DC October 2007

On Sim Housing By, Mateo Infinity - Photos By, ENS Reina Beaumont

Special notes of interest:

• Next Edition Submission Deadline is:

November 17th, 2007

• The Comms Div. needs help. We are look-

ing for more help on the Starfleet News

Network (SNN) Team, and the Information

and Publications (SIP) Team. See Lt. Com-

mander Mateo Infinity for details.

Inside this issue:

From the Desk of the Vice-Commander 2

Academy Articles Start & Graduates 3

Move over Abby—Its’ Dear EMH Time! 6

Trek Film Update 7

Promotions 7

Letters to the Editor 8, 11, 17

RL Event Pics 20

Stardate 071107.22 Issue 2

THE DELTA COMMUNICATOR

Did you know you can truly “live” the Trek experience on sim? We have numerous living spaces available for rent on our sim. There are currently 5 different type of accommodations to fit virtu-ally every budget. There are several towers on the surface available as well as space on the station, if you prefer the living in space feel. Contact Macy Warren today for questions or to rent.

SL ST@RFLEET SL ST@RFLEET SL ST@RFLEET SL ST@RFLEET - DELTA QUADRANT

The best of times….the worst of times. It could be said that we are undergoing both. While some would say it has not been that bad, others would say it’s been terrible. Some would say the changes they have seen are bad, while some would say they are good. You might even find some that would say they have seen no changes.

Over the past weeks, there has been progress, changes, opinions voiced, angers raised, tears shed and smiles spread. But we as hu-manity all recognize this as pro-gress. Everyone has an opinion on how progress should be accom-plished, and they all say there opinion is the right one. But in the end, it’s not about right or wrong…it’s still about making progress.

I’m sure most of you have heard the statement, for every action, there is an equal and opposite re-action. We have seen this in evi-dence on the forums, IM’s and note cards. In fact a lot of this has reminded me of the democratic way of life. Groups with one opin-ion form and another group forms to oppose that opinion. And just like in politics, some voices are louder than others. But still, every-one has and opinion.

But the end result of all the above is the same. The final decision rest with one or two individuals that must make the final choices, right or wrong for good or bad, all the opinions, comments, arguments won and lost, all boil down to a final decision by a small group of people.

But as I’ve sat back and read the forums, read the copies of chat logs I’ve received, listened in on the pub-lic conversations, I’ve come to real-ize one thing. We all have a love for our friends, family and the group.

During the 2 days of my Halloween party, I watched friend and foe alike, set aside their differences and come to together and enjoy themselves as friends. It may have lasted only a few hours, but for that short time, I saw smiles, happiness and love for one another.

Seeing that made all my stress go away, it brought a smile back to my face and it reminded me that no matter what is said or what actions may be taken….we are still family. A family bond is stronger than any force field or any words spoken out of anger. It is something that can’t be broken, dented or scared maybe…but never broken.

Even with the melting pot of differ-ent cultures and views, when that pot is emptied, we all become one. Yes, there will always be those that like to stir in a dash of hatred or a tablespoon of falsehood. Those are the ones that thrive on drama be-cause without it, they would be bored. But the overall mixture of family will over power those small ingredients for the most part, but leave just a trace to remind us that we are all just one big FAMILY!

COL Sanstrom Laxness

Vice-Commander, SL STARFLEET

From the deck of the Vice Commander

“...reminded

me that no

matter what

is said or

what actions

may be

taken….we

are still

family. “

Page 2 THE DELTA COMMUNICATOR

"I am Klingon... If you doubt it, a demonstra-tion can be arranged." -- Worf From Star Trek: TNG 165

Greg Jein

A Star Trek Model Maker

Photo Copyright CBS Studios

I know that many people have asked about roleplays and would like to join in, but can't for a variety of reasons. These reasons include being too nervous, bad scheduling, or possibly the fact that you don't feel you have enough experience.

I'm here to help change all that. What I'm going to do is to allow any-one in SL Starfleet, Cadets and offi-cers alike to contact me and sched-ule an appointment with me. I can help tutor those who are nervous or are unsure of their skills in roleplay-ing, and I can also discuss with you the timing of our official roleplays and see what I can do to fix that.

All conversations will be kept private at the client's request. I know how frustrating it can be when things you thought would be private are spread around the entire group.

If any officers should desire to assist me with this project, let me know and

I'll put you on the roster.

You may reach me in-game by contacting (Ensign) Chase Quin-nell or by sending me a message at [email protected].

Roleplaying: A New Era By, Ens Chase Quinnell

“Practice

welcoming

change in your

everyday

experience. This

allows you to

have a mindset

of always

moving towards

your dreams.”

Page 3 ISSUE 2

Mark Lenard as a Romulan Commander PHOTO: startrek.com

Recent Academy Graduates Since Stardate 071001

We would like to acknowledge the following recent SL STARFLEET Academy Graduates. Well done and congratulations.

Goku Barbosa - 071030

Lucy Halberd - 071104

SirAdam Shepherd - 071106

The College of Security Sciences is a unique and intensive degree course offered by SL Starfleet Academy to both cadets and officers alike. The course contains a broad range of 11 classes (2 of which are still work in progress), covering all aspects of practical SIM security, operational proto-cols and procedures, and Starfleet Security.

Successful completion of all classes on this course will result in the award of a Diploma in Security Sciences.

