Argosy Policy, Mission Statement, and Miscellaneous Rules





Contains relevant remarks by Nox, former Argosy Force Leader, and Anakam, current Argosy Force Leader

Argosy Chain of Command, as of February 14, 2005:
Anakam
Brit - co-Assistant Force Leader
FlatlandDan - co-Assistant Force Leader
Tyrman
Jacmac
Gina
Psyche


Note from the webmaster: Due to the Slipstream closure, some of these no longer strictly apply. They are recommended reading anyway; when something refers to the board at large just think 'Ex Isle' instead of 'Slipstream.' Thanks. :)


Nox's original proposal, from April 23, 2002:

Argosy Special Operations.

See, what we basically do is:

1) specialize in thread-jackings, large and small
2) operate deep behind enemy lines throwing donuts
3) front-line troll defense
4) any other necessary operations as deemed necessary by our High Guard Moderator command squad (such as making John Burke earn his keep, etc). However, we're on a need-to-know basis. So, it's all wink-wink, nudge-nudge, off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush.

Please note the Rules of Engagement (aka Terms of Service) prohibit us from using live-flame in any exercises we choose to conduct, as well as avoiding any baiting tactics or flanking maneuvers. And if you're captured, the Argosy will disavow any knowledge of your mission.


Nox, on Argosy attire, from April 24, 2002:

Attire: Black leather trench coats, ala Tyr/Crichton, with shades burgled from the corpses of Kalderans, under which we wear our High Guard uniforms with pride, and carry whatever weapons we need. Bone blades, carapaces, chins, etc., as necessary as well. Not to mention extensive ECM mesh weaving all through the trench coat, tasteful yet flattering necklines on the uniforms for the ladies. Please note also that underwear are optional. And, in accordance with BunRab's signature, on the Internet, no one knows your socks don't match. So, no uniform stipulations on the socks. Also note that we'll also each have a big flexi stuffed full of plans, contingency plans, backup plans, contingencies on the backups, backups on the contingencies, fallback plans, backup fallback plans, contingency fallback plans, backups on the contingency fallback plans, contingencies on the backup fallback plans, all in one flexi, written in Vedran. Er, English translations will be available once we get a budget.


Nox, on command stuff, May 9, 2002:

1) I'm de facto commanding officer of Special Ops.

2) Missions would be fun. I'm toying with a couple presently. For now, maintain standard patrols and hold the line.

3) It's not about "commanding". The rankings are mostly for fun. I don't want people ordering each other around.


Nox, on 'stuff that can happen' or missions, May 9, 2002:

Okay.

Brief list of stuff that can happen.

1) Other factions have marriages.

2) Other factions have parties.

3) Other factions have other stuff.

4) We should do something radically different.

Therefore, I propose that, instead of actually having Argosy weddings (my girlfriend would kill me if I ever "married" anyone else) or parties, maybe instead we could have "mission" threads. Or "training" threads.

For example. The lovely Cassandra Nasrin is Commandant of "Donut Patrol". So, we start a "live-fire maneuvers" thread or something, in which one of our members poses as a troll. It then becomes "Donut Patrol" 's duty to get out the donut-lance and subdue the "troll".

Or, as another example, I am Commandant of "Forcers of Perspective" Battalion. So, I hijack a designated thread in the darkest of places.... the place they call..... Andromeda Universe Forum.

You know, fun stuff like that. We challenge each other and so on. Could be good times. Could be difficult. And (afterschool special moment) we could learn something about ourselves.

But this kind of thing has already begun-- THP and maryavatar are apparently in hot pursuit of HeroicFool wherever he might post. Go Vedran Vixens!

And mystic already got someone in this thread on the Canadian spellings of words-- a most honourable pursuit.

Don't even get me started on Lil pursuing HER mission. For frell's sake, you can't keep that one from that.

Perhaps we could use this thread as a sort of HQ building, from which we'd propose missions to one another and go from there.


Nox on missions/training threads, May 10, 2002.

I've been thinking about these "missions" or "training" threads --what have you.

I've come up with something of a set of rules of engagement.

1) Any Commandant can start a thread.

2) Because it's kinda silly to just leave folks hangin', maybe XOs and 2O's can just post to say "reporting as requested" or something before the actual mission is known.

3) If the XOs and 2Os are COs in another Battalion, they can bring in outside help. No problem with that.

4) What precisely is in the mission is outlined by the mission-starter. Try to make it actually possible. Sending your battalion to Wal*Mart to buy you a case of sparky-cola is not an acceptable mission. Sending them to hijack, hug, or otherwise commit various misdeeds in other threads is fine.

5) Don't violate the Terms of Service or you're outta the Argosy. Sorry.

