[SFI] Too Complex?
STARFLEET has been upsetting me lately. And by lately, I mean the last thirteen months. Looking back, a couple of things have occurred to me:
First - Both sides, at this point, are massively OVERREACTING to each other. This may just be part of that whole 'being human' thing - but it has completely cycled out of control. It is getting more than tiring to watch, and I've unsubbed from SFI-L again for the time being. Do I think that Sal is a good CS? No. I have questions out there from last March that have been pointedly ignored. And when I've tried to bring those questions up, I've gotten attacked by a) Sal, then b) Kimi, for doing so. There are obvious problems, and I really think that now, more than ever, Sal needs to stand down. But - the opposition needs to pull back quite a bit as well. When both sides are viciously attacking EVERYTHING said by the other side, it doesn't leave any room for growth, it doesn't leave any room for apology, and it doesn't leave any room for improvement. And really, guys? Is that where we want to be?
Second - Have we made STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. too complex? We have a constitution that is easily as complex, if not more so, than some small countries. On top of that is a Membership Handbook that may or may not be bylaws. Then the IG Handbook that stands separate from the Membership Handbook. Then the START handbook for Shakedown Chapters - that has some unique rules there. Oh, and the SFMC arm with another complete set of complex rules.
Have we just overreacted to the McGinnis situation by burying ourselves in so many rules that we cannot just be a Trek fan club anymore? It may be time to take a hard look at what we want. Do we want a constitution debate society, or just a Trek fan club? Do we really need to be a North Carolina not-for-profit corporation? Do we need a complex constitution and membership handbook etc, etc, etc?
I think that a 'less is more' attitude might help us out in many, many ways.