College Curriculum (Class times are available at www.slstarfleet.org )

1. Introduction to the United Federation of Planets

2. Federation Law 101

3. History of Law Enforcement

4. Basic Security Training Class (BSTC)

5. Intermediate Security Training Class (ISTC)

6. Advanced Security Training Class (ASTC) (Work in progress)

7. Security Organisations

• Police

• Military Assault Command Ops (MACO)

• Starfleet Security Agency

• Starfleet Intelligence

• Section 31

8. Starship Security Systems – Part I

• Communications

• Computer Systems

• Alert Conditions

• Deflector Shields

9. Starship Security Systems – Part II

• Security Procedures

• Sensors

• Weapon Systems

College of Security Sciences SL STARFLEET ACADEMY


Tim Russ signs at Celebrity Cabaret. Photo: startrek.com

Continued on page 5

10. Legends of Starfleet Security

• Lieutenant Malcolm Reed

• Lieutenant Natasha Yar

• Lt. Commander Worf

• Constable Odo Ital

• Lt. Commander Tuvok

11. Weapons Technology (work in progress)

• Directed Energy Weapons

• Projectile Weapons

• Explosives

• Passive Defences

• Stealth Devices

• Unconventional Weapons

For Further Information on how to Enroll contact Lieutenant Rascal Cleanslate

or Commander Zed Drebin

College of Security Sciences CON’T SL STARFLEET ACADEMY

Page 5 ISSUE 2

Capt. Archer and Porthos Photo: startrek.com

Dear EMH,

Why does everyone not under-stand the importance of showing good Star Fleet etiquette while hanging around the Welcome Cen-ter. It is not a good way to have newbie/ potential cadets to see eve-ryone acting up as they teleport into the sim.

Soral Merlin

Response:

This topic has recently become a big issue and I have been keeping an eye on a similar post on the fo-rums. While this column is not by any means the absolute authority on what is right or wrong it does ex-press the opinions of not only myself but others as well. Anyways on to the question at hand.

I myself have witnessed many heated discussions taking place in the welcome center. While I do un-derstand that these are not planned but just sort of happen, everyone must realize how it makes us as a group and sim look to newcomers, or visitors. We must as a group be ever conscious of how would a Star-fleet officer act in such a situation. A healthy discussion of any topic is of course acceptable anywhere, but once things start to become more personal and we start to debate at each other instead of with each other, everyone involved needs to realize this and either end the de-bate or decide to discuss it in pri-vate. The question of course will be asked where is an acceptable place to debate. From what I have read on the forums and my own personal thoughts obviously the auditorium or

conference rooms on the station a excellent choices. Also your private quarters would be acceptable. An-other issue is the use of gestures that contain lewd and foul language in the welcome center. Again we must remember that this is the first thing anyone sees and hears when visiting the sim, and while it may be funny to some it may offend some-one as well.

On a side note that pertains to this question, let us not forget that when we are in the welcome center we are representatives of this group and the sim, and we must make an effort to be courteous and friendly to all visitors. A simple hello is easy enough and will make any visitor feel welcomed and immediately comfortable here. In order for this group to succeed and grow we need to always have new cadets joining our ranks with new and fresh ideas.

-The EMH

[Editor’s Note]: This is a new col-umn we will be featuring in every newsletter from now on. Do you have a question you would like to ask the EMH? Send a notecard with your question directly to Chad Hoorenbeek. Each issue we will choose hopefully several of the questions to be featured in the newsletter each edition. Questions do not have to be directly serious in nature but let’s keep it clean and realistic.

Move Over Abby - Dear EMH is Here! By, ENS Chad Hoorenbeek - Medical Div. - EMH Extraordinaire

“...let us not

forget that

when we are in

the welcome

center we are

representative

s of this

group…”


Winona Ryder will portray Spock’s mother

Robert Duncan McNeil’s birth-day is Nov. 9th.

Filming on the new Star Trek film is expected to begin today.

According to an article on the Trek Movie Re-port, shooting will begin on location somewhere in Southern California, with the first scenes on the Paramount lot scheduled for next week. These scenes won't yet feature the Enterprise, as the sets for the iconic Starfleet ship are still being constructed -- the parts of the film taking place onboard the ship will be filmed sometime early next year.

Today marks the end of a period of two and a half years during which no new official Star Trek was being produced. Star Trek: Enterprise shut down production in mid-2005 after a run of four seasons, and shortly afterwards the Enterprise sets were taken down on Stages 8 and 9 at Paramount Pictures. Prior to that, the stages had been in use by the Trek franchise almost continuously for a period of 27 years, beginning with the failed Star Trek: Phase II series, run-ning through several feature films, and finally being used by The Next Generation, Voyager and Enterprise. Early word indicates these same

stages will now again be used for the new Trek film.

When Enterprise ended in 2005, executive pro-ducer Rick Berman said he expected a new Trek film to appear in cinemas about two or three years later (story), a statement for which he was then widely ridiculed. Now, Berman's prediction seems to be coming true, although Trek won't be returning in the way he imagined it.

Recently, Ain't It Cool News published an arti-cle looking at the movie Berman proposed: a Trek prequel called Star Trek: The Beginning, written by Erik Jendresen. The film would have featured Jeffrey Combs' Andorian Commander Shran from Enterprise as the only familiar char-acter, with no place in the story for Kirk, Spock, or any of the other familiar Original Series char-acters that will now be seen with new faces in the upcoming Trek film. Although Star Trek: The Beginning won't get made, the AICN report is still a fascinating insight into what could have been. The new Trek film itself is still scheduled for Christmas 2008.

