FIFXX explanation and apology

[Klaiber]

S! All,
 
I wanted to offer an explanation as to why FIFXX ended the way it did.
 
I also wanted to offer my sincere apologies to anyone I may have upset with that decision. It was my call, so I take responsibility for it.
 
To understand what happened, it's important to look at the last month.
 
FIFXX was originally supposed to be completed well before November 27th (U.S. Thanksgiving).  However, we had two cancellations (on November 12th and November 19th) due to disconnects.  And then we had a week break for the holiday.  And while we flew a good mission on December 3rd, we were then forced to cancel December 10th due to low Entente numbers.
 
These three cancellations placed us one week before Christmas, and right at the beginning of Hanukkah.
 
Knowing that people were starting to concentrate on family and travel, there was a growing concern that we wouldn't have enough pilots on December 17th to actually run the mission.  And if December 17th was cancelled, the next time we could conceivably play again would have been in early January.  That didn't seem good for the campaign's cohesion, which already seemed drawn out.
 
Additionally, we've had quite a few European pilots flying with us, who were disproportionately inconvenienced every time we cancelled.  They've been waking up at around 3AM to make the mission kickoffs.
 
And this of course doesn't factor in the large number of “First Shifters”, who stay up far later on Wednesdays than they should in order to fly with their teammates.
 
And it also doesn't factor in all the other people who shift around their real life family responsibilities in order to keep Wednesdays open.
 
What I'm trying to say is that I was very aware of the sacrifices that everyone makes in order to be online for FIF.  And I didn't want to abuse your time, so close to the Holidays.
 
As a result, I posted in the FIF Admin section on the JG1 boards. I stated that we may have an issue to resolve, and asked what our options were. Do we try to squeeze in Mission #4 in before the Holidays, knowing that it may get postponed until 2015?  Or do we end FIF XX in a truce, starting fresh with a new campaign in the New Year.
 
There was a brief discussion between JG1 and 42's representatives.  However, this discussion landed up being inconclusive, and by Monday morning, no decisions had been made.
 
Wanting to give everyone at least two days notice, regardless of what the decision was, I realized that we were running out of time.  So, with no clear consensus, I made the call to end the campaign and start fresh in the New Year.  It seemed to be the most fair thing to do.
 
And in the interest of being diplomatic, I decided to call the event a 'draw'.  I figured this was technically truth, as the Central team hadn't really won, and the Entente team hadn't really lost.  It seemed fair.  But now I recognize it as being flawed logic on my part, and that I took something away from both teams by doing it.
 
This was unintentional, and I again offer my apologies.
 
Basically, people on the Central team felt that my actions were punitive, as they had high turnout numbers and were ready to fly.  And people on the Entente team felt that my actions were unwanted.  They wanted to play out the campaign regardless of numbers.
 
In other words, both teams wanted to keep playing FIFXX to its natural conclusion.  And both teams were naturally upset that their opinions weren't consulted before I pulled the trigger.
 
So, how do I fix this mistake, and make this right?
 
Well, to ensure that rushed decisions like mine don't happen again, I'd like to suggest the following changes to the FIF tournament.  Please let me know your opinions, either through post, email or PM.  I value your thoughts, and don't mind criticism.

 
Firstly, I'd like for all participating squadrons to be prepared to switch sides from time to time.  This would happen between campaigns, never during.  And it not only ensures even teams, but it helps eliminate miscommunication between squadrons.  Jasta 5 were the trailblazers here, and I think their example is really good.
 
Secondly, I'd like to see FIF enact a “no cancellation” rule to mission nights. Because side switching between campaigns will guarantee equal teams, missions should be run regardless of numbers.  More aircraft can always be added to help combat excessive server disconnects.  And maps could be made smaller to make combat more intense.
 
Thirdly, I'd like to invite the BH and J5 to nominate people to join the FIF admins section. This is to ensure that all active squadrons have an equal and active voice in major tournament decisions.  Not just JG1 and 42.  And this is also to ensure that discussions within that area don't have inconclusive results.

 

And finally, I'd like to organize a TeamSpeak meeting between all squadron commanders (JG1, 42, BH and J5) so that we can discuss where FIF is going in 2015.  One of the first orders of business is to decide whether we should cancel the truce and continue with FIFXX Mission #4 in January.  But we should also discuss the recently announced IM addon.

 
In closing, I want to reaffirm that FIF is designed to be open and transparent.  And at no time was I attempting to favor one side over the other.  I was attempting to offend no one, and landed up offending a lot of people.  It was an honest mistake, as well as a lesson that I can learn from.
 
I hope you'll join me in making this tournament better.
 
-Klaiber

[Snaggle]

Klaiber,

 

Well stated sir!!

 

I for one would like to continue FiFXX in January to it's natural conclusion.

 

I also heartly support the recommended changes as proposed!

 

Being a former Entente pilot I would love the opportunity to have squadrons switch sides and see how the others live.

 

I look forward to all future combat in the skies, and future FiFs

 

S!

 

NJ

[-Hawkeye-]

What a great post!  I fully support all of the ideas presented, and am very interested to see what all other parties involved think about them.  I hope everybody will take this opportunity to post whatever feelings they may have with regard to the FiF event.  This is the place to air your concerns, gentlemen!!

 

Merry Christmas, all!  Salute!

[Maushake]

I'm in favour of the proposed changes too, and happy to continue FiFXX in January, if that's the consensus.  The important thing, as Klaiber says, is not to lose sight of the ultimate goal of maintaining and continuing to improve a great tournament!

 

S!

 

Maus

[Butzzell]

S! All

 

Something else to think about. 

 

We live in a world where we not only have become dependent on an intact dependable internet but a dependable internet is expected.

 

When we had problems last moth it was immediately assumed it was the mission. Why? Because we have had multiple problems with missions in the past!

 

Unfortunately we may have to accept that between Provider manipulation, hackers domestic and foreign and plain old bad weather, there will be a disturbance in the Force. We just need to accept it and move on.