Powers and Perks - The Rules *READ THIS FIRST*

[Rob Wilson]

THE RULES

1. Ethics – This is designed as a forum for experienced and thoughtful members, as such you should represent yourself at all times with a higher standard. These aren’t rules but guidelines as to how you should conduct yourself in the public eye…and you are in the public eye.
   
   1. As Senators you can edit your own posts in any General Forum however should you ever be found to be abusing that power you lose your Senator-ship as a minimum! Any punishment in excess of this is at the discretion of the Emperor and his Executors.
   2. Yes you can say what you like in here, and any non-Senators can’t reply or defend themselves. However, members need to behave themselves. You got in here on good conduct, don't change now. The same goes for behavior on the board at large, don't flaunt it or you'll lose it.
   3. Complaints against Senators will be taken seriously. You got voted in because somebody thought you contribute to the board, don’t let it go to your head. If you have a complaint about a fellow Senator or a constituent (see 4.A thru 4.C) has a complaint send it up to the Whip or Chancellor, if you have a complaint about the Whip or Chancellor send it up to an Executor or bring it up in a [Discussion] thread.
2. Membership – Membership in the Senate is contingent upon previous evidence of quality contributions to the board and a continuance of that once elevated to membership.
   
   1. Procedure for Nominating - Beginning on the 2nd of every month the Floor shall be placed open for the nomination of prospective Senators. Nominations shall close on the 24th of each month (excepting February when it will close on the 21st).
      1. All Senate members are granted the right to nominate for entry into the Senate excepting the Chancellor. Any member may start the thread provided only that it carries the [Member] tag and is on or after the 2nd of the month.
      2. Each member has the right to nominate one person per month. If someone has nominated the person you wanted already, then you can second that nomination. If someone has nominated and seconded the person you want then wait for the vote. A second does not count as a nomination thus a Member may both nominate one candidate and second any additional candidates they deem worthy of consideration.
      3. All nominations that have been made and seconded shall be considered, see below.
   2. Other nomination rules
      1. Only nominations and comments on the nominee's may be put in a [Member] thread, if you don't agree on a nomination, then don't vote for that person. Any flames or arguments in that thread will be deleted - no exceptions! Just to be clear you can discuss pros and cons but that is it.
      2. Any Senator may begin a nomination thread so long as it is prefaced with the [Member] tag. The nominees who have been seconded shall be placed into a poll by the Chancellor or the Whip at the conclusion of the nomination period.
      3. If a nomination fails the smell test its gone, Chancellor's discretion. If you aren't sure whether a member passes this test don't nominate them.
      4. The vote for entry into the Senate shall be conducted according to the rules for Category C vote (see 3.A.III. below).
   3. Removal of a Senator: There are three cases for removal of a senator, two by cause and one by request:
      1. Removal by request: If a Senator conveys to both the Chancellor and the Whip a statement of intention to resign from the Senate they shall be removed from membership effective on the date of request. Afterwards the member may only be returned to the Senate by nomination as a member of the general board
      2. Removal for cause:
         1. In cases where conduct of a Senator has been called into question any member may call motion for a vote to expel. If the motion is seconded a Category A vote will be held. If the measure passes the member will be removed from the Senate and barred from re-entry.
         2. In cases of inactivity of more than 1 calendar year the Whip or Chancellor may call for a vote to remove. The vote will be held according to the rules of a Category A vote. If the measure passes the member will be removed from the Senate but may return subject to nomination as a member of the general board.
3. One Senator, one vote - Aside from discussion on policy and the usual debauchery of the Senate the vast majority of duties fall under votes within the context of voting. All votes and the rules for undertaking them are as follows:
   