Filming of Star Trek XI Begins From, TREK Today - Nov. 7th, 2007 - Reposted under license

Page 7 ISSUE 2

October Promotions Acknowledgements

To Sgt.

Cipher Rhode

To Lt. jg / 1st Lt.

Andrae Noel

Atragon9 Oh

BlueCoyote Yifu

CarrieAnn Nurmi

Chad Hoorenbeek

Chase Quinnell

Chris32154 Dinzeo

Conell Dagger

David Dutton

Eilish Flanagan

Ethan Muldoon

Evista Quintas

Gijsjan Broek

Haku Yiyuan

Ishan Broek

LeeLee Wilber

Lenneir DeCuir

Mauip Whitfield

Momiji Seelowe

Quron Dagger

Reina Beaumont

Rosebud Argus

Sam Christiansen

Sazuka Yoshikawa

Sarah Shinobu

Soral Merlin

Steve Ruttan

Tmayla Rotaru

Toko Furse

Uschi Bechir

To Full Lt. / Marine Capt.

Dray Maverik

Richard Bogle

Recessor Reve

Rezo Takashi

Rascale Cleanslate

Tammy Durant

Kevin Fremont

To Lt Cmdr.

Cyril Barthlemess

What does the statement “What's best for the group mean?” Well when you think about it a group is not about just one individual. There is no I in team my football coach used to always say. Every person has a part in things that need to be done whether it's helping guide cadets through the academy as a teacher or part of the Company, The Corps of Engineers who build every-thing the group needs, on down to the members who are around just to Role Play or be part of the Roddenberry vi-sion of the future. Where is the line drawn where the group will die just be-cause one person chooses to part ways with the group. I never thought I would see the day where things would get tossed upside down as they are now. For those who haven't been around for long and don't know how things were they were much better days. Now-a-days it seems if your not in the Admiral's click then there is no place for you and your opinion on things doesn't matter. To illustrate the point I will quote the Admiral “Mike Cal-houn: might I still add that all of you are a guest on my sim”. Yes Admiral Cal-houn owns the sim, it has his name on it, he pays the bill but as he likes to say “Mike Calhoun: we aren't putting a phaser to your head to stay”. Might I point out Admiral no one was holding a phaser your head making you spend that money for the sim AND until you recently became the Commander you always held the stance that it was the groups sim so Admiral I must ask why the sudden change of heart. Even when you tried to resign you told Admi-ral Campbell that you wouldn't stop paying for the sim because it was about the group. Is that change in atti-tude for the best when the group is concerned?

Now of course for those who have been around awhile don't get me wrong I know things weren't perfect before the change in command. Admi-

Letter to the Editor By, LTjg Lasynda Shichiroji

“Of course,

like all great

warriors, that

strength was

also his

greatest

weakness. ”


ral Campbell certainly isn't perfect but personal feelings didn't come into play when it came to making sure things were done in the group. I've heard it said Admiral Campbell isn't a people person which is interesting in and of itself. I know people within the group who will argue such points other then myself. Admiral Campbell and I first really spoke the night I declared to everyone I had a calling card for that my wedding was off. The Admiral was the last person I expected to IM me that night to see if I was ok or if I needed someone to talk to. Heiraxes Maximus states “I've only met Brice once but he was quite personable and friendly. We spoke for a few hours about a variety of subjects ranging from SFI to our favorite comedians.” When asking Samuel Whizenhunt his opinion he said “Brice's greatest lead-ership quality was strength of charac-ter. Whatever else you knew about him, you knew that he was a strong man with a clear vision of how things should be. Of course, like all great warriors, that strength was also his greatest weakness. His self-belief and certainty led him to lead alone and stubbornly refuse the council and ideas of his friends and colleagues.” Marie Lawson openly stated "Brice was always willing to solve problems." I also know that the issues people had with Admiral Campbell were never brought to his attention until after he had been given the choice to "retire with honors" or we'll force you out. Never once was the option made to address peoples issues with Admiral Campbell. Admiral Calhoun has said on several occasions “Mike Calhoun: I was covering for him all the time”. Could someone explain how sweep-ing issues under the carpet is positive and constructive for the group as a whole. When Admiral Calhoun had decided to retire himself at one point some members in the group snow-

Continued on Page 9

balled drama to the point where Admi-ral Campbell was put in the awkward position of still asking Admiral Calhoun to become XO, something he had wanted to do. Admiral Calhoun has been known to say that he felt like he was only offered the position as a bribe to stay.

