Napoleonic Wargame Club (NWC)

[quote="pierred"]I read with great interest all of the comments. Many have important points. I think that we should look at the club rules and changes as a process. Something that is evolving. There is nothing to say that there will be no future proposed changes by new Cabinet members.

Are the proposed rules perfect? Of course not. Can they be improved? Yes. What is the process to do so?

Having been there and done that, I know how much time and effort is required by individuals to propose changes such as this. It does require perseverance, diplomacy and a lot of sleepless nights. I also have to say that there are few if any accolades or rewards for doing so. The club is very lucky to have someone to take the lead in such an arduous tasks as making changes to the club rules. The proposed rules should be determined on their merit not just because of effort of course.

In regards to who governs/runs the club. I believe that the Cabinet, with all of it's members elected which includes the two very important positions of CiC's, should have the overall say in all matters. The CiC's would ensure their Armies perspectives are brought up in any Cabinet discussions and decisions. I think this is a valid check and balance to the system. No individual has overall authority in the Club with the potential of abuse. This has been an issue in other clubs and that experience is very valid in the development of this club. Using the experience of how the rules have evolved in the ACWGC, for the good or the bad, provides valuable insight and can help with how this club moves forward. After all as wargamers we learn from reading about how Military leaders performed and try to avoid their mistakes and if we are lucky follow their brilliance when we play our games. We should do the same when reviewing the history of other clubs and apply the best and forgo the worst.

I think it is also important to remember that the initial core club rules, as created in the 90's, are still the standards. Points awarded for playing games rather than just winning or losing. A military organization for the club with Armies, Corps etc.. A cabinet to help run the Club with the intent of not being partisan to the sides. The CiC of Armies included in the Cabinet. Role playing as a fun thing. Encouraging individual members in the creation of webpages. These basic principles are still there and are the basis for the first club, the ACWGC and the foundations of the NWC and CCC. This core is what brought people to the club in the first place. The rest of the rules are important but they are there to help set standards and expectations.

Just some thoughts I had when reading through the responses.[/quote]

[b]Excellent synopsis and insight[/b]

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Ernie Sands
1ère Brigade of 2ème Division de Grosse Cavalerie, Réserve de Cavalerie
de la Grande Armée
President, Colonial Campaigns Club

There are a lot of things being discussed here and I am confused - to quote Tom Jones - "It's not unusual".

Can someone explain how these rule changes affect someone who just wants a forum/meeting place/whatever to improve my game and to play against other like minded people?

As far as I can see unless one has aspirations to become a guiding light in the club, something I am not suited to, the changes make no difference. I could of course be missing something.

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Since cheating seems to be a big concern of the Cabinet and the majority of the members I wonder why there isn't much about it in the Rules of the Club?

The only time I see it mentioned it's in the membership section:

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Général David Guegan

3ème Régiment de Grenadiers - Bataillon d'élite du 3ème Légère
2ème Brigade
Grenadiers de la Réserve
Réserve
La Grande Armée
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"From the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step."
Napoléon Bonaparte

Military justice is to justice what military music is to music.
Groucho Marx

Let’s play a game and conceptualize something for a moment.

It is called the “Three Clubs” game and I know some don’t want to play it. But in case anyone is interested, read on.

Club 1 – is rather large and is not without its issues. It has a longstanding Tournament going that is administered by a team of volunteers and has been going for a couple years. There are multiple army challenges for games and what have you. The recent development in their Cabinet is that they are creating an “Observers Corps” on their forums. What this is, an idea born from active conversations on the Matrix website, a way for people who are interested in the Club, but not able to dedicate the time to the Club, to interact and share their passion for the era and games with the members. People like this have different perspectives or are experts on a series or have great Mods to share. The Cabinet has carefully designed a system to allow people to apply for such forum status and will be vetted and some basic rules agreed to. It is expected to bring in folks to interact with members as well as raise the profile of the Club and lend more word of mouth advertising. This is on top of the Club allowing veterans and former members to still have access to the forums, so they can drop in if they wish and say hello. Its records are open for all members to look at and see.

