[TUP] Stalled progress and the dangers of the past
Hell The Great
Today I want to talk about the past few weeks within TUP, and above all else, open up a discussion as to the future operation and aims of the party. Whilst Boh has undoubtedly made some progress in addressing what many felt were some areas where we were lacking, I feel that there is still so much that we have left to do.
First and foremost, I want to talk about how our party organises itself. Firstly lets look at the basic structures of our party, which you can find on our party page here. As a party role is one of the easiest for new players to get, to have just one person as an appointed 'assistant' or whatever since Boh won his first term, is quite frankly a huge waste. There are a good number of newer players who with a nudge in the right direction would gladly put some time into the party, all it needs is a Party President to outline exactly what each role encompasses, and offer some starting advice. The council and discussion groups remain and can easily be adapted or expanded to offer a reliable and timely discussion and 'sounding board' for any newer players who feel they need it.
Secondly the fact that the most important elements of the party; primary voting for PP candidates and selecting CP candidates continue to be done offsite is quite frankly, astounding. As a party which used to pride itself on being one of the best at introducing newer players to the game, I am yet to really see a concerted effort to ensure our processes are explained to anyone who joined in the last few months. Sure, a reminder message here and there, as we got last month may engage some; but these are few and far between - it is simply not enough. To have an idea of newer players contact with the game, I haven't been on the forums or consulted on party business outside of the game for the last few weeks, and minus conversations on IRC or discussions within our Congress group; the amount of updates and/or information is quite frankly woeful.
Sure, I could have done more to help this, but we are past the age of relying on older players to go around wiping bums and plastering over cracks; that age resulted in one of the biggest disconnects known to all mankind, and resulted in the few who had stuck around at the top leaving the party rudderless when they left. It is not sustainable to expect the same faces to put in the work again and again.
Further to that, a continuation of 'TUP prime alles' or 'anti-anti-TUP' voting is one of the few justified criticisms the party has ever had. Our records on governance, approach and policy are rarely called into question. However our decision process is, and I believe this month, is most certainly justifiably being questioned. Regardless of people's personal opinions of Adastros, he is undoubtedly the only real choice that we have for President this term. Sure, like Serf he has rubbed some people up the wrong way; but who hasn't?. Our party is full of people that wouldn't be accepted in other parties because of their history; every party relies on these kinds of players and their loyalty to stick around. Personal opinions should not factor into our decisions, and yet more and more I see feedback relating solely to this.
A good President is not one that you like, that is just a bonus. A good decision is not to support your party, your own party's candidate being the best choice is a relative, not an absolute.
tl;dr
- As we are not running a candidate for President, as the biggest party it is our duty to ensure that we are supporting the best candidate available, especially when the alternative fills 99% of the country with dread
- We should be ensuring active, engaged and constant communication amongst members, instead of relying on outdated dreams of forum-participation
- We are not doing nearly enough to engage and encourage the next generation of TUP players
- Those who are trying to drag TUP back to the personalised politics of yesteryear must be sent to the unending abyss
But hey, what do I know?
jw
Comments
Do you want ants? Because, that's how you get ants.
Nice article and I had a lot of help from many TUP members this month. Hopefully you guys get back on your feet...
No one in TUP gives a shit bro....
I don't think anyone expects 'old' members to wipe bums and plaster over cracks. I think that's down to your own perceived self-importance.
On the other hand, I applaud you for recognising and calling TUP out for relying on off-site discussions, which, as you rightly say, is detrimental to inclusiveness. The game has changed, it's a smaller community now, we need to effectively huddle together to get things done, not spread out in other places.
But I am important ;_;
TUP runs no one for CP shameful, and not one single person from your party has commented pretty sad. I guess the multis are not too fussed right now.
Actually an article was released staying we are having a free vote. I think it's the wrong decision, but it was still publicised to the party via an article and the 43rd. If normal practice is followed there will be a PM to members before election day too.
after 11 hours not 1 single from your party has commented just give up
Well I'm afraid the situation in the eUK and the current unseemly mudslinging between UKRP and UKPP is symptomatic of everything that is wrong in eUK. Some of the comments above reinforce my views on this. In the short term I have been active in eUK politics (some 6 months or so) I have always tried my best, to the limits of my abilities to serve TUP and the eUK with honesty and integrity. I do not feel it is my responsibility to bend over backwards to accommodate other peoples problems.
Your a fine chap !
Are you suggesting that parties indulging in a bit of party politics during an election is symptomatic of all that is wrong with the eUK? What do you think parties should be doing? Hold hands and sing kumbaya... parties should be holding each other accountable for their actions and to be fair this is tame stuff compared to the 12 months ago.