Ladies and gentlemen-
I've been asked by two Domain members if the ARST-Independent Chapters could handle DST reporting, so rather than answer privately, I thought I should mention it here to answer their question, and to answer for anyone else thinking on that, but who hadn't yet sent me that query.
The ARST-Ind. Chapters currently oversees more members than any other Mid-level ST in the Region. I'm uncomfortable with directing him to take on additional workload, nor do I think that (given that workload) that he could really take care of Pittsburgh well, given the situation. That's why I called for an ARST-like temporary position- a Project Assistant- to do that. That person would report to me, just as the ARST-Ind. Chapters does, but would be able to focus their attention of Pittsburgh, the same way a DST would.
Under other circumstances, I'd ask my ARST-Chief of Staff to take it on, but- as you may have noticed- Mr. Sims is stepping down from that job after two years, and so I don't have a trained CoS who can take on the job. It's an unfortunate series of events, but the timing is just not something that we can control. We are a volunteer organization, and I can't- and wouldn't, if I could- force someone to take on a responsibility that they didn't sign on for.
As far as Mr. Strauss' expectation that I take this on personally, I would do so, had I the time. My duties are to take care of the Region as a whole, and I have to keep that in first place among my Cam priorities. If I thought that I could do that and still be the functional DST for Pittsburgh, then I'd likely do that- but I just can't. I work, I have other non-Cam duties, I'm in grad school, and I try to have something we laughing call a social life with my wife and friends. I also have other commitments that I have to fulfill for the Cam, such as convention work, that I signed on for prior to this becoming quite such a time-consuming issue. I just can't be the RST, along with everything else, and the full-time DST of Pittsburgh, too. If some folks can't understand that, then I'm sorry. I suppose that might seem to be a justification to file a complaint against me as an officer in the performance of my duties; we'll see if folks choose to take that route. If so, then I'll provide the eddress of the NST to anyone who wants it.
As to the records, since mailman came back up today, I have updated the date of the last DST report to early May, covering the period of April 2005. I've also cleared my dates on file with the RC, and made sure that we are on the same page. This does not change the fact that the Domain is in Yellow Status, though it does change the date for changing to Red Status by one month. I hope that clears up any confusion, and I apologize for my inability to get into the ec-st archvies to confirm that sooner.
I plan to be away from email a good deal this weekend, so if I don't get back to you as rapidly tomorrow and Sunday as I have been able to manage today, I wanted to let everyone know...
Thanks-
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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