   1. Categories of votes:
      1. Category A:
         • Board Policies
         • Senate Rules
         • User-group creation or deletion
         • Permanent Bans
         • Removal from the Senate
      2. Category B:
         • Temporary Bans
         • Custom Titling
         • Lesser Offenses
         • Resolutions
         • Election to the office of Chancellor
         • Continuation of Office for the Chancellor and Whip
      3. Category C:
         • Election to the Senate
         • Election to office of Whip
   2. Special note for Permanent Ban votes
      1. When a user, for violation of the Board Rules, is the subject of a permanent ban poll in the Senate, that user MAY be temporarily banned for the duration of the poll at the discretion of any Executor, or upon request by any two Senators other than the Senators who motioned for, and seconded, the ban poll.
      2. Should the Senate impose a temporary ban as punishment for violation of the Board Rules after considering a permanent ban, the Senate may elect to count the time spent banned during the poll towards the user's sentence. This determination will be made by the Chancellor in consultation with the Senate.
      3. Nothing in these rules shall be construed as to limit the authority granted to the Executors and the Emperor to summarily ban or otherwise punish disruptive members of the board. While the Senate is granted authority to enact punishment it is not the sole source.
   3. Quorum for votes
      1. Category A votes required a quorum of 50% of eligible voters. Category B and C require a quorum of 40% of eligible votes.
      2. Eligible voters are all members of the Senate, except the Chancellor, who are currently active. A member may be declared inactive when they have missed 10 consecutive votes or when they have notified the Chancellor or the Whip of their intention to be absent for a specified period of time. The decision to declare a member inactive after having missed the requisite number of votes is at the discretion of the Whip and the Chancellor.
      3. Votes for abstention shall count towards meeting quorum but will not count either for or against any measure or member being voted on.
   4. Majorities for passage
      1. Category A votes will require a 60% majority voting in favor for the resolution to pass. Category B requires a simple majority of votes in favor. Category C requires a plurality of votes.
      2. By example with 50 total votes (not counting abstentions) Category A would require 30 members in favor, Category B 26 members, and Category C the greatest number amongst all votes not for abstention.
      3. The Chancellor may exercise the power to cast deciding votes in any case where one additional vote would reach the passing threshold for any category.
   5. Voting administration
      1. Only the Whip, the Chancellor, the Emperor, or an Executor may begin Category A votes or any votes relating to membership. All other votes may be started by any member subject to the remaining provisions of 3.E below.
      2. The Whip should be notified when any vote is begun so that notice may be given to all Senate Members. Upon being notified or in cases where the Whip begins the thread all active members of the Senate shall be sent a PM and given a URL link to the thread. In cases where the Whip is absent the Chancellor shall be notified.
      3. From the point of opening a vote thread there shall be a time limit of 7 days during which to conduct voting. All votes will be final at the end of this period.
      4. In all votes the option shall be given to abstain for members to register for quorum but not count towards any verdict.
      5. In all votes the option shall be given to vote either against or none of the above.
      6. All motions brought to a vote must have a public discussion thread posted prior to the vote being posted. Only motions made and seconded in such threads will be considered valid.
   6. Unforeseen Circumstances: In any voting situation not covered by the rules above, for any reason, judgments regarding the validity, procedure, and administration of the vote shall be at the sole discretion of the Chancellor. If the Chancellor is not present they shall be at the sole discretion of the Whip.
4. Constituency - Part of your job as Senators is to discuss that which is bothering the board at large. As such bringing matters to the Senate attention should be done quickly and coherently.
   
   1. If board member wants to make private suggestions then you can pass them along, however you should make it plain that it is on behalf of someone else (you don't have to give names) and the person(s) that asked you should know that it's not automatic that their suggestions will get approved.
   2. Should you get harassed by someone to push a point for you, or getting angry because they think you let them down then report them either to the Whip, Chancellor, or any one of the Executors.
   3. It is the responsibility of all Senators to monitor the House of Commons. This is the forum for commentary on Senate Discussions and a place for the board at large to recommend policy changes. When bringing points from the House of Commons into the Senate be sure to provide a URL link to the relevant post(s).
5. Officers
   
