So....

[Harris]

My point was a simple one.

Cassius was being accused of inactivity and complacency. I see the same level of inactivity and complacency at the upper echelon. I make no judgment as to the whys because I honestly don't care. I was simply pointing out the fact that someone was pointing out how black the kettle is and completely ignoring the pot sitting next to it.

Maria. You're flip flopping on me. I expect better. You more than anyone else are the most vocal about the lack of activity from your Baronial comrades. Do I have to sift through the postings here and quote directly how many times you've referred to those at your own rank as being "useless"?

Jaycy. Perception is reality. When the Overlord essentially shines a spotlight directly on the Barons it would be nice to see them crawl out of their holes, if only for the sake of appearances. I personally expect Barons to go the extra mile in situations like this when their actions and choices have a direct impact on who may become their peer esseentially overnight. You may not be vocal, but there is a time and a place when it is necessary. I see this as one of those times.

Rand. Look at it from the perspective of an average duelist. You think some random commoner is going to petition a random Baron for the chance to enter this tournament? Few duelists are that bold. Especially if they're not even certain if a Baron has chosen a champion or if they're even looking. I had a passing interest in being in the tournament, but I had no intent to petition every single Baron on the standings. It's not that I didn't care enough it was simply the fact that it seemed like an unsavory thing to do.

Maria made her intent public, which is a fine example of how to go about things. If you, the Baron, are interested in choosing a champion then you, the Baron, should go about making the proper arrangements for it. Sitting back and expecting people to come to you is exactly when accusations of complacency get thrown around. If it doesn't look like you're doing anything then guess what? People will assume you're not. Being a Baron doesn't mean you have to or get to stop taking initiative.

G'nort. Surprisingly, the sole purpose of my post was to defend Cassius. Unfortunately the Barons seemed to take the post as some sort of personal attack on their station. It's not. I was refreshed to see someone taking an interest in finding out who was in the tournament and petitioning those Barons who had yet to make their choices to stand up and be counted. That's what I saw the post from Cassius as. Granted you may be correct that his intent was anything but altruistic, but I still appreciated his interest.

[Erin Dunbridge]

I was just teasing Cass cause my calculations show he will most likely be my opponent.

So, everyone, simmer down?

Love and happies?

E

[Sabastian GoldRaven]

without the pomp and circumstance
without the ceremony
without the excitement
without more than a basic "I am challenging", "I accept", "we're done"

what point have the titles?


the overlord came up with this plan to increase excitement and interest yet the only baron who appears to have actually aided in this endevour is Maria

I was disappointed not to see another essay contest conducted by Damien as he is rather famous for them when it comes to giving out prizes

I agree with Harris that if Rand was looking for a champion he need only to have posted his interest and he would have undoubtedly been flooded with requests and recommendations

[Xavior Mues]

I don't believe 'inactivity' was the reason my name was on Cass's list, I am one of if not the most active baron. What active dueler hasn't seen me in the Arena every night the rings are open?





Xeric,


Former Baron of the 4th
Former Baron of the 6th
Former Baron of the 8th
Former Baron of the 12th
Baron of Dragon's Gate

[G]

I don't believe 'inactivity' was the reason my name was on Cass's list, I am one of if not the most active baron. What active dueler hasn't seen me in the Arena every night the rings are open?

Be a Baron for more than a month, then talk about being an active Baron.

Be a Baron for more than six months, then talk about being an active Baron.

Be a Baron for a year, then talk about being an active Baron.

You've been a presence in the Arena consistently of late, of which I think it's good. But keep in mind there's more to being an active Baron than just dueling.

Keep that in mind.

G

[Xavior Mues]

"Be a Baron for more than a month, then talk about being an active Baron.

Be a Baron for more than six months, then talk about being an active Baron.

Be a Baron for a year, then talk about being an active Baron."




Hypocrisy at it's finest. 5-20-07 was the date you gained the title Baron of Old Market District. Since 5-20-07 you have defended once, only once. 12-18-07 was the date I managed to gain the title Baron of Dragon's Gate and I already have had to defend my right to hold that title. So tell me, Gnort, what activity in the upper ranks have you caused or been directly involved in for the last eight months that I haven't already matched in the month I've held title? Besides sitting on an unchallenged title?





