This is the direct transcript from the 22 April (4pm SLT) live debate for the CDS RA by-election. The text has not been edited in any way except to insert self-evident topic headings, delineated by '----'. Below, "You" = means Jamie Palisades (the moderator).
Thank you again to all of the faction representative and participants, and CDS PIO Arria Perrault for the arrangements.
===
[2008/04/22 16:03] You: Well, folks, I will defer to Arria, but whenever we think we have critical mass, we can start - I see all three factions with candidates here
[2008/04/22 16:03] Rose Springvale: hi all
[2008/04/22 16:04] Cindy Ecksol: hey rose
[2008/04/22 16:04] Arria Perreault: I think that we can start
[2008/04/22 16:04] Gwyneth Llewelyn: hiya Rose!
[2008/04/22 16:04] Arria Perreault: I invite the three candidates to take a chair
[2008/04/22 16:04] Rose Springvale waves
[2008/04/22 16:04] Cindy Ecksol: oh, nice jamie!!!
[2008/04/22 16:04] Sonja Strom: Good juggling!!
[2008/04/22 16:04] Gwyneth Llewelyn: now, *what* are you juggling, Jamie!?
[2008/04/22 16:04] Gwyneth Llewelyn: it looks *dangerous*
[2008/04/22 16:04] Dnate Mars: TnT
[2008/04/22 16:04] ThePrincess Parisi accepted your inventory offer.
[2008/04/22 16:04] Cindy Ecksol: lol!
[2008/04/22 16:04] Sonja Strom: Is it symbolic?
[2008/04/22 16:05] Cindy Ecksol: lion tamer...
[2008/04/22 16:05] Arria Perreault: I would like to thank you Jamie Palisades to chair this debate and I will let him the word
[2008/04/22 16:05] You: Well, let me just put down the dynamite ...
[2008/04/22 16:05] Sonja Strom: ok
[2008/04/22 16:05] You: OK, thanks Arria.
[2008/04/22 16:05] Gwyneth Llewelyn: aww. I was enjoying watching you play with it :D
[2008/04/22 16:06] You: We have three CDS factions with candidates in this election ...
[2008/04/22 16:06] You: each are represented today - and hm - wearing their faction tags except for Cindy, who is with NuCARE
[2008/04/22 16:07] You: so you can look "over their heads" for affiliation :)
[2008/04/22 16:07] You: We have some basic rules for debate here:
[2008/04/22 16:07] You: http://forums.slcds.info//viewtopic.php ... 787#p11047
[2008/04/22 16:07] You: No surprises :) as these are the rules used before in CDS
[2008/04/22 16:07] You: I have about 5 questions already sent to me
[2008/04/22 16:08] You: I will suggest we gve ecah candidate a chance to answer each question, regardless of the addressee, and use a 2 minute limit for each
[2008/04/22 16:08] You: and I will call out "15 secs." and "stop" to keep time
[2008/04/22 16:08] You: If anyone else has questions :) please send them to me by notecard if possible - I will read out all questions
[2008/04/22 16:09] You: and let's try to save some time for them to ask each other questions, if the audience questions permit it
[2008/04/22 16:09] You: May I suggest we ask each to talk for 3-5 minutes first, on whatever topic they wish (within decorum of course)? ...
[2008/04/22 16:09] Moon Adamant waves hello to everyone
[2008/04/22 16:09] You: and let's use the order Cindy Dante Gwyneth for now - OK?
----
Opening
----
[2008/04/22 16:09] You: Cindy - opening remarks?
[2008/04/22 16:10] Cindy Ecksol: Thank you, Jamie.
[2008/04/22 16:10] Cindy Ecksol: First, I'd like to speak briefly about the nuCARE platform. There's no new news here: at the beginning of the term, nuCARE made it clear that it supports not only the basic principles of inclusion, growth, education, participation, and accountability
[2008/04/22 16:10] Cindy Ecksol: but also some specific proposals and programs that implement these principles.
[2008/04/22 16:10] Cindy Ecksol: In particular, we have consistently supported the development of a fourth sim, one with relatively low-cost plots that we believe will attract a variety of interesting residents.
[2008/04/22 16:10] Cindy Ecksol: Not only does nuCARE support the traditional sim development model, we have worked with other factions to create multiple paths for the development of new sims, including the ongoing discussion of some kind of private sim development
[2008/04/22 16:10] Cindy Ecksol: that might allow us to create more than one sim at a time without assuming too much financial risk or overloading the Guild's volunteers.
[2008/04/22 16:10] Cindy Ecksol: Economic development is important too. We have not only worked with other parties to pass the Guided Tour Bill, but several nuCARE members have been instrumental in the ongoing development of the tour.
[2008/04/22 16:10] Cindy Ecksol: We believe that events like Metanomics promote lively and healthy discussion, and encourage more such events in CDS.
[2008/04/22 16:11] Cindy Ecksol: I could go on, but you can all read the nuCARE platform or speak to us directly for more details.
[2008/04/22 16:11] Cindy Ecksol: The essence is that we are interested in seeing CDS thrive as an open, democratic, friendly community with a vibrant economy.
[2008/04/22 16:11] Cindy Ecksol: Now I'd like to speak about my presence in this contest. nuCARE still firmly believes that CDS would not benefit if nuCARE held an additional seat in the RA.
[2008/04/22 16:11] Cindy Ecksol: However we DO believe that the CDS voting process should foster consensus, not competition. This is why nuCARE supported the repeal of the "elimination rule" for elections.
[2008/04/22 16:11] Cindy Ecksol: However, when only two factions announced candidates for this by-election, we realized that this was a mathematical "special case" for our current system where the "elimination rule" is still in effect.
