Lincoln Chapter? Discussion

[Luke]

Over the last few weeks Lincoln has gone from a city with one member to one dozen members.

During the summer months we expected some fluxuation with numbers as players become more interested in traveling and leisure activities.

It was made apparent at the Saturday social and the Sunday games that there is some interest in reviving Lincoln as a Chapter.

However, Lincoln has suffered from Chapter Folding in the past due to low participation in the winter months.

I was asked my opinion over the weekend and I stated that I believed Lincoln and Omaha should stay together as a single domain, but have recently began to explore the seed that was planted there with Lincoln forming a chapter.

When the idea of the Lincoln chapter was first brought up - we sorta tabled the idea without much discussion.

I made a short list of PROS & CONS.
Feel free to add to this discussion and just add as an 'informal vote' whether you are for or against a Lincoln chapter.
......
PROS

• Volume of Games increase
  
• Variety of Venues increases
  
• Less OOC drama dealing with Lincoln/Omaha disputes.
  

AGAINST

• Less players at each game
  
• Possibility of Lincoln chapter folding this Winter again (minor concern)
  
• Time/schedule conflicts between games.
  

Stance: FOR Lincoln Chapter

[don]

I'm not sure if an entirely new chapter is necessary, as you said Lincoln's chapter has a history of folding during winter months and such. One thing I would be interested in seeing though is a second VSS with a second VST. This gives us the increased number of games (Which will mean poor Chelle can actually sit back and play every once in a while instead of being forced to provide for our addiction). It gives us a variety of story types, as well as an opportunity for those with multiple characters to attach them each to a unique VSS. I don't *think* this will impact the number of players at each game too severely. In a given month I myself will miss maybe one game...though I can't speak for everyone on that. So there's my thoughts on it...hopefully someone else has some ideas to throw out there...

-Don

[Luke]

A few days ago I was informed that on July 14th there is going to be a get-together at Chad & Stephanie's to discuss the possibility of one or two new VSS, a new chapter, or no change at all. Unfortunately my computer exploded so I wasn't able to inform everybody earlier.

For those of you unable to attend - you can either address your concerns here or contact me privately and I will bring it up at the meeting.

[Scott]

Okay...for clarification, Lincoln's Chapters aren't in the "Habit" of folding. The first incarnation folded almost 6 years ago due to inter-personal conflicts. The second incarnation folded due to simple lack of membership. Everyone moved away. Period. I can't be a chapter of 1.

[Timothy]

Scott makes an absolutely valid point on that end. Still, I *personally* would like to see that this incarnation will last a reasonable time.

That said, I am just one person with one opinion. The will of the people has to guide me.

On the topic of a second venue, I've been getting a lot of talk for this, and it seems to be what most people (or at least the loudest) want.

However, there is a communication issue, and that is evident with the placement of the date for the VSS meeting. July 14th has been announced as a Mage game in Omaha. I would really prefer that these things not conflict to ensure maximum participation, however, lines got crossed, computers blew up, and things just didn't get cross-queued. It's this type of thing that I would be wary of with a second VSS.

Doesn't make it a deal-breaker or preclude the possibility though.

[don]

I misunderstood the history of Lincoln chapters and just wanted to send a quick 'didn't mean any harm' about using the word 'habit'...new to the area myself and all that.

[isaacwelch]

I helped starts the first incarnation of the Camarilla in Lincoln.. I was a founder of Crimson Dusk the old Camarilla chapter so I know the problems first hand. Scott witnessed the second instalmment. Yet now we have many people who were int he first chapter and they were diehards... Although I knwo some will be relocating before the end of the year...

I am for a chapter but it being part of the Omaha Domain.. so we don't have to do that stupid go to the RST or RC for the Domain level crap.. I was CST of the independent chapter and it was annoying to say the least to get Mid Approval stuff approved for my players who wanted to play say for instance a Giovanni... it was hard. REAL HARD.. avoid the red tape if you can....

I say keep that in house as much as possible. DO Not split the Domain PLEASE!!! It was excruciating to do Domain level stuff then...Until the time Lincoln exceeds 40 paid and updated members would I suggest a Domain Split. Then maybe they could be there own Domain, but until that time.. lets keep Omaha and Lincoln together as one Domain.

As for a second Requeim Venue solely for Lincoln I would be for it if the need or the desire for participation was there. I feel there could be some problems if only say.. 2 people show up to games.

[jessica]

You can have a chapter and not be independant, you can have a chapter under the domain. I wouldnt recommend a domain spilit for there is no real purpose for it for we are a domain no matter how big or small we are. If Lincoln wants a chapter they can arrange things and get things together, for approval but also keep in mind of domain the sechdule so that we may spend time with are lincoln friends so because personally i dont really care about the games anymore, I just enjoy spending time with my friends. My second concern is the Lincoln VS Omaha, and Omaha VS Lincoln drama that appears out of nowhere all the time and I am starting to hear it again. The games switch between the cities, we come there, you all come there. There is no favertism amoungst diffrent cities that I can see so I never know why the things are being said.

A second Requeim Venue sounds like a good idea, between the two cities. It would make the cities more interesting. I just dont wanna see the two games fall on the same night and I have choose between friends I wanna hang out with because I like to see you all in groups. If i comes down to it i will choose none and just not show up to games. I can arrange to see friends outside of game.