"But keep in mind there's more to being an active Baron than just dueling. "



That’s is where your wrong, I gained title by being active. I came around the rings as often as possible. I crossed blades with every Warlord or Baron I could talk into a match. I amassed the peer wins the challenge by being active. Besides winning a tourney, is there any other way to gain title? As title holders we owe it to the sport to be active, to be in the rings as often as anyone else.

Anyone and everyone can post messages and bitch about how things are, about inactivity, and lack of interest among the patrons. As title holders it is our responsibility to do all we can to keep people interested, to encourage challenges, to try and show some reason for holding title not just hide and wait to be challenged.



Xeric,

Former Baron of the 4th
Former Baron of the 6th
Former Baron of the 8th
Former Baron of the 12th
Baron of Dragon's Gate
Russian

[Erin Dunbridge]

Um, not to be a stickler, but G is around more than you are. So, he's just as if not more active.

Not to mention, he's running for governor! Vote for Gnort!

[Goldglo]

Xeric,

Title defenses are not the only factor into activity. One criteria, yes, among many. G cannot force others to challenge him; he might ask them, or declare his wish to be challenged, but it's not up to him if or when it happens.

Even if he's not fighting, G's usually around one of the venues or another. He talks, he "flirts," he expands his life outside the rings. As Erin pointed out, he's running for Governor (vote for me, though!) and he's involved with the happenings in his district, Old Market.

He's also, apparently, the driving force behind the Carnival shortly coming into town (which sounds fun, by the by). In my opinion, G's very active in our little community, of which dueling is just a part.

--Matt

[Xavior Mues]

In clarification, I never meant to imply that G'nort is inactive. I felt that his attitude towards me was somewhat hypocritical and I only wanted to point that out. I whish that more title holders would be as active as G'nort, and I respect him for his activity if nothing else.


I believe that activity in the rings is the single most important part of being a title holder. G'nort was on my peer win list, therefore, he was active in the rings before I challenged and his activity helped me challenge. Barons being in the rings directly affects the number of peer duel possibilities, therefore, titles holder being in the rings directly affect the number of challenges.


It isn't message's posted, or people complaining, but challenges issued and fought that affects change and reduces stagnation.


'It isn't titles that honor men, it's men that honor titles.'



Xeric,

Former Baron of the 4th
Former Baron of the 6th
Former Baron of the 8th
Former Baron of the 12th
Baron of Dragon's Gate
Russian

[G]

So tell me, Gnort, what activity in the upper ranks have you caused or been directly involved in for the last eight months that I haven't already matched in the month I've held title? Besides sitting on an unchallenged title?

Saturday Nights.
Training and assisting Warlords and former Barons who request assistance with their dueling styles.
Encouraging lower ranked duelists to do better in order to gain rank.

Thats just to name a few.

"But keep in mind there's more to being an active Baron than just dueling. "

That’s is where your wrong, I gained title by being active. I came around the rings as often as possible. I crossed blades with every Warlord or Baron I could talk into a match. I amassed the peer wins the challenge by being active. Besides winning a tourney, is there any other way to gain title? As title holders we owe it to the sport to be active, to be in the rings as often as anyone else.

You’ve failed to counter my statement. I said that there is more to being an active Baron than just dueling, and you provided only that you are an active Baron by dueling. Are you saying that you cannot be considered an active Baron if you duel less than others?

What if I duel more than you. Say you duel five times in a weekend, and I duel ten times, can I call you an inactive Baron because I have dueled so much more? Does activity outside of the rings therefore count for nothing? Does helping other duelists and being present to talk, laugh, and support others count for nothing to you?

If the answer to that is No, then you are not a worthy Baron. And I mean that for anyone, not just you, Xeric. I will stand by my statement and in fact emphasize it.

There is more to being an Active Baron than Just Dueling.