[2008/04/22 16:12] Cindy Ecksol: Consider: in a contest with only two factions, each voter awards one "vote point" to their first ranked faction, and zero to the other faction.
[2008/04/22 16:12] Cindy Ecksol: In a three-faction contest, the first-ranked faction receives two vote points, the second faction one, and only the third zero.
[2008/04/22 16:12] Cindy Ecksol: In other words, in a three-faction contest, everyone is required to award vote-points not only to a first choice, but also to a second choice.
[2008/04/22 16:12] Cindy Ecksol: It encourages everyone to be aware of all of the platforms rather than just their own faction's ideas and to find at least one other platform that they can live with.
[2008/04/22 16:12] Cindy Ecksol: The DPU platform has much in common with the nuCARE platform. We share similar ideas on commerce, cooperation and life in CDS.
[2008/04/22 16:12] Cindy Ecksol: nuCARE is recommending that its members and any others who are considering voting nuCARE as their first choice choose DPU instead and select nuCARE as their second choice.
[2008/04/22 16:13] Cindy Ecksol: We believe this is the best way to ensure that DPU has a strong showing for a second seat in the RA, and we look forward to working with them.
[2008/04/22 16:13] You: 15 seconds
[2008/04/22 16:13] Cindy Ecksol: THanks, Jamie.
[2008/04/22 16:13] You: (using 3 mins)
[2008/04/22 16:13] Pip Torok: fancy seeing you here ...
[2008/04/22 16:13] You: Done, Cindy?
[2008/04/22 16:13] ThePrincess Parisi: YAY@@@@ CINDY
[2008/04/22 16:13] ThePrincess Parisi: /applause
[2008/04/22 16:13] Quaestor Hax claps
[2008/04/22 16:13] Naftali Torok: hello everybody
[2008/04/22 16:14] Bells Semyorka cheers for Cindy!
[2008/04/22 16:14] ThePrincess Parisi: yay@ nuCARE
[2008/04/22 16:14] You: OK. Please do look at those rules, which encourage *some* moderation :)
[2008/04/22 16:14] ThePrincess Parisi: wooooottt
[2008/04/22 16:14] ThePrincess Parisi: hehehe
[2008/04/22 16:14] You: http://forums.slcds.info//viewtopic.php ... 787#p11047
[2008/04/22 16:14] You: next, Dnate for 3 minutes opening?
[2008/04/22 16:14] Feminist Expedition: hello ank :)
[2008/04/22 16:14] You: (hush, y'all)
[2008/04/22 16:14] Dnate Mars: Thank you, first off I would like to thank you all for coming here. I would also like to say thank you to the other canidates
[2008/04/22 16:14] Ankhesenpaaton Kas: hello , look familiar? lol
[2008/04/22 16:14] Dnate Mars: I will start with what the DPu is and what we stand for
[2008/04/22 16:15] Dnate Mars: 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 CDS problems.
[2008/04/22 16:15] Dnate Mars: We support Free speech, Prudence in financial managemnet
[2008/04/22 16:15] Dnate Mars: a community we can be proud of
[2008/04/22 16:16] Dnate Mars: a government that works for the people
[2008/04/22 16:16] Dnate Mars: and growth, both economically and physically
[2008/04/22 16:17] Jamie Palisades looks over for more typing?
[2008/04/22 16:17] Dnate Mars: We support expantion and welcome new citizens to the CDS, but we also value the that been give to our community by the exsisting members
[2008/04/22 16:17] Dnate Mars: The DPU has a long history in the CDS as being leaders
[2008/04/22 16:17] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 16:18] Dnate Mars: We have held the Chancellorship, the Dean of the SC and the LRA spots
[2008/04/22 16:18] Dnate Mars: Our work speaks for itself
[2008/04/22 16:18] Dnate Mars: Thank you
[2008/04/22 16:18] Quaestor Hax claps!
[2008/04/22 16:18] ThePrincess Parisi: whooot oh blue one! yayay Dnate
[2008/04/22 16:18] You: OK :) thanks
[2008/04/22 16:19] You: Gwynet for 3 minute opening?
[2008/04/22 16:19] You: *h
[2008/04/22 16:19] Gwyneth Llewelyn: thank you Jamie
[2008/04/22 16:19] Gwyneth Llewelyn: first, thanks to Arria & Jamie for organising the debate -- our long-standing tradition ;)
[2008/04/22 16:19] Gwyneth Llewelyn: thanks to everybody who is willing to participate as a canddiate for the by-elections!
[2008/04/22 16:20] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The CSDF will focus on the remaining of the term on the following ideas, which we always stood for:
[2008/04/22 16:20] Gwyneth Llewelyn: 1. Devolving government to directly democratic NGOs like the New Guild that involve citizens directly in decisions about their everyday lives.
[2008/04/22 16:20] Gwyneth Llewelyn: 2. A focus on activities that involve participation and learning, so citizens can take what they learned and apply it to their own life goals, in business, the arts, and government. The CDS as a way to empower citizens. And by investing in citizens, making the CDS stronger and more economically successful.
[2008/04/22 16:20] Gwyneth Llewelyn: 3. The civil and political rights of citizens based on the UN Declaration of Human Rights protected by the SC.
[2008/04/22 16:20] Gwyneth Llewelyn: 4. Full deliberative and creative participation applied to planning the future of our space and our islands rather than the non-committed one-time referenda vote or critical decisions made via power struggles in the RA.
