Charter Discussion

[Reaper]

ok, this is an open thread for the current members here to discuss what the council has come up with for an operational charter.

ALL suggestions are welcome

Thanks everyone

[Gee2]

Ed,

Looks to be a great start, with a lot of work that has already gone into making Blackstar an asset to BSG and its ideals. Thank you to all those that have worked and are working to make this happen.

[Wraith]

Members of the Council,

I would like to thank you for not making a NO SMOKING clause while in costume... I am an x-smoker but I do not believe that smokers should be restricted although it may be pertinent to put it in the same category as the alcohol... Also has there been a discussion about the initial Flight Groups? and what the rules of separating into smaller flights as the group grows?

Thank you for you time
Wraith

[Reaper]

Although we won't encourage smoking while in costume, the Characters in the show were seen smoking (mostly cigars) in the show. Several of us here do enjoy an cigar and the appearence is keeping with what is seen.

That said, there will be times when smoking is not encouraged. (especially when alot of kids are around)

The Initial flights will be centered around where ever we have members. SO we are going to have LARGE flight areas. the more we recruit the more we can branch out. We are not going to try to encompace entire states in a flight if there is just 2 members in one area. There will be large areas where there are no flights.

More on this later. Right now we are going to operate as a single group and branch out from there. gain support from members online and then see where things go.
As for the formation of new flights, What we're thinking is this: the proposed flight will request permissing from both their current flight leaders and the standing council. Assuming there is no objections, there will be a 6 month probationary period. (to make sure the new group can stand on their own) if things go smoothly, we have a new flight.

If there are objections, the council will hear both sides and try to come to a mutually acceptible solution for everyone.

[Wraith]

hey Reap... I only brought up the smoking as a possible situation problem I too love the occasional cigar as well and agree it should allowed but not necessarily encouraged... and thanks for explaining the flights a little more

[Reaper]

not a problem my friend.

And it's a valid question. I know some groups ban it completely even in costumes such as Aliens Colonial Marines, where the characters were smoking every 6 seconds lol

[monolith21]

When we get the globe divided up it'll be a bit easier to designate flights. There is definitely still some work that needs to be done but we are well on our way!

[Bouri-Plwel]

Why are we doing flights instead of Squadrons? Just asking the question....organizationally speaking....flights fall under a squadron each area could be a seperate squadron with a squadron commander and XO etc.....just a suggestion. plus squadrons were used on the Galactica vs. flights as first level organizations

[Reaper]

The reason we are subdeviding into Flights rather then Squadrons is that the entire group is a squadron. We're not a ship or a "defense force" where we'd have multiple squadrons.
That's the reason for Flights and elements.

[monolith21]

Exactly. The Squadron is our first level of organization and one of the only ones referenced in the show. "Groups" or "Wings" were never mentioned and don't quite have the same ring. Therefore we are starting at the Squadron level.

[Gee2]

I know it's a bit early, but has there been any discussion on creating a "CRL" in reference to the membership/costume standard articles?
Realizing the Blackstar idea wasn't to completely mimic the 501st/Rebel Legion organizations, but as a member of both, I can honestly say the CRL is a great resource for folks trying to gain membership and a tremendous help for those who approve membership/costume submission.

[monolith21]

That is a fantastic idea! Its been discussed but we have mainly worked on finishing up the charter. What all would you like to see in there? Different versions of the costumes up through the ranks? Acceptable levels of accuracy might be included in there as well. I know that tends to scare some people a bit, but I assure everyone we'll do our best to be fair.

As far as smoking in costume or drinking for that matter I think it all comes down to common sense and preserving the image of the club when necessary. One of the fun things about Battlestar in general is the camaraderie. I wouldn't smoke a fumarello around a bunch of kids or at a function but its probably not allowed there anyway. However I'll be honest...having a fumarello over a game of pyramid with a bunch of us in uniform would be a blast!

While we are similar in a lot of ways to the 501st/Rebel Legion in premise, there are a lot of places we will veer off and do our own thing which will be fun!

[Gee2]

Good to hear. If there is anything that can be done to assist please don't hesitate to ask. I'm sure all of us are more than willing to lend a hand to make the Squadron a great organization.

Also had another question; I saw your thread (albeit late ) on putting together an advertisement flyer for ComiCon. Is there still a plan to do this? As an example my local garrison put together a sort of "welcome" pamphlet, outlining what's required and how to go about gaining membership, along with some POCs. We've used it quite a bit while trooping and it seems to get the word out to folks that are interested plus point them I the right direction.

[monolith21]

That is definitely what I was hoping for! We haven't "officially" unveiled the club at a con yet and that would be fantastic to have to pass out. It always blows my mind how little Battlestar representation is at these conventions.

Its not for lack of interest either. The "Battlestar Fan Club" table was empty (as in completely barren...not even so much as a poster) the entire time at Comic Con. I ran into so many people trying to check it out to the tune of "I've been by here five times and no one has been around".

The SCA group next to them eventually took over the booth and threw their sign over the back partition. I wouldn't want to be there the entire time but at least have something for people who come by possibly even saying when someone will be on table duty!

Any ideas for this flyer? I think we'd all love to see them!

[Gee2]

Any ideas for this flyer? I think we'd all love to see them!

Sure thing, I sent you and Reaper a couple ideas earlier today via e-mail.

[Reaper]

I got both udeas and just sent you the only suggestion I have before saying we go for it and get some printed!!

What can you do about business cards? just generic one sided cards, so we can add personal contact info on the backside.

[Gee2]

I'll start working the flyer and see about the cards. More to come...

[Admin]

Send me a copy too, I would be interested to seeing it as well.

Thanks!

[Gee2]

Just sent it.

[Bouri-Plwel]

Please let me know what I can do to assist as well...I am not computer or photoshop smart, but am willing to help with whatever you need

[Capt. Ares]

I would like some flyers to hand out at my next con ConNooga in Chattinooga Tn