal? I can obviously create a forum for land sales... but someone who has access to the portal would have to create a page there for you... or should it be a completely new site, say, http://land.slcds.info? What kind of system would work better for that? A blog? An e-commerce site? (e.g. similar to, say, the way parcels are listed on XStreetSL?) Just a static page which the Executive would change whenever it was needed?
(in the latter case, it would make more sense to have it under the portal)]]> Jamie's proposed changes were just to make sure that candidates could run for elections for the RA without being faction members. While factions were not abolished — the right of peaceful assembly for political reasons is a fundamental universal right! — they now don't have automatic ties to the RA membership; that is, if the 7-day-votes don't vote against the change (which is unlikely) or the SC doesn't ratify these.There are, however, a lot of things that are "leftovers" from the past that ought simply be stricken out. The most fundamental bit of "constitutional garbage" is the frequent reference to the Artisanal Collective (the former Guild) which doesn't exist any longer as a body of Government. There were good reasons for leaving some reference for it. The Executive effectively "took over" (in the good sense of the word!!) most of the constitutional responsibilities of the Artisanal Collective, and since some laws still made reference to it, it made sense to add a few words on the Constitution to remind that the change has retroactive effects on those laws mentioning powers of the AC — which would be neatly transferred to the Executive instead.
After such a long time in having an Executive (over two years now, gosh!), I think it's time that the references to the old Artisanal Collective should be deleted from the Constitution. I suggest that it is just briefly referred at Art II, Section 9 - AC Overlap.
It is usually felt — by the older citizens at least — that the so-called "New Guild" in a way "replaces" the old Artisanal Collective. But this is not strictly correct. The "New Guild" is a chartered NGO, independent of political struggles, and without Government status. The charter defines its role and relationship as an advisory body and a source for building/development contracts, as well as the limits to its membership (which the Constitution duplicates, but for the old, non-existing AC). Thus I think it's irrelevant and perhaps confusing to list the same things on the Constitution and I suggest that they be deleted.
In the past, a certain committee, allegedly led by a very lazy procrastinator (yours truly
), was supposed to review possible changes to the Constitution, as well as redefining citizenship. Since that committee has long been disbanded (they only exist for a term, unless re-instated), I guess that this would mean there is no clear group "endowed" with the burden of proposing suggestions to it.Citizenship, indeed, was shortly brought up recently in connection to the zero-price land sales. It was argued by a few (namely, Jamie, who definitely convinced me with his arguments; but he was not the only one) that the land price is set relatively arbitrarily, and the mere buying of land is not a good measure of citizenship status (think about speculators, for instance!). On the other hand, regularly paying tier, which is the basis upon which our CDS budget is founded (because, at the very least, that's how we pay Linden Lab for our sims!), is a far better foundation for citizenship. I tend now to agree. Tier, for instance, is not subject to speculation: it is set by Government. Land sale prices can be originally set by Government, but it can vary due to speculation. Land sales can be seen as mostly a "commodity" that can be traded in a free market, and tying citizenship to the ownership of a commodity seems now to me to be a bit strange. It's like if we stipulated that to become a citizen you had to buy, say, a plywood cube for L$10.000! On the other hand, a citizen that continues to invest money every month by paying tier fees has a more "solid" claim on citizenship. It's by staying around and paying tier that a citizen shows that they value their original property and continue to give grounds for enforcement — their investment in time and money is more directly reflected in the tier payments than on the initial land sale.
Similarly, the status of "group-based" citizens is at least... confusing. We have laws allowing two citizens, each having their own plots and paying their own tier, to form a group that holds all plots, and remain citizens nevertheless, even if their original plots have vanished and are now group-owned plots. This has been seen as a potential for abuse: all it takes is for a bunch of citizens to buy microparcels (which are not available any more, but you get my point...), join a group, then sell all the parcels to a single citizen who will pay tier on their behalf, discard the original plots, but remain citizens of the CDS, with full voting rights. Now the law originally was created to allow citizens to partner together and, to a degree, enjoy a larger common parcel beyond the legal limits of the 4096 m2 per sim. Due to the restrictions on the way groups work, the law currently in force (NL 5-9) recognised citizens the right to create groups to represent their common land ownership, so long as each group member at least contributes L$100 to monthly tier fees. Again, you can see how even this law gives more emphasis on "tier" payments than on "paying to buy a land plot" as the criterium for continuing to be a citizen.
With all the above in mind, here go my proposed changes:
Preamble: change "SL" to "Second Life (SL)" and "ToS" to "Terms of Service (ToS)" to ensure a proper reading.
Art I
Section 1: Replace "city" by "regions administered by the CDS"
Section 2:
- Number each paragraph with (a), (b), (c)
- Eliminate the sentence "* Dates recently changed by RA, and these take effect after the next general election. The first RA elections where candidates are not required to be a member of any faction will be for the term starting June 1, 2010" (which is just a note really)
- Replace "anuual" with "annual"
- Put "pro tempore" in italics.
Section 7:
- Also number each paragraph/sentence with (a), (b), (c)
- Replace "The RA can amend the constitution with a 2/3 vote." with "The RA can amend the constitution with "an absolute supermajority vote of two-thirds" (see above). This is technically redundant to list here, as Sec 6. already lists it. To be discussed.
- Add (a), (b), etc.
- Eiminate "Chancellor" and "Guildmaster" and replace with "Executive"
Article II - The Executive
Section 4: Eliminate "of Neufriestadt or any other" and replace simply by "of any" (it's time we stop giving importance to Neufreistadt
)Section 5:
- Add (a), (b), (c) etc
- Delete: "This provision shall come into force with the next RA election following passage and ratification of this amendment. (ed. note: the Seventh RA)" since it is already in force and we don't need the reminder any longer.