[2008/04/22 16:20] Gwyneth Llewelyn: To do these,
[2008/04/22 16:20] Gwyneth Llewelyn: we have a series of measures prepared to present at the RA for debate:
[2008/04/22 16:21] Gwyneth Llewelyn: under a few topics
[2008/04/22 16:21] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Sustainability and Community:
[2008/04/22 16:21] Gwyneth Llewelyn: the * Green Sims program (buying carbon units for the CDS)
[2008/04/22 16:21] Gwyneth Llewelyn: * Cooperation
[2008/04/22 16:21] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The CSDF has, since its beginning, been a cooperative party. More important than "pushing" the vote on our agenda, we encourage others -- even the opposition -- to work with us on compromise.
[2008/04/22 16:21] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The legislative work of the CSDF will, as usual, focus on working together with all factions, all groups and NGOs, all citizens, and forge common ideas towards the same goal: advancing the CDS.
[2008/04/22 16:21] Gwyneth Llewelyn: and * Culture
[2008/04/22 16:22] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 16:22] Gwyneth Llewelyn: We'll have a strong focus on Participation.
[2008/04/22 16:22] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Oh -- and I'll encourage you to read the rest of the manifesto then ;)
[2008/04/22 16:22] Gwyneth Llewelyn: (it's on notecard givers in the usual places)
[2008/04/22 16:22] Gwyneth Llewelyn: ty.
[2008/04/22 16:22] You: OK. Good, thanks all
[2008/04/22 16:23] You: and for those who are fairly new to CDS
[2008/04/22 16:23] Feminist Expedition: yay :) thx candidates :)
[2008/04/22 16:23] Quaestor Hax claps
[2008/04/22 16:23] You: let me point out that each faction has Forum boards
[2008/04/22 16:23] ThePrincess Parisi: /applause
[2008/04/22 16:23] Cynwulf Darwin: Claps
[2008/04/22 16:23] You: so there's another place ot look for manifestos, comments, etc. :)
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Question 1
----
[2008/04/22 16:23] You: OK - reminder - if you have a question to suggest, send it to me :)
[2008/04/22 16:23] You: Here's the first
[2008/04/22 16:24] You: (2 mins each, CinDY, then Dnate, then Gwyneth, and we will reverse the order later.)
[2008/04/22 16:24] You: Q1: In our RA, candidates represent factions. As we've learned, any one of you could resign, or be withdrawn by your faction, tomorrow, and replaced by any other faction member. So your respective factions' positions probably are paramount. Each faction posted a platform for last January's general election. Some may have updated since then: but mostly we still are working from those list. So: let's talk about how are we doing on those goals. What percentage of the goals you;d hoped to see done this term, are done, or likely to be done, by 6-month term end? Half? None? All of them?
[2008/04/22 16:24] You: Give our representatives a moment to read :D
[2008/04/22 16:25] You: Cindy, start when ready, 2 mins. :)
[2008/04/22 16:25] Cindy Ecksol: thanks, Jamie.
[2008/04/22 16:25] Cindy Ecksol: I was not surprised to see when I reviewed our manifesto that we have already accomplished a large percent of what we set out to do this term
[2008/04/22 16:26] Cindy Ecksol: for instance, the guided tour has passed and is under development, should be finished by the end of the term
[2008/04/22 16:26] Cindy Ecksol: a bill authorizing a new sim has passed.
[2008/04/22 16:26] Cindy Ecksol: I do not really expect that it will be online before the end of the term, but that's good progress.
[2008/04/22 16:26] Cindy Ecksol: we've also been instrumental in repealing the "elimination rule" which falls under our interest in democratic process
[2008/04/22 16:27] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 16:27] Cindy Ecksol: and of course MT chaired the commerce commission, and I expect that there should be some progress in that arena by term's end as well
[2008/04/22 16:27] You: Thanks. Done?
[2008/04/22 16:27] Cindy Ecksol: that's enough for now, I'd say, although I probably left some out
[2008/04/22 16:27] Cindy Ecksol: thanks, jamie
[2008/04/22 16:27] You: :) Dnate?
[2008/04/22 16:28] Dnate Mars: Our goals are not necessarily the top priority to us, we set out this term to do 2 things, expand the CDS with a 4th sim and work with the other parties to do what is best for the CDS as a community
[2008/04/22 16:28] Dnate Mars: Both of these goals we feel we are accomplishing as we speak
[2008/04/22 16:29] Dnate Mars: We have gotting teh bill that allows the 4th sim to be build, and we have been working with the RA to get the CSD heading in a direction that can make the community proud to say they are from teh CDS
[2008/04/22 16:29] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 16:29] Dnate Mars: Thank you
[2008/04/22 16:30] You: TY
[2008/04/22 16:30] You: Gwyneth?
[2008/04/22 16:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Well, the CSDF usually sets itself a busy agenda.
[2008/04/22 16:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: It's deliberate -- on our previous term, we had 9 complex points
[2008/04/22 16:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: and we managed to get them all dicussed, compromised upon, and approved to some form
[2008/04/22 16:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: This term, however,
[2008/04/22 16:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: we got bogged down in "process"
[2008/04/22 16:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: So that's one of our priorities:
[2008/04/22 16:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: * "Progress, not Process"
[2008/04/22 16:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The CSDF was always a faction that focused on actions. Discussing process is fundamental for the well-being of the CDS, but we propose to move the discussion on processes to specialised committees. We should encourage "getting things done" at the RA level, where time is of the essence, and let committees, with due faction representation - as well as participation from the citizens - promote the ongoing discussion on the several aspects that need fleshing out.
[2008/04/22 16:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The RA needs to be an efficient body that passes legislation to ensure our ongoing success. The committee work would also allow closer participation by the citizens -- especially newer ones -- interested in participating more closely in the decision process.
[2008/04/22 16:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: So expect from us a strong whipping on all RA members to push the processual things into committess,
[2008/04/22 16:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: and let the RA Get. Things. Done.
[2008/04/22 16:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: That's it, thanks.
