|
Post by Lord Victor on Oct 28, 2009 17:00:27 GMT -5
Ok Everyone I've been productive today so I have some important stuff to discuss. As we can all see by our growing member count Ordo Ineptus is flurishing nicely. As our club continues to grow, it is important to develop our structure to meet the needs of our membership. I feel that it is time to create an official set of rules to run our club by. This would allow the creation of an official leadership, give members official rights to control the direction of the club, and importantly create a fair way to spend club funds. Well being a firm believer in Democracy I figure the best place to start is to create a constitution and allow everyone discuss it and in time ratify it. So I'd like everyone to download the attached PDF file and go over it. Please post your opinions on any general or specific points. In a week or so I'd like to have a vote to ratify this constitution and proceed with the election of officers. Ordo Ineptus Constitution PDFEdit:First RevisionThanks Everyone, Eric
|
|
|
Post by apothecarybob on Oct 28, 2009 17:17:37 GMT -5
The only thing I don't like is the fee, but I understand why we need one now with the large number of members. I'm sure I can gather 20bucks minimum a year. Other than that, its pretty solid towards being democrative and fair to all people
|
|
|
Post by dante on Oct 28, 2009 17:38:01 GMT -5
I'm happy that this club is becoming more organized, i don't find shelling out less then about 2 bucks a month. I think this is great idea and i have no comments or proposed Amendments.
|
|
sionnach19
Full Member
Web-Team Editor/Writer
Posts: 2,709
|
Post by sionnach19 on Oct 28, 2009 18:24:12 GMT -5
Who the hell resurrected Thomas Jefferson and gave Eric's forum password?! I like it. It's... interesting, to say the least, to see our club take this sort of direction. But necessary? I'd say so. If we really did have 43 guys at Hobbytown at one time, some more organization would go a long way. Overall, the constitution looks fine. A few points I may add: - Would you be interested in including Hobbytown itself in the Constitution? It seems logical to me that if we're meeting in their store, they should have some say or representation like the officers. But then again, what do I know about official stuff - I think people should be able to pose amendments to the Constitution at any time by submitting it to board members, simply based on the premise that we may only have one general membership meeting a year. If that's so, there's not much oppurtunity to present changes. - Fee is logical, I have no problems with it. -Perhaps adding another level to the hierarchy would be beneficial? A space between officers and normal members, to help "keep the peace".... people who aren't officers, but should command a bit of authority in the club. Even if it's just to make quick rules calls, say which piece of terrain goes where, or remind people to be kind and courteous when playing games... I know I'm being kinda vague, I hope you understand what my intentions are It's just an idea, of course. Overall, it looks fine to me.
|
|
|
Post by sean on Oct 28, 2009 19:06:48 GMT -5
Hmm I think hobby town is not in the wording of anything because we wouldnt want to have to rewrite the constitution if for some reason we had to or chose to move to another location, also since not all of our club activities necesarrily occur there and therefore the constitution needs leeway to cover all areas.
I like Brian's "junior officer" idea. It expands the think tank at the top while maybe they dont have as specific meeting roles. They get to be apart of the board decisions and maybe therefore get training and confidence that in subsequent years theyd like to step up to the main leadership roles. Also theyd be counted on to help in events and such as officers and all.
Maybe an inclusion in the code of conduct should be something like "respect the location of meetings." and "respect peoples models and also the club's terrain." Just general stuff really but it couldnt hurt to be in there.
Meanwhile does it need to be mentioned that one does not have to be a "member' of the ordo ineptus to game with us at our hobby store? Or is that something that would be implied elsewhere? Just in case someone stumbled upon our constitution on the internet and was afraid they couldnt just check us out or play with us if they didnt want to pay the fee and be fully involved at first. I mean I know it says what membership entails and all but I was just wondering.
|
|
|
Post by RodTheCid on Oct 28, 2009 20:16:36 GMT -5
I don't know... maybe this is not a good idea...
Just kidding ;D
I like it, it will give us a good baseline to grow; sky's the limit guys!
We have organize already a good handful of events with no more than love for the hobby and good will, now think all we can accomplish with a well organize club, maybe a game table at Games Day could be a good goal, but more of that later.
Bri and Sean have a good point; a second line for Officers is a good idea, something like Veteran Electors that could be appointed as officers at some point.
|
|
|
Post by Lord Victor on Oct 28, 2009 20:57:25 GMT -5
Awesome, A lot of good thoughts already! Ok starting with Brian, I dont want to sound to Jeffersonian but there is a technical difference between offering amendments to the constitution and simply changing or adding a bylaw. The difference rests in the fact that the constitution regulates how the club is structured and how it is legally run(all the meaty stuff) while bylaws regulate more basic rules that the club wishes to obide by. Because of this you'll notice that it is considerably harder to amend the constitution than it is to change or add a bylaw. (one requiring a two-thirds vote while the other only requires a majority vote) This is again kinda legal mumbo-jumbo but it helps protect things like the president somehow changing the constitution to say that he is KING FOR LIFE! So for example lets say we want to create sub-officer positions, we could write a simple bylaw stating that the executive board has the authority to create and issue Honorary titles such as "Rules Czar" or "Politeness Police" As for submiting bylaw changes, I see that I wrote that section very tersly, what it should say is that any bylaw change may be proposed to the executive board, at which point it a vote will be held requiring a majority vote to enact it. (this could be done with a forum poll even). If anyone has further questions on the difference between constitutional amendments and bylaws let me know and I will try to write a better explanation(im a bit brain dead ATM). Next is Sean! thanks for the additional ideas for the code of conduct(you'll notice I left extra spaces cause I knew I was forgetting obvious things!) I like both of those and will add them right away. You also make a good point about making it crystal clear that you dont need to be a member of ordo ineptus to join us on game nights, I believe the best place to put that is as the First Bylaw. Rod, Well it looks like everyone likes the idea of Extra titles, let me think about how best to apply that into the bylaws and come back with some language on it! I dont see it being a problem. Thanks guys, Keep em coming! Edit: Ok made some quick changes to the document. Made the bylaws section into its own article so it will be easier to find. Also expanded on rules for amending the bylaws. Additionally added in new code of conduct points and revised first bylawBylaws First Revision
|
|
|
Post by Dr Carnivean on Oct 28, 2009 21:12:02 GMT -5
My head is hurting again... Great job once again with the newest version, Eric. I agree about the additional board members - maybe like another two to just serve as input at meetings and backup. Sean had mentioned about the Ordo members vs non-members, and I agree that maybe it should be clarified. Right now anyone can come to gaming night, whether they're Ordo members or not, but you have to be a member (ie: post on the boards) to reserve a table, so I'm guessing that would continue to be the way it worked. Maybe there could be something put specifically in there to that effect. I think that would be fair, since it would encourage new people to show up and give them a chance to hang out with us and play a pick-up game or two without any sort of obligation, and if they like what they see and want to have the opportunity to game more regularly and reserve tables for themselves, they can join.
