Neike Taika-Tessaro
Archon
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 126
Location: Germany
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 Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2007 7:59 pm Post subject: Whit Porter |
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Whit Porter, co-founder of the Dark Arcadian core concepts, and known by no other name, was declared Dark Arcadian Citizen 19:47 UCT, Saturday, 1st of December 2007. The following log has been posted with his permission (timestamps are UCT+1).
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Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:24:51): When you come back, let me know if you prefer getting questions and answering them in detail, in an essay-ish fashion, or would rather a more dialogue-y debate-y variant.
Whit Porter (18:28:52): dialoguey would be nice. one more essay and my head will explode ^^
[...]
Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:36:59): We'll be spending about an hour with the following conversation. Do you have that much time at your disposal?
Whit Porter (18:37:09): Indeed.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:38:41): You have chosen the name "Whit Porter" to refer to your person in Dark Arcadian contexts. Are you content with retaining this name or would you rather change the name later (or right now)?
Whit Porter (18:39:28): I am content with that name.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:40:18): Are you still interested in the Dark Arcadian socio-political experiment, despite it moving at the pace of something resembling sentient molasses trying to crawl uphill in January... on crutches? >.>
Whit Porter (18:40:35): *laughs* Indeed I am.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:40:49): Excellent.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:41:58): Real life has dragged you away from The Abyss in both of its incarnations on numerous occasions. Does this invoke a feeling of guilt in you, being admin - and why?
Whit Porter (18:46:42): Yes, heavily. Being an admin I have responsibilities to the community, and when I am unable to perform those tasks, I am disappointed in myself along with that feeling of guilt. In the sense of those communities I not only feel like someone with authority but someone who is a part of the community, and it is upsetting that I cannot be there for everyone. I not only let the members down, but my fellow moderators.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:48:47): Would you apply these thoughts to another admin aside from yourself if they were pulled from their 'responsibilities' by similar real life occurrances?
Whit Porter (18:49:51): Would I assume that they feel the same? Or would I feel disapointed in them? I'm afraid I don't correctly understand the question.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:50:01): Latter.
Whit Porter (18:52:41): Never. I have personally been there myself, as we've discussed, and so I understand their situation. I cannot feel disappointed in someone who is pulled away from those responsibilities due to life occurrences. Things happen. I would however, miss them as I would any person I’m close to, and poke them periodically to make sure they’re doing okay.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:55:34): Hm, understood. I'm not sure I can dig much deeper here, since your answers have been very thorough, so I'm not going to, other than to ask if there's anything you have to add about that particular question and it's follow-up?
Whit Porter (18:56:19): I do not believe so, no.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (18:57:55): In that case, a question that concerns us both in that it was no doubt pivotal in both of our lives, going back quite a few years. What do you believe killed the activity on The Abyss? Be honest.
Whit Porter (19:03:20): Honestly? I think it TAC was a major factor. When people started to treat it less like a fun add on and more like a traditional game, there became a division between our members. It seems like TAC sprung up at a crucial point in RBC where many players attached themselves to it. And once the board’s were separated, those players who were in both realms shifted away from TA and made their home on the TAC boards. After that, what point was there to post on both? As a player you could follow TAC on that particular board, and you could follow RBC on your own clan board.
Whit Porter (19:04:37): I do not hold a grudge towards Az, or any of those members who made the full shift to TAC as I belong there now. But I was disapointed in the death of TA. It was my first home in RBC, and a place where I met everyone I know pretty much today.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:05:36): Can you elaborate what you mean with "crucial point"? And what do you feel would have had to be different for the death not to occur (if you have several theories, I'd love to hear them)?
Whit Porter (19:13:07): I think RBC reached a standstill of sorts in the actions of players. There is always drama to keep people active, but the full creation of TAC came at a point where something ‘new’ was desired and fulfilled. TAC had the foundation of RBC, but lacked then the rivalries and dominations of the clans roaming RBC. Along with that, TAC expanded game wise where Raven would not, including more detailed actions and abilities. I forget that other game that came up along with TAC, but it was the same basic guidelines as TAC and people flocked to them.
Whit Porter (19:13:09): I don’t think anything would have truly stopped the death of TA, only prolonged its reign. The lack of TAC’s creation would have done this, until something else (like the game I cannot remember) rolled around. Though I do think TAC’s mirror of RBC was a major selling point. I do often think of this very question you ask, and I suppose its like anything else; you really cannot tell.
Whit Porter (19:15:08): And in the absence of TAC, players later created their own mock versions until newer ones dominated each.
Whit Porter (19:15:12): TA*
Whit Porter (19:16:10): (That newspaper one and the grimour(sp) come to mind)
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:18:22): All right. I believe that answers my questions in regards to that topic. You're more the essay type than you think, it seems. My next question is perhaps a bit underhanded and low. What is Dark Arcadia for you?
Whit Porter (19:18:59): *smirks* A bit.
Whit Porter (19:19:02): Hm.
Whit Porter (19:25:02): Hard question to put into words, well done. I guess I’d have to say that DA is a tighter community than those previously described. I think of those who are already here as family, and DA strengthens that connection.
Whit Porter (19:25:15): Hope that makes sense.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:26:30): It does. In that case, how far do you feel this community reaches? What aspects of your life do you expect it will (or, if it's easier to answer, won't) impact, if any?
Whit Porter (19:34:12): Won’t? The physical I would assume. There is a difference that is accomplished when a relationship is reinforced through physical means (us all in driving distance), though I think that to be the only handicap and only slightly stronger than a weak one at that.