[2008/04/22 16:31] You: :)
----
Question 2
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[2008/04/22 16:32] You: OK Q2
[2008/04/22 16:32] You: How do you see the development of the cultural and educational life in CDS? How should we promote cultural and educational activities in our sims?
[2008/04/22 16:32] You: Cindy again?
[2008/04/22 16:32] Cindy Ecksol: sure, jamie, but perhaps it would be fair to let someone else next question?
[2008/04/22 16:32] Gwyneth Llewelyn: :)
[2008/04/22 16:32] You: I was planning to switch order every 2 Qs :)
[2008/04/22 16:32] Cindy Ecksol: ok, I can live with that
[2008/04/22 16:33] Gwyneth Llewelyn: (see, process again, no progress)
[2008/04/22 16:33] Gwyneth Llewelyn laughs
[2008/04/22 16:33] Cindy Ecksol: very amusing, gwyn.
[2008/04/22 16:33] Gwyneth Llewelyn: ;)
[2008/04/22 16:33] Gwyneth Llewelyn: sorry.
[2008/04/22 16:33] Cindy Ecksol: now let's see.
[2008/04/22 16:33] Quaestor Hax: (Gwyn - silly)
[2008/04/22 16:33] You: yes, democracy is hell (smile) restarting your time, Cin
[2008/04/22 16:33] Cindy Ecksol: ah yes, cultural activities and educational I believe.
[2008/04/22 16:33] Cindy Ecksol: nucare is definitely interested in developing and promoting cultural activities.
[2008/04/22 16:34] Cindy Ecksol: we've supported the allocation of a budget for cultural activities.
[2008/04/22 16:34] Cindy Ecksol: and not to toot my own horn, but I think that the work I did with arria to get a visible calendar in-world in the three sims is a good start.
[2008/04/22 16:35] Cindy Ecksol: I've also personal spent time ensuring that things like metanomics are on the SL calendars so that people ssee them and come here for our "low lag" environment
[2008/04/22 16:35] Cindy Ecksol: we'd definitely like to see more gatherings of the kidn we had last term.
[2008/04/22 16:35] Cindy Ecksol: and we are eager to see the guild move forward with its plans for classes
[2008/04/22 16:36] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 16:36] Cindy Ecksol: building and being part of physical building is also a community-building activity, and we'd like to see as many people as possible participate.
[2008/04/22 16:36] Cindy Ecksol: thanks, jamie
[2008/04/22 16:36] You: :) Dnate? cultural etc. Q
[2008/04/22 16:36] Dnate Mars: The DPU strongly supports cultural and educational events being held in the CDS. We offer our full support to the Chancellor and PIO to encourge these events happening in the CDS. We are willing to work with them in any way needed to help encourage more of these events.
[2008/04/22 16:37] Dnate Mars: We also believe that these events help foster community involvement, something we believe strongly in encouraging in everything that is done for the CDS
[2008/04/22 16:38] Dnate Mars: We want these events to occur, and plan to support any worthwhile ideas to get more events in the CDS
[2008/04/22 16:38] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 16:38] Dnate Mars: thank you Jamie
[2008/04/22 16:38] You: Gwyneth?
[2008/04/22 16:38] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Ok,
[2008/04/22 16:39] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Culture & Education
[2008/04/22 16:39] Gwyneth Llewelyn: are part of the package of legislation we hope to introduce under "Sustainability and Community"
[2008/04/22 16:39] Gwyneth Llewelyn: specifically,
[2008/04/22 16:39] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The CDS has remarkable public buildings and a history as one of the longest-running projects in Second Life. We will promote culture in the CDS by developing innovative, interactive content for our public buildings which celebrates the history, life and culture of the CDS and which acts as a permanent 'attraction' giving people a good reason to come to the CDS and to keep coming back.
[2008/04/22 16:39] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Translation: we'll make sure the Chancellor & PIO have a budget ready to spend on promotion!
[2008/04/22 16:39] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Education and culture are an important and valuable part of the virtual worlds. They are very attractive and bring people in sims . The CSDF support cultural and educational activities. It encourages citizen to develop their own skill to create contents. It supports initiatives that bring in our sims talented designers to present their works. A part of cultural activities may concern CDS: our culture, our history are interesting enough to be presented.
[2008/04/22 16:40] Gwyneth Llewelyn: This also means that we're totally behind any institution, NGO, etc in the CDS
[2008/04/22 16:40] Gwyneth Llewelyn: that wish to start teaching classes,
[2008/04/22 16:40] Gwyneth Llewelyn: enhancing the citizen's skill set
[2008/04/22 16:40] Gwyneth Llewelyn: tell them how to be better, enhancing their value
[2008/04/22 16:41] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 16:41] Gwyneth Llewelyn: bringing quality to every aspect of the life in the CDS: good events, good buildings, attractive things for "tourists" and citizens alike.
[2008/04/22 16:41] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Thanks.
----
Question 3
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[2008/04/22 16:41] You: Thank you. Next 2 Qs, we will use the order Dnate, Gwyneth, Cindy please
[2008/04/22 16:41] You: Q3> Where are we with sim expansion? 4th sim, planning, all
[2008/04/22 16:41] You: Dnate?
[2008/04/22 16:42] Dnate Mars: With the 4th sim expantion, I believe we are near where we need to be. We are actively working with the guild to get the plan set for the next sim
[2008/04/22 16:44] Dnate Mars: We believe that continuing the tradtion that has given us the 3 beautiful sims we now live in is working and we are on our way to adding to the value and beauty of the CDS
[2008/04/22 16:44] Dnate Mars: Thank you
[2008/04/22 16:44] You: Gwyneth?
