Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Mission Monitor Board Every 10 Years Forum LMB Constitutional Convention

Mine have redoubled their warlike efforts in response. But their all off busy invading the barbarian kingdoms that once believed they could encroach UP space during the LMB's forth year. A quick read through the 20+ pages of the LMB history thread will bring anyone up to speed on this ongoing galactic war, and the role the Triumvirate have played in it.

The constant supply of booty (goods, gold, labor, etc.) has been extremely useful in building the various Triumvirate tributes on Legion World.

Even I can't get a precise timeline for that in my head right now!

Ohmygod, is this convention over now?

It now exists outside of continuity, EG! We're waiting for Kippers!

Ohmygod, does that mean the convention has been kicked out into the back yard?

The LMB Constitutional Convention: where do we stand?

Well, we got side-tracked with LMB Infinite Crisis, but I think we were making some good progress, although things were a buried by lots of dialogue and talk for 45 pages. I think we can manage one thread of LMB Infinite Crisis and do this at the same time.

In addition to the initial posts, here’s where we were:
- Powers of the LMB Leader (close to finishing discussion)
- Security Office (close to finishing discussion)
- LMB Official Theme Song (mid-way through)
- Kid Prime’s ‘secret’ ideas (awaiting the jeenyus!)

Where do we stand on each specific point? I’ll do the LMB Leader first, and at the bottom add my own further thoughts in light of everyone else’s.


FIRST: LMB LEADER

Cobalt Kid’s thoughts On the powers of the LMB Leader

First of all, let’s get it strait—he/she can’t have any that directly affect Legion World. Nightcrawler has specifically asked that Legion World be held separate from the LMB leadership election, and therefore the LMB leader.

What exactly does this mean? It means the leader doesn’t gain Moderator Powers—can’t lock threads, move threads, etc. The Moderators are already there and there for a reason. Thus, moderators are already in charge of watching over their forums, ensuring there are no obnoxious posters, encouraging new posters to join in, etc. The LMB leader does not need these jobs.

And let’s face it; the LMB is a group full of leaders. The leader is more symbolic than anything. What exactly should the powers be? Well, none really. Can’t order people around or kick people out or dish out punishment. All decisions like that will always be by the group. In storylines and such, sure they get those powers, but in real things, they don’t.

So, here’s what they might have:
1. Be completely in charge of the next election. That is the main task.
2. Be a place to turn to if people have concerns about anything. The moderators already have this too, but one more person never hurts.
3. Be a direct presence in ensuring that LMB antics do not ever disturb the rest of Legion World. This aspect might include the idea that LMB ‘storylines’ or ‘role-playing’ never get out of hand and bother someone in ‘real life’.
4. An active part in welcoming new members, explaining what the LMB is to people, and (possibly) promoting the LMB’s websites (Yahoo and Outpost).

Above all else, we must recognize right now that the LMB Leader really has no real power over any LMBer.

Kid Prime’s thoughts On the powers of the LMB Leader

(Taking off the Convention Chair hat for a sec.)

Being the person totally responsible for all this, I wanted to say that I always envisioned LMB Leader in it's current form as being sort of like a No-Prize from back in the great old golden days of Marvel. Like a No-Prize, it's highly sought-after, higyly valued, etc... but what IS it exactly? Well, it's no prize, of course! I always felt like LMB Leader was whatever the current leader made of it, whether it be Dark STU's reign of terror, Reboot and Cobalt Kid's warring spy organizations, or, now, this Constitutional Congress. It's always different. I think maybe taking the 10 hats that have been mentioned earlier and rewriting them in fun zany LMB language might be all that is needed as to the powers and duties of the leader, adding a sentence or two about Good Leaders and Evil Leaders and chips in heads... I'll think about this. This part of the Constitution needs to be just as silly and lighthearted as the part about LMB elections is sorta serious.

Cobalt’s reaction to KP’s thoughts
Kippers has the right idea in the leader being a different hat for everyone, and that (plus running the next election) is kinda the main thing. I think some of what I have above might be a few guidelines to help define the role of the leader. Personally, I especially like the idea that the leader will actively do what he/she can to ensure 'roleplaying' stuff doesn't bother people in 'the real world'.

Tamper Lad’s thoughts On the powers of the LMB Leader

Here's Mintzberg's the 10 "hats" as I put it, I've taken the liberty of contextualizing his descriptions. (If any of you is interested in management I really recommend his books. A bit dry but his back to basics no-nonsense approach is in vogue right now.)