How about member concerns? Having heard talk around the sim peo-ple seem to be afraid of speaking up because they have seen what has hap-pened to people who have. Captain Turner was removed from her position as head of Tac/Ops, which Admiral Calhoun says is for the best as far as the group is concerned. When I sat and listened to people's concerns about things I was ejected from the groups and banned from the sim by Admiral Calhoun stating I was trying to start a mutiny. Well all I have to say to that Admiral is I wasn't the one who started talking mutiny and when it was brought up I dismissed it as “worst case scenario” only to even be possi-bly considered only if problems contin-ued within the group and nothing was resolved. Also Admiral aren't you the pot calling the kettle black on that one considering you had your own meeting to mutiny against Admiral Campbell. One of the people there even said what you were all talking about is mu-tiny. It didn't stop you all from doing it either. If people were so unhappy why did you all stay? If it was obvious to you all that Admiral Calhoun was such a better leader why didn't something happen like maybe: Create a new group, or use the Aviator group, with the Admiral as your leader. Take the sim back so you would all have a place to play. SL STARFLEET survived be-fore there was an entire sim to use and SL STARFLEET would survive even if the sim were to be taken. I'm sure something could be managed. Any-thing can be done when the members are united together as one which they

obviously aren't now. People fear speaking up even with an IG ap-pointed. I wonder Admiral could that have anything to do with her not being online very often or her not being im-partial. Col. Maxwell as of the sub-mission of this article has been online only twice since being appointed IG. People may ask how is Col. Maxwell not impartial well there seems to be a list of reasons no one should consider her impartial. First she is Admiral Cal-houn's RL Best Friend. Second she is also the VRC for Region 9 of SFI in Real Life, for those of you who don't know what that means a VRC is the Vice Regional Coordinator. Finally she is also his ex partner in Second Life.

When it comes to problems within the group be it members or the “stepping in” from SFMC or SFI it is my firm belief that Admiral Calhoun has brought it all upon himself. Admi-ral Calhoun has received a cease and desist letter from the SFMC, and ru-mored from SFI as well, for use of their copyrighted logo's. When speak-ing with Admiral Campbell he had this to say about the use of the logo's “I modified them to reflect SL and brought them in under the premise that their use was acceptable under "Fair Use" doctrine, which means a copyrighted item or trademark may be used so long as money is not being made off of its use and that it is not being used in a derogatory fashion or in a manner that would cause the holder of the copyright or trademark to suffer measurable loss.” Could it be Admiral Calhoun that after you couped Admiral Campbell and people didn't think it was right. They saw it as an impression of how things where done in SFI and changed their mind about joining and complained to the “right” people who then saw the use of their logo's as detrimental to the Or-ganization. Or the members who

Letter to the Editor CON’T By, LTjg Lasynda Shichiroji

“SL

STARFLEET

survived before

there was an

entire sim to

use and SL

STARFLEET

would survive

even if the sim

were to be

taken. ”


Continued on Page 10

have made it known that they will not continue to be in SFI because of “a bad taste in the mouth”. But no one is truly at fault when it comes to the use of the logo's and subsequent C&D's for the use of said logo's. Yes Admiral Campbell made a logical assumption but it was apparently incorrect. I con-gratulate Admiral Calhoun on his quickness in having new logo's for the groups created.

As far as members concerns within the group go I know many mem-bers aren't liking the way things have been going since Admiral Calhoun has taken over. Yet very few members will come forward because of a fear of ret-ribution from the Admiral. Which can take numerous forms ranging from simply not speaking with you and ig-noring your existence within the group to ejecting you from the groups, ban-ning you from the sim and if you have a forum account deleting it and placing an IP ban so you can't access any-thing, not like you can access much of intrest without an account anyways. Now of course Admiral Calhoun has said that he would never do such things but that was only after he had done such to the myself. Stating that it was special circumstances but refuses to reveal what they were to the general membership. Makes people wonder what his real reasons were. Admiral Calhoun has said even “if this contin-ues, I will put a stop to it everyone can go to hell” in regards to problems that are being brought upon him by his ac-tions. Why the hostility Admiral several people have offered solutions. You and I even came up with a solution to things when I told you people had problems with things. You turned the conversation to giving Admiral Camp-bell back command and you retiring to your beach never to leave it. Are you afraid of not pleasing someone with a decision you make Admiral? Are none of the solutions good enough for you?

Has the power gone to your head? Or are the rumors true that Col. Lax-ness is truly the puppetmaster in all that has happened?

While speaking to members about Admiral Calhoun this is what people have had to say. Heiraxes Maximus “While I may not necessarily agree with all of the decisions Admiral Calhoun has made since I joined the group or have heard from a variety of sources I recognize his right to make those decisions. My questions are more procedural I haven't spoken with the Admiral enough to form an opinion of his personality but I would hope to be able to do so in the future.” Sam-uel Whizenhunt had this to say “Mike is the consummate politician - a man always ready with a kind word or a friendly gesture, but often hiding a carefully crafted plan with the same. His friendliness is both the strength and weakness of his leadership. He inspires incredible levels of loyalty from his officers, but his close cadre of allies are often listened to and privi-leged beyond the lay membership or other, less-close senior officers.” While speaking with Marie Lawson she said "Mike just doesn't want to hear about problems." Zed Drebin responded "I respect both men very much. I am deeply regretful that Admi-ral Campbell departed under less than optimal circumstances and it is my hope that both men do well in what-ever endeavor they peruse." while talking of member concerns. Other members when approached refused to comment or refused to acknowl-edge me when approached.

I would also like to thank the person who brought my incomplete article to Admiral Calhoun. Your breaking my trust proves I shouldn't have trusted you but I thank you the Admiral and I were able to talk about my article at length before it was pub-

“His

friendliness is

both the

strength and

weakness of

his

leadership.”




lished. When I made a comment about my article Admiral Calhoun said he knew I was writing it and what part of it said. The Admiral also said he would not stop my article from being pub-lished in the newsletter and so I also thank you Admiral for being impartial on this matter. I will leave you all now with this final thought Second Life is Your World Your Imagination, don't believe me look at the website. No one is being forced to stay leave if you feel you must don't let someone talk you into staying if you'll be miserable. Speak up let your voice be heard if you disagree with things. I'm not saying to start trouble but no one can solve a problem if they don't know it exists.

