Don-
> > The rules require the Domain to report, including on the ST side; a
> > DST report from someone who is really the DST, even if only in an
> > interim standing, is necessary. That's the deal, and it's nothing that
> > every other Domain in the club doesn't also have to do. Pittsburgh is
> > not being saddled with any extraordinary requirements here, but it is
> > a requirement.
I understand your points, and I very much appreciate that you took the time to express that this is not an attack. It's simply part of my job to represent the Domains to the National, Global, and WW levels, and to represent those levels to the Domains. I expect that some believe that I should be doing more of the former and less of the latter, but thus far, I'm doing the best I can with things.
The DST report is not just to check on the status of the Domain; that really falls more to the DC report. Yes, the Domain is active, and whatever one thinks of that activity, it cannot be argued that the Domain is moving. But reassurance that the Domain is active is not the sole point of a DST report.
Further- and I say this without any value judgment of the rightness or wrongness of any decision, but merely as a factual statement- there is more than one decision involved in the lack of a DST. One is the initial removal of Jason. Another is the Domain's decision to first extend the election as much as possible, and then to choose to elect None of the Above. I must reiterate that I am not saying that either of these are right or wrong, but that had either one not happened as they did, Pittsburgh would have a DST.
An exemption from the reporting requirement would require a Camarilla Council resolution; I can't make that kind of change at this level. Moreover, I'm not sure that such an extension would be wise. The Camarilla relies on communication for a Global Chronicle. Lack of a DST report means that there is a breakdown in the integration of the Global Chronicle. If the games aren't integrated with the Global Chronicle, then they'd be, in essence, troupe games. Without some means- and if there's a better method to do this than reporting, then I'm quite open to hearing about it- to integrate the Pittsburgh games and the Global Chronicle, then I don't see how the local games could be anything other than troupe, suspending the Global VSS's until the games could be re-integrated into the Chronicle. I do have the authority to do that at my level, but I am hopeful that that won't be necessary. I've been holding off on that, despite one or two recommendations to take that action, because I really do want Pittsburgh to get past this and return to normal status. I understand that not everyone in the Domain wants that, and that's fine; I'm simply trying to look out for the best interests of the Region, and Pittsburgh, as a part of the EC, as best I can determine it.
This is not about punishment, or "strong-arm tactics," though I am quite sure that those terms will be bandied about, just as discussion about "winning" and "losing" is thrown around, apparently casually. The people that many of you are angry with aren't on this list, though. Alex isn't; Charles isn't; David and Wes are not, to the best of my knowledge. None of the other Cam Council members are on this list, again to the best of my knowledge. So writing here is either just venting, or talking to me, since I'm the only one here, trying to work the issue. If it's the former, cool- people can vent. If it's the latter, I'd appreciate it if more of the emails could be in this vein, rather than in a more abrasive style- but that's just a request.
I understand what some people want: the return of Jason to DST, and an apology from Alex. The most likely means of getting that, if it can be gotten, is the ongoing appeal. That's just my estimation, based on years of observing and working in this club; you are welcome to disagree, and act as you choose based on your agreement or disagreement. Historically, I have seen many Domains dissolved- some for infighting, some for lack of activity, and for several other reasons. In no case (that I can recall) have I seen the Domain that was dissolved achieve the goals they desired. Based on that history, I simply don't think that this Domain will accomplish the goal of reinstating Jason by pursuing actions that are tantamount to Domain suicide, especially when there are other options available. Even so, if that is the course the Domain chooses to pursue, I will regretfully support that decision.
Thanks again for being cordial-
--
Jon "Do one thing; say one thing" Herrmann, US2002021241
East Central RST
GENCON '05 ST Lead (Indianapolis, IN, Aug 18-21)
"If the thrill is gone, then it's time to take it back" - Jim Steinman
"We must be the change we wish to see." -Gandhi