InterPersonal Roles
Figurehead - Ceremonial duties both here and in the real world
Personal Leader - Guiding and advising fellow members
Liaison - Representing LMBP to the other functional units in our case Legion World

Informational Roles
Monitor - really just gathering observations of members
Dissemination - collating and announcing the above
Spokesperson - to the outside world if needed

Decisional
Entrepreneur - look for new opportunities encourage members to take them
Disturbance Handler - hopefully by mediation, but if necessary...
Resource allocator - whatever this means in this context
Negotiator - on our behalf, if needed

Faraway Lad’s thoughts On the powers of the LMB Leader

My two penn'orth.

Is that once the leader gets any formalized "role" then a lot of what the LMB is starts to change and that may not be a good thing. Traditionally the leader gets elected, a silly hat and a rod and then ignored. (Probably not a bad way to run a country actually). If we want LMB "leader" elections and fun like in the past then none of the above should apply.

I personally come here to relax and be myself with no one telling me what to do, how to act. A lot of those roles may be great for "the real World" but that’s what I'm trying to get away from at Legion World and I don’t need this much structure to what should be a bit of harmless and useless fun (ie leader elections) . Of course if this is what everyone else wants then I'll go along its not a deal breaker just an opinion.

Cobalt’s thoughts on how to bring Faraway/Tamper/Cobalt/Kippers thoughts together
Both Tamper and Far have some good insight that I don’t think is mutually exclusive. Tamper Lad’s list are all things that some might expect from an LMB Leader, but not things that could necessarily his duties.

What I mean is, the LMB elected leader should be encouraged to be the following for the LMB: ____, but by no means has these powers over any other LMBer. That way, the leader isn’t necessarily a ‘boss’ in any sense of the word to anyone, but is expected by us be actively involved in the LMB itself.

One Major Exception: “Disturbance Handler - hopefully by mediation, but if necessary...” We cannot have this in any shape or form. These things must always be handled by the administrators of Legion World itself, or if an internal non-LW LMB problem, then by the group as a whole.

In a sense, we’re all liaisons, ceremonial figures, etc. in the LMB—but I think a small bit about encouraging future leaders to be the same would be nice. Here’s my own list of ideas:
So, here’s what they might have:
1. Be completely in charge of the next election. That is the main task.
2. Be a place to turn to if people have concerns about anything. The moderators already have this too, but one more person never hurts.
3. Be a direct presence in ensuring that LMB antics do not ever disturb the rest of Legion World. This aspect might include the idea that LMB ‘storylines’ or ‘role-playing’ never get out of hand and bother someone in ‘real life’.
4. An active part in welcoming new members, explaining what the LMB is to people, and (possibly) promoting the LMB’s websites (Yahoo and Outpost).

Of these, I think #3 is a good one and one I hope stays in.

Basically, it’s a powerless position, and it should be. But it would be kind of nice if whoever was elected leader felt like other ‘unofficial leaders’ of our community already do.

Thoughts? It would thrill me to no end to have this matter settled soon

Here’s the Security Office Article, which I’m glad has been received well by most. I hope this issue can end too now, and thank DB, Vu and others for agreement. Feel free to comment, ask questions.

Security Office Article
written by Cobalt Kid and Reboot

Goal of Security Officer to Guard Legion World from: external invasions from large forces or singular beings, internal threats from persons in the act of criminal behavior.

Structure

Chief of Security The Office of Security is headed by Cobalt Kid, the Chief of Security, which is a position he holds for life. It is not an elected position, and he cannot be removed by the LMB leader, the LMB Deputy Leader, or any member of the LMB or Legion World populace. The Chief of Security answers directly to the Security Committee on all matters that are too important for one sentient to decide.

The Dark Stu Clause This position acts a balance to LMB leader, should the LMB leader act against the LMB, Legion World, the very spirit of the LMB or in a criminal manner at all. Therefore, the LMB Leader has absolutely no official power over the Chief of Security in security matters . However, it is LMB protocol for the Chief of Security to adhere to the rulings of the LMB leader in all other matters, and to defer to the LMB leader’s judgment when there is a crisis on Legion World involving the LMB at large.

Addendum Outside of Legion World, the Chief of Security has no official power in the chain of command.

Addendum 2 In case of emergencies, the Chief of Security can act on his own accord without going to the Security Committee to ensure his job is done in a timely matter. He is expected to act within the limits of his job and to not over step his bounds.

Examples of when to do this: Royal Inquisitor kills Giant Squid, StuBots attack Legion World, the Red Bee buries someone alive, etc.

Security Staff
1. It is entirely up the Chief of Security to form his staff as he sees fit.

2. Space Ranger shall act as the Deputy Chief of Security, second only to Cobalt Kid, and shall assume his responsibilities as the chain of command dictates.

