This will probably upset some people, but I must cast a reluctant NAY.
President DemPGH's summary dismissal of Sirnick was wrong. We should not remove a Game Moderator simply because we dislike the story that he is telling. That is his job, and doing it well almost necessarily involves upsetting everyone.
However, I remain concerned about Sirnick's ability to serve without letting partisan and personal resentments get in the way. His behavior since his defeat in the June presidential election has been erratic and frequently cruel. If we want to restore the legitimacy of the Game Moderator, this is unacceptable.
First, I don't know how to prove that I won't do something in the future --besides not doing it in the future. My track record as Game Moderator, and even as Governor, reasonably shows to my ability to do things without necessarily being partisan. Like I said earlier, partisanship is in the eye of the beholder.
Second, my behavior has not been erratic. I took a break from the game, then I came back. I've done this once since I've been part of the game (since 2012).
Third, I have been more blunt with my opinion on people's online personas. I'm not going to name names, but you know who they are, and you know I don't hit them negatively in GM updates. Example -- There is a certain Pacific Governor that I'm not a fan of. The Pacific's unemployment rate is below the national average as his made-up approval rating is very good.
Averroes, I said this when you considered me for GM as well (and appointed me), and when I was GM under Duke. You know exactly what you're getting with me. I write dystopian storylines. There will be ups and downs --but the downs will be well thought out and realistic. Not aliens.
I won't bend officeholders to my will, but I will make consequences for actions or inactions. This bring me into my next point.
I do think that there is no game without a Game Moderator. Without a storyline, and without consequences for actions, we really are just a bunch of people posting fake bills on a forum. You can try to color this in or spin it however you like (or hide reality) -- but at the end of the day without someone, ie the Game Moderator, pushing the storyline of the game and giving reactions for player's actions, then its a circlejerk.
The Game Moderator has the ability to both sit back and dominate the discussion when appropriate. Just because he has the ability to do one, does not mean it will be like that all the time. A good Game Moderator will be able to juggle both.
Your interpretation of what Atlasia is wrong, in my opinion. Without consequences, we really are just passing words with no effect.