- Remove "The Chancellor may hold a position in the Artisanal Collective but may not vote therein." since the Artisanal Collective doesn't exist any longer (note that the New Guild's charter already forbids the Chancellor to vote in it).
- Replace "by at least a two-thirds majority" with "by an absolute supermajority of two-thirds".
- Replace "web forums or wiki" by "any official web presence of the CDS" (the wiki is not being used any longer, and we might migrate to different technologies and leave the forums
Section 9: Just requires a clarification. We haven't amended all past laws that still have "Artisanal Collective" in it, so this section has sadly to stay. So the clarification is just to replace "assigned to the Artisan's Collective" with "assigned to the extinct branch known as 'Artisan's Collective' which is still mentioned on the Code of Laws".
Article III
Section 2 - I think that each sentence should also be labelled (a), (b), (c) etc. and the phrase "can be voted out with a 2/3 majority" should be changed to "can be voted out with an absolute supermajority of two-thirds". Note that there is a subtle difference between "Professors" and "Chairs", which the SC really never cared much about: the idea is that Professors have all the rights as Chairs except the right to vote on ratifications or to hold trials. Since we never had a SC with more than 9 members, this separation of roles never existed.
Section 4 - likewise, "with the concurrence of two-thirds" to be replaced with: "with an absolute supermajority vote of two-thirds".
Section 8 - To be consistent, 1., 2., 3. ought to be (a), (b), (c).
Section 9 - replace "with a 2/3 majority" with "with an absolute supermajority vote of two-thirds"
Article V
Section 1 - There has been some confusion about who sets the dates. Recently, the SC has pushed the elections in the future because there were not enough candidates. Technically, it's the RA that sets the dates. However, the Constitution says: "[...]whose duration will be fixed by the RA by passing appropriate laws." Now if it's a law, it always needs ratification by the SC. One assumes that a law formerly passed to set a date, if not changed, will continue to be in effect, but this is arguable. Perhaps we need a clarification here: what happens if the RA hasn't set a date?
Section 3 needs a title, I suggest "Eligibility"
Article VI
Section 1 should be numbered (a), (b), (c) for consistency.
Now the more profound changes...
New (b) (insert after the existing 1.) The title to land is considered to be held for as long as a citizen duly pays his or her fees according to the size and location of the parcel of land held ("tier fees"). The amount and periodicity of due fees is to be determined by law and enforced by the Executive.
(c) Citizenship is personal, granted to a single individual, and not transferrable or negotiable. For the purposes of Second Life, one and only one avatar is considered to represent an individual's citizenship grant.
[Notes: The idea is that the "grant of title of land in the CDS" is an act that is not tied to a single moment (ie. buying a parcel), but is a process, defined in terms of SL as "paying tier". You might remember that a citizen is only allowed to vote 28 days after they have bought a parcel. This would be consistent with paying the first tier after the first month; only that would actually validate the continuing status of "being a citizen".
This also mirrors some national legislation, where members of associations are only considered to be "voting members" (or eligible members to the organisation's Board or other bodies) with full membership status so long as they pay their fees. You might be charged an "entry fee" to an organisation like that (which pays for administrative charges, e.g. entering your name on a database, giving you a membership card, etc.), but it's the recurring "membership fee" that actually determines your membership status. Delinquent members have no right; c.f. what happens if you don't pay your land tier fees to LL and what happens to your belongings in SL when you stop paying your fees
Furthermore, it doesn't preclude — or eliminate — NL 5-9. Under my proposed VI. 1. (b), laws would fix the amount of recurrent fees that a citizen has to pay to continue to be a citizen, so long as that fee is understood to grant entitlement to land. NL 5-9 does precisely that: group-owned land is land held by citizens; by owning land, fees are not exactly paid "by parcel" but by different rules, but fees are still paid. My proposed constitutional change does not violate NL 5-9 either. It just makes clear that you can't simply join a group and be a citizen; you have to have had citizen status before, join a group, and be enrolled to pay monthly tier fees (which would just be part of the total amount for that parcel of land]
Delete Article VII - The Judiciary (repealed); since it was repealed, there is no reason to keep a note of it
]]>Thank you all for your interest and support.
Rose]]>
Sudane: personally I don't think anything about that exchange has to do with CDS, and would rather let it drop.
Timo: we have had several "library" projects informally bouncing around CDS. I'd like to see something happen also.
-- Al-Andalus had one interest group, but the workgroup waned, long before the AA-CDS merger.
-- Satir & Rose attracted a second one to AA (the Xinoxi Han library on Al Garnata) just before the merger, so we inherited it as a tenant, but those original instigators drifted away and cloned their work elsewhere.
Neither of those projects became an NGO or used CDS funds. The theme of Al Andalus and its public buildings would make a library very welcome and suitable, but, as often is the case, we do not yet have committed volunteers who can make that project their primary point of contribution. Rose has been looking for some, because the current library at Al Garnata is dormant, and she is the owner of (pays tier to CDS for) it. As such, it's her project, and she has the right to decide who works with it.]]>
I also am very curious why my little group was stalked all over the sims for a meeting no one replied to about, that no one imed me about, nor that anyone asked for information on. Yet though we were in three different places, people kept showing up for the "meeting". And they didn't come at the beginning of the meeting... other than cindy... who i offered to meet with at another time to bring her up to date.
Out of courtesy, couldn't you just have asked me, rather than try to make some big deal on the forums? I have nothing to hide.]]>