“...no one can

solve a

problem if they

don't know it

exists.”



To Quote Captain Picard in First Con-tact: "Not again. The line must be drawn here! This far, no further!"

This letter is addressed to the membership of SL STARFLEET in re-gards to the change of command which took place some weeks ago and it is intended to be the final statement regarding the issue. It is a response to the statement made by Lieutenant Jun-ior Grade Lasynda Shichiroji for the SL STARFLEET newsletter, The Delta Communicator. I would like to address the points brought up in the letter by Lieutenant Junior Grade Lasynda Shichiroji where she indicates several matters at hand that now I would like to clarify by also asking some questions.

In her first statement where she asks “What's best for the group mean? Well when you think about it a group is not about just one individual." In bringing up such subjects in a public statement or letter like Ltjg Shichiroji is doing is no different, she is still defend-ing Admiral Brice Campbell's leader-ship and standing up for one single individual's interest and not for the group.

It is true that there is no "I" in a team but "we", so why, under com-mand of Admiral Campbell, all senior staff had to fight to get at least the abil-ity to send a simple Group Notice? Was micromanagement not one of the charactiristics that best describe Admi-ral Campbell's tenure as CO of SL STARFLEET?

A true parting of the ways means that Admiral Campbell could have removed himself as the group's owner, once he stepped down. This is possible being that he was the creator of the group and he could still have transferred the group's ownership to me as I am the new Commanding Offi-cer. He chose not to do that, and re-

mained as one of the owner for the groups he did create. That is fine, but a point is missed.

By still being one of the groups owners, any action I take can still be countermanded if Admiral Campbell doesn't like it. So...where is the good for the group in that? If Ad-miral Campbell himself named me as the Commanding Officer and trans-ferred all the authority to me, it is my belief that once Admiral Campbell did that, he removed himself from any command or authority role, so why the constant watch over my actions? Why does Admiral Campbell need to have someone or some people reporting every one of my actions directly to him? Why does Admiral Campbell feel that I need a conscience in the form of Ltjg Lasynda Shichiroji? If Admiral Campbell did not want to step down as the leader of the group, then why didn't he fight for his command? Why didn't he put in more of an effort in the day-to-day operations of the group, and is now trying to regain power through less than desirable means?

If Admiral Campbell is so im-partial as Ltjg Shichiroji states, so why now that he is not the Commanding Officer anymore he feels that there is a need to have all my actions watched and justified?

When I bought the sim a year ago, I did so for SL STARFLEET, the group and its members, and not to be Admiral Campbell's personal play-ground. I allowed Admiral Campbell to run the sim and the group as he saw fit, now look at it objectively, shall we? What is the result after a year of Ad-miral Campbell’s reign? For 3 times his leadership has come under fire, countless members of SFI and non SFI former members were banned. Where is the sense of group unity in that which Ltjg Shichiroji brings up so much? Nowhere to be found.

“It is true that

there is no "I"

in a team but

"we"...”


A Response By, ADM Mike Calhoun


Even when I resigned, I told Admiral Campbell I wouldn't retake the sim and we are talking about a major financial investment I made. After a year, the sim is still not self-sufficient. And why you might ask? One doesn't want to rent in a sim where one doesn't feel welcome. Yet, after less then a month after I took command, we have more income then we had before. I guess that might tell you something about the previous leadership.

My intentions have always been that the sim was SL STARFLEET property, but that doesn't mean that I need to let my investment go down the drain for one person who doesn't have the management skills to lead a SL group. So I feel it is my responsibility and mine alone to make sure the sim is paid for, but I also want to make sure that it is for the good of the group and not to satisfy personal pleasures of a single individual who thinks that being in command is an excuse to be a dicta-tor, and not to be in a position of ser-vice.

Why is it that, since Admiral Campbell isn't in command anymore, we should adapt another structure that would step away from a CO being in command? Is it perhaps that the LOSS of power has gone to your heads? As for my good friend Col Laxness being a puppet master? No, what is different is that I'm not afraid to give my XO the powers and authority he needs to do his job, as it should have always been.

So yes, Ltjg Shichiroji , while I do pay the bills, I do so in the hopes that all of the membership has a home in SL to enjoy their SL STARFLEET experience and not to be a place where drama is all you can find. Lt Tiny has been fed enough during the previ-ous leadership and it is time for a change.

So when you ask, Ltjg Shichi-roji, is this change of attitude for the best where the group is concerned? Then I need to answer with a full-hearted YES. Yes, Ltjg Shichiroji, things weren't perfect before and I'm sure if I really wanted, I could go around asking people to give their opinions about Admiral Campbell and his leadership, but knowing you, you would call it biased anyways. So I'd rather skip the blame game and ad-dress the issues at hand. It is how-ever very commendable of you how you stand up for your man, you do need however get the facts straight

You stated in your letter, Ltjg Shichiroji and I quote "I also know that the issues people had with Admiral Campbell were never brought to his attention until after he had been given the choice to retire with honors or we'll force you out. Never once was the option made to address people’s is-sues with Admiral Campbell." Here is where you're wrong, Ltjg Shichiroji. Issues were brought to his attention, please remember the first and ONLY Town Hall meeting but when the is-sues are dismissed as 'a few malcon-tents' it's not my fault that Admiral Campbell doesn't want to see the se-verity of the problems.

