The Badge of Courage
A Discussion about the state of the badges for citizenship.
First, this is not a new idea. Squid proposed a similar concept (unfortunately, I am too lazy to look for a discussion that took place years ago). I have the following proposal for discussion.Brief History.Here are the initial discussion
Curial Inclusiveness
[Discussion] Citizenship [the beginning of the end] One badge for all and Awards for everything
The original designation of citizenship was Civitate. Most were in the non- Total War area, otherwise known as the Common Community or CC. Later, it was proposed to reward Artifex modders with the Artifex Award/ separate "rank" the rationale for the Artifex badge was that modders who were contributing to the site were not getting recognized (outside of the Opifex) for their contribution. Since most modders did not qualify for the Civitate, the Artifex badge and rank were created. Later, it was associated with citizenship and the large awards became just an award rather designated as a rank (badge). So, Civitate became associated with the content (incorrectly with debating) and Artifex with modding. For citizens not fitting neatly into the two categories, the Citizen badge was created.
Purpose:
The Artifex started as an award for modding. In time, they thought it was worthy of citizenship, but many Artifex either does not want it because they do not want citizenship, or they choose it but have no interest in it. Why force a group to become a citizen when all they want is the recognition of their work? We give this option to Opifex, so there is no reason not to do with it for Artifex.
Moreover, Artifex are now well represented (over represented) for citizenship. It is really in other areas that are not represented.
Proposal
The removal of the Artifex, Civitate, and citizen to one badge.
The Artifex will become an award.
I propose a three-tiered modding award.
The 501 legio award, Artifex and Opifex
Artifex (Silver?) -> Artifex (Gold?) -> Opifex
I chose the three-tiered system because that seems to be the preference looking at the other awards (staff seems to be a five-tiered system).
Proposals/ Patronizes
A member being proposed/ patronize for the Artifex will have the option to choose citizenship.
The Artifex will be a medium award.
It is possible to have an Artifex Silver and Gold instead of the 501 Legio Award.
Which badge, Civitate, or Citizen is a question of discussion. Citizen is clear, but Civitate was the original name chosen, so there is a historical connection.
Different Emphasis- More "stinking" badges
The Civitate as long been associated with debate" even though it repents all areas. There are other areas of contribution that is not represented. For example, creative writing. Apart from member contributing on official publication, this area of the site has gone unnoticed. Gaming (MP and role- playing as well. Ihave on two different occasion attempted to add such a badge. This is an area that still not being represented or recognized. If it worked for modders would a similar approach work for the as well.
Radical Approach
Onece upon a time, I promoted creating unique "areas of contribution." meaning, based on what areas of contribution you would belong to a subforum" based on your chosen usergroup. It is similar to a guild format. The rationale was that people mostly stick to their area. Within their area they can make their own recommendation on how it could best be run. They wouldn't need to be any formal proposal and the admin responsible for the area would/ could respond directly to the community concerns and suggestions. The Curia, despite some claims to contrary, would still function as a whole site area. The bonus is that the subforum would be visible for all to read, but only "citizens" would be able to post. This would help promote citizenship by piquing new members to that area of interest. My own criticism is that at the time, it would have been enormously beneficial as many areas were active. I do not know now.
Patrician Class
I like the patrician class concept, but I am not sure it is something that is needed. I would like to detach it from the Large award system and associated it with attitude and behavior. It seems the deserving awards winners are being unnecessarily entangled with disciplinary measures. Perhaps a significantly higher base post count, a much longer period without an infraction, etc.
The initial grouping can be determined by Hex and thereafter members can be voted in by Patricians. However, I would have the current grouping in good standing to be grandfathered in. They won’t be anything more “special” about the class other than the fact they are “ultra exemplary” members.
Just to reiterate, this is meant to be a discussion. So please no "support/ oppose" All are welcome to share their views. Let's try to build a consensus for the future.