Club 2 – is a very small Club. It isn’t has lively as the other two but it chugs along. The games it plays may not be as popular as the other Clubs games, but it has a loyal following. Currently it too is running a Tournament, in which over 1/3rd of the Clubs members are participating. It is actively posting in other forums to recruit and even did a questionnaire at a game makers forum to help get a better idea of what makes those people operate, who like those games. It has grown that segment of the Club a little bit and it actually had a pretty record year for recruitment. It’s Cabinet is discussing ways to redesign some of its pages in a way that catches the eyes of visitors as well as advertises some of the artwork used on the site for the artists. It is also discussing exploring a way to use some onscreen capture video, screenshots and voice/audio as a way to allow people to show how a battle in the series can progress and use it as teaching tools for members as well as a recruitment tool to get more people involved. It also has plans to reach out to artists and have them come interact on their forums with their members as well as work with reenactment units as a way to raise the profile of the Club. It is currently reworking it’s in game House Rules with input from veteran and newer/junior officers, the discussion took place in the open forum for all to see and participate in. Its members receive news routinely of the Clubs activities and the ideas going on. It is starting up a newsletter as well too to be published it the main Club page. It is a small place, but has a lot of things going on. Its records system is available for any member who wishes to see it. A plethora of stats is published yearly relating to all scenarios in the games and information on balancing measures and what side it tends to favor.

Club 3 – is a medium sized Club. It has decent activity and a good flow on its forum. It has its issues as well. Unlike the other two Clubs, it has had no tournament in almost a year. It had its members all reenlist as a way to clean up its rolls, but also to collect information on them. Now it has some very good people in it and some good ideas going too. Its main highlight for the past year has been that reenlistment and now an overhaul of its rules, in some ways seen as a good thing by some, in some ways some of the ideas do not appeal to all its members. These rules were not known to its members nor discussed until a two week period was given to do so and then the members will vote to accept or not accept each section. Gaming does continue and at a decent rate. But there is no major interaction from its leadership to the members, save but a few dedicated people. It doesn't leave its forums open for former members & veterans to drop in and say hi. Its records system is rather closed off.

Now none of this is posturing, this is all what is going on in each of these three Clubs on a larger level. Sure there is a lot going on in each beyond just this, but this is what the average members& visitor I think sees when they come to each of these Clubs.

Now ask yourself, what Club do you want to be in??

No doubt in my mind - The NWC, Club #3!

But I would certainly encourage anyone who finds the ACWGC (Club #1) or the CCC (Club #2) to be appealing that they check them out for themselves and make a direct comparison. That is the only way you will ever know for certain. Go with what you like, fellows. Have fun.

BTW, this message is brought to you by the guy who ran the last two tournaments in our club which I know many of you very greatly enjoyed.

[quote="MCJones1810"]No doubt in my mind - The NWC, Club #3!

But I would certainly encourage anyone who finds the ACWGC (Club #1) or the CCC (Club #2) to be appealing that they check them out for themselves and make a direct comparison. That is the only way you will ever know for certain. Go with what you like, fellows. Have fun.
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To save members some time, the below is a quote from the RULES of the CCC where CHEATING is addressed:

Poor game conduct is not condoned in this club!

Computer gaming enthusiasts often see codes and cheats available in computer games. Some game enthusiast's pride themselves in being able to hack the game code and develop cheats of their own. This is frowned upon in this club. All members are on an honor system and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that would make Mama proud.

The club considers the following as poor game conduct: Intentional replaying of any portion of a turn; ANY altering of battle files, parameter data files, or order of battle files without the mutual consent and cooperation of your opponent; Viewing your opponent.s files without permission to gain information, including miss-sent files; misrepresenting oneself in the club to obtain information or advance in rank; Falsifying games. This club is meant for fun, if you feel you must manipulate situations to win, go somewhere else.

We are not Policemen

The administrators of this club are here to game and provide a friendly setting for members. We are not here to investigate every instance a player thinks their opponent is conducting themselves poorly. Reviewing files takes time and this time is volunteered. Please don't abuse it. Members are expected to make every possible effort to communicate rules and options to one another before starting a game. Members are expected to make every effort to continue that game or notify their opponent if they wish to resign. Members are expected to make every possible effort to resolve problems without requesting assistance from superior officers. If you do not like playing a certain member do not play the member. Do not look to the club for support in attempts to vilify that player.