[2008/04/22 16:45] Gwyneth Llewelyn: As some of you know, the ones who came to the "open meetings" held by the CSDF last week,
[2008/04/22 16:45] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The CSDF supports various models of private development of our territory, as long as the necessary checks and balances on the process are duly defined, applied and respected. The CSDF aims at the continuity of the quality of our territory, and stands against wild, unchecked expansion.
[2008/04/22 16:45] Gwyneth Llewelyn: It is the CSDF's opinion that all the structures needed for this correctness of procedure are already in place. We support that citizens and non-citizens be welcome to propose models for expansion - these too are avenues for participation!
[2008/04/22 16:45] Gwyneth Llewelyn: So we wish expansion -- under any model
[2008/04/22 16:45] Gwyneth Llewelyn: but with QUALITY.
[2008/04/22 16:45] Gwyneth Llewelyn: We also wish not only "territorial" expansion,
[2008/04/22 16:45] Gwyneth Llewelyn: also on other areas, like commerce.
[2008/04/22 16:46] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Since I don't know if this will be asked later,
[2008/04/22 16:46] Gwyneth Llewelyn: "We support measures to build business in the CDS, to support CDS artisans and promote their high quality goods. We want to see a voluntary, independent 'Chamber of Commerce' come into being which addresses issues such as advertising and building a reputation for quality.
[2008/04/22 16:46] Gwyneth Llewelyn: So it's not just "a few more sims". It's -- more sims, of high quality, that are a pleasure to behold.
[2008/04/22 16:47] Gwyneth Llewelyn: And why stop at 4? :)
[2008/04/22 16:47] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Anyway, thanks.
[2008/04/22 16:47] You: :)
[2008/04/22 16:47] You: OK ..
[2008/04/22 16:47] Jamie Palisades rolls up his sleeves and smiles
[2008/04/22 16:47] Gwyneth Llewelyn *giggles*
[2008/04/22 16:47] You: Q4 There has been much talk about CDS election rule
[2008/04/22 16:47] Cindy Ecksol: wait!
[2008/04/22 16:47] Cindy Ecksol: son't I get a shot at that one?
[2008/04/22 16:47] ThePrincess Parisi stands up
[2008/04/22 16:47] Gwyneth Llewelyn: boo boo
[2008/04/22 16:48] You: let's give our reps a moment to read - ha - crud, I missed - my apolgis ot CIndy :") but now you all know the next Q
[2008/04/22 16:48] Cindy Ecksol: lol!
[2008/04/22 16:48] Gwyneth Llewelyn: tsk!
[2008/04/22 16:48] Cindy Ecksol: thank you jamie :-)
[2008/04/22 16:48] You: Cindy? please accept my apolgies and fire at will on Q3
[2008/04/22 16:48] Cindy Ecksol: nuCARE was instrumental in ensuring that the bill for the new sim passed in the RA, acting in coalition with DPU and SP.
[2008/04/22 16:48] You: (darn buttons)
[2008/04/22 16:48] Rose Springvale: hehe, problems jamie? going fast? :)
[2008/04/22 16:48] Cindy Ecksol: We believe that we're a bit behind in the process, though: when CSDF abandoned their seats, procedural issues ended up taking more than a month to work through before the RA could get back to work.
[2008/04/22 16:49] Cindy Ecksol: We're over that now, of course. And of course several of us have been working with the Guild to help develop the new master plan that is a prerequisite to adding a new sim.
[2008/04/22 16:49] Cindy Ecksol: I don't think that it will be complete by the end of the term as we would have liked, but it's good that we're making progress towards a real quality build that will match up to the others and attract more interesting citizens to enrich our community here in CDS.
[2008/04/22 16:49] Cindy Ecksol: thanks
[2008/04/22 16:50] You: Heh, my apologies again
[2008/04/22 16:50] You: and we will use the order Gwyneth, CIndy, Dnate now please
[2008/04/22 16:50] Cindy Ecksol: I accept, jamie. you're only an av, after all :-)
[2008/04/22 16:50] You: assumign your moderator remains sane
[2008/04/22 16:50] Gwyneth Llewelyn: :-) :-)
[2008/04/22 16:50] Jamie Palisades senses big suspense in the air about what Q4 possibly could be ...
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Question 4
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[2008/04/22 16:50] You: Q4 There has been much talk about CDS election rule
[2008/04/22 16:50] Gwyneth Llewelyn: lol just tell us when we can start...
[2008/04/22 16:51] You: Go, Gwyn :)
[2008/04/22 16:51] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Thanks :)
[2008/04/22 16:51] Gwyneth Llewelyn: First and foremost,
[2008/04/22 16:51] Gwyneth Llewelyn: citizens should participate more and better
[2008/04/22 16:51] Gwyneth Llewelyn: "better" means: better informed.
[2008/04/22 16:51] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Several of our citizens have manifested the desire to set up new events, where issues like negotiation, moderation, arbitration, conflict resolution, and learning to compromise, be taught in the CDS -- both for the citizens and to visitors. All promotional events that also raise our skill levels in democratic procedures should be encouraged.
[2008/04/22 16:51] Gwyneth Llewelyn: This should help citizens figuring out,
[2008/04/22 16:51] Gwyneth Llewelyn: what the issues are -- how scores are calculated etc
[2008/04/22 16:51] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Then,
[2008/04/22 16:52] Gwyneth Llewelyn: we're not afraid of changing what's broken
[2008/04/22 16:52] Gwyneth Llewelyn: or what people perceive to be broken
[2008/04/22 16:52] Gwyneth Llewelyn: We support Beathan's Election Committee to continue to debate the issue -- there has been a good work done so far!
