[Discussion] Possible Rules Update

[CmdrWilkens]

I believe I have mentioned a few times that I wa trying to work on a comprehensive rules re-write in order to get a whole bunch of things in line such as recall votes for officers, election of the Chancellor from the membership and otherwise streamlinging the rules. As folks know Rob and I have VERY different styles so i felt that my prior meddling was creating a bit of a logical inconsistency within the rules. Moreover with the existing discussion of changing quite a few things (not the least of which would be the eleciton of a new Chancellor) I felt it would be wise to present a completely refreshed set of rules so we could debate out any fine points of contention and vote on them before moving on to vote on new officers.

That being said I do have it on some authority that Rob will no longer be incommunicado, at least for some period of time, in the near future so please consider all of the folloowing to be a proposal only.

*Deleted, please see below for updated proposal*

Offhand the biggest areas for discussion, which I am ambivalent on, are length of vote, length of office, and whether or not board members can propose Senate candidacy for themselves or others.

[Knife]

Yay Rob. er.. I mean what a good proposel Greg.

[The Duchess of Zeon]

Chancellorship and Whip are 1-year positions in the Roman fashion, I think.

[CmdrWilkens]

I think 1 year terms subject to recall at any time and re-confirmation at the end of each term (but with unlimited terms) fulfills our need.

That being said I'm iffy about the restriction on self promotion by non-Senators. It was in the original rules for a good reason and yet I already tried to limit the severity by allowing for consideration after 90 days. I just am not so certain that disallowing a campaign for Senate by non-Senators is a bad thing.

Anyway I'd really like to hear what folks think about this because if there are no serious modificaitons to look into I'm hoping to get this motioned around the middle of next week which would give us time to vote before proceeding to a consideration of the Chancellor's post at the end of the month.

[CmdrWilkens]

*bum*

Actually on a serious note I really do want to get some comments on this update. If you think I'm being stupdily officious or if you like the way it looks pleae let me know. I truly think this is a worthwhile update but I'd rather not try to ram some legislation through without getting more ideas than just my own incessant need to provide a rule basis for everything we do.

[CmdrWilkens]

So after the HoC opened up quite a few suggestions have bene tossed about and some of them I've incorporated into this potential revision. If there are no objections I am going to leave this for comment until this coming Thursday and open voting on Friday.

THE RULES

1. Ethics – This is designed as a forum for experienced and thoughtful members, as such you should represent yourself at all times with a higher standard. These aren’t rules but guidelines as to how you should conduct yourself in the public eye…and you are in the public eye.
   
   1. As Senators you can edit your own posts in any General Forum however should you ever be found to be abusing that power you lose your Senator-ship as a minimum! Any punishment in excess of this is at the discretion of the Emperor and his Executors.
   2. Yes you can say what you like in here, and any non-Senators can’t reply or defend themselves. However, members need to behave themselves. You got in here on good conduct, don't change now. The same goes for behavior on the board at large, don't flaunt it or you'll lose it.
   3. Complaints against Senators will be taken seriously. You got voted in because somebody thought you contribute to the board, don’t let it go to your head. If you have a complaint about a fellow Senator or a constituent (see 5.A thru 5.C) has a complaint send it up to the Whip or Chancellor, if you have a complaint about the Whip or Chancellor send it up to an Executor or bring it up in a [Discussion] thread.
2. Membership – Membership in the Senate is contingent upon previous evidence of quality contributions to the board and a continuance of that once elevated to membership.
   
   1. Procedure for Nominating - Beginning on the 2nd of every month the House of Commons shall be placed open for the nomination of prospective Senators. Nominations shall close on the 24th of each month (excepting February when it will close on the 21st).
      1. All board members are granted the right to nominate for entry into the Senate excepting the Chancellor. Any member may start the thread provided only that it carries the [Member] tag and is on or after the 2nd of the month.
      2. Each member has the right to nominate one person per month. If someone has nominated the person you wanted already, then you can second that nomination. If someone has nominated and seconded the person you want then wait for the vote. A second does not count as a nomination thus a Member may both nominate one candidate and second any additional candidates they deem worthy of consideration.
      3. All nominations that have been made and seconded shall be considered.
   2. Other nomination rules
      1. Only nominations and comments on the nominee's may be put in a [Member] thread, if you don't agree on a nomination, then don't vote for that person. Any flames or arguments in that thread will be deleted - no exceptions!
      2. Any board member may begin a nomination thread so long as it is prefaced with the [Member] tag. The nominees who have been seconded shall be placed into a poll by the Chancellor or the Whip at the conclusion of the nomination period.
      3. The vote for entry into the Senate shall be conducted according to the rules for Category C vote (see 3.A.III. below).
   3. Removal of a Senator: There are three cases for removal of a senator, two by cause and one by request:
      1. Removal by request: If a Senator conveys to both the Chancellor and the Whip a statement of intention to resign from the Senate they shall be removed from membership effective on the date of request. Afterwards the member may only be returned to the Senate by nomination as a member of the general board
      2. Removal for cause:
         1. In cases where conduct of a Senator has been called into question any member may call motion for a vote to expel. If the motion is seconded a Category A vote will be held. If the measure passes the member will be removed from the Senate and barred from re-entry.
         2. In cases of inactivity (see 3.C.III. below) of more than 1 calendar year the Whip or Chancellor may call for a vote to remove. The vote will be held according to the rules of a Category A vote. If the measure passes the member will be removed from the Senate but may return subject to nomination as a member of the general board.
3. One Senator, one vote - Aside from discussion on policy and the usual debauchery of the Senate the vast majority of duties fall under votes within the context of voting. All votes and the rules for undertaking them are as follows:
   
