Governance, Accountability, and Change Management

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[attr="class","paracontentfull"]When I was creating this site, my biggest fear was that at some point down the line I'd say "Surely I know better than them" and implement a change that members hated. I firmly believe that a community is at its best when the members have a direct say in what is going on, and that decisions should both be made in the open and clearly explained. This post outlines the formal rules I have enacted to attempt to hold myself and future staff accountable and ensure that we are responsible leaders, not dictators.

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[attr="class","paracontentfull"]If any of you are familiar with IT or Programming, you'll probably recognize this topic. Changes can be proposed by any member of the forum on the Propose Changes board. It is recommended that they are first discussed in the Change Discussion board or on discord. Once a change is proposed, the following things take place, but note that timelines may be altered at the discretion of staff. Changes to the rules and mechanics require a change request, but additions to lore can be done at any time by staff.

1) Staff will edit the thread to attach a poll to the change that simply have the options "In Favor" or "Opposed" that will run for one week. All members should only vote once.
2) The thread will be made an announcement on the forum.
3) The thread will be announced on discord in the #change-management channel.
4a) If there is not at least 50% participation by active members in the poll (those seen in discord during the time the request is available for vote), then it is assumed to pass this stage.
4b) After the poll closes, if it reaches a simple majority opposed then it will be moved to Rejected Changes.
4c) If there is a simple majority in favor, then True Rulers will hold a vote on the proposal. An optional period of staff discussion may take place before the vote, with a typical duration of an additional week.
5) True Rulers may write up a majority and dissenting opinion for public view at this time.
6) If a staff majority is in favor, then it moves to the Grand Ruler for final approval or veto.
7a) If approved by Grand Ruler, it is moved to Approved Changes and changes are enacted.
7b) If vetoed and at least two Grand Rulers exist, a two third majority of True Rulers can override the veto and move it to Approved Changes. Else the thread is moved to rejected changes.

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[attr="class","paracontentfull"]Hi, that's me. The term Grand Ruler is pulled from the canon uses of Grand being the most powerful of a given class of Servant, and Ruler being the class that oversees the Grail War. Yeah, it sounds a little bad without context, so there it is. I see my purpose here primarily as a facilitator. My primary role is to help others flourish both as members of the site and as aspiring writers. My secondary role is to be the final say in all debates. If an agreement cannot be reached, I am the penultimate tiebreaker. My role can generally be equated to that of a Prime Minister or President.

[attr="class","paracontentfull"]Specifically, these are my powers:
1) In any case of a tie on matters of Change Management votes, disputes, or other matter where consensus is required I will serve as tiebreaker.
2) In the event that no other moderators exist, I gain the temporary power to perform any action that is normally written to require staff consensus or multiple staff members.
3) If only one other moderator exists, I may overrule them.
4) I hold the final say on matters of staff appointments and staff dismissals.
5) All powers granted to lower ranks of staff.
6) I hold veto power in Change Management. If a request passes by a narrow margin, such as 51/49, I may veto the request if I believe it is not in the best interest of the site. My veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in place of the usual simple majority. All vetoes require a written explanation amended to that change management request.

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[attr="class","paracontentfull"]True Rulers (same idea behind the name of course) can best be through of as Supreme Court Judges. They represent members of the staff with considerable experience and wisdom. Their focus is on resolving disputes, interpreting rules, change management. True Rulers also help with the general operation of the forum. Their specific powers are:

[attr="class","paracontentfull"]1) The authority to issue binding rulings in disputes between forum members.
2) True Rulers can override a decision made by a Ruler.
3) True Rulers get to vote during the staff round of Change Management, and are allowed to write the majority or dissenting opinion
4) Can take emergency actions, such as temporarily banning a member who is committing gross misconduct with no signs of stopping until such time as a formal punishment is agreed upon.
5) May strike down a change management request as being too similar to a request that just failed, or for being an obvious trolling attempt.
6) Two or more True Rulers can vote to override a veto. A single True Ruler cannot override a veto by themselves.
7) All powers granted to Rulers.

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[attr="class","paracontentfull"]Rulers can best be thought of as Teachers. Yeah, it's a bit of a departure from a Supreme Court Justice, but they are just as important here. Their role is primarily to review content on the site and determine if it is fair and balanced. Their specific powers include:

[attr="class","paracontentfull"]1) Approving new characters and changes to existing characters alongside another staff member.
2) Determining the outcome of custom wishes, again requiring a second staff member's approval.
3) Confirming word-counts and assigning rewards for threads.
4) All rights and powers that a normal member has.

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[attr="class","paracontentfull"]Members are the backbone of the site, and make up most of the people on here. It is my firm belief that this site is nothing without its members, and thus they are empowered to take an active role in the site's future. Members have the following rights and powers:

[attr="class","paracontentfull"]1) To be treated fairly and with respect under the Code of Conduct.
2) May propose change management requests.
3) May vote in the public round of change management requests.