|
|
|
Post by shasoevan on Oct 31, 2009 12:53:59 GMT -5
Personally, I do not like the idea of this constitution so much. Yes we do need a better form of organization then what we have now. It is a bit chaotic but we have been dealing with it and game night has been loud at times but manageable. We are here to play and have a good time and I think by adding in bylaws and additional rules, it might take away from the fun of gaming. First, What would happen to a person if they were to do something that “broke the rules” and became a member not in good standing? Another Thing, I think is that the terms are to long, 6 to 8 months is a reasonable amount of time. Also members should have a say in were club funds go and what they are spent on. These are just some opinions that I have on this topic, and I am willing to try and see how this system will work out.
|
|
|
Post by hyra on Nov 1, 2009 13:47:33 GMT -5
I really have not been a part of your organization for too long, but i do like the idea of these rules. With an official "club" we can really try to participate in some GW sanctioned events.
|
|
|
Post by hivemindbob on Nov 4, 2009 15:19:26 GMT -5
I'm kinda agenst the idea of officers such as secretary. However nessecary it can cause a sense of superiority
|
|
|
Post by Dr Carnivean on Nov 4, 2009 16:06:30 GMT -5
I'm kinda agenst the idea of officers such as secretary. However nessecary it can cause a sense of superiority Well that spelling gave me a brief sense of superiority just now ;D Just kidding, Bobby - I'm in a jaunty mood right now for some reason and couldn't resist
|
|
|
Post by ozzyscrazytrain on Nov 4, 2009 21:38:43 GMT -5
lol Evan, was wrong with alil chaos??? forgive the pun... I think the idea of a constitution is excellent. I am also for junior officers....
|
|
|
Post by g on Nov 5, 2009 9:57:37 GMT -5
Eric I think you have done an outstanding job in putting together this constitution. I think it is precisely the natural next step in our organization and I am all for it. I read through both versions and have some comments and notes on them.
Fristly. I agree in not having the name of Hobbytown in the constitution, as we would not like to be tied to any particular place. it would be very cumbersome to have to go through the whole amendment process when we move to a different local.
Next. On the Purpose. Is it also our purpose to actively procure the growth or our community? if we agree it is, then it may make sense to have a new type of officer; an Evangelist (or some other appropriate word). This officer would be responsible for: - recruiting new members and promotion of oraganization's activities. - responsible for the image of the organization outside our walls
Some changes to the officers roles: - should also be the "scrolls keeper", responsible of any electronic or printed media within the organization.
Treasurer - monitor the adherence to budgeted plans for organization's events
As for second tier officers; I support Eric's ideas of honorary positions, rather than fixed, official roles. The one thing we should always try to stay clear from is too many hierarchical layers. Not only to avoid (properly spelled) unnecessary senses of superiority, but also to ensure faster and flexible responses to the organization's needs. Remember, in 40k as in Fantasy, as in real life... it is only healthy to field a small number of Lords, generals and heroes. You don't make an army with those, but with the rank and file.
I didn't read (though it may be implied --in case of which it might make sense for some clarity) that members have the ability to nominate and vote for officers, AND ALSO to be nominated for officer positions within the organization.
Finally, some ideas for consideration for to the Code of Conduct (in no particular order and with all openness for rewording, changing and editing): - Members shall never knowingly, willingly or advantageously infringe any rule or regulation related to the hobby and the table top gaming. - Members shall cheer for and encourage fellow members and hobbyists in general during events and activities, always thriving to build a friendly and positive atmosphere where the love for the hobby is the outmost reason and reward. - Members shall always welcome the opportunity to share the love for the hobby to new members and fellow hobbyists in general. - Members shall always be open to providing guideance and advise to players that may need help during games, events and activities. - Members shall always thrive to engage in hobbying activities in a positive and constructive manner - Members shall always address fellow members and hobbyists in general openly and respectfully - Members shall always thrive to bring out the best in themselves and others during meetings, events and hobby activities in general. - Acknowledging the diversity of our member's ages, members shall always look after fellow members during activities and events, ensuring their well being and safety at all times. - Members shall always procure their growth in the hobby, their improvement in skills and their knowledge of rules, standards and any inherent regulation.
Cheers! G
|
|
|
Post by Dr Carnivean on Nov 5, 2009 10:10:23 GMT -5
Some great thoughts G. I like the scrolls keeper title. Maybe that could be tied in with secretary. Evangelist sounds like a great idea but may need a different title, as that word tends to have certain connotations. I thought maybe 'missionary' but then quickly remembered there are connotations with that too.
|
|