   1. The Chancellor
      1. In any vote, the Chancellor can only vote to break a tie. The Chancellor may not vote at any other time, nor show favoritism to a particular choice during the Poll’s duration. See the voting rules if you need clarification.
      2. When the Chancellor is away for a protracted period, his duties shall devolve to the Whip. This does not, however, include restriction to the Chancellor's voting limitation.
      3. The Chancellor shall be elected from amongst the membership of the Senate according to the rules of a Category B vote. If there are more than two candidates and no candidate achieves a majority at the conclusion of the vote a runoff will be held. Any candidate approved by the Senate is subject to confirmation by the Emperor.
      4. The duties of the Chancellor shall be to serve as moderator of the forum and to enact such resolutions as are passed by the Senate and as are within the powers granted by the Emperor.
      5. The Chancellor shall serve a term of one year unless resigning with due notice to the Emperor and the Senate at large. At the end of each term the Chancellor shall be subject to a vote of confidence. This vote shall be for continuing the Chancellor's term or subjecting the post to a general election. It shall be conducted as a Category B vote. If the motion passes the Chancellor shall continue to serve. There is no limit to the number of terms a Chancellor may serve.
      6. In the event of a vacancy caused by resignation, recall, or vote of no confidence the post shall be open to a new election subject to the rules of 3.A.II above.
   2. The Whip
      1. The Whip shall be elected from amongst the membership of the Senate according to the rules of a Category C vote, the members nominating and seconding those persons they feel worthy of holding the post.
      2. The Whip shall serve a term of one year unless resigning with due notice to the Chancellor and the Senate. At the end of each term the Whip shall be subject to a vote of confidence. This vote shall be for continuing the Whip's term or subjecting the post to a general election. It shall be conducted as a Category B vote. If the motion passes the Whip shall continue to serve. There is no limit to the number of terms a Whip may serve.
      3. The Duties of the Whip shall be as follows:
         • Notify all active members of the Senate when any vote is occurring.
         • In absence of the Chancellor open all votes for membership commencing on the 24th (21st in February) of the month.
         • Maintain a current list of all active senators and hold count against quorum for all votes before the Senate.
         • Ensure all votes are conducted according to the rules of the Senate
         • Perform all other such duties as shall be assigned by the Chancellor, the Emperor, or the Executors.
      4. In the event of a vacancy caused by resignation, recall, or vote of no confidence the post shall be open to a new election subject to the rules of 3.B.III above.
   3. Other Rules Regarding Officers
      1. Recall of officers: In the event that the Senate feels an officer is no longer able to continue in office may open a petition for recall. If the motion is seconded a vote shall be held according to the rules of a Category A vote.
      2. Date of elections: The vote for the Chancellor or for continuation of office shall be opened on January 1st. The vote for the Whip or for continuation of office shall be opened on June 1st.

[Rob Wilson]

Updated Rule 2. (who can nominate and what happens if you try to flame in the nomination threads)
Added Rule 7. (so in future I can't vote except to break ties. Stops an unintended bias on my part.)

[Rob Wilson]

updated Rule 2 to clarfy the procedure for nominating.

Added Rule 8, to cover my inevitable absenses.

[Rob Wilson]

updated Rule 5 to include usergroups.

Added [Voted] to Threads 1.

[Rob Wilson]

Updated Rule 4, to give guidance on how non-member should go about making their voice heard.

[Dalton]

Rules updated as per the results of previous votes. Thanks to CmdrWilkens for collating everything for me.

[CmdrWilkens]

Rules have been updated per prior voting. For sake of history the old rules from just prior to the last vote are included below.

RULES

1. With a Modicum of Power... - As Senators you can edit your own posts in any General Forum however should you ever be found to be abusing that power, first of all you'll have the Mods to answer to and when they are finished with you... you become my plaything, and once I'm finished with you, you lose your Senator-ship as a minimum!
Considering the members of this group I don't expect that to ever happen, but I'm laying out the punishment in plain sight right now.


2. Peon, I choose you! - Beginning on the 2nd of every month the forum shall be placed open for the nomination of prospective Senators. Nomination shall close on the 24th of each month (excepting February when it will close on the 21st). The nominees who have been seconded shall be placed into a poll by the Chancellor, the Whip, of an Executor whomever should be first available.


A. Procedure for Nominating -

I. Each Member of the Senate has the right to nominate one person per month. If someone has nominated the person you wanted already, then you can second that nomination. If two people have nominated the person you want then wait for the vote. A second does not count as a nomination thus a Member may both nominate one candidate and second any additional candidates they deem worthy of consideration.

II. When making your nomination, add a link to the persons profile (this allows other to search through all their posts of they wish and ensures they know just who it is you're talking about - not confusing RogueIce with Rogue 9 for instance). You should also provide a link(s) to thread(s) that showcase their abilities/contributions. You can link to individual posts by copying the url from the little page symbol in the section of their posts which contains their avatar and user info, if you so wish.

III. In the case of someone with a spotty record the evidence in their favour must be stronger than that required for a normal nomination. Don't be suprised if no one votes for them though.

IV. All Members are granted the right to nominate and vote for entry into the Senate excepting the Chancellor (not excepting those cases where the Chancellor must cast a deciding vote)

V. All nominations shall be considered. That said nominations of persons in bad standing with the Chancellor shall be considered for removal from the nomination process at the Chancellor's discretion. This may only occur upon notice to the nominating Senator and with the concurrence of at least four governors. (Except those barred from nomination due to requests to join the Senate as discussed below)


B. Other nomination rules

I. Only nominations and comments on the nominee's may be put in a [Member] thread, if you don't agree on a nomination, then don't vote for that person. Any flames or arguments in that thread will be deleted - no exceptions!