[2008/04/22 16:52] Gwyneth Llewelyn: However,
[2008/04/22 16:52] Gwyneth Llewelyn: We also wish to suggest that the RA refuses to pass any legislation affecting the elections during or immediately before an election is called. Former RAs tended to take a pause in their legislative efforts during the campaigning and voting phases.
[2008/04/22 16:53] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Legislative discussions should not stop, but they shouldn't address sensitive issues when an election is impending. Instead the RA candidates should be encouraged to bring up the issues during their campaigning, and let these be decided after a new RA is empowered to legislate.
[2008/04/22 16:53] Gwyneth Llewelyn: So, it's fine to discuss the changes,
[2008/04/22 16:53] Gwyneth Llewelyn: but to be fair, the RA should avoid to "threaten" to change the rules before elctions.
[2008/04/22 16:53] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 16:53] Gwyneth Llewelyn: As long as this is observed, the CSDF fully supports a review on the whole system -- so far as factions are still part of it!
[2008/04/22 16:53] Gwyneth Llewelyn: thanks.
[2008/04/22 16:54] You: Cindy?
[2008/04/22 16:54] Cindy Ecksol: nuCARE is also intensively interested in the way the system works.
[2008/04/22 16:55] Cindy Ecksol: in particular, we believe that the system as currently constituted isn't perfect -- but it is probably better than most of the other ways to run a democratic community in several particualr areas
[2008/04/22 16:55] Cindy Ecksol: our StL/Borda process makes the system tend towards consensus rather than competition.
[2008/04/22 16:56] Cindy Ecksol: and we are not shy about working to understand HOW that system supports factions both large and small and using that knowledge to ensure that the election process is fair and that the RA will have BALANCE rather than "mandates"
[2008/04/22 16:56] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 16:56] Cindy Ecksol: as I said in my opening statement, this is the only reason I am in the contest here: to foster consensus over competition
[2008/04/22 16:56] You: time - done?
[2008/04/22 16:56] Cindy Ecksol: thanks, jamie
[2008/04/22 16:57] You: now let's see. . smile ... Dnate?
[2008/04/22 16:57] Dnate Mars: Thank you
[2008/04/22 16:57] Dnate Mars: I think the election system needs to be looked at in detail again. We have reviewed this in the past and always come to the conclusion that what we have now works for the system we have.
[2008/04/22 16:57] Dnate Mars: However, We are always looking at ways to improve the current system. We will review the current system and work with the election workgroup to see what areas are broken, could be improved, or any loopholes that need to be corrected.
[2008/04/22 16:58] Dnate Mars: Being a demecratic system, we strive to serve the majority while at teh same time protecting the minories. The election system is key on ensuring that this happens. We take any changes to this fundalmental system very seriously.
[2008/04/22 16:59] Dnate Mars: Thank you
[2008/04/22 16:59] You: :)
[2008/04/22 16:59] You: Thank you all, and let me mention -
[2008/04/22 16:59] You: we're at the one hour mark, this is scheduled for two hours -
[2008/04/22 16:59] You: if any auidence member has questions, please drop the notecard on me fairly soon :)
[2008/04/22 17:00] You: and given current timing I am going to suggest that at 30 minutes from now
[2008/04/22 17:00] You: (17h30 SLT)
[2008/04/22 17:00] You: we let the three representatives each pose one question :)
[2008/04/22 17:01] You: so
[2008/04/22 17:01] You: back to the submitted questions
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Question 5
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[2008/04/22 17:01] You: Q5 (G, C, D order)
[2008/04/22 17:02] You: Do we use the NGOs like the Guild enough? Do we use
[2008/04/22 17:02] You: Gwyneth?
[2008/04/22 17:02] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Well, the CSDF *insists* on having NGOs.
[2008/04/22 17:02] Gwyneth Llewelyn: We truly believe that "avenues for participation" -- which has always been our motto -- means: all citizens should particiopate in the CDS
[2008/04/22 17:03] Gwyneth Llewelyn: It's not just "politically"
[2008/04/22 17:03] Gwyneth Llewelyn: There are tons of ways of participation -- the Guild is just one of many: the MoCA, the Monastery,
[2008/04/22 17:03] Gwyneth Llewelyn: the Chamber of Commerce
[2008/04/22 17:03] Gwyneth Llewelyn: And probably many more that are popping up spontaneously --
[2008/04/22 17:03] Gwyneth Llewelyn: things like citizens getting together and changing the trees, or refurnishing the Biergarten.
[2008/04/22 17:04] Gwyneth Llewelyn: That's what the CSDF wants: all these groups -- more of these groups -- working, independently of the 'government' -- for a better CDS.
[2008/04/22 17:04] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 17:04] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The role of Government is to give them frameworks. And this is what the CSDF will do: establish the guidelines that allow citizens tio spontaneously associate and do things for teh CDS.
[2008/04/22 17:04] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Thank you!
[2008/04/22 17:05] You: Cindy? On NGOs
[2008/04/22 17:05] Cindy Ecksol: thank you.
[2008/04/22 17:05] Cindy Ecksol: I'm going to speak specifically about the guild, as we currently have no other NGO's that I'm aware of.
[2008/04/22 17:05] Cindy Ecksol: The Guild serves an amazing function in CDS, and by and large it serves it well.
[2008/04/22 17:06] Cindy Ecksol: That function (I think) is to develop and maintain the physical aspect of CDS, or perhaps I should say, the intersection between the physical and the cultural. It's an enormous job, and a creative one.
[2008/04/22 17:06] Cindy Ecksol: I think by and large we use the Guild well, but I believe that the Guild is also starved for human resource. Much of the load rests heavily on a few individuals.