Whit Porter (19:34:15): We’ve all maintained our connection over the years (gasp), through the means we’re still accustomed too now. I think that means a great deal and only shows that we are able to be an impact on each other via that connection.
Whit Porter (19:34:21): I do think however, that by recognizing (and implementing) this new strength in our connection to each other, that we will only grow in that impact. We already look to each other for help as you know by way of the example of last night (smiles), and I think this community can reach as far as we’re willing to allow it.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:37:10): That's a really interesting way of looking at it all. Of course, you're, for some reason, the first person I've asked this particular question, so I should not be surprised at being, er, surprised. I think that concludes the questions. Before I wrap this up, what did you think of the questions asked?
Whit Porter (19:38:46): I think they were interesting questions. Hard to put into words at some points, but they were good questions. In all honesty I'm surprised that the hour passed already *laughs*
Whit Porter (19:39:41): And I think you're right. I do write essay style. *snickers* Damn public school system ;)
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:40:16): How do you think you did?
Whit Porter (19:41:16): No idea. I tried to answer as truthfully as I could, and some of those questions were hard only because I ask them of myself every now and then. Looking at the answers on paper was interesting.
Whit Porter (19:41:30): But unnerving.
Whit Porter (19:41:32): ;)
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:42:07): *chuckles*
Whit Porter (19:42:19): How do -you- think I did?
Whit Porter (19:42:26): =p
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:42:31): You'll know that in a moment.
Whit Porter (19:42:40): Oh, lovely.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:46:15): Re: real life and administration. I presume you're observant enough to see that you have a massive double standard at your own disfavour. It is what I consider an altruistic variant of having one's cake and eating it, too - and I say this fondly, even if this is most certainly criticism. Your stance threatens to burn you out utterly - and you can't make others happy if yourself are not happy. There is no limit to the amount of responsibility a human being can adopt for themselves... but there's a definite limit to what you're capable of achieving, and the limit is lower still if you want to stay sane. Don't let your idealism destroy you.
Whit Porter (19:48:25): *nods*
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:49:11): Re: death of TA. You've provided a stunningly thorough analysis and filled in details I typically don't bother to mention if I bring up the topic myself. You're evidently very, very observant - though of course, as you yourself have stated, our theories are just theories. Still, you've clearly thought it through. The only gripe I could possibly come up with here is that you're a human being, and I cannot shirk the feeling that you were a bit upset at some of the involvees for choosing TAC over TA, though I presume you indeed to not go as far as begrudge them. However, you felt it necessary to mention their choices at all, which leads me to believe it most certainly impacted you emotionally.
Whit Porter (19:50:16): *nods*
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:52:43): Re: Dark Arcadia. I suppose this was my attempt to wrestle emotions out of you. I'm glad to see that it worked at least partially, though you still decided to answer analytically above all, and were exceptionally careful with your wording. Perhaps you were a bit afeard someone who 'should know better' may take offence if you say something that is 'wrong'...? I quite enjoyed your stance on it, but, truly, agreeance is not what these questions are about.
Whit Porter (19:54:22): *nods*
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:56:07): All in all, you spent a lot of time formulating your answers, even though you said you'd rather not have an essay-style. That, of course, won't be held against you, but it does offer some additional insight. I cannot shake the feeling that you are, indeed, being careful. Truthful, of course, and again, the answers you've given are concise but complete and without holes, and this proves it, but careful. Your diplomacy wins over your want to communicate emotions and your honest first thoughts, though you bravely wrestle it to preserve the latter. Your emotions, monsieur Whit Porter, are pivotal to your Citizenship. Emotions are not your enemies. Your convictions spawn from your emotions - if you don't let your emotions talk, then your convictions threaten to be brittle.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:56:19): I am undecided.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:56:55): As such, there are two things that I would like.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (19:57:27): First of all, if you would like to challenge any part of my analysis, please do so now.
Whit Porter (19:58:47): I believe you've been on point thus far, and though my diplomacy is a double edged sword, my change in styled answer was really due to the fact that I wished to give complete answers.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (20:00:28): (Let me know when you're done - I don't want to interrupt.)
Whit Porter (20:00:29): *smiles* when you said essay answer I envisioned an essay test of sorts. The one originally chosen was my idea of an interview.
Whit Porter (20:01:53): Though I suppose that brings us back to the same issue =p *shrugs* I'll say again that you were on point thus far, and only wish to express that fact that my answers came in length due to my wish for completeness. That's it.
Whit Porter (20:02:05): I*
Neike Taika-Tessaro (20:04:39): *nods* I hope you know that whatever will be decided, I respect you utterly, and none of my analysis is supposed to be a statement against you as a person. But, I would like to confer with Mrs. Trelliven about your Citizenship. Will you be leaving for anything soon, or can you wait until we have come to a conclusion?
Whit Porter (20:05:34): I understand completely, and whatever is decided I will accept naturally.
Whit Porter (20:05:43): I will be here for the majority of the day.
Whit Porter (20:05:56): Though of course roaming my house ;)
Neike Taika-Tessaro (20:06:31): *smiles* Then I'll speak to my Archon and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Whit Porter (20:06:43): *smiles back* Until then, be well.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (20:47:45): We have reached a conclusion. I must apologise for causing you distress. [...] I grant you Dark Arcadian citizenship.
Whit Porter (20:48:55): *smiles warmly* Thank you
Neike Taika-Tessaro (20:49:21): May I place the above conversation into the application archives on the forum for all to read?
Whit Porter (20:49:34): Indeed.
Neike Taika-Tessaro (20:49:55): So it will be, then. |
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