Anyone and everyone can post messages and bitch about how things are, about inactivity, and lack of interest among the patrons. As title holders it is our responsibility to do all we can to keep people interested, to encourage challenges, to try and show some reason for holding title not just hide and wait to be challenged.

Yes, you are right, absolutely. Maybe you -are- getting the hang of this Baron thing. But, is the answer to that responsibility to just duel? Nope. Where are the duelists you have helped learn how to duel, to train. When do you go out of your way to encourage new people to duel and gain rank? How are you keeping people interested?

We are going to disagree on this, because just dueling is not the answer. I would go so far as to say it is discouraging to duel you, Xeric. And here is why.

I have seen you improve from an upstart, annoying duelist who lost a lot, and you are now a competent duelist. As your signature states, you are a 5 time Baron. You do not gain Baronies by being a terrible duelist. Now, how is it discouraging to duel you. Imagine you are a new duelist who is just learning. Fighting an expert swordsman such as yourself and losing can cause harm to that new duelists morale. If they try and only end up fighting someone who is all but guaranteed to win, then they are less likely to continue dueling. And no, I am not saying you should lose. I am saying now, that if you fight them, give them pointers, encourage them in their style with some kind words. Do not just stab them and be content with your victory and then go after the next duel. Again, that is not just meant for Xeric.

You never meant to imply that I was inactive. Had you implied it, I would have definitely been calling you a few choice names that included delusional fool. You say you did not mean to, and I believe you.

However, I do wish to understand what you consider me hypocritical of. To assist in your endeavor, I give you the two main definitions.

1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.

In the first definition, I assure you I am not putting on a false appearance whatsoever. So, I am not concerned there.

In the second definition, I think it is what you were referring to. So, I want to know why you feel I am acting in contradiction to my stated beliefs or feelings. Am I not active in the ways I describe? Let me know, thanks.

It isn't message's posted, or people complaining, but challenges issued and fought that affects change and reduces stagnation.

Disagreed. Any person can affect change or reduce stagnation without holding a title. They merely need make the effort to do so.

'It isn't titles that honor men, it's men that honor titles.'

Agreed. And I will give you one better that I am sure you have heard me say in the past. It applies to the Baron Rank.

"Respect is earned. It is not freely given."

Thank you, and I do hope that this response has cleared the air a little bit.

Good evening.

Gnort Dragoon-Talanador
Many time Baron, most of his dueling career spent with a Baron title.

(And forgive the horribly constant lack of contractions. I spilled orange juice on my keyboard this afternoon and had to go to work without time to clean it properly. So, I came home 10 hours later to find that several keys including the quotations, apostrophes, colon and question mark keys didnt work. I ended up using the character map tool on the computer. Happyface!)

[Xavior Mues]

Author Message
G Posted: 17 Jan 2008 09:29 Post subject:

-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------

"Xavior Mues wrote:
So tell me, Gnort, what activity in the upper ranks have you caused or been directly involved in for the last eight months that I haven't already matched in the month I've held title? Besides sitting on an unchallenged title?


Saturday Nights.
Training and assisting Warlords and former Barons who request assistance with their dueling styles.
Encouraging lower ranked duelists to do better in order to gain rank.

Thats just to name a few.



Xeric wrote:
Gnort wrote:
"But keep in mind there's more to being an active Baron than just dueling. "


That’s is where your wrong, I gained title by being active. I came around the rings as often as possible. I crossed blades with every Warlord or Baron I could talk into a match. I amassed the peer wins the challenge by being active. Besides winning a tourney, is there any other way to gain title? As title holders we owe it to the sport to be active, to be in the rings as often as anyone else.


You’ve failed to counter my statement. I said that there is more to being an active Baron than just dueling, and you provided only that you are an active Baron by dueling. Are you saying that you cannot be considered an active Baron if you duel less than others?

What if I duel more than you. Say you duel five times in a weekend, and I duel ten times, can I call you an inactive Baron because I have dueled so much more? Does activity outside of the rings therefore count for nothing? Does helping other duelists and being present to talk, laugh, and support others count for nothing to you?

If the answer to that is No, then you are not a worthy Baron. And I mean that for anyone, not just you, Xeric. I will stand by my statement and in fact emphasize it.