II. If you get asked (whether by PM, in a thread, IM, Chat, E-mail, Phone, Letter, or in person) by someone to nominate them, you have to inform the Senate so they can be barred from joining. Obviously this relies on your honesty, so don't disappoint us.

III. If you get asked to nominate someone else then inform the Senate and the nominee's will get a 90 day temporary ban from being nominated, we'll make a decision on whether to bar them after review of their board behavior and posting history (we'll certainly bar the person asking).


C. Membership Vote - The vote for entry into the senate shall be conducted beginning on the 24th of the month (21st in February) and be run according to the rules for Class C votes below.


3. One Senator, one vote - Aside from discussion on policy and the usual debauchery of the Senate the vast majority of duties fall under votes within a range of categories. All votes and the rules for undertaking them are as follows:

A. Categories of votes:

I.Category A:
Board Policies/Senate Rules/Usergroups/PermaBan

II.Category B
TempBan/Titling/Lesser Offenses/Resolutions

III.Category C
Election to the Senate


B. Special note for PermaBan votes

I. When a user, for violation of the Board Rules, is the subject of a permanent ban poll in the Senate, that user may be temporarily banned for the duration of the poll at the discretion of any administrator, or upon request by any two Senators other than the Senator who initiated the ban poll.

II. Should the Senate impose a temporary ban as punishment for violation of the Board Rules after considering a permanent ban, the Senate may elect to count the time spent banned during the poll towards the user's sentence


C. Quorum for votes

I.Category A votes required a quorum of 50% of eligible voters. Category B and C require a quorum of 40% of eligible votes.

II.Eligible voters are all members of the Senate, except the Chancellor, who are currently active. A member may be declared inactive when they have missed 10 consecutive votes or when they have notified the Chancellor or the Whip of their intention to be absent for a specified period of time. Thus for a 51 member Senate there are 50 eligible voters (after the chancellor is subtracted) with quorum at 25 and 20 votes respectively.

III.Votes for abstention shall count towards meeting quorum but will not count either for or against any measure being voted.


D. Majorities for passage

I.Category A votes will require a 60% majority voting in favor for the resolution to pass. Category B requires a simple majority of votes in favor, which is 50% of voters plus 1. Category C requires a plurality of votes.

II.By example with 50 total votes (not counting abstentions) Category A would require 30 members in favor, Category B 26 members, and Category C the greatest number amongst all votes no for abstention.

III.The Chancellor may exercise the power to cast deciding votes in any case where one additional vote would reach the passing threshold for any category.


E. Voting administration

I.The Whip should be notified when any vote is begun so that notification may be given to all Senate Members. Upon notification or in cases where the Whip begins the thread all active members of the Senate shall be notified by PM and given a URL link to the thread.

II.From the point of opening a vote thread there shall be a time limit of 7 days during which to conduct voting. All votes will be final at the end of this period.

III.In all votes the option shall be given to abstain for members to register for quorum but not count towards any verdict


4. Democracy in inaction - You, yes you lucky few, get to discuss board policy! You can float your own idea's for discussion, you can float your friends idea's if you wish, and when the Mods make a policy decision you get to comment on it. And unlike anyone else that might discuss/comment on it, you actually get to have an impact. Go you!


5. Power to the People - Part of your job as Senators is to discuss that which is bothering the masses as such bringin matters to the Senate attention should be done quickly and coherently.

A.If your friends want to make suggestions then you can pass them along, however you must make it plain that it is on behalf of someone else (don't have to give names) and the person(s) that asked you should know that it's not automatic that their suggestions will get approved.

B. The procedure for non-members to contact Senate members is now available here. Should a non-member ask how to get points raised etc, you can now give them that link. though the thread is clearly named and stickied in the Senate.

C. Should you get harassed by someone to push a point for you, or getting angry because they think you let them down. Report them to a Mod or myself - they will get a minimum of a temp-ban. I will not countenance anyone harassing the Senate members.


6. Thumbs up, Thumbs down- You, and you alone, get to vote on Custom titles, Ban polls, new Usergroups and your own wages... damn you don't get paid, ah well at least you can vote on the first three.


7. Your Father smelt of Elderberries - Yes you can say what you like in here, and none of the non-Senators can reply or defend themselves. They can only look on in envy and disgust. However, I expect the members to behave themselves. You got in here on good conduct, don't change now.