6) Once the mission is relatively completed, report it and use the remainder of the thread for party space. I expect the best, and I give the best.


Nox on defusing and such, May 21, 2002.

The LAST thing I want is for our members allying themselves with one side of the conflict or another. Ideally, we'd attempt to diffuse, not fuel, a potential hotpoint situation. Ideally. Realistically, we'd try to balance the odds. The question becomes where that point of balance would be in event of faction-vs-faction infighting.

Another post on the same topic, also on May 21:

I believe it is the calling of the SlipStream Argosy --nay, the destiny-- to ensure that fights like these do NOT get out of hand. With every new interview, every spoiler, every hint of Season Three we risk a crisis.

Therefore, after much thought and consideration, I am calling on all Argosy members to tell me what they think about doing the following:

- in any thread that seems to have a fight breaking out, offer donuts or coffee or something
- in any thread that is not clearly labelled "hot topic" but could eventually be construed as such --or seems to be leaning that way-- post to warn the SlipStream that it could, indeed, become a hot topic BUT NOT to warn the individual posters to tone it down (that's not our job, that's for upstairs)
- maintain at all times and all costs compliance with the Terms of Service, our first, last, best, and only real rules of engagement
- partake in discussing the show in as many threads as possible, not for the purpose of proving one's own opinions right, but to attempt to keep the thread level, objective, and hopeful.


Nox on RPing, May 30, 2002:

In order to re-focus the Argosy, I'm proposing the following.

1) We commence an RP. This topic may require another thread in Misc in order to finalize, since it's a big topic.

2) We maintain holding pattern in the Training Thread. If we don't hear from the mods by 0800 tomorrow, commence firing on all doughnut barrels at each other.

3) Perhaps a website? Or something else that's fun?

4) Continue standard patrols of all threads.

5) All Argosy members who wish to do so can e-mail me to establish a Command Orders Delivery System (or, as I like to call it, CODS ) ; it'll probably be easier to maintain communication on these things by e-mail, and will prevent intelligence falling into the wrong hands. But I'm open for discussion on this topic--- and more importantly, I *don't* want people posting their e-mail addies in this thread if SlipStream is a hot zone.

6) There is no number 6.

7) There is no spoon. (Whoa.)

8) I have this premonition that things are going to get a lot worse on the SlipStream very soon. Be prepared. Be vigilant. Be Argosy.


Nox, on hijacking and reports, June 1, 2002:

Look, it's a rare occurrence indeed where a thread is hijacked intentionally by the Argosy. We know that; frankly, we all better damn well know that.

The Argosy hasn't hijacked a thread to my knowledge (and I better know, as Force Leader) in the past three weeks. The last one we did hijack, to my knowledge, intentionally, was one of bamboozled's threads. If I am mistaken in this, I should probably have this made known.

Perhaps some form of "Argosy Log" or "Intervention Report" would assist in this matter....?

I'd hate to make it Argosy standard policy that, every time someone does something in the name of the Vedran empress and her glorious Systems Commonwealth, and the SlipStream devoted to it, that I'd have to expect them to file some flexiwork on my desk. I'd rather be flying my slipfighter.

I don't know-- Argosy opinions on matters of accountability etc. are always welcome. As are Argosy opinions on just about anything.


Nox on checking in, July 6, 2002:

I say, if they don't check in, we sell their Battalions to the highest bidder.

Either that, or hire Tyr instead.


Nox on Argosy pledge, July 7, 2002:

We are not so petty nor so disorganized as other factions which require obediance, pledges, and the like *cough* elite Tyrants *cough* to maintain cohesion. I'm kind of against the notion of an Argosy pledge on those grounds.

But if we did have one, I'd want it to read something similar to the March of the High Guard. Having "Commonwealth" as our battle cry sounds kinda cool.


Nox on battalion requirements, July 12, 2002:

Of course it's possible to have your own battalion. What would you like to do?

Three stipulations.

1) It's gotta be fun.
2) It's gotta be within the Terms of Service, or bend them precariously.
3) It's gotta be approved by the Adjutant-General (Anja) and then the Grand Listkeeper of SlipStream (Ziana).


In fairness to the Divisions and Battalions currently existent, I do appreciate the efforts that have been made to make us seem more like a fighting force.

However, we're not anything of the sort.

Our place on the SlipStream is one of peaceful co-existence between factions and within our own ranks for fun.

I have always insisted on a loose and barely-extant command structure for the precise purpose that, despite the name, I don't want the Argosy to seem militant.

It is in that vein that I am submitting the following amendments to our current policy.

