Words of the King: A Tide of Change
Ad Sanctum members of Daoine Sidhe,
Three years have passed since I became supreme leader of Daoine Sidhe again, and looking back on the many things that happened in this period I can only conclude there is more than enough reason to be proud of the community that so many of our dedicated members have kept alive and kicking. To be proud of our Eve division that leaned heavily upon the willpower of its members that rebuilt the corporation after it had been abandoned by most of its officers. To be proud of our World of Warcraft division, which is lead by its management team in a truly respectable way. To be proud of our Travian division, representative of Daoine Sidhe’s new focus on browser based games, and subject to stiff competition in-game which often includes betrayal and backstabbing. The ‘group’ status was introduced to Daoine Sidhe as well, along with the restructuring of command structures, ranks, quests, and forums. Thus today our community counts two groups: the Console group, covering several console games, and the Travians group, the Role Playing version of Travian. The Order of the Sidhe, guardians of Daoine Sidhe’s lore, was revived and professionalized beyond the subjective judgment of Apprentices like it happened in the past. And last but not least, our community gained Taskforces: small teams of members working on specific projects regarding communication, recruitment, management, and training. Three years have passed during which Daoine Sidhe has changed from being nearly dead into a thriving community with almost two hundred members that truthfully care about DS and each other. I wish to express my respect for those who keep the community alive over twelve years after I founded Daoine Sidhe. My honest thanks to all of you, even though you and I may not always agree. Discussion is a healthy thing for any group of people.
In this light I understand why some could not appreciate my vision for the period November 2009 – July 2010, as announced three weeks ago. The poll attached to this vision, open to all members of DS, shows clearly how divided our community is as it concerns mentorship and officer training. In my opinion both are a necessity for securing the future of DS. Response to my vision did not meet all requirements I set for staying as Community manager, thus hereby I step down. I do however feel I owe DS an explanation. It is my strong belief that a good leader can only become great when he lets go of his power when this power becomes an obstacle to increasing the welfare of those who are subject to it. And the welfare of Daoine Sidhe as a community is marked by personal development and broadening interests of members, by evoking the willpower among members to add to the greater whole. This goes beyond personal gains and gains of teamwork as can be found in-game, for it does not relate to characters or accounts but to real life people. And this goes beyond a hierarchy of members following a leader, for welfare of DS requires dedication and mutual respect through which members take responsibility for being part of the community. This, and only this, is how true friendships are formed and how Daoine Sidhe prevails. Three years after my return as supreme leader of DS, I conclude that we succeeded in restoring the fame of our community. Now it is time to decide upon a new vision: where to go from here and what to reach? Response to my vision shows the answer should not come from me, but from the community: from you. By means of applying your friendships and dedication to the welfare of DS. For without your vision no proper leadership can take place. It would merely lead to ivory towers and dictatorship. Thus also by guidance from one of your own, the new generation of DS members, who are perhaps less experienced and less serious about DS, but also less bound to the past. This is what Daoine Sidhe needs Members of Daoine Sidhe, I shall stay among you, but no longer as your leader; neither as Community manager, nor as Merlin of the Sidhe. And I hope you understand that my decision is not based on negativity and drama, but born from respect and awareness. Despite the fact that maybe at this point it seems a harmful thing to do, this is how I serve the learning process of my own community best.
That which is the end of the caterpillar, it is the beginning of the butterfly.
May the Horned Moon guide you,