OK, let's get this thing going! Here's the results of the lottery (I threw in the tentatively interested people to round out the numbers):
Adventure Game Studio Addicts (AGSA) Devs-AnonProblem & KodiakBehr* Scavenger
Stupot+ Gurok
Monsieur OUXX Cassiebsg
Lasca Haggis/Haggini
Baron Ghost
Intense Degree Eric
AprilSkies
*I did rig the lottery so that Problem & KodiakBehr would fall into the smaller group, since if they both participate it will make for more reading.
I've done a bunch of reading on running groups and I gotta say there's a bunch of crap advice on the internet, so I'm just going to make up a few basic rules here on the off chance that people get confused, irritated, grumpy, lonely or curious.
AGS GROUP CHARTER RULES1. How to Gain Entry into a Group: There are two acceptable methods. 1) Post in this thread, and we'll try to hook you up to an existing group or a newly formed group, depending on current numbers. 2) PM someone in the Group that you want to join indicating your interest in joining the group. In both cases someone will mention in their weekly group post to the group that so-and-so wants to join the group and ask if there are any serious objections. If there are none within 72 hours of that PM it is presumed that the new member is welcomed, after which he should be added to the PM list and/or
the secret private forum for that group.
2. How to Exit a Group: People have their reasons, some good and some bad. Nobody's forcing you to participate in anything you don't want to. But you can't just stop answering PMs, since the whole purpose of the Group is to pester you to stay in touch in order to support your progress. Alternatively, someone might get overly emotional and seem to be needing extra support when all they really want is to be left alone. To avoid this kind of confusion, you need to use this exact formula to clearly communicate your desire to leave the Group:
I am regretfully informing the group of my desire to withdraw from [Group Name] at this time. You can list reasons, or not, but do keep it civil, and believe that we all wish you the best. You can even apply to join another group if you feel its dynamics would suit you better. No grudge holding allowed!
3. How to Resolve an Intra Group Dispute: *Sigh* I'm really hoping nobody ever has to read this section, but just in case two or more people just can't get along, this is the official process to be followed. I write this in the interest of quickly resolving any dispute, so that it doesn't fester endlessly. The procedure is as follows: 1) Somebody identifies a dispute and names the parties (this can be a party to the dispute, or a witness that sees it brewing). 2) Each party has 72 hours from the moment a dispute is identified to explain their side of the story in as dispassionate and civil manner as possible in
one mass PM. Each party may choose to omit the other party from this communication, but must make this decision clear in the PM. No rebuttals are allowed. 3) Non-parties to the dispute are then to vote on two courses of action: a) assign a non-party to the dispute to act as mediator, if the Group feels that a misunderstanding can be resolved, b) vote to split the group. In the event of a majority of the remainder of the Group voting for a split, each party to the dispute shall be deemed the core of a new Group and the remaining members can decide to join one, or another, or both. In practice this
might lead to everyone deciding to join one group and ostracising one member. That's a a bit sad, but probably a very clear signal that some reflection on one's behaviour is in order. On a happier note, this same mechanism might be used to settle a positive dispute over how big the group is getting. Or we could just all be passive aggressive about someone being out of line and all bow-out using the above mechanism, only to form or join a new group without them. Choose your poison.
4. Providing Consistency Between Groups: Somebody in each group should briefly communicate the type of things discussed in their Group with someone in all the other Groups on a regular basis (every couple of weeks), and communicate interesting discussions/processes etc. to the rest of the Group in their weekly PM so that all groups have access to best practice ideas. This should just be a quick note: "Hey Groupey Group Guy, what have you guys been talking about lately? Last week Super Duper Group decided to talk about our "distraction worms" (kind of like ear worms, they're the little distractions that won't go away that keep us from focussing on our projects). Some great insights! Stay in touch."
I guess we'll add things as they come up, but hopefully these simple ground rules will keep things running smoothly. If anyone seriously objects to one of the above please post a better idea and we'll discuss. Otherwise, happy Grouping!
Edit: I've PMed everyone in the lists above. If I missed someone, or if the PM didn't go through, let me know and we'll try to get that sorted ASAP.