[2008/04/22 17:07] Cindy Ecksol: What we at nuCARE would like MOST to see with respect to the Guild is support from the community for a series of classes that would encourage more citizens (and prospective citizens) to get involved in building and maintenance projects
[2008/04/22 17:07] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 17:07] Cindy Ecksol: I believe it was Bjerkel who mentioned on the forum the other day that it was probably at the times when the sims were being built that the community was most functional and "fun"
[2008/04/22 17:08] You: time. done?
[2008/04/22 17:08] Cindy Ecksol: so we'd like to see more of that, more fostering of programs to make it possible.
[2008/04/22 17:08] Cindy Ecksol: yes, thank you, jamie
[2008/04/22 17:08] You: :)
[2008/04/22 17:08] ThePrincess Parisi: /applaudes appropriately
[2008/04/22 17:08] You: Dnate - on NGOs?
[2008/04/22 17:08] Dnate Mars: Thank you
[2008/04/22 17:08] Quaestor Hax claps
[2008/04/22 17:08] Dnate Mars: NGO's are key to the community of the CDS. They are the nonpolitical arms that encourage community development and growth. The DPU fully supports, and encourages NGO.
[2008/04/22 17:09] Dnate Mars: If any NGO feels they are not getting the support they need to function from any government office, we encourage them to talk to us, the DPU is here for the community, just as the NGOs are. We want to work together to grow the CDS
[2008/04/22 17:10] You: 15 secs. done?
[2008/04/22 17:10] Dnate Mars: We encourage the devolopment and growth of NGOs. We encourage our members to be active in NGOs
[2008/04/22 17:10] Dnate Mars: Thank you
[2008/04/22 17:10] You: :)
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Question 6
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[2008/04/22 17:11] You: Let's see
[2008/04/22 17:11] You: Q6
[2008/04/22 17:12] Gwyneth Llewelyn *scratches head*
[2008/04/22 17:12] You: Dnate, then Gwyneth, then Cindy please
[2008/04/22 17:13] You: Do RA members in your faction vote their conscience in the RA, or on faction instructions? ANd if the ltter, hwo common is it for your faction to dictate a vote?
[2008/04/22 17:13] You: *latter
[2008/04/22 17:13] You: Dnate?
[2008/04/22 17:14] Dnate Mars: Our vote in the RA is a little of both
[2008/04/22 17:14] Bells Semyorka: I see boobies
[2008/04/22 17:14] Dnate Mars: The DPU is some very clear goals in mind when we set our canidates out to be elected
[2008/04/22 17:15] Dnate Mars: When they are elected, they are DPU members rep. the entire faction
[2008/04/22 17:15] Dnate Mars: however, each member is also an individual
[2008/04/22 17:15] Dnate Mars: We encourge votes on party lines, but it is up to the members to vote the way they see fit
[2008/04/22 17:15] Dnate Mars: Thank you
[2008/04/22 17:16] You: :) Gwyneth?
[2008/04/22 17:16] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Ok, to answer that, a bit of history.
[2008/04/22 17:16] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Why do we have factions in the CDS?
[2008/04/22 17:16] Gwyneth Llewelyn: It was not a "whim"
[2008/04/22 17:16] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Or something "cool"
[2008/04/22 17:16] Gwyneth Llewelyn: or "just an experiment".
[2008/04/22 17:16] Gwyneth Llewelyn: In fact, we have to deal with the realities of SL.
[2008/04/22 17:17] Gwyneth Llewelyn: People come and go!
[2008/04/22 17:17] Gwyneth Llewelyn: From the 60 original citizens of the CDS,
[2008/04/22 17:17] Gwyneth Llewelyn: there is just one left -- and our population is 81
[2008/04/22 17:17] Gwyneth Llewelyn: So -- there has been a LOT of rotation.
[2008/04/22 17:17] Gwyneth Llewelyn: To address this issue,
[2008/04/22 17:17] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The constitution states:
[2008/04/22 17:17] Gwyneth Llewelyn: "All factions must provide platforms which state their general philosophy and list of goals for the current and next term. Factions exist to promote the discussion of issues. Faction platforms cannot violate or seek to violate the Constitution. Proposed Constitutional amendments may be listed."
[2008/04/22 17:17] Gwyneth Llewelyn: So,
[2008/04/22 17:17] Gwyneth Llewelyn: citizens vote for platforms on teh RA, not individuals.
[2008/04/22 17:18] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The CSDF operates on that principle:
[2008/04/22 17:18] Gwyneth Llewelyn: people come to the faction to work out together a platform
[2008/04/22 17:18] Gwyneth Llewelyn: they have open meetings to discuss ideas for it
[2008/04/22 17:18] Gwyneth Llewelyn: they prepare legislative work a week in advance
[2008/04/22 17:18] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 17:18] Gwyneth Llewelyn: this is voted upon -- in fact, it couldn't e any other way,
[2008/04/22 17:18] Gwyneth Llewelyn: since we believe in voting ;)
[2008/04/22 17:18] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Once a decision is made, it doesn't matter if A or B defends it on the RA.
[2008/04/22 17:19] Gwyneth Llewelyn: (and 15 secs are gone -- thanks!)
[2008/04/22 17:19] You: thank you - Cindy?
[2008/04/22 17:19] Cindy Ecksol: thank you
[2008/04/22 17:19] Cindy Ecksol: nuCARE has a platform, and nuCARE's RA members are expected to be informed by the platform in their votes. And all faction members (and other interested persons) are welcome to help develop that platform: it's an open process.
[2008/04/22 17:20] Cindy Ecksol: This does not mean that there is a "required vote:" each of us is an individual, and we will ultimately vote our consciences.
[2008/04/22 17:20] Cindy Ecksol: My very presence here tonight is a good example of this. The faction had decided not to field a candidate in this contest, but I felt very strongly that it would benefit the community (not nuCARE specifically), so I went ahead and announced myself as a nuCARE candidate.