3. Matlock shall act as the Senior Security Officer, second in rank only to Cobalt Kid and Space Ranger, and shall assume their responsibilities as the chain of command dictates.

4. The Chief of Security may maintain two operatives at all times that remain a secret to Legion World and the LMB at large.


Security Committee
A Security Committee will oversee all major operations of the Office of Security, to ensure that the Chief of Security uses his power wisely and has balances against his control. This would include decisions to arrest and prosecute fellow LMBers and use his Security powers outside of Legion World (re: continue an investigation that leaves the Legion World premises). Further, any Security initiative involving the majority of the active LMB or Legion World population must have committee approval.

Committee Membership
Once on this Committee, these members are on the committee for a duration of their own discretion.

- This is not an elected committee, as election focuses will be on the LMB leader and Deputy Leader.

- This is not an appointed committee, as the power split between the LMB Leader and the Security Office is a central theme of the Office itself.

- If a member decides to retire from the Committee, the remaining members shall vote and appoint a new LMB representative.

- A member of the committee may be replaced if they miss 5 or more Security Committee meetings in a period of 150 days. This is entirely up to the other members of the Security Committee.

- Any member of this Committee who is elected LMB Leader or LMB Deputy Leader shall lose their place on the Committee for the duration of their term.

This committee shall include the three ranking Security Officers, with the Chief of Security as Chair. It includes:
Cobalt Kid, Chairman
Space Ranger
Matlock
Reboot
Varalent
RTVU
Lightning Lad

Emergency Alternates: Invisible Brainiac and Fat Cramer.

note- Cobalt Kid, as Chairman only votes when there is need for a tie-breaker

Rationale First, Reboot and Cobalt Kid’s opinions differ so greatly, and have done so publicly for so long, that there is no doubt that both can serve to temper the others extreme positions. Reboot’s involvement lends credibility to any large security initiatives. Varalent is a long time LMBer and member of the Legion World community, and has stayed active within it for some time. As a former LMB leader, he understands how things are run, and he has a distanced perspective from the Security Office, as well as an understanding of how the process works. RTVU offers fresh eyes to Security matters, while maintaining a familiarity with LMB related events. As a relatively new member in light of the entire history, as well as of not yet serving as LMB leader or deputy leader, he acts as a spokesman for newer members, albeit with a years experience in LMB matters. Lightning Lad, as a founder of Legion World, brings another important perspective to Security matters occurring there.

Psyonia Protocols
Basically, if the Security Chief and/or Security Office are deemed to be unable to perform their duties (i.e. - gone insane and stuff), Crujectra and Mykel of Psyonia (the LMBers known as Spellbinder and Crusader) will use their touchstones to channel the psionic might of the planet Psyonia (as seen in the Shadowspell OneVision ) and telepathically subdue Cobalt Kid and any member of the Security Staff seemed dangerous or incapable of performing their sworn duties. this section written by Princess Crujectra

Chip in Head Technology
As an aside, Reboot and Cobalt Kid have come to a formal understanding. The ‘Chip in Head’ technology, created by the Royal Inquisitor and the Red Bee, but recently has been confiscated by the Office of Security for other uses. This agreement states that all ‘Chip in Head’ technology is to be destroyed and the Office of Security shall no longer use it to monitor potential enemies of Legion World and the LMB. This will help further the cause of a mutually agreeable Cobalt Kid/Reboot alliance in helping reshape the Office of Security.

Possible choices for LMB Theme Song
“The Sky is Green” (Tamper Lad)
“Magic Carpet Ride” (Space Ranger, Theresa, LAM)
“I’m a little teapot” (Quislet, Cobalt Kid)
“Knights of the Round Table” from Holy Grail (Kid Prime)
“99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall”
“Space Truckin’”
“Born to be Wild”
“Kung-Fu Fighting”
“Girls, Girls, Girls” (Theresa)

I probably missed some. Add back ‘em back in if you catch ‘em!

My thoughts
Have until Sunday for other nominations, then one big poll in voting forum. What do you say?

Cobalt you may want to look at the committe memebership once again. Space Ranger is still listed.

I think the LMB Theme song will have to be a medley, including

The Theme Song from the Brady Bunch (2nd season or later when sung by the children themselves)

and

Superfreak by Rick James

Can I request
"always look on the bright side of life"
From The Life of Brian.

As a theme song.

Saw that before and meant to change it. Thanks Darden!

