skin, bone, and arrogance
As the election for new Faction Owner draws to a close and I see my days as the Faction Owner drop off, I would like to take this moment, while I still have the title and the bully pulpit to do it, to thank each of you for your hard work on behalf of the faction. Your contributions were not lost on me; whether I acknowledged them as fully as I could or should have, I truly did appreciate it. You guys have made working for this faction bearable when a combination of other factors made it nearly impossible for me. I am happy to remain on staff in whatever capacity the next Faction Owner asks,
I wanted to lead us through the coming war and, for some time, I thought I could. However, with things at work picking up steam, my ulcer getting worse all the time (likely as a result of stress :/), the continued undermining of our faction by the staff and their favorites largely (I believe), and the duplicity that I feel we have been dealt with by the Galactic Alliance on an OOC level, I feel that I can no longer effectively (and healthily) take a major leadership role in the planning and execution of the war. For this, I apologize. I feel that I have let the faction down, and let each of you down, by asking you to serve on my team and then abandoning my role. I am deeply embarrassed that this is the circumstance and I will always feel very sorry that it is the case. However, I really do feel that the faction and each of you will be better served by either of the men who will succeed me.
In George Washington's farewell address, he warned against the creation of and adherence to political parties. Despite the fact that he was leaving his position of power, he sought to provide an admonition to the government he left behind. In that spirit, I have some suggestions -- admonitions, if you will -- of my own.
Recently, there has been inter-staff sniping and criticism. I beg that we all make a good faith effort to put this out of mind and start fresh in a spirit of renewed cooperation and (dare I say?) forgiveness. If staff changes are needed, I ask that these changes be made in consideration for what is right for the faction rather than personal animus. Please seek to engage with one another, and to work together, share ideas here in the backroom, vigorously debate, build a consensus. Do not splinter into teams -- this vs. that, us vs. them. We've had enough of that and I didn't do enough to stop it; please take it from me that it does no good and does cause damage. We're all on the same team, and between the illiterates of the board who insist we're mindlessly evil villains, the staff who encourage the spreading of vile rumors about us to get people to quit the faction, and Graf using every chance he can to poach members, we have enough problems without hostility or non-communication between ourselves.
The First Order has always excelled when it is telling strong stories. Continue this trend and I know that the Faction will succeed.
Thank you again for your hard work on my team and keep up the great work!
If I can be of assistance going forward, please don't hesitate to reach out to me by PM or on Discord. Best,
Penny (AKA Natasi friggin' Fortan)
