Hooded Stranger (Dan) has asked us to let you know that he's taking a leave of absence for a time for personal reasons, but hopes to come back at a later date.

We deeply appreciate all of Dan's contributions, including as workshop leader and in other positions. He will be missed during his absence by all of us.

Themoonman (Richard) has agreed to take on the chair position during Dan's absence or until the end of the term. The team is busy with this transition as well as planning for our upcoming relaunch.

Dear everyone,

I thought it was time I made an announcement on behalf of the new 15th AEC.

Firstly, I must start with a thank you. Thanks to everyone who voted in the elections and for voting in a good team. We have begun already, however, we’ve been a little quiet in the community. This is mostly my fault, I managed to spend my first three days as chair in hospital (no the shock of being chair again was not the reason!!) and then a week later I was back in hospital again. I am now feeling much better and ready to get the show off the ground.

We would like to cordially welcome the new members of the 15th Advocate Election Committee:

Hooded Stranger, AEC Chair

And, in alphabetical order:

candlewitch
Lou
scribbler
themoonman

The referendum on term length (extending the term of the committee from three months to six) passed overwhelmingly:
For: 18
Against: 0
Abstain: 4

Please join us in congratulating the new AEC and wishing them the best for the upcoming term.

OUR BALLOT IS LIVE: http://new.neopoet.com/community/form/3042

his is our final ballot for the upcoming AEC election.

Ballot order was randomized by www.random.org

The election will start on Tuesday, September 27 (though we may open the ballot Monday night for logistical reasons)

Barbara Writes
crypticbard
scribbler
candlewitch
Geezer
themoonman
Hooded Stranger
Lou
whitescatter

Contents:

Dear Members,

The AEC have reviewed the existing Community Guidelines and made some necessary amendments and alterations. These have now been updated and can be found in the usual location within the Help menu.

One significant change I would like to bring to your attention is the increase in AEC term from 3 months to 6 months. This will be in place for the upcoming elections due in the next two weeks.

As you know, we have amended the role of an Advocate to include the Guide role (formally Greeters) and also Moderators of the Wading Pool.

Update: we migrated back to our Brooklyn server as of September 5, 2011

Our server is located at a facility in Brooklyn that is under a mandatory evacuation order. The base level of the building is approximately 8-12 feet above sea level. The National Weather Service (as of 12:04 pm Saturday) is currently forecasting a storm surge of approximately 3-6 feet at high tide (11 am Sunday).