There is more to being an Active Baron than Just Dueling.

Quote:
Anyone and everyone can post messages and bitch about how things are, about inactivity, and lack of interest among the patrons. As title holders it is our responsibility to do all we can to keep people interested, to encourage challenges, to try and show some reason for holding title not just hide and wait to be challenged.


Yes, you are right, absolutely. Maybe you -are- getting the hang of this Baron thing. But, is the answer to that responsibility to just duel? Nope. Where are the duelists you have helped learn how to duel, to train. When do you go out of your way to encourage new people to duel and gain rank? How are you keeping people interested?

We are going to disagree on this, because just dueling is not the answer. I would go so far as to say it is discouraging to duel you, Xeric. And here is why.

I have seen you improve from an upstart, annoying duelist who lost a lot, and you are now a competent duelist. As your signature states, you are a 5 time Baron. You do not gain Baronies by being a terrible duelist. Now, how is it discouraging to duel you. Imagine you are a new duelist who is just learning. Fighting an expert swordsman such as yourself and losing can cause harm to that new duelists morale. If they try and only end up fighting someone who is all but guaranteed to win, then they are less likely to continue dueling. And no, I am not saying you should lose. I am saying now, that if you fight them, give them pointers, encourage them in their style with some kind words. Do not just stab them and be content with your victory and then go after the next duel. Again, that is not just meant for Xeric.

You never meant to imply that I was inactive. Had you implied it, I would have definitely been calling you a few choice names that included delusional fool. You say you did not mean to, and I believe you.

However, I do wish to understand what you consider me hypocritical of. To assist in your endeavor, I give you the two main definitions.

1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.

In the first definition, I assure you I am not putting on a false appearance whatsoever. So, I am not concerned there.

In the second definition, I think it is what you were referring to. So, I want to know why you feel I am acting in contradiction to my stated beliefs or feelings. Am I not active in the ways I describe? Let me know, thanks.

Quote:
It isn't message's posted, or people complaining, but challenges issued and fought that affects change and reduces stagnation.


Disagreed. Any person can affect change or reduce stagnation without holding a title. They merely need make the effort to do so.


Quote:
'It isn't titles that honor men, it's men that honor titles.'


Agreed. And I will give you one better that I am sure you have heard me say in the past. It applies to the Baron Rank.

"Respect is earned. It is not freely given."

Thank you, and I do hope that this response has cleared the air a little bit.

Good evening.

Gnort Dragoon-Talanador
Many time Baron, most of his dueling career spent with a Baron title. "




There is that 'holier than you' attitude I love so much. I apologize G'nort, I only hope one day I understand exactly how I am wrong. Oh, by the way, if you can't tell I'm being sarcastic.



Xeric,

Former Baron of the 4th
Former Baron of the 6th
Former Baron of the 8th
Former Baron of the 12th
Baron of Dragon's Gate
Russian

[G]

There is that 'holier than you' attitude I love so much. I apologize G'nort, I only hope one day I understand exactly how I am wrong. Oh, by the way, if you can't tell I'm being sarcastic.



Xeric,

Former Baron of the 4th
Former Baron of the 6th
Former Baron of the 8th
Former Baron of the 12th
Baron of Dragon's Gate
Russian

This is exactly why you're not respected. You fail to refute anything I countered. You Fail to say what I'm a hypocrite about. You fail to do anything other than respond with what amounts to "I don't like what you say so Thbbbbbt on you!"

There's a reason I've got a "Holier than Thou" attitude in regards to Baronies. I've earned it. You, despite being a 5 time baron, show by your attitude that you have not.

So be it. Be a baby. I'm done arguing with a wall.

G
Holier than thou.

[Chris Graziano]

Oooh, dueling him was like dueling a wall too. Give him a bottle of vodka. That seems to get a response out of him.

cg

[Imp]

Not to mention, he's running for governor! Vote for Gnort!

Vote for G! He gives good lick!

[Karen Wilder]

Aw Imp... I thought fer sure ye'd vote fer me.