8. Offices

A. The Chancellor

I. The Last word - In any vote, the Chancellor can only vote to break a tie. The Chancellor may not vote at any other time, nor show favourtism to a particular choice during the Polls duration. See the voting rules if you need clarification.

II. I have the Pooowweeer - When the Chancellor is away for a protracted period, his duties are shared by the Executors and the Emperor. They are bound by the same duties as the Chancellor when acting on his behalf. This does not, however, include restriction to the Chancellor's voting limitation. The Executors and the Emperor may continue to vote in all situations. Be aware though that the Emperor owns the Board and can act any way he wishes. Don't fuck him off!

B. The Whip

I. The Whip shall be elected from amongst the membership of the senate according to the rules of a Class C vote, the members nominating and seconding those persons they feel worthy of holding the post.

II.The Whip shall serve a term of one year unless resigning with due notice to the Chancellor and the Executors. At the end of each term the Whip shall be subject to a vote of confidence. This vote shall be for continuing the Whip's term or subjecting the post to a general election. It shall be conduted as a Category B vote. If the motion passes the Whip shall continue to serve. If the motion fails a period of one month shall be opened for new nominations. At the end of the month the election shall occur as in I. above. There is no limit to the number of terms a Whip may serve.

III.The Duties of the Whip shall be as follows:

a) Notifying all active members of the senate when any vote is occuring.
b) In absence of the Chancellor open all votes for membership comencing on the 24th (21st in February) of the month.
c) Maintain a current list of all active senators and hold count against quorum for all votes before the Senate.
d) Ensure all votes are conducted according to the rules of the Senate
e) Perform all other such duties as shall be assigned by the Chancellor, the Emperor, or the Executors.

PERKS

1. Sig you sir - Pretty soon the rules on Sigs are going to change (and as above you get to discuss and vote on them), and that means you get more leeway on your sigs and your avatars.

2. Now moor mizpelligns - Yep, as mentioned in Rule 1, you can edit away on your posts in all the general forums with gay abandon. Just be aware that trying to win a debate by changing what you said will be the very last thing you ever want to think about!

3. Time to Horse around - The new Horsemen/women will be chosen from within the Senators, and new Mods get chosen from the Horsemen. You too could cause fear and terror to decend upon the masses (in HOS anyway).

4. Where everybody knows your name - That Senator tag means that everyone knows you have a bit (a very tiny bit admittedly) of clout, it also means that you have proven your Debating skills. It doesn't ensure you'll also get respect, but it can't hurt.

5. Crystal Balls - who knows what the future will bring, but hopefully more perks.

THREADS

1. Clear as mud - As mentioned in above, you guys get to discuss board policy, and discuss points raised by others. You can also air any problems you may believe exists that needs addressed. There are doubtless other types of thread that will come into existance on the Forum, so they need a heads up in the title :

[Discussion] = a talk about board policies.
[Point] = A point of interest either your own or one that has been passed to you for discussion by an other board member (remember Rule 4).
[Problem?] = Something you feel is wrong and needs to be debated or cleared up. However it should be something that can only be mentioned here (board software issues are handled in OT for instance).
[Vote] = These will only be started by Governors and above in the case of serious votes.
[Voted] = A vote thread that is closed. When the title of a poll is amended to this, then too late the poll is closed.
[Member] - Thread for nominating new members. A new one every 2nd of the month.
[Poll] = Something silly, a perfect example would be Skimmer's Budget Poll thread. the Board automatically adds this so you don't need to worry.

2. Oh yeah. Says who? - If your going to raise a Problem, or have a discussion, then make sure you can back up your arguements. Take the time to research your points and provide evidence for your stand if required. You're all seasoned debators, so this should be natural, but I'm laying it out here so there are no excuses.

3. Well Done or Medium Rare - The serious threads in here are a no flame area. You can't agree with someone, then can vent outside the thread. I'm not saying no swearing (after all saying "It's fucking clear" adds emphasis), but attacks on another member in a Serious thread will get you par-boiled by me as a minimum!
i) If you lose an argument I expect you to concede the fact and move on.
ii) The phrase 'Concession accepted' will be an automatic admission of losing on the part of whoever uses it in a serious debate.

4. Wheeeeee - The rest of the time this place is for fun, and pretending to be crooked politicians, so if it doesn't carry a Serious thread label Crack on and have fun.

[CmdrWilkens]

Small edits to reflect the fact that the HoC no longer operates.