And when I say: I was cover-ing for him, this means that I as XO was making sure the work got done just as I expect my Vice to cover for me when I'm unavailable. This has nothing to do with sweeping issues under the carpet but everything with keeping the wheels turning. There was ONE Town Hall meeting specifi-cally because his leadership came under fire and what came out of it? Nothing but promises that were never kept.

And yes, I was tired that Ad-miral Campbell couldn't make the sim-ple decision of naming a new XO after

“that all of the

membership

has a home in

SL to enjoy

their SL

STARFLEET

experience and

not to be a

place where

drama is all

you can find. ”


A Response CON’T By, ADM Mike Calhoun


6 months. Little did I know that after 2 hours following my resignation the group collapsed. That says something about leadership doesn't it, Ltjg Shichi-roji?

Leaders, who care about the greater good of the group, cannot be indecisive and fail to fill such an impor-tant position. So yes, I came back, for SL STARFLEET and its members. Did I have to? No. I could easily sit back and let the group die. But I never wanted that.

So yes, let’s talk membership concerns. It's funny that you bring up Captain Turner's case USING her, yes USING her to provoke me. As Admiral Campbell's girlfriend in RL and SL, you know very well that her dismissal was already been discussed under previous administration, so this isn't really something you can pin on me.

Now, addressing your case, Ltjg Shichiroji, about being banned and ejected from the sim and groups, you gave me no choice but to do what I did with the information I had in my hands. Self-proclaiming yourself as Admiral in the group and being made owner by the pervious Commanding Officer when you rejoined the group is not ex-actly the action or position that the membership would expect from the previous Commanding Officer's girl-friend. Neither posing as martyr is a good position, which seems to be a great career move for you. Talk about being biased. And might I add that the deal I made with you when I lifted the ban was that you would revoke your group ownership rights, which is yet to be seen.

Going back to the “mutiny” is-sue. Basically, Ltjg Shichiroji, when you stated that no mutiny was planned by you, people who were at the Wel-come Center when you were openly "recruiting" members of SL STAR-

FLEET to join your so-called "cause", told me that you were lying to me about not influencing them against me and my leadership. Everything you were telling me was a lie. And the people who saw you at the Welcome Center that day, confirmed that in front of me and you at the meeting at my land we held to discuss this issue.

While it is true that I had a meeting with ALL core members who where online and available at the time, we had the common sense not to do it in the middle of the Welcome Center for every visitor to hear or only get parts of the conversation, and as I recall, mutiny was not discussed. What was discussed was how easily Admiral Campbell dismisses mem-bers as if they are worth nothing (Yes, I'm talking about Tig Spijkers now) and that is not the mark of a true leader. Every member should be equally important.

And yes, we could have started a new group and take the sim back, but are you now implying that SL STARFLEET can survive without the sim but not without Admiral Camp-bell? Why should we start a new group? Since when does the need of the one outweigh the needs of the many?

Adding to that, I don't see how my friendship with Colonel Max-well should be an issue. Why would her being my best friend have any bearing on her performance? Was it a problem for you Ltjg Shichiroji when you were both Admiral Campbell’s RL and SL GIRLFRIEND and his Chief of Staff? It is however true that Colonel Maxwell isn't in SL as much due to RL school and extra curricula. Does this mean that anyone who has a RL can't hold a position in SL STARFLEET. I didn't hear you complain when she was Head of Operations...

“Every member

should be

equally

important.”




In regards to the Cease and Desist order from the SFMC. We did indeed get a notice from them to stop using their modified logo and materials. However, I have to disagree that I brought this upon myself though. If the materials were already protected by copyright, in what way would it be ac-ceptable for us to use them? Surely you can't mean: what they don't know doesn’t hurt them? The person who brought this to the attention of the SFMC was a member of SL STAR-FLEET who also holds a position of importance on SFI and the issue has been discussed and a solution has been worked out about the use of ma-terials with SFMC Commandant, with even a visit from himself to Sector001. All of this, without drama. As for the rumor about a Cease and Desist from SFI itself, I have to confirm that it's just a rumor and nothing more. However, when I got the Cease and Desist order from the SFMC I did get in touch with SFI Fleet Admiral Les Rickard, the cur-rent Commander STARFLEET, to ask if we could use for us to use the modi-fied SFI logo that Admiral Campbell mentioned. FAdm Rickard stated that he rather does not see modified SFI logos being used. So I removed them all from the sim in order to avoid an-other Cease & Desist order. And thus the 'Fair Use' doctrine Admiral Camp-bell is proclaiming doesn't hold up. What should have happened is that BEFORE we started to use the logos, we should have asked if it was ok for us to use them.

So hasn't anyone told you Ltjg Shichiroji, that it's better to ASK first if it's acceptable to use other people's materials instead of shifting the blame to someone else now? I also would like to thank you for bringing up 'member concerns', but frankly when reading your lines I only see things that reflect on yourself, Ltjg Shichiroji. Maybe you can give me examples, other then

yourself of course, from people I ran-domly ejected and banned from the group? From people I have been ig-noring, or from forum accounts I have deleted. Again other then yourself please because I'm very interested to learn who I should have treated poorly.