[2008/04/22 17:20] Cindy Ecksol: Yes, it caused some turmoil in the faction, but ultimately the faction has decided to support my action rather than kick me out.
[2008/04/22 17:20] Cindy Ecksol: we feel That kind of spirited discussion is incredibly important to democratic processes.
[2008/04/22 17:20] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 17:20] Cindy Ecksol: But in short, we expect our RA representatives to use the platform as a filter for their own thinking and speak and vote accordingly.
[2008/04/22 17:21] Cindy Ecksol: thanks jamie
[2008/04/22 17:21] ThePrincess Parisi applaudes
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Question 7
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[2008/04/22 17:21] You: Alrightly - only one or 2 more questions before I will ask each of the 3 of you to pose a question yourself
[2008/04/22 17:21] You: Here's Q7 -
[2008/04/22 17:22] You: and let's return to Cindy, then Dnate, then Gwyneth
[2008/04/22 17:22] You: The CSDF RA members' resignation mid-term was big after, even by CDS standards. What did we learn from all this, about how we should govern? Business as usual? Or is something wrong with the rules, or the factions, or government by faction?
[2008/04/22 17:23] Jamie Palisades raises an eyebrow - Cindy? I'll start timingw hen you finish reading and start talking
[2008/04/22 17:23] Cindy Ecksol: Well, I'm going to have to answer this from a personal/observational point of view
[2008/04/22 17:23] Cindy Ecksol: yes, there was definitely something wrong with the rules.
[2008/04/22 17:24] Cindy Ecksol: and there was definitely something wrong with the way the rules were enforced.
[2008/04/22 17:24] Cindy Ecksol: the problem with the rules is that they were very unclear.
[2008/04/22 17:25] Cindy Ecksol: and the problem with the way the rules were enforced is that the LRA took advantage of the lack of clarity to create a modus operandi that made many feel as though he was acting in a manner that minimized other factions' participation and access to the floor
[2008/04/22 17:25] Cindy Ecksol: that caused, shall we say, great angst. and great turmoil
[2008/04/22 17:25] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 17:26] Cindy Ecksol: what we have learned is that we need clear rules. we are grateful to jamie for choosing to clarify the eixsting rules in a way that everyone perceives as fair
[2008/04/22 17:26] Cindy Ecksol: and he enforces them in a fair way.
[2008/04/22 17:26] You: hate to stop THAT sentence, but time :)
[2008/04/22 17:26] Gwyneth Llewelyn: hehe
[2008/04/22 17:26] Cindy Ecksol: if we continue down this path, I think we'll be fine. if he (or a future LRA) does not, welll...
[2008/04/22 17:26] Cindy Ecksol: thanks
[2008/04/22 17:26] You: Ok. Dnate?
[2008/04/22 17:26] Dnate Mars: The CDS is designed to weather these types of political storms. We have survived before, and we will contitue to thrive.
[2008/04/22 17:27] Dnate Mars: As with everything, leasons have been learned, and flaws in the system have been unearthed. The fact that we have contitued shows how strong the community, and the government really are. The DPU is willing to go forward and work with the other 3 factions to improve the system.
[2008/04/22 17:28] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 17:29] Dnate Mars: We believe that a stable government is important to maintain. Having a stable goverment shows strenth and resolve of the community to go beyond politics and to fuction as we should, a single unit, under the CDS banner. If it is found tha changes and improvements need to be made, we will go forward and make them
[2008/04/22 17:29] Dnate Mars: thank you
[2008/04/22 17:29] You: Gwyneth?
[2008/04/22 17:29] ThePrincess Parisi: yay dnate
[2008/04/22 17:29] Quaestor Hax claps!
[2008/04/22 17:29] You: :)
[2008/04/22 17:29] Cynwulf Darwin: claps!!
[2008/04/22 17:30] You: G?
[2008/04/22 17:30] Quaestor Hax thinks Dnate gave great speech
[2008/04/22 17:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: It's obvious that in this question, as in many others, the CSDF subscribes to the Pragmatist view of the DPU :)
[2008/04/22 17:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: In essence, we have "government by faction" as a design indeed, and we have had much worse crisis
[2008/04/22 17:30] ThePrincess Parisi: had or caused?
[2008/04/22 17:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Really big ones, that threatened the future of the CDS
[2008/04/22 17:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: shh Princess
[2008/04/22 17:30] Gwyneth Llewelyn: The interesting aspect,
[2008/04/22 17:31] ThePrincess Parisi: i thought tha was IM
[2008/04/22 17:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: is that we weathered those crisis
[2008/04/22 17:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: using the same rules
[2008/04/22 17:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: that are now viewed as "unclear"
[2008/04/22 17:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: and who were enforced in the very same manner
[2008/04/22 17:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: without a problem.
[2008/04/22 17:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: However,
[2008/04/22 17:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: people have different expectations.
[2008/04/22 17:31] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Nothing is (or should not be) written on stone.
[2008/04/22 17:32] Gwyneth Llewelyn: There is definitely enough to work on a compromise for different sets of rules,
[2008/04/22 17:32] You: 15 secs
[2008/04/22 17:32] Gwyneth Llewelyn: so long as these will continue to advocate a "government of factions" -- ensuring democratic representation,
[2008/04/22 17:32] Gwyneth Llewelyn: the CSDF will naturally subscribe to anything that makes teh RA work smoother. In fact, it's one of the points of our manifesto: again, progress, not process.
[2008/04/22 17:32] Gwyneth Llewelyn: Thank you.
[2008/04/22 17:33] You: Well, thank you all
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Question 8
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[continues in next post]