1) Under the Argosy definition of "violent action", anything that is considered to be a violation of the Terms of Service, our de facto rules of engagement, will be considered such. That means threats of violence, flaming, trolling, etc., and unfortunately, that includes use of explosives. The reasons we have divisions devoted to thread hijacking, creative physics and the like is because we don't rely on explosives. I've been thinking this over all night --Dax, as one of the Argosy's senior members, was admittedly the driving force behind this train of thought.

I'm going to have to ask Tyr616 to try something else for a Battalion. It just doesn't suit us.

2) In that vein, I'm going to request the CO of the Snipers consider appending the Battalion's purpose slightly, to read "Typo Snipers". The reason for this is identical to what I've mentioned above. While I don't have a problem with snipers (hell, I think it's kinda cool m'self), I'd like our Battalions and Divisions to reflect at least a semblance of pragmatism within our native environment --that of SlipStream. Snipers really don't have anyplace to hide (unless you count Web Sites ). But Typo Snipers could do a lot of good work-- especially in people's signatures.

3) I have a recommendation, however, for Tyr616 that may suit. The 6160th Battalion, I submit for consideration, might be re-nicknamed the "Exit Strategizers" of the Creative Retreat Division. They'd be in charge of "cavalry charges". We'll play Wagner. It'll be the most fun you've had in six months.

4) I am also trying not to look too hard at certain faction members *ahem* Wayists *ahem* to get behind the idea of a Homeland Security Division. Someone who can colour-code threads based on our earlier system. I believe the third version of it has been Argosy standard policy, though lost in the arcane lore of our proud faction's history, for just about as long as we've been around, it's just rarely used-- though it definitely should be. I'm toying with calling them the 3847th "Immaculate Perceivers" Battalion. But I'll need officers --officers who are willing to search the SlipStream for hot threads and call them to the Argosy's attention as soon as they get warm, as well as the rest of it. We've missed four separate trolls, and while our performance during the last FMD incursion was most admirable, the price of SlipStream is eternal Argosy vigilance. (Not against him specifically, but in general.)

5) No disassemble, no disassemble #5!

6) QueenTiye's proposal, on my executive order, is now official. If you're part of another faction, and that faction begins warlike pretenses towards another, you can place a leave of absence with the Argosy. Until such time as you return and rescind that leave, you are still on the list but are not recognized as an Argosy member. (Which is a polite way of sayin', don't come crying to us. ) If your faction goes to war but you either choose not to participate or don't know about it, or don't care, that's fine, as long as you know where the Argosy stands on the whole matter of the faction war that might involve you. And, of course, amnesty will be considered for any Argosy member in absence who takes up arms in order to serve another faction. However, this amnesty is pending the approval of myself. In other words, don't write posts your Argosy butt can't cash.

That's all. Don't let me getting all official kill the party now.






Some regulations formed by Anakam:

Nov 7, 2002, on battalion admission and checking in:

-I am *requesting*--not ordering, cause I don't want this to get too stiff--that if you're around Slipstream each day, every couple of days, whatever, that you check into the current Argosy thread. This has a dual purpose: I know you're still interested and other Argosy folk get to know you. Oh, yeah, and it adds to your post count. And if you're a CO this is especially important, since someone might want into your battalion. So I guess that's four purposes.
-If you know you're going to be gone more than 10 days (ie not having Net access at all) please stop by the current thread or email myself or Scatha to request a leave of absence.
-If you haven't checked into an Argosy thread in one month, you get put on the Inactive Duty list. When you check in again you get taken off, but if you check in right before a month is up two times in a row, you may get placed on the Inactive Duty list anyway at the discretion of the Adjutant-General.
-If I haven't seen you in an Argosy thread in two months, I'll email you or start a thread asking you to email me so I know if you're still interested. (This is one of the many reasons I want to complete the Argosy email network.)
-If I haven't heard from you at all in four months, and especially if I haven't seen you on the board in that time, you get listed as being Missing in Action.
The above rules on checking in go into effect as of the time of this post.

Battalions . . .
-New members, regardless of their time on Slipstream, may only join one battalion when they first join Argosy. After one month, they may request a second battalion; admission is dependent on participation in Argosy threads. After two months, they may request a third; after three months, a fourth.
-Battalion COs must give permission to any inidividual requesting to join their battalion. The exception to this is when the CO is given Inactive status; then I will email the CO and ask them to stop by. If they don't respond within a certain time, the XO of the battalion may admit them. If there is no XO for that battalion, admitting power goes to myself or the Assistant Force Leader.
The above rules on battalions take effect as of the time of this post.
One retroactive rule for battalions . . .
-I first of all apologize for the seeming unfairness of a retroactive policy; however, it is one that has existed before and I have decided to reenact. The maximum number of battalions for any one person is four (4). There are two people to whom this applies: Scatha Arzetyn and Lady MR. Due to various factors such as Scatha's position as Adjutant-General, her longer time with Argosy, and the fact that she hasn't gotten annoyed with me for not picking a permanent Assistant Force Leader yet, she is being permitted to keep her six battalions. This is a special case, and I will not allow it again. Lady MR is hereby removed from the 9923rd "ZackAsh Znoopers Battalion", Intelligence and Reconnaissance Agency; and the 5962nd "Space Benders" Battalion, Creative Physics Division, which is the last battalion she joined and is, if anything, overstaffed.