As to my statement that 'if this continues I will put a stop to it and everyone can go to hell' , I will be po-lite and not direct that statement to-wards you, which was my original in-tention. Ever since you returned you have been questioning every action I have taken, you have been question-ing every word I have said and you have been copying/pasting it all to Admiral Campbell , you have been doing this on MSN, IRC and on SL and everyday, constantly harassing me from the minute I log on at 4.30am in the morning and this is been going on now for a few weeks. So yes I'm getting REALLY TIRED of it; it came to a point where you were wearing me down and I came up with the 'solution' to give back command to Admiral Campbell but then we would be back to where we started in the first place, so no, thanks.

I would also like to thank Samuel Whizenthunt for his kind words. I always have believed that loyalty of your people is one of the greatest things a true leader can achieve. One of the reasons that Ad-miral Campbell didn't really wanted me as XO was that I always stated that I value friendship first and fore-most and that would make me incapa-ble of making hard decisions, hence not a good leader. Until I'm proven wrong...I tend to do just that. We are all friends here. I aspire to be a leader that is respected by his people and that has the loyalty of his people rather then one that is being feared or called a dictator...

“I aspire to be

a leader that is

respected by

his people”




In closing I would like to ask that this 'Let's try to bring Admiral Calhoun down' stops right now. It's not helping the group in any way. I haven't seen a single concern of any member other then yourself in your letter, Ltjg Shichi-roji. People who know me know that my door has been and always will be open to anyone and that anything good or bad can be discussed with me with-out any fear of retaliation. It has always been like and it will continue to be. I don’t hold "Office Hours", I am always there for my membership.

I also would like to ask Ltjg Shichiroji to stop profiling herself as a martyr and a self-proclaimed voice of the membership. We are all adults here, I'm sure our members are all old and mature enough to speak or minds when something is not to their liking. I am sure that our members are very smart and don’t need anyone to speak for themselves to seek self promotion or attention to yourself like you are do-ing.

Fact of the matter is we do not need this drama, we are trying to move forward and we are going to do just that.

This letter will be the last I will com-ment on the change of command or any other form of 'bashing the admiral'

It's time for SL STARFLEET to prosper, and it will do so under my leadership, with the help of all those who believe in the concept of fun and friendship.

In Service to SL STARFLEET and the membership

Adm Mike Calhoun

Commander SL STARFLEET

“It's time for

SL STARFLEET

to prosper...”



It is easy to sit back and criti-cize command while you are not the one who has to make the tough deci-sions. Looking at things safely from the sidelines it is always easy to say, "Well I could do a better job." But give that person the actually opportunity to do so and they would find themselves under just as much fire as they are put-ting under those currently in command. Its easy to make your case when you pick and choose situations and quotes, take them out of context, and nail them together to make yourself sound bril-liant. Like you've discovered some-thing that no one else has.

Now I cannot and will not pre-tend to know everything that has been going on her recently. But I WAS around when the issue of replacing Admiral Campbell first came up, and I know for a fact that much of your infor-mation is fallible, as Admiral Calhoun addressed in his response. I agree that there has been a lot of division within the group, but that is not the sole fault of the few people at the top. Divi-sion in a group is a result of all the members’ actions.

Your comment about my ap-pointment to IG is out of line. It is a cheep shot to assume that I cannot be objective simply because I am friends with Admiral Calhoun. I would not have been able to maintain my position as XO, OIC for the 9th BDE and VRC if I was unable to be objective and see both sides of the issues brought to me. I am friends with many people in SL, does my friendship with them also af-fect my ability to be impartial? Why is it only this friendship that you are at-tacking, simply because he is of higher rank than my other friends? My not being online has nothing to do with my not wanting to be available for people. There is nothing stopping you from leaving me an IM. I have all offline IM’s sent to my email, so I receive

them. If I see one that requires my response, I make it a point to sign in and address it. Just because you have lots of time to be online, does not mean that others do not have lives that often require us to simply be too busy to even have time to check email, let alone sign into a virtual world to deal with the bickering of people who should be acting like adults. I do not take my position here lightly and people are always free to address me, and do so when I am online, and even when I am not.

It seems to me that your insis-tence to start dissention again is do-ing the opposite of what you are preaching. You say we need what is best for the group. That is certainly not attacking those around you. There will always be problems, that is the nature of human relationships. No one will do everything perfect, there will always be those who think they could do it better, and to those people all I have to say is why don’t you come up with practical, reasonable ideas and plans that can be used. Rather than sitting back and attacking those whom you believe are failing you, when they are really working very hard to make this possible for all of us.

~Col Kathryn Maxwell

“Division in a

group is a

result of all the

members’

actions.”


Letter to the Editor By, COL Kathryn Maxwell

For weeks now, there have been discussions among many mem-bers about events that have taken place: the change in command, the change in the group structure and making a couple of divisions sub-departments of another one, the re-moval of a department head and nam-ing a new one, etc.

There’s one question, which is far more important to ask.

“What is leadership?”

By definition, leadership is the ability of an individual to influence, mo-tivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the organizations of which they are members.

But, there are two basic types of leadership styles, just as there are with personalities. One is introverted, and the other is extroverted. When you compare the two commanders that SL Starfleet has had, you will see where this difference with the two styles starts to appear.

Brice Campbell could be con-sidered as an introverted leader. He had a long-term vision for SL Starfleet; however, he was more of an observer, allowing others to be in the forefront and do the majority of the work. In ad-dition to his work schedule in real life, he was largely unavailable to listen to the concerns of the members, much less address them. The few times where he was present within the re-gion, the overall attitude that many per-ceived from him was one of coldness, distance, and a general lack of caring . . . almost as if any request made of him was seen as an inconvenience to himself.