   1. Categories of votes:
      1. Category A:
         • Board Policies
         • Senate Rules
         • User-group creation or deletion
         • Permanent Bans
         • Removal from the Senate
      2. Category B:
         • Temporary Bans
         • Custom Titling
         • Lesser Offenses
         • Resolutions
         • Election to the office of Chancellor
         • Continuation of Office for the Chancellor and Whip
      3. Category C:
         • Election to the Senate
         • Election to office of Whip
   2. Special note for Permanent Ban votes
      1. When a user, for violation of the Board Rules, is the subject of a permanent ban poll in the Senate, that user MAY be temporarily banned for the duration of the poll at the discretion of any Executor, or upon request by any two Senators other than the Senators who motioned for, and seconded, the ban poll.
      2. Should the Senate impose a temporary ban as punishment for violation of the Board Rules after considering a permanent ban, the Senate may elect to count the time spent banned during the poll towards the user's sentence. This determination will be made by the Chancellor in consultation with the Senate.
      3. Nothing in these rules shall be construed as to limit the authority granted to the Executors and the Emperor to summarily ban or otherwise punish disruptive members of the board. While the Senate is granted authority to enact punishment it is not the sole source.
   3. Quorum for votes
      1. Category A votes required a quorum of 50% of eligible voters. Category B and C require a quorum of 40% of eligible votes.
      2. Eligible voters are all members of the Senate, except the Chancellor, who are currently active. A member may be declared inactive when they have missed 10 consecutive votes or when they have notified the Chancellor or the Whip of their intention to be absent for a specified period of time. The decision to declare a member inactive after having missed the requisite number of votes is at the discretion of the Whip and the Chancellor.
      3. Votes for abstention shall count towards meeting quorum but will not count either for or against any measure or member being voted on.
   4. Majorities for passage
      1. Category A votes will require a 60% majority voting in favor for the resolution to pass. Category B requires a simple majority of votes in favor. Category C requires a plurality of votes.
      2. By example with 50 total votes (not counting abstentions) Category A would require 30 members in favor, Category B 26 members, and Category C the greatest number amongst all votes not for abstention.
      3. The Chancellor may exercise the power to cast deciding votes in any case where one additional vote would reach the passing threshold for any category.
   5. Voting administration
      1. Only the Whip, the Chancellor, the Emperor, or an Executor may begin Category A votes or any votes relating to membership. All other votes may be started by any member subject to the remaining provisions of 3.E below.
      2. The Whip should be notified when any vote is begun so that notice may be given to all Senate Members. Upon being notified or in cases where the Whip begins the thread all active members of the Senate shall be sent a PM and given a URL link to the thread. In cases where the Whip is absent the Chancellor shall be notified.
      3. From the point of opening a vote thread there shall be a time limit of 7 days during which to conduct voting. All votes will be final at the end of this period.
      4. In all votes the option shall be given to abstain for members to register for quorum but not count towards any verdict.
   6. Unforeseen Circumstances: In any voting situation not covered by the rules above, for any reason, judgments regarding the validity, procedure, and administration of the vote shall be at the sole discretion of the Chancellor. If the Chancellor is not present they shall be at the sole discretion of the Whip.
4. Constituency - Part of your job as Senators is to discuss that which is bothering the board at large. As such bringing matters to the Senate attention should be done quickly and coherently.
   
   1. If board member wants to make private suggestions then you can pass them along, however you should make it plain that it is on behalf of someone else (you don't have to give names) and the person(s) that asked you should know that it's not automatic that their suggestions will get approved.
   2. Should you get harassed by someone to push a point for you, or getting angry because they think you let them down then report them either to the Whip, Chancellor, or any one of the Executors.
   3. It is the responsibility of all Senators to monitor the House of Commons. This is the forum for commentary on Senate Discussions and a place for the board at large to recommend policy changes. When bringing points from the House of Commons into the Senate be sure to provide a URL link to the relevant post(s).
5. Officers
   
