System for Decisionmaking

[Kiriel]

Given that our clan is starting out on the small side, I think probably it is best to not try to go with all the suggestions in the original clan reorg plan Aerick and I worked on. My thinking on this is that for now perhaps we just want to have officers responsible for different things and have the entire clan vote approvals for those officers and for overruling officer decisions if need be.

I think perhaps we should start by identifying the offices most needed at the start of the clan and try to fill those, and then if there are enough people interested in other offices we can fill those as well. We may not have enough to meet the initial list of suggestions for a while but I think it will be easiest if we distribute these responsibilities where we can. Then if you guys agree, we could go with the original suggestion where the officer makes decisions under their category of responsibility, but any major decisions should first have input solicited from the rest of the clan (and any minor ones that they want to ask for input for). If there is serious dissent on a decision we can have a clan vote to determine whether to change it, but for the most part the person responsible can just use their better judgement and the input of the clan to make things happen under their responsibility appropriately.

I think that the offices we definitely need at the beginning are treasurer (so someone can manage the clan funds and people will know who to give them to), secretary (for meeting notes and scheduling meetings, as well as organizing any votes that don't fall under someone else's responsibility) and membership coordinator (for all stuff involving new members). The other offices in the plan would also be nice to fill but probably aren't quite as critical in the beginning of the clan, so they can be filled as there are people interested, but we should make sure at least that the critical ones are filled first.

I also think that for new members maybe the best thing is to have the membership coordinator try to arrange for the prospective member to get to know the clan and make sure they know what the clan is all about, then either there could be a vote, or we could come up with some other way of determining whether they are right for the clan.

So what do you guys think? Will this work as an intial organizational structure for the clan? Are there any critical offices I missed? Who's interested in being what? Suggestions as to the best way to determine whether to add someone to the clan?

I know that I've been kind of organizing things to a certain extent so far, but clearly that's a temporary role and I'm hoping we can get everyone with appropriate responsibilities so things can work smoothly (and so I don't feel guilty while I'm gone :)

[Aerick]

Sounds good. I think that this will be fine as a starting system. The only jobs that I think should be filled in addition to the ones suggested are the clan ambassador (to start making relations and contacts) and possibly the Lord of the Hunt (since hunts are such bonding experiences).

[Aerick]

Of course, we also have as many members as we have officer positions, so in theory, all of the slots could be filled. Which is to say, that if you're interested in a job that has not yet been filled, pipe up! The suggested positions are just what NEED to be filled, but there is no reason not to fill up the others as well. Just wanted to make that clear.

[Ender]

ohhh ohh im good at accounting! <grin>

Ender for Clan Piggy Bank!

ohh even though of a title for the postion! Flying Pig!<grin>

[Aerick]

Well, I can't even hope to compete with a campaign like that, but I will just let it known that I too am interested in being clan treasurer.

[Konoko]

uh oh!
Our first possible conflict! :)

All right! I want to hear each candidates stand on the issues!

Also, will you buy my vote?
Maybe it's for sale... :)

[Aerick]

Konoko, if I am voted in as treasurer, I will of course repay you out of the clan fund. Hey, what's a little embezzlement among friends?

Seriously though, it's treasurer! Accountants! There isn't much of a radical view to have on the matter. Ummm, I want us to have money. =)

For my view, you can lookup that foolishly long post I had about what I thought that the fund should be.

[Konoko]

oh! now you're expecting us to read all your long posts? :)

[Ender]

<grin>

Ender likes money!
Ender Counts good!
Ender is Fair!

Everyone loves Ender! plus he gives tips!<grin>

[GrayGradi]

To make the 20 c for new exiles plan work, there should be only one member empowered to actually do the /give. This makes it simple to keep track and avoids the clan getting hit up twice by a savvy newbie, or skipping someone.

And, to whomever gets this job, just think of the shares! (Well, shares of rat kills are better than none at all

[Aerick]

Maybe Aerick and Ender want to settle this in gladiatorial combat, too! =)
Oh, wait, I'm not a fighter. Nuts.

Graygradi, you bring up a good point. I disagree that only one person should give out money, as finding the right person at the right time can just be a nightmare. What will compensate for this is painfully detailed record-keeping. Kiriel's web-budget page will help a lot, and we can have a Forum section to post the names of exiles who have been paid.

[Konoko]

That west foundation thing (link on Silver drakes page under special i think) is something similar to what we're planning but on a much larger scale (ie more money).

Perhaps we can do something similar too.

Also, something we could do would be to check back with the newbies who have been given the money and see how they are doing. I'm sure we'd be doing this anyways as helping newbies but we can kind of keep tabs on them or something. Perhaps determine that 20 c is not enough or just the right amount or whatever...

We can learn more from the newbie perspective. This would be invaluable to those who haven't been newbies in a long time and/or have forgotten what it was like...

The main thing I remember is that rats gave lots of experience when I first started! :)

[Nunul]

Gray, rat kill shares by a newbie are much more valuable than slaughtering on your own...8)

I would have to lean towards Aerick as treasurer.
The main reason: I agreed with his analasys of the financial officer position. (although it WAS long and I nodded off toward the end! <grin> )

As far as a membership coordinator, this person will need information as to when and where things will be going on. Before this can happen, we need to have a meeting schedule set up.

I will not volunteer for any single role, but if the clan feels I am suited for a particular one, I would be more than flattered and glad to assume it.