EDIT-- I'll actually wait for the rest of the council to vote on this. Basically, it should be Matlock who takes over for Ranger, and IB will take over for Matlock, with Everday Girl will fill a special position created in honor of Space Ranger, but those are Security Office procedural matters. We'll wait until we're past this stage and tidy things up.

If we can work in "I'm a little teapot" and Far's idea of "Always look on the sunny side of life", you've got a voter!

Before I even looked at this thread, I thought of "I'm a Little Teapot." It really does suit all of us. It has a universal and I mean cross-generational, cross-cultural, and trans-gender appeal. It's poignancy overwhelms and I doubt we could sing it with a dry eye remaining in the house. It just gives me goose bumps from my work-boots to the tip of my feathered headdress. Go for it.

Kid Prime's thoughts on Cobalt Kid's thoughts on Kid Prime's thoughts on Cobalt Kid's thoughts will be forthcoming. (Hopefully a full brief on Monday. I also appreciate everyone's bearing with me during my midterms, which were hell but are now all done YAY!)

As for the LMB theme song, I think we should write our own~ a rousing chorus, followed by a verse for every single member. It'll be the longest national anthem in history!!!

I also think somewhere in the chorus there should be a line that says "Hail, hail the LMB, the team we didn't make up!" (Just a little homage to the episode of Futurama where Bender feminized himself in order to win the bending events at the Robot Olympics, which of course fits right in with all the pro-fem moments we've had over the years.)

And the years to come!

Lookin' forward to it!

Too bad no one ever tracked down the indie record "The Wedding of Bouncing Boy."

I must object to "I'm a little tea pot." We're silly, yes, but that's just TOO silly.

How about "YMCA" revised to "LMBP" ?

Writing our own song is very true to the spirit of the LMB. It might take a long time to sing all the verses, though - perhaps we could also have a short version in which we each sing our own verse concurrently, followed by rousing chorus.

Until that gets written, I rather like the idea of "I'm a Little Teapot". We can dance to it too.

Well, we could write a general song, and then rotate the members' verses to reflect the current leadership.

I'm pretty excited about continually letting everyone add their own verse. Maybe the member verses could be in limerick form!!!

On the powers of the LMB leader:

The LMB leader shall have the sole responsibility of conducting the next LMB leader election in a fair and impartial manner. This is the primary activity to which this sentient has been elected. All other duties, powers, privileges, and so forth of the LMB leader are entirely imaginary and should be treated as such. The post, other than the election responsibilities, is completely ceremonial. Having said that, the LMB leader, once elected, should be mindful of the trust placed in themself by the members of the LMB. While the actual powers and responsibilities of the LMB leader are largely imaginary, there is an implied responsibility which should not be overlooked: helping everyone else to have a good time. The LMB leader should, in their dealings with the other members of the LMB, always strive to hold up the values and goals of the LMB, as stated earlier in this document. The LMB leader should be mindful of the expectation that they should participate in the activities of the LMB during their term of service. Above all, the LMB leader should remember to have fun with this august (or not!) position.

That's my thoughts on the first paragraph. We also need to talk about length of term, succession, etc. I suggest 3 months for the length of term. I also suggest that at any time, the LMB leader may resign their post (for example, if they realize that they are not going to be able to be posting much during their term) and the deputy leader step in. I also think perhaps if the leader hasn't posted in the MMB in 2 weeks time, that should be considered a resignation as well. We also should talk about whether the leader should be able to run for successive terms. If any of this was mentioned in the LMB elections paragraph, please disregard!

I'm happy with this with one thought and that is that 3 months is too short a time scale. I would suggest 6 months for the duration.

Happy too for people to be re elected but not concurrently.

I like 3 months as the term myself, as I think it goes with the spirit of the elections, in getting more people involved. 6 months is too long, and that means only two leaders a year. We tried that with LardLad as the first leader and it seemed to just drag on and annoy people, as well as curb enthusiasm.

I also think no one should be able to be leader twice in a row, although there are no other restrictions on the amount of times someone can be. Again, the basic idea that it involves more people.

I'll have to check, but I think these two have already been decided in the Leadership Election process article that we already voted on.

I also think there should most definately not be any way, shape or form that the leader loses his position, because of lack of posting. Resigning on ones own terms is one thing (and a good idea IMO Jeff), but we shouldn't be able to strip someone of their title ever. I think that could fall into the mode of being almost 'mean'.

My thoughts.

I think there should be some process whereby a leader could be stripped of his or her position (only in the most extreme of circumstances, however), but that it shouldn't happen automatically (especially not as a result of lack of posting in the MMB).

I checked and there's nothing in there so far, so we can fix that right now. I still think 3 months is the best, although I'll admit that an arguement for 4 months can be made.