   1. The Chancellor
      1. In any vote, the Chancellor can only vote to break a tie. The Chancellor may not vote at any other time, nor show favoritism to a particular choice during the Poll’s duration. See the voting rules if you need clarification.
      2. When the Chancellor is away for a protracted period, his duties shall devolve to the Whip. This does not, however, include restriction to the Chancellor's voting limitation.
      3. The Chancellor shall be elected from amongst the membership of the Senate according to the rules of a Category B vote. If there are more than two candidates and no candidate achieves a majority at the conclusion of the vote a runoff will be held. Any candidate approved by the Senate is subject to confirmation by the Emperor.
      4. The duties of the Chancellor shall be to serve as moderator of the forum and to enact such resolutions as are passed by the Senate and as are within the powers granted by the Emperor.
      5. The Chancellor shall serve a term of one year unless resigning with due notice to the Emperor and the Senate at large. At the end of each term the Chancellor shall be subject to a vote of confidence. This vote shall be for continuing the Chancellor's term or subjecting the post to a general election. It shall be conducted as a Category B vote. If the motion passes the Chancellor shall continue to serve. There is no limit to the number of terms a Chancellor may serve.
      6. In the event of a vacancy caused by resignation, recall, or vote of no confidence the post shall be open to a new election subject to the rules of 6.A.III above.
   2. The Whip
      1. The Whip shall be elected from amongst the membership of the Senate according to the rules of a Category C vote, the members nominating and seconding those persons they feel worthy of holding the post.
      2. The Whip shall serve a term of one year unless resigning with due notice to the Chancellor and the Senate. At the end of each term the Whip shall be subject to a vote of confidence. This vote shall be for continuing the Whip's term or subjecting the post to a general election. It shall be conducted as a Category B vote. If the motion passes the Whip shall continue to serve. There is no limit to the number of terms a Whip may serve.
      3. The Duties of the Whip shall be as follows:
         • Notify all active members of the Senate when any vote is occurring.
         • In absence of the Chancellor open all votes for membership commencing on the 24th (21st in February) of the month.
         • Maintain a current list of all active senators and hold count against quorum for all votes before the Senate.
         • Ensure all votes are conducted according to the rules of the Senate
         • Perform all other such duties as shall be assigned by the Chancellor, the Emperor, or the Executors.
      4. In the event of a vacancy caused by resignation, recall, or vote of no confidence the post shall be open to a new election subject to the rules of 6.B.II above.
   3. Other Rules Regarding Officers
      1. Recall of officers: In the event that the Senate feels an officer is no longer able to continue in office may open a petition for recall. If the motion is seconded a vote shall be held according to the rules of a Category A vote.
      2. Date of elections: The vote for the Chancellor or for continuation of office shall be opened on January 1st. The vote for the Whip or for continuation of office shall be opened on June 1st.

So there is a new somewhat slimmer option with nominations from the HoC, no restrictions on requesting a nomination, and the reminder that it is part of the Senate's duty to bring to a vote items under discussion from the HoC. I'd also like to move that the "Perks" and "Threads" be eliminated. They don't serve any real purpose and honestly the "Perks" section seems to be half of what is driving some folks batty.

[Coyote]

Some of those perks can be done away with. We can all abide by the av/sig sizes we had before; we never got around to nominating Horsemen until now (and most of the odds-on favorites are not even in the Senate). The "Senator" bars are no more.

And if near-universal editing is allowed, even that becomes mostly moot.

[CmdrWilkens]

Some of those perks can be done away with. We can all abide by the av/sig sizes we had before; we never got around to nominating Horsemen until now (and most of the odds-on favorites are not even in the Senate). The "Senator" bars are no more.

And if near-universal editing is allowed, even that becomes mostly moot.

Actually as I recall we voted on the Av/sig thing and decided not to give ourselves a bigger share of the pie. In fact here is the relevant vote. I'd honestly forgotten about this but for all of the hype about how exclusive we are the Senate actually voted down giving ourselves the extra signature perk so we never gave ourselves that bonus.

In other words out o the "Perks" section:
1) No change enacted, Senators have the same .sig privledges as everyone else
2) Universal edit, this actually doesn't work right now. Yes we voted to continue the practice but from a coding perspective the only forums I can edit in are those with forum-wide edit ability.
3) No change, as yo noted we haven't picked any new horsemen and even then the nomination bench stretches outside the Senate.
4) No perk, the Senator tag is gone and frankly I couldn't care less.
5) There is no future, only the present.


So essentially for all of the perks the only one which applies in any way is the Universal edit ability...which isn't actually turned on right now. We had it and we may have it again but right now we don't even have that.


All else aside part of the reason I wanted to eliminate the Perks and Threads sections werethat they serve no valid purpose. We know how to tag threads and we actually don't have any perks right now so it seems silly to crow about that which we don't have.

[Ender]

second the motion, call for a vote.

[Coyote]

Aye, a vote shall be had! And then, after the vote, a feast! And the people shall dine on meats, and breads, and fish, and cereals, and fruit-bats, and orangutans...

[The Yosemite Bear]

does rob know about your intention to dine on Orangatangs?

[CmdrWilkens]

does rob know about your intention to dine on Orangatangs?

Actually I did let him kow that I was staging a coup d'etat while he was out. The obvious problem being that...he still holds the post and I have not yet been so much as even nominated to repalce him. Oh sure my candidacy is known and I'm not going to pretend that I wouldn't like the job BUT unless a majority of the rest of the Senate feels likewise then its not my job to have.

[The Yosemite Bear]

Wait, I was talking Dalton (the one with the librarian as an avatar) not Wilson (the one with Friday the GI as an avatar)