(( Posted with permision of author. )) From: "Mr Legion" Subject: [sc-region] SC Solutions (long) Date sent: Wed, 02 May 2001 18:26:59 -0000 Howdy Y'all! One of the great things that attracted me to the Cam was the idea of a bigger game than just one city - the opportunity to go elsewhere and have a bigger tapestry of players affecting the same universe. The ST didnt have to do it all - just a small part, and the players do the rest. In just my almost 7 years in the Cam I have seen problems come again and again - the Tome is supposed to reflect the best ways to resolve conflicts and differences, but doesnt give very good guidelines in preventing those from happening. So, our issues are twofold - solving the problems we have now, and making sure they dont happen again. I will not harp on about problems I have with the organisation, I will however outline some suggestions for improvements to help retain old and new members, and give a more community feel. The best times I have ever had in the Cam was when I was travelling to a game outside my local area (wherever that was) - You get to see friendly people who are willing to help you find a place to Crash, sometimes feed you and generally seem pleased that you took the time to show up to their game. I think people get very burnt out in their local area because they take people and the org for granted - in a different area, you arent mired in politics or bias concerns and things seem a lot better. Take regional games and ICC's - people seem to have a blast there - why? Because there are a group of people pulling together to make it happen, and its away from your own local area. The suggestions I have may have been said before - but here they are, I welcome feedback and other suggestions - lets work together to get solutions: One, Treat each other with respect. The Camarilla feels like a family, there are people in it I call friend, some I like, some I dont like - but I still treat them with respect. Do not call them names behind their back, do not harp onto your friends about how bad they are - this is contributing to the problem. If you have problems with the way they conduct themselves, follow the resolution process from the Tome - it works! Two, Stop having so many local games - this will solve a few problems: Less ST/Coord burnout, Less taking the games for granted - and it will encourage travel. I sooo advocate travelling. If you dont _want_ to, then this will stop you taking the games for granted. For those that want to but cannot - ask around - people can offer rides. For those that have cars and want to go, take people with you - cheaper gas and people to talk to on the way - even if you dont like them do it, learning to deal with people you dont like is a valuable life skill - running from them does not solve anything. Know your area, Know your region. Three, socialise with people - after a game, at other events, wherever. Randomly introduce yourself to Cammies you dont know - get to know the people around you - you may like them, you may not - but you will realise they are people, just like you. Four, Forgive. Yourself and others. We are all Human, we all make mistakes, and we will continue to. The important thing here is to try to make it better and try to make a difference. Sitting back and bitching about it, isnt helping you or others. Five, give your Time to Charity work - realise that there is a community of people outside of the Cam who also need help. Donations are great, go with the people that make the dropoffs - see the appreciative faces, see people Thank You for your help. Do more of it. Go do something in the community. Six, As placation for those hoping for Regional prestige from the Howl Event, so long as someone recognised the contribution I made to the game or the Event - if someone came up and Thanked me personally for all the work I did and that I made a difference - this would mean so much more than Prestige. Remember the people that help - and tell them you appreciate it. Thank them. Seven, If you get burnout - take a break. 1 mth, 2, 6 - whatever. The Cam will still be here, and we will welcome you back if you want to. Remember that there is life outside the Cam - this isnt meant to be your only source of enjoyment for the rest of your life. Burnout happens a lot, people will understand. I hope these suggestions are helpful to you - discussion on this is very welcome... Nick Elliott 9811-007 UK97 (Oct '94) =========From the nether recesses of Nicks Pants========= Nick Elliott 9811-007, CC Anti-TX041-AN, ADST-D06-TI, JJJ ========================================================= "I'd like to die like my grandad, peacefully in my sleep- not screaming like the passengers in his car."