Nov 4, 2002, on possible consequences of receiving a warning:
The Argosy has always been about upholding the Board Rules . . . Nox stated this several times before his retirement from Argosy. He once referred to the Argosy upholding Board Policy as our first, best, last, and only real Rules of Engagement. The Argosy leadership disapproves of lack of adherence to this crucial foundation of our faction.

Modified from the original:
For any warning issued by a moderator or adminstrator of Slipstream, a member of the Argosy may be subject to a Tribunal by the Senior Officers of the Argosy, on the recommendation of the Judge Advocate General. The accused shall have the right to defend his/herself by means of a post or email, whichever the Tribunal may direct, explaining his/her actions. If the Senior Officers are even in number, and there is a tie vote, the Assistant Force Leader shall be the deciding vote. The Tribunal may then recommend a sentence including, but not limited to, relief from command, suspension from duty, or expulsion from the Argosy, pending the approval of the Force Leader. The Force Leader may reduce or extend the sentence at his/her discretion. This rule shall not be used to bring charges for warnings that exist at the time of implementation of this rule; however, prior warnings may be taken into account when determining sentences.

Judge Advocate General: jon3831


November 12, 2002, on battalion maxes out:
Maxed out, or at four battalions:
-Anakam
-Scatha Arzetyn
-Darkniteangel
-Tyrman
-Psyche
-Gina
-Chatterbox

Those who can join *one* more battalion:
-Brit
-Cheile
-Janeta Siri
-John Burke

(Updated July 27, 2005)
Remember, CO's, doublecheck before you let anyone into your battalion. ;)


August 3, 2003, on senior officer qualifications:
Aside from the six-month rule... you need to tell me what illustrious deeds you have done in the name of Argosy... how often you are around or can be.... are you able to don the asbestos suit with a minimum of meeps? :Oo:

;) Okay, pulling back from mild absurdity.... Basically I want you, when 'applying', to show that you're online frequently and can stay calm (relatively, y'know. Or convince *other* people you're still calm before you go swear a blue streak on IM ;) ) and make judgement calls.... and are willing to be in the chain of command, which means that it's theoretically possible you could be left in charge. Some would say I'm looking for clones of me.... :devil: :eek:

New rule on Threadjacking and Doughnut Throwing, February 9, 2004.

Okay.

Part of the decision has been made.

Threadjacking is hereby deemed unacceptable within Argosy unless it is authorized by the Force Leader or an officer the Force Leader has deputized as well as one or two other officers to be determined at a somewhat later date.

If you participate in a threadjack in progress caused by other members of the board, you are doing so as a member of the board and not Argosy specifically.

Those threadjacking without authorization face a fine of 20,000 quatloos even if they say they're not doing it as part of Argosy, and a fine of 100,000 quatloos if they don't say they're not doing it as part of Argosy.

Offering someone a doughnut or other food item is and will remain acceptable if a) another poster has requested it or b) if there is additional, definite on-topic content in the post. Any other restrictions on doughnut-throwing and the activities of the 18409th will be posted at a later date, since the battalion is not always a necessity for threadjacking and does not fall under any complaints about threadjacking all the time.

These changes in policy go into effect immediately. Due to the sometimes annoying nature of the Internet, two weeks are allowed for officers to read the new policy.

Summer 2005, quote & motto

The Argosy quote is as follows:
"Courtesy is how we got civilized. The blind assertion of rights is what threatens to decivilize us. Everybody's got lots of rights that are set out legally. Responsibilities are not enumerated, for good reason, but they are set into the social fabric. Is it such a sacrifice to not be an a**hole?" - Jenny Smith on Usenet, via Jid, via Kathy

The Argosy motto is Hold the line; a change from 'Una Salus Victus'. We felt that continuing to use 'Una Salus Victus' could cause some PR problems, since it was associated with the 'threadjacking' era of Argosy.

A miscellanous note.... I've made it clear in the thread a couple of times that I don't approve of bashing in our thread. Other people DO read it and it is not in line with the purpose of Argosy at all.




Created November 10, 2002

Last updated November 18, 2005

Back to Argosy Main Page