As a Last Resort

If you suspect a player is willfully and blatantly cheating contact your immediate superior and let him review files or raise issue to the Board. Always handle these matters discretely, as everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Accusations of cheating can be very damaging to the club and to individuals concerned. All communications regarding cheating MUST be handled privately and discreetly. Players that attempt to PREEMPT the board.s verification and/or results by making PUBLIC statements will ALSO be looked at closely by the board. In addition, players that attempt to sway results with PUBLIC opinion, using SPAM tactics, will not be allowed and is vigorously discouraged. The board shall review the situation and all results will be kept on file. Cheating is grounds for dismissal; likewise frivolous accusations will not be tolerated.

The best defense is to not play against a person you suspect of cheating.

_________________
Ernie Sands
1ère Brigade of 2ème Division de Grosse Cavalerie, Réserve de Cavalerie
de la Grande Armée
President, Colonial Campaigns Club

[quote="MCJones1810"]No doubt in my mind - The NWC, Club #3!

But I would certainly encourage anyone who finds the ACWGC (Club #1) or the CCC (Club #2) to be appealing that they check them out for themselves and make a direct comparison. That is the only way you will ever know for certain. Go with what you like, fellows. Have fun.
[/quote]

WOW! I guess the best way to keep yourself out of HOT Water IS TO POKE FUN AT OTHERS.

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Ernie Sands
1ère Brigade of 2ème Division de Grosse Cavalerie, Réserve de Cavalerie
de la Grande Armée
President, Colonial Campaigns Club

I was not poking fun at anybody, Ernie. My personal preference is the NWC. I actually don't keep up with those other clubs, because this one is plenty enough to occupy my time. The best way for someone to learn about them is to join them, not to take someone's word for anything. If you fellows are doing great things, I would encourage anyone interested to join those clubs. My comments were sincere. I am not sure how you read them otherwise.

OK.

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Ernie Sands
1ère Brigade of 2ème Division de Grosse Cavalerie, Réserve de Cavalerie
de la Grande Armée
President, Colonial Campaigns Club

Well yes club #3 doesn't look so good but with all the overhauls going on I doubt its the best time to look at the clubs content.
In some months the situation may look very different.

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The controversy over rule #3 may not look good, the controversy may look bad, not necessarily the rule change. While some members may have issue with it, its implementation will be up to all the members.

We all have different views on an issue, but that does not make it bad or incorrect or one person correct and the other one wrong.

We have not heard from the majority of our members and they will decide the issue.

So we can vote on it!

Salute!

In a prior post the following question was asked: Now ask yourself, what club would you want to be in?

In the last three months there have been 21 applications for membership in the NWC.

This comes to nearly 2 new recruits a week, when the normal rate is about 2 recruits a month.

It seems evident that the NWC is experiencing a very robust rate of new members excited to join.

Regards,

Some of them are returning members. Also every recruit will be needed to replace those officers who have/will fall of the rolls from the policies enacted. Hope these new recruits will pan out to be good members.

Salute!

Quote: Also every recruit will be needed to replace those officers who have/will fall off the rolls from the policies enacted.

Here is a sample of the level of activity we are hoping the new recruits will be replacing from officers recently removed from the LGA muster rolls:

An officer whose last completed game was in 2010, no active games registered, and last recorded log into the forums 2010.

An officer whose last completed game was 2010, no active games registered, and last log into the forums 2011.

An officer whose last completed game was 2010, no active games registered, and last log into the forums was 2010.

An officer whose last completed game was 2010, no active games registered, and last log into the forums was June, 2013.

I will take my chances with the new recruits - and those returning must be excited at the prospect of a rejuvenated club.

Regards,

Those are specific examples....you can't speak to every officer who has been removed or will be removed on both side of the Club, unless you have moderator powers to see the bulk of the information, which then makes me wonder why it isn't just published for all to see.....