Mike Calhoun would be con-sidered as an extroverted leader. He is

very much a people-oriented individ-ual, a motivator, builds personal skills, and cares for others. He organizes, sets measurable goals, coordinates the work of others, manages re-sources, takes action, sets the exam-ple, and produces results. He is very much at the forefront, present in the region every day, sometimes for multi-ple hours a day, and goes out of his way to help others due to the high value he places on friendship.

In short, Admiral Campbell led from the back; whereas, Admiral Calhoun leads from the front.

Second Life is a very unique medium by which we operate, as it creates a sense of immediacy, far more so than through IMs or IRC con-versations. The reason is due to the fact that, when we enter into this 3-D world, we create avatars – digital rep-resentations of who we are, or what we are like, or what we would like to be – and use that with our everyday interaction with others.

This creates a definitive need for leaders to be at the forefront, in the public eye, making connections with members of the group, and showing just how much they care. One cannot just sit back, issue orders, and expect them to be carried out. They need to engage individuals on a personal level, and motivate them to achieve success and a high level of quality in the process.

Change is constant, and is sometimes inevitable, although it is a very important aspect of leadership. Too much change, all at one time, or not enough information about the pro-posed changes can make acceptance of it difficult and creates resistance. Not enough change, and things be-come stagnant. A good leader can invoke change in such a way to where

“Change is

constant, and

is sometimes

inevitable,

although it is a

very important

aspect of

leadership. ”



What is Leadership? By, CAPT Zania Turner

the transition is done over time, its smooth, easy, and often doesn’t seem like any change has taken place at all. A good leader can take two totally dis-tinct visions, know how to step back, and find a way to achieve compromise, and still keep the forward momentum present.

Under Admiral Campbell’s leadership, there were no outward changes that were visible, beyond the construction of and transition between the three stations used by the group. Some plans were talked about, like redesigning the region, yet they never came to fruition.

With Admiral Calhoun, the change has been much more evident. The redesign of the region has actually been accomplished, and the divisions reorganized slightly to try and provide a better leadership for the areas that needed additional assistance. Not eve-ryone may agree with some of the changes immediately; however, once one steps back and takes a look at the much larger picture, then they can see the overall vision and truly appreciate what he is trying to accomplish for the group.

This is proof, right there, of the two different leadership styles and the impact of them within the Second Life environment.

With that, one has to ask themselves . . . what kind of leadership would you prefer for the group? One to where there is no growth, no move-ment, and the group loses people . . . sometimes really good and talented individuals who have contributed im-mensely in the past? Or one to where there is an opportunity for the group to move forward, make important strides, and achieve a level of growth that we have not been able to establish be-fore?

The answer is very simple. SL Star-fleet needs the leadership of Admiral Calhoun.

“A good leader

can take two

totally distinct

visions, know

how to step

back, and find

a way to

achieve

compromise,

...”


What is Leadership? CON’T By, CAPT Zania Turner


Starfleet...and Klingons...and Borg… OH MY! By, Cadet TessaLee Writer

Photos taken at the 2007 Annual Star Trek Conven-tion in the Las Vegas Hil-ton presented by Creation Entertainment.

SL STARFLEET is the Second Life Counterpart to the real life organization STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. SL STARFLEET was founded so that should members of the RL STAR-FLEET find their way into the Second Life, they could immediately join a group that they would feel comfort-able and familiar with. However, SL STARFLEET has become so much more than that. It is a vibrant community of people composed of many beliefs, styles, backgrounds, and ideals. The concept of IDIC that the great bird “Gene Roddenberry” instilled into the Star Trek Universe is alive and well. A place for friendship, fun, and a sense of family abound.

SL STARFLEET - DELTA QUADRANT

“Boldly going…… Helm, what’s our heading again?”

The Delta Communicator is a production under the SL STARFLEET Communications Division - Information and Publications (SIP) Team. Chief of Comms - LTCDR Mateo Infinity Lead, SIP Team - Vacant Asst. Editor - Cadet Heiraxes Maximus

Website:

WWW.SLSTARFLEET.ORG

You of course can not please every-one, and there will be times that you may make a negative or perceived negative im-pact. Sometimes it may be a mistake on your part, a communication failure, or an-other reason. But how you react to the situa-tion and your efforts to resolve the situation are what count.

We all have a responsibility to im-pact our world real or virtual for the better. Even if you feel you are not making a major contribution to the group, ask yourself this?

How do I treat others? Do I say hello when I see someone beam in the welcome center? Do I answer questions rather than ignore or really don’t give people the time of day? If you can answer yes to any of these you ARE making a positive contribution.

What makes a group great?

Is it the conversations, the relationships, the friendships, the activities, the learning, the self-discovery, or the support?

To me it is all these things, and so much more. I been in many groups, many leadership roles, and many average joe roles. In each I do not judge the effective-ness of my contributions by the material things. To do not judge the value of my con-tributions but saying I’ve done this or that, made X,Y, and Z projects happen.

I judge my value and effectiveness of my time in a group by the friendships I’ve built and the lives I have hopefully made just a little bit better. To me there is no greater accomplishment than to reflect on the posi-tive impact made on other people’s lives.

The Editors Corner By, LTCMDR Mateo Infinity

Documents

DC October 2007